Seats fill up on Affordable Housing Commission

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Manager’s Report provided an update on the “lightning bolt project” — work on the sewer lines between the library and Two Rivers Road. Importantly for commuters, Manager Ryan Mahoney also announced that the bridge has changed to being closed full-time, instead of with the use of stop lights at night as originally planned. This was due to the concern that a stoplight immediately next to a stop sign at the Two Rivers/Midland intersection would create confusion. The process overall was stated to be going well and should tentatively be completed by April.

Next up, The Mountain Pact — an organization of elected officials from over 100 mountain communities in the West — requested the Basalt Town Council sign a letter to Colorado’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The letter, penned to State Director Doug Vilsack, urges the BLM to direct its resources toward preserving natural landscapes as opposed to prioritizing the extraction of resources. Council unanimously supported signing the letter. Interviews led to a series of actions for two appointments (and one reappointment) of Basalt dollar grant which may require some matching funds from the Town to potentially be discussed at a meeting in March.

Trustee Chris Hassig suggested that the board consider writing a letter of support for protests to the Uinta Railway Basin carrying waxy crude oil on trains through Glenwood Canyon. Hassig also volunteered to represent Carbondale on the Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority board.

A liquor license was granted to La Raza, aiming to open in the former Mi Casita space (580 West Main Street) sometime in April. This was followed by four special event liquor licenses for: Blue Lake Preschool’s annual fundraiser at The Orchard on April 21; a Ducks Unlimited fundraiser at The Orchard on April 15; a Crystal River Ballet School fundraiser at the RVR Barn on March 18; and KDNK’s 40th Birthday Bash on April 15 at the Third Street Center.

Mountain Waste and Recycling, represented by Doug Goldsmith, came before the trustees for its annual update as per the contract signed in 2019. Goldsmith praised Carbondale for its 30.72% landfill diversion rate in 2022. For the first time since before COVID, a “trash audit” was conducted, sorting through 32 samples from trucks carrying Carbondale trash at the Pitkin County Landfill in September 2022.

Goldsmith spoke about the company’s app which can send text reminders for service days and has a “waste wizard” feature to help customers determine what is compostable and recyclable. “How much is aspirational recycling?” asked Mayor Ben Bohmfalk. Goldsmith explained that plastics numbered one and two, which hold liquid, are recycled, while three through seven, though theoretically recyclable, have no market and are generally “burned as waste energy.” citizens to the Basalt Affordable Community Housing Commission (BACH). BACH, which consults with the Council on issues related to housing, had only two active voting members out of seven possible seats. Jay Israel and Matt Triebwasser were both unanimously appointed as a long-time Basalt resident and relative newcomer, respectively.

Anne Baker, who was unanimously reappointed, mentioned specific concerns noticed over her tenure with BACH, and changes she is looking to make in housing, such as seeking to lower the 30% of gross income qualification for “affordable” to 25% of gross. Two more interviews will take place at the Council’s next meeting, bringing BACH to six full seats out of seven.

The next two actions approved contracts relating to Basalt River Park: the first for its restroom and bus stop and the second for its bandshell. The contract for the bus stop will be signed with FCI contractors, who are currently constructing the Basalt River Park Apartments, for a base bid of $796,664. The estimate is based on higher quality build materials necessary for public property, along with RFTA’s specifications for the bus stop. Notably, RFTA granted $130,000 for the construction, and the developer is also providing $150,000, so the Town will be obligated to pay approximately $520,000 of that bid.

The bandshell, which has undergone some redesigns to make its construction more cost-effective, will be

Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman joined the trustees for the remainder of the agenda. The first item involved a “dry-up” covenant related to water rights associated with the original annexation and development of River Valley Ranch (RVR). The Lowline Ditch rights consisted of approximately 84.3 irrigated acres, 51 of which were conveyed to the Town. The remaining 33.3 are now owned by Iron Rose Ranch, belonging to billionaire Tom Bailey, who filed a water court application to change their legal place of use to a location on his property above the Lowline Ditch alignment. Dry-up areas within River Valley Ranch, no longer irrigated, include house pads and driveways, roads, trails and cart paths and 2.3 acres of “rough” on the golf course. Trustees unanimously approved the agreement.

Next, Schorzman presented on the bid to complete the second half of the Eighth Street project. For phase two, $550,00 was budgeted. The only bid that came back was for $710,000, which prompted the board to consider other options. Schorzman suggested waiting a year and putting the project out to bid again, but also offered that the Town itself could begin work on the project in smaller phases over the course of three to four years. Silverstein asked about the impact to residents and commuters, to which Schorzman responded it could be less with the project parsed out, instead of all at once. After some discussion, trustees agreed unanimously that the Town’s public works department should do a strategic part of the project and to put the remainder out to bid next year and reassess.

“I will commit to you, this is going to be a trial,” said Schorzman. “If it’s just messing everything up, I will tell you that."

Schorzman went on to report back on two more contracts that went out to bid, one for chip sealing and the other for crack sealing. The chip sealing prices are up 45% over last year which will result in three fewer roads to be treated (Barber Drive, Clearwater Road and Greystone Drive) for an approved cost of $210,038. Crack sealing was up 35% compared to last year and was approved at $21,000.

The final item on the agenda was approval of a request for proposals for a Multi-Modal Mobility and Access Plan as prescribed by the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan update.

“We’re putting out a big net,” said Matt Gworek, chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian and Trails Commission. “We’re going to get back components and get to decide what makes sense to do, what is cost effective to do.” built by Burlingame Construction at a base bid of $821,220. The bandshell will be constructed primarily of steel and fabric and will even include a climbing element for recreation. Ideally, it will be complete in early July. As of now, Council is still in the process of interviewing event managers for this summer’s programming. All council members voted “yes” on both contracts with the exception of Elyse Hottel, who abstained from both.

Next up were two ordinances to amend the processes for marijuana and liquor licensing, both presented by Town Attorney Jeff Conklin. Conklin

Carbondale

PILATES BLEND

A full-body workout that targets specific muscles while engaging the entire body. Improve balance, muscle coordination, strength, and stability. Appropriate for all levels.

Mon/Wed, 12-12:50pm, 3/6-4/26

TENSION AND TRAUMA

RELEASING EXERCISES

Release deep muscular stress, tension, and trauma; calm the nervous system, and return balance.

Sundays, 10am-11:30am, 3/19-4/9

BEGINNING SCULPTURE

Learn how to design in 3-D, from sketches into a maquette, and complete sculptures while learning the tools to create special effects.

Mondays, 10am-1pm, 3/20-4/24

EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED

WATER MEDIA

Working with watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache to see how they work togehter - emphasis on design and creative process,

Mondays, 2-5pm, 3/20-4/24

FIND YOUR CREATIVE SPARK

Expand your creativity, and cultivate curiosity with therapeutic art techniques. No prior art experience necessaryand all supplies provided.

Mondays, 6-8pm, 3/20-4/24

NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE

Highlights themes of historical context, reservation life, and current cultural conflict through the writings of well-known Native American authors of various tribes.

Mondays, 6-8pm, 3/20-4/24

ADAPTABLE YOGA FOR SENIORS

Learn a simple yoga practice that builds flexibility and balance, promotes ease, protects you from injuries, and reduces chronic pain.

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30am, 3/21-4/11

PAINTING FOR FUN

Paint in any medium in this fun class with guided projects and free painting time. Meet other painters and see what is possible.

Tuesdays, 9am-12pm, 3/21-4/25

UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING

Decorate eggs with beautiful colored patterns using beeswax resist in Eastern European tradition with Jill Scher.

Saturday, 10am-3pm, 4/1

INTRO TO HERBALISM

Learn about the 5 herbal actions and flavors, and how food and herbs help us to live more in balance. An introduction to bioregional herbalism with Sheehan Meagher.

Tuesday, 5-7pm, 4/4

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER... coloradomtn.edu/community-education Carbondale

“There is a very strange phenomenon about fat biking: every time we go out it seems like it is more fun than the last time,” Steve Novy wrote to The Sopris Sun. Novy coaches the Glenwood High School Dirt Demons, hosting a fat bike race this Sunday, March 5, at Sunlight Mountain Resort (registration at www.bit.ly/ RatBikeFace2023). Courtesy photo

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Ms. Holly and friends lead families and their young children through a musical movement activity at Basalt Library from 10:30 to 11am.

LIBRARY TRAINING

Learn how to make the most of the resources offered by Basalt Library at 5pm. This is a bilingual opportunity.

BANFF FILMS

The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival presents a show at the Wheeler at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

TENSION�TRAUMA RELEASE

Jacquie Wheeler facilitates Tension/ Trauma Release Exercises at the Third Street Center at 7:15pm tonight, March 9 and March 23 and at 3:30pm on March 4. Learn more at www.traumaprevention.com and register by emailing info@tcfhf. First responders may attend for free.

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Thunder River Theatre Company’s rendition of “You Can’t Take It with You” closes this weekend! Catch the show tonight, tomorrow or Saturday at 7:30pm, or on March 5 at 2pm. Tickets at www. thunderrivertheatre.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

YOUTH ART

The Powers Art Center features inspired artwork by Carbondale Community School students through March 15 alongside its renowned collection. The museum is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday through Friday.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

Stroll Main Street in the heart of Carbondale’s Creative District and take in a wide range of local arts and galleries, shopping, and award-winning restaurants & spirits

This month we invite you to explore the collective offerings within the Creative District Catch the closing weekend of “You Can’t Take It with You” at Thunder River Theatre Company, support students of the Carbondale Clay Center by checking out their pop-up exhibition and view artwork by artists of SAW at the Carbondale Arts Gallery.

The Crystal Theatre shows “Women Talking” at 4:45pm this evening and “The Whale” at 7pm tonight, tomorrow and March 9, and at 5pm on March 5. “A Man Called Otto” returns March 4 at 4:15pm.

ART OPENING

The Launchpad presents “What Is This Gold Toothed Beast” by Kia Neill through April 6 with an opening reception tonight from 5 to 7pm and an artist talk at 5:30pm. A group show featuring local SAW (Studio for Arts+Works) artists will share the R2 Gallery.

POTTERY SALE

The Carbondale Clary Center hosts a makers pop-up show from 6 to 8pm. The show will remain on display through March 4.

THE CROW & KEY

A new business opens on Main Street in Carbondale with a First Friday jamboree featuring the Hell Roaring String Band. The Crow & Key is a lifestyle general store, specializing in gifts and home goods.

BINGO NIGHT

Honey Butter hosts a barbecue buffet and bingo every Friday from 6 to 8pm.

SHREK

Glenwood Springs High School presents “Shrek, The Musical” tonight and tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets are available at www.bit.ly/GSHSShrek

KINGFISH

Blues rocker Christone “Kingfish” Ingram performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

BREATHWORK

Lisa Wilson and Nick Nicholson teach Neo-Shamanic Breathwork at the Third Street Center from 9am to 6pm. To sign up, text Lisa at 970-274-6726.

ART BASE GRAB AND GO

Every first Saturday, middle and high school students can pick up a “take and create” kit, put together by The Art Base, at the Basalt Library between 10am and noon.

CRAFTY KIDS

Every first and third Saturday through May, Carbondale Arts brings a local artist to the Carbondale Library to guide kindergarten through third graders — and their accompanying adults — in a craft project at 10:30am. To register or for more info, call 970-963-2889.

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION

Colorado Parks and Wildlife teaches how to identify animal tracks at the Silt Library at 10:30am.

SOUL WISDOM

True Nature hosts a workshop for women guided by Meghan Gilroy from 1 to 3pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

LUNAFEST

Advocate Safehouse Project presents films by and about women at the Ute Theater in Rifle at 6pm, and on March 11 at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs at 4 and 7pm. There will also be virtual viewing options; learn more at www. advocatesafehouseproject.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

SHANKALPA SHAKTI

True Nature leads a workshop for building confidence and achieving goals, led by Alya Howe, from 10am to 12:30pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

ECSTATIC DANCE

Alya Howe guides a full moon ecstatic dance at 13 Moons Ranch, 6334 Highway 133, from 6 to 8pm. Registration is not necessary.

MONDAY, MARCH 6

MEET THE AUTHOR

Carbondale Library hosts Linda Romero Criswell, author of “Watermelon Snow,” at 2pm to talk about her book based on a fictional town with many similarities to Carbondale.

PASTEL DRAWING

Doug Graybeal begins a four-part introductory pastel drawing workshop at the Basalt Library at 5pm. The workshop continues each following Monday, with the exception of March 13. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.

SWEETWATER LAKE

The Sweetwater Lake partnership hosts a virtual public meeting from 6 to 7:30pm. Register online at cpw. info/sweetwater-lake-public-meeting

ENGLISH IN ACTION

English in Action hosts an open English tutoring session at the Basalt Library at 6pm.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

WINTER BIRDING

ACES hosts a winter birding excursion at Hallam Lake from 8 to 11am. Visit www.aspennature.org for more info.

THE SPACE

YouthZone hosts a LGBTQIA+ peer support group for teens in Glenwood Springs every Tuesday from 4 to 5pm. For more information, email twilson@youthzone.com

TECH TALK

The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a talk for teens about the latest in tech at 4pm. This event will repeat at the Carbondale Library tomorrow at 4:30pm.

YARN GROUP

Basalt Library invites all yarn enthusiasts to share and create at 5pm.

ASPEN WORDS

Aspen Words presents bestselling author Imbolo Mbue at the Wheeler at 6pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

SOUND HEALING

Conor Johnson facilitates a sound healing journey at the Third Street Center at 7pm. Details at www. thecenterforhumanflourishing.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

YOUTH MAKERSPACE

The Treehouse at Basalt Library hosts a space to create for kids 7 and up from 2:30 to 3:30pm.

NATURALIST NIGHTS

Field ecologist Delia Malone presents “Ancient Wetlands: Their Essential Value and Threats in our Warming World” at the Third Street Center at 6pm (registration at wildernessworkshop. org) and tomorrow at Hallam Lake at 6pm (registration not necessary).

PFAS MEETING

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hosts a virtual listening session from 6 to 8pm regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: manufactured chemicals known to break down slowly and accumulate in people, animals and the environment. Register online at pfascommunityengagement.org/register

EQUITY SPEAKERS

MANAUS presents a conversation with musicians Jake Blount and Kaia Kater at TACAW at 6:30pm. Register for free at www.tacaw.org

BEAUTY AND BLOODSHED

Aspen Film presents “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” at the Isis Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

LEGAL CLINIC

Basalt Library hosts a free legal clinic from 2 to 5pm. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions for parties without an attorney. To sign up, call 970-927-4311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org

GENEALOGY 101

The Glenwood Springs Library hosts the Glenwood Genealogy Group for a threepart series on Thursdays at 6pm beginning tonight.

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” at the Thunder River Theatre this weekend with 6pm showings, a 1pm Saturday matinee and 2pm Sunday matinee. Tickets at www.bit.ly/SoLFox

UNEXPECTED HOSTS

The Aspen Science Center Hometown Science Café Series presents Dr. Ann Hawkinson on viral infections and animals at the Casey Brewing Taproom in Glenwood Springs at 6:30pm.

FASHION SHOW

Carbondale Arts’ Green Is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza returns this weekend with shows at 8pm. Tickets are already sold out!

JAKE BLOUNT AND KAIA KATER

Musician and scholar Jake Blount is joined by Kaia Kater to perform at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

CREATOR CLUB

Students in third through fifth grade are invited to explore imaginative creation at the Carbondale Library on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 3:30pm.

ART IN THE STACKS

The Glenwood Springs Art Guild presents work at the Glenwood Springs Library through April 28 with a reception tonight at 5pm.

OATES & TRAPP

The Wheeler Opera House presents “An Evening of Songs and Stories with John Oats and Guthrie Trapp” at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

HOMESTAKE SNOWSHOE

Wilderness Workshop leads a snowshoe hike through Homestake Valley beginning at Blodgett Campground near Red Cliff. The event is free; registration at www. wildernessworkshop.org/events

PRINTED LANDSCAPE

Jim Harris leads a relief printmaking workshop at The Art Base from 10am to 3pm with supplies included. Sign up at theartbase.org

STEVE’S GUITARS

Steve’s Guitars presents a classical performance with Ensemble Basso at 7pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

• Open to Students from Aspen to Parachute, ages 13 through 18

• $1,800 Scholarship Prizes for each Performance Category (vocal, instrumental, dance and theatrical)

• Audition Application Website: gwskiwanistalentshow.org

• Nominations close March 1

• Successful Applicants for Audition will be Notified by March 10

IMPORTANT DATES

Audition: Thursday, March 23, 2023

Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, April 13, 2023

Show: Friday, April 14, 2023, Glenwood High School

Sign up for the giveaway BOOK of THE MONTH

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Jamie Maybon 970.309.5552

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