17 03 30

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

the

Sopris Carbondale’s weekly

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Sun

Volume 9, Number 8 | March 30, 2017

Hittin’ the books

While these six RFHS students took a few moments to goof off and have some fun in the library, the four years they’ve spent in high school seriously hitting the books has paid off big time. To learn how and why, read the following unabridged, nonfiction story about their success. From left, Tavia Teitler, Julia Lee, Enrique Gonzalez, Nick Penzel, Lorenzo Andrade and Fabian Rico. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Hard work pays off for Roaring Fork High School scholars

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Writer If producing a Daniels Fund recipient or Boettcher scholar is a feather in a school’s cap, Roaring Fork High is on its way to a headdress.

This year, the graduating class of fewer than 80 students boasts six such scholarships – two Boettchers (a full ride anywhere in the state) and four Daniels (a full ride anywhere in the country).

“They’re the most prestigious scholar-

ships for anyone in the state of Colorado,” noted Principal Drew Adams.

“This doesn’t happen. I have no words, just high pitched squeals,” added Vice Principal Kelsie Goodman. “We’re just so proud.

The strength of our staff and the community we have has culminated in something the whole world can see… They’re awesome people, and I think the award matches the value of what they’re going to offer their schools.”

Valedictorian, folklorico dancer, Order of the Dandelion Recipient and former Sopris

Sun intern Tavia Teitler is planning on studying cultural anthropology, but hasn’t yet decided whether she’ll stay in state (probably Colorado College) to take the Boettcher or accept some financial aid at Stanford.

“The choice is definitely going to be difficult,” she said, “but I feel like I can’t really go wrong.”

Fellow Boettcher scholar Nick Penzel, on the other hand, has already decided on Colorado College, where he’d like to study biology.

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Stanford will get a Roaring Fork grad regardless, as Julia Lee plans to use her Daniels scholarship to study engineering there. Enrique Gonzalez will use his to study computer engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, while Lorenzo Andrade is still trying to decide where to pursue sports medicine, and Fabian Rico is looking for a school for business or political science.

Each got the word over spring break, and most had no clue how their classmates had RFHS SCHOLARS page 3

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Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, email editor Will Grandbois at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.

Let’s get down to business Protect open space and ‘messy vitality’

By Chris Hassig Finally, past the musical chairs of elections and Stacy’s lamented move up the Crystal, Carbondale is settled in with a well-qualified, dynamic, and level-headed board of trustees for the next year at least. I can’t think of a better moment to tackle some tough issues.

The toughest issues facing this board are intertwined and familiar: growth, affordable housing and community character. Let’s start, roughly, with growth. It’s happening fast.

Many people are in for a bitter surprise when City Market’s architectural facsimile of Glenwood Meadows opens in the middle of the CRMS field. Somehow passed with little public input or interest (I’m myself the first guilty of dumbly standing by), the approved project steamrolls many of the sticking points of previous iterations – a thoroughly suburban layout punched out of the middle of the site, a Nieslanik as opposed to Industry Place entrance, an El Jebel City Market-sized footprint but with a nearly two storey box profile, no solar panels on top, and no housing or mixed-use synergies. Basically, no creativity at all. And no one I talk to seems to know anything about it.

Elsewhere, the approvals are mostly in for River’s Edge, an El Jebel 2.0 at the CMC turnoff, already receiving your subsidy in the form of a new $34.5 million school. Another yawn. The vast majority of the valley floor remains unprotected from development. The rural character of Garfield County outside the town limits slowly gets chiseled away.

Just the other day I rounded Road 100 from Catherine Store where it opens up to that wonderful bucolic view of the protected Coffman Ranch and Sunlight Mountain beyond – only to find a new house in the cruelly ironic “Roaring Fork Preserve” subdivision beyond despoiling it forever.

So we’re losing – have probably lost – some open space battles, and there may not be much to do about it, but there are more to come. It’s time to consider ways of creating better development controls in our corner of Garfield County. I don’t need to dictate to Rifle how to go about its development, but we should be able to better steer our own fate – a fate we have no voice in now with three commissioners that have a reasonable sympathy for the economic concerns of western Garfield County. Perhaps there’s a way of creating an open space and development planning overlay that just concerns the area of the county

this side of Glenwood? Carbondale should take the lead in exploring ways to get more real input – in sales tax leakage, traffic, quality of life and environment, and local agency, we have the most to lose.

Affordable housing is another burr in that growth equation. The economic view is that this is a simple matter of supply and demand.

I don’t think growth out of town will help us — those developments promise more upscale options, not affordable ones. How do we protect what we’ve got?

Here’s my radical, but, I’d argue, necessary idea to protect our affordable housing and community character: a referendum to zone the entirety of town “Resident Occupied.” You either have to live in your house or rent it out. No second homes. Why do this? It is the only way I can see of realistically stemming the tide of real estate speculation.

Why is this in your interest? You’re reading The Sun, so I imagine you have a vested interest in the character of this town, you live here. Yes, it would lessen the potential payoff if you sell out and leave, but we like you, don’t leave! Your taxes hopefully won’t go up as fast and, if you need, you can still rent your property for a stable, reasonable income.

The example of Aspen is not far away, and that future is not out of the question for us. The great tragedy of Aspen is the rows and rows of zombie houses that twitch three weeks a year – otherwise the lights are on, but nobody’s home. And the soul of the town is a shadow of its former self. If you truly care about Carbondale – if you see it as home, not as a speculative investment – this is worth figuring out how to do. Once the balance swings to second homes, there’s no going back.

Those are the two proposals I’d most like to see explored by the new board. But there’s some unfinished business as well: ban remotely owned Airbnb properties already. At least get some lights put up where Erica got attacked. Keep pushing the climate plan forward. And keep supporting the Carbondale Creative District, especially the aspects that actually help people make things here, not just exploit the touristic potential. Don’t get sidetracked trying to ‘beautify’ everything. Messy vitality is messy.

Dan, Marty, Katrina, Erica, Frosty, Ben and Heather: thanks for doing the hard work of representing us.

OPINION

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Submit letters via email to news@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. The deadline to submit letters to the editor is noon on Monday.

Library receives generous donation Dear Editor: The Garfield County Libraries are thrilled to announce Jim Calaway has recently donated $100,000 to the Libraries’ Foundation.

Calaway, a resident of Carbondale, is no stranger to philanthropy or contributing to the local community.

“Jim Calaway’s generosity has done so much to make Carbondale and Garfield County the vibrant and preeminent communities that they are,” said Jeannine Stickle, manager of the Carbondale Branch Library.

Calaway’s donation to the Libraries Foundation will provide a much needed boost to the 501(c)(3) which supports the Library District and facilitates outreach programs like Books for Babies.

“Mr. Calaway’s gift comes at a critical time in the history of our libraries, and we are deeply grateful for his generosity,” stated Jesse Henning, executive director of the Garfield County Libraries.

This year, the library district has been

dealing with a $1.2 million drop in property tax revenue and had to cut the operations budget by nearly thirty percent at the end of 2016. That meant that the libraries began the year with no money in the budget to fund events at any of the six branches in 2017.

To bridge the gap, the library district has been working to secure grant funding for events, as well as finding local talent to teach classes – such as with the Community Education Network in Silt. Part of the Calaway donation will combine with other grants to provide the 2017 Summer Reading Program, in which over 5,000 kids, teens, and adults were registered last year.

This recent donation is an advance on the $150,000 legacy gift Calaway committed to the Carbondale Branch Library last year. The donation is intended to be a community catalyst, and other community members are encouraged to explore donating to the Garfield County Libraries Foundation.

“Mr. Calaway’s gift is an inspiration for residents who value their public libraries,”

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017

said Henning. “I am proud to announce that the Garfield County Libraries will be naming the meeting space in the Carbondale Branch the Calaway Community Room to mark Mr. Calaway’s steadfast belief in our mission. We are honored to have Jim’s continued support and are thankful to have such generous friends in our library family.”

If you are interested in making a donation or leaving a legacy gift please contact the Garfield County Libraries’ Executive Director Jesse Henning at jhenning@gcpld.org or 970625-4270.

Emily Hisel Garfield County Libraries

Correction An article in the March 16 issue indicated the incorrect national association for Indivisible Roaring Fork. It is in fact one of 4,500 groups nationwide inspired by the publication “Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda.”

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their generous, ongoing commitment of support.

Jim Calaway, Chair Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert: Habitat for Humanity - RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger

ank you to our SunScribers and community members for your support!

It truly takes a village to keep e Sun shining.

To inform, inspire and build community.

Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor Will Grandbois 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com Reporters: Lynn Burton John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Cliff Colia • Diana Alcantara Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec • Faith Magill The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the second Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center. Check the calendar for details and occasional date changes.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell

The Sopris Sun, Inc. P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #32 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.

Roaring Fork High principal selection prompts backlash PIO: ‘personnel matters are not up for public debate’

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer

dle what some say is likely to be a gathering of unhappy parents at the April 12 board meeting.

Still, Stein said, the final decision on whether to hire Stringer or not will be up to the school board, and he allowed that “there is potential” for the board to overrule his selection.

Adams, the outgoing principal, declined to comment on the split over his replacement, saying it was not his place to get involved at this point. He said he will be staying in town until the middle of July (though his contracts ends in June) and will be on hand to help his successor move in and start getting comfortable in the job.

Roaring Fork School District Superintendent Rob Stein announced on March 24 that he had offered the job of principal at Roaring Fork High School to Brett Stringer, who currently serves as principal at the North Middle School Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Aurora, CO. Stringer accepted the position, Stein rePraise for Goodman ported in an email to the district’s staff and obtained by The Sopris Sun, and will Although he picked Stringer, whom Stein be starting the new job on July 1 if the seknew when they were both working on the lection is confirmed by the school board Front Range, he insisted that it was not a on April 12. vote of no-confidence in Goodman.

Stringer would take over for outgoing “I think the world of Kelsie,” he said, principal Drew Adams, who is moving “she’s a very strong administrator. This does with his family to work at a school in the not indicate any new direction at the school, Brett Stringer city of Cali, Colombia. it’s that we wanted a strong leadership team” But a group of parents, teachers and and Stein felt Stringer would be more effecstudents have contacted Stein, as well as the district’s tive at the top of that leadership team He predicted that board of directors, to emphasize that they are not happy Goodman will stay on in her current position. “In her with the selection of an out-of-district administrator, and three years as assistant principal, Kelsie has earned trust would have preferred he promote current RFHS Assistant and built strong relationships with stakeholders,” he said.

Principal Kelsie Goodman.

It is that trust, combined with strong relationships, that “To say that I am disappointed is an understatement,” have convinced at least one student, senior Wes Engstrom, wrote Lorri Knaus, who has three to go to work on her behalf, whether children in the Carbondale public that means putting together some schools, including one at RFHS. sort of student demonstration of Her disappointment was exsupport or going to meetings. pressed in an email to other parents, “I’m trying to figure out what to in which she urged her correspondo,” Engstrom, 18, told The Sopris dents to likewise contact the school Sun in a telephone interview. “Most board and Stein. students at the school don’t know “Our school board has an oblithe situation.” gation to hear from us before they At the least, Engstrom said, he approve Rob Stein’s recommendaplans to spread the word among the tion,” Knaus wrote. She told The student body about Stein’s move to – Lorri Knaus Sopris Sun she was unsure how hire Stringer over Goodman. many parents shared her dissatisWhatever his response turns out faction with Stein’s choice. to be, Engstrom said he hopes “to demonstrate to Rob “While Brett Stringer demonstrated some potential Stein that the students and the staff should have more of strengths he could bring to RFHS, it’s hard to know ex- a say in the hiring of a new school principal.” actly how an administrator will work out in any school As a student whose entire high school career has been until they are actually working in that school … we all at RFHS, Engstrom said, Goodman “has made my high know people who interview and audition very well, but school experience amazing, as she has for most students.” then don’t live up to our expectations.”

Where Goodman is concerned, Knaus continued, “We Stringer’s stats Stein extolled Stringer’s strengths and qualifications already know that Ms. Goodman is a great fit and inspires students and teachers to do their best. Why go with some- in his email to the district staff, describing him as having one who has yet to prove that he’s the right fit for RFHS?” “a rich history as a teacher, instructional coach, dean of One teacher, who asked not to be identified for this ar- instruction, assistant principal and principal.”

Stringer, according to Stein “has a strong backticle for fear she might lose her job for speaking out, said she feels Goodman’s service to the school should warrant ground with culturally and linguistically diverse stuher being promoted and that many teachers and students dents and programs, having worked his entire career in were dismayed when they heard Goodman had not gotten schools serving a majority of recent immigrants and English learners.” the principal’s job.

Plus, Stein wrote, Stringer “has a strong background “We’re all heartbroken here,” she said.

“I have gotten some emails,” confirmed Stein in a tele- in athletics and the arts, having played varsity sports, phone interview on Tuesday, “both agreeing and disagree- coached sports, and served as an athletic director (and) having studied film as an undergrad at Denver Univering with the decision.”

But, he said, “it was a very careful and thoughtful de- sity, developed an interdisciplinary humanities program cision” to hire Stringer, and was made after receiving “a lot at Denver South High School, and married art teacher of applications” for the job, which were pared down to Mandy Stringer,” whom he has two children.

After a mix of teachers, students, parents, administrafive for in person interviews and ultimately to three finaltors and a board member interviewed and observed the ists who met with board members, teachers and parents.

The district’s public information officer, Kelsy Been also finalists, Stein noted, one parent remarked, “This is going noted that “personnel matters are not up for public de- to be a hard choice. We could be successful with any of bate,” and that she was unsure how the board might han- the (final) candidates.”

“Our school board has an obligation to hear from us before they approve Rob Stein’s recommendation.”

RFHS scholars om page 1 fared until school resumed on March 27.

“I was out of cell service – out of everything, knowing that there was this envelope sitting, waiting for me to get home,” recalled Penzel, an outdoorsman who is currently constructing a river-worthy wooden boat.

Like the rest of his cohorts, Gonzalez, a football team captain who shares the role of class president with Andrade, expressed a sense of relief.

“It was a really big weight lifted as soon as I opened the letter,” he said.

It’s the culmination of a long process that included an extensive application and, for the finalists, indepth interviews.

“It’s an interesting experience learning to market yourself,” noted Lee, a published poet and editor of the Ram Writers literary magazine.

Each of the students made a point of sharing credit with those who helped along the way, with “shout outs” to everyone from Goodman – who wrote recommendation letters for all six students – to counselor Andrea Caruso, who convinced at least one of them to apply.

“It’s an easy environment to succeed in,” said Teitler.

“We’re carrying all the people that helped us with us,” agreed Rico, the student council Head Boy. “They’re on our backs and had our backs.”

Rico, Gonzalez and Andrade also gave extra credit to the Precollegiate program, which helps prospective first generation college students navigate the process.

“My parents weren’t able to go to college, so this makes that dream come true,” said Andrade, who also obtained the prestigious McBride Internship to stay on a wildlife conservancy reservation in Kenya.

The group emphasized the importance of putting your best foot forward in high school.

“You put in hard work for four years and you can secure your future,” Lee said.

The key to success, they explained, is to embrace your own interests and not to underestimate yourself.

“Do things you’re interested in and passionate about, because that’s what scholarships and colleges like to see,” Teitler said.

The scholarships, she added, are a nice confidence boost and a reminder that students at a small public school can succeed at a national scale. Penzel agreed.

“I think this is just kinda showing that you don’t need to spend $40,000 to have a great education,” he said.

Rico, meanwhile, encouraged his fellows to take a bit of credit for themselves.

“We were competing against other awesome people, and this says a lot about the fact that we’re great,” he said.

“I could tell these guys were gonna go places. We’re going to college for free. That’s really cool.”

Basalt Boettcher scholar Basalt High Schooler Daniel Barnes also received the Boettcher scholarship, and is currently trying to decide between Colorado College and the University of Denver, where he Daniel Barnes hopes to study computer science and music as a double major.

Barnes is a coder with a of couple complete websites to his name as well as an avid musician who was selected for all-state band (on euphonium) and choir (as a baritone). He also competed on the school’s varsity wrestling team.

“I’m so grateful that I was selected for the scholarship, and I’m extremely thrilled to have all the support that I did to help me get to this point,” he told The Sun.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 3

Town Briefs Ditch cleaning and rezoning applications Finance Director Renae Gustine sent out town staff’s weekly report to the trustees on March 24 while Town Manager Jay Harrington took a couple of days off for spring break. Crews main focus this week, she said, is ditch cleaning. Things appeared to be on track to have the system ready to be turned on in mid April.

Additionally…

• KDNK has submitted an application to rezone their property located at 76 S. Second St. from Residential/High Density to Historic Commercial Core.

This property has historically been used for commercial uses, i.e., Town Hall offices, non-profit center, and KDNK. This will come before the Planning Commission and Board at public hearings. Staff is also preparing packets for several residential units behind City Market and a plat for 1st Bank on Highway 133.

• The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for a full time recreation facility coordinator; email jrochel@carbondaleco.net or call 510-1278 for more information. There are also several seasonal openings, including parks maintenance (rsissom@carbondaleco.net), vegetation management (dcoon@carbondaleco.net) and lifeguards (mdonnelley@carbondaleco.net).

• In addition to drop-in basketball on Wednesday evenings, drop-in soccer on Friday evenings and drop in pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons as well as Saturday mornings, the Rec. Center has room for some drop-ins for an $8 indoor cycling class from 12 to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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WEDNESDAY, March 22: At 8:35 a.m. police received a report about “several vehicles that were struck by eggs.”

No further information was included in the summary.

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TUESDAY, March 21: At 11:39 a.m. an officer noted two dogs off-leash and at-large in the area of Latigo Loop, an area where police reportedly had received earlier reports about dogs running free near the adjacent bike trail. The officer noted that the owner of the two dogs mentioned above would be ticketed.

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SUNDAY, March 19: At 3:34 p.m. police were sent to a location on North 10th Street concerning a report of a fight in progress. After investigating, the officers arrested a 42-year-old man on charges of assault, domestic violence, as well as an outstanding warrant for the subject’s arrest.

| May 9, 2013 LOOK

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SATURDAY, March 18: At 6:28 p.m. police were sent to a location on Bridgewater Place regarding a report of a “vicious cat in the area of Jacob’s Place. A report was taken, no other information was noted in the police summary of the incident report.

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Mothers with kids of all ages welcome and photos will be available for purchase.

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Dandelions

FRIDAY, March 17: At 10:56 p.m. police stopped a vehicle on Highway 133 for “suspicious driving”and speeding. After investigating, they arrested the 25-year-old male driver on suspicion of drunk driving and other charges.

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LOOK INSIDE:

M o Ha the ppy r’ s Da y

Third Street Center Carbondale

From March 17-23, Carbondale officers handled 202 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:

Youth baseball and softball is filling up fast, and volunteer coaches are need; call 510-1279 or email jthraen@carbondaleco.net for information. There’s also a new fitness class, “Yoga en Español,” from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a new cooking class series from the Colorado State University Extension Master Food Safety Advisor (info at 510-1290).

• The parks department amped up trash and dog waste removal in response to warm weather and finished aerating, seeding and fertilizing athletic fields.

Crews also switched out the wind damaged bleachers, replacing a bent seat using bleacher parts, and constructed new full sized soccer goals for Triangle Park.

Meanwhile, the Gus Darien Rodeo announcer’s booth is nearing completion.

• Residents were urged to prune their trees properly and avoid “topping” most types, as well as to check on property boundaries and get a free permit to prune in the right of way. Anyone with questions can contact Town Arborist David Coon at 510-1331 or dcoon@carbondaleco.net.

• The Third Street project began on Tuesday and the contractor spent most of the week removing the old sidewalk, some trees, and pavement. The contract for the Nettle Creek fire mitigation work is still being routed through the contractor and a pre-bid meeting and site visit was held for the Crystal well project.

McMahan and Associates completed an onsite audit and will spend April completing reports, testing verifications and details for the audit report.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017

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Trustees on the fence for annexation proposal

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The Carbondale Board of Trustees gave a somewhat tepid response on Tuesday to a proposal to annex about 2.6 acres of ground at the north end of town and make it home to a new mini-storage complex along Highway 133.

But the trustees did not indicate an unwillingness to work with the developer, Dr. Ron Stein and his corporate persona, Huntington L.P., headquartered in Burbank, Calif.

Stein, also owns the Sopris Shopping Center on Highway 133, as well as land between Main Street and Colorado Avenue at Highway 133, which is hopes to develop into a mixed-use project of homes and businesses.

In fact, more than one trustee indicated that the storage-complex proposal, which at this point is called the Stein Heritage Storage Site, might get a better reception if it included a residential component intended to meet the town’s deepening need for affordable housing.

Stein, along with planner Mark Chain of Carbondale and California-based architect Bruce Jordan, indicated they will consider the trustees’ input and come back for another meeting at some future date.

As proposed, the storage complex would be built between an Xcel power substation to the south of the project, and an auto tire store to the north.

It would comprise a perimeter-building

one-story tall, built just inside the boundary lines of the property, and another storage building in the center of the property that would be two stories tall, both with brick exteriors and what Jordan described as “lots of glass” to relieve the monotony of the brick facades.

Access to the property would be at the northern end of the parcel, and would be limited to “right-turn in, right-turn out” because of restrictions imposed by the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Access Control Plan for Highway 133.

Stein also has proposed a new length of bicycle / pedestrian trail, connected to the existing and adjacent Rio Grande Trail, that would wind around the western, or back side of the project site and offer a link to walkers or riders headed for the area of Garcia’s restaurant and cafe or the Red Rock Diner.

But several trustees questioned that trail route, suggesting a different trail alignment along the front of the project site, next to the highway.

In his presentation on behalf of the project, Chain described the roughly 79,000 square-foot parcel as having once been part of the Gianinetti ranch that was severed from the larger ranch by the highway when it was built in the 1950s.

Other developers have looked at the property over the years, Chain continued, but opted to leave it alone for a variety of reasons.

The proposed 2.6 acre annexation is located just north of the Xcel power substation between Highway 133 and the Rio Grande Trail. Courtesy graphic Chain asked for the trustees’ concerns, objections and suggestions about the proposal and remarked, “If the ideas are insurmountable, maybe the plug is pulled” and the project will not be pursued.

Stein told The Sopris Sun that he has an option on the land but has not finalized the purchase from its current owner, Mary Ann Hyde and her business identity, 133 Ltd. Partnership. Hyde lived in the Carbondale

area for decades until leaving recently to move to Tennessee for family reasons, according to Chain.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Jordan described the project as part of “a new breed of selfstorage” involving designs that are intended to fit in “nicely” with surrounding uses and offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than was the case in the past.

The single-story perimeter building, Jordan said, will be about 18 feet in height, and will screen loading activities from the view of motorists on the highway or cyclists on the trail.

And Stein is proposing to install landscaping to further screen the storage buildings and, if desired, perhaps even the power substation next door, thereby improving the views from the highway side.

Trustee Ben Bohmfalk expressed strong reservations about the project, criticizing the blockish appearance of the proposed buildings.

He also favored the idea of exploring possible affordable-housing uses on at least part of the property.

But Trustee Marty Silverstein objected to that idea, arguing, “I don’t think this is an optimal site for affordable housing.” He questioned whether anyone would want to live so close to a power substation, due to concerns about electromagnetic energy affecting human health, and was doubtful about the prospect of people living essentially in an industrial part of town.

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

5Point comes to pass

Bacon feud

It’s time to start thinking about tickets for 5Point Adventure Film Festival, which runs April 20 through 23. This year marks the event’s tenth anniversary, with new festival features, daytime events and an expanded schedule to include two new film programs highlighting the best films of 5Points past. Passes are already on sale at 5pointfilm.org/events/tickets, while individual event tickets will be available beginning April 3.

Buttermilk celebrates its closing day on April 2 with “Bacon Appreciation,” featuring bacon waffles at the summit in the morning, samplers all day, kids’ game and a bacon and beer happy hour at Bumps restaurant. A counter-event has also popped up on Facebook, titled “SAY NO TO BACON DAY,” sponsored by “Against bacon day” and described only as “Unhealthy + killings + suffering.”

Little bit of everything

Meanwhile, back at The Ranch With easy access off Highway 82 and no tee times required, golfers of all ages are invited to check out the course at The Ranch at Roaring Fork, which opened for the season on March 24. For more information, visit www.ranchatroaringfork.com, call 963-4410 or swing by 14913 Highway 82.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass has announced its full main stage lineup for the 2017 Labor Day experience. Daryl Hall & John Oates plus Lake Street Dive will play on Friday, Sept. 1; Keith Urban, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats and St. Paul & the Broken Bones on Saturday, Sept. 2 and The Revivalists, The Roots and Maroon 5 will wrap things up on Sunday, Sept. 3.

911 calls Here are the emergency calls for Carbondale & Rural Fire for March 19 through 25: • Four medical emergency responses • One trauma emergency response • One motor vehicle accident response • Two citizen assist responses • One medical alarm response • Two standby responses • Three smoke check responses • Four fire alarm responses

Wild horses Adopt one of 20 wild horses gathered from the Sand Wash Herd Management Area on April 21 and 22 at the Rimrock Adventures Arena, 927 Highway 340 in Fruita.

Interested adopters are required to have adoption paperwork completed and approved by BLM personnel before the silent auction starts to place bids on horses.

For more information about adopting wild horses, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro.

Spring into wellness Now’s the time for wellness businesses outside of the downtown core to reserve a table for Davi Nikent’s third annual “Spring into Wellness” event on First Friday, April 7. Contact info@davinikent.org by April 3 to get involved.

Riley Hutchens, a Basalt resident who owns a small design firm there, has been chosen as the official Mountain Fair artist for the 2017 poster and associated merchandise. Above is one of the work samples which were submitted to Carbondale Arts along with a sketch of her design. The final product will be unveiled in May. Courtesy graphic

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthdays this week include: Jorie DeVilbiss (March 30), Colleen Borkovec and Jane Hart (March 31), Dave Ritchie (April 2), Jeff Busk, Terri Ritchie and Lorena Medina Jones (April 3), Marilyn Murphy (April 4), Judy Schilling (April 5).

RFHS spring sports schedules

Rams lose close ones at home

Baseball

March 30 – RFHS at Grand Valley, 4 p.m.

April 6 – Steamboat at RFHS, 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

April 8 – Basalt at RFHS, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.

April 11 – RFHS at Aspen, 4 p.m.

April 12 – RFHS at Rifle, 4 p.m.

April 18 – RFHS at Coal Ridge, 4 p.m.

April 19 – Aspen @ RFHS, 4 p.m.

April 22 – Cedaredge at RFHS, 11 a.m., 4 p.m.

April 25 – RFHS at Moffat, 4 p.m.

April 27 – RFHS at Glenwood, 4 p.m.

April 29 – RFHS at Olathe, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.

May 2 – Grand Valley at RFHS, 4 p.m.

May 4 – RFHS at Meeker, 4 p.m.

May 6 – Gunnison at RFHS, 11 a.m.

The Roaring Fork baseball and soccer squads played through cold drizzle and rain at home against Meeker and Coal Ridge respectively on March 28. Both teams came up a bit short, with the baseballers getting nipped 5-4 and soccer girls 1-0 in a 10-minute extra time.

Ralph Goode (a junior) led the Rams with three hits, followed by senior Hayden Bernot with two, and one each for Aldo Pinela, Eduardo Yanez, Ronnie Petatan and Jake Kelly. Roaring Fork falls to 0-4 on the season.

They travel to Parachute to face the Cardinals at 4 p.m. on March 30.

Track

April 1 – Mikey Dunn Invitational, Grand Junction, 9 a.m.

April 8 – Eagle Valley Invitational, Gypsum, 9 a.m.

April 15 – Glenwood Demon Invitaional, Glenwood Springs, 9 a.m.

April 21 – Coal Ridge Invitational, New Castle, 11 a.m.

April 28 – Montrose Invitational, Montrose, 9 a.m.

May 5-6 – 3A Western Slope League Meet, Grand Junction, 9 a.m.

May 12-13 – Tiger Invitational, Grand Junction, TBA May 18-20 – State Championships Lakewood, TBA

Roaring Fork and Coal Ridge battled each other to a 0-0 tie during regulation time, but the Bulldogs got the only point they needed with a goal by Alyssa Wenzel at the two-minute mark of extra time. Ram goalkeeper Odalis Corcuora kept her team in the game with several saves.

Roaring Fork’s next outing is a home game against Basalt on March 31. Shown here are Drew Broadhurst (above) and Lux Andrade (right). Photos by Lynn Burton

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 7

Sutey-Two Shoes swap clears IBLA hurdle

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on Monday announced that the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA), a panel of administrative judges within the BLM, had given the go-ahead to the controversial SuteyTwo Shoes land exchange deal, and that the deal had been signed and sealed that day.

The deal involves a swap of more than 1,200 acres of federal property at the base of Mount Sopris, which sits between two halves of the Two Shoes Ranch owned by Ohio billionaire Leslie Wexner, in return for the 557acre Sutey Ranch in the Red Hill area north of Carbondale and 112 acres of ground in the popular mountain biking area along Prince Creek Road south of Carbondale.

The deal also involves 201 acres of public property in Eagle County with what the BLM called “little public access,” which will now become private property.

Wexner and his wife, Abigail, have been pursuing the deal for roughly eight years, sometimes in the face of opposition from area land conservation interests who felt the public was not getting enough value out of the swap.

One such organization, Colorado Wild Public Lands (CWPL), took its opposition to the IBLA and earlier this year won a stay of the land trade while the IBLA considered the issues involved.

Franz Froelicher of CWPL said of the announcement, “It was not unexpected,” though he added that the dispute over the

The Sutey Ranch sits just over the second ridge in this view of Red Hill north of Carbondale. Much of the BLM land in the area hosts hiking and mountain biking trails, which some home will extend into the newly public property. Photo by Ecoflight land swap “may not be over.”

He did not elaborate, but said the organization would be reviewing its options in the near future.

The main question, for Froelicher, was how to keep working with federal land management officials in an effort to prevent future, similar land swaps in which wealthy private landowners seek to take ownership of adjacent public lands.

He noted that the Sutey-Two Shoes deal

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was initiated by the Wexners in a bid to gain land that was not on the BLM’s “disposal” list, which contains lands that are difficult to manage for a variety of reasons.

Plus, Froelicher said, his organization will continue to work against land swaps where they feel the public is getting less than the proper value for the trade.

“The idea is to try to get the appraisal process in front of somebody who knows what’s going on” and will investigate the

CWPL’s claims.

In the era of President Donald Trump, who appears willing to turn over public property to private entities, Froelicher said, “It’s not getting any easier” to find officials willing to listen to the group’s arguments.

One reason for that, he said, is that the disposal of public lands often happens out of the public eye and does not involve lands known to the public.

“The issue doesn’t come up because it (public property) is being given away piecemeal,” Froelicher maintained.

The Sutey-Two Shoes deal, according to a statement from the BLM office near Silt, also involves donations by the Wexners of $100,000 to the BLM, to be used to create a management plan for the Sutey Ranch, and $1 million to the Aspen Valley Land Trust for long-term management of the acquired, now public properties.

Davis Farrar, a principal of the Red Hill Council that oversees mountain biking and hiking uses in the Red Hill Recreation Area north of Carbondale, said the council hopes to be a partner in writing the management plan for Sutey Ranch, which is adjacent to Red Hill.

“I’m hoping it will take a year or less,” he said of that plan, which he expects to establish a balance between recreational uses and wildlife conservation.

Concerning the work of writing the plan, he said, “We’re hoping for a robust public process” that allows all interested parties to contribute their viewpoints.

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RFOV unveils 2017 project season with free pizza Season starts with C’dale boat project

By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer For some local nonprofits, it seems as if they’ve been around forever. Take Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV), which works with the Forest Service and other agencies to repair and build trails on public lands, and undertake projects that state and federal agencies can’t afford.

RFOV is marking its 22nd year of improving access to public lands through the work of volunteer crews. “We’ve accomplished quite a lot since our first project season in 1995, when we had only three projects and 105 volunteers,” said RFOV Director David Hamilton on the nonprofit’s website. “Since that small start we have engaged more than 21,283 volunteers on a broad range of trail and conservation projects from Rifle to Aspen.”

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers releases its 2017 project schedule and offers a sign up list with a pizza party at the Third Street Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 6.

“While you’re enjoying free pizza provided by White House pizza, learn about the nonprofit’s upcoming volunteer trail and conservation projects set for 2017. This is the perfect place to meet supporters and volunteers who have a similar desire to improve

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public lands through trail work and conservation projects,” said a RFOV press release.

Ten major projects are planned this summer for public lands from Aspen to Rifle, including weekday and weekend projects.

Volunteers will be working in breathtaking locations such as Capitol Lake Trail and the Hanging Lake/Spouting Rock trails. Among the variety of project options RFOV offers, volunteers can bring the kiddos out for a day of family volunteering alongside the Roaring Fork River in Carbondale, or you can venture out into the backcountry for a full weekend on Capitol Lake Trail. Dinners are provided with every project.

Based in Basalt, RFOV is dedicated to promoting the stewardship of public lands by engaging the community in volunteer trail work and other long-lasting conservation projects.

There are more than 1,000 miles of trails in the Roaring Fork Valley that need maintenance, according to the RFOV website.

“We pride ourselves on collaborating with other organizations to accomplish long-lasting trail and restoration projects,” it says.

This year’s schedule consists of: • Carbondale River put-ins, Carbondale, May 6. Volunteer to improve the heavily used boat ramp on the Roaring Fork River in Carbondale.

• Blue Ribbon Trail reroute, Red Hill, Carbondale, May 20. Help complete a reroute of this heavily used trail on Red Hill.

• Skyline Ridge Trail, Sky Mountain

In 2013, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers enlisted the help of Carbondale Middle School students to perform trail work near the Crystal River in River Valley Ranch. Working with local student volunteers is a big part of RFOV’s mission.

Sopris Sun file photo Park, Aspen/Snowmass Village, Tuesday evenings, June 6 and 13. Volunteers will work to reroute one of the last steep sections onto a sustainable grade.

• Prockter open space wetland, Aspen, July 8. Volunteers will help to create another thriving wetland in the heart of Aspen along the Roaring Fork River.

• Hunter Creek valley weed pull, Aspen, July 15. The thistle and houndstongue are out of control in the Hunter Creek valley. Volunteers will work to reach areas that have to be removed by hand.

• The Crown evening projects near Carbondale: Tuesday evenings, July 25 through Aug. 15. Help build new single-track trail for the Crown trail system. Locations will be announced.

• Capitol Lake Trail, south of Basalt, August 18-20, a three-day project with backpack camping. The project will reconstruct, repair and restore damaged sections of the trail two to six miles from the trailhead.

• Hanging Lake/Spouting Rock Trail, Glenwood Springs, Sept. 9-10. Volunteers will take on many tasks including installation of stone steps, sanding and staining benches, and restoring impacted areas. The trail will be closed to the public during the project.

• North of Colorow Trail, New Castle, Sept. 30. Volunteers will work to improve two user-created trails north of the Colorow Trail.

• Colorado River Trail, Rifle, Oct. 14.

Volunteers will build a new soft-surface trail as part of a new boat ramp and trail system on the south bank of the Colorado River.

To RSVP to the April 6 party or for more information, email rfov@sopris.net or call 927-8241.

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 9

Community Calendar THURSDAY March 30 AUTHOR SPEAKS • Colorado Rocky Mountain School (500 Holden Way) hosts author and explorer Craig Childs at 7:30 p.m. for “Homeland: Visions of the American Landscape.” The talk will touch on his off-the-map experiences from Utah to Florida to the ecological wastelands of Iowa.

ART SLIDES • Anderson Ranch Art Center’s spring artists-in-residence show off their artwork in five minute slideshows from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Art Base (99 Midland Spur, Basalt). Featured residents include Lucy Wood Baird, Tara Daly, Leah Dyjak, Derek Martin, Alexis Myre, Liza Mitrofanova and Anthony Renda.

KINDER OPEN HOUSE • Crystal River Elementary School (160 Snowmass Dr.) hosts an open house at 6 p.m. in advance of registration the following day.

BIRDWATCHING CLASS • Learn to recognize common Western Slope birds and draw them to your backyard from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Silt Branch Library (680 Home Ave.)The Community Education Network class is presented by Lisa Bracken.

FRIDAY March 31 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “A United Kingdom” (NR) at 7:30 p.m. Mar. 31-Apr. 6 except Apr. 2 showtime is 5 p.m.; “The Founder” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. Mar. 31; “20th Century Women” (R) at 5 p.m.

Apr. 5 and “Fences” (PG-13) at 4:45 p.m. on Apr. 6.

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday.

Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.

BENEFIT • Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) hosts a benefit for Alan Leslie, who is in need of a kidney. The Chris Klug Foundation will be present with food by Slow Groovin BBQ, live music by You Knew Me When and a silent auction. $20 donation at the door.

WATERCOLOR DEMO • The artists of Alaprima present a special “Know Your Artist, Know Your Art” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).

Learn tips and tricks and see examples of how they’ve integrated techniques such as wet-intowet, dry brush, masking, and salt texture effects into their work.

SATURDAY April 1 CONTRA DANCE • No partner necessary, all dances taught and called with lessons at 7 p.m. and dancing to live music from 7:30 to 10 at the Glenwood Masonic Lodge, (901 Colorado Avenue). $10 at the door, $8.00 students.

HEALTH FAIR • Valley View Hospital provides $45 blood screenings from 7 to 11 a.m. at Roaring Fork High School (2270 Highway 133). Adults only; non-diabetics should fast for 12 hours in advance.

MONDAY April 3 HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION • Free opportunities include…

• One-hour consultation about heart attack prevention, plant-based nutrition, other medical issues, call retired family doctor Greg Feinsinger, M.D. for appointment (379-5718).

• First Monday of every month catch a powerpoint presentation by Dr. Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition 7 to 8:30 p.m. board room Third Street Center (TSC) in Carbondale.

• Fourth Monday of every month, plant-based potluck 6:30 p.m. Calaway Room TSC. All events supported by Davi Nikent, Center for Human Flourishing. More information at www.davinikent.org.

DRUM DANCE • Carbondale Community School (1505 Satank Road) hosts an exhilarating dance class to live African drumming from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All ages and abilities welcome, $12 minimum per person to benefit the American Civil Liberties Union.

WEDNESDAY April 4 MEET MIKE • Learn about Mike Johnston, his values, his vision for Colorado, and why he’s running for Governor from 5 to 6:30 at the Third Street Center (520 South Third St.).

Further Out WEDNESDAY April 5 SPELLING BEE • The Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program presents an evening of CONVIVIAL, UNPRETENTIOUS, CLAMOROUS yet moderately COMPETITIVE Team spelling from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roaring Fork Beer Company (1941 Dolores Way). Get your team together and register today at azyep.org PANEL DISCUSSION • Sponsored by Wilderness Workshop and Earthjustice, a discussion of “Resistance” In the Courts & On the Ground” will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Mountain Chalet (33 E. Durant Ave., Aspen).

THURSDAY April 6 NEVER GIVE UP • The story of Minoru Yasui comes to the Carbondale Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 7 p.m. in the form of a film by Holly Yasui exploring how the son of Japanese immigrants became an Oregon attorney and challenged the removal and incarceration of those of similar ancestry during World War II. A $5 donation is requested by the sponsors, the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists and Davi Nikent.

CYCLING GROUP • Celebrate the formation of Roaring Fork Cycling, a new nonprofit planning mountain biking programs for youth, with an evening of food, drink and music at the Element hotel (721 E Valley Rd., Basalt). For more information, email roaringforkcycling@gmail.com or visit the organization’s Facebook page (@roaringforkcycling).

CALENDAR page 11

Spring Classes and Summer Camps

SPRING & SUMMER PROGRAMS:

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Rising Crane TRAINING CENTER 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017

Register Now RisingCrane.net 970.274.8473 Karen Bradshaw, Leadership Trainer & 5th Degree Black Belt

Community Calendar

continued from page 10

Further Out

FRIDAY APRIL 7

CLAY AND GLASS • The Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.) partners with Spiro Lyon Glass for its April exhibit featuring ollaborative work by four local clay artists (K Rhynus Cesark, Matthew Eames, David Goin and Giana Grossman) and four local glass artists (TJ Ossola, Robert Burch, Jacqueline Balderson and Jose Chardiet). It all kicks off from 6 to 8 p.m. with an opening reception at the Clay Center.

SPELLEBRATION • A night of outrageous costumes and spelling feats to beneďŹ t Literacy Outreach and the CMC Learning Labs.

Teams of three can spell their way to the top or at least nab a prize for their costume on the theme “‘Put Literacy Under the Big Top.�

Free admission for spectators from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on April 7 at the Hotel Colorado (526 Pine St., Glenwood).

SATURDAY APRIL 8 BIKE BLESSING • Make sure your bike is ready to take you wherever you need to go at the annual blessing of bicycles, 2 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S 3rd St.) Sponsored by the interfaith community of the valley, monies raised will go to Way of Compassion Bike Project, which makes sure anyone who needs a bike or needs a bike ďŹ xed up is helped.

MEET THE AUTHOR • Kids and teens will have a chance to connect with local Nicole Beinstein, who will read from her book “The Middle Worldâ€? at 2 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave). This novel, set in both historical and

Ongoing present day Redstone, follows twelve-yearold neighbors Rose and Kenai as they discover the mystery behind their once celebrated coal-mining town by communicating with local spirits. A ghost-story writing workshop will follow the reading. This program is free and open to the public. For more information call 970-963-2889.

ACLU Q&A • Colorado ACLU Director Nathan Woodliff-Stanley will speak about civil liberties and host a community question and answer session at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 7 p.m.

SPRING TEA • P.E.O. Chapter HC provides a variety of teas and delicacies 2 to 4 p.m. at the Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive). The fundraiser is $30 for adults and $15 for youth 12 and under and will help provide scholarships to local girls. For tickets or information, call 963-8465.

TEES TO TUXES • The Ross Montessori PTO presents “Celebrate the Night in Black and White,â€? a fundraising party with food, a silent auction and music by DJ RunningMan from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Aspen Glen Clubhouse. Tickets are $75; call 963-7199 for info.

SAT & SUN April 8-9 BALLET • Mark the start of spring with dance to “4 Seasons Variationsâ€? performed

by Coredination & Bonedale Ballet (455 S Third St.). Shows take place at 2 p.m. both days as well as 6:30 p.m. April 8. For tickets, call 379-2187 or visit bonedaleballet.com for more information.

COMMUNITY MEAL • Faith Lutheran Church (1340 Highway 133) hosts a free community meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the ďŹ rst and third Saturdays of the month.

Info: 510-5046 or faithcarbondale.com.

SUPER CHATS • RFSD Superintendent Rob Stein hosts coffee chats from 7 to 8 a.m. at BonďŹ re Coffee (in the Dinkel Building) on the second Tuesday of the month, at Saxy’s in Basalt on the ďŹ rst Tuesday, and River Blend in Glenwood Springs on the fourth Tuesday.

BLUEGRASS JAM • Bring the instrument of your choice or just your voice for a weekly jam session ďŹ rst and last Sundays at 6:30 at Steve’s Guitars (19 N 4th St.) and all other Sundays at the Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 6th St.).

YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE • Have you wanted to explore your legacy of living and the wisdom of your experience? Join a free facilitated workshop for writing your personal history, one story at a time, facilitated by Shelly Merriam, historian/writer/genealogist.

First and third Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Glenwood Springs Branch Library (815 Cooper Ave.) Info: 970 945-5958, gcpld.org.

ART ON DISPLAY • Carbondale painter Andy Taylor brings his colorful, gestural local landscapes to the at the Ann Korologos Gallery (211 Midland Ave., Basalt).

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS • GarďŹ eld County offers immunization clinics at the Carbondale Family Resource Center (in the Bridges Center at 400 Sopris Ave.) the second

and fourth Thursdays of the month (Oct. 27 this month). To schedule an appointment, call 945-6614, ext. 2030.

SENIOR MATTERS • The nonproďŹ t Senior Matters, based in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.), offers numerous programs for senior citizens, including: tai chi with John Norman at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday; tai chi with Marty Finklestein at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; Alaprima Painters at 11 a.m. on Thursdays; the Senior Matters Book Club at 4 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month; and the Roaring Fork Brain Train.

Info: seniormatters.org; Diane Johnson at 970-306-2587; and Senior Matters, Box 991, Carbondale CO, 81623.

SILENT MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The public is invited.

BRIDGE • The Carbondale Bridge Club hosts duplicate bridge (not sanctioned by ACBL) from 6:30 to 10 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Third Street Center. $6/per pair SENIOR RADIO • Diane Johnson talks about senior issues and services on KDNK at 4:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.

LUNCH • Crystal Meadows senior housing hosts a lunch followed by Bingo every Wednesday.

TOWN OF CARBONDALE Business Revolving Loan Fund ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Loans available for new or expanding businesses located within Carbondale town limits For more information: Go to www.carbondalegov.org and click on “Town Revolving Loan Fund� to find the complete application.

Questions? Email Randi Lowenthal at randi.lowenthal@gmail.com or call 970.989.8987

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 11

Carbondale Tree Board: A species unto itself (Editor’s note: This is part of a series on Carbondale’s advisory boards and commissions).

By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer Read early accounts of life in Carbondale, or look at photos from back then, and at least one feature stands out – trees were few and far between. “Carbondale was a sage brush plain (in the 1880’s),� Tree Board Chairman Dan Bullock told The Sopris Sun.�

According to published reports, one of the town folks’ ďŹ rst municipal projects was to plant trees, mostly Siberian elm, on their own property and also town property. The fast-growing tree, introduced to the U.S. by USDA employee Frank Meyer in the early part of the 20th century, quickly took root all around town and started shading homes and streets. After the success of Siberian elm, and watered by the town’s extensive irrigation ditch system, native sagebrush gave way to native tree plantings such as spruce, cottonwood and aspen.

Fast forward to the early 1990s, and Carbondale became a member of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program.

One requirement for becoming a Tree City USA member is a town “must delegate tree care decisions to a professional forester, city department, citizen-led tree board or some

combination,� according to the group’s website. The site continues: Involving residents and business owners creates wide awareness of what trees do for the community and provides broad support for better tree care.�

Carbondale retains its designation through the Tree Board and also town arborist/horticulturalist David Coon, who directs hands-on tree management programs and also attends the board’s monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month.

The Tree Board advises the trustees on various tree issues, reviews development plans, administers the Kay Brunnier Tree Fund, oversees planting on town property and rights-of-way, and more. The board is also charged with “abatement of nuisance trees on public and private property,� according to the town website (carbondalegov.org).

For the past few months, the board has been discussing the “V-cut elms� in Xcel and Holy Cross Energy easements around town. There are several such distinctively pruned trees in town, including near the intersection of Sopris Avenue and Second Street, and on Fourth Street near Colorado Avenue. The trees are located directly under power lines, which energy companies say are unsafe. “Trees that grow under the power lines

The Carbondale Tree Board will make a recommendation to the town trustees on the “V-cut� elm trees under Xcel and Holy Cross power lines. The companies say they prune the trees for safety reasons. Photo by Lynn Burton are the greatest threat to reliable electric service,� says the Holy Cross website. We require a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from our facilities.�

Coon said the V-cut trees issue is “a complex thing.� Cost, public relations and drafting a tree replacement plan are all part of the board’s ongoing discussion on the issue. “There’s a lot to consider,� he said. In any case, V-cut pruning can continue for only so long because it affects the tree’s structure and balance. “There’s the

potential for a lot of breakage,� Coon continued. He said he expects the Tree Board to make a recommendation to the trustees in a month or two.

Bullock’s take on trees Bullock, who lives across the street from Sopris Park and can view some town plantings from his porch, said he has an interest in trees “in a town setting.� He said the urban tree programs are “a long term deal.�

TREE BOARD page 14

Carbondale Police Department – Administrative Assistant position A highly motivated individual who will enjoy working in a TEAM / Community Policing environment.

UFDIOJDBM BOE QSPHSBNNBUJD EVUJFT r 4BMBSZ SBOHF UP %02 JODMVEJOH Ă TDBM BENJOJTUSBUJWF BOE r &YDFMMFOU CFOFĂ U QBDLBHF PQFSBUJPOBM SFQPSUT r 4QBOJTI TQFBLJOH JT B CPOVT r 1SPĂ DJFODZ JO .JDSPTPGU 0GĂ DF BOE BCJMJUZ UP r %FQBSUNFOU 3FQSFTFOUBUJWF MJBJTPO XJUI 5PXO TUBGG EFQBSUNFOUT BOE MFBSO B OVNCFS PG PUIFS TPGUXBSF QSPHSBNT PVUTJEF BHFODJFT r 8PSLT VOEFS EJSFDUJPO PG $IJFG PG 1PMJDF PS EFTJHOFF r "QQMJDBOUT NVTU DPNQMFUF CBDLHSPVOE r 3FTQPOTJCMF GPS B WBSJFUZ PG DPOĂ EFOUJBM DIFDLT ESVH UFTU QPMZHSBQI UFTU BOE DPNQMFY BENJOJTUSBUJWF Ă OBODJBM JOUFHSJUZ UFTU Send application, resume and references to Carbondale Police Department, 511 Colorado Ave., #911, Carbondale, CO 81623 or to Lt. Chris Wurtsmith, cwurtsmith@carbondaleco.net. Deadline is April 7, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

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Diminutive domiciles by any other name

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer In Carbondale they are called “micro-units� rather than their more common designation as “tiny houses,� and there are some key differences in how local governments view the growing national phenomenon of ultra-small houses, compared to the viewpoints of other jurisdictions.

For example, in Carbondale if the tiny house is perched on wheels it can only be located in an RV Park. But if it is built on a permanent foundation and can be hooked up to the town’s water and sewer systems it can be located in a more traditional residential subdivision, according to Chief Planner Janet Buck.

Still, Buck said, the basic idea behind Carbondale’s tiny-house rules is the same as was recently endorsed by the Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The BOCC, on March 20, approved an amendment to the county’s land-use codes to permit homes smaller than 20-feet by 20-feet, the former minimum house size allowed.

That minimum, according to county planner David Pesnichak, was adopted in the 1970s “primarily to quell the proliferation of single-wide trailers in the county to help preserve home and property values.�

The BOCC’s rule change specifically was intended to allow for development of tiny houses in the unincorporated areas of Garfield County. Making discussion of the underlying idea just a bit more confusing than it was previously, though, the county refers to them as “efficiency housing.�

According to a press release penned by the county’s communications ofďŹ ce, the homes generally are “typically less than 500 square feet in sizeâ€? and “have grown in popularity in recent years by people who seek a cheaper and simpler optionâ€? for their living spaces.

The county gives the average home size in the U.S. as about 2,600 square feet, and according to Pesnichak the average home contains more than 17,000 board-feet of lumber and 16,000 square feet of “additional wood products,� and costs nearly $360,000 to build.

A tiny house, however, typically uses up only 1,400 board feet of lumber and 1,275 square feet of other wood products, Pesnichak informed the BOCC, and a 200 square-foot tiny house “can cost as little as $35,000.�

He wrote in a memo to the board that the most common tiny houses range from 200 to 1,000 square feet in size, and Buck noted that “municipalities around the country are wrestling with how to deal with tiny homes.�

The concept of “micro-units,â€? as it once was laid out in Carbondale’s land-use code, allowed for a minimum oor area of 400 square feet for a studio apartment in the high-density residential zoning category, according to Buck.

From there, the code used to permit a one-bedroom unit at 620 square feet; a two-bedroom at 750 square feet,

This crew moves some ooring for a tiny house recording studio that they was erected on the vacant lot on Fourth and Main Streets during last year's Colorado Creative Summit in Carbondale. Photo by Jane Bachrach

a three-bedroom at 1,000 square feet and a four-bedroom at 1,250 square feet.

The recently-adopted UniďŹ ed Development Code, however, does not contain minimum square-footage requirements for the overall units.

But a micro-unit must meet the town’s building-code requirements for certain minimum room sizes, in addition to the requirement for a permanent foundation and utility hookups.

And it can be either a freestanding home on its own lot, she said, or it can be an “accessory dwelling unit� that shares a lot with a larger home for the property owner.

In some circumstances, Buck said, an ADU can get its development permits administratively, rather than having to be placed on agendas for meetings of the planning and zoning commission and the board of trustees.

“I think the town has opened the door for tiny houses, as long as it’s on a foundation and meets the building code,� Buck said, though there have yet to be any applications for micro-unit construction permits.

She noted, however, that the county’s recent decision to allow efďŹ ciency houses does not have any effect on Carbondale’s codes or its plans to continue pursuing the use of micro-units in town.

Among other things, Buck said, the current growing popularity of tiny houses may have historic connections. She noted – Janet Buck that proliferation of tiny houses would be somewhat similar to the predominance of small houses in mountain towns back in the late 1800s, such as the once-popular “kit houses� sold by the Sears mail-order catalogues and built in numerous towns around the Western Slope.

“Municipalities around the country are wrestling with how to deal with tiny homes.�

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 13

Highways, sidewalks and burning planes From the archives of the Roaring Fork Valley Journal March 31, 1977 Colorado Highway Department district engineer Richard Prosence told the Journal that he was asking for $1 million to expand parts of Highway 82 to four lanes. The project was waiting on an environmental assessment by the federal government. There were also some concerns about proposed routes that might potentially wipe out the El Jebel ranch house, the Mather Building at Emma and the old Harris stage road near Basalt. “The last time we had situations like these‌ it took 14 months to get it cleared through Washington,â€?

Prosence said.

April 2, 1987 The Town of Basalt commended those who had rescued a man from his burning aircraft when it crashed in Holland Hills two weeks before. “Let it be known to everyone that’s what saved my life,� Federal Express pilot Greg Dunham reportedly told Police Chief Larry Johnson when the idea of special recognition was proposed.

In the presentation, Johnson noted that he had seen many people turn a blind eye rather than risk their own safety under such circumstances, but that

the collective act of heroism had reinvigorated his faith in humanity.

April 3, 1997 Carbondale’s Gordon Cooper Branch Library entered the internet age with access to MARMOT, an online database of collections around the country. The system had already been well received in New Castle, and with numerous other libraries on the Western Slope using it, the move was anticipated to greatly increase the interlibrary loan rate. Ech branch started with two computer terminals, but had the option of adding more for $2,500 each.

April 5, 2007 A series of improvements were planned to create safer routes to school for local kids. New paths were proposed along Capitol Avenue, Eighth Street, Snowmass Avenue, and Highway 133. At the time, walking and biking to school had declined to about 10 or 15 percent of students nationally, compared to 60 or 70 percent for their parents. – Compiled by Will Grandbois

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Tree board om page 12 He recently talked to a Denver arborist who planted a burr oak 15 years ago, and it will be another 40 years before it reaches “oh, wow� status. Locally, Bullock points to trees planted 20 years ago on Melissa Lane in Hendrick Park, and in Hendrick and Sopris parks that are starting to come of age.

The Kay Brunier Tree Fund is part of the town’s tree planting program. The fund provides 50/50 matching grants to individuals and businesses who wish to sponsor a tree on town property. “There (are) opportunities for trees planted in remembrance of a loved one and also the honoring of a person, family, school graduation or other special event, but anyone can sponsor the planting of a tree,â€? said the town website. Said Bullock, “We’ve planted more than 80 trees from the fund ‌ that’s amazing for a town the size of Carbondale.â€?

Bullock said the tree board made a “big differenceâ€? in the recent landscaping on Highway 133. One of the board’s guiding principals is to limit any one tree species to 10 percent of the town-owned urban forest. The main reason for the 10 percent ďŹ gure is to limit damage due to infestations such as the ash bore. “It (the ash board) hasn’t raised its ugly head here, but it is in Denver and Boulder.â€?

Bullock said serving on the tree board is a lot of fun. “The board, the town and public works are doing a great job. ‌ We’re really fortunate to have David Coon ‌ he’s considerate and has great tree knowledge.â€?

One thing Bullock would like to see in the future are “tree walks� in the spring, summer and fall.

There are four other tree board members besides Bullock: Gabe Riley, Jo Anne Teeple, Kim Bock and Shaun Rourke. “We can use two more members,� Bullock said. For application details, go to carbondalegov.org.

Old Carbondale bus barn closes its doors

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Writer On the morning after spring break, four school buses leave the venerable bus barn on Third Street in Carbondale, but don’t return.

The maintenance crew and a handful of drivers have spent the last week moving all the old tools and parts up to a new facility near El Jebel. In a few months, Roaring Fork School District hopes to have the old building torn down, the soil sampled and mitigated as needed, and a new teacher housing complex under construction on the site.

For now, it stands empty except for a few eccentricities: a ribbon of an old mural that must have escaped being painted over behind a pillar, a goofy face under the dust shadow of a clock, an arrow with “gum scrapers” scrawled on the wall.

The Carbondale bus routes – #48 to Marble, #40 to Missouri Height and #7 and #39 in town proper – will operate alongside Basalt buses out of the new space, which is where they all ended up on March 27.

Transportation Director Jared Rains is there to direct them. A 1994 Roaring Fork High School grad, Rains remembers taking some sort of shop class in the old barn back in middle school.

He started out as paraprofessional and driver for the district, and his current role reminds him in some ways of his time as a tank officer.

“Everything comes down to logistics,” he laughs. “I’ve just got little kids instead of Marines.”

He’s used to all the standard question about bus systems.

Why no seat belts? Because it’s nearly impossible to design them for kids of all sizes who may or may not use them correctly. Instead, they’re designed to cushion passengers in between seats in an impact, “like an egg crate”.

“These vehicles are some of the safest forms of transportation on the planet,” he says.

That factors into his 5 a.m. decisions on whether to call a snow day, along with the feedback from his crew, which runs the gamut from retirees to computer techs to cooks – folks with the flexibility to take on an awkward part time split shift.

“It’s really our people that keep these kids safe,” he notes. “There’s nowhere else you put 70 kids in a room without a task, turn your back on them for an hour and expect it to work out.”

Currently, about a third of the student body takes the bus on a given day, a figure Rains wouldn’t mind seeing increase. With sports and field trips, however, pretty much everyone buses at least once a year.

“We’ve got a lot of people’s lives in our hands,” longtime mechanic Ryan Carlson says. “That’s something we think about all the time.”

According to Carlson – call him the bus doctor – the long rural routes have some maintenance advantages but can also be a real pain.

For every day that a bus breaks down in Marble and everyone has to scramble, though, there are dozens of smooth ones.

“One thing I like about this shop is the view out my front door,” he says. “A lot of our drivers have a lot of memories here, but you can always make new ones.”

Kaytie Kagerer, a relatively new addition to the team, is pleased with the new facility.

“We’re pretty excited to be part of this century,” she said. “Being able to have three and sometimes four bays available to work on buses will be great.”

“There is a lot more happening behind the scenes than I think people realize,” she added. “I know the drivers will notice. We’ll be able to get to the little things quicker. I don’t know that the students will see it, except that the buses might be cleaner.”

A line of buses savored their final days in Carbondale before the move to a new location near El Jebel – which also has a view of Sopris – at the end of March. Photo by Will Grandbois

Unclassifieds Submit to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by Friday 12 p.m. Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. Payment due before publication.*

HELP WANTED: Town of Carbondale Temporary / Seasonal Parks Maintenance Positions. $16/ hr. Applications at Town Hall or online www.carbondalegov.org.

Contact-Russell Sissom, Parks Supervisor at 510-1327 rsissom@carbondaleco.net.

Far from taking the week off, the RFSD pit crew spent their spring break moving everything out of the old bus facility on Third Street.

Photo by Will Grandbois The new facility boasts a drive-over pit and “the biggest car wash in the Valley,” and is a near twin to the upgraded bus barn in Glenwood.

There’s some griping on day one as the crew tries to find their files, hook up the coffee maker and arrange rides back to Carbondale, but it doesn’t last long.

“We were pretty resistant,” admits driver Tara Volpe. “It’s a longer drive for us now, but it’s something you just gotta get used to. Once we get into the swing of it, it’s gonna be good.”

“We’ve got it all here; we just have to figure out where it goes,” Rains agrees. “It’ll be good to give these guys the space they need.

They’re absolutely fantastic facilities.”

HELP WANTED: Town of Carbondale Seasonal Vegetation Management Worker. $16 /hr. Applications at Town Hall or online www.carbondalegov.org. ContactDavid Coon, Town Arborist at 510-1331 dcoon@carbondaleco.net.

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2017 • 15

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