Update
Ark Valley Voice has received corrected time information from the City of Salida for the March 6 presentation at the Scout Hut regarding the planned Artspace housing at First and D Streets. The City of Salida confirms that doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Feb. 15 What’s Up Salida meeting featured a mix of topics, with city and county news occupying the majority of the hour this month, driven by the Salida Chamber’s “no-agenda” format.
County news
County Administrator Don Reimer conveyed his time to P.T. Wood, Chair of the Chaffee County Board of Commissioners (BoCC), who led off with a recap of projects in process. These include materials recovery/recycling, a “micro-grid” roadmap to increase utility resiliency and work with local nonprofit Guidestone on food supply resiliency.
First time attendee Dale Smith asked about internet/telecom resiliency to which Wood replied that a large, recent grant would help in some areas but admitted that even with other grants possible, better service in Smith’s area of Maysville and up Monarch Pass was not likely to be forthcoming soon.
Wood addressed a soon-hoped-for completion of the Land Use Code (LUC), with a lifting of the current moratorium being of keen interest to developers. A review of existing subdivisions indicates “there are enough [vacant] lots to double the amount of housing,” said Wood. As locals well know, raw land is one thing, water another, and the cost to build a home is derived from it all.
BoCC candidate David Armstrong, AVV file photo by Jan Wondra
Salida entrepreneur and liaison to the CMC Board of Directors, David Armstrong then announced to the group his candidacy for the BoCC seat in District 2, saying a website and more information would follow soon.
Mayor addresses top three city topics
Mayor Dan Shore described the three topics that have been occupying much of his and Salida City Council’s time. The first was the announcement that applications are being accepted to fill the vacancy left by Harald Kasper in Ward 3. Interviews are set for March 18 with a likely appointment at the March 19 council meeting.
After seemingly endless discussion and citizen comment, yet lacking a formal council vote, support for the summertime F Street pedestrian plaza has been mixed this year at best. Shore announced that it would NOT happen in 2024, calling it a “reset year”. He noted that the decision was likely to displease people on all sides.
Confirmed in a city press release on Feb. 16, a committee of veteran’s groups, mobility-challenged residents and business owners will be convened with the council set to revisit the topic in Fall, 2024 with an eye towards longer term planning.
Regarding the now-signed contract with Interstate Parking, Shore said that a working group would begin to define the details of downtown parking management as soon as this coming week.
Salida Community Development Director Bill Almquist announced that he had seen the elevations for the proposed 19-unit Artspace housing at First and D Streets. The elevations and floor plans, with two different architectural styles, will be on display for public comment from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 6 at the Scout Hut.
Responding to another comment by business owner Dale Smith, Almquist clarified that Short-Term Rental (STR) taxes are tracking closely to planned 2023 amounts, even with a few licensees not renewing. The answer addressed Smith’s question; whether STR taxes were affecting tourism and “taxes”. “Where is the data” he asked?”
Further information on sales taxes will be provided during the Treasurer’s Report at the Feb. 20 council meeting. For a preview, the December (latest) and year-to-date sales taxes are included in pages 72-73 of the council packet for that meeting.
Caboose is coming back
D&RGW Caboose 0576 awaiting stencil and final details in Silverton, Colorado shop. Photo courtesy City of Salida Department of Public Works
Arts & Culture Director Michael Varnum responded to a question about the D&RGW red caboose now being restored in Silverton, Colorado. Varnum said he and Public Works Director David Lady had seen recent photos “and it looks great.”
The caboose is awaiting milder weather and is expected to be back in place at the end of the F Street bridge in the June-July 2024 timeframe.
Business and nonprofit news
Retailers, food service and accommodations providers announced that they are looking forward to a busy Presidents’ Day weekend and Monday holiday.
Reporting for the Salida Chamber of Commerce, meeting host, and Executive Director Lori Roberts asked attendees to save the date of July 13 for the 28th Annual Brewers Rendezvous and appealed for music and VIP sponsors. Communications Manager Savanna Moorefield thanked everyone for supporting the Annual Community Awards and reminded attendees of the popular May 17 Golf Scramble.
Devon Dean, Client and Programs Coordinator for the Central Mountain Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced that $75 early bird registration for the May 17, 2024 Power of WE conference is now open. Last year’s event sold out and Dean also asked the businesses consider sponsorships for the event.
Finally, Dan Ridenour (“Dan R”) and Scarlett Massine, speaking for the Salida Noon Rotary Club encouraged attendees to try out the Fish Fry events at the Salida Community Center. Meals are available to eat in or “to-go” from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday’s through March 15, with proceeds benefitting Rotary scholarships.
Featured image: Salida Mayor Dan Shore addresses What’s Up Salida coffee at Salida Community Center. Photo courtesy Lori Roberts, Salida Chamber of Commerce
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