Park County commissioners deny festival permit, appoint interim chair and approve liquor license in unanimous votes

At its May 19, 2026 regular meeting the Park County Board of Commissioners recorded several formal actions: it adopted a resolution appointing an interim chairman, tabled two items for further review, denied an outdoor event permit for the Q Forest Festival, and approved a tavern liquor license for Boardwalk Tavern. All recorded motions carried or were tabled on unanimous 3-0 votes.

The board approved Resolution No. 2026-26 appointing Commissioner Amy Mitchell as interim chair during the temporary absence of the chairman after Chairperson Wissel introduced the measure; the motion by Chairperson Wissel was seconded by Commissioner Mitchell and carried 3-0.

Commissioner Amy Mitchell moved to table Amendment No. 6 to the Jail-Based Behavioral Health Services (JBBS) contract pending legal review and answers to outstanding questions; Commissioner Gemmer seconded and the motion to table carried 3-0. The staff document for the amendment was listed in the meeting packet but the transcript records that the item was deferred, with no contract language or dollar amounts read into the public record.

The board also tabled consideration of a resolution to establish quorum requirements for the Planning Commission on a motion by Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Gemmer, carried 3-0.

In a separate public hearing the board considered Case A26-0022, an outdoor event permit submitted by Bloomshack LLC for the Q Forest Festival at M Lazy C Ranch, 801 Co Rd 453, Lake George, CO, scheduled July 9–12. Presenters included Shelli Yarbrough, Eric Strom, Devan Martinez, Pete LaBarre and Andy Grand; public commenters listed in the record included Kelly Cheston, Larry Reeves, Sue Reeves, Drew Raynor, Louis Raynor and Jim Wilkinson. After the presentations and comment, Commissioner Mitchell moved to deny the permit; Commissioner Gemmer seconded and the motion carried 3-0, denying the outdoor event permit.

The board then convened as the Park County Liquor Board to hear a tavern liquor license application for Axalon Consulting LLC d/b/a Boardwalk Tavern at 23 Old Stagecoach Rd, Bailey. Presenters Milena Kassel, Alec Crisafull and Allison McKillep offered the application; public comment included Jay Aignor. Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the license, Commissioner Gemmer seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

The meeting adjourned after a final motion to close public comment and adjourn at 3:54 p.m.