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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Study Session EP Planning Commission 2021-03-16Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado March 16, 2021 Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the PLANNING COMMISSION of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held virtually on Google Meet. Commission: Chair Matt Comstock, Vice-Chair Matthew Heiser, Commissioners Joe Elkins, Howard Hanson Attending: Comstock, Heiser, Hanson Also Attending: Director Randy Hunt, Senior Planner Jeff Woeber, Planner II Alex Bergeron, Trustee Barbara MacAlpine, Planning Technician Charlie Rugaber, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund Absent: Commissioner Elkins Chair Comstock called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. This study session was held virtually via ZOOM and was streamed and recorded on the Town of Estes Park YouTube channel. Town Administrator Travis Machalek addressed the Planning Commission for the first time since it was reformed as the Estes Park Planning Commission (EPPC) in April of 2020. He spoke on long- term endeavors and changes in the Community Development Department. Staff will work on setting up a joint meeting between the Town Board and the EPPC to discuss the Comprehensive Plan rewrite and the Strategic Plan, which are woven together and rely on each other. He suggested that the EPPC members look at the Town Board Strategic Plan to see how it aligns with the Comp Plan. Feedback on the best way to keep the Town Board and EPPC aligned is welcome. He opened up the discussion for questions from the Commissioners. (Discussion is summarized and not necessarily in chronological order) Vice-Chair Heiser stated that he has felt the EPPC has been doing its own thing and asked what they should be tackling in the next three years while the Comp Plan is rewritten. Moving forward, continuity by way of an annual or biannual meeting with the Town Board ensures all are on board with continuing Code Amendments. The Downtown Plan will be 6-7 years old before the Code rewrites will be completed. Implementing current aspects of the Downtown Plan right now would be helpful and integral to the future work we are about to tackle. TA Machalek answered that the high impact, legitimate issues could and should be tackled now. Structural changes can bridge the gap between TB and EPPC, despite COVID and online meetings. Director Hunt spoke on his 10 page Code Amendment list, which was put together in a memo written in 2017. Setting a target of several amendments per year, depending on staff workload, is a good plan. The ability to implement the Downtown Plan (building height) involves fiscal and regulatory apparatus. A downtown development authority would help launch much of the Plan. Chair Comstock also questioned how to tackle the Code Amendment master list and how the EPPC can start addressing it, both the easy and more time-consuming issues. Town Trustee MacAlpine mentioned that the Town Board hasn't discussed Planning Commission items and suggested that the Code Amendment list be shared with the Town Board. Planning Commission Study Session March 16, 2021 – Page 2 Town Attorney Kramer suggested developing a Code Amendment referral at the Town Board level (formal or informal). The staff would bring a general idea for a Code Amendment to the Board and make sure they get a "thumbs up" from the Town Board to move forward and get a recommendation to the EPPC. That would keep everyone on the right track before putting a lot of time into something. Director Hunt added that the Town Board received the memo in 2017 and gave "permission" to go ahead with those Code Amendment suggestions. The time is overripe to provide the Town Board with specific amendments to move forward, Hunt said. Commissioner Hanson suggested giving the EPPC marching orders for the new Comp Plan. He wondered why an EPPC member needs to apply to the CompPAC committee, which conflicts with the State Statues stating Planning Commission members should make and implement the Comprehensive Plan. Hunt responded that monthly Study Sessions would be primarily dedicated to discussing the Comp Plan and sees the EPPC having an active role in that capacity. Kramer stated that, as a default, State Statutes say it is the Planning Commissions' role to make and adopt the Comp Plan, not implement it; the Town Board has the final decision to approve and adopt the Plan and appoint the advisory committee. Compilation of the Plan is done by staff and consultants. Feedback and input will be taken into consideration, along with community input. A document elaborating on the Town Board, Planning Commission and Comp Plan Advisory Committee roles, responsibilities, and interaction levels can be created. Comprehensive Plan: Director Hunt described the Comp Plan's current stage, which is approving a contract with the chosen consulting firm. Nine proposals were received and trimmed down to four interviews. The April 13 Town Board meeting is set for the approval of a contract. CompPAC hopes to have diversity amongst stakeholders. The Town Board has approved the Bylaws, and Board members Koenig and MacAlpine have been assigned to pick the committee, envisioned as an 11-member body. Hanson noted that none of the consultant interviews included the Planning Commission in their proposals. Hunt responded, saying that there would likely be quarterly meetings with the consultant. Chair Comstock suggested making the Chair of CompPAC a regular attendee at the EPPC Study Sessions. Hunt recommended that every other week is the best rhythm for CompPAC to meet. There has been a meeting with the local Restorative Justice group asking for help in public outreach and assistance with community problems that might arise during the process. A second group, funded by the US Forestry Sevice and private foundations, may come on board to assist with wildfire prevention processes. Trustee MacAlpine mentioned that the new EPPC member's interview had taken place, and the candidate should be approved at the March 23 Town Board meeting. Hunt informed the group that he will be retiring in the Fall. The interview process for his successor will hopefully involve the Planning Commission members. Chair Comstock adjourned the study session at 12:40 p.m. Planning Commission Study Session March 16, 2021Page 3 Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary _____________________________________ Matt Comstock, Chair