Gunnison County Colorado

"Gunnison County cherishes its sense of community and place. We strive to preserve and promote the well-being of the County's citizens, natural environment and rural character. We will deliver services and set standards that reflect our values and preserve our unique quality of life for present and future generations to enjoy."

-- Gunnison County Vision Statement

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6/19/2013 PRESS RELEASE: GUNNISON COUNTY IMPLEMENTS STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS; Restrictions to Take Place at 12:01 am on June 24, 2013

Yesterday, following the recommendation by local officials, the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners executed Resolution #2013-13, a Resolution Implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions, as of 12:01 am on Monday, June 24, 2013. Local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service (FS) offices have agreed to implement these restrictions at the same time in a coordinated effort that officials hope will decrease the possibility for confusion. In person to provide the recommendation to the Board were Gunnison County Sheriff Rick Besecker, Gunnison County Emergency Manager Scott Morrill, Fire Marshall Dennis Spritzer, US Forest Service Fire Management Officer Pat Medina and BLM Gunnison Field Manager Brian St. George.

Upon implementation and until further notice, fire restrictions for all of unincorporated Gunnison County shall be as follows:

1. Open fires, including agricultural burning, wood or charcoal fires, and the burning of trash or debris.
2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire outside of designated, developed campgrounds. Exception: campfires are permitted in developed, designated campgrounds and recreation areas in permanent constructed fire grates.
3. Use of fireworks or explosives.
4. Smoking outdoors, unless in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren and has been cleared of all flammable material.
5. EXCEPT THAT the following activities are permitted: cooking on manufactured charcoal, liquid fuel and propane grills; campfires with flame length not exceeding two feet in height in pre-fabricated concrete/metal fire enclosures in established campgrounds (USFS, NPS and privately owned); prefabricated concrete/metal fire enclosures on private property.
6. AND EXCEPT THAT the Rotary Club of Gunnison 4th of July fireworks display, and the 3rd/4th of July Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte professional fireworks displays shall be allowed unless further restricted by the Board.

Click here to view the resolution in its entirety. For more information, please contact the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 641-1113.

6/19/2013 PRESS RELEASE: GUNNISON COUNTY DISCONTINUES AERIAL MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM; Resources to be Redirected to Ground Control Efforts

In response to environmental concerns related to the County’s use of aerial applications to control the mosquito population, and after evaluating the recommendations from a group of local stakeholders, Gunnison County leaders have decided to discontinue the aerial mosquito control spraying for this summer.

Concerns have been raised about unintended negative impacts occurring, especially after the aerial spraying in 2012. Around that same timeframe, the County received reports of two fatalities in the Montrose area as a result of the West Nile Virus which is carried by the Culex variety of mosquitoes. 30% of the mosquitoes trapped in the Gunnison County program in 2012 were of the Culex variety, so County leaders wanted to make sure that any change in the program would not increase the risk of West Nile infections in people. So the County began discussions with its wildlife biologist and mosquito control contractor about how to best mitigate negative impacts of the program while still protecting human health.

Ultimately, a decision was reached to redirect the resources that would go into the aerial spraying to increase efforts on the ground with more applications of larvicide for killing mosquito larvae and ground spraying for adults. The redirection of efforts to the ground and away from aerial spraying should allow for a more targeted and flexible program throughout the summer. The County and its contractor, Colorado Mosquito Control believe that they will be able to more effectively respond to specific events where people are congregated and other problem areas. “We hope to balance efficacy with ecological concerns with this new direction for the program,” said Matthew Birnie, Gunnison County Manager. “Colorado Mosquito Control has collaborated with the County on this, and necessary steps have been taken to ensure a successful season. Some mosquitoes should be expected, though we will work with anyone interested to ensure that they have a safe summer,” said Chris Kruthaupt, Colorado Mosquito Control Manager.

Spraying for the current season has begun and will continue until field surveillance data indicates that it is safe to stop, which is customarily around mid-to-late August. Citizens will continue to have the ability to opt-out of having their property sprayed at any time. To report a problem area or to opt out, citizens should contact Colorado Mosquito Control at (970) 641-4249.

For more details, please contact County Manager Birnie at mbirnie@gunnisoncounty.org.

6/7/2013 PRESS RELEASE: GUNNISON COUNTY ADOPTS REVISED STRATEGIC PLAN; Strategies Outlined Regarding Infrastructure, Environment, Community and Service

On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners adopted a revised Gunnison County Strategic Plan to provide focused direction to staff regarding desired results.  The plan, originally adopted in May 2008 with later revisions in 2009 and 2011, outlines strategies to:  1) Ensure Sound Infrastructure; 2) Protect the Environment; 3) Promote Prosperous, Collaborative and Healthy Communities; and 4) Deliver High Quality Services.  Download the County Strategic Plan. County Manager Matthew Birnie stated, “This cornerstone of our Managing for Results efforts has proven to be extremely effective at focusing our energy and resources through clear prioritization.  It is the organization’s North Star and allows us to consistently deliver the identified Strategic Results.  What the Commissioners put in their Strategic Plan gets done.”

Gunnison County leaders held a retreat in February to begin the process of updating the strategic plan, which included the removal of the many Strategic Results that had been achieved since the last update.  Upon consideration of current and upcoming challenges or opportunities anticipated within our communities, the County added strategic results that address the Gunnison Sage-grouse, economic development, air and ground transportation, natural gas and geothermal development, adolescent alcohol and substance abuse, senior citizens, and employee performance.  “Juvenile Services is excited to gain exposure for our prevention arm, GCSAPP, in the County’s Strategic Plan.  Having substance use prevention for youth identified as a Board of County Commissioner’s priority and elevated to this level acknowledges the work that our community coalition has done over the past eight years and the commitment to health our community is taking.  This is just one great example of how incredibly supportive and invested our community is in the health and wellbeing of our youth,” said Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project Director Matthew Kuehlhorn.

This strategic approach to management has proven successful to the County.  The Administration Department received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget award for its 2011 and 2012 budgets.  As well, the Colorado Association of County Administrators presented County Manager Birnie with the Administrator of the Year Award in 2011.

6/3/2013 PRESS RELEASE: NEW COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR HIRED FROM SNOWMASS; Will Also Serve as the Assistant County Manager for Community and Economic Development

After interviewing a talented round of six finalists for the County Community Development Director position, county leaders have chosen Russ Forrest to be the new Director of Community Development. Forrest comes to Gunnison County from previous positions as the Town Manager for the Town of Snowmass Village where he has been since 2007 and before that as the Community Development Director for Vail, CO.

County leaders have also taken this opportunity to restructure this position so Forrest will also serve as the Assistant County Manager for Community and Economic Development responsible for coordinating the services of the Community Development Department, Geographic Information Services Department and the Wildlife Program. He will also take the lead in managing the County’s economic development activities. “As a seasoned Town Manager, Russ presented us with a unique skill set that will allow us to improve coordination of several of our services and to increase our focus on economic development. As a result, the Commissioners and I decided to seize the opportunity that Russ presented and to expand the position and its responsibilities,” says County Manager Matthew Birnie.

County Commissioner Paula Swenson adds, “Russ's skill set is going to afford us the opportunity to grow our economic development efforts as well as strengthening our community development department. It will be very beneficial to our community for the county to have the ability to assist in growing our economy and to have a person that can help in coordinating efforts. I am excited about this new path for the county.”

Forrest will assume his new duties with Gunnison County later this summer. “I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to work for Gunnison County as the Assistant County Manager for Economic and Community Development. Gunnison is clearly a progressive County as an organization with incredible leadership. It is also located in one of the most beautiful regions of the Rocky Mountains where my family has enjoyed spending time over the last 20 years. I am particularly looking forward to developing a lasting and meaningful relationship with the citizens of Gunnison County,” says Forrest about his new position and moving to the Gunnison Valley.

5/30/2013 PRESS RELEASE: GUNNISON COUNTY HIRES NEW AIRPORT MANAGER; Richard Lamport Scheduled to Assume Position on 8/1/2013

Gunnison County has hired Richard Lamport to serve as the new Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport Manager, effective 8/1/2013. Richard will come to Gunnison County with over 35 years of international and domestic civil/military experience in all aspects of aviation involving airline operations, air traffic control, flying, and the administration, management and operation of airports. "We are thrilled to have someone with Rick's extensive background in commercial airport operations, the airline industry, and general aviation joining our team. Rick is a very accomplished aviation professional and will be a tremendous asset to the Gunnison Crested-Butte Regional Airport, the County organization, and the broader community. We look forward to benefitting from his contributions," said Gunnison County Manager Matthew Birnie.

Over the course of the last 25 years while employed by AvPORTS, Richard gained extensive aviation experience working in the Sultanate of Oman, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe and several US locations, including San Bernardino International Airport in San Bernardino County, CA, the largest county in the US. Richard has served in many capacities during his career, including Airport Manager to four regional non-hub/small-hub Part 139-certificated airports. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of General Aviation Airports for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation where he was responsible for enforcing the policies and governance in the operation of the five state-owned General Aviation Airports and associated Fixed Base Operators (FBO), negotiating joint use of the airports with government and US military organizations, and managing the pricing policies and structures for the sale of aviation fuels necessary for the financial success of the airports and FBOs. After extensive travel, Richard is now looking forward to managing the strategic development, progression and growth of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, and he readily accepts the challenge of attracting aviation commerce and enthusiasts to Gunnison County, a location known for safety and aircraft-performance concerns due to factors such as high elevations and adverse weather conditions.

Originally from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Richard attended the Rhodesian Air Force Academy and served as a pilot in the Rhodesian Air Force. Richard and Sue (his wife) are excited to relocate to Colorado, their most desired place to live, and Richard is eager to develop and nurture long-term professional relationships within the community and the County organization. Using clear and regular communication to define his expectations, Richard has provided leadership and mentorship to his team members who have, in turn, performed exceptionally well. As Richard explains, “Earning that same high level of professional trust from my team members is a hallmark of my professional career, and I have achieved it by rolling up my sleeves and getting involved in day-to-day operations with staff, including demanding snow-removal operations, night and weekend flying activities and exercises, and by frequently and accurately consulting with airport officials and stakeholders to ensure that their goals were met. I have always achieved a high level of confidence within all departments of both the company and client, by knowing my operations from the ground up. The critical combination of personal technical expertise and a thorough knowledge of the operation in question promote trust and respect with airport staff and co-workers, the community and all associated entities essential to the success of an airport and an airport manager.”

For more details, please contact County Manager Birnie at mbirnie@gunnisoncounty.org or Assistant to the County Manager Katherine Haase at (970) 641-7601 khaase@gunnisoncounty.org.

TAYLOR RIVER ROAD CLOSURES

Taylor River Road from just past the Almont Post Office to the 2 mile marker will be closed for road construction effective May 28, 2013. All through traffic will be detoured over Jack’s Cabin Cutoff which is 5 miles north of Almont. All businesses in the Taylor Canyon are open. Late spring snows have brought additional moisture, so get ready to raft this spring and summer. Fishing is reported to be great!

For additional information please call Gunnison County Public Works at 970-641-0044.

Notice of Seasonal Gunnison County, BLM and USFS Road Closures

Gunnison County, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) temporarily closed a number of roads to all motor vehicles to protect Gunnison Sage-grouse during their mating season and to prevent road damage during wet spring conditions. These roads were closed March 15. County and BLM roads will reopen on May 15, 2013 unless it is necessary to extend a closure to prevent resource damage. USFS roads on Flat Top Mountain north of Ohio Creek and west of Hwy 135 will reopen June 15.

The closures aid in the conservation of the Gunnison Sage-grouse and may assist in reducing impacts on residents and visitors of the Gunnison Basin from the proposed Federal listing of the grouse under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

We thank the public for your cooperation. The closures, primarily for the benefit of Gunnison Sage-grouse, provided a much needed respite from human activities for this unique species during a critical part of its life-cycle. The closures also helped limit resource damage during the muddy season.

For additional information call Gunnison County Public Works at 641-0044; the Gunnison County Wildlife Conservation Coordinator at 641-7600; BLM at 642-4940; or the USFS at 641-0471.

Comments by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Gunnison, Colorado; Endangered Status for Gunnison Sage-grouse; Proposed Rule; Docket No: FWS-R6-ES-2012-0108; 4500030113,78 Fed. Reg. 8, 2486 (January 11, 2013); and Designation of Critical Habitat for Gunnison Sage-grouse; Proposed Rule; Docket No: FWS-R6-ES-2011-0111;4500030114, 78 Fed. Reg. 8, 2540 (January 11, 2013)

On April 2, 2013, the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners submitted formal comments (link below) to the US Fish & Wildlife Service relative to the proposed listing of the Gunnison Sage-grouse as endangered.

• April 2, 2013 Letter of Opposition, Cover Letter (pdf)
• April 2, 2013 Letter of Opposition, Appendices (single pdf)
• April 2, 2013 Letter of Opposition, Appendices (pdf portfolio)

Gunnison County Courthouse Project

Gunnison County is in the planning process for rebuilding the Courthouse located at 200 E. Virginia. The structure as it currently stands needs major overhauling to address security and access shortcomings, replace failing building systems, and comply with modern building codes. After a thorough needs assessment (click here to view/download the assesment document), planning is underway to move forward with “Option 4” which will remove and rebuild the existing Courthouse complex with the exception of the original 1881 2-story Courthouse. That original section is proposed to be restored and refurbished based on its original design and will serve as an historic lobby entrance. In order to maintain security throughout the building, there will only be one unrestricted public entrance. The new building will include a full basement containing secure parking, the County morgue and storage. Also included will be 3 complete courtrooms which will meet security requirements to ensure the safety of the public, court staff, jurors and prisoners.

Visit www.YourGunnisonCounty.com to submit your ideas about this project!

3/14/2013 News Release: Gunnison County Unveils New Online Hub for Community Engagement - Public Encouraged to Sign On and Submit Ideas!

Gunnison County today launched a new online portal to enhance community engagement. The new portal is called YourGunnisonCounty. The site is moderated by county staff and elected officials and will provide a better way for county government to listen to community priorities. Through one easy-to-use interface residents can offer ideas, vote on the ideas, or provide feedback on current county projects and initiatives.

Within a few clicks, residents can easily offer suggestions on how to improve the way the county does business. Users can suggest a new service, a service improvement, a policy change or provide other recommendations through the site. It also allows them to conveniently participate in online discussion forums and surveys sponsored by the county. For instance, members of the community can weigh in on a discussion about the Gunnison County Courthouse Project, the Gunnison Sage Grouse Listing or they can comment on issues related to the Gunnison/Crested Butte Regional Airport. The ideas and other feedback contributed on this website goes directly to policy makers and departmental leadership within the county.

“We are excited about this new way to solicit citizen feedback with this new community engagement hub and strongly encourage residents of the county to use it,” County Manager Matthew Birnie said. “I am proud that Gunnison County is leveraging its technological prowess on behalf of a citizen engagement strategy that reflects the strong tradition of public participation in our community.”

“We want to hear from Gunnison County residents whether they have five months to serve on a task force or five minutes to log on,” said Molly Mugglestone Communications Consultant for the county. “This site will make our community engagement process more accessible and ensure we are doing all we can to solicit input from the entire community – not just those who can attend in-person meetings.”

The new service is powered through a platform called CivicIdeas™, created by Granicus, Inc. a San Francisco-based company. The platform is specifically designed to help government agencies gather meaningful and measurable feedback from the public. Currently, Granicus provides transparency and community collaboration solutions to more than 1,000 local, state, and federal government agencies across the U.S. and Canada.

"Gunnison County has revolutionized their citizen engagement by creating a responsive and accessible way for the public to share individual ideas about improving their community,” said Tom Spengler, CEO and co-founder of Granicus. “Beyond that, they've engaged citizens with each other to discuss, refine and improve these ideas. This is what real American democracy is supposed to look like."

About Granicus. Granicus, Inc. is the award-winning cloud platform provider for government transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation. Its solutions are designed specifically to help public agencies establish meaningful connections with their community online, over social networks, and mobile devices while reducing operational costs.

Contacts:

Gunnison County:
Molly Mugglestone- Communications Consultant, molly@mdmpublicaffairs.com, 970-275-8909
Matthew Birnie- County Manager, mbirnie@gunnisoncounty.org, 970-641-0248
Granicus Contact: Lauren Alexander, Director of Corporate Communications, lauren@granicus.com, 415-357-3618 x1788

3/5/2013 US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE; Extension of Public Comment Period for Proposed Listing of Gunnison Sage-grouse under Endangered Species Act

On March 3, 2013, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) granted a three-week extension of the public comment period until April 2, 2013. There will be another opportunity to comment during the 30-day comment period for the Economic Analysis for proposed critical habitat, which the USFWS anticipates will occur in May. Comments on all aspects of both rules will be accepted during this second comment period.

In response to requests for the USFWS to hold public hearings on the proposed rules, the USFWS has agreed to schedule public hearings to occur during the second public comment period, anticipated to occur in May. Dates and times for the public hearings will be released at a later date.

Click here to view the 3/6/13 USFWS news release.

1/28/2013 NEWS RELEASE - GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO. Gunnison County “Extreme Website Makeover” Winner; Chosen as 1 of 12 Grand Prize Winners Across the U.S. and Canada.

Gunnison County is pleased to announce that it is a grand winner of CivicPlus’ 2012 “Extreme Website Makeover” contest. The county will receive a free Premium CivicPlus website to increase communication and engagement between the local government and citizens.

There were 161 finalists in the CivicPlus 2012 contest. In total, there were 12 grand prize winners (one for each region); 11 in the US and one in British Columbia. Our region consists of nine states (ND, SD, NB, CO, MT, WY, AZ, NV and NM).

The contest encourages cities and governments to submit reasons for their need for a local government website redesign. Throughout the contest, the county and community members have participated in a digital engagement survey, with citizens also voting through social media for the county to receive a new website.

As a winner of the “Extreme Website Makeover” contest, Gunnison County will receive a free Premium CivicPlus website including custom design and full development. In addition, CivicPlus will provide three days training at no cost with two years of annual fees waived.

"We are very excited at this opportunity to take our website to the next level for our community. This new website, combined with many of our other efforts, will allow us to increase accessibility to services and information for our customers and enable citizens to engage more fully with their local government," says County Manager Matthew Birnie.

The current county website will maintain its simplicity and interactivity while in the redesign process. The current site will still be operational until the new re-designed site is ready to launch.

Gunnison County staff and commissioners are looking forward to a website that will continue to enhance its community engagement and communication. For more information about the award please contact Katherine Haase: 970-641-7601 or khaase@gunnisoncounty.org. Click here to download this press release (pdf format).

1/10/2013 NEWS RELEASE - US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Listing Gunnison Sage-Grouse Under Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it is taking the next steps in a process to protect the Gunnison sage-grouse as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. After an extensive review conducted in compliance with a court approved settlement agreement, the agency found that current scientific evidence suggests that the Gunnison sage-grouse is in danger of extinction.

As a result, the Service will open a 60-day public comment period and host a series of public meetings in order to seek new information from the public and the scientific community before making a final listing determination. It is important to note that today’s action is only a proposal and does not represent any final decision. Regardless of whether the species is ultimately added to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, the Service will continue working with agencies and landowners to facilitate ongoing and future efforts to advance its conservation and long-term recovery.

“We applaud the combined efforts of our many agency and local partners, as well as private landowners across the species’ range, for their efforts to address the significant challenges faced by the Gunnison sage-grouse,” said Noreen Walsh, regional director of the Service’s Mountain-Prairie Region. “In particular, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has worked diligently to conserve habitat through easements and conservation agreements with landowners. Continuation of these efforts will be essential for the recovery of the species, and we look forward to receiving additional scientific and technical information about the species from our partners and the public before making a final decision.”

The Gunnison sage-grouse is a large, ground-nesting bird known for elaborate courtship displays on its breeding grounds. It is a close relative of the larger greater sage-grouse. The booming calls of male sage-grouse have long been associated with the arrival of spring on the sagebrush steppe of the West. The Gunnison sage-grouse now occupies only approximately seven percent of its historic range. Approximately 5,000 breeding birds remain in sagebrush and adjacent meadow and streamside habitats in and around the Gunnison Basin in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah.

State conservation agencies, in partnership with federal agencies, are working on landscape-level, voluntary conservation planning effort to conserve Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. Thanks to collaborative conservation efforts, the largest remaining Gunnison sage-grouse population has remained relatively stable over the past 12 years. However, work remains to stabilize the other six remaining populations and to address threats throughout the bird’s range, particularly habitat fragmentation resulting from increased development activity.

Under the Endangered Species Act, the Service is required to also propose potential critical habitat. In accordance with that requirement, today the Service has proposed 1.7 million acres of critical habitat. Specifying the habitat essential for the conservation of the species, as required by law, helps federal agencies identify where to focus their efforts to benefit the species. Earlier this year, the President directed that any future designations of critical habitat carefully consider all public comments on relevant science and economic impact, including those that suggest methods for minimizing regulatory burdens. If the listing is finalized, any potential critical habitat designation will include a full analysis of economic impact, including impact on jobs, and will strive, to the extent permitted by law, to avoid unnecessary burdens and costs on states, tribes, localities, and the private sector.

Finalizing the listing and any potential critical habitat designation would not necessarily result in any restrictions on human activities. Only if an activity required federal actions, funding or permitting would the agency in question need to work with the Service to avoid, reduce or mitigate potential impacts to the species or its habitat should it be listed.

The Service committed to publishing the proposed listing and proposed critical habitat for the Gunnison sage-grouse in Fiscal Year 2012 through a settlement agreement with WildEarth Guardians and the Center for Biological Diversity. On August 17, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia modified the agreement to extend the deadline for submission of the proposal to the Federal Register to December 30, 2012, and following that granted an additional extension to January 7, 2013.

The Service is requesting input from the public before making final listing and critical habitat decisions. Comments on each proposed rule, both of which will publish concurrently in the Federal Register on January 11, 2013, must be received within 60 days, on or before March 12, 2013. In addition to submitting comments, the public is encouraged to attend a series of informal meetings to be held in January and February 2013. In coordination with Gunnison sage-grouse Local Working Groups, meetings will likely occur in Gunnison, Colorado; Montrose or Delta, Colorado; and Cortez, Colorado or Monticello, Utah and will be advertised at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/.

For more information about the Gunnison sage-grouse and copies of each proposal, visit the Service’s web site at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/birds/gunnisonsagegrouse.

The Endangered Species Act provides an important safety net for America’s native fish, wildlife, and plants. This landmark conservation law has prevented the extinction of hundreds of imperiled species across the nation and promoted the recovery of many others. The Service is working to actively engage conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species. To learn more about the Endangered Species Program, visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our Twitter feed, watch our YouTube channel and view our Flickr photo stream.

Contact: Steve Segin, 303-236-4578, robert_segin@fws.gov. To download a PDF printout of this news release, click here.

Responsible Budgeting by the County Leads to Third Year of National Award

Gunnison County was once again given the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2012 budget. The County has received this award two years in a row (as well as in 1991), demonstrating a commitment to managing the public’s money in a responsible manner. The award represents a significant achievement, and it reflects the commitment of Gunnison County and its staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

To receive the award budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four GFOA categories, and the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, which Gunnison County achieved. Gunnison County has also incorporated the criteria for the award into their Strategic Plan by aiming annually to reach 26 of the 27 GFOA Budget Excellence Award categories, per peer review. This internal guarantee by the County to always aim to reach the highest national criteria shows a long-term commitment to budgeting excellence. “We have been able to reach our own budgeting goals as well as receive this national award due to the Board of County Commissioners and directors’ leadership in revamping our budgeting process as well as their perseverance over the last four years to change the culture around the process. By connecting our budgeting decisions directly to achieving customer satisfaction throughout all County departments we are starting to see performance-based budget decisions having an impact on our ability to meet our customers’ needs,” says Finance Director Linda Nienhueser.

Gunnison County has undertaken a major performance-based budgeting process as outlined in the Administration Department’s Strategic Business Plan as well as the overall Gunnison County Strategic Plan (adopted by the Board of County Commissioners), which the County feels has led to the achievements recognized by GFOA. Using the Managing for Results model, the County has committed to clearly identifying desired results, aligning resources to achieve those results, and creating a budget designed to clearly reflect departmental strategic business plans including key performance measures that show progress toward the desired results. This means that decisions made about the budget are tied to the performance of the organization and are focused on achieving specific results. A key component is a pledge to always aim for high customer satisfaction which reflects a commitment to transparency and responsible use of the public’s money. “The transformation of our budget process and document through implementation of Budgeting for Results makes it very clear what results the taxpayers are buying for their money, what those results cost, and the inclusion of performance information shows progress toward achieving those results. This approach is much more transparent and informative than traditional government budgets and the GFOA award is a strong endorsement of our efforts to improve the accessibility and usefulness of the County budget document,” says County Manager Matthew Birnie.

According to the GFOA, the entities that receive this award have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by Gunnison County. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association based in Chicago serving over 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

For more information please contact Gunnison County Finance Director Linda Nienhueser at lnienhueser@gunnisoncounty.org or 641-7622.

Regional Emergency Notifications

To register your Voice over IP (VoIP) or Wireless Telephones, please click here to go to the Intrado Target Notification System (TNS) and fill out the registration form. Each number provided will be added to the regional emergency database to receive voice notifications when your address is impacted by a disaster or emergency. Each number can only be associated with one address in the system.

Volunteers Sought for Assistance with Future Gunnison County Emergency Evacuations and Disasters

Due to the current threat of wildfires within Gunnison County and the generous outpouring of support from our communities, the Emergency Management office is collecting volunteer information relative to resources that may be volunteered during a local disaster.  Having this information available before a disaster strikes will allow County staff to more efficiently serve those in need during an event.  To volunteer any resources (below are some suggestions), please email your name, phone number, a description of the resources that you are willing to donate, and a location of those resources to khaase@gunnisoncounty.org, or call (970) 641-7601. Persons volunteering to provide resources may opt out at any time, and all specific requests will be honored.

• Animals – boarding, supplies, food, etc.
• People – lodging, food, water, supplies, money, etc.
• Medical – supplies, money, etc.
• Equipment – tractors, trailers, water tanks, etc.
• Transportation – evacuees, household items, food and water delivery, etc.
• Donation Storage & Management – locations to be used to store donations, security of donations, donation management, etc.

NOTICE OF GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE REGIONAL AIRPORT (GUC) Proposal to Amend Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Application #5 and Submit New Impose and Use PFC Application #6

This notice serves as the public notice that the Gunnison County Board of Commissioners, Colorado intends to submit to the FAA an amendment request for approved PFC application No. 09-05-C-00-GUC and a new “Impose and Use” PFC application no. 6.PFC application no. 5 was acknowledged by the FAA on September 23, 2009. The proposed amendment changes to application no. 5 are:

• Correction of cost for project no. 2, Install Airport Beacon – Original PFC cost of $1,706 changed to $1,456. Correction due to final quantities and unit prices vs. estimated quantities and unit prices at time of application.
• Correction of cost for project no. 3, Rehabilitate Commercial Service Apron – Original PFC cost of $39,949 changed to $186,050. Correction due to final quantities and unit prices vs. estimated quantities and unit prices at time of application and funding a portion of the project with a CDOT grant which required a higher local match percentage than planned at the time of the application.
• Deletion of project no. 4, Expand General Aviation Apron – Original PFC cost of $43,638 not incurred. The timing for developing this area has changed since submitting the application. Demand for additional apron has diminished during the past three years.
• Deletion of project no. 5, Rehabilitate General Aviation Apron – Original PFC cost of $20,250 not incurred. Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds have not been available to support an overlay with asphalt concrete. The apron has been preserved with maintenance projects.
• Deletion of project no. 6, Acquire ARFF Vehicle – Original PFC cost of $26,316 not incurred. AIP funds have not been available to support acquisition of a replacement vehicle.
• Deletion of project no. 7, Update Airport Layout Plan (ALP) – Original PFC cost of $6,579 not incurred. AIP funds have not been available to support update of the ALP and slow growth in aviation activity has reduced the urgency to reevaluate plans.
• Correction of cost for project no. 8, Acquire SRE Vehicles - Original PFC cost of $230,000 increased to $285,000. Current cost estimates for the front end loader with ramp plow are higher than previously planned. Specifications are currently being developed. A smaller skid steer machine is also being deleted from the project.
• Correction of total estimated PFC cost for application no. 5 from $396,438 to $500,506.
• Correction of estimated charge-expiration date from April 1, 2019 to May 1, 2020.

The proposed projects for the new “impose and use,” PFC application no. 6 are described below:

1. Update Wildlife Hazard Assessment and Plan
   
   This project is the sponsor share of an approved Airport Improvement Program (AIP) project. The project will study the wildlife hazard potential on and near GUC and develop a plan with mitigation measures to reduce the risk.
   
   Anticipated project start date: July 1, 2014
   Anticipated completion: January 1, 2015
   Estimated project cost: $55,556
   PFC Application Amount: $2,778
   
   
2. Construct Restroom Facilities in Airport Terminal
   
   This project will provide restrooms in the secure area of the airport terminal. The project will be entirely funded using PFC funds.
   
   Anticipated project start date: July 1, 2012
   Anticipated completion: November 1, 2012
   Estimated project cost $20,000
   PFC Application Amount $20,000
   
   
3. Construct Fire Escape in Airport Terminal
   
   The current emergency route to exit the secure area of the terminal is through the jet bridge. Evacuations result in passengers being on the terminal apron. This project will construct a new emergency exit with passengers exiting on the landside of the terminal building. Both safety and security will be improved with this new exit. The project will be entirely funded using PFC funds.
   
   Anticipated project start date: July 1, 2012
   Anticipated completion: November 1, 2012
   Estimated project cost: $35,000
   PFC Application Amount: $35,000
   
   
4. Install Fire Suppression Sprinkler System in Airport Terminal
   
   This project is necessary to meet current fire codes. The project will be entirely funded using PFC funds.
   
   Anticipated project start date: October 1, 2012
   Anticipated completion: December 1, 2012
   Estimated project cost: $155,000
   PFC Application Amount: $155,000
   
   
5. Replace Airport Terminal Roof
   
   The existing roof is approximately 30 years old and is in need of replacement. The project will be entirely funded using PFC funds.
   
   Anticipated project start date: August 1, 2012
   Anticipated completion: October 1, 2012
   Estimated project cost: $190,000
   PFC Application Amount: $190,000
   
   
6. Rehabilitate Runway 6/24, Taxiway A System, and General Aviation Apron Areas (Pavement Maintenance)
   
   This project is the sponsor share of a planned AIP project to fog seal and remark airfield asphalt concrete pavements. The project is needed to extend the pavement life.
   
   Anticipated project start date: August 1, 2012
   Anticipated completion: September 1, 2012
   Estimated project cost: $833,333
   PFC amount: $41,667
   
   
7. PFC Administration
   
   This project consists of professional services and miscellaneous administrative activities necessary to develop the PFC application.
   
   Anticipated project start date: April 1, 2012
   Anticipated completion: September 1, 2012
   Estimated project cost: $8,000
   PFC amount: $8,000

The airport is currently charging the maximum allowable PFC amount of $4.50 per enplaned passenger and plans to continue collecting this amount for the projects listed above. The proposed charge effective date is May 1, 2020. The estimated expiration date is January 1, 2023. The estimated PFC revenue for application no. 6 is $452,445.In accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation 49 CFR Part 158 comments are being accepted until August 1, 2012. Comments may be mailed to GUC at 519 West Rio Grande, Gunnison, CO 81230 or emailed to JDevore@gunnisoncounty.org

Gunnison Conservation District Grant Program for Control of Scentless Chamomile

Please visit the Gunnison Conservation District's website for additional information on this grant program available to private land owners in the East River Valley for the control of Scentless Chamomile.

Marlene Crosby – Named Woman of the Year 2012 by Gunnison Business Women

Marlene Crosby

Public Works Director

(Below are excerpts from the 4/4/2012 Hometown Happenings article written by Jan Badgley.)

Every spring, Gunnison Business Women nominate outstanding women, business owners, customer service representatives and rising stars to be honored at a Celebration of Women event. This year’s event will honor nine women.

GBW is an organization dedicated to supporting working women through advocacy, education and information. We strive to enhance Gunnison Valley women’s lives through networking, continuing education, political advocacy and outreach. Any woman is welcome to join GBW, because even if you aren’t in business, most all women work, whether inside the home or out in the workforce.

GBW helps women achieve their goals through programs, workshops, networking and friendships. GBW holds monthly business meetings from 12-1 pm on the second Wednesday of every month from September through May, and all are welcome. GBW provides free educational seminars to members as well as the general public, and the organization puts on networking events and supplies scholarships to nontraditional WSC college students. Call 641-4164 if you are interested in joining. Dues are $60/year.

GBW was born out of Colorado Business & Professional Women, an organization that played a major role in supporting women and fighting for equal pay for equal work since 1919. The local organization (Gunnison Business & Professional Women) worked under the umbrella of the state organization, which was under the umbrella of the national organization, where lobbyists used our dues to fight for equal rights for women. Restructuring of the organization led to the new name of Gunnison Business Women, existing under the state organization of Colorado Business Women in Denver.

Marlene Crosby managed to rise through the ranks of public administration in a man’s world. When she was first hired as Gunnison County’s Director of Road & Bridge, one County Commissioner commented that he was not sure if “the Road & Bridge Department was ready for a woman.” Marlene won the job over five male applicants in 1985 due to her strong administrative skills. “I knew how to manage a budget and I typed faster and more accurately than any of the men,” Marlene shared.

A Gunnison native, Marlene received her degree from WSC in elementary education and business administration. She worked as an elementary school teacher for several years before moving into her job with the County. She has served as County Manager twice and now serves as Assistant County Manager. In 1994, Marlene was presented with the Rural Road Supervisor of the Year award, and in 2004, she won the William Korbitz award, which is the highest award given by the Colorado Chapter of the American Public Works Association for outstanding service.

Marlene has been a member of the Vashti Rebekah Lodge for more than 40 years, and she is also involved with Eastern Star. She donates her time to the Willows Assisted Living Center, and through her job, she is involved in the Pro-Challenge Race, the Gunnison River Festival and the annual Household Hazardous Waste collection.

Marlene is a successful role model for other women seeking to break into male-dominated fields.

Gunnison County Strategic Plan

Click here to download the Gunnison County Strategic Plan, as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on May 20, 2008 and most recently revised on May 24, 2011.

Traducir al Español/Translate into Spanish

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