HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 2022-3-16
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 16, 2022
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TRANSPORTATIONADVISORY
BOARD of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held
in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 16th day of
March, 2022.
Board: Chair Morris; Vice-Chair Ekeren; Members Bernal, Finley,
Gamble, Hanick, Moulton, Slack, and Street
Attending: Chair Morris; Members Finley, Gamble, Hanick, Moulton,
Slack, and Street; Managers Hook and Solesbee; Trustee
Bangs; and Recording Secretary McDonald. Also attending
were Presenters Matt Eisenberg (The Car Park), Mark Igel
(The Taffy Shop), and Jamie Palmesano (Brownfield’s); and
Public Attendees Donna Carlson (Estes Chamber of
Commerce), Rebecca Gelsinger (Visit Estes Park), and
Stephen Phillips (The Car Park)
Absent: Vice-Chair Ekeren; Member Bernal; Director Muhonen
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
TRUSTEE LIAISON UPDATE
Trustee Bangs reported no new updates, but confirmed that her seat on the Town Board
of Trustees is open for the April 5 election.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 16, 2022
It was moved and seconded (Slack/Street) to approve the February 16, 2022, meeting
minutes with minor amendments, and the motion passed unanimously.
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS ON PARKING DOWNTOWN
Chair Morris and Manager Solesbee introduced Mark Igel (owner, The Taffy Shop) and
Jamie Palmesano (manager, Brownfield’s), who also recently presented their
perspectives on downtown parking to the Downtown Parking Task Force (DPTF).
Presentation points included the presenters’ brief personal histories and professional
journeys as operators of businesses in downtown Estes Park; their sense of stewardship
and privilege to speak on behalf of their customers and all loyal visitors; the importance
of respecting the overall demographics and behavior of visitors and residents as it relates
to parking needs; and maintaining an environment of friendly, unified service. Discussion
points focused on the purpose of paid parking funds; how to adapt parking policies that
invite a sense of ownership and community; improvements to signage, education, and
other communications about parking choices downtown; how to balance the paid parking
program’s ultimate purpose and goals with the overall resources of the average visitor
and those who require accommodations; the impact of COVID-19 on trolley and shuttle
use; and the visual impression made when parking policies are being enforced. It was
agreed that paid parking is expected in most communities, but that the unique, magical
qualities of Estes Park, and the stress of the global pandemic on all people since 2020,
should be factors in all discussions regarding parking policies and implementation.
Manager Solesbee advised that ongoing, open conversation among all stakeholders will
help ensure that incremental changes can be made and meaningful compromises can be
reached.
ENGINEERING & ADMINISTRATION UPDATES
On behalf of Director Muhonen, Manager Hook advised that additional funding of $1.26
million has been secured for the Community Drive & Highway 36 Roundabout.
Revitalizing Main Streets (RMS) grant funds for the multimodal trail along Community
Drive remains under review by CDOT. The final design has been restarted with the intent
Transportation Advisory Board – March 16, 2022 – Page 2
to acquire a summer bid and commence construction in the fall. The RMS grant for
Stanley Park is still being reviewed by CDOT. Applications for the Multimodal
Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF) are due in June for a September
decision. Public Works recommends that the Town apply for two applications: $200k for
the Multimodal Transportation Plan, and $2 million to construct another phase of the Fall
River Trail; if awarded, both projects could see work in 2023.
To keep the meeting on schedule, it was agreed that Manager Hook reserve the Fall River
Trail Extension plan for presentation at a special TAB meeting to be coordinated and held
the week of March 21.
PARKING & TRANSIT UPDATES
Manager Solesbee introduced Presenter Eisenberg to walk through the 2022 Paid
Parking Program updates. The presentation commenced with a summary list of program
priorities generated by feedback from the 2021 season and refined during winter meetings
with individual stakeholders and the DPTF, and segued into specific recommendations
for 2022. Discussion points focused on the feasibility of managing a first-hour-free policy,
the expansion of parking permit options, and the adjustment of paid parking daily hours.
Next steps include clearly defining the use of parking revenues; collaborating with the
Estes Chamber of Commerce and Visit Estes Park to improve communications and
education regarding downtown parking; program enforcement strategies; public-private
partnership opportunities; and improving the overall service and parking experience for
downtown visitors and employees. Public Works will present to the Town Board an
amendment regarding operational hours, bulk permit discounts, and setting rates for the
Multi-Day Pass.
The presentation and new signage files would be provided to TAB members following the
meeting. Further feedback on these items is invited in preparation for the April 12 Town
Board Study Session.
DISCUSSION: 2023 TAB INTERESTS & PLANNING
To keep the meeting on schedule, Chair Morris did not introduce discussion on this topic.
OTHER BUSINESS
It was agreed that a Doodle Poll be conducted to coordinate the TAB special meeting on
the Fall River Trail Extension plans.
Manager Solesbee thanked outgoing Members Street and Moulton for their service on
the TAB. She also thanked The Car Park’s Matt Eisenberg and Bekah Gatchel, who are
leaving for new professional opportunities.
There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 2:07pm.
/s/Lani McDonald, Recording Secretary