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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2008-11-20RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, November 20, 2008 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 20th day of November, 2008. Committee: Chair Eisenlauer, Trustees Ericson and Homeier Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Chief Kufeld, Chief Dorman, Training Captain Rosenquist and Clerk Williamson Absent: None Chair Eisenlauer called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT None. POLICE DEPARTMENT Amendment to the Model Traffic Code — Request Approval. The Public Works Department has had difficulties maintaining access through Crabapple Lane due to vehicles parked on the street. The street is currently 22 feet in width (narrow) and was not designed for or constructed to accommodate on -street parking. The affordable housing development was designed to accommodate parking within the development. Snowplowing and emergency vehicle access has been difficult as a result. Public Works therefore requests an amendment to the Model Traffic Code to designate Crabapple Lane as a no parking zone. Staff has met with the HOA and sent out a mailer to the neighborhood. Trustee Homeier stated the road was designed as a no parking street; however, the roadway has never been marked as such. He questioned if parking could be limited on days when there is snow. Director Zurn stated such limitations are not effective, are difficult to enforce and would not address the emergency access issue that arises when cars are parked on both sides of the street. Rich Dixson/Town citizen and resident of the development stated the development does not provide additional parking for guests or families with more than two vehicles. He suggested parking be limited to one side of the street (south side) and restrict parking within 20 feet of any curve. Linda Edmondson/Town citizen and resident of the development stated ancillary parking spaces are provided for those units that were not able to have an apron in front of the garage for parking; therefore, there are few additional parking stalls for visitors. She agreed with Mr. Dixson's comments. Corinne Dyer/Town citizen and HOA member agreed Crabapple Lane should be a no parking area. She stated concern with the number of cars families have and that many do not utilize the garage for parking as outlined in the covenants. She stated cars park in front of her ground floor unit and she would like to see this area as a no parking zone. Jean Michael/Town citizen and resident of the development commented her primary concern is safety and the ability for emergency vehicle access. She questioned if vehicles are parked on one side and snow plowed on the other if there would still be emergency vehicle access. She also stated parking is an issue. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - November 20, 2008 - Page 2 Rita Kurelja/EPHA Director stated the property was developed with the understanding that each unit would have the ability to park two vehicles onsite, one in the garage and one in the driveway as stated in the condominium declaration. She stated the Housing Authority is the managing agent for the HOA and has developed parking regulations. Wildfire has been suggested as an alternative, but would result in the same issues. She stated parking on one side of the street would be a good alternative to no parking. Arlyn Crowfoot/Town citizen commented he lives on Wildfire and would not take issue with cars parked on Wildfire. He stated it is difficult to navigate Crabapple Lane with cars parked on both sides of the street. He suggested limiting parking to one side of the street and making the street one way. Director Zurn stated an emergency vehicle would not have the proper 14 feet to maneuver the roadway with vehicles parked on one side and snow piled on the other side with steep banks along portions of the right-of-way. He informed the Committee that the Town has received claims for damage to cars along Crabapple Lane during plowing. The Committee recommends approval to amend the Model Traffic Code to add no parking on Crabapple Lane and the associated Ordinance. The Committee requested staff present the three options discussed during the meeting in a memo to the Board. FIRE DEPARTMENT Reports 1. EPVFD By-law Revisions: The by-laws have been amended to eliminate the residency requirement for membership within the service area, referencing the Town's Personnel Policy for disciplinary actions and inserted the Training Captain into the Chain of Command. 2. Recruit Testing: The Annual membership testing was conducted on November 16, 2008 with nine recruits tested. The testing included a written exam, ability test and an oral interview. The ability test changed this year from wearing the bunker gear to wearing a weight vest for the test. The seven recruits that made it through the testing are completing a background check. 3. 3rd Quarter Reports: Chief Dorman reviewed the report. He stated medical calls are 40% of all calls and have increased this year. Chair Eisenlauer questioned what it cost the Fire Department in order to save $8.7 million in property. Chief Dorman would present a cost analysis to the Committee during the annual report. There being no further business, Chair Eisenlauer adjourned the meeting at 8:48 a.m. J kie Williamson, Town Clerk APPROVED DEC - 9 ?''73 TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES