Rick Fout

The Town Council Work Session included an update from representatives of FERC and Building Hope regarding a joint endeavor and capital campaign for a new facility, emphasizing the significant community support and fundraising progress toward an $11.9 million goal, with a projected fall 2022 groundbreaking. The proposed new facility has been named the "Soul Center at Alta Verde." Discussion also covered planning commission decisions, specifically related to a subdivision lot split, and code interpretation concerning policy 24 regarding changes of use for commercial establishments, with caution advised against overly specific code amendments due to the dynamic nature of business operations.

The Town Council work session included discussions on Planning Commission decisions, specifically addressing the Soul Center at Alta Verde for a later update. Legislative review involved the first reading of a proposal for an amendment to the existing agreement with Summit Public Radio and TV concerning a new overland power line route to Top of Baldy, necessitated by bedrock concerns for underground installation. The discussion emphasized incorporating robust restoration and long-term monitoring plans into the new agreement. First readings were also held for codifying housing policies, which involves updating municipal code, specifying roles for the administration, and introducing administrative fines for non-compliance with deed restrictions or covenants. A separate related bill addressed the ethics code, narrowing language regarding conflicts of interest related to financial gain. Updates on public projects included details on the temporary pavement use and recycling for the Watson Roundabout, and the location of wetland mitigation near the Mugging Scotch site on the Swan. Mobility updates noted staffing challenges affecting the reliability of the trolley service, and the impending increase of employee permit fines effective August 1st. Finally, a representative mentioned an ambush by Mountain Beverage regarding delivery zones who wishes to speak with the Council.

The work session focused on updates regarding the High Country Conservation Center Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) trash and recycling program. Discussions included progress in coordinating with other Summit County jurisdictions and recommendations from the Zero Waste Task Force, which comprises elected officials, staff, businesses, and property managers. The proposed PAYT policy for residences involves offering three trash sizes (small, medium, large), with recycling included as a core service. For commercial entities, the requirement is that recycling service volume must be at least 50% of trash volume, with specific mandates for public area recycling bins, glass separation for businesses with liquor licenses, and in-room recycling bins in the hotel industry, supported by required staff training. The plan outlines a timeline targeting ordinance adoption in the spring and PAYT implementation in January 2023, supported by strong future funding for education, technical assistance, and hardship subsidies.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous minutes. The agenda was amended to include a temporary modification of premises for Keystone Food and Beverage Company regarding expansion of license boundaries for a snowboarding competition. The consent calendar involved the renewal approvals for ten licenses, including hotel/restaurant, resort complex, arts, and tavern licenses for various entities such as Legends Italian Steakhouse, Motherloaded Tavern, and Tin Plate. A public hearing was held for a new tavern license application by Breenidge Star LLC for Chalet Breenidge. The applicant detailed the speakeasy concept, operating hours (4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. generally, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. off-season), menu offerings (charcuterie, fondue, small flatbread pizzas), security training, and commitment to responsible alcohol service, referencing a past violation from 2017. The new license was approved subject to a favorable background check. Subsequently, a transfer of ownership application was approved for a fermented malt beverage and wine off-premises liquor license from AB Petroleum, Inc. to Safe Petroleum Inc. doing business as Food Mart. Updates were provided regarding police, attorney, and town clerk matters, and the special events memo was reviewed before adjournment.

The Town Council work session commenced with a review of a recent arts district site visit and planning for future similar events. Key agenda items included discussions regarding Planning Commission decisions, specifically the BGV parcel. The council added and entered an executive session to discuss negotiations related to town contracting regarding fiber and to receive associated legal advice; no decisions were made public afterward. Discussions continued on legislative items, including the second reading of the American Tower lease renewal agreement, which extends the lease through January 2035. The first reading was held for an ordinance approving an amended and restated fiber lease and network operation agreement with Aloe Communications, which seeks to increase the town's revenue share significantly and remove automatic renewal provisions. The council also reviewed the first reading of a new 10-year Comcast franchise agreement for cable television services. Further topics covered the approval of a child care intergovernmental agreement to adjust funding mechanisms for the First Steps tuition program based on jurisdiction residency and employment data. Updates were provided on public projects, including Carter Park construction phasing and the slower-than-expected progress on the Broken Lance project due to utility conflicts. The mobility report noted the success of Bre Pride Week promotions and discussed upcoming Bike to Work Day events. The financial update detailed May's collections, showing the excise fund above budget but sales tax behind year-to-date budget, and introduced a new process for forecasting revenues. Finally, the communications group presented its first quarterly report, highlighting successes such as the Imperial Challenge race, which exceeded participation goals, and detailing upcoming marketing for the Firecracker 50 event.