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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2021-01-12Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado,January 12,2021 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado.Meeting held in the Town Hall and Virtually in said Town of Estes Park on the I 2th day of January,2021. Present:Wendy Koenig,Mayor Patrick Martchink,Mayor Pro Tem Trustees Carlie Bangs Marie Cenac Barbara MacAlpine Scott Webermeier Cindy You nglund Also Present:Travis Machalek,Town Administrator Jason Damweber,Assistant Town Administrator Dan Kramer,Town Attorney Jackie Williamson,Town Clerk Absent:None Mayor Koenig called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.and all desiring to do so,recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA APPROVAL. It was moved and seconded (Webermeier/Cenac)to approve the Agenda with the removal of Action Item 3,and it passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS. Georgia LeBon/Town citizen thanked the Board for their consideration on providing relief to local business through the delay of business licenses and waiver of liquor license fees. She requested assistance in assuring Visit Estes Park meetings are published accurately and timely. Ron Keas/Town citizen stated a citizen group was formed to review the Hospital District’s reasons for closing the Prospect Park Living Center,the only skilled nursing facility within the Estes valley.The group has developed a financially viable budget that could break even with the facility housing 100%Medicare funded individuals.A third-party operation of the facility would require an initial cash flow projected at $750,000.The group stated the lack of a nursing home would deter individuals from making Estes Park their home. The group requested the Board provide a statement of support for their effort to continue to operate the facility originally approved by the voters. TRUSTEE COMMENTS. Trustee Bangs stated the Transportation Advisory Board discussed the Task Force efforts to continue addressing safe routes to schools starting with inventorying the current transportation infrastructure. Trustee Younglund commented the Community and Family Advisory Board (CFAB)met and received updates on the $1.2 million United Way fire funds distributed to those impacted by the 2020 fires;EVICS virtual art fundraiser to be held on February 5th for scholarships;and 84 English and 9 Spanish CFAB surveys received.The surveys have outlined significant areas of concerns include year-around public transportation,equitable wages,competitive wages,and housing and childcare availability. Trustee Webermeier attended the Visit Estes Park (Local Marketing District)meeting where the Board was provided an update on the CEO search,and the Board held officer elections with Gibson elected Chair and Jurgens as Vice Chair.The District suggested holding quarterly meetings with the Town Board and the County Commissioners to keep elected officials up to date on the activities of the District. Board of Trustees —January 12,2021 —Page 2 Trustee Cenac stated VEP would hold its Board meetings on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 5:00 p.m.The Board stated interest in partnering with the Town for a snowmaking machine to enhance winter activities.Kyle Patterson/RMNP Public Affairs Officer provided an update stating visitor numbers were down with time entry during 2020, issue with visitors going past barricades established due to the Troublesome fire,and additional areas may need to be shut down to address safety issues. Trustee MacAlpine attended the COVID-19 vaccine forum sponsored by the Estes Chamber of Commerce.She stated she received her first COVID-19 vaccine and advocated for all citizens to get the vaccine once they are eligible. Mayor Pro Tern Martchink commented the next Economic Development Corporation meeting would be held January 14th Mayor Koenig attended the Larimer County Waste Management meeting and would provide more information on the opening of the new facility at an upcoming meeting.She stated the Town Board would review the Sunshine Law at the next study session and review transparency. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. Town Administrator Machalek provided an update on vaccinations stating the state and the county are working through Phase 1A vaccinations.The guidelines are set by the state,and therefore,the county does not have the ability to modify the phases.Phase I B could begin as early as the end of January and includes any individual 70 and above. The state ranks sixth overall for vaccine distribution and has administered 53%of the vaccines issued to the state.Supply continues to be the main limitation on providing vaccines to those in the other phases.The Town has discussed utilizing Town facilities and public information channels to administer vaccinations as the supply increases.He provided the Board and the community an update on the current COVID numbers stating the overall hospitalization rate has stabilized,however,the case rate continues to increase.COVID-19 remains prevalent and a significant problem in the country.Larirner County’s numbers are the worst they have been since the pandemic began.A local contact tracing team has been established with the assistance of Kathy Oaks. Wastewater testing information has been made available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. 1.CONSENT AGENDA: 1.Bills. 2.Special Town Board Minutes dated December 3,2020 and Town Board Minutes dated December 8,2020 and Town Board Study Session Minutes dated December 8,2020. 3.Parks Advisory Board minutes dated November 19,2020 (acknowledgement only). 4.Transportation Advisory Board minutes dated November 18,2020 (acknowledgement only). 5.Resolution 01-21 Public Posting Area Designation. 6.Resolution 02-21 Correcting Clerical Errors in Resolution 71-20 —Establishing 2021 Parking Fees. 7.Resolution 03-21 Approving a Waiver and Release Agreement with the Colorado Economic Development Commission,City of Loveland,Town of Windsor,and Larimer County and the Northern Colorado Regional Tourism Authority. Trustee Younglund requested Consent Agenda Item 7 be removed and discussed as an action item.It was moved and seconded (Webermeier/Martchink)to approve the Consent Agenda Items I -6,and it passed unanimously. Board of Trustees —January 12,2021 —Page 3 Consent Agenda Item #7 -Resolution 03-21 Approving a Waiver and Release Agreement with the Colorado Economic Development Commission,City of Loveland,Town of Windsor,and Larimer County and the Northern Colorado Regional Tourism Authority.Attorney Kramer provided a summary of the agreement which would provide a one-year extension for substantial work on the projects approved for state funding in 2015 through the Regional Tourism Act to be completed,and extended financing terms from 30 years to 40 years.The agreement was required by the State to ensure the municipalities involved would not sue the State regarding the amendments.The Town has no financial obligation and was only the applicant for the Stanley Film Center project as required by the state.Funding for the project would not be available if the projects do not commence prior to the end of the year.It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Webermeier)to approve the Consent Agenda Item 7,and it passed unanimously. 2.PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS:Items reviewed by Planning Commission or staff for Town Board Final Action. 1.ACTION ITEMS: A.ORDINANCE 01-21 AMENDING CHAPTERS 2,3,10 AND 13 OF THE ESTES PARK DEVELOPMENT CODE REGARDING MINOR ADJUSTMENTS AND SUBDIVISIONS.Mayor Koenig opened the public hearing.Planner Woeber stated the proposed amendments would allow Amended Plats,Boundary Line Adjustments and Land Consolidation Plats to be processed by staff as Minor Adjustments.The amendment would also increase the time for submiffing a subdivision plat for recording from the current 60 days to 180 days.Trustee MacAlpine stated the Estes Park Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes and addressed a number of concerns during their review and recommendation to the Town Board.Mayor Koenig closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (Webermeier/Martchink)to approve the Estes Park Development Code amendments as stated in Ordinance 01-21,including findings as identified in the Ordinance,and it passed unanimously. 3.ACTION ITEMS: 1.RESOLUTION 04-21 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT TWO WITH SAFEBUILT COLORADO,LLC,FOR RENEWAL OF BUILDING SAFETY SERVICES CONTRACT,2021.Director Hunt stated the amendment would exercise a renewal clause in the current contract with SafeBuilt to extend building safety services through 2021 with no changes to the existing contract. After further discussion,it was moved and seconded (Younglund/MacAlpine)to approve Resolution #04-21,and it passed unanimously. 2.APPOINT AUDIT FIRM FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,2020 WITH FOUR OPTIONAL ANNUAL RENEWALS.Director Hudson stated an audit services Request for Proposal was issued October 28,2020 at the direction of the Audit Committee and four proposals were received by the due date.The proposals were reviewed by an evaluation team and ranked by their technical qualifications.The companies were invited to meet with the interview team consisting of Mayor Koenig and Trustee MacAlpine and staff members.After further review and reference checks the interview committee and staff unanimously recommended Haynie & Company.It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Webermeier)to award the financial audit engagement for the year ending December 31,2020 with optional annual renewals for the next four years through 2024 to Haynie & Company,and it passed unanimously. 3.RESOLUTION 05-21 FOR CDOT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR MULTIMODAL OPTIONS FUND AND TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM FUNDS FOR FALL RIVER TRAIL.Agenda item removed during the approval of the agenda. Board of Trustees —January 12,2021 —Page 4 4.REVISE POLICY 671 —TOWN FUNDING OF OUTSIDE ENTITIES.Assistant Town Administrator Damweber presented revisions to the current policy to address other taxing districts and organizations that exist for the purpose of providing financial support and/or fundraising for other taxing districts would not be eligible for Community Initiative funding.Discussion ensued among the Board and has been summarized:the proposed amendments would not preclude the Town from partnering with other taxing districts,and Trustee Webermeier commented the amendment would limits the flexibility of the Board on what funding may be appropriate in the future and the highest benefit for the community.It was moved and seconded (Cenac/MacAlpine)to approve the revisions to Policy 671 — Town Funding for Outside Entities,and it passed with Trustee Webermeier voting “No”. 5.2021 LINEWORKER PAYSCALE.Director Williamson noted the proposed Lineworker payscale would align with industry pay standards for Journey Lineworkers and provide an hourly rate rather than a pay range.The change would address the ongoing recruitment and retention issues the Town has experienced once an Apprentice Lineworker completes their training and receives their Lineworker credentials.Other Platte River Power Authority cities have made a similar adjustment or are considering a change to their pay practices.The new scale would move the Crew Supervisor to the management payscale because it would maintain a pay range and aligns with the supervisory requirements of positions within the pay family.It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Webermeier) to approve the modified Lineworker payscale for 2021 and the increase to each of the employees pay,and it passed unanimously. 6.ORDINANCE 02-21 TEMPORARILY EXTEND BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL DEADLINE TO JUNE 30,2021 AND TO WAIVE CERTAIN LIQUOR LICENSE FEES UNTIL DECEMBER 8,2021.Mayor Koenig opened the public heating. Administrator Machalek stated in light of the impacts COVID-19 and measures enacted to slow the spread of the virus had on small businesses,staff recommended the Board consider delaying the 2021 business license deadline from January 31,2021 to June 30,2021 and waiving liquor license renewal fees for all licenses with the exception of Retail and Fermented Malt Beverage Off- Premise licenses from December 8,2020 to December 8,2021.Mayor Koenig closed the public heating.It was moved and seconded (Webetmeier/Younglund) to approve Ordinance 02-21,and it passed unanimously. MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mayor Koenig stated Mr.Keas requested the Town Board consider making a statement of support to maintain the Prospect Park Living Center.Discussion followed and has been summarized:Trustee Younglund would be supportive of assisting with identifying a company to run the Prospect Park Living Center;Trustee Webermeier stated the closure of the facility would be an extreme loss to the community.He questioned what standing the Board had in determining the ongoing operations of the center,and he would encourage the Hospital Board to maintain the center;Mayor Koenig stated the Board does not have oversight of the Hospital Board;and Trustees Bangs and Cenac stated they do not have enough information to provide a support letter.Mayor Koenig encouraged those Board members who wanted to state support to provide letters directly to the committee. Whereupon Mayor Koenig adjoutned the meeting at 9:23 p.m. --- Jie Williamson,Town Clerk