HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Update 0525211
AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
May 25, 2021
5:00 PM,
I.INFORMATION UPDATE
IA.Drought Update
IB.Health Protection Team Progress Update
II.WORKSESSION FOLLOW UP
IA.0.5 RETT Expanded Uses Discussion #2
IB.Clean River Program - Funding Options
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Steve Hunter, PE, PH, Utility Resource Manager
THROUGH: Tyler Christoff, PE, Director of Utilities
MEMO DATE: 05/20/2021
MEETING DATE: 05/25/2021
RE: May 2021 Aspen Drought and Water Restrictions Update
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: No request for approval or specific direction. Staff is providing this memo
to the Mayor and City Council so that they may be informed of the status of Aspen’s current water
restrictions and drought forecast as we head into summer.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: The City adopted its water shortage policy through an ordinance
of the municipal code. On July 14, 2020 Council declared a stage one water shortage, this was
elevated to stage two on September 1, 2020. The City is currently under stage two restrictions
as imposed by the City Manager through an Administrative Order.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: City staff continuously monitor numerous drought indicators
to proactively predict and address water shortages within the community. Drought conditions
have not improved over the past several months in Western Colorado. Based on data and
observations staff recommends remaining in stage two water shortage with targeted
restrictions listed below. No code or ordinance changes have been made.
DISCUSSION:
Current Drought Conditions
Aspen & Pitkin County are experiencing SEVERE (D2) and EXTREME (D3) drought conditions.
Local streamflow is running at 35-70% of median. Figures 1 & 2 show local drought conditions
one year ago and current (Aspen is denoted by the star). The City of Aspen has continued
stage two water restrictions to conserve water community wide. The 2020/2021 snowpack
(snow water equivalent) is 70% of average for the Roaring Fork watershed with much of
Western Colorado around 60% of average or below. The 2021 water year continues to see
below average precipitation for much of the region. According to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) above average temperatures and below average
precipitation are expected to continue over the next several months (May, June, July).
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Currently 100% of Western Colorado is experiencing drought conditions. For more
information on drought conditions and current water restrictions please visit
www.cityofaspen/drought.com.
Figure 1. US Drought Monitor: Colorado 5-21-2020 Figure 2. US Drought Monitor: Colorado 5-20-2021
Stage Two Water Shortage Adjusted Restrictions
The City of Aspen Drought Response Committee met on April 23, 2021 to discuss current water
restrictions and if we should remain in stage two or is there the need to deescalate (stage one)
or escalate (stage three) restrictions based on current drought conditions and forecasts.
The water shortage ordinance provides for restrictions based on the stage of drought observed.
A stage two water shortage is designed to incur a 10-25% reduction in water use systemwide and
15-25% in outdoor water use. Staff recommends maintaining the following restrictions in our
current Stage II declaration:
1. Watering of any lawn, garden, landscaped area, tree, shrub or other plant shall be
prohibited from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Water every other day on an "odd-even" schedule, which means watering according to
address number.
3. There shall be no washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or
other paved areas apart from cleaning for sanitary purposes. Any washing must follow
stage two water restrictions including washing before 9 am or after 5 pm.
4. There shall be no refilling of swimming pools with water furnished by the City.
5. Permitted landscape Installations will be allowed if they comply with existing water
efficient landscape ordinance standards and follow current stage 2 water use restrictions.
6. No new water connections shall be authorized; however, existing authorizations shall be
honored.
7. Tier 3 and 4 water rate surcharges will continue.
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FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPACTS: If watering restrictions are implemented revenue projections are
expected to decline; however, these may be offset by rate surcharges in Tier 3 and Tier 4 for
metered water customers.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Without a city-wide reduction in typical water usage, agricultural
activities, recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat along Maroon and Castle Creeks,
Roaring Fork, and Colorado Rivers could be negatively impacted. Public safety concerns resulting
in increased fire and flood hazards, as well as negative economic impacts due to decreased
tourism, are also expected to occur if drought conditions persist.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends remaining in stage two water shortage with
targeted restrictions based on current drought conditions in Aspen and the Roaring Fork
Watershed.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
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MEMORANDUM
TO:Aspen City Council
FROM:Natalie Tsevdos, Environmental Health and Sustainability
THROUGH:CJ Oliver, Environmental Health and Sustainability Director
Phillip Supino, Community Development Director
DATE:May 19,2021
RE:Consumer and Employee Health Protection Progress Report
PURPOSE: This memo and attached report are to inform Aspen City Council of the progress to
date of the Consumer and Employee Health Protection program. No action is needed from
Council at this time.
BACKGROUND: The program was initiated in July 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to
provide interim support to businesses as they were re-opening to the public. The over-arching
objectives are to promote public health, safety, and welfare and ensure Aspen businesses remain
open.
DISCUSSION:Through on the ground education and outreach, the CEHP team ensures business
owners and employees understand how to comply with public health and safety regulations.
Businesses are supported through routine site visits, training, and communication. The team
works collaboratively with Pitkin County partners to deliver services across the county in a
uniform, predictable, and trackable manner.
In the coming months, the CEHP Program priorities are to continue keeping businesses informed
and play an advisory role as regulations change and are rolled back. Experience building and
managing the program over the last year, as well as the capabilities shown and relationships
built by team members has demonstrated that the business liaison role played by this team could
have future applications outside of Covid-19-specific programming. Environmental health’s role
in public health is traditionally the boots on ground effort, which continues to be an essential
facet of the pandemic response and recovery.
IMPACT: The data management system created to capture field activities indicates compliance
with Covid-19 regulations improved over time.The customer service focus and educational
approach has proven effective at building rapport as well as impacting compliance and,
therefore, confidence that Aspen is a safe place to visit. The emphasis on in-person interactions
is essential to understanding the challenges that regulated industries face and innovating
solutions in partnership with the businesses. The educational approach and communication
methods the team developed are applicable to and will be used in other City programs.
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Please reach out to Natalie Tsevdos if you have any questions about the team’s activities or
contents of the report.
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2020-2021
PROGRESS REPORT
City of Aspen Consumer and
Employee Health Protection Team
Environmental Health and Sustainability
Parking and Downtown Services
Emmy Garrigus, Mitchell Osur, Mike Sear,
Natalie Tsevdos
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Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1
Introduction and Program History……………….……………………………………………………………………..….2
Budget and Data……………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………9
Program Education and Outreach……………………………………………….……………………………………….14
Key Takeaways………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………….26
Conclusion and Considerations for the Future…………………………………….……………………………….30
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....33
Sources Cited……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….34
Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..35
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to summarize and promote the work of the Consumer and
Employee Health Protection (CEHP) team to date. It is the team’s hope that the contents will
highlight our accomplishments and provide context for future decision making.
The program was initiated in July 2020 to provide interim support to businesses as they were re-
opening to the public. The over-arching objectives are to promote public health, safety, and
welfare and ensure Aspen businesses remain open.
Through on the ground education and outreach, the CEHP team ensures business owners and
employees understand how to comply with public health and safety regulations. Businesses are
supported through routine site visits, training, and communication. The team works
collaboratively with Pitkin County partners
to deliver services across the county in a
uniform, predictable, and trackable
manner. The data management system
created to capture field activities indicates
compliance with Covid-19 regulations
improved over time.
The customer service focus and
educational approach has proven effective
at building rapport as well as impacting
compliance and, therefore, confidence
that Aspen is a safe place to visit. The
emphasis on in-person interactions is
essential to understanding the challenges
that regulated industries face and
innovating solutions in partnership with
the businesses. The educational approach and communication methods the team developed will
be used in other environmental health and regulatory programs.
In the coming months, the CEHP Program priorities are to continue keeping businesses informed
and play an advisory role as regulations change and are rolled back. The business liaison role
occupied by this team could have future applications outside of Covid-19-specific programming.
Environmental health’s role in public health is traditionally the boots on ground effort, which
continues to be an essential facet of the pandemic response and recovery.
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INTRODUCTION AND PROGRAM HISTORY
The Progression of Covid-19 in Early 2020
The New York Times reported that the first case of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the U.S. was
detected in Washington State on January 21, 2020
1. At that time, health officials were gaining
increasing awareness of a novel respiratory virus that was infecting people who had visited a
region in China where the first Covid-19 cases were identified in December 20192. Little was
known about the virus except that it caused pneumonia-like symptoms and was likely
transmitted to humans at a live animal market. As the U.S. was confirming its first cases of the
virus, Chinese officials had confirmed close to 300 cases in China, and case counts were steadily
rising1. Covid-19 was spreading on the other side of the world, but it wasn’t yet clear how it
would affect the United States.
The first case of Covid-19 in Colorado was
confirmed on March 5, 20209. Five days
later, with a case count of 17, Colorado
joined the ranks of 23 other states that
declared states of emergency
10. On March
11, Pitkin County Public Health announced
that nine individuals traveling together in
Aspen had tested “presumptive positive” for
the virus, making Pitkin County the site of
the first Covid-19 outbreak in the state13.
The same day, the World Health
Organization declared the Covid-19
outbreak a global pandemic, and on March 12, the City of Aspen declared a local disaster
emergency6, 11. On Friday March 13, as The White House declared a national emergency, the first
Coloradoan died from Covid-19
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The Stay-at-Home Order
By March 14, Pitkin County had 11 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and Governor Jared Polis issued
an executive order suspending all downhill ski area operations12. For many in the Roaring Fork
Valley, the closure of the ski areas was the first major indication that this global pandemic was
The Aspen Times front page March 15, 2020
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much closer to home than previously thought4. Health officials warned of extensive community
spread in the Colorado high country, and on March 18, Pitkin County Public Health ordered the
closure of all “places of public accommodation,” including restaurants, bars, gyms, retail stores,
and theatres14. Less than one week later, Pitkin County Public Health issued a “Stay at Home”
Public Health Order (PHO). Travel to Pitkin County was strongly discouraged and visitors and
non-resident homeowners were urged to return to their respective homes as soon as possible.
Residents were directed to leave their homes only to engage in socially distanced essential
activities such as purchasing food, attending necessary doctor visits, and caring for sick/elderly
people or pets15. On March 27, 2020, the entire state of Colorado was placed under a “Stay at
Home” PHO. Gatherings were prohibited, travel was limited, those at high risk of developing
severe illness were ordered to stay inside, and social distancing was the law16. The full shutdown
of the state was in effect.
City of Aspen Partnership with Pitkin County
During the shutdown, the City of Aspen paused many of its operations and only critical services
such as public safety, utilities, and snow removal continued to operate. Several City of Aspen
employees were called away from their typical duties and pivoted to perform functions outside
of their normal responsibilities. From the Environmental Health Department, Laura Armstrong,
CJ Oliver, Natalie Tsevdos, and Jannette Whitcomb went to work for Pitkin County in support of
the Covid-19 response.
An Incident Management Team (IMT) was activated by Pitkin County with the incident command
position co-led by Pitkin County Public Health Director Karen Koenemann, Aspen Ambulance
District Manager Gabe Muething, and Pitkin County Manager Jon Peacock. Emergency Support
Function (ESF) teams, comprised of local subject matter experts, were set up to support the
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a component of the incident management system. Oliver,
Tsevdos, and Whitcomb were part of the six-person public health and medical support team ESF
8. The objectives of ESF 8 included obtaining Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
funding to set up non-congregate quarantine facilities for those experiencing homelessness and
coordinating acquisition of food and medicine for access and function needs (AFN) residents in
Pitkin County.
City of Aspen also assembled an operational task force consisting of Courtney DeVito, Alissa
Farrell, Ron LeBlanc, Nancy Lesley, Rick Magnuson, Scott Miller, Mitch Osur, Sara Ott, Jeff
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Pendarvis, Mitzi Rapkin, and Pete Strecker. The team partnered with City Council members to
gather feedback and provide economic support to the Aspen business community. City staff
from Wheeler Opera House and the Parking Department fulfilled duties within the Parks
Department in lieu of hiring for what would typically be seasonal positions within the Parks
Department. City of Aspen staff from Kids First, the Recreation Department, and the
Environmental Health and Sustainability Department took on contact tracing duties for Pitkin
County Public Health before those roles were filled with full time employees. Although the
typical work for some departments was suspended, City of Aspen successfully found innovative
ways to keep its employees working throughout the shutdown. Though some staff took on
additional responsibilities and others pivoted to perform completely different roles, it was a time
of great agility and resilience for employees throughout all departments.
City of Aspen Response and Relief Efforts
As a result of the Stay-at-Home Order and subsequent closure of many businesses across the
state, Colorado’s unemployment benefits requests skyrocketed and federally backed relief
efforts such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were underway by the end of March19.
Locally, Aspen’s City Council approved $6 million toward the “Six Objectives for Recovery,” a set
of efforts designed to stimulate Aspen’s economy and curb the already devastating economic
effects of Covid-19 in the community16. Initiatives included aid in areas of basic need such as
shelter, health care, childcare, food, and transportation, as well as Covid-19 testing, small
business assistance, and public information campaigns.
As a part of the Six Objectives for Recovery, City of Aspen announced the Small Business Rent
Relief Program, with $1 million in funds allocated to provide grants for small businesses in the
form of checks paid directly to landlords4. Over 100 businesses took advantage of the available
grants and City of Aspen contributed up to $14,000 per business to cover portions of their rent
over a three-month period20. The Residential Rent Relief Program was a joint City of Aspen and
Pitkin County effort to which City of Aspen contributed nearly $1 million. With this contribution,
Pitkin County administered financial assistance to 1,357 Aspen residents, including 230 children.
This financial support was used to help residents with rent, mortgage, food, gas, and utility costs.
City of Aspen also contracted with Glenwood Springs-based Colorado Lending Source to operate
a small business loan program providing low-interest, deferred-payback loans of up to $30,000
each17. Nine businesses benefited from this program and City of Aspen loaned a total of
$200,000 to said businesses. Interest generated from those loans will be available to fund low-
interest loans to Aspen small businesses in the future.
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In an effort to stimulate the hard-hit restaurant and
retail economies, both City of Aspen and Aspen
Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) invested in $25 gift
cards which were distributed to over 1,500 residents
and visitors for redemption at local businesses18. The
gift cards had a 50% return rate, and the average
corresponding sale was triple the amount of each card,
resulting in a significant boost to local business revenue.
With the weeks-long closure of many businesses and the halt of tourism during the spring, it was
projected that 2020 sales tax figures could be down by as much as 35%. Despite the financial
hardships brought on by the pandemic, sales tax numbers for 2020 showed that, overall, City of
Aspen businesses were down 6.9% compared to the previous year21. The sales tax numbers were
a clear indication that despite the statewide shutdown and the increased restrictions throughout
much of 2020, Aspen’s economy held strong due in no small part to targeted relief efforts.
Development of Business Guidance
With limited guidance from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
during the shutdown, counties across Colorado enacted local PHOs. Tsevdos and Whitcomb,
along with ACRA staff and the newly formed Pitkin County Business Liaison Team, partnered to
compile what would become the first business sector-
specific PHO guidance for Pitkin County. Tsevdos and
Whitcomb also co-authored the Pitkin County Business
Safety Plan (BSP), a document that informed business
managers about their responsibilities to uphold crucial
PHO requirements.
The BSP was a Pitkin County Public Health requirement
for businesses that were reopening their doors after the
shutdown. Communicating the need for BSPs to every
business in town and providing support for businesses navigating the rapidly changing guidance
in the PHOs was no small task. City of Aspen’s Director of Downtown Services, Mitch Osur,
quickly realized the need for a liaison between businesses and local government. Osur worked
ACRA Gift Card
“There was never enough time to
get it right… you knew it wasn’t
going to be a home run.
[Developing the guidance] was like
building an airplane in the air.”
- Jannette Whitcomb, City of Aspen
Senior Environmental Health
Specialist, recalling the difficulty
and complexity of writing Public
Health Order guidance
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alongside Aspen Police Department Community Resource Officers Bobby Shafer and Lara Xaiz,
and the trio was instrumental in bridging the gap between the business and municipal sectors.
As non-critical businesses operations resumed in early June, Osur, Shafer and Xaiz spent many
long days conducting door to door outreach, educating staff at local businesses about PHO
guidelines, and communicating the BSP requirements.
City of Aspen Emergency Ordinance #12
As the virus progressed throughout the country, the
understanding of its transmission between people became
clearer. In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) released guidance that recommended all
Americans wear cloth face masks when in public to help
prevent the spread of Covid-196. Local officials knew they had
to provide detailed and consistent mask messaging to the
public, and on July 31, Aspen City Council passed Emergency
Ordinance #12. The “mask ordinance” required that all
individuals within a designated portion of the Aspen
downtown core wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor
public spaces7. To support the mask messaging in the downtown core, ACRA hired ambassadors
to communicate mask requirements to pedestrians, and signage was deployed by City of Aspen
to inform the public. Aspen Police Department officers were also instrumental in educating the
public about the mask ordinance, having made hundreds of contacts during the initial rollout of
the mask zone.
Mask Zone Signage
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The Consumer and Employee Health
Protection Team
As businesses throughout Aspen resumed limited operations,
it became evident that City of Aspen staff needed to return
to their typical job functions. Still, the need for business
education and outreach remained. During her time spent
working for Pitkin Co unty, Jannette Whitcomb developed a
framework for a team of Consumer Protection (CP)
Specialists who were to act as liaisons between Pitkin County
businesses and government. Upon her return to City of
Aspen, Whitcomb was tapped by city management to set up
a similar program for the City organization.
While the authority to enforce public health
orders would rest solely with the Pitkin County CP Team, the focus for the City of Aspen Team
would be business education and outreach. In early July, the listing for the Consumer and
Employee Health Protection (CEHP) Specialist was posted, and by September 2020, Emmy
Garrigus and Mike Sear had joined the City of Aspen CEHP Team. A family emergency drew
Whitcomb away for an extended leave of absence, and it was decided that Natalie Tsevdos
would step in to lead the CEHP Program.
The Director of Downtown Services and Aspen Police Department Community Resource Officers
laid the groundwork for relationships with City businesses, and once hired, the CEHP Specialists
continued to grow those connections. As the pandemic progressed into the fall of 2020 and
Advertisement for CEHP Specialist Positions
CEHP Specialists Mike Sear and Emmy Garrigus and program manager Natalie Tsevdos
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CDPHE introduced the Covid-19 Dial, the CEHP Specialists concentrated their efforts on
educating businesses about the State’s newly implemented system of restrictions. Working
closely alongside Mitch Osur, Garrigus and Sear began their mission of education,
communication, and outreach in the business community. The next section details the budget
and the data collected throughout the program.
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BUDGET AND DATA
Program Budget
The City of Aspen passed a resolution on April 9
th, 2020 that outlined Council objectives for
Covid-19 relief and allocated $6 million towards response and recovery programming. The
Environmental Health Department was granted $300,000 of those funds to build a Consumer
and Employee Health Protection Team to provide support for businesses. Most of the budget is
dedicated to salaries for two full time employees. The remainder covers operating costs, such as
supplies for employees, and outreach collateral for businesses.
Program Data
Complaint data is collected through the Pitkin County Complaint Form, which is where Covid-19
related complaints are directed. This form is for violations of the public health order that are not
an immediate risk to personal safety but are a community health concern. The form has been
active since June 2020 when most business sectors began to re-open. A total of 216 complaints
have been received as of March 31st, 2021.
Joint City of Aspen and Pitkin County policy dictates all complaints are investigated within two to
three days and the complainant is followed up with when requested. The role of the City of
Aspen health protection specialists is to inform the business of the complaint, provide education
as necessary, and ensure the complainant that their concern is addressed. As the authority with
jurisdiction, Pitkin County Public Health carries out all enforcement actions related to the Public
Health Orders. However, the pursuit of enforcement may be supported by observations
documented by the City of Aspen. Approximately one quarter of the health protection
specialist’s workload is devoted to complaint response, including the investigation and follow-up
with complainant.
This data provides insights about business compliance and is used in addition to observations
made by the specialists. It also informs program priorities in terms of the sectors and public
health order requirements around which to implement projects.
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Note: This is not a
comparison of how
different sectors are
performing.
Possible reasons for certain
sectors representing a
disproportionate amount
of complaints are their
increased visibility to the
public and the nature of
their operation, such as
perceived risk or the
propensity for groups of
people to gather for
extended periods of time.
Note: While the total
number of complaints is 216,
there are 307 data points in
this chart because some
complaints involve multiple
topics.
Improper mask use is the
most common complaint in
the restaurant, recreation,
retail, and field services
sectors.
Lack of social distancing is
the most common complaint
in the lodging sector.
*Recreation includes gyms, yoga studios, fitness/recreation centers, golf, and outfitters
**Other includes formal event, grocery, personal services, transportation, medical services, and place of worship
***Mask Zone is defined as mask-related complaints that are not associated with a business i.e., downtown core
and trails within the Mask Zone
****Field Services includes construction, landscaping, real estate, and home inspection
Chart 1. Complaints by Sector
Chart 2. Complaints by Topic
*Other includes curfew, group size, hand washing, and hand sanitizer
**Illness Policy includes symptom screening, symptomatic employee, and contact tracing
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Chart 3. Number of Complaints by Month
The significant drop off in complaints in August 2020 corresponds to when the CEHP Program
hired staff and implemented outreach projects. When compared with data published by the
Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), there is no association between occupancy and
complaint incidence. In fact, occupancy was highest in September 2020 and March 2021
when complaints were minimal. This would indicate that the business outreach and
education projects indeed had an impact on reducing and maintaining lower levels of
complaints.
Compliance data is collected through a Google Form used by City of Aspen and Pitkin County
staff. The form has been active since September 2020 and is completed for each in-person
routine compliance check, complaint investigation, follow-up, or enforcement action. A total
of 247 such visits have been completed as of March 31st, 2021. These visits do not include
daily observations or in-person outreach for dial level changes; the total number of those
contacts is estimated to be close to one thousand.
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Chart 4. Compliance Visits by Sector
*Other includes outdoor spaces, offices, and places of worship
**Grocery includes convenience stores
Overall compliance with
Business Safety Plan (BSP)
Employees wearing face
coverings when required
Patrons wearing face
coverings when required
Social distancing (including
capacity and group size)
Note:The adjacent charts show
cumulative compliance rates of
select factors from September
2020 through March 2021.
Not observed is selected when
that factor isn’t assessed
during a visit. Possible reasons
are only select factors related
to a complaint are being
assessed or a visit is conducted
before the business is open
and there isn’t an opportunity
to assess certain factors, such
as patron mask compliance.
Note:The average time
of a visit is 17 minutes.
64% of compliance
visits are routine, 32%
complaint
investigations, 2%
follow-ups, and 1%
enforcement actions.
The focus on
restaurants is due to
complaint incidence
and more frequent and
complex regulatory
changes.
Chart 5. Cumulative Compliance Rates of Select Factors
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In compliance with
Business Safety
Plan
Employees
wearing face
coverings when
required
Patrons wearing
face coverings
when required
Social distancing
(including capacity
and group size)
September-
November 2020 75.00%82.02%89.74%87.65%
December 2020-
March 2021
85.73%91.25%93.62%85.96%
Difference +10.73%+9.23%+3.88%-1.69%
Table 1. Compliance Over Time
Factors to consider for the slight decrease in compliance with social distancing are reductions
in outdoor seating and more stringent indoor capacity restrictions in winter.
Compliance with BSPs and proper mask wearing among both employees and patrons have
increased significantly since the fall of 2020. It is important to note that external factors, such
as social norms, personal beliefs, and political affiliations, impact people’s behavior and
therefore the data. When considering the myriad projects related to BSP education and mask
zone messaging during that time, the data shows a strong correlation between outreach and
improved compliance in these areas.
The next section highlights the education and outreach projects that the CEHP team has
implemented to date.
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PROGRAM EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
From the beginning of the Consumer and Employee Health Protection (CEHP) program the team
knew that relaying timely and accurate information to the local business community regarding
Public Health Order guidelines and Dial level changes would be a critical part of the program. The
team was committed to being the go-to resource for businesses by building strong relationships
with owners and staff to help them navigate the ever-changing landscape of Covid-19 guidelines
and restrictions. With the team’s many years of customer service experience, it was known that
these relationships were not going to be built on emails alone, but also through in-person
outreach and education. Building on this knowledge and direction from City Council and City of
Aspen staff the team’s main goals came into focus:
Education –Outreach – Communication – Resource –Observation
The following is an overview of the many projects, initiatives, and partnerships that the team has
conducted from the start of the program in early August through the end of April.
Summer - Fall 2020
At the onset of the program, the primary concentration of the team was proactive outreach and
education. Anticipating business needs, building solid relationships with business owners and
staff, and creating educational materials to aid in these efforts, were the focus during this
timeframe. In addition to these efforts, the team was regularly partnering with Pitkin County to
respond to business complaints and helping in enforcement efforts by making observations and
conducting business education and follow up.
“With the ever-changing status of regulations in the City of Aspen, the French Alpine Bistro team is
grateful to Mike and Emmy for ensuring that we are in the loop and up to date at all times. This
approachable team is always a phone call or email away with a fast response. We know that they want
what is best and safest for our restaurant and community equally and for that we are thankful!”
-Megan Sherry, La Creperie du Village Event Coordinator
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The team quickly realized the need to make the Public Health Order language easier to
understand and more accessible to business owners. One of the first projects the team took on
in late summer was the creation of business sector “One-Pagers”. They presented PHO
guidelines in a bullet point format that was easier to understand and included links to broader
sector guidance as well as the team’s contact information. Priority was given to first creating
restaurant and gym versions and then expanded to other sectors, including retail, personal
services, events, transportation, organized
sports, and locker rooms as they were
needed. These were used for both in-
person outreach and email
communications to businesses and were
constantly updated as PHO guidelines
changed over time. Occurring early in the
program, they also served as an effective
way to introduce ourselves, build rapport
and establish ourselves as a resource. As
time went on, this “One-Pager” concept
was also utilized for various other
educational opportunities including Dial
level change outreach and Mask Zone
information.
As summer ended and restaurants started
thinking about the upcoming winter
season, the team started to receive
questions about the shift to full indoor
dining. At the same time the state was
transitioning to their Dial system that included new metrics and restrictions.
With these two things in mind, the need for additional ways to explain how the new Dial system
would affect their operations and answer in-depth questions was apparent. The team decided to
offer one-on-one consultations with restaurant management. An online scheduling service was
utilized where businesses would have the opportunity to schedule a meeting with the CEHP
team at their convenience. This proved to be an effective and well received way to educate
business staff in a more personalized format and the team met with over 20 restaurants.
Restaurant One-Pager
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Another need that was recognized early on was how to educate new businesses and “pop-ups”
that were preparing to open in town. Pop-ups are not new to Aspen and knowing that many
come from out of state, the team knew that they would most likely be unfamiliar with local
Public Health Orders. A “New Business
Toolkit” was created and distributed in-
person to around 20 new retail and
restaurants operations in town. The
“Toolkit” included important information
regarding Pitkin County Business and
Event Safety Plans, business sector
specific Public Health Order guidance,
Mask Zone information and several
important County and State links. It also
contained the team’s contact
information and served as a great way to
introduce the CEHP team to these new
businesses and welcome them to town.
An important step the City of Aspen took to help promote the health and safety of citizens and
visitors alike was the creation of the Aspen Mask Zone that went into effect on July 31st, 2020.
The team assisted in the initial deployment and continued maintenance of the ground stickers
that were placed strategically around town to help get the message across to locals and visitors.
As the summer was winding down and town was moving into the fall off-season, the team began
brainstorming additional ways to communicate the Mask Zone message, especially to the new
wave of tourists that would be coming
for the winter season. The team took
the innovative approach of partnering
with hotels and lodges in town and
began by soliciting feedback from a few
properties on messaging ideas and
gauged their interest in partnering on a
Mask Zone messaging campaign. This
resulted in five innovative
communication strategies being decided
on, including confirmation email and in-
house newsletter messaging, in-
room table tents, signage for
transportation vehicles and
Mike Sear explaining the Business Safety Plan Toolkit
Photo by Kelsey Brunner / The Aspen Times
Table tent at the Hyatt Grand front desk
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messaging on internal television channels. Members of the commercial lodging sector chose the
options best suited for their business and the CEHP designed and delivered all collateral. In the
end, this partnership included twelve properties which offered a range of options for their
guests, resulting in a robust messaging program that included table tents in 600 guest rooms
throughout Aspen.
An educational tactic the team employed during this time was
the use of ZOOM calls to engage with certain sectors. The
team coordinated virtual presentations to the Gym and
Events sectors to distribute information and answer questions
which reached upwards of 30 businesses. These efforts
proved to be an effective way to ensure the equal distribution
of information and create a venue for idea sharing between
peers in each sector.
Throughout the program the team organized outreach and
education efforts related to specific holidays and the first of
these efforts dealt with Halloween. Knowing that Halloween
can be a very busy night for many local establishments, the
team wanted to make sure businesses were prepared for the
evening and ultimately keep the evening as safe as possible
for everyone. Emails were sent to several establishments,
with a reminder of the current restrictions and some tips for
success (“Tips & Tricks”). A number of in-person visits were
made to these establishments in the days leading up to the
holiday as well. CEHP staff also spent a few hours in town that
evening partnering with the Aspen Police Department to
document compliance. The evening ended up being relatively
quiet and an overall success with no major violations being
observed.
The team also assisted Pitkin County early on with educational
efforts surrounding their Business and Event Safety Plans
(ESP). Small flyers were created that contained information
about these required plans and QR code links to the forms on
the Pitkin County website. These flyers were handed out
during in-person outreach to all business sectors. These
“You (Emmy) and Mike have
been so helpful! I cannot begin
to explain what I would have
done without your guidance and
care. Whenever I had a
question, you would respond so
quickly it would help so much for
my events that week. Thank you
for all your hard work and it has
been a pleasure working with
you.”
- Rebecca Polan, Limelight Hotel
Event Sales Manager
“Mike and Emmy have done a
great job in a VERY difficult
winter. With every change and
turn we’ve been thrown, Mike
and Emmy have not only made
themselves available for
questions, they’ve realized our
level of stress and concern, and
they have visited each
restaurant personally to ensure
we understood the new rules
and helped with questions or
issues. They truly have gone
above and beyond.”
- Jill Carnevale, Ellina Restaurant
Owner
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efforts resulted in an overall increase in BSP and ESP submittals and a better understanding
within the business community of why these plans are needed. While the major push for safety
plans was conducted during the late summer and fall, it continued to be a part of the team’s
outreach strategy.
During these first few months of the program, the team also started several data collection
efforts to aid in communication with businesses and in compliance tracking.
Building off the previous work and template of the Community Response Officer (CRO) team, the
CEHP team created a Compliance Tracker that was used to keep track of general Public Health
Order compliance within the business community. It is a Google Forms-based spreadsheet that
utilizes an online form to keep track of observations made during visits to business. These visits
include routine compliance checks, complaint investigations, and subsequent follow-ups. This
tracker became a valuable tool to identify trends in compliance or non-compliance which
ultimately helps the team concentrate education efforts.
As mentioned earlier, the team knew that getting timely and accurate information and updates
across to the business community would be crucial in helping them navigate and adjust to
changing Dial levels, Public Health Orders, and sector guidance. To aid in this communication,
the team started building several sector specific contact lists. These were compiled mostly from
Pitkin County Business Safety Plan submissions and in-person contacts with business owners and
management. These lists have been an invaluable part of the team’s communication strategy
and are constantly updated as new contacts are made.
Knowing that business capacity limits were one of the main differences between Dial levels, the
team created separate restaurant and gym capacity spreadsheets. Like the contact lists, the
spreadsheets were created using information provided in Business Safety Plan submissions and
visual confirmation of fire code occupancy limits from in-person visits to businesses. The team
also partnered with the City of Aspen’s Building Department to confirm known occupancies and
to help fill in some unknown numbers. The spreadsheets contained normal occupancy numbers
Restaurant Capacity Spreadsheet
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for each business and the allowed capacity under each Dial level. As the State made changes to
Dial level restrictions over time, adjustments were made to the spreadsheet to account for the
most recent allowed capacities at each establishment. This tool gave the team an up-to-date
capacity list to reference while making observations, responding to complaints, and during
education efforts.
Winter 2020- 2021
After spending much of the fall building the foundations of the program through proactive
education and outreach opportunities, the Covid-19 landscape in Aspen started to shift as town
moved into winter. With more activities moving inside and town welcoming back tourists after
the off-season, case counts in Pitkin County started to increase. The next few months of the
program saw the team needing to be more reactive to changing Dial levels and their respective
restrictions. All the while, the team continued to work with Pitkin County on complaint response
and enforcement efforts.
While Aspen primarily operated under Pitkin
County’s Public Health Orders for most of
the summer and fall, the State of Colorado
was starting to lay the groundwork for what
would become the Covid-19 Dial system.
The color-based Dial levels put into place in
early November became the framework for
movements between more and less
restrictive measures. Though most Dial
movements were State-mandated, Pitkin
County, with input from the local business
community, implemented additional
protective measures in effort to curb its
rising incident rates and prevent movement
to more restrictive levels on the Dial.
As Pitkin County’s metrics started to climb
and changes in Dial levels became
inevitable, the team drew on the success of
their sector guidance “One-Pagers” and
created similar “One-Pagers” for Dial level
changes. They covered capacity limits, last call, closure times and other relevant requirements
Level Orange Plus One-Pager
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and restrictions. These were used in both email and in-person outreach for each level change
and were targeted to restaurants, gyms, and events, which were the three sectors most affected
by Dial level changes. With Dial level changes occurring very quickly, sometimes without much
notice, it was very important to the team that these businesses were informed of, felt
comfortable with, and were supported through these changes.
The Dial level move that had the most impact on local
businesses was when the Pitkin County Board of Health
voted on January 11th to move into Level Red starting on
the 17th. Knowing that restaurants would only be able to
offer outdoor dining options, the CEHP team put
together a list of around 18 restaurants with the
potential of modifying their outdoor spaces or structures
to fit the State’s definition of “outdoors”. Over a few
days the team conducted in-person outreach at each location to offer advice and direction on
how to accomplish this modification. Many of these establishments successfully made the
changes and were able to stay open at some capacity throughout Level Red.
As the snow started to pile up in town, it was apparent the Mask Zone ground stickers utilized
during the summer and fall were getting damaged by snow removal efforts. The decision was
made to create new signage that would be mounted to parking sign poles around town. After
consulting with the Communications
Department, the team partnered with the
Parking Department for use of the poles and
the production of the signs. Over the next
Dial Level Changes in Winter
Orange Plus: 11/24/20
Orange Plus Plus: 12/22/20
Red: 1/17/21
Orange: 2/2/21
Yellow: 2/13/21
Above: Mike Sear installing a mask zone sign
Photo by Kelsey Brunner / The Aspen Times
Left: Emmy Garrigus and Mike Sear next to a
recently installed maskzone sign
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few weeks, the team installed close to 150 signs throughout the downtown core and overall
Mask Zone boundaries. This innovative method allowed the team to pivot the messaging
strategy to winter conditions, keeping the signs off the ground and at eye level, increasing their
visibility.
In preparation for New Year’s Eve, the team took proactive steps to try to ensure compliance
within the business community and keep the evening as safe as possible. Knowing that New
Year’s Eve in Aspen typically consisted of late-night celebrations in restaurants, the CEHP team
partnered with Pitkin County Consumer Protection staff to perform in-person outreach to
businesses in the days leading up to the holiday. Businesses were reminded of the current
capacity restrictions and the 10pm closure curfew.
The CEHP team again partnered with the
County’s Consumer Protection staff and the
APD to conduct late night observations on
New Year’s Eve. Overall compliance with
PHOs was very good, and most
establishments had all patrons out and were
closing by 10pm.
The team also partnered with the City of
Aspen’s Communication Department to craft
holiday social media messaging to increase
public awareness of restaurant guests’
expectations in attempt to improve
compliance with mask wearing and curfew
abidance.
An opportunity that presented itself during this
time was the chance to have Carolyn Sackariason
from the Aspen Times shadow the team during
an afternoon of in-person outreach. She was able to see the team in action as they were making
observations, delivering a “New Business Toolkit” and meeting with a local restaurant about the
seating capacity of their outdoor structure. This resulted in an informative article describing the
team’s work and raising the communities’ awareness of the CEHP program.
The CEHP Team on the front page of The Aspen
Times January 17, 2021
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Towards the end of January, Pitkin County
adopted the State of Colorado’s 5-Star
Certification Program, which allowed certified
businesses to operate one Dial level lower than
the current level Pitkin County was in. With the
introduction of this much anticipated program
by Pitkin County, Aspen businesses were eager
for application and timeline information. The
CEHP team became an informal liaison between
City of Aspen businesses and the Pitkin County
5-Star committee, providing relevant
communication about program details to
interested businesses through emails and in-
person educational visits. Once Pitkin County
Consumer Protection staff began to conduct
certification inspections, CEHP team members
shadowed on a few of them to gain knowledge
on the process.
Late Winter- Spring 2021
As the days were getting longer, case counts in Pitkin County were rapidly declining. Aspen had
been operating in Level Yellow for over a month, complaint frequency was down, the vaccination
effort was in full swing and businesses were looking forward to the Spring Break crowds to help
make up some ground from the winter. Unfortunately, a side effect to the highest occupancy
rates seen in town since the winter holiday season was that case rates started to climb again in
March. There were a few more Dial level changes to come and the CEHP team responded to an
increase in business compliance complaints once again. As statewide vaccination rates continued
to increase, the State made changes to Dial level restrictions and started to make plans to phase
out the system altogether. On April 15th, 2021, the State eliminated the requirement to follow
the Dial system and counties once again took responsibility for creating their own Public Health
Orders.
The Little Nell Director of Operations Csaba
Oveges upon receiving 5-Star Certification
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The same approach used to communicate Dial level
changes during the winter was utilized again in late
March and April. This continued outreach strategy
was necessary because of recent changes by the
State to specific Dial level restrictions. At this point
many businesses were 5-Star certified as well and
allowed to operate at a level lower on the Dial. This
added an extra layer of outreach to those specific businesses.
As a new wave of tourists prepared to travel to Aspen for spring
break, the team again partnered with the City of Aspen’s
Communications department to craft specific social media
messaging to increase public awareness of the Mask Zone and
personal gathering size restrictions in anticipation of increased
occupancy. Multiple messages were created and posted across all
City of Aspen social media platforms from early March through
early April. Around this same time, the team also worked with the
Communication department to make content updates to the
Covid-19 sections of their website.
In addition to being a resource for the local business community,
there were many opportunities to provide the same level of
customer service to internal City of Aspen departments.
From the onset of the program the team developed
an ongoing partnership with the Aspen Police
Department built on information sharing and a
common goal of public safety. With the APD playing
an important role in the City of Aspen’s Covid-19
response, the CEHP team made sure that they were
always kept up to date as Dial level restrictions and
PHO guidelines changed. Knowing Patrol Officers
were making late night observations of businesses,
the team created informational “Half-Pagers” to be
used as a reference. They included information
regarding last call times, mask rules, bar seating
restrictions, table distancing, and maximum seating
Dial Level Changes in Late Winter/Spring
Yellow: 2/13/21
Orange: 3/22/21
Yellow: 4/10/21
Blue: 4/26/21
“I’ve found it very helpful to have you both
as resources through all of the recent
craziness. I very much appreciate your
responsiveness, professionalism, and
expertise over the past few months, and I
hope to continue working with you both
into the summer. This has all been
incredibly challenging for the hospitality
and events industry and both of you made
it all more manageable.”
- Kim French, The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Director of Event Planning & Operations
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limits. Additionally, the team attended an APD staff
meeting to review the information and answer questions
from the Officers.
The CEHP team also conducted multiple one-on-one
consultations with members of the Special Events
Department, ARC management staff and the new Wheeler
Director. These centered around event guidance and
helped to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
With the knowledge that many events postponed in 2020
would be rescheduled in 2021, the CEHP team anticipated
that local event planners and venue staff would be gearing up for an extremely busy season. The
team took a proactive approach with outreach to the events sector by inviting them to schedule
one-on-one consultations to clarify expectations and answer questions around the upcoming
events season. Since events fall under overlapping sector guidelines and have several different
factors determining capacity restrictions, the team also created an Event Guidance packet. The
purpose of the packet was to present sector-based guidance in an easy-to-understand format
and provide an all-in-one reference guide for event planners. As guidance changed, this resource
was updated. When combined with one-on-one consultations, the packet proved to be an
effective and well received strategy to educate this business sector accounting for the
uniqueness of each venue and event.
Looking Ahead
Building off the experience gained over the first nine months of the program, the team will
continue to play an integral role in the City of Aspen’s Covid-19 response. Team members have
become Covid-19 subject matter experts, built strong and lasting relationships with countless
local businesses through meaningful communication, and provided much-needed resources as a
“We would like to say that we have
been so appreciative of your
collective knowledge of all things
COVID during these strange times.
Knowing that you were always up
to date on current PHO’s was so
helpful when we were feeling out of
touch with the changes that were
seemingly coming at us every week.
Your emails were timely reminders
and easy to reference.”
- Kirstin Klein, City of Aspen Special
Events Department
“Mike and Emmy have been a great help in understanding the in's and out's of the Health Ordinance and
what it means for the individual businesses. They are both quick to reply and follow up with any
questions or concerns. The summaries provided as regulations changed and we moved through the dial
were clear and informative. I am very appreciative of their assistance and guidance throughout our
interactions.”– Julie Wiig, T-Lazy 7 Events and Venue Coordinator
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service to the local business community. Leading with a proactive approach the team always
strives to exemplify the City of Aspen’s organizational values of Service, Partnership, Stewardship,
and Innovation in all aspects of its work. As the team continues this important work into Summer
2021 and beyond, its overall goals remain the same.
Education –Outreach – Communication –Resource – Observation
Emmy Garrigus and Mike Sear demonstrating social distancing
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
As vaccination rates increase throughout the country, the Covid-19 pandemic is entering a
recovery phase where restrictions are being scaled back or altogether eliminated. Public health
departments and local governments are facing new challenges in responding to the pandemic
and are working to balance continued safety for citizens while trying to minimize economic
impact. To be successful in this new phase, it is important to understand the lessons learned
over the last 14 months.
Collaboration is the key to success in overcoming challenges.With public health on the line, City
of Aspen, in partnership with other agencies, utilized existing relationships and technology to
ensure a timely initial response to the pandemic. The CEHP Team collaborated with the Pitkin
County Consumer Protection Team weekly to share updates from the field, disease investigation
information, and upcoming policy changes. ACRA and Pitkin County Public Health were
instrumental in assembling task forces comprised of local business leaders that helped inform
decisions and local policy. Within the City, the CEHP Team collaborated with other departments
to further their goals. To ensure that departmental programming was PHO-compliant, the team
worked with the Special Events and Recreation departments. The team also partnered with the
Communications department to ensure relevant and up to date Covid-19 information was
distributed through the City’s website and social media channels.
Organizations can be agile and adaptive. Local governments relied on emergency declarations
and ordinances to act quickly in the face of imminent health risks. In response to the rapidly
growing number of local Covid-19 cases, Pitkin County Public Health issued a Stay at Home Order
on March 23, 2020, four days before a similar order was introduced at the State level. Similarly,
the Emergency Mask Ordinance was adopted by Aspen City Council on July 31, 2020. The City’s
Mask Ordinance was more restrictive than Pitkin County’s mask requirements and provided a
consistent mask message to residents and guests while in Aspen. The CEHP team demonstrated
agility as regulatory changes often came about with little advance notice and with only days for
businesses to implement those changes. This required pivoting at a moment’s notice to provide
information and support to businesses.
Data collection can be optimized to benefit the greater good. Data collection has always been a
key component of innovative city organizations. The CEHP Team relied heavily on data to inform
outreach and education strategies. Contact lists were compiled and used to distribute critical
information to businesses. Occupancy data gathered from site visits and shared information
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from the Building Department was used to educate businesses as Dial Level restrictions changed.
Observational data was collected and shared between the CEHP Team and the Pitkin County CP
team to track compliance and inform enforcement actions by Pitkin County. On a broader scale,
the public became more receptive to sharing personal health and location data when it was
realized that enabling cell phone exposure notifications could inform them about potential
exposure to the virus.
Loneliness hurts our health more than we ever thought.For many, the pandemic shined a light on
the importance of human interaction. With the Stay at Home order in place for nearly 7 weeks, a
loneliness crisis ensued. Because of the impact of physical isolation, the CEHP Team realized the
importance of in-person services. When possible, the CEHP Team conducted socially distant face
to face visits with local business staff, often stopping by to say ‘hello’ and ask how their day was
as much as checking for compliance. Though the pandemic necessitated that many government
services pivoted to online or over the phone transactions, the CEHP Team placed top priority in
providing as much of its customer service functions in person rather than through other forms of
communication. In the current day and age, it is all too easy to rely on technology alone to
interact with the public, and the CEHP team is proud of the relationships built through its
personal approach to service.
Aspen is a great place to live and work remotely.Now more than ever, jobs are non-location
specific. The Aspen real estate boom of 2020 is evidence that people from across the country
have chosen Aspen as a place from which to telecommute, in no small part due to its
breathtaking scenery and small year-round population. The increase in homeownership has put
additional pressure on Aspen infrastructure. Use of outdoor recreation areas has more than
doubled in some cases and has brought to light a lack of environmental stewardship, education,
and trail etiquette. The CEHP Team has noted that despite Covid-19 restrictions throughout
much of the summer in 2020, businesses saw some of their highest sales on record.
The social norms have shifted. In the same way that airport security measures changed after
9/11, masks and hand washing are likely to be part of the social norms for years to come.
Tourists will return to Aspen, but they will likely gather more thoughtfully and carefully. The
CEHP Team has learned that some local businesses will be adapting their operations to include
increased social distancing. Restaurant owners can provide a higher level of customer service
with slightly fewer seats, and their guests appreciate having more space between chair backs.
Managers of smaller retail businesses may continue limiting the number of guests inside to
provide more personalized shopping experiences for their clientele.
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Family matters more than we could have ever expected.The pandemic has given us a chance to
reassess what matters most in our lives. The CEHP Team has noted that local businesses are
experiencing a drop in the available workforce because of the pandemic. Many people have
reset their priorities to include living closer to family. Throughout Winter 2020-2021 and Spring
2021, some businesses have reported difficulty in retaining staff because many people in the
workforce have moved out of Aspen altogether for a multitude of reasons.
Aspenwill never be the same.The pandemic has been a pivotal moment in how we live our lives
and how we organize our community. There will be long lasting changes stemming from the
events of the last 14 months.
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CONCLUSION AND FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
As we mark just over one year since the world was drastically changed by the Covid-19
pandemic, the CEHP team believes it is important to reflect on how our day to day lives in Aspen
have evolved. People have shed old habits and adopted new ones. Businesses have shifted their
operations and expectations. Government has regulated many aspects of both private and public
life due to Covid-19 and is now relaxing or lifting restrictions altogether.
Below are some observations made over the last year by the CEHP team. It is the team’s belief
that these topics warrant additional consideration. While change can be exciting and difficult,
the CEHP team is confident that its proactive approach can be duplicated across many different
applications to help businesses adapt to additional changes.
Businesses desire to operate inthe public Right of Way (ROW) during the summer months.This
open-air expansion during Covid-19 enabled Aspen businesses to safely serve more customers,
and for some restaurants, operation in the ROW was what allowed them to survive the
pandemic. Some establishments will continue to push for these activations, but considerations
remain around equity, land use code, parking allowances, cost of rent, and the overall look and
feel of downtown.
Restaurants wish to continue sales of to-go alcoholic beverages.The ability to pair alcohol sales
with food for pickup increases restaurant revenue and creates an extra level of convenience for
the consumer. At the state level, HB-21-2027 is under consideration in the Colorado Senate, and
allows the continuation of takeout liquor beyond the pandemic. “Entertainment districts,” or
designated areas in the ROW where the public can consume alcohol, are perhaps the next step
in economic recovery and would marry the interests of ROW expansion and takeout liquor.
Curbside pickup zones arepart of the new normal that guests enjoy. Designated parking spaces
were crucial to minimizing contact as guests picked up orders throughout 2020. We anticipate
that additional requests will be made of the parking department to allow pickup parking spots
for businesses throughout the core on a more permanent basis.
Small spaces may continue to be limitedto fewer people or single households. With social
distancing and small groups having been the standard for the last year, people have a newfound
respect for the concept of personal space. In areas such as elevators, gondola cabins, and small
offices, there may remain a desire to limit the number of people allow for greater social
distancing. We may also see this trend reflected in table layout for small restaurants, and some
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retail businesses will continue limiting the number of customers to provide a more personal
shopping experience.
Organizations may need to revisit their sick policies to provide additional flexibility.Many
employees take pride in powering through a day of work despite feeling ill or are hesitant to
leave their coworkers in a bind by taking a sick day. Others simply cannot afford to miss the
hours on their paycheck. There seems to be an increased understanding of how individual
behavior impacts others and it is important to keep this momentum going. Furthering this
cultural shift is something anyone can promote by supporting our coworkers when they are
under the weather. Employees need not be penalized for feeling sick, and wellness days should
be a benefit enjoyed by all.
More employees desire to work from home at least a few days a week. Flexible working
arrangements, where employees have hybrid office and home working schedules, will become
more common throughout the business community. These arrangements help prevent crowding
in the office, increase productivity by eliminating workplace distractions, and allow employees to
spend less time commuting. In these scenarios, it is important to consider how to foster
collaboration and maintain camaraderie between those working in different locations. In-person
collaboration days, virtual happy hours, and small in-person gatherings like outdoor cookouts are
examples of how employees can stay connected.
Incentives would be beneficial to encourage alternative transportation. During the pandemic,
mass transit saw a sharp decline in ridership due to capacity limits and public perception of
safety. As vaccination rates increase and capacity constraints are eliminated, people are
encouraged to utilize alternative transportation instead of single occupancy vehicles. Businesses
should consider offering incentives, such as complimentary bus passes or monetary bonuses, for
getting to work using methods other than driving alone. Less cars on our roads will have
significant positive impacts to traffic congestion and air quality.
Businesses should consider expanding their digital offerings. Because in-person interactions were
discouraged throughout Covid-19, the business community took to the internet. We foresee
digital and contactless payment options will become standard operating procedure for many
types of transactions. Online reservations will be required for more activities such as attending
fitness classes or visiting the Maroon Bells. Ordering takeout food may also continue to be done
digitally rather than over the phone.
We’ll continue to see increased demand for use of parks, trails, and wilderness areas. Outdoor
recreation has always been popular in Aspen, but it was made even more so throughout the
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pandemic as a safe activity where people could gather outdoors and easily spread out. In
summer 2020, City of Aspen waived the parks rental fee so that gyms could hold socially
distanced fitness classes outdoors. This summer will likely be no different and requests to use
these public spaces will continue to rise.
In the coming months, the CEHP Program priorities are to continue keeping businesses informed
and play an advisory role as regulations change and are rolled back. Additionally, one-on-one
event and venue consultations are ramping up as coordinators are looking at a busy summer and
fall. The customer service focus and educational approach has proven effective at building
rapport as well as impacting compliance and, therefore, citizen and tourist confidence in their
safety. The educational tools and communication methods the team developed can be used in
other environmental health applications and regulatory programs. Environmental health’s role in
public health is traditionally the boots on ground effort, which continues to be an essential facet
of the pandemic response and recovery.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Consumer and Employee Health Protection Team would like to recognize the following
individuals and organizations for their contributions to the team. Their dedication to the health
and safety of our community were invaluable to the success of the CEHP program.
Aspen Business Community
Aspen Chamber Resort Association
Aspen City Council
Aspen Police Department
Linda Consuegra
Ginna Gordon
Bill Linn
Bobby Schafer
Lara Xaiz
Aspen Times
Kelsey Brunner
Carolyn Sackariason
City of Aspen Communications
Cole Haselip
Jami McMannes
Mitzi Rapkin
Denise White
City of Aspen Community Development
Renee Espinoza
Justin Hahn
Stephen Kanipe
Dennis Murray
City of Aspen Environmental Health
Seamus Crowley
Stacy Keating
Louisa Kimmel
Jannette Whitcomb
City of Aspen Parking
Shawn Barnett
City of Aspen Recreation
Erin Hutchings
Cory Vander Veen
City of Aspen Special Events
Sandra Doebler
Kirstin Klein
Nancy Lesley
Pitkin County Public Health
Raleigh Bacharach
Melinda Benis
JoAnna Coffey
Kurt Dahl
Laryssa Dandeneau
Bryan Daugherty
Tom Dunlop
Sarah Gorman
Megan Reeves
Tucker Valtin
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SOURCES CITED
1.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/21/health/cdc-coronavirus.html
2.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cdcresponse/about-COVID-19.html
3.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/health/coronavirus-cases-usa.html
4.https://cityofaspen.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=285
5.https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-skiing-co-shuts-down-all-four-mountains-
after-colorado-governor-orders-closure/
6.https://www.denverpost.com/2020/04/08/colorado-coronavirus-covid-timeline/
7.https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-
updates/2020/04/03/826219824/president-trump-says-cdc-now-recommends-
americans-wear-cloth-masks-in-public
8.https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/mask-up-aspen-city-council-passes-
mandatory-face-covering-zone-effective-friday/article_932da26c-d145-11ea-a3b8-
8b5dc545458b.html
9.https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/05/colorado-coronavirus-case-confirmed/
10.https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/10/coronavirus-colorado-state-of-emergency/
11.https://cityofaspen.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=238&ARC=501
12.https://cdn.aspentimes.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/03/Polis-order.pdf
13.https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-tests-reveal-largest-virus-cluster-in-state/
14.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g2bNTon8vNSEi2tHMG_88ipg2irrO5LF/view
15.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztTAO4bxm5OfxLnHK-UNP8iMYPAP4KU9/view
16.https://cityofaspen.com/DocumentCenter/View/5830/emegency-relief-objectives-and-
memo
17.https://www.cityofaspen.com/1281/COVID-19-Business
18.https://www.cityofaspen.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=300
19.https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-
bill/748/amendments?searchResultViewType=expanded
20. “Update Around Commitments and Release of Funds from $6M COVID Package”
Informational Memorandum from Pete Strecker and Sara Ott to Aspen City Council
21.https://www.cityofaspen.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/834
41
34
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Sector Guidance “One-Pagers”
Appendix B: New Business Toolkit
Appendix C: Hotel Mask Zone Messaging
Appendix D: Halloween Outreach
Appendix E: Dial Level “One-Pagers”
Appendix F: Events Guidance Packet
Appendix G: Business / Event Safety Plan Outreach
Appendix H: Restaurant Guidance Cheat Sheet
42
Appendix A
Restaurant capacity is limited by the State’s Covid-19 Dial Level for Pitkin County, which can be
found at https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/covid-dial/. Restaurants must use whichever number is
more restrictive.
Pitkin County Dial Level Indoor Capacity Outdoor Capacity Last Call
Level Green 6 feet between parties
*Local level restrictions may apply*6 feet between parties 2:00AM
Level Blue 6 feet between parties 6 feet between parties 2:00AM
Level Yellow 50%occupancy or 150 people 6 feet between parties 1:00AM
Level Orange 25%occupancy or 50 people 6 feet between parties 12:00AM
Level Red Indoor Dining Closed 6 feet between parties of
same household
10:00PM
(on premises / take-out)
Remove tables or use signage to indicate that certain tables are not in use.
All employees must properly wear face coverings while at work, whether open or closed. This
includes all servers, cooks, etc. Masks must cover both mouth and nose.
All patrons must properly wear face coverings at all times unless they are seated at a table.
This includes when entering the business as well as anytime they get up and move around common
areas, including going to the restrooms.
Patrons may not stand at the bar and order drinks. Drinks must be served by a waiter/waitress.
Only allow bar seating options if the bar is not being used for bar service or if there is a clearly
designated and separated section of the bar that is not being used for bar service. Ensure 6 feet of
distance from bar service as well as between different parties.
Between each seating, clean and sanitize digital ordering devices, check presenters, self-service
areas, tabletops, and all common touch areas.
Make hand sanitizing solution readily available to guests and employees. Encourage frequent hand
washing by staff.
Public health orders are subject to change frequently. Stay informed.
To View CDPHE’s Complete Guidance for Restaurants:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home/restaurants-food-services
43
Appendix A
Public Health Order Guidelines for Gyms / Fitness Centers
Business Safety Plan
All businesses must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan with Pitkin County.
Capacity
Capacity is limited by the State’s Covid-19 Dial Level for Pitkin County, which can be found at
https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/covid-dial/. Dial levels are subject to change.
Gyms & Fitness studios must reference their fire code capacity and limit the number of clients per
room according to the % occupancy for the dial level which currently applies.
Pitkin County Covid-19 Dial Level % Occupancy Per Room
Green 6 feet between clients
*Local level restrictions may apply*
Blue 6 feet between clients
Yellow 50%, max 50 clients
Orange 25% (max 50 clients)
outdoors in groups less than 10
Red 10% (max 10 clients); outdoors in groups less than
10. Reservations required.
Health & Safety
Access to hand sanitizer must be provided to all employees and patrons.
A staff member must be on duty during all hours of operation to ensure disinfection of equipment
between users. Disinfection by clients alone is not sufficient.
Employees who exhibit even mild COVID-19 symptoms should not come to work.
Employees who develop COVID-19 symptoms while at work should immediately notify their
supervisor and be separated, sent home, and referred to support services.
If there happens to be a confirmed case of COVID-19 among staff or clients, the business must notify
and cooperate with the Pitkin County Health Department on next steps.
Face Coverings
Per City of Aspen Emergency Mask Mandate, masks are required to be worn at all times within the
Mask Zone. These mask-wearing requirements apply to everyone, including teachers, trainers, gym
users and class participants, even while exercising.
A client may temporarily remove their mask in the instance that need to quickly catch their breath
or take a sip of water, however the mask must be replaced and remain over nose and mouth for the
duration of their time in the business.
Employees must refuse service to clients who, for whatever reason, refuse to wear a mask. This is a
requirement of the City of Aspen Emergency Mask Mandate.
Public health orders are subject to change frequently. Stay informed.
Click or scan below view the complete, up-to-date guidance for Personal Recreation:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/recreation#indoor%20everything
44
Appendix A
Public Health Order Guidelines for Retail Businesses
Business Safety Plan
All businesses must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan with Pitkin County.
Capacity
Capacity is limited by the State’s Covid-19 Dial Level for Pitkin County, which can be found at
https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/covid-dial/. Dial levels are subject to change.
Retail businesses must reference their fire code capacity and limit the number of customers in the
store according to the % occupancy for the dial level which currently applies.
Pitkin County Covid-19 Dial Level % Occupancy
Green No State level occupancy restrictions
*Local level restrictions may apply*
Blue 75%
Yellow 50%
Orange 50% with increased curbside pickup & delivery; at-risk
shop hours encouraged
Red 50% with increased curbside pickup & delivery; at-risk
shop hours encouraged
Physical + Social Distancing
Implement 6-foot distancing measures such as marked spaces in waiting areas.
Post signage to encourage distancing throughout the store.
Establish one-way flow of foot traffic throughout the store.
Install plexiglass screens at checkout counters and promote contactless payments.
Face Coverings
Every person over the age of 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear a mask while in
the City of Aspen’s Mask Zone. If for whatever reason a customer refuses to wear a mask inside the
business, employees may refuse service and ask the customer to exit the premises.
Post signage at all entrances requiring the use of face coverings while in the business.
Hygiene + Sanitation
Increase the availability of hand sanitizer throughout the store.
Encourage frequent breaks for employees to wash their hands.
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently.
Conduct daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring for all employees and log results.
Require employees to stay home when showing any symptoms or signs of sickness.
Appoint one employee per shift to monitor staff and public for adherence to safety measures.
Public health orders are subject to change frequently. Stay informed.
Click or scan below view the complete, up-to-date guidance for Retail businesses:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home/retail
45
Appendix A
Public Health Order Guidelines for Personal Services
Business Safety Plan
All businesses must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan with Pitkin County.
Capacity
Capacity is limited by the State’s Covid-19 Dial Level for Pitkin County, which can be found at
https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/covid-dial/. Dial levels are subject to change.
Personal service establishments must reference their fire code capacity and limit the number of
clients inside according to the % occupancy for the dial level which currently applies.
Pitkin County Covid-19 Dial Level % Occupancy Per Room
Green No State level occupancy restrictions
*Local level restrictions may apply*
Blue 50% or 50 people, whichever is less
Yellow 50% or 50 people, whichever is less
Orange 25% or 25 people, whichever is less
Red 25% or 25 people, whichever is less
Physical + Social Distancing
Provide services by appointment only (no walk-ins or waiting lines).
Ensure a minimum of 6 feet of separation between clients and employees when not directly
performing service; further ensure at least 6 feet between respective client and employee stations
while services are being provided.
Communal gathering spaces, such as locker rooms or waiting rooms, are strictly prohibited.
Face Coverings
Require all clients to wear face coverings, except during a service that requires the removal of a
mask. It should be immediately replaced once the service is completed.
Employees performing services where the client removes their mask must be provided and wear a
face shield in addition to their face covering. It is strongly encouraged they be provided a medical-
grade mask instead of a cloth face covering for those services.
Face shields must be disinfected between clients.
Health, Hygiene + Sanitation
Wash hands and change gloves between each client.
Disinfect and sanitize all service equipment (tools, tanning beds, salon chairs, etc) after each use.
Employees reporting even minor symptoms of COVID-19 should be sent home and tested.
Conduct symptom checks for clients receiving high-contact services (Additional Guidance)
Keep a record of employees and clients (i.e.,sign in/out) to enable contact tracing if necessary.
Public health orders are subject to change frequently. Stay informed.
Click or scan below view the complete, up-to-date guidance for Personal Services:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/personal-services
46
Appendix A
Key Public Health Order Guidelines for Organized Sports
Facility Guidelines
Masks are required at all times in indoor facilities unless an individual is under the age of 2 or
medically unable to tolerate a mask. Masks are also required outdoors “whenever there is a risk of
being within 6 feet of another person who is not of the same household.”
Outdoor practice is highly encouraged; however, if play must occur indoors, the facility should
maximize ventilation and increase air circulation as much as possible.
Eliminate shared equipment and regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas, including
spectator bleachers, sideline areas, and locker room surfaces.
Common spaces or other places for gathering (e.g., picnic tables) should be closed.
Use of locker rooms is discouraged, but if used, they must be held to 25% of the posted
occupancy. Masks and physical distancing are always required in locker rooms.
Capacity for spectators must be adhered to in accordance with the indoor or outdoor event
guidance, depending on the setting of the game.
Screening and Best Prevention Practices
Athletes or spectators with suspected/known COVID-19 exposures must stay at home. A person
must be delegated to be responsible so that screening of athletes, staff and spectators is
performed consistently and according to public health recommendation.
Practice 6 feet of physical distancing when not engaged in active training or competition. This
includes sitting or practicing at least 6 feet apart from each other while on the sidelines.
Require hand hygiene at regular intervals before/during/after training and competition. No spitting
(saliva, sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco) or sharing water bottles/team jugs.
Suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19
Immediately isolate any participants who develop symptoms during training or competition and
arrange for them to safely leave the venue as soon as possible.
Athletes, staff and spectators who test positive for COVID-19 must immediately notify the sports
organization, and the organization must immediately communicate and cooperate with their local
public health agency on next steps.Failure to report may result in suspension of games or even
seasons.
A health care professional must provide documented clearance for return to sports participation.
Sporting Events, Tournaments and Transportation
Sporting events or tournaments must comply with all protocols in this guidance. Indoor sporting
events or tournaments are discouraged.
Times for games or competitions should be staggered to prevent team overlap.
Masks must be worn in all forms of transportation unless the vehicle contains only members of
the participants’ immediate household.
47
Appendix B
New Business
COVID-19
Toolkit
- Retail -
48
Appendix B
New Business COVID Toolkit
Welcome to Aspen! We are glad you are here and want to help
you get set up for success. This toolkit is a roadmap for how to
keep your business in compliance with local public health
regulations and provides important information and links.
Together we can keep Aspen safe and open for business!
Included in this Toolkit:
Pitkin County Business Safety Plan Requirements
Retail Sector Guidance
Pitkin County Event Safety Plan Requirements
City of Aspen Mask Zone Information
Contact Information and Resources
49
Appendix B
Pitkin County Business Safety Plan
All businesses must complete and file a Business Safety Plan with Pitkin
County before opening.Please be aware that all relevant health and
safety measures must also be adhered to prior to opening.
Business safety plans should be filed by the person(s) that is
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business and adhering
to the public health order requirements. A PDF version of this form
(which constitutes as your safety plan), along with the Compliance
Poster will be emailed to you after submission. This Poster must be
placed in a prominent location, visible to the public, such as on an entry
door or in a window.
How Do I Submit A Business Safety Plan?
Go to covid19.pitkincounty.com. Under the Business Support Tab click
on Submit Business Safety Plan.
Direct link: https://form.jotform.com/203146656477159
You can also use this QR code to go directly to the Business Safety Plan
submission form.
50
Appendix B
Public Health Order Guidelines for Retail Businesses
Business Safety Plan
All businesses must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan with Pitkin County.
Capacity
Capacity is limited by the State’s Covid-19 Dial Level for Pitkin County, which can be found at
https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/covid-dial/. Dial levels are subject to change.
Retail businesses must reference their fire code capacity and limit the number of customers in the
store according to the % occupancy for the dial level which currently applies.
Pitkin County Covid-19 Dial Level % Occupancy
Blue 50%
Yellow 50%
Orange 50% with increased curbside pickup & delivery; at-risk
shop hours encouraged
Red 50% with increased curbside pickup & delivery; at-risk
shop hours encouraged
Purple Delivery or curbside pickup only
Physical + Social Distancing
Implement 6-foot distancing measures such as marked spaces in waiting areas.
Post signage to encourage distancing throughout the store.
Establish one-way flow of foot traffic throughout the store.
Install plexiglass screens at checkout counters and promote contactless payments.
Face Coverings
Every person over the age of 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear a mask while in
the City of Aspen’s Mask Zone. If for whatever reason a customer refuses to wear a mask inside the
business, employees may refuse service and ask the customer to exit the premises.
Post signage at all entrances requiring the use of face coverings while in the business.
Hygiene + Sanitation
Increase the availability of hand sanitizer throughout the store.
Encourage frequent breaks for employees to wash their hands.
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently.
Conduct daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring for all employees and log results.
Require employees to stay home when showing any symptoms or signs of sickness.
Appoint one employee per shift to monitor staff and public for adherence to safety measures.
Public health orders are subject to change frequently. Stay informed.
Click or scan below view the complete, up-to-date guidance for Retail businesses:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/retail
51
Appendix B
Pitkin County Event Safety Plan
What is an Event Safety Plan and Why Does it Matter?
An Event Safety Plan is a form-based plan that must be completed by the event
planner / host outlining the measures the event will implement and adhere to. The
goal of the Event Safety Plan is to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep staff
and attendees safer at gatherings, events, and venues.
Mass gatherings (i.e. “events”) are one of the greatest risks of spreading COVID-19
but are also a foundation of our economy and strongly support our social and
mental well-being. The cooperation of event planners and facilities in providing a
safe environment and using safe practices is essential to allowing gatherings.
If you would like to host an event in your business, an Event Safety Plan must
be completed and submitted to Pitkin County.County and or City staff will
review your plan and may contact you to discuss any questions or suggested
changes. The event planner is responsible for implementing all measures listed in
the event safety plan to address capacity, physical distancing, face coverings/masks,
cleaning practices and other specific measures to reduce the risk of exposure and
transmission to employees and event attendees.
For more information on events click on the Pitkin County Events and
Gatherings link in the submission form.
* All Event Safety Plans must be submitted at least 5 business days prior
to the event.
How Do I Submit An Event Safety Plan?
Go to covid19.pitkincounty.com. Under the Business Resources Tab click on
Submit a Business / Event Safety Plan
Direct link: https://form.jotform.com/202923937262155
You can also use this QR code to go directly to the Event Safety Plan submission
form on a mobile device:
52
Appendix B
Mandatory Face Covering Zone
Unfortunately, our small mountain community is not immune to the coronavirus. To help
keep Aspen safe and open during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Aspen has issued
Emergency Ordinance #12 which created a Mandatory Face Covering Zone. This
Ordinance is in addition to all State and County Public Health Orders and is meant to
further promote the safety of our citizens and guests.
Where:The Mandatory Face Covering Zone encompasses the majority of
downtown Aspen. It extends north-south from Aspen Mountain to the Roaring Fork
river and east-west from Aspen Street to Original Street (six blocks). If you see these
signs while walking around town, that means you’re in the Zone:
When: A face covering must be worn at all times in indoor and outdoor public
spaces within the Zone. This includes all streets, sidewalks, parks, businesses, and
the common areas of any buildings or facilities. In other words, if you are not in
your hotel room or residence and are within the Zone boundaries, you must
wear a face covering. If you are outside of the Zone boundaries and within Pitkin
County, a face covering must be worn anytime you are within 6ft. of someone not of
your household regardless of duration.
How:Face coverings must securely cover your nose and mouth and they must
remain in place without the use of your hands.
Exceptions include:
o Persons under the age of two
o Persons who are eating or drinking, while seated, at a restaurant or in
outdoor public spaces.
o Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing
health condition.
53
Appendix B
Contact Information
City of Aspen Health Protection Team:
o Emmy Garrigus – Consumer Health Protection Specialist
emmy.garrigus@cityofaspen.com (970) 975-1066
o Mike Sear – Consumer Health Protection Specialist
mike.sear@cityofaspen.com (970) 618-9457
o Natalie Tsevdos – Health Protection Team Supervisor
natalie.tsevdos@cityofaspen.com (970) 309-4789
o Mitch Osur – Downtown Services Director
mitch.osur@cityofapsen.com (970) 987-7081
Resources
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:
o https://covid19.colorado.gov/
Colorado COVID-19 Dial Dashboard:
o https://covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial/covid-19-dial-
dashboard
Pitkin County COVID-19 Website:
o https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/
To Sign up for Pitkin County Text Alerts:
o https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612656/login
To Sign up for the Pitkin County Covid-19 Newsletter:
o https://mailchi.mp/06f69413023a/pitkin-county-covid-
newsletter-signup
City of Aspen – Mask Zone info:
o https://www.cityofaspen.com/1315/Mask-Information
54
Appendix C
Welcome to Aspen!
We are glad you’re here.
Unfortunately, our small mountain community is not immune to the coronavirus. To help
keep Aspen safe and open during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Aspen has issued
Emergency Ordinance #12 which created a Mandatory Face Covering Zone. This
Ordinance is in addition to all State and County Public Health Orders and is meant to
further promote the safety of our citizens and guests.
Where:The Mandatory Face Covering Zone encompasses the majority of
downtown Aspen. It extends north-south from Aspen Mountain to the Roaring Fork
river and east-west from Aspen Street to Original Street (six blocks). It also includes
the base area of Aspen Highlands. If you see these signs while walking around town,
that means you’re in the Zone:
When: A face covering must be worn at all times in indoor and outdoor public
spaces within the Zone. This includes all streets, sidewalks, parks, businesses, and
the common areas of any buildings or facilities. In other words, if you are not in
your hotel room and are within the Zone boundaries, you must wear a face
covering. If you are outside of the Zone boundaries and within Pitkin County, a face
covering must be worn anytime you are within 6ft. of someone not of your
household regardless of duration.
How:Face coverings must securely cover your nose and mouth and they must
remain in place without the use of your hands.
Exceptions include:
o Persons under the age of two
o Persons who are eating or drinking, while seated, at a restaurant or in
outdoor public spaces.
o Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing
health condition.
55
Appendix C
Welcome to Aspen!
City of Aspen
Mandatory Face
Covering Zone
A face covering must be worn at all
times in all indoor and outdoor
public spaces within the Zone
boundaries.
* More information at www.cityofaspen.com/maskinfo *
56
Appendix D
Halloween Tips & Tricks for Restaurants
Public Health Order Principles (required):
Patrons in different parties must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. The spacing of tables
may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners
from different parties. Group size limited to 10 or fewer.
Indoor seating capacity is limited to 6 feet physical distancing requirements and 50%of
posted occupancy code or a maximum of 50 people (whichever is more restrictive).
All employees, including servers and cooks, must properly wear face coverings. Masks
must completely cover both mouth and nose.
Customers must properly wear face coverings when entering/exiting the business and
anytime they get up and move around common areas, such as going to the restroom.
Customers may not stand at the bar and order drinks or congregate in any bar areas
unless seated at a table. Drinks must be served tableside.
Tips for Success (recommended):
Consider placing an employee at the entrance to manage capacity limits and prevent
crowding. This will take the burden off other staff members and let them concentrate
on providing great service to your patrons. Remember that you are responsible for
managing crowds on your premises as well as lines of people waiting to enter your
business.
Couch style seating tends to lead to exceeding the 10-person group size limit. Consider
blocking off certain sections of these areas to better define the space to avoid gathering.
Consider placing obvious signage or plants on the bar top to emphasize that all drinks
and food need to be ordered and consumed at a table. Remember no “bellying up” at
bars. In addition to removing chairs, these same ideas can be employed at permanently
fixed or “dummy” tables to make it clear those tables are not in use.
Customers seating themselves can make it difficult to adhere to social distancing as
customers may add chairs or move tables and disrupt your dining configuration that was
previously compliant. Consider not offering a seat-yourself option.
57
Appendix E
To Aspen business owner/manager:
As of Tuesday, 11/24/20, Pitkin County moved into Level Orange “Plus” of the State’s
COVID-19 Dial. This is a County-specific Level created in partnership with the local
business community to help reduce the Covid-19 incidence rate in Pitkin County.
Level Orange “Plus” Protective Measures for Restaurants
Restaurants are restricted to 25% of fire code capacity or 50 people indoors,
whichever is less, and employees are excluded from this capacity number.
o Outside dining must maintain 6ft distancing between chair backs.
o For assistance in finding your fire code capacity please email:
denis.murray@cityofaspen.com or builderoftheday@gmail.com
Tables are limited to 8 people maximum.
Last call for alcohol is 9:30pm and all non-critical businesses must be closed to
the public by 10pm.
Staff must maintain a record of current contact information of all individuals
for the purposes of contact tracing activities in the event of a suspected or
confirmed outbreak of COVID-19.
Screen patrons at entrance for temperature (100.4 or greater) and symptoms
and refuse entry to those displaying symptoms.
Patrons are required to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever
they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with
restaurant employees.
These protective measures are in addition to all existing Public Health Orders
regarding social distancing, face coverings, hygiene, sanitation, and bar seating
guidelines.
It is our mission to keep you up to date with the latest news regarding the COVID-19 Dial
Levels and all relevant public health order information. Please reach out to City of Aspen
Consumer Health Protection Specialists if you have any questions at all.
Thanks, and stay healthy. We will get through this!
City of Aspen Consumer Health Protection Team
Emmy Garrigus –emmy.garrigus@cityofaspen.com – 970.975.1066
Mike Sear –mike.sear@cityofaspen.com - 970.618.9457
58
Appendix E
To Aspen business owner/manager:
As of Tuesday, 12/22/20, Pitkin County moved into Level Orange “Plus-Plus” of the State’s COVID-
19 Dial. This is a County-specific Level created to help reduce the Covid-19 incidence rate in Pitkin
County. This adds to the Orange Plus restrictions created in partnership with the local business
community on 11/24/20.
Level Orange “Plus-Plus” Protective Measures for Restaurants
Restaurants are restricted to 25% of fire code capacity or 50 people indoors,
whichever is less, and employees are excluded from this capacity number.
o Outside dining must maintain 6ft distancing between chair backs.
o For assistance in finding your fire code capacity please email:
denis.murray@cityofaspen.com or builderoftheday@gmail.com
Tables are limited to 8 people maximum.
Only seat groups from the same household.
Last call for alcohol is 9:30pm and all non-critical businesses must be closed to
the public by 10pm.
Staff must maintain a record of current contact information of all individuals
for the purposes of contact tracing activities in the event of a suspected or
confirmed outbreak of COVID-19.
Screen patrons at entrance for temperature (100.4 or greater) and symptoms
and refuse entry to those displaying symptoms.
Patrons are required to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever
they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with
restaurant employees.
These protective measures are in addition to all existing Public Health Orders
regarding social distancing, face coverings, hygiene, sanitation, and bar seating
guidelines.
It is our mission to keep you up to date with the latest news regarding the COVID-19 Dial
Levels and all relevant public health order information. Please reach out to City of Aspen
Consumer Health Protection Specialists if you have any questions at all.
Thanks, and stay healthy. We will get through this!
City of Aspen Consumer Health Protection Team
Emmy Garrigus –emmy.garrigus@cityofaspen.com – 970.975.1066
Mike Sear –mike.sear@cityofaspen.com - 970.618.9457
59
Appendix E
To Aspen business owner/manager:
Starting on Sunday, 1/17/21, all businesses in Pitkin County will be in Level Red of the State’s
COVID-19 Dial.
Level Red Protective Measures for Restaurants
Restaurants are closed for indoor dining but may offer curbside, takeout and delivery
services, and outdoor dining.
Restaurants may use any existing, licensed outdoor space for in-person outdoor
dining with tables limited to members of the same household and minimum spacing
of 6 feet apart.
o More information on what is considered an “outdoor” space can be found here
Only seat groups from the same household.
Last call for alcohol sales for on-premises consumption is 8PM while takeout sales
may continue until 10PM.
All non-critical businesses must be closed to the public by 10PM. Takeout, curbside,
and delivery can continue after 10PM.
Restaurants that require reservations must maintain a record of current contact
information of all individuals for the purposes of contact tracing activities in the
event of a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19.
Restaurants that require reservations must screen patrons at entrance for
temperature (100.4 or greater) and symptoms and refuse entry to those displaying
symptoms.
Patrons are required to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are
not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant
employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others
not of the same household.
These protective measures are in addition to all existing Public Health Orders regarding
social distancing, face coverings, hygiene, sanitation, and bar seating guidelines.
It is our mission to keep you up to date with the latest news regarding the COVID-19 Dial
Levels and all relevant public health order information. Please reach out to City of Aspen
Consumer Health Protection Specialists if you have any questions at all.
Thanks, and stay healthy. We will get through this!
City of Aspen Consumer Health Protection Team
Emmy Garrigus –emmy.garrigus@cityofaspen.com – 970.975.1066
Mike Sear –mike.sear@cityofaspen.com - 970.618.9457
60
Appendix F
GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR INDOOR + OUTDOOR EVENTS
CAPACITY
Capacity is limited by venue size, seating arrangements, current dial level, and indoor/outdoor
setting; operate at a 1-in-1-out basis when at capacity. See below (page 3) for capacity limits per
Dial level.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
All Dial Levels require a minimum of 6 feet between patrons from different parties.
Remove activities that encourage congregating and discourage mingling as much as possible.
FOOD + DRINK SERVICE
Food and drink services must be seated-only and follow the guidelines for restaurants.
If your event can fully follow restaurant guidelines for the entire event including seated patrons
and no shared activities; you may simply follow those guidelines and capacity restrictions and
operate as a restaurant.
Eliminate self-service buffets; staff must be designated to serve food from stations.
MASKS
Masks may only be removed when seated and actively eating or drinking.
Masks are required for children ages 2 and above.
PERFORMERS
Performers are not included in capacity limits.
Performances with forced exhalation or heavy breathing (speaking, singing, brass/wind
instruments, etc.) must be at least 12 feet from the nearest spectator if they are wearing a mask,
or 25 feet away if they are not wearing a mask.
Performances with no forced exhalation (piano, etc.) must be at least 6 feet from spectators but
need to continue to wear a mask.
STAFF
Employees are not included in capacity limits.
Face coverings are required for staff at all times, regardless of presence of guests.
Encourage frequent handwashing throughout the event.
ATTENDEES
Encourage guests to remain at home if they are sick, symptomatic, or have been in contact with a
sick person; provide generous cancellation policies to support this.
Consider screening guests for symptoms upon arrival and keep contact information for all guests
in the event that contact tracing needs to be initiated by Pitkin County.
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Appendix F
DANCING
Shared dance floors are now permitted for events and in restaurants with designated dance
spaces. Dancers may be grouped in pods of up to no more than 10 people. Pods must be spaced
6 feet apart in dance spaces large enough to accommodate multiple pods. While dancing, people
are allowed to be less than 6 feet from members within their designated pod but must remain at
least 6 feet away from separate pods. Examples to differentiate one from pod from another
include:
o Color-coded wristbands (i.e.,blue pod, orange pod)
o Numbers assigned to tables and dance circles on the floor. For example, wedding guests
assigned to table 1 would dance in dance circle 1. Event planners can tape off circles on
the ground that allow for 6 feet of space between dance circles.
Individuals dancing are required to wear a mask at all times. Additionally, the dance floor must be
12 feet away from tables or other event participants who are not dancing.
How to determine how many people can be on the dance floor?
Use the pod calculator to determine the capacity allowed on your dance floor including how
many pods of 10 people will fit on your dance floor. This calculator allows 9 feet of space for each
pod.
1.Click on the tab on the left labeled “pod”.
2.Enter the square footage of your dance space.
3.Move the slider to 0 if your dance floor is completely empty and is not occupied by
anything such as furniture etc.
4.Enter the number of participants and the number of pods. Remember, pod size cannot
include more than 10 people.
5.The calculator will give you a message at the bottom indicating that "There is enough
space for your event", or "There is not enough space for your event. Adjust the values
above."
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Appendix F
INDOOR EVENT CAPACITY GUIDANCE
* All Dial Levels require a minimum of 6 feet between patrons from different parties *
Pitkin County
Dial Level*
Indoor SEATED** Event
Max Capacity
Indoor UNSEATED*** Event
Max Capacity
Level Green 50% posted occupancy (max 500 guests)Same as Seated
Level Blue 50% posted occupancy (max 225 guests)50% posted occupancy (max 175 guests)
Level Yellow 50% posted occupancy (max 150 guests) 50% posted occupancy (max 150 guests)
Level Orange 25% posted occupancy (max 50 guests) 25% posted occupancy (max 50 guests)
Social Distancing Calculator must be used
Level Red Closed (with exceptions for institutions and
professional performing arts groups)Same as Seated
For unseated events hosting 50 or more people, the usable space needs to be calculated using the Social Distancing
Calculator. For unseated events hosting 50 or less people, the usable space may be calculated using 6 feet distancing
between non-household contacts instead of using the calculator.
OUTDOOR EVENT CAPACITY GUIDANCE
* All Dial Levels require a minimum of 6 feet between patrons from different parties *
Pitkin County
Dial Level*
Outdoor SEATED** Event
Max Capacity
Outdoor UNSEATED*** Event
Max Capacity
Level Green No State capacity restrictions
*Local level restrictions may apply*Same as Seated
Level Blue No State capacity restrictions
*Local level restrictions may apply*Same as Seated
Level Yellow 50% venue occupancy (max 175 guests) 50% venue occupancy (max 175 guests)
must use Social Distancing Calculator
Level Orange 25% venue occupancy (max 75 guests)25% venue occupancy (max 75 guests)
must Social Distancing Calculator
Level Red Same as orange, but parties may
only consist of single households
Same as orange, but parties may
only consist of single households
* Dial levels are subject to change frequently. Click here for current dial level.
** A “seated” event means guests are seated for the duration of the event and have only minimal
movement, such as purchasing concessions or using the restrooms.
*** “Unseated” events either have a combination of seated, and unseated portions OR have no seated
portions at all. If guests will not remain seated for the duration of the event, it must be planned as
unseated. See the next page for further info on seating scenarios.
SOURCES
https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/
https://covid19.colorado.gov/indoor-events
https://covid19.colorado.gov/outdoor-events
https://covid19.colorado.gov/distancing-calculator
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Appendix F
WHICH TYPE OF EVENT WILL YOU BE HAVING?
The event type determines the guidelines that must be followed.
Informal event: Also known as personal gatherings, informal events have 10 or fewer guests from
no more than 2 households and must follow guidance for informal events.
Formal event:Formal events have 11 or more guests. Coordinators must submit an Event Safety
Plan 5 days prior to event and adhere to capacity guidance for formal events.
CAPACITY FOR FORMAL EVENTS
The capacity for your event depends on the following factors:
1. The current COVID-19 Dial Level for Pitkin County
2. Whether the event is indoors or outdoors
3. Whether the guests will be seated or unseated (see below)
4. The size of the venue
See the charts on the previous page to determine the maximum number of guests allowed at your event.
DETERMINING CAPACITY FOR DIFFERENT SEATING SCENARIOS
See the following scenarios for further clarification of how to plan capacity for your event.
1. MY EVENT IS FULLY SEATED
o If guests are provided reserved seating and/or will remain seated for the duration of the
event, use of the CDPHE Social Distancing Space Calculator is not required. The
occupancy calculation for the space may be based on the current Dial Level and 6-foot
distancing between parties of 10 or fewer. Capacity is limited to the appropriate dial
level.
2. MY EVENT HAS BOTH SEATED AND UNSEATED PORTIONS
o If guests will be seated during one portion of the event, but out of their seats during a
different portion, you must use the CDPHE Social Distancing Space Calculator to calculate
capacity for the unseated portion of the event .
o You are required to plan the unseated portion of the event in accordance with the
capacity limits generated when you input your usable space into the calculator.
o The fully seated portion of the event does not require the use of the CDPHE Social
Distancing Space Calculator, and you may plan the fully seated portion in alignment with
the guidelines in Scenario 1 above.
3. MY EVENT IS NOT SEATED AT ALL
o If your event does not have any seated portions, you must use the CDPHE Social
Distancing Space Calculator to calculate capacity for the entire duration of the event (for
example, during concerts or art gallery openings).
o You are required to plan the entirety of the event in accordance with the capacity limits
generated when you input your usable space into the calculator.
Heads up! Guests need 12’ in either direction to move around and remain socially
distant, so having a standing room only event significantly reduces the capacity
limits for your event! Consider seating guests instead, as in Scenario 1 above, for
increased capacity.
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Appendix F
USING THE SOCIAL DISTANCING SPACE CALCULATOR
WHAT IS THE SOCIAL DISTANCING SPACE CALCULATOR?
The space calculator is a tool that calculates appropriate capacity for a given space to allow for
proper distancing between guests. It accounts for a grid of 12 feet around each party to give 6
feet of distance between guests as they pass by each other. CDPHE requires that the calculator is
used to calculate capacity for unseated and partially seated events.
WHERE DO I FIND THE CALCULATOR?
The calculator can be accessed via CDPHE’s website by clicking here.
HOW DO I USE THE CALCULATOR?
1.Go to the website by clicking this link or typing https://covid19.colorado.gov/distancing-
calculator into your browser.
2.Input the total square footage of your venue into the box at the top.
3.Adjust the slider to account for the approximate amount of space occupied by furniture,
displays, or equipment in the venue.
4.The calculator will output the maximum number of guests for your space.
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Appendix G
Pitkin County
New Business Safety Plan Requested
- Pitkin County has updated its Business Safety Plan and requests that every business complete
the new form.
- Business Safety Plans should be filed by the person(s) that is responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the business and adhering to the public health order requirements. A PDF version
of the form (which constitutes as your safety plan), along with the Compliance Poster will be
emailed to you after submission.This flyer should be on display at your business, from outside,
such as on the door or in a prominent window.
Go to covid19.pitkincounty.com. Under the Business Resources Tab click on
Submit Business Safety Plan.
You can also use this QR code to go directly to the Business Safety Plan
submission form.
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Appendix G
The Pitkin County Event Safety Plan
What is an Event Safety Plan and Why Does it Matter?
Because events are a high-risk activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation of
event planners and facilities in providing a safe environment is essential to allowing
gatherings. Events and gatherings are allowed so long as the production minimizes
contact between distinct parties.
Event organizers and event space managers are required to submit a COVID-19 Event
Safety Plan for any gathering of 10 people or more per Pitkin County requirements. The
event safety plan informs the event organizer of their responsibilities in addressing
capacity, physical distancing, face coverings/masks, cleaning practices and other specific
measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for employees and attendees.
* All Event Safety Plans must be submitted at least 5 business days prior to the event *
How Do I Submit an Event Safety Plan?
Go to covid19.pitkincounty.com and click on Business Resources Submit
Business/Event Safety Plan
You can also use this QR code to go directly to the Event Safety Plan submission form on
a mobile device:
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Appendix H
- Aspen Police Department -
Restaurant Public Health Order Guidance
Last Call times: Drinks served before last call can be enjoyed after (except for 2am).
o Orange -12am / Yellow -1am / Blue -2am
All patrons must properly wear a mask at all times unless they are seated at a table and
actively eating or drinking. This includes when:
o Entering and exiting the establishment, going to the restroom, and moving
around common areas.
Patrons at different tables must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. Table size is limited to 10
people max.
Dancing is allowed within designated dance spaces. Dancers must be grouped in pods of
no more than 10 people and pods must be spaced 6 feet apart. While dancing, people
may be less than 6 feet from members within their designated pod but must remain at
least 6 feet away from separate pods.
o Individuals dancing are required to wear a mask at all times. Additionally, the
dance floor must be 12 feet away from tables or other event participants who
are not dancing.
Patrons may not stand at the bar and order their own drinks. All drinks must be served
by wait staff at a patron’s table.
Bar seating is only allowed if there is at least 6 feet between patrons and any bar service
(where drinks are prepared) as well as between other groups.
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1
INFORMATION ONLY MEMORANDUM
WORK SESSION MEETING DATE:May 3, 2021
FOLLOW-UP MEMO DATE:May 17, 2021
AGENDA TOPIC:0.5% RETT Expanded Uses Discussion #2
PRESENTED BY:Diane Foster & Pete Strecker
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:Torre, Richards, Mullins, Hauenstein
(Mesirow absent)
_______________________________________________________________________
This information only memo is to help document staff’s understanding of the May 3 work
session meeting discussion. If there are perceptions that deviate significantly to what is
noted in the narrative below, please let staff know.
Topic 1: Staff continued the discussion with Council around the potential uses of future
0.5% real estate transfer tax (RETT) collections. Discussion was centered around:
Options for potential voter consideration that would repurpose some or all of future
0.5% RETT collections to thereby support other community wants and needs,
while also preserving a conservative fund balance for the Wheeler Opera House
moving forward. Option 1 included $2M/yr of RETT to the Wheeler; Option 2
included $1M/yr of RETT to the Wheeler; Option 3 did not any new RETT revenue
to the Wheeler until a threshold reserve floor would be reached.
Two additional options were presented. Option 4 would require the fund balance
to include a capital set-aside that would be drawn down over the next 10 years and
be coupled with an annual operating reserve. This option would produce a reserve
need of roughly $7M by 2030.
The last and new option (Option 5) would be a completely different approach to
the issue of ensuring financial stability for the Wheeler while also generating
resources for other community needs. This option requires at least 60% voter
approval to increase the $100,000 cap currently in place for arts grants from the
0.5% RETT revenues; and in tandem, the Council would (through the annual
budget process) redirect earned income at the Wheeler Opera House from box
office sales, theater rentals, restaurant and art gallery leases, and concessions to
other City supported functions. Estimates are that this would equate to roughly
$1M per year.
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2
Majority Consensus:Council members present reached majority consensus for
eliminating Options 2, 3 and 4 and to further outline Options 1 and 5.
Topic 2: Staff then discussed the possible timing of a ballot question with Council. Staff
presented the next three opportunities being Nov. 2021, Nov. 2022 and Mar. 2023 as
possible. Additionally, conversation included how to achieve appropriate public outreach
for any question.
Majority Consensus:Council expressed interest in both November dates and elected not
to pursue the March date. Majority support leaned towards a 2022 date to allow for the
greatest possible voter turnout, but 2021 was not fully removed from the possibilities.
Topic 3:Council was requested to provide direction around priorities of uses if a ballot
question allowed for future discretionary revenue (either from future 0.5% RETT collections
or from earned revenue generated by Wheeler operations).
Majority consensus. Council expressed a conservative approach to awarding funds and
reiterated that its primary support was to the Wheeler Opera House, followed by
increased financial support for the arts. Other areas where there was interest included
Health and Human Services, Childcare, and to a lesser degree, Stormwater. Regarding
disbursement of grant awards for the arts, Council overwhelmingly supported a review
committee to assess and award grants going forward.
Topic 4: Following the decision to advance Option 5 as one of the possible financial
options; the Community Engagement Process discussion was paused until a follow up
meeting could provide more specifics. However, generally the Council liked the idea of
giving the Community something to comment on and a structure for that input process
needs to be developed.
Majority consensus. No consensus was reached at this time.
NEXT STEPS:
Financial - Next Steps: Included in the follow-up process, Council requested pro and
con lists from staff (from legal, financial, artistic, and managerial perspectives).
Ballot Timing - Next Steps:Staff agreed to bring back what would be possible to meet a
November 2021 date and Council could evaluate once it had that perspective available.
Staff will reconnect with the cultural arts community on this issue later this month as well.
Expanded Uses - Next Steps:Council expressed interest in staff returning with greater
clarity around the community needs and City’s role in health and human services and
childcare.
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3
1.Return to a future City Council meeting with Option 1 and Option 5
2.Provide City Council with additional information on the needs in the following
areas:
a. Mental Health/Health & Human Services
b. Presentation of the Arts Impact Study
c. Childcare/Kids First Update
d. Stormwater
e. Cultural Arts Economic Impact
3.Further discussion and refinement of principles/guidelines once City Council has
decided on a financial option
4.Further discussion and refinement of community engagement process once City
Council has decided on a financial option
5.Develop an updated timeline for this process
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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1
INFORMATION ONLY MEMORANDUM
WORK SESSION MEETING DATE:May 4, 2021
FOLLOW-UP MEMO DATE:May 17, 2021
AGENDA TOPIC:Clean River Program – Funding Options
PRESENTED BY:April Long & Pete Strecker
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:Torre, Richards, Mullins, Hauenstein
(Mesirow absent)
_______________________________________________________________________
This information only memo is to help document staff’s understanding of the May 4 work
session discussion. If there are perceptions that deviate significantly to what is noted in
the narrative below, please let staff know.
Topic 1: Staff provided a historical summary of the Clean River / Stormwater Program
and how original funding sources for the program have evolved over time. This evolution
has resulted in annual revenues (largely from the dedicated 0.650 mill levy but
supplemented by development review & enforcement fees) being insufficient to generate
funds for future identified infrastructure needs once annual operational costs are funded.
The meeting focus then moved into what alternative funding opportunities exist that
Council would like to see staff pursue going forward, noting that various options and the
pros and cons associated with them, and that multiple options could be layered together.
Options presented include:
Shift Operational Costs out of Stormwater Fund and into General Fund / Parks
and Open Space Fund
Leverage Future Revenues Through Financing - Advance Capital Project Timing
Elevate Pursuit of Grant Funding and Partnerships
Sell Select Existing City Assets for One-Time Resources
Insert Clean River Program Projects into Asset Management Plan Fund Priorities
Increase Dedicated Existing 0.065 Mill Property Tax
Create a New Utility
Include Clean River Projects for Consideration in Possible Wheeler Revenue /
Expanded Use Question
Majority consensus. Council members provided support for further analysis of
operational costing of Streets and Parks departments being bore by the General Fund
and Parks and Open Space Fund, respectively, to alleviate Stormwater Fund resources
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for capital improvement needs. There was also support for prioritization of Clean River
Program projects both for grant funding (unanimous support was present for being
aggressive in seeking these partnership funds) and also to consider for competing with
other Asset Management Plan (AMP) Fund project planning.
These near-term solution recommendations were also accompanied with Council support
to seek out a long-term funding plan for the program in the future. This was not
immediate, as there was mention of possible federal funding that could be leveraged if
Congress passed such legislation, but with the on-going needs for maintaining assets in
the future, this perspective needs to remain. If an expansion of the existing 0.650 mill
levy property tax was sought as a long-term funding solution, consideration of how to
package that with other municipal or county tax questions was also highlighted as a
consideration.
Council members unanimously did not support the sale of City assets as a preferred
solution at this time.
Next Steps: Staff will further a review of the internal funding solutions (shift of operational
costs and AMP support for capital projects) after a prioritization (urgency and impact
assessment) of Clean River Program projects is completed. This will include funding
requirements in the near-term, and how to compile a solution based on the options
supported by Council at this time. Recommended changes will be incorporated into the
budget material presented to Council at the end of quarter 3, 2021.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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