Aspen Skiing Co. announced Tuesday that it will require employees to be vaccinated before the start of the ski season a move that appears to be the first by a ski resort in Colorado…
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People enjoy an evening at Mountain Tap Brewery earlier this week. (Photo by John F. Russell)
Over the past several years, Steamboat Springs and Colorado’s other mountain towns have found themselves in a dilemma: relying on tourism to sustain their economies while also preserving community character, protecting natural resources and ensuring longtime locals and employees can still afford to live in town and do their jobs.
“It’s definitely a balancing act between preserving town character and the environment that attracts these people and a city’s tourism-based economy,” said Margaret Bowes, executive director of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns. “Our communities absolutely need to protect the things that have made them a destination in the first place.”
According to the settlement, the city paid Dopplick a total of $108,295.21, with severance of $89,955.65, $10,771.40 in lieu of a contribution to Dopplick’s retirement account and COBRA-related expenses of $7,586.16.
While the settlement still did not provide specific details surrounding Dopplick’s resignation, it does state the city will conduct an investigation into allegations made by Dopplick relating to her working conditions and employment with the city, as well as the working conditions of other female officers employed by the city. The settlement also states Dopplick will cooperate with such investigations.
In a news release from the city after Pilot & Today’s first CORA request, Dopplick said she hopes the city continues its efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion.
Steamboat Springs resident Ashley Otterness understands the challenges of finding long-term rental options in Steamboat Springs. The popularity of short-term rentals, like Airbnb, has increased the challenges for those looking for a place to live and work in mountain communities like ours.
After Ashley Otterness’ housing fell through at The Ponds at Steamboat, she had to scramble to find another living space so she could maintain her work at Steamboat Resort and Steamboat Whiskey Co.
For several days, it seemed the only housing Otterness could find was short-term rentals on Airbnb, VRBO or Vacasa.
“There are almost no options in town for people who actually work here,” Otterness said.