August 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. July 19 Meeting Highlights

• After months of direct negotiation between principal-designated representatives, in April Town Council approved a term sheet regarding settlement of the 161C-R and Ridge at Telluride litigation. Per the terms of the settlement, the Ridge Development is submitted an Alternative Parking Requirements Application requesting a reduction in the required parking to one parking space per condominium unit from the two parking spaces required by the Community Development Code. Town Council unanimously voted to approve the request for reduced parking contingent on the final ratification of the settlement agreement by all parties.
• The town’s Wildfire Mitigation Incentive and Cedar Shake Incentive Programs were created to support our property owners’ efforts to lower the wildfire risk on their land. Town Council moved to contract out the required site walk and tree-marking services to West Region Wildfire Council. For more information about participating in these programs, please contact the .
• Public Works Director Finn Kjome provided the monthly update on our current drought status and water restrictions. Monthly water updates will continue until restrictions are lifted. Additionally, Police Chief Chris Broady provided an update about our current wildfire risk and ongoing fire restrictions.
• Angela Pashayan was reappointed to the Ethics Commission and Jonathan Greenspan was reappointed to the Community Grant Committee. Thank you to all the residents who volunteered to serve on these boards. Our community is very fortunate to have such engaged and generous members.
• Lastly, we received reports from EcoAction Partners, Telluride Ski & Golf, 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. August 16 Agenda Topics

• Telluride Bluegrass Festival is requesting the continued use of on-street parking for their four-day event. When Town Council discussed this request last November, we recognized the economic significance of the festival but expressed that the residential impacts must be better addressed and mitigated. After months of discussion, a new proposed agreement was outlined calling for a 150% increase in the cost of parking, approximately $100,000 in town revenue annually. If Town Council approves the proposed five-year agreement, the Bluegrass Festival will be the only festival or event to which the town extends an on-street parking privilege. The additional revenue would be earmarked for future Gondola Parking Garage upgrades.
• Over the years, Telluride Ski and Golf (TSG) has provided the town with various licenses, easements, and other conveyances that have been necessary as our town has grown and developed. TSG has asked the town to acknowledge this assistance as “Public Benefits”, as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan. Town Council will consider whether to formally acknowledge these public benefits in a Memorandum of Understanding. 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 any future land use applications.
• Town Council will appoint a residential representative to the Telluride Regional Airport Authority (TRAA) Board.
• Lastly, we will receive reports from Telluride Tourism Board, TRAA, Green Team Committee, 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