Pitkin County Commissioners approved a $22 million bond issuance for solid waste center expansion and a $9.6 million federal aviation grant application for airport runway design at their January 14 meeting. Chair Kelly McNicholas Kury announced her resignation effective February 16, with applications due February 6 for the District 2 vacancy. The board recognized Tom Dunlap for 50 years of environmental health service and Fleet Director Matt Burgstresser as Colorado’s Professional Manager of the Year from the American Public Works Association Colorado Chapter. Commissioners Jeffrey Woodruff and Francie Jacober were appointed chair and vice-chair for 2026. The revenue bond carries 4.29 percent interest rates with $1.77 million average annual debt service through 2045.
Bond Finances Solid Waste Expansion
Finance Director Liz Woods presented the revenue bond with Piper Sandler representatives. Current rates stand at 4.29 percent, down from December’s 4.35 percent. The maximum $22 million bond includes maximum 5.25 percent interest rate and $37 million total debt service through December 31, 2045 maturity.
Stifel serves as underwriter with February 26 closing targeted. Standard & Poor’s completed rating presentation with standard ten-year refinancing options. Commissioners unanimously approved first reading, scheduling second reading and public hearing January 28.
Airport Infrastructure Projects
Commissioners unanimously approved the $9.6 million FAA Infrastructure Grant application for runway 15/33 design. Airport Manager Ryan Mahoney and Diane Jackson said approximately $1.6 million would expire without runway project use.
The board approved a $450,373.48 FAA reimbursable agreement for navigational aids planning. The county pays upfront and receives 90 percent reimbursement the following year. Both projects support ongoing airport redevelopment.
District 2 Vacancy Process
McNicholas Kury’s February 16 resignation creates a District 2 vacancy with applications due February 6 at 5 p.m. Interim County Manager Kara Silbernagel outlined the timeline: candidate review February 10, interviews February 17, appointment February 25.
Eligibility requires one-year District 2 residency prior to appointment and continued residency through January 12, 2027, plus registered voter status. County 101 sessions are offered February 9-13 for candidates.
County Clerk Ingrid Figueroa clarified separate filing requirements for the permanent four-year seat at pitkinvotes.com.
Public Service Recognition
Commissioner Patti Clapper recognized Tom Dunlap’s 50-year environmental health career beginning in 1970 with founding of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and EPA. Dunlap worked at multiple government levels, testifying before Colorado Legislature and U.S. House on environmental protection and food safety.
He acknowledged his wife’s 25-year county service as budget director, totaling 75 combined years. Clapper noted their 37-year working relationship starting in 1988 on Superfund work at the smuggler site.
Fleet Director Matt Burgstresser received Professional Manager of the Year from the American Public Works Association Colorado Chapter president presenting remotely. Burgstresser led county electric vehicle adoption efforts, implementing public-facing high-capacity EV charging with contactless payment options. Commissioners noted Pitkin County’s EV adoption rate doubles Colorado’s national-leading rate.
Public Comment on Air Quality
Ellen Anderson advocated for ultrafine particle monitoring at the airport following Monday’s work session. She cited European Union’s October 2024 ultrafine measurement mandate and EPA’s 2024 strengthening of PM2.5 standards from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter, calling not measuring ultrafines “willful ignorance.”
Commissioner Jacober supported exploring monitoring costs and practicality. Former 25-year airport employee Toni Kronberg praised airport redevelopment public engagement efforts.
Housing and Human Services
Housing Program Analyst Andrew Miller presented the deed-restricted condominium purchase at 35 Lower Woodbridge Road Unit T-170 for $649,933. Originally purchased in 2018 for $625,000 with $250,000 county contribution, the buyback represents $899,933 total county investment. The 1,256 square foot unit carries $18,508 annual HOA fees.
Human Services Director Lindsay Maisch with Norma Avila presented the $25,000 Garfield County agreement for state-approved eligibility training. In-person training proves more effective than virtual options, with Garfield County serving as hub county. Training costs approximately $6,315 per new staff member for full onboarding.
Public Health Planning Analyst Ariel Holstein presented the three-year chronic disease prevention grant partnership with Garfield County Public Health using tobacco tax funding, with $19,500 covering the first six months.
Roads and Appointments
Road and Bridge Manager DJ Hughes presented Highway User Tax Fund certification, adding Dorias Way in Redstone to eligible roads and enabling approximately $1.2 million in state road maintenance funding.
Citizen board appointments confirmed Gloria Kaasch-Buerger to Airport Advisory Board as Town of Basalt representative, replacing Catherine Christoff. Evan Marks was confirmed as City of Aspen representative, assuming Sara Ott’s term.
Charlotte Anderson presented remotely for Colorado Mountain College’s $2,000 scholarship grant application requiring county support for Pitkin County students.
Mark Gregory from Colorado River BOCES discussed career technical education funding for Pitkin County residents and requested future agenda time. Commissioners suggested outreach to RFTA and Public Works for work-based learning opportunities.
Policy and Leadership Updates
Commissioner Clapper emphasized the need for snow for economic, environmental, and water supply reasons, stating “Water is life.” Clapper praised outgoing Chair McNicholas Kury’s leadership during the ceremonial chair transition.
County Attorney Rye Neiley III with Sheriff Michael Buglione and Undersheriff Alex Burchetta presented Title 9 camping ordinance updates. The ordinance prohibits camping and overnight occupancy in public rights-of-way in unincorporated Pitkin County, including Highway 82 and Highway 133, creating fine schedules and increasing violation fines.
Commissioners approved minutes from December 17 and January 6 meetings, with committee appointments updated and District 2 assignments generalized pending new appointment. Greg Poschman retained opioid committee assignment per Amy Pendarvis.
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