HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study SessionTown of Estes Park
TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION
March 25, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall Board Room
170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park
Accessing Meeting Translations (Accediendo a las Traducciones de la Reunión) can be
found on the Town website at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings
Public comment is not typically heard at Study Sessions, but may be allowed by the Mayor
with agreement of a majority of the Board. This study session will be streamed live and
available at www.estes.org/videos
AGENDA
4:30 p.m. EPHA Board Appointment Interview Process.
(Director Moulton)
4:50 p.m. Estes Park Municipal Code Title 10 Parking Prohibition
Revisions.
(Manager Klein)
5:20 p.m. Policy 842 Parking Permits Revisions.
(Manager Klein)
5:35 p.m. 6E Childcare Grant Funding Framework and Updates
to Policy 225 Childcare Funding Guidelines.
(Manager Bangs)
6:20 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions.
6:25 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
(Board Discussion)
6:30 p.m. Adjourn for CIA Reception.
(Dinner for Town Board)
7:00 p.m. Town Board Meeting
Informal discussion among Trustees and staff concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this
meeting at approximately 4:15 p.m.
TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION
March 25, 2025
EPHA Board Appointment Interview Process
No Packet material provided.
PUBLIC WORKS Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Dana Klein, CPP, Parking & Transit Manager
Greg Muhonen, PE, Public Works Director
Date: March 25, 2025
RE: Estes Park Municipal Code Title 10 Parking Prohibition Revisions
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Provide an overview of the proposed changes to two sections of the Estes Park
Municipal Code (EPMC) related to parking restrictions.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Does the Board support staff bringing these parking regulation changes back in an
Ordinance for consideration by the Town Board in April for implementation in May
2025?
Present Situation:
In 2024, Parking and Transit initiated a project to clarify and potentially revise Sections
10.04.030 (Parking Prohibited) and 10.04.040 (Overnight Parking Prohibited) of the
Municipal Code. This effort aims to address ambiguities, improve enforceability, and
ensure alignment with operational capabilities and community expectations. The
primary focus of this revision process was Section 10.04.040, which currently prohibits
parking on any public roadway or parking lot within Town limits overnight for more than
18 hours during daylight hours.
The Town has striped on-street parking spaces on some streets where sufficient
pavement width exists. Residents commonly park illegally overnight in these spaces.
Occasional illegal overnight parking in public parking lots also occurs. Nightly
enforcement is not always feasible due to limited resources. Current enforcement is
largely reactive, based on complaints or potential abandonment.
Several collaborative work sessions were conducted, including:
• Internal discussions with current and previous Code Enforcement Officers.
• A joint session with representatives from Code Enforcement and Community
Development.
Following these sessions, Parking and Transit engaged with our Town Attorney to refine
the language of the sections, clarify legislative intent, and address potential legal
concerns.
After initial legal review, Parking & Transit had meetings with Public Works and Police
Department leadership to review the proposed changes, address any concerns, and
refine realistic processes for enforcement and violation management.
A press release was issued and a summary of any public comments received will be
made available as part of this study session discussion.
Proposal:
Staff proposes the Town Board consider several changes to EPMC 10.040.030 &
10.04.040 as detailed in the Attachment. The changes will allow overnight parking in
designated locations along some public streets but will still prohibit overnight parking in
most public parking lots. If supported, staff will bring an Ordinance for consideration at
a future Town Board Meeting. The changes would go into effect 30 days after the
approval at a Town Board Meeting.
Advantages:
• The proposed change would allow overnight parking on public streets in areas outside of
the Downtown Commercial zoning district where the Town has marked spaces for on-
street parking.
• The revised Code language adds clarifying details to the EPMC which reduces
ambiguity regarding potential violations the parking enforcement team encounters during
the peak guest season.
• The proposed changes intentionally omit any parking duration limitations which are
already capped at 48 hours in Title 8.04.050 of the EPMC.
• The proposed changes intentionally omit any prohibitions on types of vehicles that may
park on-street in order to retain maximal use of these parking spaces for the general
public and simplify enforcement expectations.
Disadvantages:
• Public confusion may occur regarding retention of the existing prohibition on overnight
parking downtown and the new allowance of overnight parking on streets in other parts
of Town.
• Some residents oppose the increased risk of car-camping on some public streets that
may occur if these changes are made.
• The proposed changes may be controversial and divisive in the community.
Finance/Resource Impact:
None Identified.
Level of Public Interest
Public interest in parking-related items tends to be high.
Attachments:
1. Current and Proposed changes to EPMC sections 10.04.030 – 040
Current 10.04.030 – Parking prohibited
Proposed Changes to 10.04.030 – Parking prohibited (changes in red)
10.04.030 Parking prohibited.
No person shall park a vehicle in any of the following places:
(1)Any location adjacent to red curb or within 15 feet of fire hydrant.
(2)Any location within a hatch-painted no parking area.
(3)Any location in a public parking lot where a parking space is not designated with painted markings.
(4)Any parking space designed Reserved or Police Reserved with painted markings.
(5)Parking for longer than thirty (30) minutes is prohibited within any active loading zone (designated with
signs, yellow curb, or painted hatch marking) between the hours 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parking is
permitted in a designated loading zone between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(6)No vehicle shall park on the pavement of any public street or public parking lot except where on-street
parking spaces are designated with painted markings or signs installed by the Town or CDOT.
(7)No vehicle shall park within more than one (1) parking space designated by painted lines. Vehicles
pulling trailers, recreational vehicles, and buses are permitted to occupy two (2) linearly contiguous
spaces or spaces designated oversized vehicle with painted markings.
(8)Vehicles less than twenty (20) feet in length are prohibited from parking in spaces designated oversized
vehicle with painted markings.
(9)Parking along a public street more than twelve (12) inches from curb, in parallel or angled parking.
(10)Parking in parallel on a public street such that the vehicle faces opposite the required direction of
traffic for the side of the street upon which it is parked.
ATTACHMENT 1
(11) Parking to obstruct a walkway, driveway or service drive, including in any manner that violates section
12.08.040.
(12) Parking vehicles in excess of 192 inches (16 feet) in length in stalls designated compact as indicated by
signage or pavement markings.
Current 10.04.040 Overnight parking prohibited
Proposed Changes to 10.04.040 – Overnight parking prohibited (changes in red)
10.04.040 Overnight parking prohibited.
No person shall park a vehicle, trailer or recreational vehicle in any Town-owned parking lot, street or street
right-of-way, within the Downtown Commercial zoning district as defined in the Development Code, overnight or
longer than eighteen (18) hours, except where authorized by a Town-issued parking permit or revocable
encroachment permit issued by the Town's Public Works Department.
PUBLIC WORKS Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Dana Klein, CPP, Parking & Transit Manager
Greg Muhonen, PE, Public Works Director
Date: March 25, 2025
RE: Policy 842 - Parking Permits Revisions
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Provide an overview of the proposed change to Public Works Policy 842 – Parking
Permits.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Does the Board support staff bringing this parking policy update back in a Resolution for
consideration by the Town Board in April for implementation in May 2025?
Present Situation:
The current Policy 842 contains a business permit titled “Business Permit: Commercial
Loading”. This permit allows the holder to load and unload their business vehicle from a
parking stall located in a downtown parking lot. Item 6 of the Rules & Regulations for
this permit also allows the permitted vehicle to park overnight in the downtown lot. It
states:
•Parking shall be permitted between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. One space per
permit; multiple vehicles sharing a single permit may not park overnight at the same
time.
Vehicles with this type of permit are occupying parking stalls in the downtown lots
during both daytime and overnight hours. Additionally, in some cases, a personal
vehicle is driven to the parking lot and then the marked business vehicle is put into
service. This essentially occupies two parking stalls during the daytime hours if the
marked business vehicle is loading at the same location. The resulting impact is a
reduction in the available spaces for visitors in the high-demand downtown parking lots
during the summer paid parking season.
Proposal:
Staff proposes the Town Board consider changing Rules and Regulations item (6) for
Commercial Loading Permits, to the following:
•Parking shall be permitted between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m in the Events
Center Parking Lot (1125 Rooftop Way) only. One space per permit; multiple vehicles
sharing a single permit may not park overnight at the same time.
If supported, staff will bring an Ordinance for consideration at a future Town Board
Meeting. The change would take effect 30 days after the approval at a Town Board
Meeting.
Advantages:
•The revised language adds clarifying details which reduce ambiguity regarding potential
violations the parking enforcement team encounters during the peak guest season. This
simplifies and clarifies enforcement expectations.
•The proposed change helps eliminate one permittee filling two downtown parking spaces
during the day which enhances availability of these parking spaces for the general public
during the busy guest season.
Disadvantages:
•Some permittees may oppose the change as they will now be required to retrieve their
business vehicle from the Events Center at the beginning of their workday if they wish to
park it overnight in a public parking lot.
Finance/Resource Impact:
None Identified.
Level of Public Interest
Public interest in parking-related items tends to be high.
Attachments:
1.Proposed change to Policy 842
Effective Period: Until Superseded
Review Schedule: Annually
Effective Date: July 9, 2024
References: EP Municipal Code Title 10 Vehicles & Traffic I I®
PUBLIC WORKS
842
Parking Permits
1) PURPOSE
The Town of Estes Park provides several options for permits that confer special parking
privileges to those who live, work and/or own a business in the downtown area (as
defined by the Town of Estes Park's Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning district).
2) POLICY
As described in section 10.04.040 of the Estes Park Municipal Code, no person shall
park a vehicle in any Town-owned parking area overnight or longer than 18 hours
except where authorized by one of the permits described in this policy (Parking Permits)
or Revocable Encroachment Permit issued by the Town's Public Works Department (or
designated representative or contractor). Furthermore, fees are required to park in
several Town parking spaces, except where an individual holds a permit in lieu of paid
parking under section 10.06.040. Violating vehicles will be subject to a parking citation
or removal of the vehicle pursuant to Colorado statutes.
3) PERMIT TYPES
The rules and regulations of each specific permit type are detailed below. Section 4
then provides general rules for all permit types.
a. Overnight Permit: Downtown Resident
i. Eligibility:
(1) This permit type is only available to those who can demonstrate proof of
residency in the downtown core, as defined by the Town of Estes Park's
Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning district.
ii. Rules & Regulations:
(1) Permits are valid for an entire calendar year.
(2) Each permit must be registered to a specific license plate.
(3) Permits are valid only in one assigned parking area (lot), on a first-come, first-
served basis.
(4) Permits are not valid in time-limited or reserved spaces.
(5) There are no time restrictions for this permit; permit holders are allowed
access to their assigned parking area 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per
week.
Document Title Policy 842 Parking Permits
Revisions: 4 Town of Estes Park, Public Works Page 1 of 6
ATTACHMENT 1
b. Overnight Permit: Downtown Rental Unit / Commercial Lodging
i. Eligibility:
(1) This permit type is only available to those who own, operate or manage a
licensed rental uniVhotel room/lodging property in the downtown core, as
defined by the Town of Estes Park's Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning
district.
ii. Rules & Regulations:
(1) Permits are valid for an entire calendar year.
(2) A valid hangtag issued by the Town must always be displayed on the
vehicle's rearview mirror.
(3) Permits are valid only in one assigned parking area (lot). This assignment will
be indicated on the permit.
(4) Permits are not valid in time-limited or reserved spaces.
(5) There are no time restrictions for this permit; permit holders are allowed
access to their assigned parking lot/area 24 hours per day, seven (7) days
per week.
(6) A $20 replacement fee will apply for lost or damaged hangtags.
c. Overnight Permit: General Use
i. Eligibility: General use overnight parking is only allowed in the following
circumstances:
(1) An individual is taking the Hiker Shuttle into Rocky Mountain National Park to
camp overnight in the park;
(2) An individual is participating in an extended hike in the Estes Park Valley
(either on their own or as part of a commercially-run tour) and does not have
a private location for their vehicle to park overnight;
(3) An individual has an extraordinary/emergency need for overnight parking
(e.g., vehicle is broken down). In this instance, the reason must be deemed
appropriate by Parking & Transit Division staff; or
(4) An individual is staying with a local lodging establishment and/or staying at a
licensed vacation rental (e.g., VRBO, Airbnb) and the main lodging location
does not have sufficient parking to accommodate all guests.
ii. Rules & Regulations:
(1) Not valid for use on a recreational vehicle as defined by Chapter 13 of the
Estes Park Development Code.
(2) Permit holders may not sleep in their vehicle at any time.
(3) Valid for up to seven (7) nights.
(4) Must be registered to a specific license plate. Vehicles that take up multiple
spaces (e.g., truck pulling a trailer) will be required to pay per vehicle, per
night, for each occupied space.
(5) Must be purchased at the time of parking.
(6) Only valid in the designated area of the Events Complex Park-n-Ride lot
(1125 Rooftop Way) as indicated on the following map:
Document Title Policy 842 Parking Permits
Revisions: 4 Town of Estes Park, Public Works Page 2 of 6
Z3S
General Use
Overnight Parking Permit
Valid for this location only
Estes Park Events Complex
1125 Rooftop Way
M.
d. Overnight Permit: Temporary Guest Permit
i. Eligibility:
(1) This permit is available to those who are guests of a valid Downtown
Resident Permit holder.
(2) The Downtown Resident Permit holder must apply for the Temporary Guest
Pass on behalf of their guests.
ii. Rules & Regulations:
(1) Not valid for use on a recreational vehicle as defined by Chapter 13 of the
Estes Park Development Code.
(2) Permit holders may not sleep in their vehicle at any time.
(3) Valid for up to seven (7) nights.
(4) Must be registered to a specific license plate. A valid hangtag issued by the
Town must always be displayed on the vehicle's rearview mirror.
(5) Permits are valid only in one assigned parking area (lot). This assignment will
be indicated on the permit.
(6) Permits are not valid in time-limited or reserved spaces. There are no time
restrictions for this permit; permit holders are allowed access to their assigned
parking lot/area 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
e. Employee Permit: Convenience Permit
i. Eligibility:
(1) Anyone who works in the downtown core is eligible to purchase this permit.
(2) Applicant must provide proof of employment or that they conduct business in
the downtown core, as defined by the Town of Estes Park's Commercial
Downtown (CD) zoning district.
Document Title
Revisions: 4
Policy 842 Parking Permits
Town of Estes Park, Public Works Page 3 of 6
ii.Rules & Regulations:
(1)Permits are valid in any seasonal paid parking area.
(2)Permits are valid for an entire annual paid parking season.
(3)Permits are not valid in time-limited or reserved spaces.
(4)Permit is not valid for overnight parking.
(5)Only valid for non-marked personal vehicles (marked commercial vehicles are
not eligible for this permit).
(6)Each permit must be registered to a specific license plate.
(7)There is no limit to the number of vehicles that can share one permit;
however, _permit holders who use a shared permit will be responsible for
managing the shared use of their permits. The Town is not responsible for
shared permit holders who receive a citation for attempting to use the same
permit on more than one vehicle at one time.
Document Title
Revisions: 4
f.Business Permit: Commercial Loading
i.Eligibility:
(1)Anyone who works or conducts business in the downtown core (as defined by
the Town of Estes Park's Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning district) is
eligible to purchase this permit.
(2)Applicant must provide proof of employment or that they conduct business in
the downtown core.
(3)Subject to proof of current business license.
ii.Rules & Regulations:
(1)Only valid for marked commercial or business vehicles (not for use on
unmarked personal vehicles).
(2)Permits are valid only in assigned parking areas (lots) and are available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
(3)Vehicles displaying this permit must be actively loading or unloading people
and/or goods.
(4)Each permit must be registered to a specific license plate or plates, in the
case of a shared permit.
(5)There is no limit to the number of vehicles that can share one permit;
however, permit holders who use a shared permit will be responsible for
managing the shared use of their permits. The Town is not responsible for
shared permit holders who receive a citation for attempting to use the same
permit on more than one vehicle at one time.
(6)Parking shall be permitted between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. in
the Events Center Parking Lot (1125 Rooftop Way) only. One space per
permit; multiple vehicles sharing a single permit may not park overnight at
the same time.
g.Local 120 Minutes Free
i.Eligibility:
(1)Anyone who resides within the Estes Park R3 School District.
(2)Applicant must provide proof of residency.
Policy 842 Parking Permits
Town of Estes Park, Public Works Page 4 of 6
ii. Rules & Regulations:
(1) Permits are valid in any seasonal paid parking area, for up to 60 minutes of
free parking per day.
(2) Permits are valid for an entire annual paid parking season.
(3) Permits are not valid in time-limited or reserved spaces.
(4) Permit is not valid for overnight parking.
(5) Only valid for non-marked personal vehicles (marked commercial vehicles are
not eligible for this permit).
(6) Each permit must be registered to a specific license plate.
h. Volunteer Permit
i. Eligibility:
(1) This permit is available to any business, organization or governmental entity
offering uncompensated employment or volunteer opportunities in the
downtown core (as defined by the Town of Estes Park's Commercial
Downtown (CD) zoning district).
(2) Applicant must provide proof that those who will be receiving a volunteer
permit are not being compensated, financially or otherwise.
ii. Rules and Regulations:
(1) Applicant must provide a specific time frame during which the permit(s) will be
active.
(2) This permit type can only be used while the vehicle's driver is actively
volunteering without compensation. The permit is not valid while the vehicle's
driver is conducting personal business.
(3) Permits are issued as physical hangtags for temporary display in a
volunteer's vehicle.
(4) The hangtag must be clearly visible in the dash of the vehicle.
(5) During the time that the permit is active, it is the organization's sole
responsibility to distribute, manage and account for all permits, and ensure
they are being used appropriately.
(6) A $20 replacement fee will apply for lost or damaged hangtags.
4) GENERAL RULES
The following rules are generally applicable to all of the permit types listed above.
Permit holders will be asked to review and agree via signature to the following terms
prior to receiving any Parking Permit.
a. Permits have no cash value and are non-transferable.
b. Permit holders must be parked legally in a designated public parking area (e.g., no
double-parking, parking in reserved areas, or parking in areas designated "No
Parking"). Permits are not valid in spaces for persons with disabilities, in fire lanes,
or in spaces marked "Reserved" for other uses (e.g., Police, Library).
c. Permit holder must move their vehicle within 24 hours for parking lot maintenance
(e.g., striping, sweeping, cleaning, snow removal). Written notice will be provided to
permit holders by email at least 24 hours in advance. If the vehicle has not been
Document Title Policy 842 Parking Permits
Revisions: 4 Town of Estes Park, Public Works Page 5 of 6
moved after 24 hours of notice, the vehicle will be removed from the parking area at
the owner's expense pursuant to Colorado statutes.
d. Permits are valid only for designated purposes as described in this Policy. Vehicles
are not exempt from paying hourly fees for paid parking when vehicles are parked
out of compliance with the rules and regulations of this Policy, and such
noncompliant parking is subject to enforcement under the Estes Park Municipal
Code.
e. Any permit holder who does not abide by this Policy will risk loss of their permit.
Upon first violation of the stated Rules and Regulations for their permit type, the
permit owner will receive a written warning by email and USPS mail. A second
violation will result in suspension of the permit for 30 days with the opportunity to
appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing to The Car Park, PO Box 2285, Estes
Park, CO 80517, or in person at 363 East Elkhorn Ave, Suite 208. A third violation
could result in an additional suspension of the permit of up to 180 days with similar
opportunity to appeal, as well as immediate revocation of one's ability to purchase
any additional parking permit for one year. The Parking and Transit Manager or
designee is authorized to make determinations on such warnings, suspensions, and
revocations, in their reasonable discretion. The hearing officer for any appeal shall
be designated by the Town Administrator. Notice of suspension of permit shall be
given with no less than ten (10) days' opportunity to appeal, in the form and manner
specified by the Parking and Transit Manager, unless, in the Parking and Transit
Manager's determination, the circumstances amount to an emergency and
immediate suspension is warranted.
f. The Town of Estes Park assumes no responsibility or liability for all risks, losses,
costs, and damages incurred during use of the Town-owned parking facilities.
g. Inoperable or abandoned vehicles are subject to towing at the owner's expense
pursuant to Colorado statutes.
h. Any vehicle parked in violation of these stated regulations may be removed at the
owner's expense pursuant to Colorado statutes.
i. The Town reserves the right to limit the sale and distribution of any permit at the
Town's sole discretion.
j. In the event of a conflict, the Estes Park Municipal Code controls over any provisions
of this Policy.
5) COST OF PERMITS
a. The Parking and Transit Manager shall propose parking rates for the upcoming
season to the Town Board by March 15 of each year.
b. Full payment must be made prior to receiving the permit.
Approved:
Gary Hall,K^(pr
July 9, 2024
Document Title Policy 842 Parking Permits
Revisions: 4 Town of Estes Park, Public Works Page 6 of 6
HOUSE & CHILDCARE Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Carlie Bangs, Housing and Childcare Manager
Date: March 25, 2025
RE: 6E Childcare Grant Funding Framework and Updates to Policy 225
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Provide the Town Board with an opportunity to review and discuss proposed updates to
existing policies related to funding childcare.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Indicate desired updates/revisions to Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines and staff
spending authority.
Present Situation:
After revisions were approved in February 2023 due to the passage of Ballot Measure
6E, the guidelines have been implemented for the distribution of 6E funds in 2023 and
2024. New information from the Childcare Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan, as
well as two years of observing 6E funding distribution trends, provide insight into
opportunities to establish efficiency in processes.
Proposal:
Staff proposes that the Town Board provide guidance on the potential policy updates.
Staff will revise the policies based on the direction provided and bring them back as
action items at an upcoming Board meeting.
Proposed updates to Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines include:
-Cleaning up language that is more suitable for the current needs and understanding of
the use and distribution of 6E funds for childcare
-Approval and appropriation of funds on an annual basis through the Annual 6E Funding
Plan
-Addition of the Childcare Facility Fund
-Introduction of “Grant Funding Framework” as a funding distribution mechanism, to
establish consistent expectations for funding recipients, Town staff, and elected officials
-Grant Funding Framework proposed in the Annual 6E Funding Plan would include:
o Grant Program description
o Eligibility and qualifications for funding
o Maximum award amount and total 6E Fund allocation to the grant program
o Yearly schedule illustrating the application window and award distribution
timeline
Advantages:
-Periodic review and discussion of policies provides staff with a clearer understanding of
the intent and desires of the Town Board as circumstances change over time
Disadvantages:
-None
Finance/Resource Impact:
Updating the policies will not have direct financial impacts. However, the updates will
guide decision-making when it comes to the allocation and distribution of funds from
several sources, including the Workforce Housing and Childcare Lodging Tax Fund, the
Childcare Reserve Fund, and the Childcare Facility Fund.
Level of Public Interest
High
Attachments:
1.Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines 2023
2.Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines Revisions
3.Draft of Proposed Grant Funding Framework
Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022
Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 1 of 5
Effective Period: Until superseded
Review Schedule: Annually
Effective Date: 02/28/2023
References: N/A
ADMINISTRATION
225
CHILDCARE FUNDING GUIDELINES
1.PURPOSE
This policy articulates the Town’s role related to childcare and provides guidelines for how
available funds shall be expended and/or awarded.
2.PROBLEM STATEMENT
The lack of childcare options in the Estes Valley, especially for infants and toddlers,
creates significant challenges for families in the Estes Valley and for local organizations,
including the Town, trying to recruit and retain employees.
3.PROCEDURE
a.The Town’s Role
The Town’s primary goal related to childcare is to create and sustain capacity for
children in the Estes Valley, especially for infants and toddlers. The Town’s role in
achieving this goal is to provide support for childcare providers in the form of financial
contributions, incentives, policy changes, representation in collaborative efforts to
address childcare capacity issues, serving as the applicant for grants or other financial
assistance from other levels of government or agencies where the grantee must be a
governmental entity, and advocacy where appropriate.
b. Childcare Fund
i.Establishment: There shall be a fund within the General Fund dedicated to
creating additional capacity for children, especially infants and toddlers, in the
Estes Valley.
ii.Appropriations to the Childcare Fund: On an annual basis as part of the budget
development process, Town staff will recommend a dollar amount to appropriate
to the Childcare Fund. The recommendation will be based on funds projected to
be received by the Town through the Local Marketing District’s lodging tax
extension (as outlined in the Annual Operating Plan provided to Larimer County,
consistent with the Local Marketing District Intergovernmental Agreement). The
Town Board may appropriate other funds to the Childcare Fund whenever and in
whatever amount it deems appropriate.
ATTACHMENT 1
Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022
Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 2 of 5
(1)Other Revenues: In addition to the appropriations outlined above, other
revenue sources for the Childcare Fund may include donations, proceeds from
the sale or lease of public property, and grants or other financial assistance
related to childcare related activities.
iii. Qualification/Eligibility Criteria for Funding from Childcare Fund
(1)Entities or individuals receiving Town funds for childcare related purposes
must:
(i)Be a childcare provider that provides or intends to provide year-round
childcare for at least four children between the ages of 0 and 4 who
are unrelated to the caregiver OR an in-home provider who provides
year-round care for at least three children between the ages of 0 and
4 who are unrelated to the caregiver; and
(ii)Own or lease a facility or home (or demonstrate intent to own or lease
a facility or home) located within the Estes Park School District R-3
where childcare services are provided or will be provided after capital
improvements are made; and
(iii)Be in compliance with state and local health and safety requirements,
if applicable; or
(iv)Provide out-of-school programming, such as before- and after-care
programs, for children in grades Pre-K through 5; or
(v)Administer tuition assistance and/or scholarship programs for families
with children in the care of providers in the Estes Valley.
(vi)Unlicensed providers must meet State guidelines for providing legally
exempt care.
(2)Among entities or individuals who meet the qualification criteria outlined above,
although the Town reserves the right to make any funding decisions it is entitled
to, priority/preference will be given to applicants who:
(i)Use Town funds to finance the design, construction, expansion,
renovation or other improvements of facilities at which childcare
services are provided in order to increase capacity.
(ii)Provide year-round childcare for children between the ages of 0 and
2.5.
(iii)Provide full day childcare for children between the ages of 0 and 2.5.
(iv)Can demonstrate ability to provide greatest number of new childcare
spaces, especially for children between the ages of 0 and 2.5.
(v)Are licensed by the State of Colorado to provide childcare services.
(vi)Are actively pursuing State licensure or demonstrate intent to pursue
such.
(vii)Can demonstrate that financial contributions from the requesting entity
or individual will supplement funding from the Town.
Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022
Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 3 of 5
(viii)Can demonstrate how financial contributions from the Town will assist
with addressing workforce challenges.
•Childcare Fund Expenditures:
o The Childcare Fund will be the primary source of funds from
the Town used to facilitate the creation of additional capacity
for childcare or assist with addressing workforce challenges.
o Eligible expenditures from the Childcare Fund include the
following:
(ix)Financing the design, construction, expansion, renovation or other
improvements to facilities at which childcare services are provided or
will be provided in order to:
•increase capacity or if such improvements are required to retain
existing capacity.
•enhance the safety, well-being, and/or experience of children in
the care of providers receiving funding (such expenditures may
include things like fencing, fire suppression improvements,
healthy food/snacks, playground equipment, etc.).
•become a licensed provider.
(x)Subsidizing tap fees for new construction or expansion of existing
childcare facilities for facilities that qualify as a Day Care Center as
defined in the Estes Park Development Code.
(xi)Purchasing property (land and/or buildings) to be used for a childcare
facility.
(xii)Providing funding for tuition assistance or scholarships for childcare.
(xiii)Providing funding for out-of-school programming, such as before- and
after-care programs.
(xiv)Providing financial assistance or subsidies to childcare providers that
can be directly linked to addressing workforce challenges. The
childcare provider, whether in-home or center based, must
demonstrate how financial assistance from the Town will directly
enable them to recruit and/or retain staff. Eligible workforce related
expenditures include, but may not be limited to:
•Subsidies to childcare providers to encourage them to start or
stay in business in the Estes Valley, including for out-of-school
time programs (i.e., recruitment and/or retention bonuses).
•Subsidies to providers to help bridge the gap between what they
can afford to pay staff and what is deemed by the Town to be a
reasonable, living wage.
•Subsidies to help pay or offset costs for benefits such as
healthcare, retirement, and/or paid leave.
Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022
Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 4 of 5
•Assistance with costs associated with licensing and/or staff
training.
•Assistance with costs associated with housing staff.
•Assistance with costs associated with transportation needs of
staff and/or children.
o Funds may be transferred to other agencies on a
contractual basis to achieve the Town’s goals as stated in
this policy. The contracts/agreements will be subject to
approval by the Town Board and will specify authority with
respect to funding decisions.
o The Outside Entity Funding budget will be the source of
Town funds for any other childcare expenditures, including
Base Funding for the EVICS Family Resource Center,
consistent with Finance Policy 671: Town Funding of
Outside Entities.
c. Process
i.Funds from the Childcare Fund will be made available through either an application
process (application attached) or direct subsidy from the Town at the Town’s
discretion.
(1)Application process: Application materials must demonstrate need and how
funds will be used in order to increase childcare capacity or retain existing
capacity or address workforce challenges. Town staff, in consultation with
partnering agencies as appropriate, will review applications and recommend
funding allocations based on the criteria outlined in this document.
(2)Direct subsidies: Should the Town determine, in its sole discretion, to provide
direct subsidies to childcare providers, the amount of the subsidy will be based
on the number of filled childcare slots. A higher dollar amount may be provided
for slots filled by infants and/or toddlers, and the subsidy amount per slot will
be prorated for those filled on a part-time basis.
d.Funding and Requirements
i.Awards and award amounts will be determined by the Town and will depend on
availability of funds.
ii.Town staff may make award decisions and execute agreements for awards of
$10,000 or less. The Town Board must make decisions and approve agreement
for awards greater than $10,000.
iii.The Town reserves the right to determine whether to disperse all funds prior to a
project commencing, after a project is completed, or based on certain milestones.
Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022
Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 5 of 5
iv.Awards will be accompanied by an agreement from the Town that stipulates, at a
minimum:
(1)If award amounts for capital projects are not spent within 12 months of the
award date, the receiving entity or person will be required to return the funds to
the Town, at the Town’s discretion. Extensions beyond 12 months may be
granted depending on the project scope or other circumstances.
(2)Award recipients must provide childcare services for a minimum of 24 months
following the project completion date or receipt of the last payment of funds
from the Town; otherwise, the receiving entity or person will be required to
return the funds to the Town. Repayment of tap fee subsidies may be waived
by the Town at the Town’s discretion.
(3)Entities receiving funding from the Town will be required to submit a report (or
reports) to the Town at pre-determined intervals that details how funds were
spent and the impact/outcome resulting from the use of funds. The report must
also include supporting documentation to confirm expenditure of funds.
(4)The Town may require additional stipulations on a case-by-case basis as
deemed necessary.
Approved:
_____________________________
Wendy Koenig, Mayor
_____________
Date
Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
Revisions: 3 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 1 of 7
Effective Period: Until superseded
Review Schedule: Annually
Effective Date: October 13, 2020; Revised March 2025
References: N/A
ADMINISTRATION
225
CHILDCARE FUNDING GUIDELINES
1.PURPOSE
This policy defines the Town’s role in childcare services within the Estes Valley and
outlines the procedures for the allocation and distribution of available funds, including 6E
Lodging Tax and other revenue sources.
2. POLICY
The lack of childcare options in the Estes Valley, particularly for infants and toddlers,
presents significant challenges for families and local organizations, including the Town,
in recruiting and retaining employees.
6E Lodging Tax revenue received from the Local Marketing District is designated to
address housing and childcare issues for the Estes Valley workforce. The Town
allocates 6E funding to eligible organizations based on their ability to meet the priorities
outlined in the Annual 6E Funding Plan, as provided to Larimer County, in alignment
with the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Local Marketing District (Visit Estes
Park). The Annual Funding Plan must be approved each year by the Town Board,
Larimer County Board of Commissioners, and the Board of Visit Estes Park.
The Town will adhere to the applicable regulations and requirements of the 6E Ballot
Initiative and distribute revenue in accordance with the priorities outlined in the Annual
Funding Plan, which may include, but are not limited to, childcare tuition assistance,
addressing childcare workforce challenges, expanding out-of-school programming, and
providing capital and facility grants. Organizations failing to meet these priorities may
not receive funding.
3.PROCEDURE
a.The Town’s Role
The Town’s primary objective regarding childcare is to work in partnership with various
levels of government and other agencies to enhance the availability and affordability of
childcare in the Estes Valley. The Town’s role includes providing financial support to
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ATTACHMENT 2
Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
Revisions: 3 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 2 of 7
childcare providers, offering incentives, implementing policy changes, representing
childcare issues in collaborative efforts to address capacity challenges, applying for
grants or other financial assistance from governmental entities or agencies when needed,
and advocating for childcare solutions as appropriate.
b.6E Lodging Tax Fund
The 6E Lodging Tax Fund is the primary source of funding for childcare-related expenses
(as well as workforce housing expenses). It is replenished annually with 6E funds from
the lodging tax extension, along with additional funding from other sources when
available, in accordance with the Annual 6E Funding Plan.
i.Appropriations to Childcare Funds
As part of the annual budget development process, Town staff will recommend a
dollar amount consistent with the Annual 6E Funding Plan to allocate to the 1)
Childcare Assistance Fund and 2) Childcare Facility Fund. This recommendation
will be based on the projected funds the Town expects to receive through the Local
Marketing District’s lodging tax extension, as outlined in the Annual 6E Funding
Plan and consistent with the Town’s Intergovernmental Agreement with the Local
Marketing District.
a)Childcare Assistance Fund (270-1948-419.29-75)
The Childcare Assistance Fund is an established fund for the purpose of
providing tuition assistance, addressing childcare workforce challenges, and
expanding out-of-school programming.
b)Childcare Facility Fund (270-1948-419.32-21)
The Childcare Facility Fund is an established fund to support the maintenance,
repairs, expansion, and acquisition of Town-owned childcare facilities. The
revenue from the lease of Town-owned facilities to childcare providers is held
in this fund. In addition to rental revenue, the Town Board may appropriate
funds from the Childcare Fund to the Childcare Facility Fund with approval of
the Annual 6E Funding Plan.
Expenditures from the Childcare Facility Fund are not publicly distributed.
c)Other Revenues
In addition to the appropriations outlined above, other revenue sources for the
Childcare Assistance Fund and Childcare Facility Fund may include
donations, proceeds from the sale or lease of public property, grants, or other
financial assistance related to childcare activities. The Town Board may also
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Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
Revisions: 3 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 3 of 7
choose to allocate additional funds to the Childcare Assistance and Childcare
Facility Funds at its discretion, in any amount it deems appropriate.
ii.Fund Expenditures
At the Town’s discretion, funds will be made available through an application
process, depending on the availability of funding and the applicant’s ability to
advance the priorities outlined in the Annual 6E Funding Plan.
Town staff may make award decisions and execute funding agreements based
on the following methods of expenditure for the Childcare Assistance Fund,
Priority Grants, and Childcare Stability as specified in the approved Annual 6E
Funding Plan and outlined below:
a)Childcare Assistance Fund
An eligible entity, as outlined below, must demonstrate the need for funds and
specify how they will be used to increase or retain capacity or address
childcare workforce challenges. Town staff, in consultation with partner
agencies as appropriate, will review applications, make award decisions, and
execute funding agreements for childcare expenditures up to $100,000.
Funding agreements greater than $100,000 will require approval and
decisions by the Town Board.
b)Priority Grant Programs
"Priority Grant Programs” offer grant funding opportunities to address specific
childcare challenges in the Estes Valley by targeting objectives and outcomes
presented in the Annual 6E Funding Plan. Priority Grant Programs are
developed by staff based on identified needs and approved by the Town
Board through the Annual 6E Funding Plan. A new Priority Grant Program
may be proposed outside the annual budget approval process by a vote of
the Town Board. The approval of the Annual 6E Funding Plan and the Priority
Grant Framework will include staff-level spending authorization up to the
program grant budget proposed. Distribution of Childcare Funds that are not
aligned with an approved Priority Grant or requested by an entity that is not
eligible for Priority Grant funds may apply through the Childcare Assistance
Fund application.
(i)Priority Grant Framework
Competitive and non-competitive Priority Grants proposed in the Annual
6E Funding Plan, shall include the following:
•Defined childcare priority area
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Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
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•Eligibility and qualifications for funding
•Application window
•Funding distribution timeline
c)Childcare Stability Funding
Stability funding from the Town is intended to support the general operations
and overhead of entities that play a critical role in providing childcare capacity
in the Estes Valley. Eligible entities seeking Childcare Stability Funding from
the Town shall submit a completed “Childcare Stability Funding Application”
(Exhibit B) to the Town by July 1st of each calendar year for the next year’s
budget (i.e. by July 1 2025 for the 2026 budget year).
Applications for Childcare Stability Funding will be processed by Town staff and
recommendations will be presented for approval during the Annual 6E Funding
Plan hearings.
d)Unspent Funds
Unspent funds will roll over to the following year and be included in the
Annual 6E Funding Plan and may be appropriated to the Childcare
Assistance Fund, Priority Grants, or accrued, remain unallocated, or
appropriated for future use. Funds that are not allocated to other expenditure
methods may be applied for under the following conditions:
•The request falls outside the Priority Grant Funding application
window; or
•The request is ineligible for other expenditure methods.
•Childcare Assistance Fund Application (Exhibit A), an eligible entity, as
outlined below, must demonstrate the need for funds and specify how
they will be used to increase or retain capacity, or address childcare
workforce challenges.
iii.Funding requirements for recipients
Fund recipients must meet the eligibility requirements as outlined below, comply
with the funding agreement requirements, and demonstrate that performance
expectations are achieved and documented through reporting. Recipients may be
required to attend regular meetings, provide written reports or testimonies, and
gather data to provide to the Town for long-term planning and strategizing.
a)Eligibility Requirements
•Nonprofit, IRS-designated 501(c)(3) agencies in good standing.
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Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
Revisions: 3 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 5 of 7
•Cooperative groups of organizations with an IRS-designated 501(c)(3)
agency serving as its fiscal host.
•Libraries, museums, education institutions or other governmental entities
that offer eligible programs, services, or activities.
•For-profit childcare providers.
b)Applicant Requirement
•Provide care for children 0-13 years old that is consistent, regular, ongoing
care that aligns with working parent’s schedules, and;
•Provide care for at least four children who are unrelated to the caregiver,
and;
•Be in compliance with state and local health and safety requirements, and;
•Provide a certificate of insurance (once annually), and;
•If licensed, must meet the State of Colorado guidelines for providing
legally exempt care.
c)Eligible Expenditures
Funds may be transferred to other agencies on a contractual basis to achieve the
Town’s goals as outlined in this policy. These contracts/agreements will be
subject to Town Board approval and will specify the authority related to funding
decisions.
•Purchasing property (land and/or buildings) to be used for a childcare
facility.
•Providing funding for tuition assistance or scholarships for childcare.
•Providing funding for out-of-school care programs, such as before- and
after-school care.
•Offering financial assistance to childcare providers to address workforce
challenges.
d)Eligible costs related to workforce challenges may include, but are not limited
to:
•Recruitment and/or retention bonuses
•Wages to bridge the gap between what providers can afford to pay staff
and what is considered a reasonable, living wage by the Town
•Benefits such as healthcare, retirement, and/or paid leave
•Training for staff
•Housing for staff essential to the operation of childcare facilities
•Transportation needs for staff and/or children
Financing the design, construction, expansion, renovation, or other
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Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
Revisions: 3 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 6 of 7
improvements to facilities providing or planning to provide childcare
services, including but not limited to:
•Increasing capacity or making improvements necessary to retain capacity
•Enhancing the safety, well-being, and/or overall experience of children in
care (e.g., fencing, fire suppression systems, healthy food/snack
programs, playground equipment)
e)Becoming a licensed childcare provider
•Subsidizing tap fees for new construction or expansion of existing
childcare facilities that qualify as a Day Care Center under the Estes Park
Development Code.
iv.Childcare Funding Agreement
Expenditures from the Childcare Fund will be accompanied by a Childcare Fund
Agreement, which will be prepared and reviewed by the Town Attorney. The
agreement must be fully executed before any funds are distributed. The Town
reserves the right to impose stipulations on the use of funds on a case-by-case
basis, as deemed necessary. The agreement may include provisions such as:
•Allowing the Town to disburse funds either before a project begins, after a
project is completed, or based on specific milestones.
•Setting timelines for the use of funds.
•Establishing minimum service levels.
•Dictating the circumstances under which funds may need to be returned to
the Town.
v.Reporting
All recipients of funds are required to submit reports as outlined in the Childcare
Funding Agreement or the Priority Grant Program description. These reports, which
must be submitted at pre-determined intervals, should detail how the funds were spent
and the outcomes or impacts resulting from their use.
The Town reserves the right to withhold awards until the required reports are received,
and failure to submit reports may result in ineligibility for future funding.
Approved:
_____________________________
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Document Title Policy 225 – Childcare Reserve Fund 02/28/2023
Revisions: 3 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator’s Office Page 7 of 7
Gary Hall, Mayor
_____________
Date
DRAFT
Provider Grants
A non-competitive funding allocation for
licensed childcare providers based on their
Colorado Shines rating and size of the
program.
Funding is available for facility and capital
projects that increase capacity for childcare
in the Estes Valley.
Awards prioritize infant and toddler care.
Out-of-School funding grant cycle supports
the expansion of existing programs serving
children when school is out of session, to
increase capacity and serve more children in
the Estes Valley.
Application open March 15-May 15
Distribution of funds by August 1
Annual Early Childhood
Workforce Subsidy
Childcare Facility and Capital
Funding Grant
Out-of-School Funding Grant
Application open June 15- September 1
Distribution of funds by November 15
Application for School-year programming
is open July 15- October 1 for
Distribution of funds by December 15
Application for Summer programming is
open March 15- May 1
Distribution of funds by July 15
2025 6E Funding Opportunities
Small program grants are available on a
rolling application to non-profit and for profit
institutions or organizations that offer
programming or services directly impacting
childcare.
Small Program Grant
Rolling application and distribution
Must be under $10,000
*Grant framework can be changed by a vote of the Town Board
ATTACHMENT 3
Childcare
Annual Workforce Subsidy
Childcare Facility & Capital Grant
Tuition Assistance
$100,000
$200,000
$250,000
Year three of the Annual Childcare Workforce Subsidy and Infant/Toddler Incentive
Include a plan to increase minimum wage to $25/ hour for teachers and $19/hour for assistants by
2027
Funding grants for childcare providers specific to Facility and Capital funds
Awards will prioritize infant and toddler care, and new or expanding home providers
Funding agreement will include additional requirements specific to long-term planning for
facilities
Prioritize funding low-income families during the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP)
funding freeze
Expand assistance to include middle-income, working families
2025 6E Funding Allocations
Out-of-School Funding Grant Cycle $100,000
Grant funds for the expansion of programming when school is not in session
Awards will prioritize the expansion of existing after-school and summer programs to meet
capacity targets
*Funding allocations can be changed by a vote of the Town Board
April 8, 2025
•Vacation Home Waitlist
•Hosted Short-Term Rentals
•Annual Review of the Vacation Home Cap
April 22, 2025
•Annexation Policy
•Bed & Breakfast/Vacation Home License
Transition
May 13, 2025
•OHV/Golf Carts on Roads
•Noise Ordinance Enforcement
•Flock Safety Cameras
Items Approved – Unscheduled:
•Estes Park Health Update
•Cleave Street Redevelopment Update
•Police Department Facility Financing
•Police Department Facility Update
•Curb and Gutter Philosophy
•Liquor License Process
•Stanley Park Master Plan Implementation
•State Wildfire Code
Items for Town Board Consideration:
•High Impact Project Process
Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items
March 25, 2025