HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2005-08-23Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 23, 2005
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes
Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town Hall said Town of
Estes Park on the 23rd day of August, 2005. Meeting called to order by Mayor
John Baudek.
Present:
Also Present:
John Baudek, Mayor
Susan L. Doylen, Mayor ProTem
Trustees Richard Homeier
Lori Jeffrey -Clark
Chuck Levine
Wayne Newsom
Bill Pinkham
Randy Repola, Town Administrator
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Gregory A. White, Town Attorney
Absent: None
Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited
the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Al Sager, 911 S. St. Vrain, stated he appreciated and admired the Town for putting forth
the Home Rule question to the citizens. He suggested the Board should take notice of
situations in which changing to a Home Rule community might benefit the town in the
future and make them known to the citizenry.
Paul Fishman, 14er's Cafe, suggested town employees should perform studies such as
the recent parking study or the economic study rather than outside consultants.
Trustee Pinkham stated the Parking Transportation Committee reviewed many options
before hiring a consultant to perform the necessary study and analysis. The Economic
Development Committee has taken a broad look at other mountain communities and
how the Town competes and future strategic issues. The town lacks the expertise to
perform this study and analyze the data. RRC has been hired to collect the data,
research the issues, perform the analysis and hold 2 public hearings. The Committee
reviewed and analyzed current data for a year prior to hiring a consultant. Trustee
Doylen agrees that certain projects require the use of consultants that have the tools to
perform the study. Mayor Baudek stated each study should be evaluated individual to
determine whether or not it should be done at all.
John Tucker, Sunnyside Knoll Resort, requested information on how sales tax data is
derived and whether or not the positive outlook on sales tax for 2005 reported in the
Trail Gazette is accurate. As a lodge owner, he would like to know how he could
become involved to move the economy of Estes Park in a positive direction. He stated
experts in their field should be hired and the town staff should focus on what they are
good at.
TOWN BOARD COMMENTS.
Trustee Jeffrey -Clark invited everyone to the 1st annual Heritage Festival to be held
Saturday, August 27th. Events will be held throughout town including Bond Park,
Performance Park, Park Theatre, Tregent Park, and the Knoll -Willow.
Board of Trustees — August 23, 2005 — Page 2
Mayor Baudek stated forms are available in Administration for Community Service
funding. These forms are due back by September 16th in order to be considered during
the 2006 Budget session.
Mayor Baudek reviewed the Estes Park Housing Authority's (EPHA) requirements for
non -citizens living in affordable housing. EPHA requires that non -citizens have
documentation that must be presented in its original state for copying by staff. This
includes Permanent Resident Card issued by the INS and Social Security card. All who
apply for housing in any of the EPHA complexes must first be income qualified, must
have adequate income to pay the rent, EPHA obtains 3`d party employment and income
verification, run credit and criminal background checks, and EPHA will not rent to
anyone that does not have a job for the next 12 months or a verifiable income source
(Disability, SS, Pension).
SPECIAL HOME RULE ELECTION — FINANCIAL REPORT
Town Clerk Williamson reviewed the expense report for the Special Home Rule
Election that took place on August 2, 2005. Total expenditures for the election were
$2,667,77.
CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of):
1. Town Board Minutes dated August 9, 2005.
2. Bills.
3. Committee Minutes:
A. Public Works, August 11, 2005:
1. Estes Valley Community Services Coalition — Common Good
Committee — Event Approval — SEE ACTION ITEM #1 BELOW.
2. Fish Creek Trail Phase III, Design/Construction Management, Van
Horn Engineering, $39,699.
3. Sewer Utility Easement, Lot 3, S. St. Vrain Addition, Byford D. &
Rachel Jarvis — Easement Grant.
B. Utilities, August 18, 2005:
1. Christmas Display Contract — Estes Valley Home and Garden Center,
$49,400/$51,400 for 2005/2006 and $15,000/yr. for supplies for
2005/2006 (Budgeted Item).
4. Estes Valley Board of Adjustment, August 2 & August 9, 2005
(acknowledgment only).
5. Estes Valley Planning Commission, August 16, 2005 (acknowledgment only).
It was moved and seconded (Doylen/Levine) the Consent Agenda be approved, and
it passed unanimously.
1A. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA (Approval of):
Mayor Baudek opened the Public Hearing for all the following Consent Agenda
Items:
1. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. AMENDED PLAT.
1. Lot 2 of the Amended Plat of Lot 2, Deer Crest Subdivision, and
Tract 59A, Fall River Addition, Bruce Ballard/Applicant.
B. DEVELOPMENT PLAN/DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
Board of Trustees — August 23, 2005 — Page 3
1. Revised Development Plan 02-17 & 3`d Amendment to the
Development Agreement: Vista Ridge Condominiums, Lot 3, Vista
Ridge Subdivision, Estes Investors, LLC/Applicant.
Trustee Doylen and Pinkham recused themselves from item 1.B.1. As there was
no public testimony, Mayor Baudek closed the public hearing, and it was moved
and seconded (Levine/Doylen) Consent Items 1.A.1 be approved, and it
passed unanimously.
It was moved and seconded (Newsom/Homeier) Consent Items 1.13.1 be
approved, and it passed with Trustees Doylen and Pinkham abstaining.
2. ACTION ITEMS:
1. ESTES VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES COALITION — COMMON GOOD
COMMITTEE — REQUEST EVENT APPROVAL. Town Administrator Repola
advised the Board that the Common Good Committee is seeking support for
project CARES (Caring, Acceptance, Respect, Encouragement and Support).
The Committee proposes holding a community wide event in Bond Park on
September 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A variety of colored ribbons with
messages to honor the diversity in our community would be placed in the
trees on the northeast side of the park and remain for a month. The
Common Good Committee would be responsible for the maintenance of the
ribbons and their timely removal. Dr. Earl Matson stated the Common Good
Committee was formed to address the contentious atmosphere currently
present within the community and the country, and to encourage our
community to care about the community, appreciate our differences,
encourage the space for those differences to co -exist, to show respect
through your words and actions, and build a respectful, safe and civic -
minded community.
Trustee Doylen suggested the Committee retain a history of the ribbon
messages for future reflection. Trustee Homeier recommended that a member
of the Committee be available to make an announcement and answer
questions during the Autumn Gold weekend. Mayor Baudek stated this a
concern for not only Estes Park but for our nation as well. It was moved and
seconded (Doylen/Pinkham) to approve the use of Bond Park for project
CARES as outlined above including the ribbon tree in the northwest
corner of Bond Park, and it passed unanimously.
2. FINANCIAL REPORTS — GENERAL FUND. Finance Officer McFarland
advised that key indicators have been identified to aid in the future projections
of sales tax numbers within 10 to 15 days of the end of the month, rather than
the current 45 days before the numbers are available. The leading indicator is
traffic counts with a .85 correlation between sales tax revenues and traffic
counts. The cumulative sales tax revenue for 2005 is following the average for
2002-2004, for a year-end total of $6.265M. The current budget is $6.6M;
therefore the Town is looking for cost savings in the 2005 budget revision
process to meet expenditures versus sales tax. Income and expense
statement analyses were reviewed and both are tracking with this year's budget
projections. Enterprise fund charts were reviewed and show the increase in
electric rates that took effect on January 1st have had a positive effect on the
budget. Budget revenues will exceed the budget forecast by September if the
current trend continues.
Trustees comments/questions were heard and summarized as follows:
questioned how the lose of 2 large sales tax generators effect the current
year's sales tax numbers; RMNP visitation numbers have been up for the year;
BomrdofTruateeo—AoQust 23, 2D05—Page 4
an additional electric rate increase should be considered carefully for next year
if the budget is going to exceed the current budget forecast; the edeobio nab»
increase will grow the capital reinvestment fund for future projects.
Staff stated it is difficult to know how much of the 1.4% decrease in sales tax
can be attributed to the |ooa of the car dealership and one large
accommodation property. The2O08 increase in electric rates may besmaller
than initially proposed.
John Tuokar, Sunnyoida Knoll Roeort, stated he is concerned the sales tax
numbers are flat. He suggested the town poll the business owners to gain
useful information to aid in the prediction of sales tax number. Trustee Ouy|en
agrees it would be a helpful tool if cross section of business owner were
willing to share their financial information with the Town. The Board
encouraged Mr. Tucker to become involved in the Economic Development
Advisory Council and the Business Roundtable that addresses these issues.
3. RESOLUTION 19'05 ' SUPPORT OF REFERENDA C & D. Town
Administrator Repu|a informed the Board that the Colorado Association of
Ski Towns (CAST) has endorsed Referenda C & O. John Erioson, 413
Pawnee Lane, reiterated his earlier comments from his presentation to the
Board on August Qm He stated the Colorado Economic Recovery Act was
signed this spring as a bipartisan act. The Act is ufive-year ~Umeout'from
TABOR rebates that allows the state to earmark money for eduoaton, health
oane, transportation and retirement plans for fire and police without raising
taxes. Referenda C&Ddnnot change TABOR; however, itwill keep Colorado
competitive with other states in seeking new jobs and investments from new
and existing companies that demand good roads and schools. Without it the
state hoku that these companies may by-pass Colorado for other favorable
states. |fCpasses there iaagood chance the State Advertising Board may be
funded. If the resolution is pu000d, he requested a member of the Board
present it to our state representatives at the August 30^' Town meeting.
Following discussion, it was moved and emmoud*d (Ooy|on/Nmwoom) to
approve Resolution 10'05 in support of Referenda C & D. and it passed
unanimously. Mr. Ericson stated supporting material would be available at the
August 3Ommeeting anwell aoonline at www,voteyeaonc'dcom.
4. "FIRST DAY" SGULPTU0E FOR STANLEY FAIRGROUNDS. Town
Administrator Repo|u advised the Stanley Fairgrounds revitalization plan
includes a plaza area complete with n pedestal for a sculpture. This past
winter. Frances Matthews of Denver contacted the Town and expressed a
desire to contribute aoou|pture in memory nfher sister, Lois Lee N1atthmwe,
who died in the Big Thompson flood in 1076 at the age of 19. Ma. Matthews
has selected a piece titled "First Day' by local artist Carol Cunningham at a
cost of$48.5OU. K80. Matthews has donated $20.000 towards the sculpture
plus the coot of the base and lighting. The additional $25.000 is budgeted in
the Community Reinvestment Fund for the Fairground revitalization.
Don Cunningham stated the bronze is a life-size sculpture of mare and her
foal and would be #8 of an edition of5. No other pieces of this edition will be
sold in the counties ofLahmer. Boulder, VVe|d, or Jackson in the State of
Colorado. Delivery ofthe completed sculpture would beapproximately the end
ofMay 20O8.
Trustee Doylen asked if smaller versions of the piece would be available for
purchase bythe general public 0uoffset the cost ofthe piece. Mr. Cunningham
will discuss the potential for smaller versions for sale with the artist.
Board of Trustees — August 23, 2005 — Page 5
It was moved and seconded (Newsom/Levine) to approve the purchase of
the "First Day" sculpture to be placed at the Stanley Fairgrounds with
budgeted funds of $25,000 from the Community Reinvestment Fund, and it
passed unanimously.
5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT.
a. Heritage Festival Insurance — The Insurance Associates of Estes quote
received by the Committee is the best policy for the event at a cost of
just over $1,000. The Board approved $1,000 for the event at the
August 9th meeting; therefore, the Committee will pay any additional
costs.
6. REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Conference with Town Attorney White for the purpose of receiving legal advice
on specific legal questions under Section 24-6-402(4)(f), C.R.S.
Motion: It was moved and seconded (Doylen/Pinkham) the Town Board go
into Executive Session for a conference with Town Attorney White for the
purpose of receiving legal advice on a personnel matter under C.R.S.
Section 24-6-402(4)(f) and it passed unanimously.
Mayor Baudek declared a 5-minute recess at 8:26 p.m., and adjourned the meeting to
Executive Session.
Mayor Baudek reconvened the meeting to Open Session at 9:04 p.m.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR POSITION.
It was moved and seconded (Doylen/Newsom) the Town enter into a 3-year
contract as outlined in the employment agreement with Randy Repola as Town
Administrator. The motion passed with Trustee Jeffrey -Clark voting "No".
Whereupon Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
..
J1 o —) L ...... ._0 O. n. rer...c4,0"e.
ohn Baudek, Mayor
kie Williamson, Town Clerk