Pitkin County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Pitkin County boards meet, no formal decisions; ballot measure on Aug. 26 agenda

Pitkin County boards and commissions held a week of meetings from Aug. 11–20, but none resulted in formal votes. The most consequential item on the calendar is a proposed property tax levy for the Healthy Community Fund, which the Board of County Commissioners will consider at its Aug. 26 meeting.

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held several sessions, all without decisions.

• **Aug. 11 work session:** The board voted to enter executive session to discuss legal and negotiation matters involving the Pitkin County Airport Terminal, OST property damage litigation, a Fevaag land use application, and a potential water acquisition on the Roaring Fork River. The afternoon included updates from APCHA, Human Resources, and Community Development.
• **Aug. 12 regular meeting:** The agenda included a resolution to place a .853 mill property tax levy for the Healthy Community Fund on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot; a resolution authorizing a $2,104,034 FAA grant for Runway 15/33 shift partial design; a resolution authorizing an FAA AIP application for up to $50,000,000 for Runway 13-33 modernization; an ordinance authorizing the sale of the Snowmass Falls inholding to the U.S. Forest Service; and a resolution rescinding the Civil Rights Plan and transitioning it to a county policy. No votes were taken.
• **Aug. 18 work session:** The board held an executive session on the BOCC v. Star Sky litigation and legal requirements for an employee housing impact fee. The work session included presentations on the county's investments, community survey results, and a short-term rental impact study.
• **Aug. 20 special joint meeting:** The BOCC met with Lake County to discuss a debrief of the Willow Fire and coordination for the 2027 airport runway closure and Independence Pass. No formal decisions were listed.

Advisory Boards and Commissions

• **Finance Advisory Board (Aug. 20):** The board discussed the Healthy Community Fund property tax renewal, the preliminary 2027 budget forecast, and airport modernization updates. No votes or decisions were recorded.
• **Airport Advisory Board (Aug. 20):** The board reviewed the terminal SD update and alignment progress, first-quarter air quality measurements, parking updates, and the introduction of a new interim deputy director. No decisions were listed.
• **Healthy Rivers Board (Aug. 20):** The agenda was procedural, covering funding requests, policy items, infrastructure, and outreach. No specific decisions were detailed.
• **Senior Services Council (Aug. 19):** The meeting was routine, with only roll call and reports; no old or new business was listed.

Planning and Zoning

• **Planning & Zoning Commission:** The Aug. 18 meeting was canceled. The next meeting is Sept. 1, with no items listed; Sept. 15 will consider the Gardner Subdivision detailed submission and final plat submission by Franco Palumbo.
• **Hearing Officer:** On Aug. 18, a site visit and public meeting were held to consider the Andrew and Jeanne Doremus activity envelope and site plan review. The site visit took place at 1:00 PM at the primary driveway; the public meeting was at 3:00 PM in the Maroon Bells Meeting Room, Aspen.

Upcoming

The BOCC will hold a regular meeting on Aug. 26. Key items include:

• A resolution to rescind Resolution No. 068-2019 and establish public parking fees at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
• A resolution approving a ballot title for a .853 mills property tax levy for the Healthy Community Fund (up to 30 years).
• An ordinance authorizing the sale of the Snowmass Falls inholding to the U.S. Forest Service and vacation of any county road.
• A resolution authorizing the Sheriff's Office to apply for a 2026 State Homeland Security Grant for a regional mobile command vehicle.
• Ordinances approving conservation easements for BelleJackBlue Ranch Parcels 1, 2, and 3.

No votes are expected until that meeting.

Pitkin County boards to weigh property tax levy, airport grants, and land deals

Pitkin County officials have a busy week of meetings ahead, but no decisions have been made public yet, as minutes from recent sessions have not been published. The most significant item on the horizon is a proposed ballot measure that would levy a .853 mill property tax to fund the Healthy Community Fund, along with two large airport grants.

Recent meetings

All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no official decisions are confirmed.

• **Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 4)** – The commission considered two text amendments to the land use code: one involving Emma Fields LLC and another regarding the county's definition of family.
• **BOCC Work Session (Aug. 4)** – The Board of County Commissioners held a non-binding discussion on airport terminal financing, Stubbies lease extension negotiations, watershed health monitoring, and community fund renewals. No decisions were scheduled.
• **Board of Adjustment (Aug. 4)** – This meeting was canceled. No items were discussed.
• **Open Space & Trails (Aug. 6)** – The board held an executive session to discuss property acquisitions in Snowmass Creek, Independence Pass, Roaring Fork Mining District, and Snowmass Canyon. It also took public comment on a U.S. Forest Service offer to purchase Snowmass Falls and discussed Emma Townsite Access Improvements.
• **BOCC Work Session (Aug. 11)** – Commissioners voted to enter executive session to discuss legal and negotiation matters involving the Pitkin County Airport Terminal, OST property damage litigation, a Fevaag land use application, and a potential water acquisition on the Roaring Fork River. The afternoon included updates from APCHA, Human Resources, and Community Development.
• **BOCC Regular Meeting (Aug. 12)** – The agenda included a resolution to place a .853 mill property tax levy for the Healthy Community Fund on the November 3, 2026 ballot; a resolution authorizing an FAA grant of $2,104,034 for Runway 15/33 shift partial design at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport; a resolution authorizing an FAA AIP application for up to $50,000,000 for Runway 13-33 modernization; an ordinance authorizing the sale of the Snowmass Falls inholding to the U.S. Forest Service; and a resolution rescinding the Civil Rights Plan and transitioning it to a county policy.

Upcoming meetings

• **Hearing Officer (Aug. 18)** – A site visit and public meeting to consider the Andrew and Jeanne Doremus activity envelope and site plan review. The site visit is at 1:00 PM at the primary driveway; the public meeting is at 3:00 PM in the Maroon Bells Meeting Room, Aspen.
• **BOCC Work Session (Aug. 18)** – A special meeting includes a vote to enter executive session on the BOCC v. Star Sky litigation and legal requirements for an employee housing impact fee. The work session will feature presentations on county investments, community survey results, a short-term rental impact study, and an airport update.
• **Senior Services Council (Aug. 19)** – The agenda contains only routine reports (roll call, secretary, chairperson, manager) with no old or new business items.
• **BOCC Special Meeting (Aug. 20)** – A joint meeting with Lake County to debrief the Willow Fire and coordinate for the 2027 airport runway closure and Independence Pass. No formal decisions are listed.

Coming up

• **Aug. 18** – Hearing Officer (Doremus site plan) and BOCC Work Session (Star Sky lawsuit, housing impact fee)
• **Aug. 19** – Senior Services Council (routine reports)
• **Aug. 20** – BOCC Special Meeting with Lake County (Willow Fire debrief, runway closure coordination)

Note: The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Aug. 18 has been canceled; the next meeting is Sept. 1, with Sept. 15 considering the Gardner Subdivision detailed submission and final plat submission by Franco Palumbo.

Pitkin County boards hold work sessions, no decisions; ballot measure on tap

In the past two weeks, Pitkin County boards held a series of work sessions, special meetings, and site visits, but no official decisions have been reported. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no outcomes are available. The most consequential item on the horizon is a proposed ballot measure that would fund the Healthy Community Fund through a property tax levy.

Recent meetings

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners held two work sessions. On July 28, the board received presentations on the Roadmap for Homeless Response, an update on Maroon Bells, and the Clean Heat project at the Library and HHS. The board also scheduled a special meeting to vote on entering executive session to discuss water rights acquisition with the Healthy Rivers & Streams Board. On August 4, the board reviewed non-binding discussions on airport terminal financing, Stubbies lease extension negotiations, watershed health monitoring, and community fund renewals. No official decisions were scheduled.

On July 28, the board also convened a special executive session with no public agenda items.

Open Space and Trails

The Open Space and Trails Board of Trustees held two meetings. On July 30, the board conducted a site visit at the Emma Townsite in Basalt. On August 6, the board held an executive session to discuss property acquisitions in the Snowmass Creek, Independence Pass, Roaring Fork Mining District, and Snowmass Canyon areas. The board also took public comment on a U.S. Forest Service offer to purchase Snowmass Falls and discussed Emma Townsite Access Improvements.

Airport Advisory Board

On July 30, the Airport Advisory Board reviewed its roles and processes, discussed the Airport Modernization project, and outlined next steps and schedule. Public comment was taken.

Planning and Zoning Commission

On August 4, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered two text amendments to the land use code: one involving Emma Fields LLC and one regarding the county's definition of family.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for August 4 was canceled. No items were discussed.

Coming up

August 11 – BOCC Work Session: The Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting and work session. The morning includes a vote to enter executive session to discuss legal and negotiation matters involving the Pitkin County Airport Terminal, OST property damage litigation, a Fevaag land use application, and a potential water acquisition on the Roaring Fork River. The afternoon features updates from APCHA, Human Resources, and Community Development, plus an interview with an APCHA candidate.

August 12 – BOCC Regular Meeting: The board will consider a resolution to place a .853 mill property tax levy for the Healthy Community Fund on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Other items include a resolution authorizing an FAA grant of $2,104,034 for Runway 15/33 shift partial design at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, a resolution authorizing an FAA AIP application for up to $50,000,000 for Runway 13-33 modernization, an ordinance authorizing the sale of Snowmass Falls inholding to the U.S. Forest Service, and a resolution rescinding the Civil Rights Plan and transitioning it to a county policy.

Pitkin County board set to weigh $50 million FAA runway grant; several meetings canceled

Pitkin County's Board of County Commissioners had a full agenda for its July 22 regular meeting, including a proposed application for up to $50,000,000 in Federal Aviation Administration funding for runway modernization at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Minutes from that meeting and others covered here have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Airport funding and runway projects

The July 22 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agenda listed two FAA-related items:

• Authorization to submit an FAA Airport Improvement Program application and accept up to $50,000,000 for Runway 13–33 modernization at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
• Authorization for the Chair to sign an FAA grant of $2,104,034 for Runway 15/33 shift partial design at the same airport.

Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed whether either item was approved.

Water rights, budget amendments, and child care

Also on the July 22 BOCC agenda:

• Supplemental appropriations to the 2026 budget and a budget amendment for water-rights acquisition.
• An ordinance authorizing acquisition of shares in the Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Company.
• A land-use public hearing on a resolution denying the Raceway Fun, LLC application for restoration or expansion of a non-conforming structure and related land-use changes.
• A short-term inter-fund advance and an emergency child-care assistance allocation, per the meeting summary.

No vote tallies are available; minutes have not been published.

July 28 work session and special meeting

The BOCC held a July 28 work session with presentations on the Roadmap for Homeless Response by Ashley Perl, a Maroon Bells update from Gary Tennenbaum, and an update on the Clean Heat project at the Library and HHS by Kevin Warner. The agenda also listed a 15-minute board open discussion and a review of future agenda calendars.

A special meeting was scheduled the same day for the board to vote on entering executive session to discuss water-rights acquisition with the Healthy Rivers & Streams Board. The Healthy Rivers meeting that followed consisted entirely of an executive session, with no public agenda items or decisions listed.

Open Space site visit and Airport Advisory Board

On July 30, the Open Space and Trails Board of Trustees held a special meeting at the Emma Townsite in Basalt for a site visit, followed by adjournment. No other substantive items were listed.

The Airport Advisory Board met July 30 to review its roles and processes, discuss the Airport Modernization project, outline next steps and schedule, and take public comment. No decisions were listed on the agenda.

Canceled meetings

Two meetings were canceled with no items decided or discussed:

• Hearing Officer, July 21.
• Planning & Zoning Commission, July 21.

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — BOCC Work Session:** Non-binding discussions on Pitkin County Airport Terminal financing, Stubbies lease extension negotiations, watershed health monitoring, Healthy Community Fund Renewal, and a CORE 2026 progress update with a 2027 funding request. No official decisions are scheduled.
• **Aug. 4 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** Consideration of two land-use code text amendments — Emma Fields LLC and the county's definition of family.
• **Aug. 4 — Board of Adjustment:** Canceled.
• **Aug. 6 — Open Space & Trails Board:** Executive session on property acquisitions in Snowmass Creek, Independence Pass, Roaring Fork Mining District, and Snowmass Canyon areas; consideration of a US Forest Service offer to purchase Snowmass Falls with public comment; and discussion and possible board action on Emma Townsite Access Improvements.

Pitkin County boards weigh $6.5M river bonds, airport grants, and Raceway Drive development

Pitkin County's Board of County Commissioners has a packed two weeks, with agendas covering up to $6.5 million in sales tax revenue bonds for river and stream projects, a proposed $50 million FAA grant for runway modernization, and continued review of the Raceway Drive development in Woody Creek. Because minutes have not yet been published for any recent meeting, the items below reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed outcomes.

BOCC: Bonds, water rights, and airport financing

On July 8, the BOCC regular meeting agenda included issuance of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, not to exceed $6,500,000 for the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund. The same agenda listed an ordinance authorizing acquisition of shares in the Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Company, supplemental appropriations to the 2026 budget for that water-rights acquisition, a grant agreement with BJA Paul under the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program for the Pitkin County Clear Program, and a subdivision final plat for the NMP Residence Trust / SEP Residence Trust.

On July 14, the BOCC scheduled a special meeting to vote on entering executive session to discuss airport terminal financing and regulatory compliance, the Aspen Motorsports Park / Woody Creek Raceway land-use application (PLAN.3018.2026), and a potential water rights sale. A work session following the executive session included presentations on Prince Creek Road safety with Andrew Knapp and airport parking rates and fees with Ryan Mahoney, Diane Jackson, and Liz Woods.

On July 15, the BOCC conducted a site visit for an application by Mount Adams Capital, LLC and Aspen Racing and Sports Car Club at 550 Raceway Drive, Woody Creek. The agenda covered a major amendment to a development permit, restoration or expansion of non-conforming structures, a Growth Management Quota System (GMQS) allotment for commercial development, and options to defray employee housing impact fees. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled to continue July 22.

July 22 BOCC meeting: Up to $50M FAA grant and Raceway Fun denial

The July 22 BOCC regular meeting agenda includes authorizing submission of an FAA Airport Improvement Program application and acceptance of up to $50,000,000 for Runway 13-33 modernization at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. A separate item would authorize the chair to sign an FAA grant of $2,104,034 for Runway 15/33 shift partial design. The agenda also lists supplemental appropriations for water-rights acquisition, the Twin Lakes acquisition ordinance, and a resolution denying the Raceway Fun, LLC application for restoration or expansion of a non-conforming structure and related land-use changes.

Board of Adjustment: Holland Hills variance

The Board of Adjustment agenda for July 7 listed a single item: a rear yard setback variance request from 198 Holland Hills LLC. No other substantive items were scheduled.

Hearing Officer: Aspen Land LLC review

On July 14, the Hearing Officer was scheduled to conduct a site visit and formal meeting to review the Aspen Land LLC activity envelope and site plan, plus a special review and GMQS exemption for a TDR receiver site associated with Tami Kochen.

Airport modernization groundbreaking

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the ASE Airport Modernization project was held July 15 at the Airport Operations Center, 1001 Owl Creek Road, Aspen. The agenda listed speeches and photo opportunities, with no formal decisions scheduled.

Board of Health: Behavioral health, Lincoln Creek, housing

The Board of Health met July 16 for an informational session. Agenda items included a training session with Katie Waters, MPH; an epidemiology update by Carly Senst; a Lincoln Creek environmental health update by Kurt Dahl; a behavioral health strategic plan discussion by Lindsay Branham; and a presentation on Pitkin County housing initiatives by Andrew Miller. No voting items were listed.

Other meetings

The July 7 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was canceled. The Telecommunications Advisory Board met July 8 to consider approving April 8, 2026 minutes and receive an engineering report. The Senior Services Council met July 15 at the Senior Center and via Google Meet for reports only, with the next session set for August 19, 2026.

Coming up

• **July 21** — Hearing Officer meeting: canceled.
• **July 21** — Planning & Zoning Commission meeting: canceled.
• **July 22** — BOCC Regular Meeting: up to $50 million FAA grant for runway modernization, $2,104,034 FAA grant for Runway 15/33 shift design, water-rights appropriations, Twin Lakes acquisition ordinance, and a resolution to deny the Raceway Fun, LLC application. A continued public hearing on the 550 Raceway Drive development is also expected.