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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Works Committee 2008-02-14RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, February 14, 2008 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 14th day of February 2008. Committee: Chairman Levine, Trustees Blackhurst and Homeier Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Director Zurn, Superintendent Mahany, Facilities Mgr. Sievers, Town Clerk Williamson Absent: None Chairman Levine called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None. BARK BEETLE MANAGEMENT Dir. Zurn stated the Town is in the position to actively manage the beetle infestation or let nature set its own course. Estimates are that most of the areas lodge pole pine would be lost and up to 60% of the ponderosa pine lost without mitigation. The Public Works Department is recommending an Ordinance be adopted to require private property owners to remove and destroy infested trees from their property. If authorized by the Committee, staff would research the issue further and bring an Ordinance to the Committee for consideration at a future Public Works Committee. The economic impact to the Town could be substantial without mitigation. The Town is training three employees and three members of the Tree Board to identify infected trees. This spring citizens can request inspections through the Public Works Department. Additional equipment and services will be required as the infestation grows, and active management will require funding in the future. Currently the Town has budgeted funds for a grinder; however, a burner is being investigated and the County may provide partial funding. Parks Supervisor Franklin stated members of the staff and the Tree Board will receive training from the Colorado State Forest Service on identifying trees that are infested on April 9th. Town staff will work with property owners within the Town limits and Tree Board members will work with those in the unincorporated Estes Valley. The County will be contacted if an issue is found in the unincorporated Estes Valley. A Beetle Symposium will be held on May 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room. Staff recommends the Town take an aggressive approach to address the issue, align with the County's control procedures allowing first responders to go onto private property to inspect trees and lien property for up to $5,000 per year, tailor an Ordinance or Resolution to address the uniqueness of the community, i.e. second homeowners or do nothing and rely on volunteers and staff to address issues as they arise. The Committee suggested staff maintain a database on the properties inspected. They also recommended staff engage the HOAs in the process such as Little Valley, Carriage Hills and Windcliff. The Committee agreed the Town should be aggressive; favored being consistent throughout the valley; like the simplicity of the County's procedures; a management approach should give the Town the ability to address issues on absentee landowners; and investigate whether a Resolution or an Ordinance should be passed to address the management of bark beetle. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Works Committee — February 14, 2008 — Page 2 The Committee recommends 1) Staff investigate and present an Ordinance/Resolution at the March Public Works Committee meeting to require property owners within the Estes Valley to mitigate bark beetle infested trees on their property and 2) Begin public information on the issue and continue to update the public as the Town move forward with mitigation/management. REPORTS. 1. Downtown Purple Heart Bench and Table Refurbishing — Dir. Zurn reviewed the process of refurbishing each bench which includes 18-20 hours per bench at a cost of $500 to $550 per bench. A new metal bench could be purchased for $870 plus shipping; however, the purple heart wood is extremely rare. Trustee Homeier questioned if this project could involve the community. 2. Sand Salt Storage Building Presentation — During the month of January, staff worked to prepare the site and construction of the foundation (jersey barrier). The building contractor began construction on January 29th and completed on February 4 . The building was completed below the approved budget for $46,764.69. Dir. Zurn reviewed the construction process. The new structure will save the Town $20,000/yr and the new mixture will contain 10% less salt. 3. Street Sweeper Unveiling — The new street sweeper should have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. The sweeper was purchased last year at a cost of $190,475 with a savings of $29,525. The sand collected will be reused. Removing the sand reduces the environmental impact as it relates to air pollution. There being no further business, Chairman Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:53 a.m. and the Committee inspected the new street sweeper. tkie Williamson, Town Clerk APPROVED FEB 262008 TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES