Water rules and bag ban revisited

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Tuesday’s meeting, Jan. 24, was somewhat quiet with no public comments and the absence of trustees Erica Sparhawk and Luis Yllanes. Lani Kitching, nursing an illness, joined via Zoom. It was also the birthday of trustee Marty Silverstein!

The consent agenda included accounts payable, art gallery permit renewals for Carbondale Arts and the Clay Center, signing of the owner’s representative contract with Wembar, Inc. and an amended contract for Crystal River work.

The contract with Wembar, serving as owner’s representative for construction of the new aquatics facility, merited some discussion, with a total fee including reimbursable expenses of $198,900, plus $59,000 if construction is delayed until the spring of 2024.

Conveniently, a Wembar representative was live on Zoom to explain that the extra time associated with a delay would cause the increased cost, however pool construction during winter will be a challenge, particularly with temperature-sensitive plastering. All the same, the consent agenda was unanimously approved.

During comments by trustees,

Basalt Report

Marty Silverstein sent condolences to the family of Marc Grandbois, as well as the family of Dr. Morris Cohen. Chris Hassig echoed condolences, stating his admiration for Grandbois’ dedication to KDNK.

Kitching spoke about millions of birds succumbing to avian flu, primarily Canada geese. She warned that persons who encounter waterfowl behaving oddly or dead should keep their distance and contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife (970-947-2920). “I urge parents to be sure curious children receive this message as well,” she said.

Town Manager Lauren Gister announced that the new town clerk, Jessica Markham, will begin on Feb. 6 and train with Cathy Derby for three weeks. “And we have a planner,” Gister added. Kelley Amdur owned the Dandelion Inn and worked for the Rec Center.

The first novel item on the agenda was a proposal from the Ruedi Water and Power Authority (RWAPA) for regional baseline watering standards. The proposition was developed through a grant from the WaterNow Alliance and stakeholder meetings with water suppliers in the Valley.

RWAPA Executive Director April Long joined via Zoom to explain that the desire for comprehensive