Holiday Refuse Schedule

Most City of Gunnison Offices and Departments will be closed on Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th for the Christmas Holiday. Refuse trucks WILL NOT be running on these days.

If your normal trash pickup day is Friday, December 23rd, your trash will be picked up on Thursday, December 22nd.

If your normal trash pickup day is Monday, December 26th, your trash will be picked up on Tuesday, December 27th.

Please call Public Works at 641-8020 if you have questions. Happy Holidays!

Community Center Holiday Hours

It's Winter Break for both Western State College and the RE1J School District. Listed below are the holiday hours for the Gunnison Community Center:

December 23rd 8am to 8pm Building Open but Offices Closed
Climbing Wall Open 12pm to 7pm

December 24th 12noon to 5pm Building Open but Offices Closed
Climbing Wall Open 12 pm to 5pm

December 25th - Merry Christmas! - Offices and Building are CLOSED

December 26th 8am to 9pm Building Open but Offices Closed
Climbing Wall Open 12pm to 7pm

December 31st 10am to 8pm Building Open but Offices Closed
Climbing Wall Open 12pm to 6pm

January 1st - Happy New Year - Building and Offices are CLOSED

January 2nd 8am to 9pm Building Open but Offices Closed
Clmibing Wall Open 12pm to 7pm

For the most up to date Pool Schedule - please call 970-641-8060.

There are a lot of activities happening during the winter break. Cross Country Ski classes and clinics will be held as well as a 6-day Youth Co-ed Basketball Camp for kindergarten through 8th grade students.
Call 970-641-8060 for more information on these activities!

Rudolph Roundup

Children from ages 0 to 12 are welcome to participate in the Christmas Festivities at the Gunnison Community Center. Rudolph's Roundup will include breakfast with Santa, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, games in the gymnasium & the pool and a special reading of "The Polar Express" by Santa!
The Event is Tuesday, December 20th starting at 9am to 11am at the Community Center, 200 East Spencer in Gunnison. Breakfast is served from 9am to 10am. Santa will be reading "The Polar Express" starting at 10:30am. Chrildren and parents will be able to participate in any and all activities between 9am and 11am.
The event is FREE for current Community Center members; $4.00 for non-members 5 to 12 years and $2.00 for non-members from 1 - 4 years.
Sign Up Today - Space is limited and it's filling up quickly!

WSC Student Internships Available

The City of Gunnison has several Internships available for Western State College Students. Most of these are paid internships and can be worked into an independent study with credits. Some of the Internship Programs available include:

Website/Social Media Marketing
Community Development Researcher
Database Development
Service Enhancements & Accomplishments Report Project
Cranor Hill Skil Hill Terrain Park Development
Education Intern
Evening Programs/Events Intern
Police Department Administrative Intern
Police Records Assistant Intern
Utilities Planner and Analyst Intern

For more information and timeline due dates - go to www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/Finance/employment/index.html
and click on the *New* WSC Internships heading or call City of Gunnison HR Tech Tammy Shelafo at 641-8248.

Busy Weekend Ahead

It's the start of the Holiday Season in Gunnison.
5pm tonight, Friday, December 2nd, sees the First Friday Galley Crawl at a variety of locations downtown. Stop in and view art, enjoy meeting with the artists, friends and neighbors and enjoy some appetizers and holiday cheer.
Starting at 5:30pm is the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce-sponsored "Gingerbread Christmas". The first three blocks of north Main Street will be blocked off to traffic until 8pm. The Night of Lights features carolling & holiday music, bonfires, roasting marshmallows, and seeing the festive light displays. Santa will make his appearance starting at 6:30pm and will make his way to the 100 Block of South Main Street where the big City Christmas tree will be lit.
Saturday morning at 10am in the lobby of the Bank of the West (on the corner of North Main Street and West Virginia Avenue) you can exchange $80 in cash for $100 in Gunnison Greenbacks. $100 for only $80 - what a savings! This holiday money must be spent at Gunnison businesses on Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th. Many businesses will be hosting Holiday Open Houses with great deals on many Christmas gift ideas!
The Gunnison Arts Center is hosting its annual Gala on Saturday night under the heated tent in front of the Arts Center by the Christmas Tree on South Main Street.
After an exhausting day of holiday shopping, head out to one of Gunnison's great restaurants or eateries, enjoy a glass of wine or a microbrew at one of the local taverns or bistros or catch the movie at the Ruby Cinema on the WSC campus. Want to burn off some of those holiday goodies calories? Head over the Gunnison Community Center Aquatics Facility for a fun splash!
If you want to be more active, you can still hike or bike at Hartman Rocks or on the VanTuyl Ranch Trails. Soon enough - there will be snow for some skiing and sledding activities! There is also public skating at the indoor ice rink in Jorgensen Park. Check the schedule for available public skating times.
Have a great Gunnison Holiday Weekend!

Winter Recreation Program Brochures

The Winter 2011-2012 Recreation Programs Brochure will be available on Friday, December 9th. You can pick up a brochure at the Community Center, 200 E. Spencer Avenue, at the Ice Rink, 501 E. Tomichi Avenue in Jorgensen Park, or at City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue - all in Gunnison. You can also view the Virtual Winter Brochure at http://www.tinyurl.com/gunnisonwinterprograms2012
Registration for programs starts on Monday, December 12th. Have questions?? Call the City of Gunnison Parks & Recreation Department at 641-8060.

Trails Work Continues

Work on the VanTuyl Ranch Trails System continues. Two local contractors, Ray Excavation and Spallone Construction have been working on the western loop extension on the City-owned ranch. A small bridge was installed, fill material hauled & placed, and some grading & compaction has been completed. The trail is still not complete but after joining the two sections and final grading, it should be open for public access in the spring, 2012. Pictured above - Mayor Jonathan Houck and City Manager Ken Coleman try out the "trail in progress".

Thanksgiving Holiday Refuse Schedule

The City of Gunnison will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Here is the refuse (trash) collection schedule for this Holiday:
If your trash is normally collected on Thursday, your trash will be collected on Wednesday, November 23rd.
If your trash is normally collected on Friday, your trash will be collected on Monday, November 28th.
If you have questions, please call 641-8020.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Thanksgiving Week

The City Council Regular Session meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 22nd, has been canceled and rescheduled for Tuesday, November 29th at 7pm in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue.
The City Council wishes everyone and Happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

New Hours at Community Center

The new Winter Hours at the Gunnison Community Center start today, Monday, November 14th. The new hours are:

Monday through Thursday, 6am to 9pm

Friday 6am to 8pm

Saturday, 10am to 8pm

Sunday, 12pm - 8pm
Come out and enjoy all of the fun things offered at the Center!

Call 641-8060 if you have questions or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.

Tree Limbs

After the big winds this past weekend, you may be wondering what to do with all of those downed tree branches, leaves and tumbleweeds. The City tree dump, located on County Road 51 just north go Gunnison, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 3pm, so you can drop off your leaves, tree limbs and organic debris. No trash or garbage is accepted.

The tree dump will close for the season on Saturday, November 19th. For more information, call Public Works at 641-8020.

Holiday Refuse Schedule

The City of Gunnison will be observing Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th. Most City Offices will be closed for the Holiday. Friday's refuse/trash collection routes WILL NOT be picked up on Friday. They will be picked up on Monday, November 14th. Please call 641-8020 if you have questions.






Thanks to all of our Veterans and servicemen and women who have and are serving our Country.

City Council Action

City Council will be meeting on Tuesday, November 8th at 7pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue. Council will be conducting a Public Hearing on the proposed 2012 City Budget. The public is welcome to come and give input on this important City document. A copy of the proposed budget can be found at www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/Finance/Financial_reports/2012_Proposed_Budget.pdf Take a look at this detailed budget and if you have any questions, contact the Finance Department at 641-8162.

The Council will also take action on the following: a License Agreement with the Downtown Woodshop, 222 N. Main Street for placement of a hanging sign over the City sidewalk; action on a letter to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources regarding the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife transition reports; consideration of an Ordinance amending thee City Code regarding fees charged for Special Event Liquor Permits; a Resolution regarding a change in the processing of Special Event Liquor Permits; and a Resolution canceling the Council meeting set for November 22nd and rescheduling it for November 29th.

Information on each agenda item for the Council meeting can be viewed on the City's website at http://www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/ and click on City Council on the front page then click on e-packets. As always, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend City Council meetings. Your input is important to our City C ouncil.

Hello Snow!

This morning the City awoke to its first real snowfall of the season. We enjoyed a beautiful summer and fall so its time to put the mild weather to rest. Get out those sleds, wax up the skis and dig out the snowshoes!



The 3 to 4" of snow is heavy and wet and there is some ice lurking under that snow. Use caution in driving, especially in the school zones! Remember - you can get anywhere in town in under 10 minutes. And, if you see the City Streets & Alleys crews out clearing the streets, help them out and give them room to do their jobs!

A Great Time Was Had By All !!

The City Parks & Recreation Department's Friday Fright Night Event was a great success! Thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make this a frightfully fun time for all of the little ghosts, goblins and princesses!

FRIDAY FRIGHT NIGHT

The City Parks & Recreation Department is busy preparing for a Fun and Frightful "Friday Fright Night!"
This Friday night, October 28th, starting at 5pm at the Gunnsion Community Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue, there will be Halloween fun. There will be: a Costume Parade with awards, the Witchen Kitchen (caramel apple decorating and crafts); a Labyrinth; Graveyard Games (pumpkin bowling, mummy races, pumpkin faces); a Treat Street Alley; Pumpkin Plunge (pumpkin patch in the pool - bring your swim suit!); explore Frankenstein's Lab (brains, intestines and eyeballs); a Swamp Float (float through a scary tunnel in the lap pool); and Bobbing for Apples.

Each child must have someone over the age of 18 years old to sign the event waiver for each participant. The event is FREE to members of the Gunnison Community Center and $4.00 for all non-members over the age of 4 years old. Under 4 years - are free with a paid parent or guardian. Children under the age of 10 years old must be accompanied by someone over the age of 12 years.

Come out for a Frightfully Fun Friday!

City Council Tonight

The City of Gunnison Council will be meeting in a Regular Session tonight at 7pm. The Council meeting is in the Council Chambers, 2nd floor of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison.


Council will be discussing the following topics this evening:

Grants and Contracts for Service requests from the Colorado Water Workshop; Gunnison Kiwanis Fishing Tournament; Jubilee House; Gunnison Car Show; WSC Counselor Visitation Days; and the Gunnison River Festival. Also being considered is: Gunnison Events, increasing the annual City sales tax license fee; a draft letter to the US Air Force concerning the Low-Altitude Training Area proposal; set the public hearing on the 2012 City Budget; second and final reading on amending the City-adopted Model Traffic Code; and the Parks & Recreation Department Semi-annual report.


The public is welcome and encouraged to attend all City Council meetings.

Reminder - NO Gym October 28

There will NOT be open gymnastics on Friday, October 28th due to the Halloween Friday Fright Night Event. The event is ope for ages 0 - 13 and starts at 5:30pm. Members get in free and it is $4.00 for non-members 5 years and older.
Kids are encourage to wear their costume and bring their swimming suit. There will many fun activities both in and out of the water!

Rock Climbing and Gymnastics

The second sessions of Gymnastics and Rock Climbing - separate classes! - start next week (the week of October 24th). Some of the classes are already filling up. So register soon so your child doesn't get left out.
If you are interested in signing your child up for these classes, call 641-8060, stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison or go to the Recreation website at www.Gunnisonrec.com

This Week at Public Works

The City Public Works crews are out working on a myriad of projects this week.
The Water Crew is working on relocating utilities around the Clarke property at the south end of Maiin Street. There may be some street detours at Wisconsin Street and Rio Grande Avenue. Please use caution in these work zones.
The Electric Crew is relocating utilities at Gothic Avenue and Colorado Street in preparation for the new building construction on the Western State College campus. Asphalt patching at both the above water and electric locations is scheduled for next week.
The Wastewater crews are hauling tree chips from the City tree dump for composting into "Gunnison Black Gold Compost".

And in " Trails News" - the City-hired Contractor has begun construction this week on the trails extension at the Van Tuyl Ranch. Crews are also working and pouring more concrete this week for the pedestrian/bike path on the north side of the VanTuyl Village Subdivision. The City Trails System continues to grow and improve!

The Leaves are a' Fallin'

With the strong autumn winds blowing this weekend and today, the leaves are falling! And what to do with them??



Take them to the City of Gunnison tree dump located at the east end of County Road 51, located off CR 10, north of Gunnison. The City accepts leaves from 9am to 3pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Please remove the leaves from any bags and take the bags with you. There is no charge for residential dumping of leaves.


The dump will close for the season on Saturday, November 19th. If you have questions, call Public Works at 641-8020.

Budget - Budget - Budget!

City Council continues to develop the 2012 City Budget. The draft budget was formally presented to Council by the City Manager and Finance Director at last week's Council Regular Session meeting.
This Tuesday evening, October 18th, City Council continues to meet with community groups requesting funding in the 2012 budget. Groups meeting with Council this week include: Gunnison Nordic Group; Six-Points; Gunnison Literacy Program; Gunnison Arts Center: Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League for both the spay/neuter program and for a one-time capital request; and the Habitat for Humanity group.
Council will also be hearing a presentation from the Gunnison Valley Economic Development Group who will talk about their proposed Action Plan and Funding Request. The City Water Superintendent will also give Council an update of the City's Sliplining Inflow/Infiltration Reduction Program. Council meeting information is available on-line at the City's website:

The RINK is OPEN!

Yes, skating fans - as of Monday, October 10th, the Gunnison Indoor Ice Rink is OPEN! Sharpen those skates!

You can view the ice rink schedules on line. Starting Tuesday, October 11th, you will see changes to the Parks & Recreation website. Check it out at www.GunnisonRec.com Click on Ice Rink and scroll to the bottom and click on Rink Schedules.

If you have any questions, please call the Ice Rink at 641-8061. We hope to see everyone on the ice!.

City Ditches OFF for Season

The City irrigation ditches will be turned off for the season, the afternoon of Friday, September 30th.
Ditch users that have irrigation pumps in the ditches should remove or drain their pumps to prevent damage from lack of water. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 641-8020 during business hours.

City Meetings Broadcast

City Staff is working with Time-Warner Cable to correct the problem of City Council and Planning Commission meetings not being broadcast over Cable Channel 15. Time Warner has stated there is a hardware computer problem that is not allowing the broadcast of the meetings. They are working on resolving the problem. The City is sorry for any inconvenience to the citizens.

B.O.P.A. a Success

The B.O.P.A. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event that was held last Saturday was a success. According to City Fire Marshal Dennis Spritzer, over 1,300 gallons of paint, oil and antifreeze was collected. Three pallets of used batteries were collected as well. The materials are transported by environment waste contractor "Clean Harbors", who then disposes the materials in an environmentally safe and approved method.

Fire Marshal Spritzer noted that not as much material was collected as in previous years. Hopefully this means that the citizens of Gunnison and the Valley are getting rid of their stored household wastes in this safe manner. Thanks to all of the workers who assisted with the collection and especially to all of the citizens who participatd by bringing in their hazardous waste for safe disposal.

This Week at Council

City Council will meet in a Regular Session on Tuesday, September 27th at 7pm in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue. These are the agenda items they will be discussion and acting upon:
Regular Session Meeting Minutes of September 13th
Pre-Scheduled Citizens include -
A presentation from Nancy Osmundson on Restorative Practices
Rick Miller on Sales TAx Auditing
Appointment of the 9 students in the 2011-2011 Youth City Council
New Busines
Action on a request to expend $6850 for the purchase of Fire House storage units
Discussion on the Upper Gunnsion River Water Convservancy District Organization Decree Public Hearing
Discussion on the Air Force Low-Altitude Training Meeting Request
Set a Council hearing on the annual renewal of Chavolo's Mexican Restaurant Liquor License
Excuse Mayor Houck from the meeting (he will be out of town on business)
Ordinances - 2nd and final reading on these ordinances
Ordinance No 8 - Vacation of a portion of East Bidwell Avenue
Ordinance No 9 - Regarding Vacation of South Main Street Utility Easements
City Staff and Council reports
Non-Scheduled Citizens

Packet information for the Council meeting can be found on-line on the City's website under e-packets. City Council encourages all citizens to attend these meetings. If you have an item you would like to discuss with Council, contact City Clerk Gail Davidson at 641-8140 to scheduled to meet with Council.

It's B.O.P.A. Day

And what's a B.O.P.A.? you might ask. B = batteries, O = oil, P = paint, and A = antifreeze.

On Saturday, September 24th, these materials will be collected at the annual Household Hazard Waste Collection Day sponsored by the City of Gunnison and Gunnison County. For a small disposal fee, you can drop off these materials that have been collecting in your garage or house and they will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally correct manner.

The collection site in Gunnison is at the City Shops Facility, 1100 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnsion (at the west end of Virginia Avenue) starting at 9am and ending at 3pm.

Busy Autumn Weekend in Gunnison

It's a busy autumn weekend in the Gunnison Valley.
The Colorado Strawbale Association's Natural Building Conference gets underway at Western State College on Saturday. This event is partially funded and sponsored by the City of Gunnison.

The Gunnison Farmers' Market continues on Saturday morning starting at 9:30am. The weekly market, held on the 100 Block of East Virginia Avenue by the IOOF Park, has a farmers bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available, as well as baked goods, food, and arts & crafts products. Come out, stroll among the booths, pick up some wonderful goodies and visit with your friends and neighbors.

Sunday is "National Public Lands Day". In the Valley, you can head out for the annual Hartman Rocks Trails Volunteer Day. Dedicated volunteers help re-route, improve and establish trails at Hartman Rocks. These trails are used by hikers, bikers, motocyclists, and cross country skiers. If you'd like to help, go to the Hartman Rocks Base Area at 9am on Sunday, September 25th. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, wear sunscreen, and bring work gloves and water. Lunch will be provided for the volunteers.

And the best way to spend this weekend - chose your own favored method of transportation and get out into the high country of the valley. Enjoy the quickly changing autumn leaves. They are spectacular!

Gunnison High School Homecoming

It's Gunnison High School Homecoming this week! Here is a schedule of some of the fun events:

Friday, September 23rd at 2pm will see the annual GHS Homecoming Parade starting at Legion Park. The parade will head west on Tomichi (Highway 50) then turn north on Main Street (Highway 135) and end at Ohio Avenue. Come out and enjoy the parade.

At 5pm on Friday evening, the GHS Marching Band will be hosting a tailgating dinner fundraiser in the parking lot of the high school. Raffle tickets will be available for sale during the dinner.

The GHS Homecoming Football game starts at 7pm when the Cowboys take on Aspen HIgh School. The game will be played on the new GHS Football Field and is free for the public. Come out and cheer on the Cowboys!

Budget in the Works

City Council and Staff are busy developing the 2012 City budget. The Councilors will be meeting with City staff members on Tuesday, September 20th, starting at 5pm, to discuss the City Enterprise Funds, including Electric, Water, Wastewater, Ditches, Refuse, Fleet, Cranor Hill, Pool, Rink, Trails and Communications. Council will then discuss General Fund accounts, including the proposed capital projects to be accomplished in 2012, and City staffing. Projected revenues and expenses will be discussed for each of these funds.

Upcoming Budget Dates include:
10/11 - 2012 Budget formally presented to Council by the City Manager and Finance Director;
Proposed Budget discussion will be on every Council agenda through early December;
11/08 - Public Hearing on Proposed 2012 Budget;
11/22 - First Reading of 2012 Budget Adoption and Set Mill Levy for the year;
12/13 - Second Reading and Adoption of 2012 Budget and Set Mill Levy;
12/15 - Certify the Mill Levy to Gunnison County

The public is always welcome to attend any City Council meeting. Due to the configuration of the meeting in the Council Chambers on September 20th, the meeting will not be broadcast on Cable Channel 15. Tune in next week on September 27th for the Council Regular Session.

City Council at Work

At this evening's (Tuesday, September 6th) City Council Work Session, the Council will be discussing, but not taking action on, the following items:
"Mayors Against Illegal Guns" Program;
Bidwell Street and Utility Easement Vacations;
Trail Easements with the Colorado Dept. of Parks & Wildlife on the VanTuyl Ranch Property;
Proposed Annexation of the VanTuyl Ranch Property;
An Overview of the Employee Compensation Plan for the "new" City Councilors; and
Discussion on the Gunnison Library District November Ballot Questions.
There will be also an Executive Session to discuss potential acquisition of property.
The Executive Session is not open to the public and action is not taken in the session.

The City Council invites the public to attend the open Council Sessions. The meetings are held in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison. Each meetings information can be viewed on-line in the City's e-packet by going to www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/council/epackets/Default.htm

Fall Recreation Programs

Gunnison Parks & Recreation Fall Programs start this week. It's not too late to sign your child or yourself! up for some fun activities. There is something for everyone.
Youth programs include gymnastics; rock climbing; cheerleading; volleyball; hula hoop; Sporties for Shorties; tae-kwon-do; swimming lessons; diving lessons; tennis; low-fluing trapeze; soccer; football; fall garden camp; junior lifeguarding class; and FUNducation after school.
There is also many programs for adults! These include water aerobics; pickleball; "Real Fitness for Real People"; aerial dance class; adult flag football; beginning square dancing; and table tennis. There is also lifeguard training, 1st Aid, CPR/AED training classes being offered.
There are three ways to register: go to www.GunnisonRec.com or call 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue.

FUNducation

FUNducation is the FUN place to be Afterschool!!
School starts today - Monday, August 29th. Enroll your student now in the FUNducation program at the Gunnison Community Center. Each day is individually designed to inspire and entertain each child. The students are engaged in physical, social and educational FUN!
If your child needs after school care, is signed up for another Parks & Recreation program that doesn't start immedicately after school; if your child is looking for an organized group to socialize with afterschool; and your child is in kindergarten through 4th grade; then they are welcome to attend!
The FUNducation program runs from 3:50pm until 6pm each school day. The school bus will drop them off each day at the Community Center. Parks & gymnasium games, arts & crafts, rock climbing, science experiments, movies, and swiming are just some of the many activities that will keep your child busy afterschool.
For most Parks & Recreation Programs, the staff will make sure your child gets from FUnducation to their other activitiy. Make arrangements when you register your child in the program.
Contact Parks and Recreation at 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison for more inofmation on FUNducation and on the many other FALL youth and adult programs. Fall classes are filling up quickly - so sign up today!

Community Center/Pools Closed

The Gunnison Community Center and City Pools will be CLOSED for annual cleaning and maintenance.

The Community Center will be closed on Monday, August 29th through Wednesday, August 31st.

The Pools will be closed from 4:30pm, Saturday, August 27th through Saturday, September 3rd. The first annual dog swim will take place on Saturday, August 27th at 5:30pm.

The pools will reopen on Sunday, September 4th at Noon. Sorry for any inconvenience.
The Fall Brochure of City Recreation Programs and Aquatics Center information is now available at the Gunnison Community Center and City Hall.

End of Summer DOG Swim

Come swim with your furry friend at the Gunnisoon Community Center Aquatics Facility.

On Saturday, August 27th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm you can bring your dog to the City pool and enjoy a swim. The cost is $5.00 per dog - that includes one human - and $2.00 for extra humans. Proceeds go to the Gunnison Valley Anumal Welfare League (GVAWL). This is a friendly environment, so aggressive dogs will be asked to leave.

Fall Recreation FOOTBALL Starts

Fall Football for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders will be starting on Monday, August 29th. To register, contact the City of Gunnison Recreation Department at 641-8422 or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.

Bike Race City Hall Closures

City Hall Offices will be temporarily closed during the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Bike Race so that City employees can assist with street closures.

City Hall Offices will be closed:
Tuesday, August 23rd from approximately 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Wednesday, August 24th from approximately 9am to 10:30am

We are sorry for any inconveneince to our customers. Come out and watch the race!

What a WEEKEND!!

As everyone is preparing for the big bike race next week , don't forget there is a TREMENDOUS weekend of activities in Gunnison. Starting Thursday evening at Legion Park, the Carvin' Up Colorado competition begins. Chainsaw tree carvers will be creating intricate and intriguing wood tree sculptures. The carving competition ends on Saturday with prizes and awards being given out.

Friday evening at 5pm, head over to the Gunnison Arts Center Patio on the corner of Tomichi and Main, for the GAC Fridays at 5 and listen to the homegrown country sound of Evelyn Roper. Then stroll downtown in the first 4 blocks of North Main Street and wander through the amazing vehicles entered into this year's Gunnison Car Show. Starting shortly after 6pm, "The Luster Kings" rockabilly band will be entertaining and firing up the crowd to dance among the Car Show vehicles. Enjoy dinner at one of Gunnison's great restaurants, several have specials and music this weekend, and grab a glass of wine or a refreshing beer at one of the bistros, brewpubs or taverns in the City. Then with a designated driver, head out south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory for public viewing through the 30" telescope and hear a short lecture entitled "Cars in the Stars". The facility gates open at 7:30pm with viewing starting through multiple telescopes at dark.

Saturday morning, the Farmers Market will start at 9:30am next to the IOOF Park on the 100 Block of East Virginia Avenue. Go early and pick up local fresh and delicious produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The Car Show moves over to Jorgensen Park on Saturday morning starting at 8am. Stoll on the park's soft grass and pick out your favorite vintage car or truck, muscle car, tricked-out roadster or the turbo-fast sports car you always yearned for. Across the street from Jorgensen Park, the Gunnison Chamber-sponsored High-Octane Arts and Crafts Festival will be taking place from 9am to 4pm. Also Saturday afternoon, the Carvin' Up Colorado contest ends at Legion Park. There will be public viewing once again at the Gunnison Valley Observatory starting at 7:30 P.M. And they're back!! The Annual WOW - Weekend of Welcome Event will start at 5pm downton at the corner of Main and Virtginia Avenue. This is a free, family-freindly event that welcomes the WSC students to Gunnison after their summer break. Music will include several bands with a variety of music styles. Come downtown and welcome the students back to Gunnison and enjoy the evening.

On Sunday, the Car Show heads up Highway 135 to Crested Butte for a breakfast cruise. After possibly attending services at one of Gunnison's many churches, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of Gunnison's delicious and tummy-filling restaurants. Grab a latte or cappucino at a local coffee shop then head out and experience Gunnison as the Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains. Bike, fish, kayak, raft, hike, climb, or just breath the fresh clean air of the Gunnison Valley. If you prefer indoor recreation, check out the Gunnison Community Center and Aquatics Center located at the north end of the City. Round out the weekend by taking a picnic supper to Legion Park and enjoy the GAC Sundays at 6. Kevin Walter and Poverty Gulch will be entertaining the gathering starting, obviously, at 6pm.
It's sizing up to be a fun-filled, busy weekend in Gunnison. Be safe and enjoy!

Camping to Watch the Race!

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has allowed unprecedented parking/camping for the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge bike race.
Parking and camping will be allowed along Colorado highways right-of-ways(Including US Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 135) as long as:
the camping is less than 24 hrs. in one spot;
all vehicles, including trailers, must be parked entirely off the traveled portion of the highway (including the shoulders) and NOT block access to private property;
all vehicles, including trailers, may not pose a safety risk to the motoring public regardless of parking or camping area; and
all spectators will ensure their areas are clean of debris and trash promptly after the race passes.
If any area becomes overwhelmed with vehicles, CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol may clear the area and require vehicles to more to another location.
For more information, go to www.cotrip.org Daily road closure inofrmation during the event will be available by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Spectator information is available at the USAPCC website at www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com

USA Pro Challenge Update

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge Bike Race is just 10 days away! And excitment is mounting. The Prologue to the race starts Monday, August 22nd in Colorado Springs.
Stage 1 of the actual race begins Tuesday morning, August 23rd, over the Continental Divide in Salida, Colorado. The racers will leave Salida at 10am and head west over Monarch Pass via US Highway 50 and will pass through the City of Gunnison around 1:00 P.M. The racers will turn north on Colorado Highway 135, in the heart of Gunnison's downtown, and will head north on 135 to the towns of Crested Butte and end in Mt. Crested Butte.
Traffic on Highway 50 westbound from Salida will be interrupted from approximately 11:30am until 2:30pm. Eastbound traffic will also be delayed for up to two hours during this time. All road closures will be "manned" by Colorado State Patrol officers/vehicles. Traffic on Highway 135 will be stopped between Gunnison and Crested Butte - both north and southbound - beginning at approximately 1:30pm and will continue until 4:30pm or later.

Stage Two - the Queen Stage - will start in Gunnison at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 24th. Highway 135 from Gunnison to Almont will be closed beginning at approximately 9:30am until 11:30am. Cottonwood Pass from Taylor Park to the summit and into Buena Vista will be closed all day.
Plan accordingly is you travel in the Gunnison Valley these two days. The best bet is to relax, stay in Gunnison, enjoy the festivities, cheer on the racers and don't travel on the highways until late Wednesday afternoon!
For more information - go to www.cotrip.org and click on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge link.

Improve Your Swim Stroke!

The Gunnison Aquatics Center invites you to participate in the 2011 Swim Clinic. The Clinic will take place Thursday, August 11th through Sunday, August 14th. The clinic will be from 1 to 5pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and and 10am to 3pm Sunday. This is NOT SWIM LESSONS. The clinic is designed for serious competitive swimmers. Participants will be divided up into roughtly 11-14 year olds and 15 years and older swimmers.
The clinic will include both above and under water individual video analysis, endurance training, strenth and conditioning, stroke refinement and high altitude training. It is designed to offer more private one-on-one coaching. Participants will have a better understanding of their own hydrodynamics, skills, and proper technique for competitive swimming.
For more information or to register for the clinic, contact the Gunnison Recreation Department at 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue.

Gunnison GRINDFEST

Gunnison Grindfest, a Gunnison Skatepark Project Fundriaser, will take place this Saturday, July 30th at the Gunnison Arts Center, at the corner of Tomichi and Main Street.
There will be activities and events all day! There will be skate lessons at 12 noon, skate movies starting at 1pm in the GAC Theater, skate demonstration at 3:30pm, gear drawings, concessions, a cash bar, Mario's pizza! and live music by a variety of artists.
The event is sponsored by the Gunnison Skatepark Project and the Gunnison Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for 18 & under; $20 for over 18 years and a party of 4 costs $30.00. There will be a cashbar and Mario's Pizza. Come out and support the proposed Gunnison Skatepark Project. Skate On!

Light Up Your Bike!

Light Up Your Bike for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge! This event will help build excitement for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge to be held in late August.
Riders will decorate and light up their bikes, start at the Gunnison Arts Center Courtyard at 8pm on Friday, July 29th and then ride a 4 mile town bike circuit (mainly on the City bike lanes). The ride will end back at the Arts Center for music, a cash bar and light refreshments. This event is suitable for families.
Come out and show your support for biking, Gunnison, and the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Ride On!

1st Annual DODGEBALL Tournament

Remember those fun gym class dodgeball games? Want to re-live those fond memories? Now's your chance! The City of Gunnison Recreation Department is hosting the First Annual Dodgeball Tournament in the evenings of Wednesday, July 27th through Thursday, August4th. Game times will be determined.

The Tournament will be a round-robin tournament with a minimum 5 games played. One round consists of the best 2 out of 3 games played. The cost will be $25.00 for each 5 person team. Everyone is invited to participate. To enter, please contact the Gunnison Community Center at 200 E. Spencer Avenue or call 970-641-8060 for more information. Proceeds benefit the Kingston Swimming Club.

TEEN NIGHT at the Pool

The City Recreation Department is offering a fun, safe and enjoyable program for teens. Every other Tuesday night, starting on July 26th, from 9pm to 11pm - TEENS-only (13 yrs+) will have special access to the Community Pools. All of the water features - inluding the slides and the new rope swing! - will be open for Teen nights. It's only $1.00 admission and teens must enter through the patio gate since the front doors will be locked.

The program is supervised but is more laid back than normal operational times. Teens can bring their own music to play on the pool's sound system and they will be allowed to use equiment not normally available during open swim times. Bring your friends or just come and hang out and make new friends! Call 641-8060 for more information.

Another Busy Gunnison Weekend

It's shaping up to be a busy, exciting weekend in Gunnison!
Starting Friday night, head over to the Gunnison Arts Center Patio for some free "Fridays at 5" live music. Grab some dinner at one of Gunnison's great restaurants and mosey on down to the Gunnison County Rodeo Grounds (south of Safeway) on South Spruce Street and catch the Cattlmen's Days PRCA Rodeo! It's Patriot Night so wear your red-white-and blue! After the rodeo, kick up your heels at the Annual Dance at the Elks Lodge, located on South Main Street. If you're not exhausted, try out one of the thrilling amusement rides at the Cattlemen's Days Carnival, located just west of the rodeo grounds.
Saturday morning, start out the morning with a hearty pancake breakfast. The Gunnison Kiwanis Club will be serving up a fundraiser flapjack and sausage breakfast at the IOOF Park in downtown Gunnison prior to the parade. Work off the pancakes by joioning in the Main Street Mile running race. The race starts at 9:30am at Meadows Park and runners will sprint south down Main Street to the intersection of Tomichi and Main. This all heralds the start of the 111th Annual Cattlemen's Days Parade! Be sure and wave to the Rodeo Queen and her Court. After the parade, visit one of the great retail stores - selling unique and reasonable goods - in Gunnison and then pick up some wonderful fresh produce, crafts, and baked goods at the Gunnison Farmers' Market nexs to the IOOF Park. Then head to the Gunnison Arts Center for lunch and the showing of the documentary "The Challenge of Champions". After lunch, the 4-H Junior Livestock Auction gets underway at the Rodeo Grounds. If you missed the Friday night rodeo, you can catch the Family Night Rodeo at 7pm at the rodeo grounds. Then dancing continues after the rodeo at the Elks Club.
Sunday morning, after a hearty and satisfying breakfast at one of the yummy restaurants in town, you can attend one of Gunnison's many churches or attend the Cowboy Church at 9am at the Rodeo Grounds. The final rodeo events, the horse race meet and the bucking bull futurity, take place at 12:30pm at the rodeo grounds.
Of course - if you aren't into rodeoing - use Gunnison as your "Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains". You can revel in the great outdoors and fish, hike, boat/water ski, sail, skate, mountain bike, road bike, kayak, raft, run, walk, or just lay back and enjoy the spectacular wildflowers! Close out your weekend with "Sundays at 6" - a free live music concert at Legion Park. Take a picnic dinner, recline on the grass, visit with your friends and family, and enjoy the music.
Wow - what a Glorious Gunnison weekend!

Tennis and Rock Climbing

Session 2 of Youth/Adult Tennis lessons and Rock Climbing is starting next week. Sign up now if you are interested.
There are a variety of Youth and Adult Tennis lessons available. These lessons run Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 19th through August 18th.
In addition, there are several rock climbing classes being offered from July 18th through August 11th. These lessons include: Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing; Beginning Rock Climbing for 18 yrs and older; Parent and Child Belay Lessons; Rock Climbing 101 for adults; and Women's Rock Climbing for women 18yrs and older. These lessons are offered at a variety of times.
Please contact the Recreation Department at 970-641-8060 or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 E. Spencer Avenue for more information and to register.
Keep on Climbing!

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Volunteers

USA Pro Cycling Challenge is coming! The USA Pro Cycling Challenge (USAPCC) Bike Race makes it way through the Gunnison Valley on August 23rd and August 24th. The stage from Gunnison to Aspen, leaving downtown Gunnison at 10am on Wednesday, August 24th, will be the hardest, longest and highest of the entire race, summiting two 12,000 foot passes in one day. This race section has been named the "Queen Stage". This stage will certainly separate the true competitors from the peloton. Remember - at 12,095 feet above sea level, the oxygen level is only 60% of what they inhale at sea level.

Volunteers are needed for the Gunnison pass-through day, Tuesday, August23rd and for the "Queen Stage Start" on August 24th. If you are interested in volunteering, go to http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/ and click on "volunteer" . Fill out the form and you can volunteer for a variety of positions. For up-to-date information on the race, visit http://www.upccinfo.com/

Traditional Climbing

If you've ever wanted to learn traditional or "trad" climbing techniques, now's your chance! Trad climbing is a style of rock climbing in which a climper or group of climbers places all gear (such as pitons) required to protect against falls, and then removes it when the passage is complete.
The City Recreation Department is now offering weekend trad climbing clinics starting on July 30th-31st. Other clinics will be offered every weekend in August. Classes start at 10am and end at 2pm. Participants will learn how to place traditional protection, build anchors and set up a top belay.
Classes will take place at Hartman Rocks and Taylor Canyon. You only need to bring some water and a good attitude. The cost is $70 for members and $74 for non-members. Contact the Recreation Department at 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue for more class information.

City Council Workings

After a VERY busy weekend in Gunnison, City Council will be meeting this evening and tending to City business. Council will be discussing the following issues:
a License Agreement application from Las Palmas Restaurant, 138 W. Tomichi Avenue, to use a portion of the City sidewalk located on the west side of their building for outside patio restaurant service; the possible placement of tourist information kiosks in the downtown area; further discussion on City in-kind service and funding to place cameras at the Gunnison Whitewater Park; and continued discussion on the Youth City Council-sponsored "Youth Tobacco Ordinance". The City Council meeting starts at 7pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison and, as always, the public is invited and encouraged to come!

Lots Going On

It's summer in the Gunnison High Country and there is a lot going on!


The Annual Trough Restaurant Balloon Ascension will take place Saturday, July 2nd through Monday, July 4th. Balloons will be ascending into the clear morning air from Jorgensen Park starting at 5:30am. It's a beautiful sight! Also this weekend long, local businesses will be holding holiday sales. Get out and find a bargain on some unique and useful items!
On Friday, July 1st, kick off the holiday weekend by starting at the Gunnison Arts Center patio for free live music. After a little music, start inside at the Arts Center for the First Friday Gallery Crawl. Beautiful and thought-provoking artwork is displayed in galleries around town with appetizers and libations available. Information on the participating galleries can be obtained at the Arts Center. After viewing art and having dinner at one of Gunnison's fine restaurants, bistros or cafes - head out to the Gunnison Valley Observatory south of town for some clear, night sky viewing. The facility gates open at 8pm with the lecture series starting at 8:30pm. The Observatory is open for public viewing Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer and fall. Go to http://www.gunnisonobservatory.org/ for more information.
Following the balloon ascension on Saturday morning, grab a hearty breakfast at one of Gunnison's friendly restaurants and a latte at one of the coffee shops then head over to the 100 block of East Virginia Ave. (by the downtown IOOF Park) and partake in the Gunnison Farmer's Market. There will be produce, organic meats, eggs, breads and pastries, arts and crafts and jewelry. If you're a local - say hello to your friends and neighbors and if you're a visitor - you'll feel like a friend by the time you leave! Remember - there is night sky viewing at the Gunnison Observatory on Saturday night.
Sunday morning is the balloon rally once again. There are a number of different church denominations in Gunnison for your Sunday morning services. During the weekend days - make the City of Gunnison your "Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains". Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountain and road biking in the great outdoors or head indoors at the Gunnison Community Center for swimming, splashing, games and climbing. The Community Center is located at 200 East Spencer Avenue behind the Wal-Mart in north Gunnison. Rounding out Sunday is the Gunnison Arts Center's "Sundays at 6" live music program at the Legion Park Pavilion. It's free but donations are encouraged and appreciated. Take a picnic dinner (no glass in the park please!) - relax on the grass and listen to the band "Tornado Rider".
Monday is Independence Day! Most of the holiday activities are taking place at Jorgensen Park, located at 500 East Tomichi Avenue (Highway 50). A beer garden and food vendors will be located in the covered outdoor ice rink. The band "Oakhurst" will provide bluegrass music starting at 5pm. WSC History Professor Duane Vandenbusche will detail local history from the Jorgensen Gazebo at 8:20pm. A patriotic ceremony will start at 8:50pm - with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. And - as anticipation grows - blast off of this year's fireworks takes place at 9:20pm.
The City of Gunnison Council and employees wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!

City Holiday Schedules

City of Gunnison Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. If your trash is usually picked up on Monday, your trash will be collected on Tuesday due to the holiday.

The Community Center/Aquatics Facility hours will be 12 Noon to 6:00pm on Monday, July 4th. The Climbing Wall will be open from Noon until 6pm and the Pools will be open for "Open Swim" from 12 Noon until 5:45pm. There will be NO recreation programs or swimming lessions on Monday, July 4th.
We wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th!

City Sidewalk Improvements

The City's Public Works Department has purchased a hand-propelled concrete grinding machine. It is being used to grind down and level some of the "high spots" in City sidewalks that could be a potential trip hazard to pedestrians. Grinding down and leveling of the high spots should elminiate the cost to completely tear out and replace the problem spots. The accompanying photo was taken in front of the Paper Clip at 107 N. Wisconsin Street.

Summer is Finally Here!

It was a glorious, busy summer weekend in Gunnison. Friday night kicked off with great live music on the Gunnison Arts Center patio. This was followed by many with a delicious dinner at one of Gunnison's fantastic restaurants, bistros, wine bars and brew pubs.

Friday and Saturday night had awesome clear-sky viewing at the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located south of Gunnison on Gold Basin Road. A tour of the solar system took place with a special visit to the planet Saturn. The Observatory is open every Friday and Saturday night for public night sky viewing.

Saturday morning dawned with clear, sunny skies. The Gunnison River Festival kicked off at the Gunnison Whitewater Park, just west of the City limits, with opening remarks from City Councilor Bill Nesbitt and other dignitaries. Food and product vendors were set up providing great food and information on watersports. Many wet and wild competitions were held during the day. One of the newest sports is Stand Up Paddling (SUP) where the rider stands up and "surfs" the river on a surf board with a paddle. The freestyle competition featured many local and out of town water athletes competing with awesome maneuvers on the river's waves. Downriver competitions and events filled out the weekend on Sunday morning on the upper and lower Taylor River. Closing ceremonies took place at the Almont Resort. A great time was had by participants and spectators alike! Many thanks to the sponsors and volunteers of this fun event.

Saturday morning saw opening day of the annual Gunnison Farmers' Market. The market, featuring local produce, crafts, music and baked goods, takes place every Saturday morning through mid-October. The Market is located on the 100 Block of East Virginia by the IOOF Park.

The weekend ended with some "locally-grown" music at the Arts Center's "Sundays at 6" event at Legion Park. A festive crowd enjoyed music ranging from Waylon Jennins to Jethro Tull to "Funkytown"! Many enjoyed a picnic supper or barbeque along with the music. Gunnison - it's a great place to be!

City Council Happenings

After a busy summer weekend in the City, the City Council will be addressing a number of issues on Tuesday night at 7pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Council will be talking with the Gunnison Arts Center about the "Sundays at 6" event held Sunday evenings at Legion Park throughout the summer months. Council will take action on a sewer slipline contract, an easement agreement on Bidwell Avenue, and a letter of support for the Historic Designation of the American Legion Hut building in Legion Park. Council will also approve the contract with Great Outdoors Colorado for improvements at the South Teller Street Baseball field and approve the internal transfer of budgeted 2011 funds. The City Clerk will present the Clerk's Department semi-annual report.

As alsways - the public is welcome and encouraged to attend City Council meetings.

Colorado Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge

PLAY BALL! Young baseball players can exhibit their baseball skills when the City of Gunnison Parks and Recreation hosts a Colorado Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge! The competition begins at 5pm on Thursday, June 9th at the Softball Fields. Registration will start at the softball fields at 4:30pm. There are seperate divisions for boys and girls for ages 6 through 13. (age of as 12/31/2011)
There is no cost to register, however, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver form for each child. You may also register prior to the event at the Parks & Recreation office at 200 East Spencer in Gunnison.

SUMMER RECREATION!

Summer Recreation Programs are starting. Most are beginning this week. If you are interested in signing up - now is the time! You can dig in the dirt, fly through the air, get wet, hurtle down a hill, and just have FUN!
The following programs are being offered:
Gymnastics; Basketball; Youth and Adult Tennis; Sporties for Shorties; Water Fun Day at the Park; Baseball; Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing for Youth and Adults; Outdoor Pickleball; Youth and Adult Tae-Kwon-Do; Aerial Dance with Hoop and Fabric; Youth and Adult Hula Hooping; Fly Fishing Camp; Three Rivers Raft Trips; Youth Mountain Bike Classes; Get Fit-Stay Fit; Zumba; Mountain Roots Garden Summer Camp; WSC Track and Field Day Camp; BMX; Swimming Lessons; Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons; Diving Lessons; Jr. Lifeguard Training; First Aid/CPR/AED Training; and Water Aerobics.
If you would like to register, please call 641-8060 or go online at http://www.gunnisonrec.com/

Your City Council

City Council will be meeting this evening, Tuesday, June 7th, at 7pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue. This will be a Council Work Session, no formal action will be taken.

Council will be discussing the following: City Investment Policy; an amendment to the Gunnison Rising Annexation Agreement regarding the proposed CDOW Discovery Center; update on the GunnisonValley Animal Welfare League's proposed animal shelter; a License Agreement for a projecting sign over the sidewalk at Gunnison Shipping, 125 W. Virginia Avenue; a Challenge Grant Application in the amount of $1,000 for the Straw Bale Conference to be held this fall; a letter of support requested by "Boomers and Beyond" group for their grant application to the El Pomar Foundation; and discussion on a letter to Judge Patrick regarding the UGRWCD representation. As always, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting.

Kids Fishing and Outdoor Sports Expo

The 2011 Kids Fishing Derby and Outdoor Sports Expo will take place this weekend - Saturday, June 4th starting at 10am at Jorgensen Park. This is a FREE event for all kids under 15 yrs. Lunch is provided as well as ready to use fishing poles.


In addition to fishing there is a laser shooting booth, archery, practice casting and educational booths by the US Forest Service, BLM, the Wild Turkey Federation, National Park Service, Division of Wildlife, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Gunnison Kiwanis Club and MORE! This is a great opportunity to get out and fish and learn about outdoor sports.

Hope to See EVERYONE there!

City Council This Evening

City Council will be meeting in a 5th Tuesday Work Session this evening starting at 7pm in the Gunnison City Council Chambers, on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue. Council will be discussing strategic planning and the policy direction they would like to undertake during the next two years. Council reorganized on May 16th with the inclusion of two new members - Bob Drexel and Ed Seymour.
As always - the public is welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. Information to be discussed at the meeting can be found in the Council e-packet at: www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/council/epackets/default.htm For more information, you may also call 641-8140.

It was a GREAT Weekend

Despite the windy conditions, it was a great outdoor recreation weekend in Gunnison. There were three BIG Rage in the Sage events at Hartman Rocks this weekend. The 24 Hours of Gunnison Glory climbing event started Friday evening at Hartman Rocks. Saturday morning saw runners heading out for the annual 25k and 50k Sage Burner Running Races at Hartman Rocks. Then 7am Sunday morning saw 350 mountain bikers at the downtown Gunnison IOOF Park starting line. With the starting shotgun blast of Mayor Jonathan Houck, the riders rode down Tomichi and out to Hartman Rocks where the race started up Kill Hill.

A huge amount of thanks goes out to the organizers and sponsors of these three events. They really bring a lot of folks to our community. Kudos too to all of the City crews from Public Works, Parks & Recreation and the Police Department, without whom, these events wouldn't take place.

City Memorial Day Schedule

City of Gunnison offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th in Observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. As always, the Police Department Officers, Fire Department Volunteers and Communications emergency services personnel will be on duty serving the citizens.

REFUSE PICKUP - No Pickup on Monday. If your trash is normally picked up on Monday, your trash will be picked up on Tuesday, May 31st. Please call 641-8020 if you have any questions.

The Gunnison Community Center will be Open from 8am to 9pm on Monday. May 30th. There will be NO early morning lap swimming on Monday. The Parks & Recreation Offices will be CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day. If you have any questions please call 641-8060.

Summer Camp Adventure

Looking for some adventure-filled activities for your children to participate in this summer? Check out the Summer Adventure Camp hosted by Gunnison Parks & Recreation. Hiking, biking, rafting, basketball, kickball, rock climbing, swimming, baseball, arts & crafts, gardening, bowling and multiple field trips are just some of the FUN activities included in the Summer Adventure Camp.
Camp is held Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm, starting Tuesday, May 31st through August 26th. Participant-Campers will meet each morning at the Indoor Ice Rink at Jorgensen Park.
You can drop-in to the Adventure Camp for $30 per day or sign up for an entire month at a discounted rate. Payment plans are available! Contact Gunnison Parks & Recreation at 641-8060 or go to the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison for more information or to sign up. Have an adventurous summer!

Batter Up - Play Ball!

Summer Adult Softball is starting next week. Get a team together and join in the MANDATORY Manager's Meeting on Thursday, May 26th, at 6pm at the Gunnison Community Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.
There is a league for every playing ability. City Recreation is offering coed competitive, coed recreational, coed leisure, women's, men's competitive and men's recreational leagues. Coed is Tuesdays and Thursdays, Men's is Mondays and Wednesdays, and the Women's League will play on Wednesday. All games are played at the Jorgensen Recreation Complex Ballfields on East Tomichi Avenue. Games start on Tuesday, May 31st - so hurry and get your team together! For more information call Dan V at 641-8422.

New Council Mayor

At the City Council Reorganization meeting on Monday night, May 16th, the Council unanimously selected Councilor Jonathan Houck to be the Mayor for the next two years and Councilor Ellen Harriman to serve as the Mayor Pro Tem.

Summer Recreation Program Registration

Registration for summer recreation programs starts Monday, May 16th!! You can register online at www.GunnisonRec.com, call 641-8060, or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison. You can also view the online virtual brochure at www.tinyurl.com/gunnisonsummerprograms. Hard copy brochures are available at the Community Center and at City Hall in Gunnison.
Please note, 6-8 and 9-10 Baseball will be starting earlier than in years past. It will start on May 23rd. There will be a mandatory skills evaluation starting on Monday, May 23rd through Thursday, May 26th from 5-6pm at the softball fields in Jorgensen park. To help create teams in a timely fashion, we need to have anyone interested in playing to sign up BEFORE May 23rd.
Have a great Summer!!

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION EXERCISE

On Monday, May 16th, Gunnison County Emergency Management will be holding an exercise of one if its primary public notification systems. The system is called Target Notification, and by using reverse phone technology, this allows authorities to send emergency notification phone calls to all land-lines in the county as well as to cell phone users who have subscribed to this service.
For the exercise of May 16th, at some point during the day, you will receive a pre-recorded phone message stating that "this is a test of the Target Notification System". The message will also contain a breif explanation of how to register your cell phone on this system. The phone call requires NO ACTION ON YOUR PART, other than registering your cell phone on the system if you choose to do so. To register your cell phone with Target Notification, please go to the Gunnison County website at http://www.gunnisoncounty.org/.
For more information , please contact Gunnison County Emergency Management at 641-2481 or smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org

2011 Election Results

Unofficial 2011 City of Gunnison Election Results

City Council Vacancies
Robert E. Drexel - 540 Votes - 4 year term
Jonathan D. Houck - 483 Votes - 4 year term
Ed Seymour - 402 Votes - 2 year term
Jim Gelwicks - 341 Votes - not elected
Greg Larson - 281 Votes - not elected
Kenneth Scott Frazier - 265 Votes - not elected

Ballot Question 1 - Allow Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Associated Facilities in the City
Yes: 441 votes
NO: 589 votes

Ballot Question 2 - Place an Additional 5% Sales Tax on Medical Marijuana
Yes: 566 Votes
No: 469 Votes

Total Ballots Issued: 1911
Total # Ballots Cast: 1056
Total # Ballots Returned as Undeliverable: 133
Total # of Verified Countable Ballots: 1051
Total # of Spoiled Ballots: 5
Voter Participation: 55.3%

The results are unofficial until the election results are canvassed and certified by the Election Commission on Friday, May 13, 2011.

City Election Update

VOTE! The 2011 Regular Municipal Election is well underway. 6 candidates vying for three Council seats and two ballot questions regarding medical marijuana are on the ballot.
Ballots were mailed to active registered City electors on Tuesday, April 19th. As of today, Friday, May 6th, 724 ballots have been returned to the City Clerk's Department. The ballots will be counted starting next Tuesday afternoon, May 10th. The polls will be open 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, May 10th.
If you are a registered City elector that hasn't received their mail ballot, please call the Clerk's office at 641-8140 for assistance. TO BE COUNTED, ALL BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE BY 7PM ON TUESDAY, MAY 10TH.

Gymnastics or Tennis Anyone?

The Gunnison Parks & Recreation Department will be providing professional tennis instruction with USPTA-certified instructor Jaylen Musselman from The Club at Crested Butte. Ages 5-14 years and all abilities are welcome to learn strokes, rules and ethics of a lifetime sport. A tennis racquet and non-marking (white soled) shoes are required. Please remember to bring water and dress appropriately. Classes will be held at the CharMar Park Tennis Courts. The dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays: May 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th and 24th. Times are: 4-5pm for 5 to 9 year olds; and 5-6pm for 10-14 year olds. The fee is $29 for Community Center members and $31 for Non-members. Sign up at www.Gunnisonrec.com, call 641-8060 for more information, or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer.

Open Gymnastics will be held from May 6th through June 3rd from 5 to 6:30pm in the Gunnison Community Center Gymnastics Room. 5 participants are need to run a class and classes are open for anyone. Children 4 years old and under must have a parent to participate with them. The cost is $3 for members and $5 for non-members for each class. Call 641-8060 for more information.

Time to Clean Up!

It's Spring Cleaning Time! The Annual Community Clean-Up will commence on Saturday, April 30th at 9am at the IOOF Park in downtown Gunnison. Participants can choose which area of the City they would like to clean - with more than 70 routes available. The Community Clean-up is co-hosted by the City and Western State College. There will be free hot coffee and other beverages available at registration, and baked goods will be available for sale. There will also be a raffle, in which five lucky participants will win $40 in Gunnison Greenbacks. The Clean-up will take place rain, snow or shine.

On Sunday, the clean-up activities will focus at Hartman Rocks. The Hartman Rocks User Group, in conjunction with the City, County and the local BLM office, will hold their annual work day. Volunteers are encouraged to show up at 9am at the base area. Bring water, work gloves, and wear sturdy shoes and suncreen. Lunch will be provided to all participants and there will also be a prize giveaway.

Get out and clean-up this weekend. It is great exercise and will benefit the environment and our community.

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet!

In 2009, twice as many people in Colorado died from perscription drug abuse than from drunk driving-related crashes. Help prevent illegal abuse of prescription drugs and dispose of your old/unused medications in an environmentally safe way.

There will be two safe drop-off locations to properly dispose of these old prescription drugs. On Saturday, April 30th, from 10am to 2pm, you can drop them off at City Market, 880 N. Main Street in Gunnison. On Monday, May 2nd, you can drop them off from 10am to 2pm at the City of Gunnison Police Department, located in City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue.

This program is sponsored by the City of Gunnison, Gunnison County, Colorado State Patrol, and the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP). For more information call 970.642.7396.

New Recreation Fees

For everyone's convenience , the City has added more Community/Aquatics Center Membership options. There are new 3 month and 6 month membership options. As always, these price include unlimited use of the Community/Aquatics Center for the duration of the membership. Of course, the 20 punch card and daily drop-in options are still available.

Call 970.641/8060 or email rec@cityofgunnison-co.gov for more information. YOu can also go to http://www.gunnisonrec.com/ for details.

A Fun Time Was Had By All

It was a rainy but fun weekend in Gunnison! The Easter Bunny was in attendance at the 2nd Annaul Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at the Community Pool on Saturday. 275 participants had a great time hunting for 2200 cement filled eggs, 4 golden eggs and 1 "Monster Egg". It weighed 10 pounds! 20 pounds of candy was given out. The kids enjoyed a "bouncy castle" and fun games like guessing the total number of jelly beans and "Bunny Bingo". Thanks to the Community Center personnel for all of their work in hosting this fun event.

A successful bike auction was held at the Public Works Shops at noon on Saturday. "Found" bikes, not claimed by their previous owners, were auctioned off to the public and great bargains were found - despite the rain.

With all of the rain this weekend - you can almost hear the grass growing and turning green! Welome spring!

City Council at Work

The City Council will hold their Regular Session meeting tomorrow night - Tuesday, April 26th, starting at 7pm, in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison.

They will be discussing and taking action on the following topics:
The Farmer's Market Multi-Day Special Events Permit;
Danial Gray will speak with Council concerning the City Noise Ordinance;
The Gunnison Glory Climbing Event Applicaiton for a Challenge Grant in the Amount of $1000;
A request from the Gunnison WhiteWater Park managers for a Contract for Service to purchase webcams for the Whitewater Park;
An Easement on the Wilson Property at the east edge of Gunnison;
2nd Reading of an Additional Appropriations to the 2011 Budget Ordinance;
1st Reading on the Youth Tobacco Ordinance;
1st Reading on the Lease Purchase of a Used 2009 Sterling Tandem Dump Truck;
The Parks & Recreation Department Semi-Annual Report on their activities; and
a variety of Staff and City Councilor reports.
To view the packet information go to: http://www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/council/epackets/Default.htm or contact the City Clerks Office at gail@cityofgunnison-co.gov

As Always - the public is always welcome and encouraged to attend City Council meetings!

This Weekend in Gunnison

While the weather has been an iffy combination of winter and spring, there is still a lot to do this weekend in Gunnison. The City of Gunnison Parks & Recreation 2nd Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday at the Gunnison Community/Aquatics Center. Find more information on this event in the blog post below this one.

Also on Saturday is the City Bike Auction. The auction is conducted as a silent auction with written bidding beginning at 12 Noon and ending at 1pm. There will be bikes and other miscellaneous items to bid on. The auction will be at the Gunnison City Shops, 1100 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison (at the west dead end of Virginia Avenue). Come out and find some great bargins!

Saturday at 9am - head on down to the Fred Field Western Heritage Center (at the County Rodeo Grounds) for the 1st Annual Gunnison Valley Gardening Festival. The event will include 30 exhibitors with informational diplays and demonstrations, food vendors and cooking lessons, live music and kids activities. The Festival is free to attend and is hosted by the Gunnison Valley Farmers' Market. For more information email your questions to gardenfestival20112sonic.net.

Tonight, enjoy dinner in one of Gunnison's great restaurants and then bike or walk (It's Earth Day today!!) to the Gunnison Arts Center at 102 S. Main Street to hear the Canadian-based acoustic ensemble "The Duhk's" in concert. They were nominated for a Grammy Award for their song "Heaven's My Home. The doors open at 7pm and for more information or to purchase tickets go to www.gunnisontimes.com After the show, enjoy a locally brewed beer or a mellow glass of wine at one of Gunnison's brew pubs, taverns or wine bars.

On Sunday, April 24th at 1pm, the American Legion will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt for the kids at Legion Park. The 0-3 year olds will hunt for eggs on the WSC field just east of Legion Park, the 4-6 year olds will hunt at the Legion Park Playground and the 7 to 9 year olds will hunt for their eggs on the park lawn west of the playground. Also, at 11:30am - the "Get Your Goat 4-H Club" will have a petting zoo in the park prior to the egg hunt. Happy Easter to everyone!

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

The 2nd Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Gunnison Community/Aquatics Center on Saturday, April 23rd starting at 11:30am. All kids ages 0-12 are invited to attend the egg hunt, bouncy house and Easter games. All of the underwater egg hunting will take place in the leisure pool at the aquatics center. Participants will be arranged according to ages for egg hunting. The groups are: 4 and Under - 11:45am at the zero-entry pool area 5 - 6 year olds - 12:30pm at the zero-entry and stairs area 7 - 9 year olds - 11:45am in the 3-5 ft. deep pool area 10-12 year olds - 12:30pm in the 3-5 ft. deep pool area This Easter Event is FREE with a facility daily drop-in fee, annual membership or punch card. After the event stay and play/swim in the pool! For more information please contact Parks & Recreation at 970-641-8060.

City Election Update

The Regular Municipal Election will take place on May 10, 2011 (second Tuesday in May). This date is set forth by the City Home Rule Charter. Council Candidate petitions have been sent out, received back and verified/certified for 6 candidates. There are three Council terms availbale this year. The six Council Candidates for this year's election are (in alphabetic order): Robert E. Drexel; Scott Frazier; Jim Gelwicks; Jonathan D. Houck; Greg Larson; and Ed Seymour. Also on this year's ballot are two ballot questions. Ballot Question No. 1 is for voter's to decide whether to allow Medical Marijuana Centers (also known as medical marijuana dispensaries), Optional Premises Cultivation Operations (medicial marijuana grow centers), and medical marijuana-infused products manufactureres within the City limits of Gunnison. Ballot Question No. 2 asks the voters, if medicial marijuana centers and the associated operations are allowed within the City, should an additional 5% sales tax be imposed on the purchase price paid for medical marijuana and medical marijuana-infused products. The Election is being conducted as a mail ballot election and ballots should be mailed to voters on Wednesday, April 20th.