To kick off the Monday, Feb. 5 Garfield County commissioner meeting, Dan Guggenheim and Jeff Parrington of GarCo Premier Hangars, along with  Evan Radler, who plans to purchase two of the new hangars at the Rifle Garfield County Airport, expressed some efficiency concerns. 

“I’ve had the unique privilege of watching this project evolve since 2021, when I first talked to Dan and he engaged with you to build this project,” Radler expressed to the commissioners. “I’m going to be buying the first two hangars in the Alpha building which are now complete and got a certificate of occupancy on Jan. 4.”

But, Radler said, they’re at an “inflection point,” and the parties “need to figure out ways to enhance efficiencies and work together to drive this project to completion.”

“We’ve done everything that’s been asked of us — everything,” added Guggenheim. “Then, it goes to crickets.” He added that they remain “excited” about the project, and that their goal has never changed.

Airport Director Brian Condie was present and stated that over his 22 years in that position, the last two have seen exponential efforts toward development; noting that there are 12 project items this year. “The first 20 years, we would do one construction project every three years … Our system wasn’t designed to handle this workload.” He acknowledged that Guggenheim has done everything he’s been asked.

“Yes, we have a successful airport, but we are overwhelmed with all of the work that this success has brought,” continued Condie. “We’re doing everything we can — we’re working weekends. We can’t give them the answers, because we’re stretched thin.”

Commissioner Mike Samson referred to the airport as a “golden egg” for the county and said that when he became a commissioner 15 years ago, one of his top priorities was “getting that airport up to snuff.” By the same token, he recalled when he was a kid and the airport had a dirt runway. Echoing Condie, he said that, compared to years past, plans for the airport are moving at “warp speed.”

Radler said that communication was key, so the developers know what to expect. The county’s attorney, Heather Beattie, replied that the developers need to manage expectations but agreed to communicate directly with their attorney going forward.

While no decision was made, the commissioners agreed that Condie needs increased support.  

Funding
The Sheriff’s Department was granted $128,000 to update its fire alarm system. Additionally, $95,000 of revenue that initially came by way of a Peace Officers Mental Health Grant was reallocated to the Sheriff’s Department for mental health services for law enforcement.

The commissioners approved several nonprofit general funding requests: Colorado River BOCES Association was granted $110,000; The county’s animal shelters, Colorado Animal Rescue and Journey Home, were each granted $253,000; Garfield County Clean Energy was granted $350,000 which, as noted by Jankovsky, comes from the county’s energy reserve fund. 

Rodeo update
During a work session on Tuesday, Feb. 6, commissioners visited the topic of Carbondale’s Gus Darien Arena. Although the rodeo grounds is a venue owned and operated by the Town of Carbondale, impacts from large events — specifically the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo on 12 Thursdays during the summer — have spilled into unincorporated Garfield County land and become untenable for neighbors. 

Last year, the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo implemented new measures including a complimentary shuttle service to and from The Orchard parking lot, a $10 fee for parking on-site, a parking prohibition on County Road 100 and limited parking on neighborhood roads that surround the arena.

However, the number of people ignoring “no parking” signs on County Road 100 quickly undermined their effect. “Once that started, it was almost impossible to stop,” said Eric Brendlinger, Carbondale’s parks and rec director. Because the county road is outside Carbondale’s jurisdiction, enforcement depends on the sheriff’s office.

Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario then addressed the commissioners. He explained that, fully staffed, he has seven people covering 3,000 square miles. “My priority is providing services across Garfield County,” he said. “Although it’s important to these folks and their isolated issue [referring to rodeo neighbors], I have to look at the bigger picture.” 

Vallario explained that his office responds to calls at the rodeo like any other across the county, and he won’t deputize Carbondale police officers because “if one of them under my color of authority were to do something — offend somebody, put their hands on somebody, wind up in a lawsuit — that’s on me; it’s no longer on Carbondale.” Moreover, he explained the practical challenges of enforcing parking, especially with so many simultaneous infringements.

Carbondale Police Chief Kirk Wilson, sporting a tye-dye cap, thanked the rodeo organizers for their mitigation efforts and said, “We’ve kind of run out of ideas.” 

Carbondale Town Manager Lauren Gister reiterated a request to set an example with a strong presence and ticketing during the first couple of rodeos, at least.

“I’m willing to commit some extra resources to those first ones to do that,” said Vallario. “I don’t know how successful it will be.”

Rodeo fans who want to help keep the peace are encouraged to park at The Orchard and ride the free shuttle bus.