HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.202201113/31/22, 4:52 PM DocumentViewer.php
https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcityofaspen.granicus.com%2FDocumentViewer.php%3Ffile%3Dcityofaspen_0118c3b0c744927…1/1
Page 1 of 3
REGULAR MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 11, 2022
At 5:00 p.m. Mayor Torre called the regular meeting to order with Councilors Doyle, Hauenstein,
Richards, and Mesirow in attendance via WebEx.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Torre introduced the swearing in of officer Sarah Freihon. Police Chief Bill Linn introduced Ms.
Freihon and said she is from southern California originally and started as an intern for the Aspen Police
Department in 2019 and has now joined our ranks as a police officer. Mayor Torre proceeded to swear
her in.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilor Doyle said an article in the New York Times talked about 2021 being Earth’s 5th hottest year on
record. He is pleased to be a part of this council that can help educate our general public that there are
things we can do.
Councilor Richards wished everyone a happy new year. She spoke about Omnicron and is hoping the
surge will come and go quickly. Get boosted as it prevents the severity of the disease. There are
continuing to be economic struggles for members of our community because of the pandemic. The Food
Banks are accepting donations. She is hoping for the best in 2022.
Councilor Hauenstein is hoping that 2022 is the year we can drive the wooden stake through COVID 19.
He spoke about the ideals of the Community Plan and wishes all wellbeing and good health. In the
words of Hill Street Blues, “Be careful out there”.
Councilor Mesirow wished everyone a happy new year. He said 2021 has been very challenging and
scary in many ways. He revealed where our biggest opportunities are. We are rising up to the challenge
and excited for 2022.
Mayor Torre wished everyone a happy new year. Welcome back. He would like to nod towards mental
health awareness in the community. He mentioned Aspen Strong, Mind Springs, the crisis hotline Hope
Center 925-5858. It’s ok to not feel ok. Reach out. The 75th anniversary is today for the Aspen Skiing
Company. There will be a ski parade with a small ceremony. He read a proclamation and made some
additional comments regarding sustainability. Congrats to ski co and all of Aspen. This Friday at the
Wheeler is Aspen History 101 put on by the Aspen Historical Society. It’s a wonderful show. Last thing is
that he received his booster shot today.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
City Manager, Sarah Ott, mentioned an amendment to an emergency order. She asked that they don’t
get caught up in the language. We are taking a look at programming at the Wheeler for the remainder of
the month to make smart decisions. We are looking at going to a vaccination requirement or testing
requirement to use the golf simulator. Council had asked that staff move forward with a mental health
care campaign for launch during the winter high season. We are in final stages of preparation and there
is about $10,000 to purchase ad space and she would like to charge this to council’s budget.
Page 1 /3