Town Briefs

Telluride Chief Marshal Jim Kolar told the Telluride Town Council on Tuesday that most Telluride residents say that the marshals department is doing what they want it to do.

That conclusion comes from a survey that the Citizen's Advisory Board mailed to about a thousand local residences and businesses. About 200 surveys, with what Kolar called "a broad mixture of thirty questions," were returned by the Aug. 1, 2006 due date.

Respondents listed their top 10 concerns, in order, to be burglary, assault, theft, domestic violence, vandalism, DUI enforcement, distribution and sale of illegal drugs, noise complaints and disorderly conduct, traffic enforcement on main street, and juvenile problems. Only 5 percent of respondents said they were somewhat fearful of crime, and half of the respondents said they were very satisfied with the quality of life in Telluride; 46 percent said they were satisfied, and 4 percent said they were dissatisfied.

The most prevalent condition reported as a nuisance was trash, at 25 percent, followed by poor lighting, loitering, public drinking, and neglected buildings.

Only six of the surveys returned were in Spanish. Students in Telluride High School teacher Scott Lambert's statistics class compiled the data from the survey.

Parking and Visitor Maps Available

Telluride Town Manager Frank Bell told council Tuesday that town maps are now available in public locations around town.

The maps identify the locations of all areas and types of public parking. The map also shows the route of the Galloping Goose bus and indicates the locations of gondolas, public restrooms, the fire station, hiking trails, ski areas, and other public services and areas.

HARC Application

Deadline Dec. 29

The Telluride Town Council is urging anyone who is qualified and interested to apply for the vacant second alternate seat on the Historic and Architectural Review Commission.

HARC member Sonchia Jilek suggested that anyone interested in applying should call the town's main number at 728-3071, and added that she and others familiar with HARC would be willing to explain the qualifications and responsibilities of the position. Mayor John Pryor said council will consider applicants at its next meeting, on Jan. 9.

Kothe Stepping Down

Nina Kothe will resign from her position as executive assistant to the town manager to work for the San Miguel County Commissioners. Kothe's last day is Dec. 29.

Town Manager Frank Bell told council he plans to reassign some of Kothe's work.

"One of the reasons I'm choosing not to replace her is that I'm not sure how I could do that," Bell said.

New Year's Eve Party

Andrea Benda announced that she will be the "mistress of ceremonies" for a New Year's Eve party on Colorado Ave. in front of the San Miguel County Courthouse. Benda said the party, for which Dean Rolley will be providing the sound system, will start at around 11:30 p.m. She said she expects "a real sense of camaraderie" out in the cold weather and expects to see "everybody dancing in the street," which will be closed to traffic.

"It's a way for everyone to come together and to be a part of the community right at the stroke of the New Year," Benda said. She added that, after the countdown to the New Year, the crowd will present three different versions of Auld Lang Syne. Those interested in knowing what versions they are have to come to the party, Benda said.