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Government Tracker: Minturn hears possible routes for power line

Board: Minturn Town Council, evening meeting, Wednesday.

Present: Terry Armistead, Sidney Harrington, Harvey Craig, Sage Pierson, John Widerman, Earle Bidez and Mayor Matt Scherr.

Issue: Transmission line going up from Gilman to Avon.



Who they talked to: David Blakely, of Holy Cross Energy.

What they talked about: Blakely presented the council with three possible routes for a transmission line from the Gilman substation to a new Avon substation. The line would create a loop, saving power if the Gilman station falters for any reason. Two of the three routes would bring the line through town along the river, with the possibility of burying the line for 1 to 2 miles. The third option, which the council favored, takes a roadless line up along the mountainside and out of view. The project is in conjunction with Xcel Energy.

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What’s next: Blakely said Holy Cross and Xcel are working with multiple entities, including the U.S. Forest Service and surrounding towns. He hopes to have a route selected that all effected entities can agree on to begin the long process with the Forest Service. Ideally, the lines would go up in 2019, he said.

Issue: Increased ECO Transit through Minturn.

Who they talked to: Council member Widerman.

What they talked about: Council members Widerman and Pierson have been working with ECO Transit to bring increased service to the town this winter. Specific service details will be released with ECO Transit’s winter schedule. One of the services picks up at Maloit Park at 7:26 a.m. and drops off at the Vail Transportation Center just before 8 a.m., with a stop at the Forest Service station at Dowd Junction. They also secured 50 10-day punch cards from ECO Transit to be distributed to locals.

What’s next: The council is figuring out a way to give out the punch cards, and residents now have more options to get to Vail this winter.

Issue: Liquor license for The Turntable.

Who they talked to: New owners Mike Dennis and Steve Soloman along with their partner Ryan Thompson.

What they talked about: The Turntable in Minturn is under new ownership, and they are aiming to open in mid-December, with the same Turntable name and atmosphere. The train is still there.

How they voted: 7-0 to approve the liquor license.

What’s next: Stop by The Turntable for a drink after skiing the Minturn Mile, and stay tuned for their grand opening.

Issue: Liquor license for “Reel Rock” film tour.

Who they talked to: Council member Widerman.

What they talked about: The “Reel Rock” film tour is coming to Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy to raise money for the Live Like Logan Foundation. Town Clerk Jay Brunvand said Minturn and Telluride are the only two places in the state where a liquor license can be approved for an event on school grounds, and it’s the first approval for VSSA.

How they voted: 6-0 to approve the liquor license.

What’s next: The “Reel Rock” film screening will be Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Cost is a suggested donation of $10 to go toward the Live Like Logan Foundation, helping local athletes pursue their dreams.

Issue: First readings of ordinances in town’s budget.

Who they talked to: Town Clerk Jay Brunvand.

What they talked about: Ordinances.

How they voted: 7-0 to approve first readings of all ordinances, including community funding allocations, setting the mill levy and adjusting water fees.

What’s next: Second readings will come at the next council meeting, Dec. 7.

Reporter Ross Leonhart can be reached at 970-748-2915 and rleonhart@vaildaily.com. Follow him on Instagram at colorado_livin_on_the_hill.


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