HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc open discussion matters 'p 1 H IN 530 E. Main Street • Aspen, Colorado 81611
V f Phone: 970-920-5200 • Fax: 970-920-5198
GUN Tti
Senator Tate, Chair and Fellow Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee:
On behalf of the thousands of Pitkin County residents who lack modem broadband services, the
Board of County Commissioners urges you to vote•des on Senate Bill 17-42—a repeal of the
existing restrictions prohibiting local governments to participate in the provision of
communication services, including broadband.
Broadband, like water,does not adhere to political or economic corridors. Due to our region's
low population density and mountainous terrain,providers have not been interested in expanding
broadband services beyond the population cores. Pitkin County asked existing providers to
extend services to rural areas,but unfortunately traditional business models have lacked the
flexibility needed to address local and regional barriers.
Pitkin County successfully opted out of SB 05-152 in 2015 with over 90% support. Through
strategic partnerships, collaborations with public safety agencies and innovative engineering,the
County is able to deploy broadband beyond the population core at nearly 'A the cost existing
models have quoted. This is simply because the County is positioned to leverage existing
infrastructure and partnerships that tradition business models are unable to support. However,
deployment of broadband in Pitkin County requires collaboration with two other counties and
four other municipalities—seven ballot measures for one county.
Voters across the state are speaking at the ballot box to remove barriers to government
participation. Pitkin County and other jurisdictions are demonstrating that enabling local
governments in the deployment of broadband leads to sustainable business models and cost-
effective solutions to unserved and underserved areas. It is time to remove antiquated legislation
that voters time and again are striking down and deeming unnecessary.
Deploying broadband across Colorado is difficult enough due to high capital costs and
geographic terrain. Removing needless barriers that prevent any stakeholder from participating in
the deployment of broadband anywhere in Colorado improves all of Colorado. A vote"yes"on
SB 17-42 will ensure local governments and private providers can work together to achieve
solutions greater than any one individual effort and build a better, stronger Colorado.
S cerely,
/7/EtApt.A.6L-N,
George Newman, Chair,Pitkin County Board of Commissioners
Jeffrey U Montgomery
205 Glen Eagles Drive
Aspen CO 8 161 1
February 7, 2017
Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Dear Pitkin County Planning&Zoning Commissioners:
1 live in the Aspen Highlands Subdivision and am a neighbor of Andrew and Jeanne Doremus
who have lived in our neighborhood for 25 years. I support Andrew and Jeanne's Planned tin it
Development and the residential Growth Management application for their 2.4 acre parcel which
is surrounded by the our Subdivision. One new house will be located in a small clearing in the
mature aspen grove which allows for preservation of the existing yard and large trees that border
the yard. The Doremus backyard is attractive and benefits all the neighboring lots which
overlook it.
The Planned Unit Devleopment will preserve valued open space along the scenic Maroon Creek
Road corridor for the benefit of the public and provide a location for gardens. An approval of
the application for a Planned Unit Development will enable the new house to be located in
manner which preserves mature trees and the existing yard.
We encourage you to support our neighbors in their thoughtful application which is compatible
with our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey D Montgomery
T I N 530 E. Main Street • Aspen, Colorado 81611
COUNPhone: 970-920-5200 • Fax: 970-920-5198
T
Senator Neville,Chair and Fellow Senate Finance Committee Members:
Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners supports the Rural Economic Advancement of
Colorado Towns(REACT), Senate Bill 17-022. Rural communities across Colorado have
experienced significant economic challenges and have not been afforded the same growth and
prosperity other parts of the state have experience.
SB-17-22 will direct the Department of Local Affairs to continue its Rural Economic
Development Initiative (REDI) to help rural communities strengthen and diversify their local
economies. The codification of the REDI program through SB-17-22 is a critical component to
ensure communities across Colorado are positioned to address challenging circumstances today
and into the future.
On behalf of rural communities that continue to face economic hardships. Pitkin County urges
you to support SB 17-22.
Sincerely,
JAIL Cz8_
George Newman, Chair, itkin County Board of Commissioners