Mountain Parks Electric Rate Increase Clarification

We reported on the Mountain Parks Electric rate increase last week and Tom Sifers, General Manager for MPEI wanted to clarify the numbers, “the 1.1% increase is based on the total of electric sales revenue projected for 2019 to increase from $36.6 million to $37.0 million with the rate adjustments or an increase in revenues of approximately $400,000 or 1.1% for all rate classifications. The General Service Rate, which is the residential rate and small commercial accounts, is made up of 2 charges, Service Availability and Energy Rate, we only increased the Service Availability from $29 to $30.50, the Energy rate was unchanged.”  Sifers added, “So if you have no usage your rate increase would be 5% or $1.50. The average usage is 649 kWh, under the 2018 rate the total charge would be $99.74, and the 2019 total charge would be $101.24 or an increase of 1.5% or $1.50. And for usage higher than the average of 649kWh per month the percentage decreases.”

Christmas Tree disposal options

After the first of the new year, many will be looking for options on how to dispose of their christmas trees. In Grand County, there are no drop-off points, but most trash removal companies will take the trees as long as certain conditions are met. To find out more, contact the appropriate trash disposal provider. The Trash Company (970) 627-8531; Waste Management (970) 262-5774; Fraser’s “The Drop” (970) 726-5491.

Partial shutdown affects Rocky Mountain National Park operations

Due to the government shutdown, the Kawuneeche Visitor Center will be closed until the government resumes operation.

According to Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Specialist, Rocky Mountain National Park will be accessible to the public during the lapse in federal appropriations. “However”, said Patterson, “Rocky Mountain National Park staff will be unable to fully staff park properties”.  Park visitors are advised to use extreme caution if choosing to enter the park, as park personnel will not be available to provide guidance or assistance. Emergency services will be limited. Any entry to the park during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk. All rules and regulations still apply.

During the shutdown, no visitor services will be provided. Services that require staffing and maintenance, such as entrance stations, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Moraine Park Campground, and some restroom facilities will not be operating.  Roads that are already open will remain open, weather and road conditions permitting. Park staff will not issue permits, conduct educational programs, collect trash, maintain restrooms, maintain roads or walkways in the event of snow or ice, or provide visitor information. No overnight parking or camping is allowed.

Winter Park & Fraser Chamber announce 2019 Board Election Results

The Winter Park & Fraser Chamber recently held an election for open Board of Directors seats. The election closed on December 19th and the following community members were elected, or re-elected, to the Chamber Board:

  • Chris Bettey, Devils Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, Lodging
  • Jeff Davidson, Sitzmark Holding Company LLC, Restaurant
  • Tim Hartmann, Allegiant Management, At-Large
  • Katherine Mowrey, Epic Mountain Sports, Retail
  • Mindy O’Neil, Citywide Banks, Service & Professional
  • Peggy Smith, Real Estate of Winter Park, At-Large

The 2019 Winter Park & Fraser Chamber Board of Directors are:

  • Liz Agostin, Winter Park Resort, Winter Park Resort Appointee
  • Chris Bettey, Devils Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, Lodging
  • Tom Carey, Winter Park Resort, Recreation & Amusement
  • Jeff Davidson, Sitzmark Holding Company, Restaurant
  • Tim Hartmann, Allegiant Management, At-Large
  • Eric Mason, Devils Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, At Large
  • Kristy Meyer, Meyer Mountain Realty, At Large
  • Katherine Mowrey, Epic Mountain Sports, Retail
  • Jim Myers, Golden Eagle, Town of Winter Park Board Appointee
  • Mindy O’Neil, Citywide Banks, Service & Professional
  • Sue Seemann, Real Estate of Winter Park, Real Estate
  • Peggy Smith, Real Estate of Winter Park, At Large
  • Keith Riesberg, Town of Winter Park, Town of Winter Park Staff Appointee

For additional information on voting procedures and policies, contact Catherine Ross at cross@playwinterpark.com or (970) 283-3546.

Winter Park Express enhances rider experience

Starting in January, riders of the Winter Park Express ski train can opt to enjoy a seat in the new two-level Superliner Sightseer car. The new car features windows that start at floor level and go all the way to the ceiling, affording riders excellent views of the scenery on the ride to and from Winter Park Resort from Denver. The lounge car will also offer wine and beer selections along with an assortment of snacks and other beverages available for purchase.

Starting January 4th, the Winter Park Express ski train will operate every Saturday and Sunday through March, and also on the first two Fridays of each month.

The train pulls out of Union Station at 7 am and arrives at Winter Park Resort at 9 am. The train heads back to Denver at 4:30 pm and gets into Union Station around 6:30 pm. Tickets are available online at amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress.

Council Meeting Schedule
Starting in January, Winter Park Town Council meetings will only meet at 5:30pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month – 8 am meetings will no longer take place. Council workshops will also be held at 3pm on the same days. Due to the New Years holiday, meetings in January will take place on January 8 and 22.

Winter Driving Reminders
Snow removal efforts are in full swing and snowplows are frequently out clearing the roads.
Parking is not allowed on Winter Park town roads overnight, as plows are coming through. Also, please yield to snow removal vehicles when you see them out and about. Thanks for driving safely and respectfully in the winter conditions!

Lift Rider App

On September 3rd, The Lift launched the new “Lift Rider” app. This new app allows riders to view buses in real-time, see actual estimated arrival times, bookmark their favorite stops, and set up notifications so they know when the bus is just a few minutes away from their stop! Riders also receive messages from dispatch with updates on route detours, delays, and other important notifications. Riders can download the new app from the Apple or Google Play Stores.

Online, you can view routes at: wpgov.com/264/Routes

County Road 72 Realignment Project

Construction on the project was underway in the fall of 2018, with a large amount of the grading accomplished. However, due to weather constraints, construction will be postponed through the winter and resumed in the spring of 2019.

This project will improve the existing grade of the section of CR 72 that runs east of the Fraser tubing hills and south of the railroad underpass. Its current 13-14% grade will be lowered to a 7-8% grade.  Access to The Drop will be relocated to the east side next spring following completion of the road realignment.

Fraser Winter Park PD seeking officer candidates

The Fraser Winter Park Police Department is currently hiring for new police officers. The job includes general law enforcement, protecting life and property, and enforcing laws and ordinances. Work involves routine patrol work, and responding to emergency calls, citizen complaints, and alarms. The department is a progressive, community-minded police agency and is looking forward to finding officers that bring great energy and professionalism to the growing organization. For more information, or, to apply, visit wpgov.com.