HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Parks Advisory Board 2019-09-19
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 19, 2019
Minutes of a regular meeting of the Parks Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park,
Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Museum Conference Room of the Estes
Park Museum on the 19th day of September, 2019.
Present Merle Moore
Vicki Papineau
Ron Wilcocks
Rex Poggenpohl
Wade Johnston
Also Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Present: Elias Wilson, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Patrick Martchink, Town Board Liaison
Brian Berg, Parks Supervisor
Kevin McEachern, Operations Manager
Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director
Absent: Dewain Lockwood
Geoffrey Elliot
Chair Merle Moore called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Estes Arts District (EAD) – Member Wade Johnston stated that planning is taking place
for next year with the potential of a band camp on an ongoing basis.
League of Women Voters (LWV) President Liz Zornes, Treasurer Cherie Martin, and
Member Judy Schaffer were in attendance. LWV extends their thanks for the efforts and
contributions of the Town’s Art In Public Places (AIPP) program.
2020 is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United
States. With there being no existing pieces of significant artwork in town paying tribute
to any of the founding women of Estes Park, the LWV proposes that a committee be
established to identify an appropriate piece of artwork to pay tribute. It was expressed
that neither Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) nor Estes Park would exist without
these pioneering women.
The LWV would love to collaborate with this committee on the artwork and The Estes
Park Woman’s Club (EPWC) would also be interested in participating in the artwork
collaboration, with the hopes of offering financial support for the project.
Supervisor Berg confirmed his support of the idea and stated the PAB could explore
designating such a committee.
GENERAL BUSINESS
A motion was made and seconded (Papineau/Wilcocks) to approve the August meeting
minutes and all were in favor.
Parks Advisory Board – September 19, 2019 – Page 2
ESTES PARK NOXIOUS WEED ORDINANCE - UPDATE
Lt. Rick Life and Code Enforcement Officer Michael Madachy were in attendance to
discuss the Noxious Weed Ordinance and associated enforcement.
Life said that it has been an adventure learning about the challenges of noxious weeds
and described the difficultly of positive identification due to the close relation and
similarity to native plants. Life stated the importance of educating the community on
identification and proper treatment. While some educational efforts are in motion, the
efforts need increased.
Member Wilcocks asked Lt. Life if the current enforcement aligns with state-mandated
enforcement. Life specified that in order to develop the most effective plan several
considerations are being made to ensure alignment with the State and to ensure the
best outcomes for the Town. Life further stated that Estes Park can’t enforce anything
more than is currently being done due to lack of the needed resources to maintain the
entire town.
Code Enforcement Officer Madachy has been educating residents about the importance
of dealing with noxious weeds. It was suggested to, during the next update of the Estes
Land Stewardship Association’s (ELSA) “14 Very Unwanted Weeds” booklet, ensure the
descriptions and photos of the noxious weeds are more detailed to aid in better
identification.
2020 AIPP FUNDING – WOMEN OF ESTES
Member Wilcocks asked the PAB to vote on a resolution supporting the creation of a
monument for the historic women of Estes Park to present to the Town Board. The
resolution only asks for the support of the Town Board and does not ask for funding.
Member Poggenpohl suggested that the resolution include language requesting Town
Board approval of the PAB acting as the selection committee for the artwork.
Chair Moore questioned why a sculpture would be the only acceptable artwork.
Wilcocks responded that there are several bronze sculptures around town and this
would ensure the piece is long-lasting and significant. Member Poggenpohl suggested
that before the PAB works to narrow it down it would be beneficial to have more
involvement from the community. Member Wilcocks suggested that the word “bronze”
be stricken from the resolution. Trustee Liaison Martchink suggested the PAB request
Town Board approval of proceeding with this concept, with selection and discussion of
the designs at a later date.
Member Wilcocks stated that, regarding forming a PAB subcommittee for the artwork
determination, the PAB isn’t required to obtain Town Board approval. Wilcocks further
stated that he wants the Town Board support of the artwork, with Bond Park being the
location due to its prominent location. Budgets, fundraising, RFPs, and timeframes will
need to be created, but without the support of the Town this will not be possible.
Supervisor Berg stated that PAB should ask the Town Board for the specific land
location of where they’d like to see this this artwork.
Wilcocks strongly believes that Bond Park is the best location to pay tribute to the
pioneering women. The LWV prefers the selected piece be in Bond Park because the
area has been heavily influenced by women.
Parks Advisory Board – September 19, 2019 – Page 3
Member Poggenpohl suggested the PAB organize a committee to come up with a
proposal, then approach the Town Board for approval.
Director Muhonen stated he believes the Town Board has already shown report a s
evidenced at the Town Board Meeting wherein the Decorating Utility Box (DUB)
selections were approved. Muhonen stated that Member Poggenpohl’s suggestion for a
subcommittee would get the process moving but reminded the group that there are
other areas already designated for artwork in Estes Park if the Town Board is
interested.
Chair Moore indicated that a resolution is not necessary at this time.
Wilcocks removed the previous resolution and made a motion to form a subcommittee
that will reach out to stakeholders to create the monument. Member Poggenpohl
seconded the motion and all were in favor. Wilcocks will lead the subcommittee and
bring recommendations for stakeholder involvement.
MRS WALSH’S GARDEN COMMITTEE UPDATE
At the last regularly scheduled meeting it was discussed there is a need for a
professional Master Plan for Mrs. Walsh’s Garden (“Garden”). Supervisor Berg stated
that the Parks Division staff will repair the waterfall and reposition the rock as these
were heavily damaged in the 2013 Flood.
The Mrs. Walsh’s Garden Advisory Committee (MWGAC) recommended requesting the
Parks Division issue an RFP to locate a vendor with the needed expertise to create the
Master Plan. Supervisor Berg stated that before this type of determination can be made,
all need to be aware the design cannot be something the Parks Division isn’t able to
maintain. If the plan includes too various of plants types and soil types it would be very
difficult to maintain.
Member Poggenpohl suggested Berg be involved with the RFP process to ensure this is
addressed. Poggenpohl also suggested an employee specifically designated to the
Garden would be beneficial for the Parks Division. Berg stated that, without buy-in from
the staff it would be difficult to ensure that the Garden is properly maintained. The
design needs to be practical.
Chair Moore stated that the Garden is a native plant garden so, in some cases, it could
be redesigned to better care for the plants within. He also commented that a Parks
Division staff member would have to be dedicated to the Garden to ensure consistency
of care. Moore stated there should be $41,000 in the Trust and that an additional
amount will be added at the end of this year. Supervisor Berg said that, depending on
hiring a dedicated staff member to the Garden, the budget may have $60,000 - $70,000
available for next year.
Trustee Liaison Martchink asked if there any allowable funds for a Master Plan design
for the Garden. Director Muhonen stated there are designated funds already in place
through the trust. The Parks Division is responsible for those funds. This motion is to
help guide staff on how to spend the money from the trust.
Berg stated that the waterfall needs repaired this summer regardless of a Master Plan.
Parks Advisory Board – September 19, 2019 – Page 4
Moore stated that without a Master Plan the Garden could end up in a situation where
individuals are adding their own personal projects which may not align with the purpose
of the Garden. Poggenpohl asked why the PAB can’t have a Master Plan completed this
Fall with construction beginning in the Spring for the waterfall and the rest of the
Garden. Poggenpohl offered to help supervise the process to ensure the designers and
architects are moving along. Berg stated that getting a contractor to come install a
waterfall will be a difficult task.
MWGAC requests that the Parks Division issue an RFP to identify a contractor who is
qualified, has the appropriate expertise, and who has demonstrated an ability to develop
an overall garden master plan that incorporates planting areas designed specifically for
site-appropriate native plant materials. The RFP is also to include a specific site
development plan for the pond and waterfall areas and a construction bid for that
portion.
The recommendation was adapted to allow the Parks Division to publish the RFP and
all were in favor.
AIPP FUNDING RESEARCH
Member Poggenpohl stated the two things needed for AIPP. The first is funding and the
second is an Arts Advisory Committee to aid PAB in making decisions regarding
maintenance of art. A project would need budgeted and a reserve account would be
established for the determined percentage. Chair Moore asked if the changes to the
guidelines will impact the ordinance. Poggenpohl suggested PAB design a new
ordinance that requires funding. The $5,000 shown on the handout is open for
discussion if the Town Board would like to adjust the amount. Establishing a fund would
ensure the possibility of future art projects in Estes Park. Moore suggested the handout
be taken home and studied.
Wilcocks asked if the language of this handout would supersede what is stated in the
AIPP Guidelines related to the Maintenance Fund. Director Muhonen stated the
document language needs adjusted.
Discussions continued about the desired amount to be requested. Moore asked for data
from different towns reflecting the percentage of the programs having similar funding
programs. Poggenpohl responded that 11 out of 27 had a system like this, ranging from
.5% to 1.5%. This is fairly comprehensive. A cap may need set on the amount, if
applying to a $27 million project, for example.
A Master Plan will need to be in place prior to requesting funding for this program. At
the next regularly scheduled meeting, there should be discussion on completion of an
Art Master Plan. Muhonen stated that if the ordinance moves forward, it may make
sense to wait and use the funding for the Master Plan.
Wilcocks stated that the EAD is very open to working with the PAB and would be
interested in contributing to an Art Master Plan. Wilcocks will reach out to the Arts
Center of Estes Park and the Fine Arts Guild to gauge their level of desire to become
involved. Muhonen suggested that once an art committee is formed their first project
should be for the historic women of Estes Park.
Parks Advisory Board – September 19, 2019 – Page 5
Chair Moore requested that Administrative Assistant Van Hoozer send out the notes
taken during the review of the AIPP Guidelines.
OTHER BUSINESS
Supervisor Berg shared that Keri Kelly has submitted her resignation and that the Parks
Division is in the midst of the hiring process which includes several excellent
candidates.
With no other business to discuss, a motion was made and seconded (Moore/Johnston)
to adjourn the meeting at 10:16 a.m. and all were in favor.
Recording Secretary
Elias Wilson, Public Works