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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2022-06-14RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 14, 2022 Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD 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 June, 2022. Board: Mayor Koenig, Trustees Cenac, Hazelton, MacAlpine, Martchink, Webermeier and Younglund Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Machalek, Assistant Town Administrator Damweber, Special Counsel White, Town Clerk Williamson Absent: Town Attorney Kramer Mayor Koenig called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Trustee Cenac arrived 5:15 p.m. VISITOR CENTER & ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY PARTNERSHIP. Town Administrator Machalek provided a presentation on the potential partnership with the Conservancy to enhance the visitor experience. The Visitor Center has been a key focal point for visitors and an easy stop to receive information on the Estes Park area and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). A partnership would enhance the Center's ability to answer park -related questions from knowledgeable staff. The Conservancy would operate its Nature Store in an under-utilized space in the lobby of the Center. The current retail policy for the Center allows for the Conservancy's merchandise to be sold at the Center. This partnership could further develop in the future with the development of an educational hub and programming by the Conservancy and relocating educational staff to the second floor of the Center as Visit Estes Park does not need the space for storage of visitor guides and other materials. The Visit Estes Park has also expressed an interest in participating in modernizing the Visitor Center to advance the visitor experience. Board comments and questions were heard and summarized: What would be the lease percentage; concem has been raised in the past by local businesses on the items sold at the Visitor Center; concem with the items sold and unfair advantage the Conservancy would gain with a store located in the Center; interested in the development of the educational hub first rather than the store; questioned if the Conservancy would be receptive to discussing the items sold at the Center to directly access the Park; questioned the current visitor experience at the Center and if it would be enhanced with the Conservancy presence; and comments in support of the format which would be low risk and aid the Town in improving the Town's asset. Estee Rivera Murdock/RMC Executive Director stated the Conservancy would enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) rather than a lease and through the agreement a percentage of the sales would be provided to the Town. The Conservancy sells items unique to the organization and are not commonly sold by Rocky Mountain National Park or other retailers in town, and are required to be approved by the Park through an agreement. She stated the Conservancy could also provide assistance in selling Park passes and allow visitors to use the bus system at the Center. The Conservancy has stated investing in an existing structure would be environmentally responsible rather than constructing a separate building while enhancing the synergy between the two entities to engage and inform the visitors. Lori BucciNisitor Center Manager stated the visitor experience at the Center could be improved with additional engagement opportunities, education, and Park information. The Conservancy could provide these opportunities through the partnership. Director Murdock confirmed the Conservancy would develop exhibits to enhance the educational experience at the Center. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Study Session — June 14, 2022— Page 2 After further discussion, the Board consensus was to continue working on the MOU paying special attention to the products being sold at the Nature store and review the funding mechanism with the Conservancy for the space in the Center. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLITY TASK FORCE — STAFF RECOMMENDED IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS. Assistant Town Administrator Damweber stated the Executive Leadership Team and other staff members have reviewed the recommendations presented by the Environmental Sustainability Task Force and developed a list of focused action items that can be accomplish in 2023 with the existing staff, although additional funding may be necessary. The list consists of reviewing current codes to update code language to incorporate sustainability and resiliency, incentivizing other energy sources, encourage recycling, working with Platte River Power Authority on electric rates, and distributed energy, additional electric charges and parking incentives for EVs, implementation of the Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, prepare a report on the effectiveness of the Complete Streets Policy, create zero - waste guidelines for event organizers, slash removal and management, monitor and research feasibility of capturing methane gas for energy use at the landfill, continue participation in Climate Smart Larimer County efforts, and consider a green fleet and equipment policy. Staff would periodically revisit the report to determine if additional recommendations can be implemented as circumstances change. The Board requested the recommendations be added to the 2023 Strategic Plan as one item to reference. The Board suggested the Task Force be reconvened in 5 to 10 years to review and update the recommendations. The Board stated appreciation for the work staff has done to bring forward a comprehensive list of items to be completed in 2023. WORKFORCE AND ATTAINABLE HOUSING PHILOSOPHY CHECK -IN. Policy 227 Workforce Housing Guidelines was approved by the Town Board in December 2020 to clarify how the Town defines workforce housing and establish the Workforce Housing Reserve fund. During recent discussions with the Board on the Fish Hatchery project and the Town contracting with Root Policy Consulting to complete a Housing Needs Assessment, a Board review of the policy would provide staff direction on any revisions to the philosophy prior to the assessment work. Board discussion and comments have been summarized: a need to include lower incomes, AMI, for workforce housing; the current policy includes the lower ranges and encourages the 60-80 percent AMI; the developer has to realize a return on their investment; the Board needs to discuss how high and how dense the Town would be willing to go to achieve a lower AMI; their has been a focus on low income housing in the past and has missed the middle segment of the community such as teachers, nurses, police, etc,; there needs to be a focus on redevelopment opportunities; Community Development and Planning Commission are reviewing density to address housing needs; and questioned what the Town can do to financially support the development of workforce housing. Assistant Town Administrator Damweber commented the current policy provides an AMI of 30 — 175%. The Fish Hatchery project would focus on 70 — 120% AMI. Additional funding from the Town or other sources could lower the cost of a project, therefore, lower the rental rates to provide housing for lower AMI households. He stated federal funding exists to develop housing for households below 80% AMI. A mix of AMI housing would ensure all citizens of the Town have access to housing. Board consensus was to review the policy again after the Housing Needs Assessment has been completed and no changes were identified at this time. TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS. Trustee Younglund stated the Family Advisory Board chair has received a resignation from a member. Trustees Martchink and Younglund would review the recent list of applicants and bring forward a recommendation to fill the vacant position on the Board. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Study Session — June 14, 2022— Page 3 FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS. The June 28th meeting would include a discussion with the Estes Valley Fire Protection District on increasing the sales tax provided to the District by the Town. The July 12th meeting would include a discussion on amendments to the Municipal Code section on liquor licensing. There being no further business, Mayor Koenig adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m. ie Williamson, Town Clerk