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AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 22, 2021
4:00 PM, City Council Chambers
130 S Galena Street, Aspen
I.WORK SESSION
I.A.EOTC Meeting Preparation
I.B.Summer in Aspen Vitality Update
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Elected Officials Transportation Committee (EOTC)
Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 4:00pm
Location – Town of Snowmass Village; Host and Chair – Town of Snowmass Village
EOTC Background, Documents, and Packet Materials may be found here:
https://pitkincounty.com/1322/Elected-Officials-Transportation-Committ
EOTC Vision: We envision the Roaring Fork Valley as the embodiment of a sustainable transportation
system emphasizing mass transit and mobility that contributes to the happiness and wellbeing of
residents and visitors.
EOTC Mission: Work collectively to reduce and manage the volume of vehicles on the road and
parking system and continue to develop and support a comprehensive multimodal, long-range strategy
that will insure a convenient, equitable and efficient transportation system for the Roaring Fork Valley.
Summary of State Statute and Ballot Requirements: The 0.5% County Transit Sales and Use Tax
shall be used for the purpose of financing, constructing, operating and managing a public, fixed route
mass transportation system within the Roaring Fork Valley.
Public Comment Instructions: The meeting can be viewed and comments made live via the link
and email address below. Please click the link below to watch the meeting live:
https://www.tosv.com/193/Town-Meetings. Email address to submit comments:
livecomment@tosv.com. If you wish to attend the meeting, members of the public are welcome
at Snowmass Village Town Hall but must wear a mask inside the building and maintain 6’ of
social distance.
I. 4:00 - 4:10 PUBLIC COMMENT
(Comments limited to three minutes per person)
II.4:10 - 4:20 EOTC COMMITTEE MEMBER UPDATES
III. 4:20 – 5:30 EOTC IGA Update
David Pesnichak, Transportation Administrator
Decision Needed: Approval of EOTC IGA Update
IV.5:30 – 6:00 UPDATES-INFORMATION ONLY
A.Integrated Mobility System Study – Phase 2
B.Upper Valley Transit Enhancement Study
C.Brush Creek Park and Ride to AABC Trail Connection Feasibility
Study
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D.Brush Creek Park and Ride – FLAP Construction Timeline Update
E.Brush Creek Park and Ride – One-Season Food Truck / Farm
Stand Experiment
F.Buttermilk Park and Ride Signage
G.Maroon Creek Roundabout Reconstruction Funding Request
H.Town of Snowmass Village Transit Center – Progress Update
(Provided by David Peckler, Transportation Director, Town of
Snowmass Village)
*Next meeting is July 29, 2021 – Pitkin County to Host & Chair
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2021 WORK PLAN – FOR REFERENCE ONLY
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2021 WORK PLAN – FOR REFERENCE ONLY
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2021 WORK PLAN – FOR REFERENCE ONLY
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2021 WORK PLAN – FOR REFERENCE ONLY
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2021 WORK PLAN – FOR REFERENCE ONLY
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2021 BUDGET – FOR REFERENCE ONLY
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ELECTED OFFICIALS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (EOTC)
AGREEMENTS & DECISIONS REACHED
AT THE OCTOBER 29, 2020 MEETING
Location (Virtual) – City of Aspen
City of Aspen - Host & Chair
Elected Officials in Attendance:
Aspen – 5 Pitkin County - 5 Snowmass - 5
Torre Kelly McNicholas Kury Markey Butler
Ward Hauenstein Steve Child Tom Goode
Skippy Mesirow George Newman Bill Madsen
Ann Mullins Patti Clapper Alyssa Shenk
Rachel Richards Greg Poschman Bob Sirkus
Absent: None
______________________________________________________________________________
Agreements & Decisions Reached
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMITTEE MEMBER UPDATES
None
Proposed 2021 EOTC Budget
David Pesnichak - Transportation Administrator
Mr. Pesnichak explained the fiscal outlook for the EOTC and proposed a staff recommended
budget for 2021. The EOTC revenues are comprised of funds from the 0.5% Pitkin County
Transit Sales and Use Tax of which the EOTC retains 100% of use tax revenues and 18.96% of
sales tax revenues. This outlook included impacts to date from COVID-19 and the recent
changes in state law related to sales and use tax collections passed in 2019 (HB19-1240).
Based on the current projections, between 2019 and 2020 the EOTC is anticipated to have a
73.1% decrease in use tax revenues and a 7.9% decrease in sales tax revenues. Overall, the
EOTC is expected to see an approximately 41.4% decrease in overall revenues between 2019
and 2020.
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Projections between 2020 and 2021 include a 0% increase in sales tax revenue and a -4.25%
decrease in use tax revenue. Overall, EOTC revenue is expected to decrease by 9.4% between
2020 and 2021.
Total annual EOTC revenues are expected to decrease from $2,725,220 in 2018 and $3,257,373
in 2019 to $1,907,648 in 2020 and $1,727,704 in 2021.
Staff recommended that the EOTC adopt the staff proposed budget for 2021 along with the
proposed 2021 EOTC Work Plan. This budget included the removal of the “Lockboxes” from
the 2021 budget and replaced them with a line entitled “Unobligated EOTC Fund Balance”. This
line represents the amount of funds available in a given year that are not otherwise obligated to
current year operations or current and future year projects.
The EOTC had the following budget requests for 2021:
Renewals:
-We-Cycle Operational Support ($100,000 – One-Year Renewal)
- X-Games Bus Subsidy ($115,000 – One-Year Renewal)
One-Time Increases in Funding:
-Snowmass Mall Transit Center ($6 million total w/ $721,213 increase – 2022
Construction, $12 million total project)
-BC P&R FLAP Grant Match ($3,493,622 total w/ $1,493,622 increase – 2021
Construction, $6.9 million total project)
New Requests:
- Integrated Mobility System (IMS) Phase 2 ($25,000 EOTC match - $65,000 total
project)
- Upper Valley Transit Enhancement Study ($45,000 EOTC match - $100,000 total
project)
-Bicycle / Pedestrian Connection to Brush Creek P&R Feasibility Study ($25,000 EOTC
match - $75,000 total project)
-Aerial Connection Feasibility (Public Request) ($50,000 request – Not Funded)
Staff reviewed the matrix used by staff to rank the EOTC expenditures recommended by staff in
2021. This matrix measures how well each expenditure meets the 2020 EOTC Strategic Plan and
CVTP.
The Committee discussed moving forward with the staff recommendation to conduct a
‘Technical Survey’ for the Aerial Connection between Brush Creek P&R, Aspen and Snowmass.
While several members expressed interest in learning more at some point others felt as though
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such an effort was not necessary. In the end, the Committee decided not to move forward with
the Aerial Connection Feasibility Study or Technical Survey in 2021. The Committee did
express interest in reviewing a more thorough analysis of available technologies for public transit
within the next few years, but not in 2021. While this expenditure was not a part of the staff
recommended budget ultimately approved by the Committee, it was subsequently removed from
the staff recommended 2021 EOTC Work Plan.
The EOTC voted to adopt the staff recommended 2021 Budget. The vote for the 2021 EOTC
Budget was conducted by jurisdiction. The vote was as follows:
Pitkin County: 5-0
Town of Snowmass Village: 5-0
City of Aspen: 5-0
Decision Reached:
•Adopt Staff Recommended 2021 EOTC Budget
Proposed 2021 EOTC Work Plan
David Pesnichak - Transportation Administrator
Mr. Pesnichak reviewed the staff proposed 2021 EOTC Work Plan. While the EOTC completed
the Strategic Plan and update to the Comprehensive Valley Transportation Plan (CVTP) in 2020,
updating the 1993 EOTC IGA to reflect the newly updated CVTP and clarifying decision making
is slated for spring of 2021 and is included in this Work Plan.
Also of importance in 2021 is completing and continuing to support existing EOTC efforts.
These efforts include the Brush Creek Park and Ride FLAP grant improvements, the Town of
Snowmass Village Transit Center, the new Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) on Highway 82, and
conducting the one-season Food Truck / Farm Stand experiment should it be approved by the
Pitkin County Planning Commission in November 2020.
Looking ahead, the Work Plan in conjunction with the 2021 EOTC Budget contain several
studies including the Integrated Mobility Study (IMS) Phase 2 and the Upper Valley Transit
Enhancement Study which are anticipated to provide operational and infrastructure guidance to
the EOTC in the short to mid-term (1-5 years). These results are to inform the development of
the 2022 EOTC Budget and Work Plan. Long-term discussions on transit planning are
anticipated to be included with the 2022 Work Plan.
The 2021 EOTC Work Plan also included a partnership feasibility study with the City of Aspen
Parks and Open Space Department and the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Department to
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jointly fund and conduct an update to the 2014 feasibility study to connect the Brush Creek Park
and Ride with the AABC / Rio Grande Trail. Public outreach and board engagement are
anticipated to occur in 2022.
The EOTC reviewed the 2021 meeting dates of March 25, 2021, July 29, 2021, and October 28,
2021. It was noted that North West COG meetings could conflict for a few members if they
begin to be conducted in person again, but a change to the proposed EOTC dates was not
recommended.
Staff recommended that the EOTC accept the proposed 2021 Work Plan.
The EOTC voted to adopt the staff recommended 2021 Work Plan with the amendment that the
Aerial Technology Survey be removed. The EOTC vote for the 2021 Work Plan was conducted
by jurisdiction. The vote was as follows:
Pitkin County: 5-0
Town of Snowmass Village: 5-0
City of Aspen: 5-0
Decision Reached:
● Accept the 2021 EOTC Work Plan and Meeting Dates with the amendment that the
Aerial Technology Survey be removed.
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AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
EOTC MEETING DATE: March 25, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: EOTC IGA Update
STAFF RESPONSIBLE: David Pesnichak, Transportation Administrator
ISSUE STATEMENT: The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Aspen, Town of
Snowmass Village and Pitkin County that created the EOTC’s organizational structure is still in its
original form from its adoption in 1993. Following guidance from the 2019 EOTC retreat, the EOTC
adopted a Strategic Plan and updated Comprehensive Valley Transportation Plan (CVTP) in 2020.
Among the final steps to be taken from the direction obtained at the retreat in 2019 includes clarifying the
decision making structure and updating the guiding documents for the EOTC. In accordance with the
accepted 2020 and 2021 EOTC Work Plan, this is to be accomplished through an update to the 1993 IGA
and considered in the spring of 2021 following adoption of the Strategic Plan and updated CVTP.
BACKGROUND:
Memo Contents
- Progress and Goals Overview
o Where we have been
o Where we are
o Where we are going
- Proposed IGA Changes
o Overview
o List of Changes and Explanation
- Attachments
o Proposed updated EOTC IGA for review and consideration
o 1993 IGA, Resolution 61, and Resolution 62
Progress and Goals Overview
The below overview stems from feedback received from the last EOTC retreat in 2019. The purpose of
this section is to outline where we have been, where we are, and where we are going in terms of
addressing the governance priorities from the retreat. This section also identifies how the proposed update
to the EOTC IGA fits within this progress.
Where we have been – In 2020 the EOTC adopted its first Strategic Plan and its first update to the CVTP
since 1993. Whereas the Strategic Plan is a high-level guiding document that is used to inform overall
EOTC direction, the CVTP utilizes the guidance from the Strategic Plan to inform the policy level
expenditure priorities for the EOTC in the coming years. As shown in the graphic below, each effort
builds upon each other starting with the high-level strategic plan and coming together in an updated
budget framework that will evaluate and rank EOTC projects and spending on an annual basis.
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Where we are - The EOTC IGA update is the third official step to updating the EOTC governing
documents and builds off the guidance established with the adoption of the Strategic Plan and CVTP.
Below is an overview of the schedule from the 2020 EOTC Work Plan to update the EOTC’s working
documents and plans.
The March 25, 2021 EOTC meeting will focus on updating the 1993 EOTC IGA and associated
resolutions. The IGA and associated Resolution 61 and 62 were adopted in 1993 before the ½ cent transit
sales and use tax was approved by voters. The IGA and Resolutions 61 and 62 serve several functions
including: 1) Establishing and organizing the EOTC (IGA), 2) Adopting the initial Comprehensive Valley
Transportation Plan (CVTP) (Resolution 61), and 3) Identifying the projects to be funded by the proceeds
from transportation revenue bonds at that time (Resolution 62). While these documents were adopted
separately leading up to the election in 1993 they are also interdependent.
The goals of this IGA update include:
1) Update the language and terminology in the IGA and Resolution 61 and 62 documents,
2) Simplify the IGA and associated Resolution 61 and 62 by combining them into one IGA
document; and,
3) Clarify the decision-making processes for the EOTC.
Where we are going - Looking ahead at the final identified “Budget Framework Development” phase,
several steps have already been undertaken in 2020 to move this effort forward.
First, with the approval of the Strategic Plan and CVTP, staff developed a ranking matrix for all projects
and efforts under consideration for the EOTC in a given year. Starting with the 2021 budget year, Staff
ranked all of the budget expenditures in accordance with how well they meet the Mission, Vision,
Guiding Principles and Key Strategies within the Strategic Plan and the tactical focus areas identified
within the CVTP. This system assists staff in determining recommendations to the EOTC that best meet
the direction the Committee has identified.
Second, at the 2021 EOTC budget meeting in October 2020 and at the recommendation of Staff, the
EOTC removed the “Lock Boxes” from the EOTC budget. While these discussions were originally
planned to take place in 2021, the shifts to the EOTC budget caused by the changes in Sales and Use Tax
collections and COVID-19 moved this specific discussion and recommendation up in priority and
timeline.
We are Here →
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With the budget framework progress to date, looking ahead at the EOTC meeting scheduled for July 29
staff anticipates bringing the results of the Integrated Mobility Study (IMS) and the Upper Valley Transit
Enhancement Study to the Committee (See detailed progress description in Transportation Administrator
Update memo). Along with the results from these two studies, staff will compile a recommendation on
how best to move these efforts forward to implementation in the coming years. Part of this
recommendation will be a cost / benefit analysis matrix to be used to prioritize infrastructure projects. The
goal is to develop a system to prioritize infrastructure projects that have the greatest transit impact for
each dollar spent. This prioritization of infrastructure projects from the cost/benefit analysis is anticipated
to become the basis for a capital improvement plan for the EOTC moving forward.
The comments and direction received at the July 29 EOTC meeting will inform the development of the
2022 EOTC budget and work plan, which the EOTC will review at the October 2021 meeting.
Considering the anticipated progress made by the July EOTC meeting, all of the primary directives
received from the EOTC at the 2019 retreat will have been completed or underway. In 2022, Staff
anticipates another EOTC retreat to flesh out the EOTC direction for the next few years.
Proposed IGA Changes
Overview
The proposed EOTC draft IGA is attached to this memo for review and consideration (Attachment 1).
As noted previously, the goals of this IGA update include:
1) Update the language and terminology in the IGA and Resolution 61 and 62 documents,
2) Simplify the IGA and associated Resolution 61 and 62 by combining them into one IGA
document; and,
3) Clarify the decision-making processes for the EOTC.
Although the IGA, Resolution 61 and Resolution 62 were adopted separately, they are also all
interdependent. While these separate adoptions appears to have been logical in 1993 in advance of the
election for the ½ cent transit sales and use tax, maintaining them as independent documents at his point
is cumbersome. As a result, Staff is recommending an updated IGA that combines the relevant provisions
from the original IGA, Resolution 61, and Resolution 62.
As a reminder, the primary topics and purpose of the 1993 IGA, Resolution 61, and Resolution 62 are as
follows:
- IGA – Established EOTC to implement the CVTP
- Resolution 61 – Approved 1993 CVTP and endorsed sales / use tax for upcoming election
- Resolution 62 – Confirmed projects to be funded from 1993 bond issuance
The proposed IGA has been reviewed by:
- EOTC staff;
- City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village, and Pitkin County managers;
- City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village, and Pitkin County attorneys; and,
- Pitkin County bond counsel.
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Recommended changes from the staff, managers, attorneys, and bond counsel reviews have been
incorporated into the proposed IGA draft, attached.
Pitkin County bond counsel reviewed the proposed IGA because Resolution 62 relates to the use of bonds
issued in 1993. Bond counsel reviewed the IGA to ensure that this proposed update would not adversely
impact any of the existing bonds or bond holders. With the recommendations from bond counsel
incorporated into the proposed IGA, staff feels confident that any issues related to bonding are adequately
addressed.
It is worth noting that the 1993 IGA and Resolutions 61 and 62 are out of date. As a result, the bulk of the
changes within the proposed IGA are updates (striking obsolete language, for example), updating the
history of the ½ cent transit sales and use tax in the ‘whereas’ statements, and/or relocation of text to
accommodate the combining of the three documents. In addition, since the 1993 IGA and resolutions
were adopted before the ½ cent transit sales and use taxes was passed by voters, there is quite a bit of
speculative language throughout all of these original documents.
The updated IGA does, however, make some notable changes and reaffirm / identify how the EOTC has
been functioning to date. Below is a list and explanation of the primary changes and reaffirmations you
will find throughout the proposed IGA.
List of Changes and Explanation
- Organizational Structure and Committee Name:
The 1993 IGA identifies that “the parties hereby agree to conduct regular public meetings of
representatives of the three jurisdictions…” but does not otherwise spell out the makeup or name the
EOTC.
The proposed IGA names the EOTC as the primary purpose for the Agreement. In addition, it states that
“The EOTC shall consist of the elected officials representing the parties to this agreement (the Pitkin
County Board of Commissioners, the Town of Snowmass Village Town Council, and the City of Aspen
City Council County).” This means that the official membership of the EOTC is maintained at 15 elected
officials as it operates today.
- EOTC to Hold Noticed Special Meetings and Voting at Meetings is to be Final:
To date, the voting conducted at an EOTC meeting has not been final. The final vote on an expenditure,
effort, or plan has been conducted within each jurisdiction separately following the formal EOTC
meeting. This second meeting has decreased efficiency and increased confusion over the how the EOTC
is to conduct business.
The proposed IGA states: “EOTC meetings shall be noticed special meetings for each party. Votes tallied
at an EOTC meeting shall be final.” By holding EOTC meetings as noticed special meetings with public
notice conducted by each jurisdiction prior to the scheduled meeting, the vote taken at the EOTC meeting
can be final. This means that a separate meeting does not need to be held with each jurisdiction following
the EOTC meeting and vote, thereby increasing efficiency and streamlining the decision making process.
All this said there are times with a Committee as large as the EOTC that it is necessary and desirable to
hold individual meetings by jurisdiction to obtain decisions in a timely manner. The proposed IGA
therefore includes language for the CVTP, Expenditures and Budgets, and Supporting Documents or
Plans that accommodates this flexibility. Specifically, the proposed IGA states that the CVTP,
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Expenditures and Budgets, and Supporting Documents or Plans “should be agreed upon by all three
parties at a regular scheduled meeting of the EOTC, but may be acted on by the individual parties at their
respective regular meetings.” By way of example for this type of decision process, this was successfully
utilized in 2020 for the adoption of the Strategic Plan when COVID-19 disrupted the planned schedule
and as a result, the Transportation Administrator presented the plan to each jurisdiction separately. Once
all jurisdictions agreed and voted affirmatively for the proposed plan, it could be adopted without
convening the whole EOTC.
- Decision Making Processes:
The current IGA only provides direction regarding expenditures. The IGA states that all expenditures and
project “shall be agreed upon by all three parties in advance of any such expenditure and/or project as
evidenced by a resolution duly adopted by the governing bodies of each party.” Other actions that could
be under taken by the EOTC are procedurally undefined.
The proposed IGA breaks out the different actions which the EOTC can take including: 1) adoption or
update of the CVTP, 2) expenditures and / or budgets, 3) supporting documents or plans, and 4)
administrative direction. The processes for review of each of these different actions are outlined in the
table below from the proposed IGA.
As can be seen in the table above, the processes for the CVTP, Expenditures /Budget, and Supporting
Document or Plans are similar to that which is utilized today by the EOTC for expenditures.
One notable exception from the process used today is that an authorized representative from each party
can sign the resolution of approval. Functionally, this means that the mayor or chairperson can sign the
prepared resolution for that jurisdiction without having to hold a separate public meeting. This is
accomplished by holding each EOTC meeting as a publically noticed special meeting where voting at that
meeting is final.
In addition, the proposed IGA includes a category for Administrative Direction that does not involve
adoption of a plan or expenditure of funds. Approval of Administrative Direction only requires a majority
vote of the three member jurisdictions and does not require memorialization in a resolution.
- Quorum:
To date there has not been a requirement for each jurisdiction to have a quorum at an EOTC meeting. The
1993 IGA simply states that meetings are to consist of “representatives of the three jurisdictions”.
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If EOTC meetings are going to be noticed special meetings of each jurisdiction, however, then a quorum
will be necessary. As a result, the proposed IGA includes language that “A majority of the membership
from each of the parties must be in attendance to officially act at an EOTC meeting.” In order to help
facilitate adequate representation at each of the EOTC meetings, staff does intend to continue a virtual
option for EOTC members going forward as this has proven to be an effective participation option over
the past year.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the proposed updated EOTC IGA
ATTACHMENTS:
1 - Proposed updated EOTC IGA for review and consideration
2 - 1993 IGA, Resolution 61, and Resolution 62
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 2
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ATTACHMENT 2
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AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
EOTC MEETING DATE: March 25, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Transportation Administrator Updates
STAFF RESPONSIBLE: David Pesnichak, Transportation Administrator
ISSUE STATEMENT: This memo is intended to keep the EOTC up to date on efforts that are within or
could affect areas within the EOTC’s purview. The updates included in this memo are as follows.
a.Integrated Mobility System Study – Phase 2
b.Upper Valley Transit Enhancement Study
c.Brush Creek Park and Ride to AABC Trail Connection Feasibility Study
d. Brush Creek Park and Ride – FLAP Construction Timeline Update
e.Brush Creek Park and Ride – One-Season Food Truck / Farm Stand Experiment
f.Buttermilk Park and Ride Signage
g.Maroon Creek Roundabout Reconstruction Funding Request
h. Town of Snowmass Village Transit Center – Progress Update
(Provided by David Peckler, Transportation Director, Town of Snowmass Village)
BACKGROUND: The following updates are provided for EOTC information.
a.Integrated Mobility System (IMS) Study – Phase 2
Background:
The Community Forum Task Force on Transportation and Mobility is a 31-citizen member
committee that was created to address the transportation issues that have plagued the upper
Roaring Fork Valley. The Task Force met in 2016 and 2017. In 2017 the Task Force released the
Upper Valley Mobility Report which outline the Integrated Mobility System (IMS). The IMS is
comprised of five key pillars or strategies that could be implemented as budgets permit over
short, mid, and long-term timeframes.
The five strategies identified within the IMS are (See graphic below): Phased BRT
enhancements, ride sharing, ride hailing, HOV Lane enforcement, and congestion reduction
measures.
Analysis of the IMS was intended to be a 2 phase, 2-year study starting in 2020 and completing
in 2021.
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Five Pillars or Strategies of the IMS
Phase 1:
In 2019, the EOTC and RFTA obligated a total of $19,755 for Phase 1 of the professional
analysis of the IMS. Fehr and Peers completed phase 1 in 2020.
The Phase 1 analysis included:
a.Refinement and definition of the five strategies identified in the IMS to allow for
modeling purposes.
b.Performance of a high-level effectiveness analysis of the five strategies of the IMS to
create a general picture of the potential reduction in vehicle miles travelled (VMT),
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reduced single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel.
c.Identification of a draft initial implementation framework.
Phase 1 created a ranked effectiveness of the five strategies of the IMS based on anticipated
long-term congestion reduction and related greenhouse gas emissions.
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Anticipated Long Term Effectiveness of the five IMS strategies if implemented independently
In addition, Phase 1 highlighted two major takeaways from the analysis:
- Interdependency of strategies:
Individual measures can have limited impacts on reductions to congestion and greenhouse gas
emissions, however their effectiveness can be multiplied when implemented as a system.
-No Silver Bullet:
When moving forward with congestion mitigation and limiting greenhouse gas emissions, small
incremental steps that build on one another are expected to have the greatest overall impact.
Based on the identified effectiveness of the five strategies of the IMS along with the two noted
takeaways, the Fehr and Peers team developed the following draft implementation outline.
Short-Term Implementation (0-5 Years):
-HOV lane enforcement on State Highway (SH) 82
-Increase parking prices and expand hours of pricing in downtown Aspen
-Speed and reliability improvements along BRT route
-Implement pilot ridesharing app for commuters
Medium-Term Implementation (3-10 Years):
-Implement ride hailing service in Aspen/Snowmass Area
-Monitor performance to ensure mobility and emissions goals are being met
-Expand the City of Aspen’s carsharing program, and begin fleet electrification
-Expand the Aspen Downtowner’s service and fleet
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- Construct new Park & Ride in the Carbondale/El Jebel/Basalt area, and enhance bus
connections between Snowmass and Aspen
Long-Term Implementation (11+ Years):
- Implement dynamic road pricing on SH 82
Throughout Phase 1, Fehr and Peers in conjunction with Staff developed three report out
memoranda. At the end of Phase 1, the Transportation Administrator along with the Fehr and
Peers team reported these conclusions out to the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners,
the City of Aspen City Council, the Town of Snowmass Village Town Council, and the RFTA
Board. These report out meetings all occurred in September of 2020.
Phase 2:
With direction from the EOTC, Pitkin County has procured the assistance of Fehr and Peers to
execute Phase 2 of this study. The Phase 2 analysis is to be completed by June 2021 and will
include the follow elements:
a. Develop performance measures and an evaluation framework to ensure the IMS is
working well and achieving the desired goals.
b. More detailed travel analysis on what trips are likely to be affected by the IMS and more
detail on how to mitigate some of the impacts caused by the IMS.
c. Using the detailed travel analysis, perform a more detailed transportation GHG emissions
analysis.
d. Perform an equity impact analysis of the IMS to understand which groups might be
disproportionally impacted and develop mitigation measures to address those impacts.
e. Perform an autonomous vehicle risk and benefit assessment to understand how the IMS
will need to be adjusted to a future with AVs (includes both private AVs and autonomous
transit).
f. Analyze the potential impacts from COVID-19 on the implementation of the IMS.
A final professional written report will be developed documenting the methodology, process and
findings for the overall IMS.
The total cost for Phase 2 is $65,000. Funding sources for Phase 2 include CDOT (MMOF grant
award): $30,000, RFTA: $10,000, and the EOTC: $25,000.
A kick off meeting for Phase 2 was conducted on January 22. Those present included staff from
the City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village, Pitkin County, RFTA, the Aspen Institute, and
members of the Community Forum Task Force on Transportation and Mobility.
The schedule for Phase 2 was reviewed at the January 22 kick-off meeting (See below). Staff and
the represented members of the Community Task Force provided initial feedback to the Fehr and
Peers team.
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The final results of the IMS Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be reported out to the EOTC at the July 29,
2021 meeting.
Also at this meeting on July 29, the results from the Upper Valley Transit Enhancement (UVTE)
study (See next section of this memo for an update on this study) will be reported out to the
EOTC. While the UVTE is technically a separate study, it ties in with the IMS in that it moves
the needle on BRT Enhancements, which has been identified as one of the short-term
implementation components of the IMS.
The results of the IMS study and the UVTE will be analyzed by staff leading up to the July 29
EOTC meeting. Staff will establish a recommendation to the EOTC for tackling both the
recommendations of the UVTE and the IMS. The comments and direction received from the
EOTC at their July 29 meeting will then be carried forward and appropriately integrated into the
2022 budget and Work Plan, which is to be adopted in October 2021.
b. Upper Valley Transit Enhancement (UVTE) Study
Project Description - The goal of the UVTE is to identify and prioritize infrastructure projects
that:
1) Increase transit efficiency and speed; and,
2) Increase bicycle / pedestrian access to transit stops between Service Center Road
(Aspen Airport) and the Maroon Creek Roundabout.
This study, which will be used to inform upcoming planning efforts and funding allocations, is to
identify the most effective, feasible, and implementable infrastructure improvements that will
reduce friction for transit riders while considering existing plans and redevelopment efforts
currently under review.
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The result is to be a cost / benefit analysis that will identify and help prioritize these
infrastructure projects into a capital improvement plan for the EOTC. It is anticipated that the
cost / benefit analysis framework of the capital improvement plan can then work as a backbone
for prioritizing other infrastructure projects outside of this initial stretch of Highway 82 in the
future.
Project Background, Funding and Goals - With significant progress made over the past 28 years
toward carrying out the Comprehensive Valley Transportation Plan (CVTP), the EOTC is
uniquely situated to look to the future to address mobility in the Roaring Fork Valley. Moreover,
as many people have identified possible ways to increase transit speed and efficiency as well as
increase bike / pedestrian access to transit through this corridor over the years, an independent
analysis has not been conducted to identify the most effective approaches.
The Transportation Administrator, based on comments and ideas received at the EOTC retreat in
August 2019, developed the scope for this study. In January 2020, staff received initial approval
for a Multi-Modal Options Fund (MMOF) grant from CDOT of up to $50,000 (50% of cost up to
$100,000) for this study. The total cost for this study was estimated at $100,000. In addition,
RFTA is contributing $5,000. At the October 29, 2020 EOTC budget meeting, the EOTC
allocated $45,000 to move forward with this study.
With the assistance of a cost / benefit analysis framework to help prioritize the identified
infrastructure projects, the goal is to identify the most impactful infrastructure projects the EOTC
could undertake within the near to mid-term (1-5 years) as well as projects that should be
considered in the longer term (5+ years).
It is understood that while some of the outcomes from the Study may be more capital intensive
than others, this analysis will provide the EOTC information and a basis for considering each of
the options relative to the amount of funding available.
Project Tasks – With direction to move forward with this study from the EOTC, through an RFP
process Pitkin County has procured the assistance of Mead and Hunt to execute this study. The
stages and elements of the study will be as follows:
a. Existing conditions and needs assessment.
b. Identification of possible infrastructure improvements to achieve the stated goals.
c. Create a cost/benefit analysis and prioritized list of most impactful and cost effective
improvements to achieve the stated goals.
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d. Develop a final plan for implementation.
e. Any unused budgeted funds are to be utilized to create initial concept plans for the top
2-3 identified projects. (To be completed between July 29, 2021 and December 31, 2021)
Project Schedule
Next Steps
As stated in the previous section for the IMS, staff plans to review the outcomes from the UVTE
study along with the IMS and present a unified staff recommendation. The feedback received
from the EOTC will then be carried forward for development of the EOTC’s 2022 budget and
Work Plan.
Representatives from the consulting team will be available to present the study and/or answer
questions from the EOTC at the meeting scheduled for July 29, 2021.
Immediately following the July 29, 2021 EOTC meeting, the top 2-3 projects will be further
developed by the Mead and Hunt team moving them into concept plan and pre-engineering
design. The extent of this concept plan and pre-engineering development will be determined by
which projects come out on top as well as the amount of funding remaining in the contract. After
the contract with Mead and Hunt ends in December 2021, staff will evaluate the logical next
steps at that point.
In the longer term and as noted previously, staff intends to continue utilizing the cost / benefit
analysis framework developed as a part of this study to help prioritize other infrastructure
projects being considered by the EOTC in the future. This prioritized infrastructure improvement
list can then be used as a capital improvement plan by the EOTC moving forward. Staff will
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collaborate throughout and following the conclusion of this study to identify how the cost /
benefit analysis functioned, make any necessary adjustments, and consider the best way to utilize
this kind of plan moving forward.
c. Brush Creek Park and Ride to AABC Trail Connection Feasibility Study
As the EOTC may recall from the October 2020 meeting, this is a new partnership project to look at the
trail connection from the Brush Creek Park and Ride to the Aspen Airport Business Center starting in
2021. The total feasibility study cost is anticipated to be $75,000 with Pitkin County Open Space and
Trails (OST), City of Aspen Parks and Open Space, and the Elected Officials Transportation Committee
each contributing $25,000. The EOTC approved $25,000 for this feasibility study in October 2020 for
2021.
The City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village and Pitkin County have been creating a seamless off
highway trail connection throughout the upper valley for over 25 years. The Rio Grande Trail, Owl
Creek Trail, Aspen Business Center Trail, and Brush Creek Trail connect the upper valley communities
and provide a commuting and recreational amenity.
There is one large gap in the system since the Brush Creek Trail currently ends at the Brush Creek Park
and Ride, which is a major transportation hub between Aspen and Snowmass Village. Trail users have
only one off highway trail option from this lot to connect to the Aspen Airport Business Center and
Aspen. This connection takes users down valley towards Woody Creek, down the Aspen Mass Trail to
Jaffee Park that connects to a steep soft surface trail to the Rio Grande Trail.
To fill this gap Pitkin County OST completed a feasibility study in 2014 to look at options to provide a
more direct connection that would encourage many more users to use the Brush Creek Park and Ride for
parking and commuting via bike. The goal is to update the feasibility study Pitkin County OST.
When the feasibility study was completed in 2014 the Open Space Board and BOCC decided to hold off
on this project until a partnership could be created. The new feasibility study will inform the boards and
public of the possible options and provide updated costs. A public process is anticipated to begin
following the development of technically feasible options.
To date, Pitkin County OST is developing an RFP to identify a consulting team for this study. It is
anticipated that this feasibility study will be completed in 2021. Staff will present these updates, findings
and next steps to the EOTC and the other partners once the study is moving forward.
d. Brush Creek Park and Ride – FLAP Construction Timeframe Update
In 2019 and 2020, the EOTC reviewed and approved the 30%, 70% and 95% plans for the pavement,
landscaping, circulation and restroom improvements at the Brush Creek Park and Ride. The plans are
currently at 100% and a Location and Extent was approved by Pitkin County in the fall of 2020.
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As the EOTC may recall, this $6.9 million project is to be funded with $2.4 million from a Federal
Highways Administration (FHWA) Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant, $1 million in CDOT
CMAQ funds, and the EOTC has allocated approximately $3.5 million. The EOTC currently has its
matching funds allocated within the 2021 budget year.
At the October 2020 EOTC budget meeting, it was still unknown whether the FHWA would have its
funding available for this project in 2021 or 2022. As a result, taking the most optimistic approach the
EOTC, at the suggestion of staff, allocated its matching funds in 2021 with the understanding that should
the FHWA funds not be available in 2021 then the EOTC funds may need to be moved to 2022 as a part
of the next budget cycle.
It is now known that the FHWA will not have funding available for this project in 2021 and construction
is now slated for the summer of 2022. As a result, it is anticipated that the EOTC will need to move its
matching funding for this project to 2022 at the budget meeting in October.
e. Brush Creek Park and Ride – Food Truck / Farm Stand Experiment Update
As the EOTC may recall, direction was provided at the April 30, 2020 meeting to move forward with a
one-season experiment at the Brush Creek Park and Ride that includes the placement of up to one food
truck and/or one farm stand. This experiment was anticipated to take place in either the summer of 2021
or 2022 depending on the schedule for the FLAP improvements construction at the Park and Ride, which
was unknown at the time.
With this direction, the Transportation Administrator moved forward with: 1) obtaining consent from
CDOT as the property owner; 2) obtaining a 1041 regulation determination from the Pitkin County
Community Development Department; and, 3) obtaining a determination on a Location and Extent
Review from the Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission.
To date, CDOT has provided consent for the experiment, the Pitkin County Community Development
Department issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in relation to the County 1041
regulations, and in September 2020 the Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission approved the
Location and Extent, with conditions.
In terms of timeframe moving forward, as the construction of the FLAP improvements is now set for
2022, the food truck and/or farm stand experiment is moving forward for the summer of 2021. Staff is
currently working through the solicitation process with Pitkin County Procurement to ensure there is a
transparent and equitable selection for the food truck and farm stand vendor(s).
In February staff started to advertise the solicitation to identify a food truck and/or farm stand vendor. The
closing date for the solicitation is March 12, 2021. If all goes as planned, a food truck and / or farm stand
vendor should be at the Park and Ride starting this spring.
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Throughout this one-season experiment, Staff will monitor the impacts of the food truck and / or farm
stand on transit ridership, carpooling (if possible), and Park and Ride usage throughout the season. The
findings will be brought back to the EOTC following completion of the experiment.
f. Buttermilk Park and Ride Signage
Over the course of the past year, it has come to Staff’s attention that there is no signage on Highway 82
indicating the location of the Buttermilk Park and Ride. As a result, the Transportation Administrator, the
City of Aspen Parking Director, and the Pitkin County Public Works Director have been working in
partnership to find a solution to filling this basic information gap. Adding static metal signage on
Highway 82 indicating the location of the Buttermilk Park and Ride appears to be a relatively low cost
improvement with potentially notable gains.
The anticipated signage would include one up valley and one down valley static metal sign on Highway
82. While the signage on Highway 82 for the Buttermilk Park and Ride is likely to be similar to the static
metal blue and white signs for Brush Creek Park and Ride, staff is currently working through the CDOT
specs to identify a specific location, verbiage, and size.
To date, Staff has been communicating with CDOT regarding the permit process for the signage. Based
on available funding sources, the Transportation Administrator has identified funds within the EOTC
budget that is designated for ‘Professional Services’ that involves participation in regional transportation.
As this is an intergovernmental effort and is consistent with the EOTC Strategic Plan and CVTP, the
Transportation Administrator has been working with SGM in Glenwood Springs to conduct the necessary
design, site planning and permitting with CDOT. It is anticipated that the cost of this service will be less
than $4,000 and within the identified 2021 budget line item.
Once the sign is designed and the permit is obtained from CDOT, it is anticipated that the City of Aspen
Parking Department will provide the physical signs while the Pitkin County Public Works Department
will manage installation. Staff is working to have these signs installed in the spring of 2021.
g. Maroon Creek Roundabout Reconstruction Funding Request
As outlined in the attached letter from Andrew Knapp, P.E., CDOT Glenwood Springs Resident Engineer
(See exhibit 1), in 2022 CDOT will be repaving Highway 82 from the Aspen Airport Business Center to
the Castle Creek Bridge. Mr. Knapp explains, “As part of this CDOT funded project we are considering
reconstructing the Maroon Creek roundabout in concrete pavement and simultaneously making some
select safety and operation improvements to the roundabout.”
The motivation for redoing the Maroon Creek Roundabout in concrete over asphalt is to prevent the kind
of failures seen every few years that results in notable traffic backups and delays. In addition, CDOT is
looking to make some safety and operational improvements that will help the Roundabout operate more
smoothly.
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CDOT, as the project lead, has secured a number of internal and external funding sources for this
estimated $2.53 million project (roundabout reconstruction only). These funding sources to date include
almost $1 million from the City of Aspen while CDOT is looking to contribute a total of about $490,000
in addition to an estimated $100,000 of in kind design. While there may be some other State sources
available, which are still being identified, CDOT has requested $271,000 from the EOTC, $300,000 from
RFTA, and $100,000 from Pitkin County plus the ability to use Mclain Flats Road as an official detour
route. It is anticipated that these contributions along with other State funds can fully fund the Maroon
Creek Roundabout reconstruction project.
While the EOTC has a request from CDOT for $271,000 toward this infrastructure project, it is important
to note that the EOTC by Statute can only provide funding to projects that improve transit. As a result,
Mr. Knapp has provided the following nexus to transit (See Exhibit 1):
CDOT is requesting the EOTC participate as a funding partner for this project. Since the
EOTC is a transit focused body CDOT is requesting funding participation at the level
commensurate with the use of the roundabout by transit vehicles. A traffic study of the
Maroon Creek Roundabout dated July 1, 2020 done by Kimley Horn on behalf of the City
of Aspen counted bus traffic at 3.57% of vehicles on the day traffic data was recorded. The
State Highway Access code considers busses to have a passenger car equivalency of 3 due
to their increased length compared to passenger cars. Based on that information CDOT is
requesting the EOTC participate at a funding level of 3.57% x 3, or 10.71%. At the current
estimated cost of $2.53 million that amounts to a contribution towards the project of
$271,000.
It is staff’s opinion that this nexus to transit is rational. The benefits to transit are related to increased
reliability due to improved operation and fewer infrastructure failures that cause unexpected delays to
transit service.
In addition to funds for the project, the EOTC is also able to assist by allowing usage of the Dynamic
Message Sign (DMS) on Highway 82 located about a mile down valley of the Brush Creek Park and
Ride. This sign can provide construction and detour related messaging to motorists and encourage transit
ridership.
Staff understands that CDOT is considering smart work zone technology to display travel times on
portable message boards during construction similar to those used on the Grand Avenue Bridge Project.
Looking ahead, this is anticipated to be a 2022 construction project and as a result these funds are
requested for the 2022 budget year. At this point, considering the large projects the EOTC is currently
undertaking in 2022 along with the uncertainty of EOTC funding due to changes in State sales and use tax
collections and COVID-19, staff will bring this request back to the EOTC at the scheduled budget
meeting in October 2021. At this meeting in October, the EOTC will be reviewing the complete 2022
budget and can consider this request along with other efforts while having a more complete picture of
available funds. Staff has discussed this timeframe with CDOT and it appears to be workable. As a result,
51 52
while Staff wants to make the EOTC aware of this request, a determination from the EOTC is not
necessary at this time.
h. Town of Snowmass Village Transit Center – Progress Update (David Peckler,
Transportation Director, Town of Snowmass Village)
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BUDGETARY IMPACT:
None at this time.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
None at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1 – Letter from Andrew Knapp, P.E., CDOT Glenwood Springs Resident Engineer
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EXHIBIT 1
54 55
EXHIBIT 1
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MEMORANDUM
TO:City Council
FROM:Ron LeBlanc, Special Projects Manager
THROUGH:Sara Ott, City Manager
MEMO DATE:March 19, 2021
MEETING DATE:March 22, 2021
RE:Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV) Update
REQUEST OF COUNCIL:
This agenda item is a follow up to the February 16, 2021 City Council Work Session. In order to
best prepare for a successful and safe 2021 summer season, staff is seeking direction from City
Council on a short list of remaining topics. This will also be an opportunity to update the
Council on the results from Aspen Community Voice.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
At the direction of the City Manager, the Winter in Aspen Vitality (WAV) Team transitioned into
the Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV) Team. The Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV) Team
contributed to the material presented tonight. Several city departments and divisions are
represented: City Manager’s Office, City Clerk, Administrative Services, Comms, Public Works,
Engineering, Parking, Transit, Community Development, Environmental Health, Police, Special
Events, Wheeler Opera House and Parks & Recreation.
DISCUSSION:
In order to facilitate the SAV Team presentation and support City Council decision-making, this
outline will serve as a guide to provide structure for an orderly discussion.
1. Public engagement, public outreach. The results of Aspen Community Voice survey and
a separate targeted, City-sponsored restaurant survey will be highlighted. ACRA also
conducted a survey of restaurants.
a. Denise White will lead the discussion.
b. City Council discussion.
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2. Special events. Staff will present summer events that are owned and produced by the
City.
a. Update provided by Nancy Lesley.
b. City Council Update, information sharing, no decision required.
3. Reopening fee structure for community non-profits at the Wheeler Opera House. The
past twelve months have been very difficult for local non-profit organizations whose
ability to carry out their mission-driven work, raise crucial contributed income, and
generate earned revenue to sustain themselves were all severely curtailed or even
halted due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Among those hard-hit were local arts
and culture organizations who faced the challenges listed above as well as the lack of
open venues in which to produce or present their work. The Wheeler Opera House,
which serves as a venue of choice for so many, was also adversely affected by the
prevailing public health orders which prevented it from opening to the public. Now, as
restrictions are easing and the staff of the Wheeler prepare to reopen the building, and
to encourage community engagement and vitality, staff is proposing a one-time
program to help non-profits pay for costs associated with renting the Wheeler. This
program would conclude, at the latest, December 31, 2021.
This in-kind program would establish a uniform “credit” of $2,500 for non-profit rental
clients only (versus for-profit entities) in 2021 as a way to further support the cultural
community as it comes back to life. The program, proposed as a credit against the costs
of renting the space as well as staff labor and time in support of the event, would be
made available to non-profits for the first event for which they rent the Wheeler. This
would only be available to a nonprofit’s first rental, in cases where there might be
multiple rentals in the remainder of this year. The credit would have no cash value, so if
an organization’s rental and labor costs do not require the full allocation, there is no
amount due back to the renter. The estimated cost of the program in terms of foregone
income would $25,000, an amount which is based on analysis of May through December
2019 Wheeler rental figures. This total cost is anticipated to be offset by expense
savings in the Wheeler’s 2021 operating budget given that the theatre has been closed
for the first quarter of the year. As in years past, the availability of the Wheeler to non-
profit partners will be subject to existing commitments.
a. Update provided by Lisa Rigsby Peterson and Nancy Lesley.
b. City Council direction requested.
4. Saturday Market Update. The plan is to have the Saturday Market back to what it was in
2019. We are prepared to pivot and run the market similar to 2020 if that is the
direction from the Pitkin County Health Department
a. Mitch Osur will provide details.
b. City Council Update, information sharing, no decision required.
5. Parking Update. The plan is to return to the normal parking cadence starting on May 3,
2021.
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a. Mitch Osur will provide details.
b. City Council Update, information sharing, no decision required.
6. Use of public Right of Way (ROW). City staff will update City Council on the direction
after the work session on February 16, 2021
a. Activation of public ROW for outdoor dining. Staff will develop leases with the
restaurants activating in the public ROW. In addition, businesses may need
additional permits and approvals (Alcohol Modification Permit, Signed/Approved
City of Aspen lease with ROW activation diagram and Temporary Structure
Permit).
i. Mitch Osur and Pete Rice will provide an update.
ii. City Council policy discussion, Council direction requested.
b. Activation in the public ROW for special events and retail promotions. SAV Team
recommends the City be in a supportive role with ACRA and the business
community should take the lead in planning special events such as 7908,
sidewalk sales, holiday promotions, etc.
i. Mitch Osur and Pete Rice will present this topic.
ii. City Council policy discussion, Council direction requested.
c. City collaboration. Staff will present modifications to activation areas for 2021.
i. Mitch Osur and Pete Rice will discuss options for city expectations in
working with each business.
ii. Cost impacts will be discussed.
iii. Council direction requested.
7. Food truck activation in public ROW and on private property. Given the response from
the restaurant survey and the recommendation from ACRA, staff recommends no food
truck activation this summer.
a. Phillip Supino and Mitch Osur will present this topic.
b. City Council direction requested.
8. Mask Ordinance Update. The current mask order is set to expire on May 1, 2021. Staff is
seeking City Council direction regarding the future of the current mask ordinance. Staff
recommends letting the existing order expire on May 1. It remains a very fluid public
health environment, staff is prepared to pivot accordingly. However, the rationale for
letting the mask ordinance expire is as follows:
a. Consistency of messaging. Consistency of messaging gains better voluntary
cooperation from our transient guest population, and better voluntary
compliance by our residents. Being aligned with the Pitkin County and State of
Colorado public health orders is advisable. Guests rarely are aware of the
distinction between jurisdictional lines, however, if the rules are the same
everywhere it makes education and voluntary compliance easier.
b. Improved knowledge of transmissibility. Our understanding of how the virus is
transmitted has greatly improved since the original outdoor mask ordinance was
passed. Current guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control recognize that
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COVID-19 spreads more easily indoors than outdoors, and when people are
closer together than 6 feet for longer periods of time. The nature of outdoor
activities does not make longer term close contact likely except within one’s own
group.
c. Recommendations by WHO. World Health Organization now recommends social
distancing of one meter – 3.3 feet.
d. Relaxation of state-wide guidelines likely in April. The Governor’s Office is
considering relaxing state public health requirements as vaccinations across the
state increase and other negative indicators decline.
e. Pitkin County Guidelines. County health guidelines mandate mask wearing
outdoors when there is a “risk of being within 6 feet of another person who is
not of the same household.” For example, the current ordinance mandates a
single person standing alone in the middle of Wagner Park must wear a mask.
f. Vaccination progress. The percentage of Pitkin County residents who have been
vaccinated continues to increase. Citizens with high risk factors (age,
comorbidities, or other complications) have had multiple opportunities for
vaccination. The current mass vaccination protocol, which has seen thousands of
county residents vaccinated over recent months, is planned to end in early May,
transitioning to one-off vaccinations at clinics and doctor’s offices. Last Thursday,
March 18, saw the last vaccinations of for the essential workers category and the
beginning of vaccinations for the 1B4 vaccine group. Because of the continuing
unknown of exactly how many doses we receive week-to-week, phase 2
vaccinations of the general public are expected to begin in two to three weeks.
Pitkin County has requested 8,000 doses of vaccine for use over the next two
weeks.
g. Snowmass Village. The Snowmass Village Town Board passed a measure on first
reading last week. However, Snowmass Village has not taken final action. There
is a desire to align with the City of Aspen.
i. Bill Lynn will present this topic.
ii. City Council direction requested.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Each of the above situations and conditions brings its own set of environmental impacts which
will be discussed during each presentation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The SAV Team will continue to work on a variety of issues concerning the summer season.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The SAV Team has identified items above for City Council direction and seeks favorable
consideration of their recommendations.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
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MEMORANDUM
To: Sara Ott, Aspen City Council
From: Debbie Braun and Eliza Voss, Aspen Chamber Resort Association
Date: March 19, 2021
Re: City of Aspen Outdoor Mask Zone
Dear Aspen City Council,
Over the last week, we’ve reached out to ACRA board members and our marketing advisory committee members to
obtain feedback on the outdoor mask zone which is soon to expire on May 1st. While their opinions were not universal,
the following themes emerged.
Everyone acknowledged the City of Aspen outdoor mask zone was an appropriate and effective measure to implement
in July of 2020 as cases were on the rise, and much was unknown about transmission and the risk to our community. As
we now head into the Spring of 2021 and have the learnings of the past 12 months under our belt, we have come a long
way in understanding the importance of the 5 commitments to containment and how to live with COVID19. Now as the
vaccine is distributed, we should begin to ease restrictions and eliminate those that do not align with CDC or CDPHE
guidelines.
Many believe it will be increasingly difficult to enforce an outdoor mask zone once more people are vaccinated, given
that CDC has already released new guidance for vaccinated individuals indoors.
As we enter into the recovery and rebuilding phase of the pandemic it is appropriate to sunset this provision and bring
the City of Aspen in-line with the Pitkin County Public Health and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
guidance.
Business owners also voiced the sentiment that we are likely to see higher compliance with indoor masking
requirements if we can remove additional restrictions that are not universal throughout the state or country.
Should the mask zone be extended, we ask that you consider enforcement as it should not fall to the front-line
employees, such as the ACRA visitor center pavilion staff, to be administrators of this requirement.
As we look toward spring and summer with cautious optimism; we remain nimble to adjust to t he changing landscape
and ask that the City of Aspen evolve into the new paradigm alongside ACRA and the business community.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mitch Osur
FROM: Debbie Braun, President & CEO
Jennifer Albright Carney, VP Event Marketing
Sarah Reynolds Lasser, Senior Director of Business Development
DATE: March 15, 2021
RE: Food Trucks
BACKGROUND
On March 2, 2021 ACRA sent a survey to the Aspen restaurant community to measure interest and
ability to activate a food truck in downtown Aspen in 2021. The survey asked about interest and ability
to operate from June 1 – late October, and reasons why they are in favor or opposed to the food truck
concept.
SUMMARY
93 restaurants received survey
26 responses
20 Opposed
5 in favor
1 interested in a food trucks for events only
Comments in favor
We have been voted best breakfast in Aspen for the last two years. We would love to do a breakfast all
day food truck!
We would only want to be in Wagner Park! Would you help us with the truck? It would be expensive to
buy it if it’s just for a test period. Would we be able to sell liquor and beer? Would we be allowed to
stay for food and wine? What hours would we be allowed to operate?
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I want to use for events. The City did not give me permission to open in February when we needed it!
They said generator was too loud.
Comments opposed
I don’t think we have to do everything that is trendy. I just see many of these things as creating trash,
pollution, staffing difficulties, etc.
I pay a lot of rent year-round. It's completely unfair to ask a restaurant to incur the cost of buying and
operating a food truck just to not be at a disadvantage.
We anticipate we will have plenty of business if the tourist levels are anything like last summer, and
unfortunately the amount of revenue to be made from a food truck vs the amount of administrative
labor means it is not the best use of our resources. Our price point is relatively high in the restaurant,
but we can’t charge that much for food from a truck. We would have to do a very high volume to make
any kind of profit. We found our business last summer to be profitable, especially because the season
extended into September and October, making up for some of the losses earlier in the year. We
anticipate the same for this coming summer.
I am a dinner only restaurant and don’t want to take away business from lunch serving businesses. It is
also a large investment and not a good business decision for a short period of time.
No - I don’t understand how this helps restaurants. It will ultimately take away customers from current
locations and create another massive operating expense for the restaurant (running a food truck).
Restaurants may also close their permanent locations during the day to operate their food truck (most
don’t have enough labor to do both at the same time) - average check will be lower (no alcohol, quick
grab and go food) = less tax revenue for the city. It is already expensive to expand our patio space and
focus on outdoor seating, there should be a grant to assist with this.
We put so much energy into our year-round shop it feels like too much to take on. We spend so many
marketing dollars sending people to our location - having two seems confusing. We cannot afford any
additional rent or expenses currently.
Food trucks feel detrimental to the year-round businesses that work hard to survive our seasonal town.
Even if they are local businesses occupying the food trucks - let's focus our time and energy in getting
those restaurants filled with as much space as they need to succeed (outdoor/street seating).
RECOMMENDATION
Currently, the restaurant community is not in favor for activating food trucks in the downtown core this
summer. The focus should be on recovery of the existing restaurants in operation at permanent
locations and not additional strain on financial investment and staffing. The only food truck activation
that is recommended for consideration should be for events with preference given for restaurants with
a permanent location in Aspen . The additional investment to operate a food truck would add another
layer of competition when these restaurants should be recovering financially on a level playing field.
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Page | 1
Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV)
2021 Activation
Survey Results
March 18, 2021
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Page | 2
Aspen Community Voice Engagement
March 4-15, 2021
Insights
• Engaged 205 (active participation)
• Increased Awareness 485 (visited project page or specific material/link)
• 202 Survey Respondents
• 14 Ideas submitted through Idea Too
Survey Results
Q1: Please select the option that best describes you.
Respondent Breakdown:
• Aspen Resident: 136 (59.9%)
• Valley Resident: 24 (10.6%)
• Aspen Business Owner:19 (8.4%)
• Second Homeowner: 22 (9.7%)
• Commuter that works in Aspen: 20 (8.8%)
• Visitor: 4 (1.8%)
• Other: 2 (0.9%)
o Commercial Landlord
o Uber/Lyft Driver
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Page | 3
Q2: The current ordinance expires on May 1, 2021. Do you support extending
the City’s mandatory mask zones through summer.
Other Comments:
1. I don't think that's a decision to be made right now. I believe we should see where the
country and community stand with regard to the virus later in the Spring.
2. Depends on incidence rate
3. Dependent on how things progress
4. It's too difficult at this time to determine if we'll need the mandatory mask zones. It is
possible to extend it into the summer.
5. Mandatory masks indoors only. Not outdoors.
6. It depends on COVID conditions at the time
7. Indoors yes. Outdoors no
8. Depends on number of locals vaccinated and number of cases by then. Just use the
science! Follow national guidelines. If still recommended, then extend, if not, then don't.
9. I support the extension of the mask zone in the downtown core. I believe the outlying
areas (Rio Grande, specifically) could be eliminated.
10. Yes - I think we should keep it. BUT Texas where a big bulk of tourists and second
homeowners come from - they don't have a mask law - if no one is going to actively
enforce the mask law - then I don't really see a point.
11. Too soon to say
12. I think it depends on the vaccination progress in the community.
13. Most likely, however it depends on the numbers and current pandemic situation.
14. If we continue vaccinating residents I hope there could be some relief. Perhaps keep
masks on indoors or in proximity to people but allow masks off generally?
15. Reassess monthly
16. Decision made based on Covid stats!!!
17. Too soon to know, but whatever is required based on Covid incidence rates at the time.
18. I'd rather see what our community health situation is as the summer begins. It could be
quite a bit different by then.
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19. Mask zone until everyone who wants to can get vaccinated
20. Depends on the number of vaccinated in the country. If the country is at 90%
vaccinated then the mask is optional.
21. Please, no more COVID-19 restrictions on anything, ever again. Open the town 100%.
22. I think Aspen should follow CDC guidance on this issue
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Q7: The current ordinance expires on May 1, 2021. Do you support extending
the City’s mandatory mask zones through summer.
Note – This question was duplicated later in the survey, for reporting purposes we are sharing
these results closer to the first it was asked to keep this responses collected in the same area.
Other Comments:
1. If case rates are still in the yellow or above
2. Yes,I do think that vaccination rates and case rates need to be considered. Perhaps the
mandate can be extended on a month by month basis.
3. Again, not a decision to be made right now. We should wait and see where our
community and the country stand with regard to the virus.
4. Yes,Tie to a decided on vaccination percentage of the whole county.
5. Depends on case rates
6. Depends on how fast everyone is vaccinated but mostly support the masks because it is
doubtful that everyone will have had the opportunity to get vaccines.
7. Masks should not be required when outside.Masks when entering businesses is fine this
summer.
8. Assuming vaccination is widely available by that time, there should be no need for a
mask mandate
9. Really depends on case rates.
10. It's too early to determine if we'll need to extend the mandatory mask zones into the
summer. It is a possibility we'll need to extend them.
11. The order didn't make sense from a health protection standpoint, Why do bicyclists in the
road need to wear masks but a person in a vehicle with no windows or doors doesn't?
Make it focused on crowded areas only, the sidewalks and walking malls.
12. If our rates are in the considered "low" zone, then 100% yes outside spaces only.
13. Mandatory mask indoors only. Not outdoors.
14. Yes but only if rates keep going up, it is going to be a really busy summer. Maybe we
need to extend till July 4th weekend then see how it goes.
15. It depends on COVID conditions—regulations should follow the science
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16. Depending on vaccine and case rates
17. Dependant upon case rates and percentage vaccinated
18. Masks should be worn indoors, but not necessary while outside.
19. Depends on public health conditions at the time
20. Masks inside only
21. Yes but possibly less restrictive if the alert level remains low or goes lower. Perhaps not
required when walking around town. Needed in stores or outside if social distancing isn't
possible.
22. Mask mandatory for indoors not for outdoors
23. Only if it is still recommended nationally to wear a mask. If still needed, YES!
24. I support extending the mask zone through summer, but making the mask zone smaller
and eliminating areas north of Main Street. I would love to see the mask zone go away if
vaccination rates are above a certain percentage (hard to say that %), but we have no
way of knowing what % of tourists are vaccinated, so I think that's impossible for the time
being.
25. Follow CDC guidelines - if recommended then yes
26. Extend BUT it has to be enforced otherwise it is useless
27. Depends on vaccination rates and CDC guidance of transmissability by vaccinated
individuals; also whether city of Aspen will reinstitute test requirement or proof of
vaccination.
28. I already indicated that it is too soon to say.
29. Yes, but revoke it if indicated by CDC.
30. See my comment above. It would be great to get some relief but keep masks on
indoors? I will be wearing mine inside all summer for sure.
31. It depends on the state of the pandemic. No one can accurately answer this now.
32. It depends on infection rates.
33. Depends on prevailing case rates in the RFV.
34. Depends on vaccination or case rates - reassess in May
35. Depending on vaccination numbers
36. If the country is at 90% vaccination level, then don't extend the mandatory mask zone.
37. If everyone is vaccinated and cases are close to zero then I’d support relaxing it.
38. I think it's too soon to tell. I'd love for it to be over but it's likely that it will still be necessary.
39. Decide based on Covid rates and vacccinations
40. Follow CDC or CDPHE guidance if applicable. If not, my feeling is that should continue
until vaccination and case rates are appropriately high/low respectively, as determined
by CDC or CDPHE
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Q3: As Aspen responds and recovers from the health and economic impacts
of COVID-19, do you support the idea of providing space within the public
right-of-way (activation on sidewalks and parking spaces) to our businesses?
Other Comments:
1. Restaurants only, yes.
2. Yes, but only in front of the spaces or buildings from which that business typically
operates. Ie- no spillover in front of other properties.
3. But it should consider the bigger picture this year
4. Within limits....I think what has been allowed in the past year is out of line and ridiculous
and some has been no different than indoor dining at the expense of parking spaces
and pedestrian right of way!
5. Parking spaces are fine but the creperie made it extremely difficult to walk with a stroller
on the sidewalk. They took it too far
6. Yes for restaurants. Not needed for stores unless the alert level rises again. You need to
balance the need to support certain business (i.e., restaurants) while not encroaching
too heavily on the pedestrian and street right of ways since retail businesses don't really
need the expansion options.
7. Intrusion on sidewalks should be limited, but adjacent parking spaces should be made
available.
8. Let the businesses open 100%
9. Yes but I fear accidents a car careening into the crown.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/crash-sends-car-barreling-outdoor-dining-area-
manhattan/story?id=76280959. Maybe we should limit cars in the core.
10. Again, it depends on the situation. In any case better oversight is needed. To the extent
restaurants are required to decrease occupancy then they should be able to increase
service outside. If no restrictions inside, then no service in the parking.
11. Other retail needs to be more closely supervised. Some retailers were turning over their
alloted parking spaces to other businesses. Some retailers and restaurants rarely used
their spaces.
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12. However, all in all, it worked great last summer.
13. In general, no I don't support this concept. I'm open to granting concessions for specific
situations.
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Q4: As the City considers various approaches for outdoor commerce
recovery in the public right of way, please rank your support (most to least)
for these uses of downtown parking space this summer?
Final Overall Ranking
1. Commercial activation for restaurants to expand outdoor seating
2. Designated space for curbside pick-up and take-out
3. Increased safety-zones for cyclists/pedestrians/vehicles
4. Commercial activation for retail businesses like periodic sidewalk sales
5. Food Trucks
6. Parking vehicles
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Q5: Would you support food trucks if they were utilized for only expanding
services for current Aspen brick and mortar restaurants?
Other Comments:
1. Why wouldn't we allow other food trucks / concepts into designated areas? Love the
truck at the ARC, more of those.
2. Why wouldn't we allow other food trucks / concepts into designated areas? Love the
truck at the ARC, more of those.
3. Should be both independent and current businesses
4. Should be both independent and current businesses
5. Food trucks should be allowed without link to restaurants. More affordable food options
are badly needed.
6. On a limited basis....if every restaurant started a food truck, it would cause another huge
problem....and take up more parking spaces
7. Why limit to existing businesses? This will not be successful because no business will buy
an extremely expensive vehicle they may only be able to use for 1 summer. Allow
existing food trucks in the valley to operate or this will be pointless.
8. I fully support food trucks, but it should be open to those from outside Aspen as well.
9. I support food trucks period. For both existing brick and mortar restaurants and new
ventures.
10. Would need more information
11. I'm open to locals with food trucks that aren't currently Brick & Mortors in Aspen coming
to town. Like downvalley trucks, other local eateries in basalt etc. We could use more
diverse, affordable food.
12. I would support food trucks in any capacity in Aspen, not just for current brick and mortar
restaurants.
13. I think they will junk up the place if they are scattered all over the core -- in some city's all
the food trucks are all in one location -- so for example if they were all lined up on Rio
Grande and it was a fun way to get food and picnic in the park - that might be good or
all along the side of wagner on the Limelight side of the park (I am sure the hotel would
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hate that) then people could picnic in the park -- or all along the side of Paepcke -
make the food trucks a destination - all in one area. If at Paepcke you would need a
port a potty there.
14. if they want to use their curbside pickup slot for a food truck
15. If food trucks are allowed for brick and mortar operations, food trucks not connected to
brick and mortar operations should also be allowed. A frame work should be but in
place where these are okay'd. Look to other cities ordinances for this type of permitted
applications. Perhaps the are only allowed in certain areas or a certain distance away
from brick and mortar.
16. Less pricey options would be wonderful
17. I would rather see new opportunities than limiting it to existing businesses.
18. I think we should allow independent food trucks to also operate. We need more diversity
and more options of affordability
19. I support food trucks whether they are expanding brick & mortar OR even more I support
adding some more diversity to the food available in Aspen with other food trucks.
20. I don't want to speak for the restaurant community.
21. why not allow food trucks in general! we absolutely should have outside food vendors
allowed to operate food trucks here in Aspen. they are fun, usually affordable, and
would be a welcome addition to our town.
22. I fully support food trucks, but why would I go to a food truck that has a brick and mortar
location in the same small city? The whole point of a food truck is something different
from the typical offerings in an area. Aspen needs the variety and affordability provided
by a food truck from an outside location. Or better yet, provide a business opportunity
for an Aspenite to start a food truck. Civic Center Park in Denver would host 20 different
food trucks multiple times a week and it was the most popular thing in our office. Want
vitality? Get some new options to attract people.
23. I think new restaurants and food truck ideas should also be allowed to get permits
24. I think food trucks should be allowed even if not associated with brick and mortar
restaurants. They should be on the edges of town/ near parks.
25. I would support them period. Why not give a chef a chance who isn't a current
restaurant owner in Aspen. More food options, especially affordable food, is never a bad
thing.
26. Maybe only allow a certain # per day, not all restaurants every day
27. Is the question to not allow independent food trucks? Why not be direct with the
questions.
28. I would support any food trucks
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Q6: The City of Aspen is trying to assess our community’s comfort level and
support for events this summer as public health guidance evolves. As Aspen
responds and recovers from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19,
do you support the idea of providing space within the public spaces for
special events as health guidance permits?
Other Comments:
1. Yes, but only public events. No private functions.
2. Given the president's note that everyone will have a vaccine opportunity in may, seems
like July and August should be more normal than the've been in the past year.
3. Yes - a reasonable safe amount
4. Yes, a few, but historically, no one ever informs the guidelines as they are afraid of
"stepping on someones toes"!!!! So, if it happens once....they all should stop after that!
5. Yes - outdoor public spaces (some public spaces are indoors, and the language of the
question was not clear)
6. Yes but with covid 10 restrictions and safety protocols in place -- our clientele is OLD so
those older people will be vaccinated. Logistically what can we put on safely outside?
7. Town was packed last summer without special events. I think it prudent to push events to
2022. If an event can be conducive to a social distanced framework without gathering
of participants or spectators that would be ok.
8. I think it is important to prioritize events that directly and safely support our community.
9. Yes, I think we can have safe and healthy ways to gather as a community. We do need
extra education though for tourists and second home owners, who tend not to follow
regulations or guidance in terms of social distancing and sensible gatherings
10. I don't support more commercial events like Food and Wine that brings outsiders to
Aspen. Yes, we all love the amenities that our town attracts, but I hope we've learned to
appreciate our community events as we've hunkered down here together. Not sure
what kind of events those would be. Art walks, yoga in the park, street fairs?
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11. Need more info such as which events and which public spaces. Too vague of a question.
12. I think people will come here regardless. So have the events or not, I wouldn't bring my
family yet because I'm trying to protect my small children but not everyone feels the
same. The problem is putting the people working the events at risk.
13. Please end any and all COVID-related restrictions and never bring them back for any
reason.
14. Yes, but follow CDC guidelines
Q7: See above by Q2
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Q8: What are you most concerned about as we transition to summer? (Select
all that apply)
Other Comments:
1. Massive overstep by local government with restrictions and knee-jerk reactions from
Public Health officials.
2. I am concerned that the city is too concerned about the small picture of people who
get ill and not the bigger picture of allowing the spirit of living to be open. Like Texas and
Florida and several other states, the removal of masks is my first priority to allow people to
express joy, speak to people, and allow our mental health to stay positive. I think dining
inside or outside is a must and having the weekly "full vendors" at the Saturday Markets
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be open and we promote those who work so hard to allow their businesses to thrive.
People will come here, lets just hope we have the employees to serve and feel
appreciated. No more shutting down. Its too harmful.
3. Cyclist and pedestrian safety in the core
4. Vaccine distribution
5. Too many RVs parked on the streets- they should be charged at least $25 a night.
6. Curbside dining enclosures being multi-party and enclosed/lack of truly outdoor dining
options (e.g. Crêperie du Village multi-party curbside enclosure v. their outdoor table by
the entrance)
7. I want the mandatory mask zone eliminated, give business is re-explicit right to determine
mask use within their premises. If people want to wear masks they always have that
opportunity however, we should not be mandated by city or Other government entity to
wearing them - including public transportation.
8. I think as we expand restaurants etc onto streets, Aspen could consider this as a
permanent solution to our vehicular congestion. Many communities, Europe leading by
example, don't allow cars in the downtown area. If we limited cars to deliveries, those
who live there and perhaps taxis, Aspen downtown will become more vibrant and more
accessible to all.
9. Part of the mental health concern for me is the fact that generally locals take the mask
mandates, the distancing, the lockdown, the quarantine seriously but tourists come here
to relax and don't want to be bothered with that stuff. We've been doing this big project
and some losers aren't pulling their weight. It's stressful. On the trails and backcountry
also, it's stressful and awful that newcomers don't have the etiquette to take care of our
surroundings, the air, the wildlife, and each other.
10. Not sure
11. COVID variants entering from visitors and cases surging.
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Q9 & Q10: How do you feel about Aspen and the upcoming summer season
regarding business and economy?
Note – This question was duplicated for reporting purposes we are sharing both charts and
combining the written responses below.
Q9:
Q10:
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Reasons for Answer
Very Good
1. We had a good late summer and fall. And generally a good winter - all things
considered. My concern is more too much too soon. All of the notable health experts
and CDC are expressing their concerns over antipathy. Our local leaders always express
economic concerns, but seldom acknowledge the terrific number dead and those
contending with ongoing health issues from Covid. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness - you need the first one to get to the next.
2. As long as the restrictions are not too harsh, like they have been this winter, I feel good
about it. If visitors have to jump through hoops like taking a pledge or wearing masks
while outside, then I am not so certain we will have a good summer. Why are we getting
vaccinated if nothing changes?
3. I feel very good about it as long as the health committee stop putting restrictions in
place that hinder the economy. I think by summer with vaccinations and slowing the
spread, we should be in a place where things can return to normal.
4. We will not be less busy than last summer as so many people will still be trying to escape
cities and populous areas. Last summer was a boom for business but a disaster in terms
of the stresses it put on locals, local business, local camping and trailheads, local trail
systems and rivers. It was overcrowded. And so many who didn't care how we do things
here. I want town to be busy and for businesses to have a great season. But we must
put rules in place to control the % of the tourists who bring their anti-covid mindset to our
town and cause trouble. Make it easy and innoffensive for people to fall inline.
5. It's already the second week of March- and it's very busy. This summer, I'm worried about
over-crowding and disrespectful tourists with social distancing. Aspen is likely to have an
incredibly busy summer season- ask any realtor and they'll tell you! Cut back short term
rentals to help the problem.
6. t's the same question as #9.
7. I am confident it will be busy. Restaurants broke all kinds of records last summer, which I
think will continue
8. Families come to have fun regardless.
Good
9. However I am concerned about all the normal June events.
10. Aspen summer crowd has a worry free attitude.
11. We saw last year that people will come. It's cooler up here and they think they can get
away with flouting the rules while on vacation so they will come. People will bike and
hike and stay in airbnbs if nothing else.
12. Seems like people still want to visit Aspen, which means that's good for our business and
economy. The fact that most businesses are still standing means we did alright last
summer and this one will be better.
13. I'm sure that businesses will fail. However it seems to me that many are doing ok and
there are programs in place on a local and national level to assist with economics. I feel
for restaurants that have had to follow the restrictions and have lost tons of income but -
it's a pandemic and people are dying. I think Aspen is going to be just fine. My hope is
that any local businesses that are struggling will prevail and any spaces that open up will
be filled with new local businesses!
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14. I think if we can follow CDC/CDPHE guidance, and continue to vaccinate aggressively
we will be able to steadily return toward economic recovery. I do NOT think breaking
from CDC or public health recommendations is wise, and believe it will lead to stalling
our recovery. Unfortunately , will many visitors from out of state/country it may take some
time for things to fully return to normal.
15. Look back to last summer
16. May and June were the worst performing months compared to prior years due to
shutdowns, lost events and restrictions,” Kristi Kavanaugh, vice president of sales for
SkiCo. said via a press release Wednesday. “However, as we moved into the rest of the
summer, we saw improvement each month, ending with a new occupancy record for
October.
17. Concerned about the number of long term summer rentals taking rental housing from
employees. Very busy on the trails and in town.
18. Last summer was very strong, I can't imagine it would get worse as the pandemic slowly
gets better.
19. Last summer seemed shockingly busy. I knownit is hard at reduced capacity and stupid
rent prices, but I'm remaining hopeful through more outside access that we can help our
community at least break even.
20. As more and more people are vaccinated, the capacity to operate as normal becomes
more feasible, especially in the summertime, when everyone can be outside all day.
21. I think businesses will do great as long as they are allowed to operate as normally as
possible. There has been very good availability of vaccines and most people should be
vaccinated by the end of May. We should be planning for business as usual. Given that
many businesses were negatively impacted during the pandemic, we should allow extra
outdoor space for them to try try to recoup lost revenue. Furthermore, it was really fun
and vibrant (for a change) to have so much outdoor seating last summer. Town felt
alive! I would be in favor of permanently providing additional outdoor space for dining.
22. Like last summer, the ability to be outside more will be good for business and the
economy
23. Is this a duplicate question?
24. Last summer was very busy - I expect just as many people this summer
25. Same question above
Neutral
26. Am not sure what to really expect. to be perfectly honest I care most for Aspen Music
Festival and School. Its the reason we spend the summer in Aspen
27. Restrictions do not appear to be equitably applied. For example, the Pitkin County
Library is only open for restricted computer use as of March 1 yet restaurants are at 50
percent capacity for several weeks now. No wonder everyone is confused.
28. Winter sales reports seem down across most retailers.
29. If tourists return in throngs, locals need assurance they are either vaccinated or isolated.
Removing the controversial traveler affidavit is a concern.
30. Aspen far exceeded expectations at the height of the pandemic. I believe its business
and economy thrived compared to the rest of the country.....not to say there were not
issues/problems for many, there were.
31. It is a mixed coin., we are dropping in cases yet so many states going maskless and no
rule. then the tourist come here and we suffer the lockdown
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32. I think we will see another very busy summer here. Traffic congestion will be challenging.
Downtown needs to prioritize pedestrians. The mix of peds, bikes, e-bikes, e-skateboards,
etc is getting very dangerous.
33. Last summer was good but winter had lackluster business and tourism - killed by the
county board of health. You all should just go with what the state recommendations are
and not make up your own covid rules.
34. With too many restrictions, our quality of life and mental well-being suffers. We need to
get back to normal. By the summer everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be.
35. I am concerned that there will be too many unvaccinated and unmasked tourists and
covid will continue to spread this summer. My children cannot get vaccinated yet and
are too young to mask. Their long term lung and heart health are at risk if they catch
covid, and they have their whole lives ahead of them. Aspen needs to do more to
protect children’s long term health. Look beyond this summer to their future.
36. Do not know what to expect. As a business owner, I am hopeful, but also very worried.
Do not want to do anything that discourages business in our town. More parking is
important as is vitality. Hoping to have a balance.
37. We need to protect Aspen residents from virus & mulipulpe variants coming in from all
over the country and world.
38. Very Good: Many who can have felt an urgent need to spend time in Aspen during the
pandemic.
39. I feel we will see a lot of tourism similar to last summer but it will become increasingly
difficult to enforce any kind of restrictions now that so many other regions are reducing or
eliminating health orders. Tourists are becoming less cooperative regarding following
Aspen’s rules than they were at the beginning of winter, creating some incredibly tense
and stressful environments for employees of local businesses.
40. Not sure not enough facts to have an opinion
41. The gross disparity between the wealthy fleeing contagion zones and the people who
need to work is growing wider every day. The wealthy have huge parties at their homes,
worker bees are trying to get by and are bearing the brunt of restrictions. Once again,
money buys their way around "inconvenience".
42. I know a lot of people have been hit financially by this pandemic, but those of us who
serve locals in essential businesses are doing fine. Maybe time to refocus on serving local
needs rather than helping retail and food establishments I can never afford... maybe
time to re-focus what we value as valuable establishments in town.
43. It will depend on tourism and their comfort level and of course our visitor & resident
compliance w/ rules
44. Don't know what the future
45. No way to know what will happen and nervous about so many people coming
46. Not sure not enough facts to have an opinion
47. I'm not too psyched to invite the whole infected world over to play. However, I
understand many rely on their business. I'd rather increase our local financial
dependence on locals rather than visitors. Make sense?
Poor
48. The mask mandate and other restrictions need to be lifted. Vaccines are available for
those who want/need them and tourism needs to open up for those who are
comfortable traveling. People and businesses have suffered enough!
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49. I feel it is going to be very crowded (more then last summer). With lots of tourists from
Texas who don't care about local rules and the health of our local community.
50. Duplicate question, see below answer
51. It's going to be an absolute ZOO. Is there anything we can do to manage traffic, idiot
pedestrians wandering in the streets, lack of parking, etc
52. Too many restrictions on parking will limit tourism.
53. Aspen needs to do everything possible to PROMOTE the economy, not squash it.
54. Local retailers and restauranteurs have been struggling to keep their doors open. I am
concerned that many will fail if they do not have a strong summer season.
55. To many restrictions. Open up and get on with life. The restrictions are worse than the
virus
56. Many of the actions taken by leadership appear to have been knee-jerk reactions,
without any basis in science. And actions that have been taken have not been actively
enforced. Decisions have been made to favor tourism at the cost of children's
education and the local community.
57. See above (question 9)
58. I anticipate continued unnecessary government restrictions are going to be detrimental
to our economy.
59. Need to reopen
Other
60. This is the same question as number 9 except you added the word "the".
61. Same as question 9....isn't it?
62. As above. Same question twice.
63. #9 & 10 are the same question
64. #9 & 10 are the same question
65. This is a duplicate question. Refer to #9.
66. Same answer as #9
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Q11: How do you feel about Aspen and the upcoming summer season
regarding health and safety?
Reasons for Answer
Very Good
1. I'm sick of having to wear a mask and being told what to do. Obviously I will continue to
do it while the ordinance is in place but I hope that we can move forward without stress
and fear.
2. Cleanliness of public places and personal responsibility for wellness need to be the focus
going forward.
3. Covid spread is less of a threat outdoors. Summer season gives more opportunity for
outdoor recreation and business
4. If the vaccine is available to everyone we should be fine.
5. Everyone that wants a vaccine will be vaccinated. It is time to be positive about Aspen
now and in the future.
Good
6. If we are careful and extend mask requirement, combined w/ substantial vaccine
coverage---- we can resume many activities safely.
7. Vaccine
8. As more of the population gets vaccinated, we will all be able to stay safer.
9. It's difficult to control for the people who think that public safety is a personal choice.
10. I got the J&J vaccine.
11. It's difficult to control for the people who think that public safety is a personal choice.
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12. I think Aspen will keep mask mandates for indoors for an appropriate time. I think Aspen
will keep large gatherings in check until appropriate time
13. ,I am optimistic about Aspen' health and safety this summer as long as we continue to
follow public health recommendations, and recognize that doing so is the key to our
economic recovery
14. If the city governers will get off the people's backs, the future is bright. If the authoritarian
blight continues. the outlook is very poor.
Neutral
15. If the city governers will get off the people's backs, the future is bright. If the authoritarian
blight continues. the outlook is very poor.
16. Same concerns. We need to move cautiously, and aligned with the CDC.
17. Same as above
18. Nervous about tourists ignoring the public health guidelines yet again- as well as locals
that do it too.
19. I feel like the locals get it but the tourists especially those visiting from states where
mandates have been lifted will not follow our rules
20. Depends how its handled when people do not follow the rules!!!
21. “Our recent declines appear to be stalling — stalling at over 70,000 cases a day,”
Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a
Monday White House press briefing. “With these new statistics, I am really worried about
reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have
recommended to protect people from Covid-19.”
22. I'm concerned that people will selfishly assume that because they have received the
vaccine they have cart blanche to do whatever they want while the rest of us wait with
our health and lives on the line.
23. It would be crazy not to extend the mask mandate with all the folks coming up here from
TX and FL!!! Those places are still outta control even as the RFV has improved.
24. Aspen is attractive to Texans, Arizonans, and Floridians, who would rather not have to
bother with health and safety. I was passed last summer once on Mill Street going north
and once in front of HIckory House both times by cars with Texas plates. Why bother
with rules? It's Disneyland. Plus, many people like to have their cars running all the time for
A/C or radio or general comfort, I don't know. It's very concerning."
25. Too soon to accurately have an idea
26. Poor enforcement of masks, unwise large private gatherings, Texas and other typical
tourist home states making bad decisions and us getting their tourists.
27. Not sure not enough facts to have an opinion
28. My whole family is vaccinated, so I feel fine for us. But the way town was inundated (and
we were not prepared to host that mass of tourists) was scary. We must have a stronger
message that says welcome to aspen, behave yourself.
Poor
29. I’m concerned about tourists bringing COVID and not abiding by health
recommendations.
30. Lack of testing. Lack of vaccines. I was finally notified my age group is next on the list for
a vaccine. The website to sign up has been down for 4 days. With all the wealth in this
community, medical care is substandard at best.
31. We may become too lax
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32. Poor enforcement of distancing and masks. Indoor dining is still highly dangerous.
33. I think we MUST enforce mask wearing in public places and enforce social distance
34. I had covid twice now. I believe it will continue to flourish as house parties continue.
35. I read in the newspaper this morning that we are approaching 10,000 vaccines
administered in Pitkin County. With a total population of less than 18,000, that means
nearly 60% of the community has received the vaccine. Yet, the leadership in the City
continues to promote fear in the community. BTW, I am an essential worker and I am
having to go to GWS to get vaccinated. I don't know if it is favoritism or ineptitude, but
something seems off.
36. It is going to be a repeat of last summer , too many people flaunting not wearing masks.
Being rude to folks enforcing the mask rule. Lack of respect for others, their servers and
our outdoor trails.
37. I am concerned for our tourists disregard for the rules - Also, the dog poop in wagner
park is out of hand
38. Aspen has not enforced regulations nearly strongly enough. Retail stores have often
broken the rules regarding recommended number of people inside - think Performance
Ski who at the height of Christmas was always packed with the doors closed. Some
restaurants did the same. People on streets often didn't wear masks or on trails. I rarely if
ever saw anyone enforcing this. So, as we lighten restrictions and regulations, I foresee
that people will behave as though there are no regulations.
39. So many people came last summer and fall during the worst of the COVID 19 pandemic
with everything canceled. It will be the same this year. Luckily many are vaccinated now
but it's still stressful. Mental health needs are high as well.
40. I think many decisions made have thrown health to the wind this year to fill up
establishments I have left never and will never go into because they are oppressivly
expensive.
Very Poor
41. Poor enforcement of distancing and masks. Indoor dining is still highly dangerous.
42. We need to think about long term impacts, not short term sales revenue.
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Q12: What ideas do you have to help support business and the economy this
summer?
Comments:
1. Enforce mask requirements, vaccinate as many people as possible and we should be
safe to reduce other restrictions on commerce.
2. Use of public space should be accessible to any resident - I'm not sure it should be
available to a non-resident. Certainly, I don't know why having an expensive lease with
a third party gives one priority for public space. I would think a unaffiliated food truck or
a true "pop-up", i.e. tent, trailer would have as much access to public space as a
leaseholder.
3. no ideas
4. Be smart, don't take so long to make decisions on the downtown core again before it's
too late. Open it up to restaurants all summer and then events when allowed. No
parking- make the downtown core pedestrian friendly, allowing restaurants to really go
into the streets, visitors/locals alike can walk around town freely without worrying about
getting hit by a car.
5. Eliminate the mask zone and completely discontinue the visitor affidavit/pledge.
6. close streets to vehicles (other than emergency vehicles), allow restaurants and
pedestrians/bikers to take up the streetscape in the core.
7. I believe it is time to start opening up without fear and stress. We need to get back to
normal and now that vaccinations are available I believe this is very possible, sooner
rather than later.
8. Make central streets pedestrian only access
9. Allow the restaurants to operate at full capacity and just limit the evening to midnight.
Keep the streets safe and less massive loud out of control parties. The police should be
more present in the late nights on the streets...and in the communities. Ladies walking
home at night and the issues with bears could be bad this summer. People don't realize
since our streets are a little too dark. I think we should have the City promote family
"dining out" nights. I think we should have events in the parks to promote the city. And
especially, we MUST HAVE the July 4th Parade!! Our community needs to come back
together and be appreciated. I think its time for the City to thank US residents and
restaurant Owners for being so flexible.
10. "Please let’s try some solutions to the damn traffic both coming and going on 82 and in
town. Toll booth! More We-Cycle from outside of town. Limit cars in the core. Charge
much more to park to disincentivize.
11. More walking malls. "
12. open up
13. For businesses the city needs to be as open as possible.
14. Take food trucks off the table it is insulting to our current restaurant community It is a can
of worms.
15. Adjust races or athletic events to be spread out like the Mother of all Ascensions was in
Snowmass. Cancel all family focused events as kids touch everything and spread the
virus.
16. Return to normal as safely as possible without sacrificing common sense public health
restrictions
17. open up cultural and social events utilizing vaccine passport and/or rapid testing
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18. More restaurant gift cards, creative social distance activities & events. Consider banning
tourists from states that are prematurely lifting Public Health orders (e.g., Texas,
Mississippi).
19. Support small improvements without virus spikes. Require testing or vaccine for visitors
20. None needed. Business is doing well.
21. More education for tourists. For example it is obvious when a local gets on a bus, they
have masks on verses when a tourist gets on a bus they have no mask and a lot of times
no neck gator, and if they do its not even over nose/ mouth. These people are coming
from places that have very different rules then we have.
22. While a lot of Aspen's economy revolves around resort and hospitality aspects, there are
many other elements of the economy that have been similarly affected by reduced
capacity, revenue and opportunities. Both the media and the governments seem to
overtly focus communication, policy and attention on restaurants and hotels, while
overlooking other services and businesses in the community. I'd like to see better equity
with the larger business community as things continue to open up. It's easy to focus and
cater to hospitality, but the reality is that their plight is not that different from many others
and many hospitality businesses have taken advantage of the situation, in various ways,
despite crying wolf to the restrictions and implications of a humans-in-close-spaces
transmitted virus.
23. Let them operate
24. Allowing restaurants to operate in the streets and sidewalks makes town so much more
fun and allows businesses to thrive.
25. If I feel safe to go out around people following rules and being safe and caring about
safety of others and themselves, then I will support everything!
26. Keep businesses open as much as possible and allow people to live their lives and make
their own decisions. Elderly and high risk people have or will be vaccinated by the
summer. Everyone else can make their own decisions.
27. Help expedite permits for businesses and listen to their needs.
28. 1. Aspen could run a campaign similar to the one Snowmass ran last summer's Snowmass
- "Love a Local" $25 vouchers
29. outside activity , town to offer help with rents and employee incentive package
businesses suffer but we still have all our responsibilities
30. Simple. Open up
31. Let's convert as much of the downtown core to pedestrian/bike access as possible! Let's
fill the streets with cafe tables and strolling pedestrians, instead of cars. Ever been to
Europe? They have beautiful open squares where people walk freely, eat, drink, and
shop, without being run over.
32. It will support itself.
33. Continue on course with CDC direction and hope that vaccine distribution is quick and
successful.
34. Work with the county on collaborative solutions and/or grants that could support local
businesses. e.g. pop-up parks/restaurants. Also, e.g. https://www.aarp.org/livable-
communities/community-challenge/
35. Close the streets downtown as much as possible to allow for maximum outdoor business
and activities.
36. Art walks, concerts in sporadic places- so instead of literally everyone gathering on music
tent lawn, spread the music around town (engage belly up?) capitalize on people’s
willingness to picnic and their desire for music again.
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37. I don't believe adding restriction above what the State requires is at all helpful to local
business. I don't believe the City should sink to the lowest common denominator and
cave into the voice of the few. Might be helpful to remind the most vocal about keeping
or adding restrictions that they moved to a RESORT TOWN. Too many businesses have
been crushed by the pandemic and adding local restrictions is not helpful
38. Lift restrictions as many people are becoming vaccinated
39. More outdoor space for businesses
40. Continue to wear masks.
41. Continue to allow businesses the flexibility with outdoor spaces and take-away that we
saw last summer
42. Give lodging tax back to lodges via a stimulus or else a big marketing campaign budget
through acra.
43. More, more outdoor space allocated to create vitality for local businesses and
enjoyment for residents and tourists alike!
44. Outdoor shopping/eating
45. more socially distanced events and opportunities
46. Open up all and offer places people can get their vaccine
47. I really think that retail and restaurants should be allowed to open on the street as they
did last summer. That way everyone will feel comfortable no matter how the summer
restrictions unfold.
48. Give our gift cards for people to support local businesses
49. Love the food truck idea-perhaps expanded to the parks. Outdoor music offerings.
50. Ease out of mask mandate outside. Encourage those concerned not to go out.
51. Vouchers sent to residents to be spent at local businesses
52. Allow customers to park on the street in parking spaces. Give free parking to encourage
economic growth.
53. People with proof of vaccine have no limitations
54. open with caution
55. Definitely remove the mask mandate and open up all businesses to 100%
56. Unlimited capacities for vaccinated people
57. More outdoor space for food, vendors, walkers, cyclists, less for cars and parking - people
buy things, cars do not.
58. I loved having reduced car access and more outdoor seating, etc last summer. The
farmers market was also great! I'd support fully shutting down more of our downtown
streets for more outdoor space and booths for struggling local artists and small
businesses. We don't need cars downtown. Handicap access only maybe?
59. The more license businesses have to utilize public outdoor space, the better.
60. We need to have events and plans in place to make them safe. Not cancel everything.
61. You've done a good job thinking of options. Perhaps utilize some space in the parks for
more staged activities for kids or different age groups.
62. The City should support businesses by allowing use of adjacent parking spaces for
commerce. Shift parking to the garage and residential areas...or better yet, to the
intercept lot with shuttles into town for non-residents.
63. All vaccinated people should have a arm band demonstrate their ability to move freely
within the community, go to restaurants theaters and other indoor venues.
64. Allow businesses to open, hold outdoor concerts and festivals.
65. Provide extra outdoor space for dining; allow music, theatre, dance venues to operate
as close to "normal" as possible. Trust that most people will have been vaccinated by
May and we can plan for NORMAL operations.
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66. Allow full compacity for customers that had both shots"
67. Let the restaurants have their outdoor seating again.
68. Let them open 100%
69. Outdoor everything with masks would help limit the spread within businesses.
70. More parking, more outdoor activities/options. Encourage business and visitors with
incentives.
71. Reduce tourism. Keep mask on policy.
72. More food markets in the town, eliminate RVs from the street, more outdoor shows
73. Continued economic support for small businesses.
74. "In Denver / Larimer Square was closed to all traffic and a huge outdoor dining space
was created - each restuarant on the block had a section that they serviced - we should
close restaurant row to dining only - I feel that is safer than these bulging dining areas in
the streets that people can crash into. Also - WHY doesn Kemosabe need an outdoor
area?? They have a huge store they don't need to serve drinks outside - a clear example
of favoritism.
75. https://www.larimersquare.com/events/dining-al-fresco-on-larimer-square-july/ "
76. Allowing outdoor dining will give Aspenites and visitors options and expand capacity for
the restaurants. I am worried about the mask mandate being relaxed. With the variants
and tourists arriving. Masks work, as well as social distancing.
77. Fun, safe events such as AMFS in the Benedict Tent following COVID protocols.
78. Please have outdoor music, enforce masks and let’s have fun.
79. Have a sales tax holiday for businesses that can certify a legitimate need. Let the City's
tax take go to the proprietor if he maintains employment at least through the tax holiday.
80. Marketing aspen as a destination in traditionally slower months such as May, June and
October. The increased business in October last year really helped make up for lost
revenue earlier in the year, so more consistent year-round business would be great. We
are anxious about September and the glut of events scheduled- spreading out events
and attractions over many months is much easier to deal with in terms of occupancy.
Capacity restrictions on restaurants but not on lodging is going to continue to put so
much pressure on businesses that they can’t accommodate because the demand is so
much higher than the supply. Being a concierge in Aspen has to be the hardest job there
is right now!
81. give the restaurants the ability to expand into the streets
82. Provide business has the guidelines and let them operate according to how they feel it is
best.
83. Allow for & encourage outdoor, open air events. Any event indoors or in a tent will
require participants to wear a mask. Allow the night clubs & bars to operate with
reasonable restrictions.
84. Open up! Require proof of vaccination to attend large events, etc.
85. I am in full support of allowing restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for
additional seating.
86. I think using our downtown streets for businesses to expand is a win win = creates a better
sense of community and will help businesses increase their revenue
87. Pre-packaged dinners to go... ADOPT-RESTAURANT.. ADOPT -a BUSINESS.. - Gift
certificates as birthday gifts etc.. “ASPEN APPLAUSE “
88. more outdoor seating like last summer
89. Loosen restrictions
90. If Aspen is anything like last summer Businesses & the Economy will do fine
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91. I was pretty disappointed and think Aspen completely missed the mark on the use of
parking spaces/streets last summer. SHUT DOWN THE STREETS and make them pedestrian
walkways/extra seating for restaurants. Have something fun and new to attract people
to Aspen and talk about. The last thing we need are more cars and parking in this town.
It's already dangerous enough for pedestrians and bikers. Create a fun, vibrant
atmosphere for visitors. Aspen has become very stagnant, catering only to the uber
wealthy and needs some excitement and new life.
92. I have long loved the outdoor seating options in Aspen. The more the better when
managed! Other outdoor options like sidewalk sales/stores? Secondary exits? Like, go in
one door and shop around and leave through the back--may work in some spots.
93. "Based on what happened last fall and part of last summer we should have plenty of
tourists.
94. The health board and the county have done a fine job of protecting us, however, they
need to be careful about creating ambiguous, confusing, and unenforceable rules.
95. Stop changing the operational capacity so often.
96. Buy locally when feasible.
97. Maximize outdoor dining options and space. Utilize some public spaces besides rights of
way to allow pop-ups of restaurants or bars. Spread people out into typically unused
space as much as possible. And be very strict about health enforcement.
98. Keep restaurants open & busy by using outdoor dining
99. "I am very concerned about the amount of people driving into aspen in vans that they
live inside. They take up valuable parking spaces and do not give back to our local
economy.
100. Please consider some controls on these vans, and let’s charge a fee.
101. They use out garbage, toilets and pollute by leaving their engines runnng to augment
their solar for heat and power.
102. Charge them $25 a night like Telluride does.
103. Lots of take-out and picnicking.... encourage visitors to do the same. Lots of outdoor
activities and socializing.
104. Open fully. (100%) Get rid of mask mandates. Enable the economy. Those who don't
feel comfortable don't have to go out.
105. Prioritize people not cars. Mountain towns thrived by doing that last summer. Create
vibrant, safe, abundant space for pedestrians and restaurants. Aspen is small, people
can walk two blocks instead of parking right in front of a door.
106. Aspen needs to open up as business as usual especially when the country is 90%
vaccinated.
107. Allow businesses that went under during the pandemic like the red onion and bamboo
bear to have food trucks if desired. Allow a couple new ideas for food trucks as well
instead of only local restaurants.
108. Implement rules and mandates so Covid does not spread, and so businesses can stay
open. Close the core to walking/biking/handicapped drivers only. It was so nice last
summer to have less traffic in the core. And it only helps decrease the likelihood of car-
pedestrian accidents. We don't need another 5 year old girl getting run over. And we
should be encouraging walking and biking.
109. I really don't know. I can't afford, nor do I desire, to spend money at most local
businesses, and restaurants are increasingly out of our budget as well. Especially with
one of us in our family out of work because of COVID.
110. Encourage outdoor eating, take out, creative events like outdoor concerts with social
distancing, promote small group things like rafting, fishing, kayaking, etc.
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111. The gift cards that Snowmass did to locals for local businesses were awesome.
112. Get completely free of all affadavits or whateve it is called now
113. out door music and festivities encouraged. Also, small local businesses hardest struggle
continues to be affordable housing for its employees.
114. Open Aspen 100%, with zero restrictions.
115. Allow businesses to expand outside in the streets to make up the loss of income they
had during this past Winter.
116. Keep following public health recommendations, educate visitors about required
restrictions and ENFORCE infractions
117. Leave us alone
118. The Saturday Market brings out many of people.
119. Open everything up and no masks
120. Don't be so restrictive, most people by then will have had covid or have the vaccine or
both, let the economy flourish.
121. Let the businesses decide. By definition city and county employees are not
entrepreneurs business owners understand their businesses and will make decisions based
on what they believe will work.
122. It will be as busy if not busier than last year
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Q13: What ideas do you have to help support the community this summer?
Comments:
1. I would love too see community supported outdoor arts programming. Dance, theater,
music. All these things feed the spirit and are needed.
2. Let the economy operate w/ as few hurdles as safely possible.
3. I wonder if caring people are racing to TX and MS because masks (and any belief in
science) are gone. Our visitors will return as soon as we support their return. So much the
better if we cared enough to put in place mandates to protect their health and ours.
Let's be sure to do so wisely and compassionately.
4. no ideas
5. I will do my part to continue to encourage civil discourse and the motto of the summer
should be "Be Kind". There has been too much nastiness in our little community, even
amongst locals. It's been disheartening to see throughout this winter season.
6. Same as above
7. Restrict vehicle travel in the core and create a vital, lively, spacious downtown area
utilizing the streetscape. It seems that people are more comfortable with covid-related
issues when they are outside. I think that as a city, we need to capitalize on that
sentiment and give the open-aired public right-of-way space to the people instead of to
vehicles and parking.
8. As above
9. "Summer nights under the stars in the park
10. Fire station events
11. Police events to promote city and ""special heroes""
12. Summer nights under the stars, have live music on the ""mall"" so everyone can chill and
enjoy being outside of this ""mask"" lifestyle. "
13. Quality of life for all with less, or no, cars.
14. community picnics
15. For the community, the city needs to prioritize safety and locals as even last summer
there was a clear community sense of fear caused by tourists not really caring about
their impact on the locals in terms of COVID transmission. This needs to be considered
going forward.
16. Bring Music School concerts to the downtown area.
17. Perks for locals to support businesses. Spread out volunteer events to bring us back
together.
18. Return to normal as safely as possible without sacrificing common sense public health
restrictions
19. open up cultural and social events utilizing vaccine passport and/or rapid testing
20. Create more volunteer opportunities that support safe activities. Consider (at least one)
Car Free Day downtown (e.g., 9/22/21, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car-Free_Days)
21. Provide free amenities to those of us who have reduced our income this year. Last year
you could only be out in Aspen if you could afford the very expensive restaurant prices.
22. Enforce distancing and masks. Don’t overcrowd Aspen.
23. If we are going to continue to encourage tourists, then vaccinate locals first!!!!
24. "The City could provide free advertising opportunities for businesses trying to regain
footing.
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25. Keep free, all-day parking in 2hr zones at least through the end of 2021.
26. Don't provide gift cards to visiting tourists - in general they're spending thousands of
dollars to be here. $25 is a great stimulus to local businesses, but I think it would be better-
targeted at locals, who would then be incentivized to revisit local establishments and
better support their neighbors."
27. Please manage how crazy it's going to be.
28. Get everyone vaccinated.
29. More outdoor events
30. By following safety protocols, along with others, I will always support the community.
31. Figure out how to better manage the parking garage to help avoid cars circling in the
core.
32. my business will be providing outside events daily . We are located on Main Street Aspen
33. Same question again. Open up.
34. "Mental health and financial stability. We need to keep people working that need to
support themselves and their families. Too many lives have been deeply and negatively
effected by the government during this time.
35. Reopen city hall, the county buildings and the library. Why are we paying full taxes for
staff to sit home for the same pay and cause long delays of essential services."
36. Shut down construction projects for the summer so that we don't have a line of traffic
along Main Street all day, every day. Let's make Aspen more livable and walkable,
instead of focusing on building McMansions everywhere. Nobody is ever going to live in
any of those houses anyway, so they can wait a few months until the fall quiet season.
37. Relax or dissolve COVID business restrictions and mask orders and work to get back to
normal.
38. See question 12.
39. If there is a mask mandate, it should be enforced in some manner. Currently, many
people do not wear masks in/around the gondola downtown. If there is a mandate but
no one is enforcing it, then it isn't a mandate.
40. "Allow the Aspen Saturday Market to operate as it did in 2019 would be a step in the right
direction for both the vendors that operate in it as well as locals/visitors. Fine if people are
required to wear masks and practice social distancing while in the market.
41. No reason not to have the July 4th parade"
42. Mask mandate and vaccine or negative COVID affidavit
43. Continue to wear masks.
44. Follow the state guidelines. Do not make up your own covid policy. The county’s affidavit
killed us this winter.
45. "Potentially limiting parking on a few streets like Cooper Street and Hyman Street to in
conjunction with the Hyman Mall
46. And Cooper st mall to increase outdoor charm of dining/ shopping / music in a larger
outdoor space /
47. Have VIP shuttle service / biking Cabs to take people around where motor vehicles can
not drive through. "
48. Less tourist that don’t obey the restrictions if there are any in place
49. Spend money
50. Cutting back vehicles and encouraging more pedestrian traffic.
51. Keep requiring masks indoors
52. Keeping masks mandatory and not discouraging tourists with affidavits that are not
enforced.
53. People with proof of vaccine have no limitations
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54. continued caution
55. Get the businesses open and give them the extra space to operate for this summer.
56. Close off the interior streets of downtown to cars and open street wide events and retail.
57. Go to restaurants outside, cultural events, etc.
58. Keep tracking the restaurants and retail businesses to remain aware of changing
circumstances. They are the ones who should weigh in most heavily on ideas.
59. The government should focus on openness, honesty and an inclination to serve the local
community.
60. Pedestrian area throughout core and affordable food truck options.
61. Treat people like adults capable of making informed choices.
62. Eliminate all the restrictions and let's get back to normal! Allow extra outdoor seating for
restaurants.
63. Like Breckenridge , there needs to be a force enforcing mask rules. Fine the folks not
wearing masks.
64. Please enforce masks and don’t host large events.
65. Have everything open, but up the enforcement of rules (if needed). So many customers
coming in saying they don't need a mask because they are vaccinated, refusing to
wear. If we don't need masks by then, great, but if we do, please help encourage visitors
to wear them (in a nice way).
66. Activities for RESIDENTS to safely gather and connect, enforcement of Covid protocols,
vaccine awareness and outreach, kid friendly outdoor activities
67. Hold positive events, eg, music festival. Don’t do food and wine as it is a super spreader
event
68. Open the library
69. Support of small cultural/art events that can be held outside. A diversion for locals and
tourists and a possible economic bump to small non-profits, arts groups.
70. Must maintain a Careful balance. No spreader events please! We will have a packed
town again even larger thsn before!!
71. Masks and social distancing will allow us to return to normal, and keep the numbers
down.
72. Use the lessons learned from the pandemic to move towards a car-free, carbon-reduced
future in the downtown core and require non-residents and those who work in Aspen but
do not have some type of parking permit from their employment to take public
transportation, non-emissions vehicle (electric), or private shuttles operated by their
hotel--let's call it the Zermatt solution--and increase awareness and support of Aspen as a
bicycle and pedestrian friendly town.
73. Volunteer at maroon bells
74. Our employees need housing! And we are still constantly facing a lack of workers, mainly
because they can’t find housing or we can’t pay them enough to afford it. The rental
market has become even more challenging, if that’s possible, because of the influx of
remote workers fleeing urban areas. Could the City subsidize a higher minimum wage in
our county? And do everything to increase the supply of housing. Could the city
somehow incentivize landlords to rent to local workers?
75. shop local incentives
76. Open it back up and minimize mandates that would restrict Typical business operation
77. open, open, open! And as we expand into the streets of the downtown core, how about
restricting the length of vehicles utilizing angle parking? I'm also thinking of making
"Restaurant Row" 1-way heading west.
78. Open up! Require proof of vaccination to attend large events, etc.
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79. You are doing a great job!
80. Encourage safety in times of COVID to benefit ALL - the economy, the community.
Encourage everyone to step up so we can get COVID behind us
81. Zooms .. on line activities — transportation to events.
82. "making tourists aware there is still a pandemic and to take it seriously when they visit
83. As someone else mentioned in the comments, I would also like to see aspen become
more bike friendly. I ride my bike to work everyday in the summer and I feel very unsafe
riding home on Hopkins. Maybe a four way stop on Spring st? People drive so fast
through there"
84. Add childcare options - very few summer activities, especially for toddlers
85. Keep people outside more so we can stay open and offer jobs to people. Create a fun
environment so that we can hopefully attract new employees to the area. It's going to
be a struggle for hiring this summer because so many people have left town. Stop
blogging and posting photos of local secret places. They are becoming few and far
between lately because of all the tourists and people writing articles on the hidden
gems. THEY NEED TO STAY HIDDEN!!!
86. Open air trolleys? Closing more streets?
87. I think the community will be relatively fine this summer.
88. N/A
89. Model the good behaviors we'd like our visitors to adopt.
90. Better communication on vaccination. Pretty opaque on who can and should be
vaccinated.
91. Masks inside stores ( until vaccination rates or cases indicate)
92. Prevent people living in vans parking in our core. Please !!!
93. Lots of take-out and picnicking.... encourage visitors to do the same.
94. More visible community outreach, food banks, volunteer opportunities, job fairs etc....
95. Attend as many local events.
96. wear a mask
97. Be kind in every interaction. Or at least try to be.
98. Have a campaign to get our visitors to be patient and kind.
99. Love on the locals!
100. Continue to limit large indoor gatherings and therefor limit spread of this disease into our
community.
101. "Shop locally
102. Let customers know abt advance air systems in restaurants"
103. continuted support for those in need.
104. Open Aspen 100%, with zero restrictions.
105. Reopening more outdoor events to help the impact of people who have been suffering
with mental health due to being cooped up during the pandemic.
106. Encourage safe return to activities, promote/provide social activities that allow for safe
social interactions
107. Another round of rent relief from the city would be amazing!
108. Leave us alone
109. Saturday Market
110. All summer events back on and live music bars concerts everything
111. Open it up!
112. Let event organizers decide how to run their events.
113. keep people safe, we will be over run as a town
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Aspen Community Voice Engagement
March 4-15, 2021
“Idea Tool” Submissions
Bikes are the answer!
We should push hard to make Aspen one of the greatest biking cities there is. Mtn biking, road
biking, ride to the Bells (E-Bikes are great!) and biking around town. Disincentivize cars at all
times.
Invite musicians to busk in town
This gives them a shot at their livelihood back, and will bring life back to Aspen. I think everyone
has been missing live music since the pandemic started. If they are really cancelling Thursday
night music in Snowmass this summer, then this would be a great alternative.
+2 Votes
Limit vehicle length/size
so as to maintain as much downtown parking as possible while allowing expanded outdoor
restaurant servicing.
Small Town Music on the Mall
City host weekly "nights out" on the "Town", to help promote people dining out in the "mall" and
around the "mall" areas, perhaps have roving musicians playing to add some ambiance to the
town. Perhaps each Sunday night in the park, host a lovely musical concert as a way to "Thank
the City. vendors" for staying committed to the city.
1 Comment: Not good enough. There should be all kinds of music, in multiple locations
downtown, every evening. (weather permitting). I can see myself as an Uber driver, going past
the Wheeler & hearing Jazz, turning left on Hopkins & grooving to Classical. Later cruising past
The Mall on Galena & hearing Rock or Blues then while rounding past the Paradise Bakery
picking up the sounds of a really good deejay. Then on the next night, musicians & deejays
might be different & in different places.
Please bring back the full weekend market!
Artisans and Farmers💜💜
Do not permit
potential super spreader event like Food and Wine in September
1 Comment: Didn't you get your shot yet? Why not allow the event (I'd prefer June)? Let's plan & take
reservations with the expectation that if the numbers spike nationally, it may have to be cancelled.
Lots of picnic tables (areas for blankets).
Encourage Restraunt’s to do picnic basket type fare. Sell reusable silverware One night a week
Picnics!!
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Close Restaurant row to dining only like larmier square in denver.
https://www.larimersquare.com/events/dining-al-fresco-on-larimer-square-july/
+1 Vote
Combine restaurant patio expansion with improved biking and walking in the
core
I fully support a more lively restaurant scene in Aspen. However, last summer seemed to be only
focused on businesses and not on locals or tourists walking or biking. A few years ago city
council tried to improve the bike safety on Hopkins. The restaurants threw a fit about their
parking. Flash forward a couple years and they are suddenly happy to reduce parking to
improve their bottom line. It seems like we can combine a plan that improves biking and
walking, and expands restaurants. Yes, parking will be reduced, but that will improve vitality
because people tend to gather where there are fewer cars.
+1 Vote
Comprehensive plan for RVs/Vans& the parking garage
We need a signage and better communication about where RVs and Rec Vans should park to
help avoid them circling looking for larger parking spaces in town and to improve their own
guest experience. The parking garage needs to be better utilized and managed to help avoid
cars circling in the core looking for parking, which increases the risk of cyclist and pedestrian
accidents.
1 Comment: I've made the suggestion that vehicle length be limited in angle parking which
addresses this issue. However, in this I'm thinking more of long SUV's & extra cab pick up trucks.
When you get to vehicles even larger like what you mention, they should have to park at
Buttermilk or the intercept lot. The Ski Co can display what parking looks like on their app.
Maybe the City can have something similar?
More Parking, Please
Love the vitality of the added outdoor dining! For temporary Covid reasons, makes sense to take
up some parking spaces for this cause. Unfortunately over the years (I have been in business
here over two decades), the parking has become less available and more expensive. There are
less spaces dedicated to our Aspen visitors and locals. Many customers comment on the
expense and lack of availability. It is bad for business to get rid of as much parking as we have.
Makes the town experience very unpleasant for those that cannot ride a bike or are transporting
the whole family, some of which do not or can not ride bikes.
1 Comment: At least not less parking. My suggestion in the survey of 1 way thru restaurant row
does not eliminate angle parking. Although my suggestion on limiting vehicle length might seem
to do this, it only effects angle parking & these vehicles can be parked where parallel is
available, at the Garage or utilize valet services.
4th of July Weekend in the Mountain
Bring back the amazing "city parade" as it units everyone and brings so many smiles to the faces
of kids and families. And at the end of the parade, perhaps the Fire Department AND Police
department have a huge bbq in the park and we have an old fashion 'grandstand" band and
dancing under the stars little stage for people to kick up their heels and enjoy America. Perhaps
something each day of the weekend....
1 Comment: And it can be decided a week (or maybe even less) in advance if masking is
required.
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Woodstock Anniversary
We missed an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in 2019. Why not this
year the weekend around August 17th? (OK, maybe it's because I was there)
Keep the skatepark open!
If parks are open, parks are open. It's nonsensical to tape off the skatepark when people are
gathering on the rugby field and basketball courts immediately next door.
+1 Vote
1 Comment: Where is a thumbs up emoji when you need one.
99
SAV Restaurant Survey
March 4-15, 2021
Sent to 88 Restaurants
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1 / 15
93.75%15
6.25%1
Q1 Did your restaurant activate outdoors during summer 2020?
Answered: 16 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 16
YesYesYesYesYes
93.75% (15)93.75% (15)93.75% (15)93.75% (15)93.75% (15)
NoNoNoNoNo
6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
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26.67%4
40.00%6
33.33%5
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q2 If yes, where did the restaurant activate
Answered: 15 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 15
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
There are no responses.
In a parking spaceIn a parking spaceIn a parking spaceIn a parking spaceIn a parking space
26.67% (4)26.67% (4)26.67% (4)26.67% (4)26.67% (4)
On the sidewalkOn the sidewalkOn the sidewalkOn the sidewalkOn the sidewalk
40.00% (6)40.00% (6)40.00% (6)40.00% (6)40.00% (6)
In a private patioIn a private patioIn a private patioIn a private patioIn a private patio
or deck areaor deck areaor deck areaor deck areaor deck area
33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
In a parking space
On the sidewalk
In a private patio or deck area
In a structure
My restaurant did not activate outdoors in 2020
Other (please specify)
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93.75%15
6.25%1
Q3 If permitted by the City of Aspen, does your restaurant plan to activate
outdoors this summer?
Answered: 16 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 16
YesYesYesYesYes
93.75% (15)93.75% (15)93.75% (15)93.75% (15)93.75% (15)
NoNoNoNoNo
6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
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4 / 15
25.00%4
37.50%6
37.50%6
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q4 If yes, are your plans to activate
Answered: 16 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 16
In a parki ng spaceIn a parkin g spaceIn a parki ng spaceIn a parkin g spaceIn a parki n g space
25.00% (4)25.00% (4)25.00% (4)25.00% (4)25.00% (4)
On the sidewalkOn th e sidew alkOn the sidewalkOn th e sidew alkOn the sidewalk
37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)
In a private pati oIn a private patioIn a private pati oIn a private patioIn a private patio
or deck areaor deck areaor deck areaor deck areaor deck area
37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
In a park ing spac e
On the s idewalk
In a private patio or deck area
In a structure
My restaurant does not plan to ac tiv ate outdoors in 2021.
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37.50%6
62.50%10
Q5 Did your restaurant have a 15-minute curbside pick-up area in front of
your location this winter?
Answered: 16 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 16
YesYesYesYesYes
37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)37.50% (6)
NoNoNoNoNo
62.50% (10)62.50% (10)62.50% (10)62.50% (10)62.50% (10)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
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6 / 15
Q6 If yes, how useful was this pick-up space for your business?
Answered: 9 Skipped: 7
33.33%
3
22.22%
2
33.33%
3
11.11%
1 9 2.22
Extremely UsefulExtremely UsefulExtremely UsefulExtremely UsefulExtremely Useful
33.33% (3)33.33% (3)33.33% (3)33.33% (3)33.33% (3)
Very UsefulVery UsefulVery UsefulVery UsefulVery Useful
22.22% (2)22.22% (2)22.22% (2)22.22% (2)22.22% (2)
Somewhat UsefulSomewhat UsefulSomewhat UsefulSomewhat UsefulSomewhat Useful
33.33% (3)33.33% (3)33.33% (3)33.33% (3)33.33% (3)
Not UsefulNot UsefulNot UsefulNot UsefulNot Useful
11.11% (1)11.11% (1)11.11% (1)11.11% (1)11.11% (1)
EXTREMELY
USEFUL
VERY
USEFUL
SOMEWHAT
USEFUL
NOT
USEFUL
TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE
(no
label)
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18.75%3
56.25%9
25.00%4
Q7 If limited to existing (brick and mortar) restaurants, would you support
the introduction of food trucks?
Answered: 16 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 16
YesYesYesYesYes
18.75% (3)18.75% (3)18.75% (3)18.75% (3)18.75% (3)
NoNoNoNoNo
56.25% (9)56.25% (9)56.25% (9)56.25% (9)56.25% (9)
MaybeMaybeMaybeMaybeMaybe
25.00% (4)25.00% (4)25.00% (4)25.00% (4)25.00% (4)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
May be
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8 / 15
6.25%1
75.00%12
18.75%3
Q8 Would your restaurant be interested in operating a food truck?
Answered: 16 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 16
YesYesYesYesYes
6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)6.25% (1)
NoNoNoNoNo
75.00% (12)75.00% (12)75.00% (12)75.00% (12)75.00% (12)
MaybeMaybeMaybeMaybeMaybe
18.75% (3)18.75% (3)18.75% (3)18.75% (3)18.75% (3)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
May be
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20.00%3
33.33%5
13.33%2
33.33%5
Q9 In your opinion, what is the best use for a parking space in front of your
restaurant?
Answered: 15 Sk ipped: 1
TOTAL 15
Parkin g a vehicleParking a vehi cleParking a vehicleParking a vehi cleParking a vehi cle
20.00% (3)20.00% (3)20.00% (3)20.00% (3)20.00% (3)
Activation, li keActivation, likeActivation, li keActivation, likeActivation, li ke
outside seatin goutside seatingoutside seatin goutside seatingoutside seatin g
33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)
Increasing saf etyIncreasing safetyIncreasing saf etyIncreasing safetyIncreasing saf ety
for cyclists,for cyclists,for cyclists,for cyclists,for cyclists,
pedestrian s andpedestriansandpedestriansandpedestriansandpedestriansand
Pick-up andPick-up andPick-up andPick-up andPick-up and
take-outtake-outtake-outtake-outtake-out
33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)33.33% (5)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Parking a vehicle
Activ ation, like out side seating
Inc reas ing safety f or cyclis ts, pedestrians, and vehicles
Pic k -up and take-out
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2021 Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV) Ac tivation: Restaurant Survey SurveyM onkey
10 / 15
Q10 How do you think the City can make Summer of 2021 a successful
one for your restaurant?
Answered: 12 Sk ipped: 4
110
2021 Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV) Ac tivation: Restaurant Survey SurveyM onkey
11 / 15
#RESPONSES DATE
1 PLEASE bring back the outdoor s eating - it helped town feel so lively, connec ted, and full.
Very European and gorgeous use of outdoor s pac e - filling it with people relaxing and enjoying
the suns hine!
3/12/2021 10:20 AM
2 If the City allows the restaurants to k eep operating on the s idewalk s and alloc ates some
park ing spac es for outdoor operation I believe the s ummer 2021 will be a s uccessful one for
res taurants and the City in general; I do hope that res taurants lik e mine who hav e already
inv es ted large amounts to build out door s eating in the summer to then t ear it down, adjust it
and rebuild it as per City guidelines get to keep the exis ting s et-up, given of course that it is
not fully enclos ed and provides ample airflow. Personally, I am ex tremely grateful for what t he
City of Aspen has done for us and made pos s ible in 2020 in res ponse to the pandemic . Thank
you! I would lik e to add on and very muc h hope that the City may consider this : The current
covering f or our ex isting parklet and potential s ummer s eating area is an es s ential element for
many reasons : Firs tly, the summer rain and wind are temperamental and s poradic and s o the
cover would need to be there at all times to success fully protec t the gues ts and staff. They
als o need the s hade. Umbrellas are hazardous as many hav e blown away, breaking things in
their path and having to be put down, rendering them both dangerous and ineff ective for their
very purpos e. The shade cloths do not prov ide protec tion from the rain, and so this as an
alternate option is also ineffect ive. The current covering enhanc es the aesthet ic of the town.
Tent ed s truct ures c ould be an ey esore in the middle of town, and with all of the chec k s and
balanc es that we have done to ens ure that t he park let meets the requirements of code and
safety, I feel that the v entilation could be ac hiev ed through remov ing the current plexiglass for
ample airf low, and maintaining the rest of the parklet. I res pect all aspec ts that are v ital to a
safe parklet - s afe in t erms of COVID (i.e. v entilation and s pac ing of guests ), as well as safe in
terms of traffic, and lastly in terms of weather - and are c onfident that we have met, in fac t
exceeded these expec tat ions . To s um it up: Dear Mayor Torre, Sarah, Mitch, Nicole, Sk ippy,
Ward, Ann and Rac hel, and the teams that work alongside y ou all, I want to say t hank you to
you for the continued effort that our town has needed and s een throughout the pandemic. As a
business owner and member of the c ommunity, the dedicated hours of dec ision-mak ing that
have gone into mak ing this as painless of an experience as possible has c ertainly not gone
unnotic ed. Karin Derly
3/10/2021 6:20 PM
3 Do not allow Hunt c onstruction sites to have 1/4 of park ing spaces in town. Hyman between
Monarc h and Mill, Galena between Hy man and Cooper, etc. They have mult iple s paces
res erv ed and subc ontractors , et c taking up s pots all day long. There are als o s pots reserv ed
that should be av ailable to park after 5pm. We need park ing for our gues ts. There are too many
park ing spots for res taurant pick up as well. Overk ill
3/10/2021 5:34 PM
4 Support ex isting bus iness, do not ins tigate another huge expense like a food t ruc k . For anyone
to add that t o their existing operation would c ost a ton of money...
3/10/2021 5:16 PM
5 Free outdoor dining 3/10/2021 7:33 AM
6 I think if indoor seating is limited and six feet distance between tables is still mandat ed it will
be extremely beneficial for restaurants to have access to addit ional s quare footage -ie s treet
seat ings . We were ex tremely luc k y with the weather las t summer and had v ery lit tle rain. I t
would be nice to be able to have some s ort of proof or c overing and I think t he c it y s hould
allow power to the street
3/9/2021 11:03 PM
7 No food trucks. Let us rec uperate.3/9/2021 9:11 PM
8 I think st reet act ivations s hould be used for res taurants/bars only. Retail with a liquor lic ense
and no food should not be activ ating in park ing spaces . City supplied planters were helpful and
ensure a clean and similar look throughout town.
3/9/2021 9:09 PM
9 The outdoor seating in park ing spaces was v ery helpful in keeping our restaurant open,and we
would love to hav e that again this summer.
3/9/2021 6:42 PM
10 I jus t want to ens ure did the space on the middle of t he hyman mall is allocated jus tly. Last
year we had Escobar right in front of us and it caused a lot of problems and hurt my busines s .
I jus t want to hav e the space directly in front of my res taurant in escobar c an mov e down in
front of their own physic al loc ation. The c ity has been great and helping us all get outdoor
seat ing, It’s a huge help to our bus iness to hav e it end it really gives vibrancy to the mall and
to As pen.
3/9/2021 6:16 PM
11 LOWER PRICES FOR EXTRA SPACES DEDICATED TO RESTAURANTS (PARKI NG SPOT,3/9/2021 5:53 PM
111
2021 Summer in Aspen Vitality (SAV) Ac tivation: Restaurant Survey SurveyM onkey
12 / 15
FRONT PATI OS, SIDEWALKS..ETC) , HELP ON RENT , ADVANTAGES IF YOUR
RESTAURANT HAS NEVER BEEN FLAGGED BU CITY OF ASPEN BECAUSE FOLLOW
ALL THE PROCEDURES
12 The City of Aspen has been a great a great partner in supporting the food & beverage industry
during these dif ficult times, t hank you!
3/9/2021 5:47 PM
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100.00%10
100.00%10
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
100.00%10
100.00%10
Q11 OPTIONAL: If you would like us to follow-up with you directly about
2021 summer activation planning, please share your contact information
with us.
Answered: 10 Skipped: 6
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Restaurant Name
Your Name
Address
Address 2
City/Town
State/Province
ZIP/Postal Code
Country
Email Address
Phone Number
113