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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2018-06-26RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado June 26,2018 Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD of the Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado.Meeting held at Town Hall in the Board Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 26th day of June,2018. Board:Mayor Jirsa,Mayor Pro Tern Walker,Trustees Bangs Cenac,Martchink,Norris and Zornes Attending:All Also Mending:Town Administrator Lancaster,Assistant Town Administrator Machalek,Town Attorney White,Town Clerk Williamson and Recording Secretary Beers Absent:None Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. BUSINESS LICENSE FEES. At the April 10,2018 regular meeting Attorney White brought forward an ordinance to address concerns with different business license types as well as restricting the fee for Bed and Breakfast to be in line with vacation homes.During Board discussion it was determined a study session should be conducted to review the business license fee structure.The Town Clerk’s office collected data on business licensing fees utilizing the annual compensation study comparison communities.Town Clerk Williamson reviewed the history of fees,an accommodations scenario and six business license fee scenarios which included reducing the fee over time.She stated the advantage to scenario one and two would be revenue decreasing overtime rather than a significant decrease to the budget after approved.Williamson encouraged a higher late fee be applied to businesses who do not renew by the deadline of March 31.A benefit of registering businesses is staffs ability to provide the list of licensed businesses to the public upon request and the collection of sales tax license numbers enabling the Finance Director the ability to confirm businesses are paying sales tax. Board discussion followed and has been summarized:whether the Town has implemented late fees in the past;the potential of a tiered late fee occurring January 31 and March 31;type of complaints received regarding fees;lowering the fee to promote business;dropping the fee to a standard amount across all types with the exception of vacation homes and bed and breakfasts;simplifying the process for the public and staff; the business license fee protects local businesses from individuals who come to Estes Park for a one-day event;requiring businesses to register deters fraudulent businesses from operating;fees in place are comparable with other similar municipalities;and the impact to the budget if the fee is lowered. The Board directed staff to further research the revenue impact of lowering the business license fee to $50 and present a service proposal for the 2019 budget. REVIEW OF POLICY 103 —TOWN BOARD CODE OF CONDUCT AND OPERATION PRINCIPLES.Town Administrator Lancaster presented Policy 103 which is reviewed bi annually following the appointment of new Board members.No changes were recommended. TRUSTEE &ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS &QUESTIONS. None. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Study Session —June 26,2018—Page 2 FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS. Administrator Lancaster requested the Board consider discussing the Housing Authority Project on Highway 7 at the July 10,2018 Study Session.Unscheduled Study Session agenda items included the discussion of modification of flood plain ordinance to utilize best available flood zone date,removing the 500 ft limit for liquor licensing,and the benefits of roundabouts. Mayor Jirsa requested the Board consider participating in SDIC training in conjunction with the review of the Comprehensive Plan and mentioned allowing other local entities the opportunity to attend. There being no further business,Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m. // GnTtori(seers,Recording’ecretary