Candidates Forum

The Teller County Republicans and the Teller Tea Party Patriots are hosting a county commissioner candidates’ forum on Feb. 21 in the Woodland Park City Council Chambers, starting at 7 p.m.  The forum will feature the three District One candidates from 7 to 7:50 p.m. and then the three District Three candidates from 8 to 8:50 p.m.  For more information, visit the Teller County Republicans website.

The Green Mountain Falls Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Green Mountain Falls town hall behind the post office.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

The Ute Pass/Woodland Park Kiwanis Club meets at 6:45 a.m. at the Mangia Mangia restaurant in Woodland Park. Call 687-5534 for more information.

The Timberline Artists meet at 10 a.m. every Wednesday of each month, upstairs at the Aspen Mine Senior Center in Cripple Creek. Everyone with an interest in art is welcome. Bring your favorite craft or art medium (or not) and join a dedicated group.

Yoga Strength and Balance

The Woodland Park Parks and Recreation will sponsor Yoga Strength and Balance sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Classroom. For more information, call 687-5225.

Thursday, Feb. 23

VLT threat

The Teller County Commissioners will meet on Feb. 23 at 9:15 a.m. in the Centennial Building in Cripple Creek. The commissioners are scheduled to adopt a resolution opposing a state House bill that would legalize video lottery terminals at certain licensed horse race tracks, including one in Pueblo (see related story).

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Seriously), a nonprofit weight loss support group, meets at 10 a.m. at the Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls.  The group does weigh-ins, group feedback and helps members achieve their goals.  Call 686-2486.

Free Bingo

The Woodland Park Senior Citizens Club in Woodland Park, located across from city hall, will host a free Bingo Session from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on every Thursday in January. For more information, call 687-3877.

Bridge Class

The Woodland Park Senior Citizens Club will host a bridge class on Thursdays at their facility in Woodland Park, across from city hall, from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call 687-3877.

Viewing the world’s largest published book

See the world’s largest published book—the Bhutan Book at the Woodland Park Public Library. Special showing times: Thursdays, 6 p.m., Saturdays at 10:15 or Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. or by appointment with one week notice. The book is 133 lbs, and is 5 ft. x 7 ft. open! Call 687-9281, x102 for more information or to schedule a showing

“The Fractured File Band”

The Crystola Roadhouse in Crystola will host a performance of the “The Fractured File Band,” with performers from a variety of highly revered rock and roll acts on February 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.  The band consists of drummer and founding member of The Radio London Band, Joe McGarry; our guitarist extraordinaire, Scott Harrison; up and coming Young Prodigy guitarist, sax player, piano player, Brendon Hannigan (who performed with Radio London at the Mountain of The Sun Festival last September); our own bass player, Justin Fischer and a new and talented lead singer, Jared Thomas.  There will also be vocals and guitar provided by Cary Carpenter of The John Cary Band and Juke Joint Vinnie from The Bullfrog Blues Band.  For more information, call 687-7879.

The Victor City Council will meet on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.

Affordable Housing Grand Finale

The Woodland Park Planning Commission will meet on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers next to city hall. Highlighting the commission’s agenda is a proposed ordinance, dealing with how the city should allocate 400 high priority water taps to facilitate more affordable housing projects.

Friday, Feb. 24

The Pikes Peak Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. at the Woodland Park Library. Call 687-0418.

Free Tai Chi

Participate in free Tai Chi sessions at the Woodland Park Library every Friday at 9 a.m. Come in the Midland entrance on the lower level. These classes are co-sponsored by Teller County Health. Beginning and intermediate classes are offered. The intermediate classes occur at 10 a.m. Call 687-9281 for details. The Florissant Public Library offers free Tai Chi classes on Mondays at the same times as listed above. Call 748-3939.
Craft and Jewelry

The Woodland Park Senior Center, 312 N. Center Street, will feature a craft and jewelry-making session on Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Call 687-3877 for more information.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Winter BierFest

The second annual Winter BierFest will be held Feb 25 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park. The BierFest features beers from 12 Colorado breweries  The Fest will be held in conjunction with the Woodland Park Arts Alliance Wine Tasting, which will take place simultaneously at the Cultural Center.   Tickets are online or $30 at the door and include entry and a souvenir beer mug. For more information, call Arden Weatherford at 243-4433 or visit www.bierwerks.com

 Museum happenings

Looking for something to do this weekend? Come visit the Cripple Creek District Museum in beautiful downtown Cripple Creek. The Museum offers a self-guided tour of five of the area’s most historic buildings. Lifelike exhibits show how pioneers and miners lived a century ago. Come and peek through our windows to the past and see everything from a wealthy Victorian apartment to a middle class home to a typical miner’s shack to the home of our poorest “resident”, French Blanche LaCroix. Thousands of historic photographs and maps adorn the walls amongst displays filled with mineral collections, pioneer artifacts and other items telling the history of “The World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” Plus, our Gift Shop features the best western history book selection in the county along with fun and unique items. Our experienced staff can also help you research your family or favorite history topic about the District.

The Museum’s winter hours are Saturdays and Sundays form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is just $5 for adults, $4 for Colorado residents and $3 for seniors, children, groups of six or more and military (active or not). Kids under seven are free, and we welcome polite pets. Special open dates will include Monday, February 20 for President’s Day and March 24 through April 1 for Spring Break. Special tours are available during the week with reservations. For more information, call us at 719-689-9540 or email CCDMuseum@aol.com.

Yes You Can Grow Without a Greenhouse

A three part series on high altitude gardening in Teller County will kick off on Feb. 25 at the Florissant Grange. After extensive research, experimentation and a fair amount of mistakes, these classes will teach you how to extend your food budget with a modest family garden. We will cover budget friendly soil preparation, critter protection, season extension, winter gardening and more. Classes will be held on Feb. 25, March 10 and April 7 at 10 a.m.  Sign up today by calling 748-0358.

Upcoming

Library Lovers Month

February is Library Lovers’ Month at the Rampart Library District for children, teens and adults. Read books, enter the drawing for prizes at the end of the month. The adult grand prize is a Kindle! For more info, call 687-9281, x103.

Mayor of Divide Showdown

TCRAS (Teller County Regional Animal Shelter) is now hosting one of the most competitive elections in the area, involving the infamous Mayor of Divide, who will serve as the head ambassador for TCRAS. Voting has begun on-line and at several locations.  More importantly, the critical voting action will continue through April 3rd. We have nine candidates running that promise “to do nothing”. Their bios and campaign promises will be on our website soon. Votes are $1 each; vote early and vote often! For more information about the above events, animals at the shelter, etc., visit our website, www.tcrascolorado.com.

Computer Classes

The Woodland Park Public Library will feature a number of computer classes from January through March regarding such topics as beginner and Internet basics, Microsoft  Word and Excel, Digital Photo Management, Kindle eBook techniques and more.

Wild Whiskers Live Auction and Barbeque

The annual Wild Whiskers Live Auction & Barbeque will be held on March 3, 2012 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is the largest fundraiser of TCRAS (Teller County Regional Animal Shelter) and we need your help. Please check your attics, storage areas and garages for quality items for our auction. This will give you more space and a 2012 charitable tax deduction. Contact the shelter for more information or e-mailbarbara@tcrascolorado.com.

A Breath of Spring

Under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor Donald P. Jenkins, the 120-voice Colorado Springs Chorale will welcome Spring with a concert of enchanting and lively choral music especially fitting for a mood of hope and renewal. The concert will be held at the Dickson Auditorium at the Woodland Park High School on March 25 at 3 p.m. as a benefit for the Woodland Park Arts Alliance.  The award-winning, premier symphonic chorus, accompanied by Assistant Conductor, Daniel S. Brink, at the piano, will present choral works of multiple composers, evoking scenes from the garden, the forest, the groves and the mountains. From wedding music from Handel’s Solomon, to the sweet, melodic airs of Purcell and Cui, to the passion and delight of Haydn’s The Storm,the Chorale will fire up your senses!  Mendelssohn’s “May Laughs” from The First Walpurgis Night along with songs and dances of other well-known composers will follow, and the program concludes with four American songs by Aaron Copland and the always stirring William Dawson arrangement of Ezekiel Saw de Wheel.

Admission to the Benefit Concert in Woodland Park is $15 or $5 for students. This performance, sponsored by the Woodland Park Arts Alliance, will benefit the Midland Pavilion Project of the Ute Pass Cultural Center Campus. Tickets may be purchased by calling 719-761-1676 (WPAA).

Call for Artistic Entries

The Mountain Artists is accepting entries for the 27th annual Mountain Arts Festival to be held August 4th and 5th, 2012, outside at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, Woodland Park, CO. This is a juried arts’ and crafts’ festival. Applications are available at the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce or by calling (719) 686-7469. The deadline for entries is May 1, 2012.

Quilters Above the Clouds

Meet with other quilters of all levels at the monthly meetings of Quilters of Above the Clouds on the last Friday of every month. The group meets from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level of the Woodland Park Public Library for programs, show-and-tell, refreshments and door prizes. There are also work sessions at other times for participants to join in learning skills and crating quilts used for the guild’s community outreach programs.

Senior Club Gatherings

The Woodland Park Senior Center near city hall will feature a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. For $5, you can get all the food you can eat. The Senior Center is also offering a number of regular scheduled activities, such as quilting, Tai Chi and exercise classes throughout the week. For more information, call 687-3877.

Manitou Springs Happenings

Something for Everyone

The St. Andrews Recital Series presents “Something for Everyone’ with original music by the Southern Colorado Composers, on Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.  The performance will be held at the St. Andrews Church, located at 808 Manitou Avenue.  The evening performance is free. Donations for food for West Side Cares are accepted.  For more information, visit www.standrewsmanitourecitalsorg or www.peakradar.com.

Happy Hour at Jake’s Saloon

A “Happy Hour at Jake’s Saloon” fundraiser will be held on March 3 from 4 to 6 p.m., with all proceeds benefitting the Old Colorado City Historic Center. The festivities will include local micro beer tastings, homemade root beer and munchies. In addition, the event will include a silent auction, with many great items, and will allow participants to meet Jacob Schmidt, the original owner of the Colorado City Beer Hall.  The cost is $10 per person.  The next monthly program of the Old Colorado Historic Center is scheduled for March 9 at 11 a.m. and is entitled, “Historic Forts of the U.S. Southwest.” For more information, call 636-1225.

Final month for free skiing at Monarch

For every $75 spent shopping, dining, lodging and fueling your vehicle, or most anything in the 80829 zip code, you will receive a free companion lift ticket voucher for the Monarch Ski Resort.  Bring your receipts to the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce through February, 2012.

 Special Programs
Classical Hatha Yoga
A classical Hatha Yoga class, sponsored by the WP Parks and Recreation, will be held on Tuesdays in April and May, starting at 8:30 a.m. It will be held at the WP Parks and Recreation classroom. For more information, call the WP Parks and Recreation at 687-5225.

Gem and Mineral Club
Lake George Gem and Mineral Club teaches kids about rocks, minerals, fossils and related topics. The sessions are held at the Lake George Community Center from 6-6:45 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The program is free to students 8-18. Each session discusses. For more information, call 748-5010 or 748-3861

Yoga Classes in Florissant
The Florissant Grange will feature Yoga classes on Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings. Call 748-3678 for more information.
Free Tai Chi
Join instructor Jim Lyon for free Tai Chi sessions at the CC Parks and Recreation Center (Henry C. Hack Arena). Drop in and see how Tai Chi can work to calm the mind and improve flexibility and balance. Jim teaches the 37 movements of Yang Style Tai Chi, which is one of the most popular and widely-practiced forms of Tai Chi in the world. Classes are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m.

Open Skating
Get some friends together and skate or roller blade for only $2, including skates, at the Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation facility every Friday through Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m. Pool, air hockey, football and other fun activities are available in addition to skating, along with popcorn and cotton candy.

Fitness Membership
Get in shape with a Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation fitness membership. Our facility offers Paramount equipment, free weights and fabulous Nautilus equipment. You can schedule a personalized fitness orientation and/or have an individual workout program designed especially for your fitness needs. The monthly membership fee is only $10 per person. Non-members can drop-in and use the fitness facility for only $3 per workout session. Purchase a ten-visit fitness punch card for only $15. Individuals ages 16+ are welcome to become fitness members. Corporate memberships are also available. Please call Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation at 689-3514 for more information.

Nutritional Education Wellness
Workshops of about an hour in length will be held the first and third Thursdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Henry C. Hack Community Center. They will deal with a variety of topics, with the goal of promoting health and Welles. For more information, call 689-3514.

by Rick Langenberg

Cripple Creek gaming operators and local elected leaders have netted a final tax victory, but once again are engaged in a huge legislative battle against a familiar foe. Or as some local officials have concluded, “It’s one (battle) down and one to go.” Cripple Creek leaders last week received the news they were expecting from the state gaming commissioners, but learned they will have to combat the threat of video slots at horse race tracks, including a venue in Pueblo.  And unfortunately, Colorado voters won’t be permitted a say in the pending video slot explosion.  The Teller County Commissioners are scheduled to address the issue this Thursday (Feb. 23) at their regular meeting.     

Tax Finale

Last week, the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission finalized their long-awaited decision and unanimously agreed to maintain the status quo policy regarding the holding of multi-gaming licenses by casino companies.  The 5-0 decision was expected and followed months of testimony and lobbying by Cripple Creek casino owners, Teller elected leaders and city officials. In essence, this verdict amounts to a nearly $5 million tax reprieve for key casino operators in the Creek who have used these multiple licenses to expand into nearby establishments.  If the commission had voted to change the law and abolish the use of multi-licenses, a handful of casino operators would have faced a dramatic three-fold hike in their annual taxes and the city may have lost several hundred jobs.

In finalizing their decision, the commission mainly concluded that the multiple licensing rule, while providing a slight tax break for certain Cripple Creek operators, didn’t represent an “abusive situation.”  The commissioners noted that the establishments taking advantage of this provision in the law (allowing each company to have up to three licenses) have invested a considerable amount of money into preserving historic structures in the process and have abided by the spirit of the original gambling amendment. The commissioners’ comments mirrored those of a previous meeting during which the commission surprised local leaders by publicly stating that they supported the claims of Cripple Creek and Teller County officials regarding this issue and were learning towards not changing the current rule.   “They see no reason to change the existing law,” said Cameron Lewis, spokesperson for the Division of Gaming, in describing the commission’s stand.  But a final decision did not become official until last week’s regular meeting in Golden.  “We are very pleased,” said Cripple Creek City Administrator Ray White.  “We were expecting this decision but we weren’t completely sure until the final vote.” During last week’s regular council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Zoellner publicly thanked Finance Director Paul Harris, and credited him for playing a key role in convincing the commissioners to keep the status quo system.

Harris stated that the “historic preservation piece” in their argument amounted to the real turning point.  City officials tried to demonstrate how the use of multiple licenses by key operators, such as Bronco  Billy’s and Triple Crown, paved the way for the preservation of historic buildings.  They emphasized that historic preservation was a key part of the original gaming law, finalized in 1991. Plus, Cripple Creek and county leaders noted that a reversal of this law could lead to considerable job and revenue losses  

 Fighting a familiar enemy

While local leaders are happy with last week’s gaming commission verdict, they don’t have much time to celebrate if they want to hold onto their current pot of gambling revenue. City leaders are preparing to testify against another legislative effort to legalize video slots at certain Colorado licensed horse tracks, including a site in the Pueblo area.  A legislative hearing on the bill, referred to House bill 1280 and introduced by representatives Don Coram and Jerry Sonnenberg, is scheduled for this week. The bill would allow for video lottery terminals, referred to as VLTs, at three licensed horse race tracks throughout the state, with 2,500 slots at each location. The legislation represents a mirror image of a Senate bill introduced at the close of the 2011 session, which suffered an abrupt death. Similar attempts have been made in the past, but have never advanced past the proposal stage.  A state-wide vote on VLTs occurred about 11 years ago, with Coloradoans rejecting this bid by a huge margin.  Still, the new legislative package, which has to initially get approved by several committees, has created much local financial and political angst. “We feel this would be a direct threat to us,” said White.  “We are very concerned. VLTs are nothing but a fancy term for slot machines.” He and other city officials see the possibility of video slots at the race track in Pueblo as a devastating blow to Cripple Creek. Pueblo is considered a key player in the Cripple Creek casino market. And once again, the bill proponents are using the perk of education funding as a special enticement.  A portion of state revenue from the pro-VLT legislation would reportedly establish a Colorado College Scholarship Fund. 

What worries White and other leaders is that the VLT proponents are getting a head-start this year by introducing the plan at the beginning of the session.  The bill also makes no allowances for a state-wide vote. In fact, if the legislation passes and gets signed by the governor, the only additional approvals required deal with the majority elected representatives or voters of the towns or counties where the video slots would be located.  The bill calls for one VLT center to be located in the city or county of Pueblo, and another east of the Continental Divide and another site west of the Continental Divide.   Besides the site in Pueblo, legislative insiders expect VLT race tracks to be chosen in the Denver and Grand Junction areas, if the measure moves forward

Bill proponents say the measure could generate $34.3 million in revenue for the state in the first year of operation, and more than double that for the following year. Unlike limited stakes gaming, the VLTs would be governed and licensed by the Colorado Lottery Commission. Proponents hope to have the VLT operations up and running by the beginning of 2013.Already, several key legislative groups have taken a stand against race track slots. Action 22, which represents the entire southern Colorado region, has voiced official opposition to any future expansion of gaming in Colorado. In addition, the Colorado Counties, Inc. organization is expected to join Cripple Creek in this fight.  The Teller County Commissioners are scheduled to adopt a formal resolution opposing the VLT legislation this Thursday. Also, city officials are trying to convince key representatives of Colorado Municipal League to oppose the bill. With the recurring VLT threat, city and county leaders worry that sooner or later, one of these gaming bids will squeak through and Cripple Creek could face hefty competition.

The Teller County Republican Central Committee will hold its monthly meeting at the Pikes Peak Community Center in Divide on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.  The committee will hear an update on candidates for office and a report regarding the recent caucuses.

Wednesday, Feb. 15
The Ute Pass/Woodland Park Kiwanis Club meets at 6:45 a.m. at the Mangia Mangia restaurant in Woodland Park. Call 687-5534 for more information.

The Timberline Artists meet at 10 a.m. every Wednesday of each month, upstairs at the Aspen Mine Senior Center in Cripple Creek. Everyone with an interest in art is welcome. Bring your favorite craft or art medium (or not) and join a dedicated group.

Yoga Strength and Balance

The Woodland Park Parks and Recreation will sponsor Yoga Strength and Balance sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Classroom. For more information, call 687-5225.

Touch of Victor

The Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mining Company will host the monthly Touch of Victor business open house on Feb. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. The mine will provide refreshments and information on their upcoming Mine Life Extension applications and preparation for summer tours. The CC&V administrative offices are located at 3^rd and Victor Avenue.  Enter the building through the doors on 3^rd, between G&S Sporting Goods and the Claim Jumper. The open house is free, and it is a great opportunity to network with other businesses in the community.

The Cripple Creek City Council will meet on Feb. 15 in the city council chambers at city hall. The council will conduct a workshop, starting at 4:45 p.m., dealing with the city’s new proposed unified development code.  Also, the council will have a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 16

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Seriously), a nonprofit weight loss support group, meets at 10 a.m. at the Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls.  The group does weigh-ins, group feedback and helps members achieve their goals.  Call 686-2486.

Free Bingo

The Woodland Park Senior Citizens Club in Woodland Park, located across from city hall, will host a free Bingo Session from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on every Thursday in January. For more information, call 687-3877.

Bridge Class

The Woodland Park Senior Citizens Club will host a bridge class on Thursdays at their facility in Woodland Park, across from city hall, from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call 687-3877.

Viewing the world’s largest published book

See the world’s largest published book—the Bhutan Book at the Woodland Park Public Library. Special showing times: Thursdays, 6 p.m., Saturdays at 10:15 or Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. or by appointment with one week notice. The book is 133 lbs, and is 5 ft. x 7 ft. open! Call 687-9281, x102 for more information or to schedule a showing

by Rick Langenberg

     After more than 20 years of wrestling with what some leaders call a frustrating and politically-based anti-incentives law, Woodland Park voters may decide this April whether to let city hall loosen up its purse strings—at least when comes to giving a helping financial hand to new businesses and expanding operators. But how much this hand should be extended, if at all, is still in question. The big “I” (incentives) subject will command main stage attention this Thursday (Feb. 16) during a meeting of the Woodland Park City Council.  Local government observers expect plenty of verbal sparks to fly in what could become another marathon session.   

     The issue of killing the city’s current law, which bars allocating any municipal funds or resources for future and current businesses and developers, could generate much debate. Plus, Woodland Park voters have consistently said “no” to the question of offering city incentives. But with a lingering recession and a vastly different economic scenario from that of two decades ago, most current elected leaders say times have changed and they want to revisit this issue.  A public hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 16 that would place a council-sponsored initiative on the April 3 ballot. This proposal would end the city’s current prohibition against the use of municipal resources and monies, such as infrastructure waivers, fees or tax rebates, for future or current businesses and developers.

     Initially, the city council mulled the idea of just altering the current law to permit certain tax rebates to encourage more economic development. But following a recent discussion, most council members favored repealing the current citizens-generated law entirely, which is classified as section 9.17 of the city charter. “The economic conditions are vastly different from what they were 20 years ago. “We are in competition,” said City Manger David Buttery, in describing the plan to offer some type of a business assistance incentive plan.  Buttery was part of a task force organized to address ways to spruce up more economic activity through offering businesses certain types of financial assistance.  This idea has been endorsed by other civic leaders, including representatives of the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce. However, on the other side of the table, several key current business operators told the Mountain Jackpot last week they are adamantly opposed to changes in the town’s anti-incentives law. “They (city officials) need a basic lesson in Economics 101,” said one veteran business owner, who didn’t want to be identified. “Are they trying to drive us out of business?  No one helped us when we came to town.”

Moreover, these operators say they are worried about the prospects of city officials playing with a rigged deck when it comes to fair competition. Limited incentives are now permitted in Woodland Park for a few large-scale business projects that are located inside the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district through a rather complex tax increment financing system. These incentives mainly consist of tax rebates that are shared with businesses who locate in the DDA district. They deal with sharing a portion of future tax revenue between these businesses and the DDA for a certain period of time.

Mayor Pro Tem Jon DeVaux believes this policy needs to be expanded throughout the city. “We would give these city incentives from the money they (future businesses) are expected to generate,” said DeVaux, a big advocate of the ballot initiative. DeVaux cites problems Woodland Park has faced with its current anti-incentives law. Moreover he believes these restrictions may have lead to the Family Dollar Store’s decision last year to locate a new outlet in Cripple Creek rather than Woodland Park. Cripple Creek city leaders were willing to offer key financial incentives, in the form of infrastructure waivers and sales tax rebates. “Right now we are at a competitive disadvantage.   The only vehicle we have to offer new businesses any incentives is through the DDA,” explained DeVaux. “We are kind of a minority with how most cities operate.”

 A tough battle

     But the council’s ballot plan to kill the city’s current law may ignite a few political sparks. In fact, the new pro-incentives proposal could face a few hurdles just to get on the April ballot. During the Feb. 2 council meeting, the measure to repeal  section 9.17 of the city charter (regarded as the town’s anti-incentives law) only passed by a 4-3 council vote during the initial public reading process, which typically doesn’t permit public comment. Voting against the ballot proposal were Mayor Steve Randolph and council members George Parkhurst and Terry Harrison. 

In a later interview, Randolph said he supports efforts to change the city’s current anti-incentives law, but objected to how this matter was handled during the council’s recent meeting. He indicated that he preferred discussing the original proposal “on the table” that mainly would have permitted tax rebates and other assistance for future businesses or current operators undergoing a future expansion, but wouldn’t have killed the original law or used existing revenue for helping new businesses. But according to City Clerk Cindy Morse, most council members viewed that ballot measure as just too confusing and accepted a motion to repeal the city’s current anti-incentives law completely.  

     The main hurdle ballot proponents of the pro-incentive movement face deals with overcoming past history. The anti-incentives law was originally passed in 1988, as part of a citizens’ campaign to stop a plan for a one-time Wal-Mart center through the use of certain city financial monies, which would have been eventually repaid by the store developers.  The center would have been located at the current location of the Safeway shopping center. But the project died with the passage of the citizen-generated anti-incentives initiative, co-authored by Gold Hill Square Shopping Center owner Bill Page.

Then, city voters gave the anti-incentives law the thumbs-up again, when a charter review committee referred the issue to the voters 10 years ago. The measure included language that would have permitted the city council to okay incentives if a specific project offered a public benefit.  That plan to end the anti-incentives ban died by a 717 to 347 vote. However, most city leaders now believe it’s time to review this law again.  They also formed a task force to study ways to offer business assistance through tax benefits and other financial perks.  But the ballot issue under consideration now would allow for more leeway for city hall, when it comes to luring new businesses into town. According to DeVaux, the only way a new company or a current operator can receive any type of city-related financial assistance is through the DDA.  And this often forces the DDA to alter its district boundaries, a process that has raised a few eyebrows during the last year. “It’s a work in progress,” said the mayor pro tem, in describing the ballot proposal to do away with the ban against incentives.  He says the council is not set on any specific proposal, but wants to let the voters decide the incentives issue this April.  DeVaux believes the town’s economic situation is a key motivating factor for bringing the matter to the voters.

02/16/2012      

      The early 1980s was a time marked by the defense industry surge in Colorado, the end of the cold war, the rise of punk rock and New Wave music and a huge housing boom for the Pikes Peak region. And for Green Mountain Falls residents, this period represented the last time they faced a property tax increase as locals dealt with growing infrastructure woes.  

Photo by CR Chambers Photography

  However, that scenario could change this April as local residents will decide the fate of plans for a slight mill levy hike that could provide the town coffers with an extra $34,500 a year. If approved, it would mark the city’s first property tax increase in 28 years.  The money would be used for the general fund, which has been plagued by declining revenue, accentuated by decreases in housing values, residential tax rates and various money sources, along with rising inflationary costs. By a unanimous vote and with absolutely no protests from the audience, the Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees last week approved a resolution that set the stage for a ballot issue, calling for 3-mill increase, estimated at costing the average homeowner approximately $50 more a year.

If anything, virtually every trustee member admitted the extra increase isn’t enough.  But that said, they voiced concerns about presenting the voters with too high of a tax hike, especially in today’s economic climate. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” admitted veteran council member Mac Pitrone.  “I don’t think that’s enough. Our costs have gone up and our revenues have gone down.”

Most trustees agreed, along with several local residents who urged the board to submit the question for a 3-mill tax hike to the voters this April.  The proposed hike was part of a recommendation made by the town’s Economic Sustainability Committee, which was formed last year to advise the council on short and long-term ways to generate more money for the town and to achieve more economic vitality. “Without increased revenue, there will probably need to be cuts in essential services, such as parks and recreation, road maintenance and security. The mill levy increase will help make up for lost sales revenue and serve as a hedge against future inflation,” stated the Economic Sustainability Committee, in an official statement that endorses the 3-mill increase proposition.

A key factor in sending the issue to the voters is that the results of a community survey done last year, associated with the economic sustainability project, indicated that 60 percent of the respondents favored a mill levy increase. Still, city leaders admit that the idea of a tax hike is unpopular in today’s climate. “It’s a risky gamble,” added Trustee Jane Newberry.  “We just can’t make up for it in one increase,” said Trustee Marshall Worthey. The entire board admitted that the town has faced the end of the road, when it comes to trimming costs. “All of our expenses have gone up. There are no notches left on our belt buckle,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dick Bratton, in referring to making any more cuts.

For the last year and a half, town leaders have emphasized that current revenues aren’t enough to sustain current and future services. A member of the Economic Sustainability Committee assured the board that the proposed tax hike is just one measure under consideration, aimed at generating more revenue. The committee is mulling a number of long-range plans, such as promoting local tourism with the development of a comprehensive website, having more events and starting a chamber of commerce.  “This is just a start,” said Cameron Thorne,” who represented the Economic Sustainability Committee, when endorsing the proposed tax increase. Similar sentiments were stated in a memo submitted by Public Works Director Robert McArthur, who mentioned eight key revenue areas that have experienced decreases in recent years. “Although a mill levy increase may not solve all the unmet municipal needs, it is a good start.” said McArthur.

The town’s current mill levy is slated at 14.6 mills, which is slightly lower than most other towns in the area. The forthcoming tax issue will appear on the April 3 ballot.  During the election, voters also will decide a mayoral spot and three trustee positions. Last week, Bratton, a member of the board since 1995, officially announced his candidacy for mayor. Bratton, a nearly 30-year resident of Green Mountain Falls, has served on the town board as a GMF mayor and trustee since 1995, along with 11 years as a planning commissioner. He also launched the local trails committee and has been instrumental in promoting the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail, and in developing the Ute Pass Trail.  

The mayoral seat is currently occupied by Tyler Stevens, who can’t run for re-election due to term limits. However, Stevens is eligible to run for a trustee position. Besides the seat of mayor, voters will cast tallies for three trustee positions.  These positions are currently occupied by Bratton, Worthey and Robert King.  Potential candidates can begin circulating petitions this week

  The Woodland Park Police have concluded their initial investigation into the death of a 16-year-old local high school student who died unexpectedly at her home. According to Police Chief Robert Larson, the teen, identified as Anna Dille, apparently died from natural causes and experienced no physical trauma.  Officials have concluded that no foul play was involved.  Lab work, however, is being done to further examine the specific cause of her death. Final results are not expected for several weeks.   In the meantime, the historic Ute Inn in Woodland Park is spearheading a fund-raiser for Anna’s family, in lieu of this tragedy. 

     If any residents in the area would like to help out with the drive to benefit the teen's family, call the Ute at 687-1465 or mail donations to a special fund to benefit the family of Anna Dille in care of: The Historic Ute Inn, P.O. Box 371, Divide,Colorado 80184.  Her death has shocked many in the community, including the entire staff, owners and friends of the Ute Inn, alongwith students and staff at the Woodland Park RE-2 School District. Jed Bowman, the superintendent of the RE-2 School District, mourned the loss of the student in an official statement released last week.  Anna Dille was a sophomore at the Woodland Park High School.

According to a previous report, the teen was discovered not breathing at her home on Feb. 6 shortly after 7:30 a.m.  Woodland Park police officers, paramedics and fire rescuers responded to a private residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident was reported to the police by Anna’s parents, who became alarmed when they couldn't wake her up to get ready for school.

In the meantime, the historic Ute Inn in Woodland Park is spearheading a fund-raiser for Anna’s family, in lieu of this tragedy. If any residents in the area would like to help out with the drive to benefit the teen's family, call the Ute at 687-1465 or maildonations to a special fund to benefit the family of Anna Dille in care of: The Historic Ute Inn, P.O. Box 371, Divide, Colorado 80184.

     Her death has shocked many in the community, including the entire staff, owners and friends of the Ute Inn, along with students and staff at the Woodland Park RE-2 School District. Jed Bowman, the superintendent of the RE-2 School District, mourned the loss of the student in an official statement released last week.  Anna Dille was a sophomore at the Woodland Park High School.

According to a previous report, the teen was discovered not breathing at her home on Feb. 6 shortly after 7:30 a.m.  Woodland Park police officers, paramedics and fire rescuers responded to a private residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident was reported to the police by Anna’s parents, who became alarmed when they couldn't wake her up to get ready for school.

02/16/2012

If you get caught violating the county’s fire ban, plan to open up your pocketbook big time.

But if you own agriculturally-zoned property and want to burn slash or trash for fuel mitigation or economic reasons, don’t look for any big changes or worry about Big Brother lingering over your shoulder, except when a county-wide ban is issued.

Last week, the Teller County Commissioners adopted the initial reading of a new law that basically reaffirms its stern regulations regarding open fire bans and handling burn permits.  The ordinance was prompted by legislation enacted by the state last year and by a citizen inquiry.  Also, county leaders took the opportunity to again stress the fact that wildfires are the number one hazardous threat facing the region.

The end result is a proposed law that clarifies the county rules regarding fire bans, which will probably be enacted later this spring, and its permitting process for burning trash, debris and performing other related agricultural duties. In one of the biggest changes, the new rules call for a hefty increase in fines for violators.  Under the new schedule, the first offense of a fire ban amounts to a fine of $100, with the third offense leading to penalties of $1,000 per incident. This represents a doubling of the current fine schedule.

But in explaining the new law, Steve Steed, the director of emergency management in Teller County, stressed that the government isn’t trying to generate fines.  “It is not something we are using as a hammer,” said Steed. In 2011, he reported that county officials only issued two citations, and has tried to educate residents and visitors about the dangers they can create in doing open fires during restricted times. The need for higher fines was prompted by an inquiry by resident Adrienne Pohrte, who attends many commissioner meetings.  She has urged the county to increase penalties for violators. Steed also told the commissioners that the new law clarifies better the permitting process for burn permits and obtaining exemptions from current regulations. He emphasized that the county wants to work with people who own agricultural lands. “We have always recognized the importance of working with our agricultural partners,” said Steed.  “We have always had a permitting process.”

Jim Ignatius, the chairman of the Teller County Commissioners, agreed. “We are trying to promote fuel mitigation,” said Ignatius.  He noted that a good portion of the law outlines how property owners can seek permission to burn slash and trash on their land. Also, he believes the county has gotten more pro-active in warning residents and motorists of prescribed burns. According to Steed, the county has obtained great cooperation “ninety percent of the time” from local residents and private property owners.

Still, officials say they need more defined regulations in place. “We get flooded with tourists,” warned Ignatius, who worries about the lack of knowledge visitors may have about the county’s situation.  As a result, he cited the importance of having a more definitive, updated law on the books.  The commissioners passed the new fire ban and burn permit ordinance by a 2-0 vote.  It will become an official within the next two months, pending any written or public objections. Regardless of the new law, county officials say they must brace themselves for the prospects of a dry season and the reality of more bans.  A state-wide fund the county has relied on in the past for assistance in combating major wildfires is drying up. Consequently, if the county experiences a blaze like the Navaho fire of last summer, they could get hit with a $500,000 bill.

In other action last week, the commissioners got a dose of better economic news.  Teller County Treasurer Bob Campbell reported that his agency’s total caseload of foreclosures is about 30 percent down from the previous year. He estimated the foreclosure total, based on cases filed in the treasurer’s office, consists of about 210 properties. On the downside, Campbell admits he has heard reports of another surge in foreclosure activity and warned the commissioners that Teller is still not over the recession hump. In other reports, Ignatius told the commissioners that the Pikes Peak Area Council of Government has received an infusion of millions of dollars of funds for transportation. This will result in better enhancement along I-25 in Colorado Springs, and especially around the Fillmore exchange.  None of the improvements, though, are planned for Teller County.  

Russ' Place

Who: Thin Air Theatre Company at the Butte Theater, Cripple Creek
What: The Christmas Donkey, an all new holiday show by Thin Air Theatre Company opens at the Butte Theater
When: Friday, Dec. 2. at 7 p.m.
Shows run Thursday through Sunday Dec. 2-31 with special show dates and times over the holidays.
Where: Butte Theater, 139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO
Tickets: $12.75 adults, $10.75 seniors (62 and over), $7.75 children (12 and under)
More info: ButteTheater.com; 719-689-3247 or 877-689-6402.

Donkey to Spread Christmas Cheer

Step back into the 1890’s gold rush and find some Christmas spirit in Cripple Creek. Thin Air Theatre Company brings an all new holiday show to the stage of the Butte Theater starting Dec. 2, which will feature the old-time gold mining favorite – the seemingly lowly donkey.

Donkeys were the 19th century gold prospectors’ best friend…packing their supplies up the mountain passes and hauling their gold ore out of the mines. In this season’s TATC holiday show The Christmas Donkey (written by Cripple Creek’s favorite playwright Chris Sorensen) the loyal friend of the prospector takes center stage in the character of Nugget…sent to Cripple Creek to locate the next Santa Claus. Nugget finds her St. Nick in Old Bill Otis, the fictional character of the rural mining town on the southwest side of Pikes Peak well known for his, shall we say…eccentric behavior.

However, when Otis starts dressing like Santa Claus the people of Cripple Creek begin to really question his sanity – it’s only the children of Cripple Creek who know the truth: Old Bill Otis IS the next Santa. Not even Bill himself believes at first but as his Christmas spirit swells his drive to do the right thing places him on a direct collision course with the villainous Phineas Drake.

The Christmas Donkey is followed by an all new Christmas Olio, performed by the cast composed of community actors working side by side with some of TATC’s favorite returning professional actors. This year’s Christmas Olio, with its holiday music and adaptations is guaranteed to have you leaving The Butte with a song on your lips and a spring in your step.

The show will run Dec. 2-31, 2011. Tickets: Adult $12.75;  Senior (62 and over) $10.75;  Children (12 and under) $7.75;  Groups of 20+ $9.75 each.

Visit ButteTheater.com to make reservations or for more information, or call 719-689-3247 or 877-689-6402.