Vernon named Public Works Director

The Town of Winter Park has announced that Gerry Vernon will assume the role of Public Works Director. Vernon replaces Russ Chameroy, who left the position in the spring. Vernon has worked for the Town for 3.5 years as the Capital Projects & Parks Manager and has gained extensive knowledge of the community during that time.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Town of Winter Park the past few years and look forward to continuing in this new role,” said Vernon. “Public Works is my passion so I am very excited to join the public works team and dedicate my efforts to solving the big and small issues associated with serving our guests and residents.”

As Capital Projects & Parks Manager, Vernon oversaw the construction of the Hideaway Park stage and is managing the new public works facility project. He was also instrumental in the initial work for the new Lift Transit Operations Facility, slated for construction in 2021. 

Before coming to Winter Park, Vernon served as the Public Works Director for the City of Smithville, MO and the Public Works Coordinator for the City of Berlin, WI. He started his public works career as a street laborer and heavy equipment operator for the City of Colby, KS. With thirty plus years of local government experience, including city management, the hiring committee felt that Vernon’s depth of knowledge and experience made him the best choice to fill this position.

For the short term, Vernon will be fulfilling both positions of Public Works Director and Capital Projects & Parks Manager. During this transition time, the Town will be evaluating the current organizational structure and determining how Vernon’s previous role will be filled.

Rocky Roads

Beginning August 21 through August 28, weather and conditions permitting, micro resurfacing will begin from the Colorado River Trailhead to the Grand Lake Entrance. Single lane closures of 2 miles will exist with pilot car operations and wait times of up to 20 minutes. Adjacent parking lots will be closed for the day prior to work passing that area, to allow parking lots and pullouts to be resurfaced and to avoid vehicles being trapped behind fresh micro seal. For more information, visit nps.gov/romo.

Grand County Medication Disposal Sites

Did you know that there are three unused medication disposal sites in Grand County? Fraser Winter Park Police Department, the Granby Police Department and the Grand County Sheriff’s Office all have licensed medication disposal facilities. To find out what can and can’t be accepted, visit: colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/items-can-or-cannot-be-accepted.

Duckels Construction has begun demolition of the bridge over the Fraser River on CR 8. The road closure is expected to last about 3 months. Photo courtesy Town of Fraser

County Road 8 Bridge Closure

The County Road 8 bridge replacement project began this week. The road closure at the bridge will divert all traffic on CR 8 and Wapiti Drive up Wapiti Drive and down CR 804 for travel. The bridge replacement is expected to take three months to complete. Bus stops located on CR 8 and Wapiti Drive will be suspended until all required inspections of the new bridge are complete. With more traffic being diverted up Wapiti Drive and down CR 804, please be courteous and aware of your surroundings to prevent any unwanted incidents. Allow extra travel time for the increased distances in your commute.

Granby Chip & Seal project underway

Granby’s 2019 Chip and Seal Project began this week and will continue through completion as weather permits. This year’s scope of work includes the following: Jasper Ave, Topaz Ave, Jasper Court, 8th St, Horn St, High St, Meadow Road, New Church Ave, New Church Circle, Garnet Ave – 1st St to the west end/Cul-de-sac, Garnet Lane, 2nd St, 3rd St, Mesa Ave, all the alleyways in town, Railroad Ave, 5th St, and CR 574. Order of execution will be determined by the contractor performing this work. Please keep roads and right-of-ways clear at all times. The Town of Granby appreciates your cooperation and patience during this year’s chip and seal project, helping create and maintain a safe working environment for both the contractor and the Town’s Public Works crew.

The Granby Chamber of Commerce is holding the final Friday Night at the Lot and Cornhole tournament of the season on August 16th. Winners will have a spot on the trophy and bragging rights for the year.

Last Friday Night at the Lot of the season

This Friday, August 16th, is the final Friday Night at The Lot for the Summer, and the Cornhole Championship! $15 buy-in per team, cash only! Open to players age 18 and over. The tournament will follow ACO (American Cornhole Organization) rules. First team to 21 wins. Check-in 5:30-6pm  Tournament begins at 6:15 pm. Double Elimination. Past Friday night champions will receive a first round bye. Winnings: 1st Place; 2nd Place; and, a prize for best team uniform. The Championship trophy will proudly remain on display at the Granby Visitor’s Center. For specifics, call: (970) 887-2311. Teams fill up quickly, so if you plan on playing, register at granbychamber.com/events/event/fridaynight/

Bring out your trash

The Town of Fraser will host a Fraser Cleanup Day on August 24th from 11 am – 4 pm. This is a great way for residents to dispose of unwanted items that would otherwise prove to be quite costly. 

Drop off is limited to one truck load or medium trailer load limit per household. Jim Miller, with Blue Life Limited, will be onsite to accept electronics at no cost to residents. 

No appliances, construction materials or waste, semi or tractor tires, hazardous waste or toxic waste, liquid waste, household chemicals, car batteries, petroleum products or contaminated soil are allowed.

Roll-offs for disposal of unwanted items will be provided at The Drop, Fraser’s pay as you throw trash and recycling facility located at 440 County Road 72. Reasonable proof of residency required. 

Once the roll-offs are full, a limited number of tickets will be provided for residents to dispose of their items at the Granby Transfer Station through Friday, August 30th.