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RESOLUTION # <(I
(Series of 2006)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, IN
SUPPORT OF THE 2006 PITKIN COUNTY BALLOT ISSUE KNOWN AS
"REFERENDUM 1 B", WHICH REAUTHORIZES THE OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS
PROGRAM BY AMENDING ARTICLE XIII OF THE COUNTY CHARTER, EXTENDING
A PROPERTY TAX LEVY UP TO 3.75 MILLS FOR TEN YEARS AND AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE Or GE!'.l:RAL OBLIGATIO DEBT IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $20
MILLION.
WHEREAS, the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails program was established
by referendum and approved by voters in 1990 and again in 1999; and
WHEREAS, the Open Space and Trails program protected 14,000 acres of
ranchland, wildlife habitat and scenic open space through purchases of land and
conservation easements throughout Pitkin County including Smuggler Mountain, North
Star, Hunter Creek Valley, Snowmass Village Snowmass-Capitol Creek, Lenado,
Woody Creek, Emma, Basalt, Seller Park, and Crystal Valley; and
WHEREAS, the Open Space "and Trails program has secured and improved
approximately 37 miles of trails throughout Pitkin County including the Rio Grande,
Hunter Creek, Owl Creek, East of Aspen, Basalt/Old Snowmass, and the Highlands
Trail; and
WHEREAS, the Open Space and Trails program has invested $53,000,000 over
16 years acquiring valuable assets resulting in present value of all Open Space assets
owned by the people of Pitkin County between $120 - $150 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Open Space and Trails program has been successful preserving
historic agricultural and ranching activities, mining claims from future possible
development, historic routes of ingress and egress to public lands and waterways, and
quiet areas and scenic views along the valley floor and in the high country; and
WHEREAS, the Open Space and Trails program provides recreational
opportunities throughout Pitkin County, including the City of Aspen, for hikers, runners,
road and mountain bicyclists, fishermen, boaters, equestrians, snowshoers, Noridic
skiers, backcountry skiers and other recreationists of all ages and abilities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL supports
the ballot question known as "Pitkin County Referendum 1 B" that reauthorizes the Open
. Space and Trails program and continues the 3.75 mills property tax increase for an
additional 1 0 years. The Aspen City Council urges the electors of the City of Aspen to
support said proposed referendum and to vote "Yes' on its passage.
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Dated: ~P;-n-/u~ ~t
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I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is a
true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of
Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held September 25, 2006.