City council meets to discuss droughts and business updates

Tuesday’s meeting of the Gunnison City Council made way for a lot of discussion and created pathways for a project to solicit bids for construction.

Leora Wallace, the executive director of the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce spoke on behalf of the chamber and its partners regarding the new liquor license holding rules, specifically that the regulations require additional training for those serving alcohol. The rules were set in place to protect independent retailers, but have only created more restrictions for a local economy that relies heavily on the labor of college students and seasonal workers. The annual costs from business to business are projected to range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, and business owners are worried it will begin to affect hiring, she said. According to Wallace, some businesses have suggested that alternate plans be adopted, and that adding this layer of regulation was not necessary. 

In other action:

• The council approved Luna Bakery’s request to incorporate outdoor seating.
• Discussion regarding the drought contingency plan shed light on just how dry Gunnison is this year and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports lead experts to believe that this is going to continue at least into early summer. 

Wildfire season is set to peak around June in the valley and most of the Western Slope, but fire restrictions should begin soon. A number of Facebook posts have been made in the valley noting runners and cyclists who have come across embers left alone at campsites, which worries officials and community members. Multiple locals have called into the sheriff and fire chief requesting restrictions be put in place as soon as possible. 

• Parks and Recreation Director Dan Vollendorf approached council to request for authorization to solicit bids for an update to Bowman Park. The plan is to xeriscape the land, making it self-sustaining and eliminating the need to water or mow. The decrease in water consumption couldn’t come at a better time for the city. 
• Chamber director Wallace closed out the meeting discussing lodging in Gunnison, a vital part of our economy. The chamber would like to commission a public lodging market study to analyze demand, competition, trends and the role of short-term rentals in relation to existing hotels. 
• City Clerk Erica Boucher reminded the council that this Saturday is Hartman Rock’s Spring Cleanup.