HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2022-03-08
March 8, 2022
5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Board Room
5:15 p.m. -Dinner
In Person Meeting – Mayor, Trustees, Staff and Public
To view or listen to the Study Session by Zoom Webinar
ONLINE (Zoom Webinar): https://zoom.us/j/91077906778 Webinar ID: 910 7790 6778
CALL-IN (Telephone Option): 877-853-5257 (toll-free) Meeting ID: 910 7790 6778
If you are joining the Zoom meeting and are experiencing technical difficulties, staff will be
available by phone for assistance 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting at 970-577-4777.
5:30 p.m. 2022 Street Improvement Program Overview.
(Engineer Barr)
6:05 p.m. Town Shuttle Service to the YMCA Campus.
(Manager Solesbee)
6:35 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions.
6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
(Board Discussion)
6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting.
Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this
meeting at approximately 5:00 p.m.
AGENDA
TOWN BOARD
STUDY SESSION
Page 1
Page 2
PUBLIC WORKS Report
To: Honorable Mayor Koenig
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Ryan Barr, Engineer
Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director
Date: March 8, 2022
RE: 2022 Street Improvement Program Overview
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Provide the Board an update on the 2022 Street Improvement and Trail Expansion
Programs funded by the 2014 1A Tax Initiative.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Confirming acceptance of the proposed scope of work.
Present Situation:
• In 2014 the citizens of Estes Park voted to increase the sales tax by one percent
with 60% of the increase going toward street improvements and 12.5% going
toward trails expansion in the Town of Estes Park.
• A goal was set to raise the system-wide Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to
above 70 by the end of the term of the tax in 2024.
• The Public Works Department has continued to expand our trails system in
accordance with the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan.
• Larimer County plans to chip seal many of their roads in Estes Park in 2022
using in-house labor. Rather than skipping the Town-owned segments on these
county roads, Public Works is partnering with the County to have County crews
chip seal our road segments at the same time. This collaboration is estimated to
save Estes Park taxpayers approximately $50,000.
Proposal:
The 2022 Street Improvement Program consists of overlaying 1.8 centerline miles of
roadway, asphalt patching at 10 roadway locations, crack sealing 2.8 centerline miles of
roadway, and chip sealing 5.1 centerline miles of roadway. Approximately 3 of the 5
centerline miles of chip seal is planned to be accomplished by Larimer County in-house
crews. Design projects occurring in 2022 include the Visitor Center Parking Lot
reconfiguration, Third Street Rehabilitation, and Cleave Street Improvements.
Page 3
Trail Expansion work in 2022 includes construction of three separate projects: Fall River
Trail (CtB), Fall River Trail (TAP & MMOF), and Graves Avenue Improvements. These
projects will add approximately 0.8 miles of surfaced trail to the Town’s trail network.
Advantages:
• This plan continues the work set forth in the original 2024 STIP Plan
• Implementation of this plan will result in improved road conditions throughout
Town, leading to higher citizen and guest satisfaction.
• This plan includes preventive road maintenance, which will impact a larger
percentage of the roads in Town, as opposed to only focusing on a few major
repairs.
• The entire road system is predicted to exceed an average PCI rating of 70 by the
end of this program. We reached this system-wide average score in 2018 and
will continue to plan cost-effective projects in order to maintain a PCI above 70
for the remainder of the program.
Disadvantages:
• Increased construction during the course of this program will produce localized
detours and delays for motorists during construction periods; however,
contractors will follow approved traffic control plans, and full road closures will be
minimized as much as possible.
• The average system-wide PCI is expected be above 70 in 2024; however, there
will be some roads with PCI ratings below 70.
Finance/Resource Impact:
The proposed street improvements are funded through the 1A Street Improvement
Fund (Fund 260). The proposed trail improvements are funded through the 1A Trail
Expansion Fund (Fund 244), the Larimer County Open Space Fund (Fund 220), and the
Community Reinvestment Fund (Fund 204). For 2022 the proposed spending is:
$590,000 – Overlays and Patching
$300,000 – Chip and Crack Sealing
$365,000 – Personnel, Spray Patcher, Striping, Equipment, etc.
$70,000 – Engineering Design Costs
$48,000 – Cleave Street Interim Improvements (Design)
$129,000 – Visitor Center Parking Lot (Design)
$534,000 – Fall River Trail (CtB): $364k from Colorado the Beautiful (CtB) grant; $110k
from Town; $10k from Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
(DNR); $50k from Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD)
$2,221,000 – Fall River Trail (TAP & MMOF): $955k from Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP) grant; $448k from Multi-Modal Options Fund (MMOF) grant;
$718k from Town; $100k from EVRPD
$900,000 – Graves Avenue Improvements: $500k from Colorado Safe Routes to School
(SRTS) grant; $400k from Town
Page 4
Level of Public Interest
The known level of public interest in this item is moderate.
Attachments:
1. 2022 Street Improvement Program and Trails Expansion presentation
Page 5
Town of Estes Park 2022
Street Improvement Program
and Trails Expansion Update
1A Streets Overview
LEGEND
Town Maintained Streets
Non Town Maintained Streets
Streams
Lakes
Parks
Town Boundary
Attachment 1
Page 6
3/9/2022
Town of Estes Park Street Improvement
Program Goal
Develop and implement a
street improvement program
to raise the average
Pavement Condition Index
(PCI) of the Town of Estes
Park to a value of 70 by the
year 2024
Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
2016 PCI rating = 65
Program PCI goal = 70
Current PCI rating = 73
Page 7
3/9/2022
PCI Examples
100 85 72
5363 35
Reach System-Wide PCI of 70
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
PC
I
W
e
i
g
h
t
e
d
A
v
e
r
a
g
e
Year
Annual Condition Plot (Area Weighted Average)
Projected PCI Actual PCI
Page 8
3/9/2022
2021 Street Improvements
Overlaid 1.6 miles of roadway and
performed asphalt patching at 18
locations
2021 Overlay and Patching
Country Club Drive
Far View Drive
Grand Estates Drive
High Acres Drive
Pine Lane
Saint Vrain Lane
Tranquil Lane
Vail Court
Performance Parking Lot improvements
2021 Street Improvements - Maintenance
Crack Sealed 3.9 centerline miles
Chip Sealed 4.2 centerline miles
Page 9
3/9/2022
2022 Street Improvements
Overlay and Patching – 1.8 centerline miles
Overlay - Acacia Dr, Grand Estates Dr, Homesteader Ln, Lakefront St, Pioneer
Ln, Prospector Ln, Sunny Mead Ln
Patching – 10 locations identified for asphalt patch repairs
Crack Seal – 2.8 centerline miles
Chip Seal – 5.1 centerline miles
Larimer County plans to chip seal many of their roads in Estes Park in 2022
(in-house). Public Works is coordinating with them to have the Town-owned
segments (approx. 3 centerline miles) addressed at the same time.
Likely to include the Town-owned segments of Fish Creek Road, High Drive,
Highway 66, Mary’s Lake Road, Peak View Drive, and Riverside Drive
2022 Design Projects – 1A Streets
Visitor Center Parking Lot – SB 267
Parking lot reconfiguration – awarded $1.03M grant with 20% local match of $257k
IGA for design has been received, design to be completed by the end of 2024
Third Street Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation project will follow utility upgrades from Water Division & Estes Park
Sanitation District – Utility work expected to continue into 2023
Public Works will revisit one-way pilot program with residents to see if a different
configuration should be tested in 2022, in order to help guide final design
Cleave Street Improvements
Public outreach and design in 2022, targeting construction in 2023
Coordination with Comprehensive Plan, which may influence design
Page 10
3/9/2022
2022 – 1A Streets Budget
2022 Projected Expenditures
$590,000 for Overlays and Patching
$300,000 for Chip & Crack Sealing
$365,000 for personnel, spraypatcher, striping, equipment, etc.
$70,000 for Engineering Design Costs
$48,000 for Cleave Street Interim Improvements (Design)
$129,000 for Visitor Center Parking Lot (Design)
Contingency funds are included
STIP Production Summary
Page 11
3/9/2022
Streets Improved – 1A Sales Tax
Approximately 78% of roadway segments have been
crack sealed, chip sealed, patched, or overlaid
through 1A program.
Pothole repair spray patcher performs hundreds of
additional minor patching repairs each year.
Currently on target to achieve PCI goal at end of
program
Pavement degradation is perpetual. Revenue from 1A
tax is critical for maintaining PCI over the entire life
of the roadway. Renewal in 2024 is very important.
Reach System-Wide PCI of 70
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029
PC
I
W
e
i
g
h
t
e
d
A
v
e
r
a
g
e
Year
Annual Condition Plot (Area Weighted Average)
Projected PCI
Actual PCI
Unfunded
$200k Annually
Maintain PCI - Approx $1.1M Annually
Page 12
3/9/2022
Colorado
Asphalt
Pavement
Association
(CAPA) –
Local
Agency
Listing
1A Trails Overview
Page 13
3/9/2022
1A Trails Priorities
(Dry Gulch / Devils Gulch Connection)
Trail # Project Name
Estes Valley Master Trails Plan
Project Priority Table
Top priority Fall River Trail has been
focus of grant applications
Additional project priorities near
the School District that are eligible
for Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
grants
Trail Grant Opportunities
2021 Grant Applications - Trails
Fall River Trail - ARPA EDA Tourism
Not selected for funding
Fall River Trail – Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS)
Contacted State Senator/Congressman offices for potential project funds
Not selected for funding, but project interest was heightened among
Representatives
Will continue to pursue grant opportunities in 2022 – MMOF, GOCO,
SRTS, RMS, CPW LWCF, CPW NMT, etc.
Page 14
3/9/2022
2022 Trail Expansion
Fall River Trail – Colorado the Beautiful (CtB) Non-Motorized Trails Grant
Begins along Fish Hatchery Road where 2020 construction ended
Awarded $364k with required local match of $109k; Supported with EVRPD funding ($50k) &Larimer County DNR ($10k)
Targeting construction in summer 2022
Fall River Trail - Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) & Multi-Modal OptionsFund (MMOF)
Along Fall River Road (US34) working west from current “trail ends” barricade
TAP: Awarded $955k with required local match of $239k; MMOF: Awarded $448k with requiredlocal match of $179k; Supported with EVRPD funding ($100k)
Targeting construction in summer 2022
Graves Avenue Improvements – Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Sidewalk along both sides of Graves Avenue to provide safe and accessible routes to the SchoolDistrict, Community Center, and other amenities
Awarded $500k from Colorado SRTS with required local match of $125k
Targeting construction in summer 2022
2022 Trail Expansion
Graves Avenue
Improvements
Fall River Trail
Page 15
3/9/2022
Other Non-Ballot 1A Projects active in
the Engineering Division
Downtown Wayfinding Plan
Downtown Estes Loop (CFL)
US 36 and Community Roundabout
Routine Operations & Maintenance
Drainage and Trails Maintenance
Public Improvements by Private Development
Disclaimer
Project scope and timing can change based on various factors
including
Utility Work
Usage of Contingency Funds
Contractor Bid Amounts
Unforeseen Road Damage
Natural Disasters
Etc.
Page 16
3/9/2022
Thank You!
Page 17
Page 18
PUBLIC WORKS Report
To: Honorable Mayor Koenig
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Vanessa Solesbee, Parking & Transit Manager
Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director
Date: March 8, 2022
RE: Town Shuttle Service to the YMCA Campus
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Update the Town Board on staff, advisory board, and stakeholder discussions regarding
possible reinstatement of Town shuttle service to the YMCA campus.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Public Works staff seeks Town Board direction on a combined request from the
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), YMCA of the Rockies (YMCA) and Public Works
staff to formally explore options to reinstate Town shuttle service to the YMCA campus
beginning with the summer 2022 guest season.
Present Situation:
In November 2018, Town shuttle service outside of Town limits was discontinued. At
that time, the change was supported by Town Administration, the Town Board and the
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB).
Since 2018, visitation to the Estes Valley has increased steadily. While the pandemic
drastically reduced transit ridership in 2020, Estes Transit saw a strong rebound in
ridership (75% of pre-pandemic levels) in 2021. Other factors – including the
introduction of seasonal paid parking, expansion of affordable regional summer
transportation from the Front Range (Bustang to Estes) and new relationships forged
through the recent water agreement between the Town and YMCA – have contributed
to interest in revisiting the 2018 decision, with a specific focus on reinstating service to
the YMCA campus.
After receiving supportive recommendations from the citizen TAB and the Town’s ad-
hoc Shuttle Committee in late 2021, Public Works reached out to YMCA staff to gauge
interest in reinstatement of Estes Transit service to the YMCA campus. YMCA staff
expressed enthusiastic interest in the possibility of service reinstatement; however,
before additional time is invested in the discussion, Public Works staff thought it prudent
to seek Town Board input and direction.
Page 19
Proposal:
With feedback from the Town Board, Public Works staff would work with the YMCA,
TAB and other stakeholders (e.g., Chamber’s Lodging Council, former Brown Route
stops and sponsors, Visit Estes Park) to identify options for reinstatement of service to
the YMCA campus beginning with the 2022 summer guest season.
Options for service reinstatement and anticipated finance/resource impact would be
brought back to the Town Board at a regular meeting in April.
Advantages:
• Provides a free, public transportation option for visitors, locals and employees
who visit, live and/or work along the Hwy 66 corridor to access many areas of
Town without depending on an automobile.
• Anticipated reduction in congestion and vehicle emissions; possible improvement
in public safety (fewer car trips).
• Improved access and transportation equity for those who cannot or choose not to
drive or own a vehicle.
Disadvantages:
• Exploration of transit service expansion for summer 2022 requires additional
work for the Parking & Transit Division Manager; however, both TAB and the
YMCA staff have committed to assisting Town staff as needed to move this
conversation forward.
• There are other locations in the Estes Valley that have expressed interest in
transit service and it is likely not possible to consider all new service requests
prior to the 2022 summer guest season; however, Public Works staff will
continue to work to understand additional needs and define a process for future
service expansion if so directed by the Town Board.
Finance/Resource Impact:
Transportation Fees, 101-5600-456.22-60
Reinstatement of service to the YMCA could happen within the existing 2022 Transit
budget; however, this change would decrease the user service frequency of the Brown
Route from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
The addition of a second bus on the Brown Route would mitigate the diminished service
frequency (and allow each stop to continue being served every 30 minutes); however,
the increased cost for a second bus is estimated to be $60,933 for the 2022 guest
season (includes bus lease and hourly rate for bus operations). This increased cost was
not budgeted in 2022, so Public Works staff would need to explore options to cover the
additional cost (e.g., sponsorships, partner contributions, General Fund dollars, and
grant funding).
Page 20
Level of Public Interest
Public interest in this item is moderate. Outreach that was conducted by the Town’s
former Transit Program Manager in 2018 is attached (Attachment #1).
Since 2019, the Parking & Transit Manager has received a handful (less than 10) emails
and/or phone calls from locals and visitors asking to reinstate YMCA service. However,
in 2021 alone, staff received new inquiries from five lodging locations outside of Town
limits asking about the possibility of new transit service connections.
Attachments:
1. Appendix A: Community Feedback Regarding Shuttle Service Outside Town Limits (from
November 18, 2018 Town Board packet)
Page 21
1
Appendix A: Community Feedback
Regarding Shuttle Service Outside Town Limits
The following information was collected via e-mail and through public comments at the
Shuttle Committee and Transportation Advisory Board meetings:
“The Brown route stops shown in the letter of 8/21 reflect a significant # of Estes
Park guests and employees which would be effected by discontinuance. I do not
believe it will impact our particular business traffic in a tangible way. However,
the impact to the town in the following areas should be considered:
a)additional traffic stress. Estes Park has had an ongoing struggle with traffic
stress due to personal vehicles. A decrease of the Brown route, which
serves a significant # of people including the"Y" which is a city unto itself, will
add to this difficulty affecting tourist satisfaction and return rates.
b)potential decreased sales tax revenue for the town. Our personal experience
with shuttle use is guests which have cars use the shuttle when a couple of
people wish to go into town to shop when others go elsewhere. Without this
service available, individual "shoppers" may stay home as their family day
trips elsewhere.
c)increased difficulty in town ability to get qualified employees for
summer. Every j1 questionnaire we see asks about shuttle or bus service.
These people do not have transportation. This is an important part of their
decision making in whether they will visit, work in and spend $$ in Estes Park
or in California or New York. US students considering a summer work stay
also frequently do not have reliable transport. A side note on this - our
experience is that summer workers, especially those relying on Estes Park
transport spend the vast majority of their paychecks right back into the Estes
Park economy.
Finally, I would make a suggestion. The overall economy and way of life is
enhanced for Estes Park with the shuttle service. However, those using it
receive additional benefits. Consideration should be given to a SMALL use fee
each time of use by any individual, perhaps $0.50 or $1.00. This would help with
funding constraints and as long as the fee was very reasonable, shouldn't affect
ridership or burden those using it much.”
Jim Addison, Valhalla Resort (September 9, 2018)
Attachment 1
Page 22
2
“We’re obviously disappointed that the brown route may be discontinued. While
the service is most definitely a benefit to our guests and staff, I strongly believe
that the influx of tourists from the Y and the staff that travel to second jobs is of
benefit to the town as well.
Guests regularly use the shuttle to avoid downtown parking issues. Group
members (that have arrived by tour bus) use the shuttle to access town. Many
seasonal staff use the shuttle as they do not have cars. Some seasonal staff use
the shuttle to commute to their second job in town.”
Dave DeLuca, Estes Park Center Director, YMCA of the Rockies
(August 24, 2018)
“The September 5, 2018 Trail Gazette has an article that the town trustees have
suggested discontinuing certain stops on the Brown shuttle route, because those
stops are not in town limits. You are quoted as saying that "the feeling was that
the stops outside of Town do not collect sales tax revenue to support the
service." However, people who use that shuttle to come to town, probably buy
things in town, thus providing sales tax revenue. Many people who work or visit
the YMCA do so without a car. The town shuttle gives them a way to get to/from
town. It is a good public service. When congestion of town streets in the
summer is such a concern, why would eliminating shuttle service be thought to
be a good idea?”
Dorothy Dewitz, Estes Park Resident (September 5, 2018)
“Thank you for providing information about the Town Board considering
suspending shuttle service along Hwy. 66. I appreciate the opportunity to
express my thoughts on the matter. First, I would be interested to know what the
numbers are for ridership of the shuttle system in our area. Being outside the
town limits, even though we do not directly pay town sales tax, all of our guests
who use the shuttle system do spend money that generates town sales tax. I
thought the Shuttle system was created to alleviate parking and road congestion
issues in order to give all visitors the best possible experience in and around
Estes Park.
Assuming that the ridership numbers are decent, I believe it would be prudent to
keep at least two of the stops that are potentially being cut. I would assume that
the YMCA stop has a great number of riders considering the sheer number of
guests that the YMCA can accommodate. One additional stop mid-way, such as
#8 Eagle Cliff / Hwy 66 would allow guests from Glacier Lodge, Valhalla,
Machin’s, Rockmount Cottages, Paradise on the River, & others in the area to
have one centrally located stop. I think it would be foolish to cut ALL of the stops
that are listed. Surely, the town would still like the sales tax generated by our
guests shopping, dining, and enjoying entertainment within town limits.”
Holly Reetz, Rockmount Cottages (September 4, 2018)
Page 23
3
“As owners of Paradise on the River, would hope the Town Board would consider
continuing with the shuttle service. We believe discontinuing the service would be
shortsighted by the Town. Thousands of guests over the busy season will now be
driving into town, instead of using the shuttle, making it even more congested
and less friendly to the environment. Those businesses in Town would be losing
business to those that decide to not even go into town because they either do not
have a vehicle or because of the congestion. I know some employees even use
the shuttle to come and depart from their places of employment.
Those of us with resorts outside of the Town limit do pay the 2% tax to the
marketing district which benefits Estes Park immensely. Also, the special district
was created and successfully passed by the electorate to take the marketing
burden off the Town. I believe there is a couple of million dollars that no longer
falls upon the Town budget. The Town should gladly support those businesses
that help pay for the creation of business within the Town with their customers
and guests.”
Robin Eldridge, Diana Eldridge, Paradise on the River (August 26, 2018)
“I’m a frequent visitor to Estes Park and use the free shuttles exclusively. I am
elderly. I fly into Denver and take the shuttle from the airport. There is no
Uber/Lyft and no reliable taxi. I have heard you are planning to stop or shrink the
local shuttle service. Do not do that! Without the local shuttles, I can no longer
visit Estes Park. I pay rent at resorts, buy groceries, souvenirs, eat out, take
tours. I spend about $3,000 here in 10 days and don’t plug up the downtown
traffic. There are many more retired folks like me, increasing as the population
ages. More like me would come here if transportation not a major barrier. We are
a niche that has time and money. We don’t want T-shirts and taffy. Cater to us.
Thanks for listening. The Brown route is my route. I stay at Paradise, Glacier,
Marys Lake resorts and the Y. Please, I beg you, don’t mess it up. These places
are ideal for we older folks who like peaceful beautiful landscapes and
uncrowded comfy accommodation with thoughtful kind hosts. No loud nightlife,
no T-shirts or taffy, and we can’t hike anymore.”
Beverly Apel, Iowa (August 24, 2018)
“My name is Rachel Ames and I am an Estes Park area resident. I recently
heard that the city is considering eliminating some stops of the Estes Park
Shuttle along Spur 66 and Mary’s Lake Rd. I live in the High Drive neighborhood
and while I don’t personally take the shuttles into Estes, I have had relatives who
have stayed at the YMCA and they loved the shuttle into town. Parking is always
an issue and they appreciated being able to hop on the shuttle to have dinner
and go shopping. I really hope you and the other town leaders recognize the
incredible value that the shuttles provide to visitors who might not want to drive
into town or those who have large trucks/RV’s and who can’t easily park
downtown. Offering alternative transportation is always the right thing to
do. Thanks for listening.”
Rachel Ames, Estes Park Resident (August 24, 2018)
Page 24
4
“I recently heard the town of Estes Park is considering eliminating Shuttle stops
along Hwy 66 and Mary’s Lake Road. I think this plan is very short sighted. I
cannot imagine any town not wanting to Shuttle in visitors to its downtown area,
especially one as heavily reliant on tourism such as Estes Park. The Shuttle
helps reduce both traffic and parking issues as well as providing a great
community service and welcome to visitors. The Shuttle should be viewed as a
benefit for Estes Park businesses, the town of Estes Park, as well as a friendly,
efficient, environmentally conscious means of transportation for the greater Estes
community. Thank you and I hope you will consider the broader consequences of
this decision.”
Andy Ames, Estes Park Resident (August 22, 2018)
“I’m writing to express my concern about a proposed change reportedly being
considered by the Town to remove shuttle stops outside the Town limits. I
strongly believe such a change would be detrimental to Estes as a whole. When
people visit Estes Park, they certainly don’t stay within (or even think about) the
Town limits. I strongly urge the Town not to remove these shuttle stops.”
Charlie Wood, Estes Park Resident (August 22, 2018)
“Thank you for making me aware the town board is considering halting the
service for stops located outside of the town limits.
Just to clarify my guests that use the shuttle appreciate and value the service. My
employees also use the service. I wish ridership was higher and I understand
and appreciate the board looking for cost savings.
I would think the more visitors that we can encourage to use the shuttle service,
will only reduce traffic congestion? I would expand the service not reduce it?
Even if you had one shuttle run year-round, or at least matching the [Rocky
Mountain National] Park bus schedule. Lastly, I would consider paying a service
charge for providing the stop to help offset the expense.
Thank you again for bringing the issue to my attention, and thank you for
providing the service to my guests. They spend a lot of money inside the city
limits; gas, food, entertainment, shopping and other services. It's not like they
have many other options, they have to go to town!”
Dave Ranglos, Glacier Lodge (August 22, 2018)
Excerpt from the August 9, 2018 Shuttle Committee Meeting
Julie Pieper (Owner, Mama Rose’s & Poppies Pizza and Grill) added that many J1-
Students reside at stops along the Brown Route, especially the YMCA. Adequate
Page 25
5
transportation is one question that employers have to address when working with the
student employees. Multiple J1-Students work more than one job and the shuttles are
critical to helping fill employment opportunities and provide a quality guest experience.
Businesses are already having a difficult time filling open positions and retaining staff.
For 12 years, guests have relied on a wider access to the Estes valley via the shuttles
and the Brown Route.
Excerpts from the August 15, 2018 Shuttle Committee Meeting Minutes
“The Center Director for the YMCA of the Rockies, Dave Deluca was a member
of the public and stated he understands budget restrictions but would like to
further discuss the situation with the Town. Deluca can provide transportation for
the YMCA staff utilizing their own fleet but needs to budget accordingly.”
“Executive Director of the Good Samaritan Estes Park Village, Julie Lee,
expressed concern that the change in shuttle service will exacerbate traffic
congestion situation by requiring more driving downtown.”
Page 26
YMCA of the ROCKIES
2515 TUNNEL ROAD, ESTES PARK, CO 80511
P 970.586.3341 F 970.586.6088
YMCAROCKIES.ORG
ESTES PARK CENTER SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH CAMP CHIEF OURAY
Mayor Koenig, Mayor Pro-Tem Martchink and Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees,
YMCA of the Rockies looks forward to the opportunity of reinstating the Town of Estes Park shuttle service to our property
and the benefits it would provide to YMCA guests, staff and the Estes Park community. As one of the largest providers of
guest accommodations in the Estes Park area, we know the positive impact our guests and staff have on t he local economy
by visiting shops, restaurants and services outside of the YMCA. During the summer months, the YMCA can host up to
approximately 5,000 guests at full occupancy served by 450 staff.
Overwhelmingly, the majority of our guests arrive in their own private vehicles and potentially contribute to increased traffic
and parking congestion in high-use areas around Estes Park and the downtown corridor. We believe including the YMCA in
the shuttle network would help greatly in reducing the number of private vehicles leaving the YMCA property and aid in the
overall positive experience visitors have in Estes Park. Our marketing and communications team is already developing plans
to increase awareness and information available to YMCA staff and guests, encouraging the use of the shuttle service if it is
approved. We would also encourage YMCA employees who are residents of the newly purchased Glacier Lodge to use the
service that departs from the YMCA property.
Thank you for your time in considering the reinstatement of the shuttle service to YMCA of the Rockies and continuation of
the positive partnership between our organization and the Town of Estes Park.
Sincerely,
Shannon Jones
General Manager
YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center
Page 27
To: Honorable Mayor Koenig
Board of Trustees
Town Administrator
From: Belle Morris, Chair, Transportation Advisory Board
Date: February 27, 2022
RE: TAB recommendation to explore Transit services outside of Town limits.
Dear Honorable Mayor Koenig and Trustees,
The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) enthusiastically supports the exploration
of transit services outside the Town limits that includes a route to the YMCA of the
Rockies and other potential locations.
Transit access that includes the outer parameters of the Estes valley will benefit
residents, businesses, employees, and visitors. The seasonal traffic congestion and
emission pollution generated by single occupant vehicles traveling into the Downtown
corridor from outside the Town limit areas can be reduced by an effective Transit
program. TAB encourages exploration of transit routes that provide reliable
alternative transportation.
TAB understands the value and advocates for connected multi-modal transportation,
which provide safe and comfortable mobility for all abilities and age groups. The
recommendation to explore transit will support these desired outcomes to benefit the
Estes Park community.
TAB thanks Mayor Koenig and Town Trustees for allowing the opportunity to
provide our recommendation.
Sincerely,
Belle Morris
Chair, Estes Park Transportation Advisory Board
Page 28
March 22, 2022
•Remote or In-Person for Weekly Mayor
Meeting
April 12, 2022
•Downtown Loop Updates
•2022 Paid Parking Program Update
May 10, 2022
•CIRSA Liability and Risk as an Elected
Official
•Town Board Orientation 101
Items Approved – Unscheduled:
•Town Board and Chamber Board Meet
and Discussion
•Governing Policies Updates
•Stanley Park Master Plan
Implementation
•Quarterly CompPAC Update
•Downtown Loop Updates as Necessary
Items for Town Board Consideration:
None.
Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items
March 8, 2022
Page 29
Page 30