Tuesday’s meeting began with student of the month awards. Upon receiving his certificate, third grader Noah Korah of Ross Montessori informed the public: “I like Godzilla.”
The week’s consent agenda included accounts payable, reappointment of David Clair to the Bicycle Pedestrian and Trails Commission and liquor license renewals for New York Pizza and the Pour House. Town Clerk Jessica Markham noted that she is unaware of whether the Pour House plans to reopen anytime soon, but transferring a liquor license is easier than obtaining a new one, so it was a sensible move. The Sopris Sun reached out to Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, owner of the Pour House, to try and learn more.
Once again, proponents of a ceasefire resolution to end the now six-month war in Gaza filled the meeting room, this time wearing green as a show of solidarity. A number of Colorado Rocky Mountain School students attending the meeting as part of a civics lesson raised their hands when the crowd was asked who supported the resolution being added to a future agenda by Will Hodges, organizer with the local Ceasefire Now group.
“A million people are starving,” Hodges remarked, “and headlines are falling off the front page.” He added, “114 cities have passed such a resolution … Carbondale could be the 115th.”
Two other members of Ceasefire Now RFV, both residents of Glenwood Springs, also spoke. Jess Richardson pointed out that 874 Gazans have been killed by weapons paid for with U.S. tax dollars since the last time this group asked Carbondale trustees to consider a resolution. She acknowledged Carbondale’s adoption of a resolution alone wouldn’t change the scenario, however many such resolutions across the country “could carry enough weight to do so.”
During general trustee comments, Luis Yllanes thanked the group for speaking up. “I think we should bring this up to discussion for the resolution,” he stated.
Colin Laird clarified that three trustees must agree to put such an item on the agenda. Given the complicated and challenging nature of such an item, “We’re unlikely to debate it at this level,” he said.
Town Manager Lauren Gister gave an update on the response to a sudden influx of unhoused migrants, stating that things are slowly closing down with temporary shelters now vacated but overnight car camping still allowed in the Town-owned lots surrounding Thunder River Theatre, as well as shower vouchers for the Rec Center. “It’s gone quite well,” she said.
Rob Stein, a star volunteer with the effort, stated that a plan is coalescing for a regional response, but a guiding organization has yet to be determined. Many partners, however, are performing a role with case management, counseling, legal assistance, English lessons and more. He said that between 35 and 40 of the group which numbered over 100 in December remain in the Valley, as far as they’re aware, and all but a dozen have found housing.
The meeting proceeded with a resolution acknowledging April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, approval of permits for May 3 First Friday festivities and final approval of documents for the 111 Main Street food truck court discussed at the previous meeting.
Lastly, time was dedicated to hearing an appeal of a staff decision to deny a short-term rental (STR) license for a home on Oak Run Road. The STR had been operating for more than eight years but no longer qualified with new rules allowing for STRs only within the Historic Commercial Core zone district unless they are also the primary residence of the owner. Established STRs in good standing were given the opportunity to be grandfathered in, around these new rules, but this individual lives in Boulder and missed the notice.
After hearing from the owner as well as Town staff, trustees determined that staff was correct to deny the license in accordance with the new rules, however, communication to the owners of all operating STRs about the rule changes was imperfect. Therefore, the license denial was overturned in this instance.
Mayor Ben Bohmfalk cited “compliance at every turn” and no evidence of trying to get around regulations, saying “it feels like we missed something” by not directly informing this STR operator of the opportunity to be grandfathered in.
Next week’s work session has been canceled as the board prepares to transition. New trustees Ross Kribbs, Christina Montemayor and Jess Robison will be sworn in at the next regular meeting on April 23. Outgoing trustees Lani Kitching, Marty Silverstein and Yllanes will be thanked for their service.
Carbondale Report: STR license denial appeal granted
