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Mountain Village Waives Fees to Incentivize Deed-Restricted Housing Projects

Words by Bill Kight / Development, Housing

The Town of Mountain Village is taking significant measures to incentivize new deed-restricted construction and to encourage maintenance and improvements to existing deed-restricted units.

In its monthly October meeting, the Town of Mountain Village Town Council unanimously voted to waive all planning, development and building permit fees for deed-restricted housing units effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Michelle Haynes, planning and development services director states, “Planning and building permit activity for deed-restricted housing has been minimal compared to free market activity over the past few years.”

“Telluride Ski and Golf last opened 30 apartments in the Meadows called Meadow View Apartments in 2017, and there is one deed-restricted detached condominium in the Boulders currently in design review,” Haynes continued. “As the Town of Mountain Village has 539 built deed-restricted units, the largest number in the region, we continue to explore ways to advocate for affordable housing.”

By waiving town fees, the town aims to encourage owners of deed-restricted units to maintain existing units and offer greater financial incentive to construct deed-restricted units on remaining deed restricted properties.

“The Town had some current incentives in place such as waiving the road impact fee and reduced water and sewer tap fees,” Haynes said. “However, after a review of the existing fee schedule, Haynes stated, “we felt we could do more, and the Town Council unanimously supported this direction.”

For example, a free market building permit with a $1 million valuation would cost approximately$45,000 for the building permit plus $10,000 for the water and sewer tap fees and $3,500  for the design review application. The same permit for a deed-restricted property would cost only $4,000 for the building permit, which is the cost of county taxes, $5,000 for the water and sewer tap fee and no fee for design review.

“The only fee we cannot waive are taxes paid to the county,” stated Haynes, “which constitutes the $4,000 permit fee for a deed-restricted property. By incentivizing, the town hopes to see new construction, remodels, maintenance, and repair.” Haynes said.

For program information, please contact Planning and Development Services Director, Michelle Haynes by email [email protected], by phone (970) 239.4061 or by visiting townofmountainvillage.com/building-development.

Mountain Village Farm to Community Program Delivers 4,500 Pounds of Locally Grown Food to Community Members

Farm to Community Program

Words by Zoe Dohnal / Community, Environment

The Town of Mountain Village’s Farm to Community Incentive Program surpassed expectations in its inaugural year by delivering over 4,500 pounds of locally grown food and produce to community participants. Developed by Michelle Haynes, planning and development services director as a “climate action plan implementation measure,” the Mountain Village Green Team Committee unanimously supported the program along with the Town Council.

38 income qualified Mountain Village residents took part in a 14-week local farm share food program with an outcome exceeding the program’s goal of providing nine weeks of low-cost, high nutrient foods all while lowering carbon emissions by delivering a regionally grown food. Furthermore, the program gave a unique opportunity for Mountain Village residents to interact with local farmers, encouraging the use of new foods and recipes, and minimizing the time and distance for food shopping.

“I am so grateful for this program,” said one program participant, Melissa Touhly. “I’m a single mom with two daughters, and they started taking fresh salads to school because they loved the produce and the story of where the food sourced.”

Heather Knox shared similar sentiments by adding, “my two girls, ages 12 & 14, and I ate many more vegetables and fruits than I would normally purchase. It was fun introducing new vegetables that I had not ever seen, and figuring out how to cook them, or following the recipes included with the weekly bounty. I also really enjoyed getting to know ‘Farmer Sam’, with the Fresh Food Hub.”

The Town has approved an expanded program for 2019 with participating farms Mountain Roots Produce based in Mancos, Colorado and the F.R.E.S.H Food Hub, a community-run food co-op based in Norwood, Colorado. F.R.E.S.H Food Hub purchases food from local farms and producers such as Indian Ridge Farm and Bakery, Buckhorn Gardens, Birdhouse Farm, Laid Back Ranch, South River Aquaponics, and many more small-scale producers on the western slope.

2019 program applications are available February 1 for Mountain Village residents living in deed-restricted housing or meet the annual household income qualifications.

Furthermore, the town hopes to reduce their carbon footprint further and support the regional economy by developing a residential Community-supported agriculture (CSA) pick-up and a Town-led employee CSA wellness program.

Planning and Development Services Director, Michelle Haynes explains, “The Town of Mountain Village offers a wellness program benefit to employees that can be used in place of the purchase of a ski pass. The town agreed that participation in a CSA meets the wellness criteria. We hope to place a request for proposal this winter to work with a local farm in exchange for providing CSA shares to employees through the town’s wellness program this next summer.”

Haynes goes on to say, “with the success of the Farm to community program and positive farm presence at the Market on the Plaza this past summer, we hope that we can reach a critical mass of CSA share participation so that shares can also be delivered to the Mountain Village for residents and take advantage of the delivery route for wholesale distribution to local restaurants.”  “Supporting the local economy and taking advantage of our local food sources is important to a resilient and healthy community.”

For program information, please contact Zoe Dohnal by email by phone (970) 728-8236 or by visiting townofmountainvillage.com/farm-to-community.

October Mayor’s Minute

Mayors Minute

Words by Laila Benitez / Mayor's Minute, Uncategorized

Hello neighbors,

Below are some Town Council meeting highlights from last month and some upcoming topics. As always, I hope you can join us for tomorrow’s meeting or consider sharing your feedback with us about any of these matters.

  • On October 10, Town Council convened a Special Town Council meeting focused on the 2019 budget where council members reviewed the details of each department’s budget, received the Grant Committee’s recommendations, and discussed upcoming capital improvement projects. Stay tuned for a more in-depth email dedicated solely to the 2019 budget.

September 20 Meeting Highlights

  • Town Council approved a Telluride Bluegrass Festival agreement increasing the cost of festival parking from $40,000 annually to approximately $120,000 annually. The five-year agreement will ultimately generate $600,000 in town revenue earmarked for future Gondola Parking Garage enhancements, after costs for additional support services. The Bluegrass Festival remains the only event to which the town extends an on-street parking privilege.
  • Town Council held a worksession to review the first draft of the 2019 budget. The following key capital expenditures were reviewed and are still under consideration:o    Village Court Apartments estimated 45+ unit expansion
    o    Broadband system fiber capacity upgrades (1G Project)
    o    Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity upgrades
    o    Ski Ranches Water System ongoing infrastructure replacements
    o    Trail improvements within Mountain Village
    o    Village Pond restoration
    o    Completion of wayfinding improvements
    o    Consulting for a possible expansion of the Conference Center
  • Town Council directed town staff to initiate revocation of the Lots 126R and 152R (commonly known as “Rosewood) PUD. The proposed PUD revocation will remove all approvals for mass and scale, previously granted variances, building design, and certain other approvals granted by the expired PUD. Once revocation is completed, any future project on these lots will need a new application and review.
  • We approved a resolution opposing Colorado Amendment 74, a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution, which seeks to amend the state constitution to include compensation for any government law or basic local land-use decisions such as zoning or liquor licenses, which might result in a reduction of fair market value of a landowner’s property. This proposed amendment contains expansive language that could result in significant costs to local taxpayers.
  • We reviewed the results of the recently completed Internet Technology Needs Assessment Report by Executech. In the coming year, we will be making changes and upgrades to our IT infrastructure based on this review.
  • Lastly, we received reports from AECOM, and the Town Hall and Village Center Subarea Committees.

If you would like more specifics about any of these topics, you can review minutes from the meeting or watch the video on the town website.

October 18 Agenda Topics

  • On September 23, 2018, Mountain Village lost a dear friend and neighbor with the sudden death of local business (Tracks) owner, Jeff Jurecki. Jeff was an active member of our community, helping his neighbors with generosity and thoughtfulness, and bringing the community together for gatherings at the Meadows Playground. On Thursday, we will consider renaming the playground as the Jeff Jurecki Memorial Playground.
  • Town Council will consider a proposal by the Green Team and the Ecology Commission to pass an ordinance banning single-use plastics.
  • We will review an ordinance regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) within town limits.
  • Town Council will discuss supporting the development and renovation of workforce housing by reducing and/or waiving building fees in the existing Planning and Building Department Fee Schedule.
  • We will discuss whether the Community Development Code requirement that major development applications be in “General Conformance” with the Comprehensive Plan is too vague and could hinder implementation of the Comprehensive Plan as the term lacks clarity. Town Council will consider whether an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which gives more guidance and certainty as to what “General Conformance” means would be helpful.
  • AECOM and the Village Center Subarea Committee recently came up with expedited workplan recommendations for Town Council to consider. The following seven items were identified as low-hanging fruit to be addressed by December 31, 2018:o    Improve Wi-Fi Speed and Connectivity in the Village Center
    o    Regulate Trash and Delivery Service Routes & Times in the Village Center
    o    Utilize Drop-Off at Blue Mesa Building to its Full Potential
    o    Explore Installation of “Pop-Up” Businesses in Heritage Plaza
    o    Install Lighting for Safety Improvements in Village Center
    o    Explore Open Container/Common Consumption Approach
  • Finally, the Telluride Conference Center, Telluride Ski and Golf, and the Town Hall and Village Center Subarea Committees will provide updates.

A full agenda has been posted on our website; we welcome your input and hope to see you at the meeting.

Warm regards,

Laila Benitez
Mountain Village Mayor

Coffee with a Cop

Coffee with a Cop Blog

Words by Bill Kight / Uncategorized

Join the Mountain Village Police Department for Coffee with a Cop, a free event to meet our local officers and discuss community issues over a cup of coffee.

The event takes place October 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Starbucks in Mountain Village’s Heritage Plaza.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Mountain Village. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

For more event information, contact Mountain Village Police Department by email, (970) 728-9281, and visit our event page on Facebook.

September Mayor’s Minute

Mayors Minute

Words by Laila Benitez / Mayor's Minute

Hello neighbors,

Below are some Town Council meeting highlights from last month and some upcoming topics. As always, I hope you can join us for tomorrow’s meeting or consider sharing your feedback with us about any of these matters.

August 16 Meeting Highlights

  • Town Council held a worksession to further discuss a request from Telluride Bluegrass Festival for continued use of the Gondola Parking Garage and on-street parking for their four-day event. Town Council recognizes the economic significance of the festival but again expressed that the residential impacts must be better addressed and mitigated. Council directed staff to draft and negotiate an agreement which will include updated terms to be presented and considered at this month’s Town Council meeting.
  • Since the Town’s inception, Telluride Ski and Golf (TSG) has provided the town with various licenses, easements, and other conveyances that have been necessary for our town’s growth and development. Last month, Town Council discussed drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the town and TSG acknowledging these public benefits as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan. This month, Town Council will consider this MOU. Note: the town cannot assign any weight or value to these benefits at this time. The value of public benefits can only be made in conjunction with future land use application(s).
  • Public Works Director Finn Kjome provided our monthly update on our current drought status and water restrictions. Additionally, Police Chief Chris Broady provided an update about our current wildfire risk and ongoing fire restrictions, which were lifted this month.
  • Jon Dwight was reappointed as your residential representative to the Telluride Regional Airport Authority (TRAA) Board.
  • Lastly, we received reports from Telluride Tourism Board, TRAA, Green Team Committee, and the Town Hall and Village Center Subarea Committees.

If you would like more specifics about any of these topics, you can review minutes from the meeting or watch the video on the town website.

September 20 Agenda Topics

  • Town Council will consider a new, proposed agreement with the Telluride Bluegrass Festival calling for an increase in the cost of festival parking from $40,000 annually to approximately $120,000 annually. The proposed five-year agreement would ultimately generate $600,000 in town revenue. This additional revenue would be earmarked for future Gondola Parking Garage enhancements, after costs for additional support services. If approved, the Bluegrass Festival will be the only festival or event to which the town extends an on-street parking privilege.
  • Town Council will hold a worksession to review the first draft of the 2019 budget. A few of the key capital expenditures being considered include:o    Village Court Apartments estimated 38-unit expansion
    o    Broadband system fiber capacity upgrades (1G Project)
    o    Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity upgrades
    o    Mountain Village Boulevard relocation and roundabout
    o    Ski Ranches Water System ongoing infrastructure replacements
    o    Town Hall emergency power generator
    o    Trail improvements within Mountain Village
    o    Village Pond restoration
    o    Completion of wayfinding improvements
    o    Consulting for a possible expansion of the Conference Center
  • Earlier this year, the owner of Lots 126R and 152R (commonly known as “Rosewood”) and the town entered into a Standstill Agreement requiring the owner to submit a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) application by September 14, 2018. Since the time of the Standstill Agreement, the property has changed hands and the new owner will not be moving forward with a project of the previously approved size and scale. The Standstill Agreement has been terminated and the town can now act to revoke the existing PUD approvals. Tomorrow, Town Council will consider giving direction to town staff asking them to initiate revocation of the PUD. The proposed PUD revocation would remove all approvals for mass and scale, variances granted, building design, and certain other approvals granted by the existing PUD. Once revocation occurs, any future project on these lots will need a new application and review.
  • We will consider a resolution opposing Colorado Amendment 74, a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution, which seeks to amend the state constitution to include compensation for any government law or basic local land-use decisions such as zoning or liquor licenses, which might result in a reduction of fair market value of a landowner’s property. This proposed amendment contains expansive language that could result in significant costs to local taxpayers
  • Amy Levek will introduce the Trust for Community Housing, a new local nonprofit focused on helping the region meet its affordable housing needs.
  • Council will review the results of the recently completed Internet Technology Needs Assessment Report by Executech.
  • Lastly, we will receive reports from AECOM, and the Town Hall and Village Center Subarea Committees.

A full agenda has been posted on our website; we welcome your input and hope to see you at the meeting.

Warm regards,

Laila Benitez
Mountain Village Mayor

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival kicks off in Mountain Village’s Sunset Plaza for the Sunset Blues Concert

Words by Special Contributor / Event

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival kicks off in Mountain Village’s Sunset Plaza for the Sunset Blues Concert featuring Dragondeer and The Bones of J.R. Jones on Thursday, September 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event — a short and scenic gondola ride away from the Town of Telluride — is free and open to the public.

Having Denver’s Dragondeer kick off the Main Stage festivities is the best reminder that this is a blues-loving festival. Their first, full-length album, If You’ve Got the Blues, was released earlier this year and captures perfectly the band’s focused, passionate live energy. Recorded in Topanga Canyon in California, the record reflects the band’s belief that we’re all in this together. “It’s about sticking by your loved ones and being there for ’em when they need it; rising up your tribe,” said Eric Halborg, Dragondeer’s lead vocalist, guitarist and harp player. Halborg’s smoking harmonica runs and blues-perfect vocals pair up well with Cole Rudy’s stinging pedal steel work. Drummer Carl Sorensen and bassist Casey Sidwell drive Dragondeer like it’s a Rolls Royce with a psychedelic paint job. Careening from deep Mississippi blues to far-out jams, this is a band with chops, attitude and the swagger it takes to get this party started.

The Bones of J.R. Jones, “Jonathon Linaberry” is a one-man band from upstate New York that will get into your very bones. His music is an earthy blend of blues, soul and Americana and he plays every single instrument you hear. It can make for a solitary existence, playing and touring solo as he does. But the music is irresistibly engaging. It’s a sound that is gritty and moody and filled with confidence and swagger. It may bring to mind the stripped down, beefy blues of early Black Keys. His voice is rich and dark and his playing is at once focused and loose. On Jonathon’s latest record, Ones To Keep Close, he recruits other musicians with whom to work, resulting in a must-have collection of songs that are powerful, introspective and downright rocking. Now get your bones to the Blues Stage and shake ‘em.

Both artist sets are scheduled to highlight the scenic sunset backdrop from the lawn in the Mountain Village Sunset Plaza. The Town of Mountain Village’s Entertainment District allows a fluid social atmosphere where alcoholic beverages purchased from associated restaurants can be taken into the Common Consumption Area and enjoyed during the concert. The free event will take place rain or shine.

Supporting sponsors are The Town of Mountain Village, Telluride Ski Resort, Sierra Nevada Brewing, SBG Productions, and the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association (TMVOA).

For a full schedule of events or to purchase tickets to the Blues & Brews festival, visit TellurideBlues.com.

About Festival Transportation & Parking

The towns of Mountain Village and Telluride are connected by a three-stage gondola system starting at Market Plaza in Mountain Village and ending in Telluride at Oak Street Plaza. It takes about 12 minutes to get from one town to the other. During the festival weekend, gondola operating hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and until 1 a.m. Sunday. Long lines are possible during peak times. In addition, Dial-A-Ride will remain open 30 minutes longer than the gondola all three nights and the festival transportation partner, Telluride Express, has a fleet of customizable transport options available.

Due to the large number of parked vehicles during the festival weekend, the Town of Mountain Village has set aside specific parking spaces for its businesses and residents. Mountain Village residents who have procured a parking permit can park in the Market Plaza Parking lot. 26 spaces located along the rock wall are designated for permit holders and are available on a first-come, first-served basis; overnight parking is not allowed. Resident parking permits are also valid in the North Village Center lot; overnight parking is not allowed.

Individuals without parking permits must park their vehicles where directed by parking staff. Free parking in the Gondola Parking Garage will begin Thursday, September 13 at noon and end Monday, September 17 at noon. Other parking options include the North Village Center pay-to-park surface lot; overnight parking is not allowed. Short-term parking will be available for those doing business in Mountain Village; times will be enforced. Alternatively, for those shopping, dining or recreating in Mountain Village, we encourage the utilization of Heritage Parking Garage, located off Mountain Village Boulevard across from Hotel Madeline. Parking costs $2 for each hour until exit, $35 maximum in a 24-hour period.

Fire Restrictions Lifted for Town of Mountain Village and San Miguel County

Fire Ban Lifted

Words by Bill Kight / Emergency Preparedness

In conjunction with unincorporated San Miguel County, the Town of Mountain Village has lifted all Fire Restrictions on Wednesday, September 5 due to recent rainfall and decreased fire danger across the county.

“Town officials are pleased to lift restrictions and want to thank our community members and guests for their patience and diligence during this unusually dry season and ask to please be fire safe, said Marketing & Business Development Director, Bill Kight.”

For information on current conditions, future town restrictions for the Town of Mountain Village, and emergency preparedness information, please visit https://townofmountainvillage.com/current-conditions

Stay informed and connect with Mountain Village:

Other useful information to stay informed and receive updates and emergency notifications are as follows:

Thanks to our Partners and Participants for the Inaugural Mountain Village Community Clean-Up Day

Words by Zoe Dohnal / Community, Environment, Event

The Mountain Village Community Cleanup Day and Celebration was a great success!! 

We had 100 participants and four truckloads of trash!

Thank you for all who came out to celebrate the beauty of where we live and taking steps to keep it that way.

The Mountain Village Green Team would like to thank our Partners:

Telluride Trappings & Toggery
Telluride Sports
The Market at Mountain Village
Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors
Babies of the Bush African Wildlife Arts & Gifts
Telluride Brewing Company
Poachers Pub
Tracks Cafe & Bar
Town of Mountain Village Owners Association
Telluride Ski & Golf

Mountain Village Boosts Internet Speeds for Broadband Customers

Broadband Blog

Words by Bill Kight / Community, Utilities

Mountain Village Broadband customers will be able to take advantage of new speed increases in their internet service packages, at no extra cost. Broadband Services Director, Steve LeHane said that it would be increasing the speeds of its Internet service packages for customers in Mountain Village with download speeds increasing up to 65 percent for some customers.

Eligible customers will see significant changes in their service depending on their package. Choice Customers with 12Mbps Internet download speeds are being upped to 20Mbps; Entertainment Internet subscribers who currently have 20Mbps are going to 30Mbps, and Ultimate subscribers are being upgraded to 50Mbps.

New service changes are now in effect. If you continue to experience previous speeds at this point, please contact us for help at (970) 369-0555 or by email.

For questions on your service or to order new or upgraded service, please contact the Mountain Village Broadband Department at (970) 369-0555 and email or by visiting townofmountainvillage.com/internet.

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