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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Community Development & Community Services Committee 2015-09-24RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 24, 2015 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 24th day of September, 2015. Committee: Absent: Also Attending: Chair Ericson, Trustees Holcomb and Phipps None Town Administrator Lancaster, Director Chilcott, Managers Mitchell and Lynch, Coordinators Wells, Headley and Jacobson, and Recording Secretary Limmiatis Trustee Ericson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. • Verbal Updates and Committee Questions - Director Chilcott introduced new Planner Audem Gonzales and provided updates on the status of the Downtown Plan consultant interview process, the current development projects by the Stanley Hotel on Lot 4, Mountain River Townhomes, and Falcon Ridge, and the Hydroplant Request for Proposals for bank stabilization. Director Chilcott stated construction is booming as evidenced by a 50% increase in building permits from August 2014 along with a 90% increase in valuation. Building Division staff continues to face challenges completing approximately 30 inspections daily and maintaining associated paperwork. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. • Fairgrounds & Events Director Search Update - Administrator Lancaster stated approximately 40 applications from across the country were received for the (yen position. The pool has been initially narrowed down to 15 applicants and would be further refined within the next week. Interviews would take place within the next two to three weeks. * ^ A t _____. R(=»nrnanization nf Community Services Department - Administrator Lancaster informed the Committee the structure of the Community Services Department was reviewed and it was determined having all the divisions under one director was not the best use of personnel or finances. The Museum and Senior Center, v^o bot have strong leadership, would be separated from the Community Ser^'ces Department and placed under the supervision of Assistant Town Administrator Machalek as the Cultural Services Division. The Fairgrounds, Event Renter and Visitor Center would remain under the leadership of the Fairgrounds and Events . ShuttleReport - Coordinator Wells stated the summer shuttle season concluded on Seotember 13, 2015 and the Elkhorn Express would continue to run fall weekend service. The 2015 ridership numbers were down overall, which cou'd^eha^t5QQtQQ0tS the Town trolley being out for repairs. A local resident was identified as the 500,000 passenger on August 29, 2015 and was presented with a ridership recognition certificate and giftLg from the Town and local businesses. The Committee inquired RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development / Community Services - September 24, 2015 - Page 2 about grant opportunities to assist with year round shuttle services. Wells stated at this time the budget does not allow for extended service, but staff would investigate options if directed to do so. Administrator Lancaster stated most grants require local matching funds and would have to be researched closely before proceeding with applications. • Senior Services Quarterly Report - Coordinator Headley described the 31% increase in attendance observed in all programs over the past year. New programs such as art classes, meditation, and Tai Chi are being offered to attract a younger audience. The Larimer County Office on Aging awarded two grants to Senior Services to conduct a second round of free N’ Balance classes and provide 200 blizzard boxes to Estes Park residents in need. The Committee inquired about reaching maximum capacity for programs and services. Manager Mitchell stated the Senior Center continues to expand with limited time and resources as well as pursue the master plan strategy of moving to the proposed Community Center. Most individuals who participate in activities at the Senior Center as well as the non-profit partners are supportive of the Community Center project, but a few express concerns of diminishing quality in the programs offered. • Event Report - Coordinator Jacobson updated the Committee on the events to take place in the fall. Elk Fest enters its 17th year and the organizers were challenged to introduce new items. The Rut Run was added with the support of the Estes Park Marathon and has over 50 participants registered. Cabela’s and the YMCA were added as new partners of the event. The Tree Lighting Ceremony would honor community members who receive awards on National Philanthropy Day. Staff has partnered with Festive Fridays during the upcoming holiday season in an attempt to get visitors to arrive on Friday and stay through the weekend for special events. The Catch the Glow parade preparations are underway with Michael Young working on six new floats. Performance Park would close for the season after the final Movie in Mountains on September 29, 2015. This venue has been heavily utilized this summer and comprehensive attendance numbers would be brought forward at the next meeting. • Verbal Updates and Committee Questions - The Committee inquired about the number of bookings at the Event Center for the remainder of the year. Manager Lynch stated focus has been placed on reaching large groups during 2016/2017 and she continues to experience challenges with bookings due to the lack of a break out area within the Events Center, no bid fees, no volunteer support staff, the acoustics, and lack of transportation available between venues. Administrator Lancaster suggested a conversation take place with Forever Resorts to discuss the Town’s relationship and investing into improvements at the Conference Center. There being no further business. Trustee Ericson adjourned the meeting at 9:17 a.m. is. Recording SecretaryBarbara Jo Limmi APPROVED OCT 1 3 2015 TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES