HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2023-02-28RECORD OFPROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado February 28, 2023
Minutes ofoStudy Session meeting ofthe TOWN BOARD of the Town of
Estes Park' L8hD1e[ County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town Hall in the
Board Room insaid Town 0fEstes Park nOthe 28mday OfFebruary, 2033.
Board:
Attending-.
Also Attending:
Mayor Koenig, Mayor Pm Tern VVebennaier, Tmuk*ea
Cenoo.HazoKon.ManA|pine.Martchink.and YounQ|und
Mayor KuenkJ, Trustees Cenao Hazahon' &1acAlpine.
Town Administrator Machalek, Deputy Town Administrator
Damweber, Town Attorney Kramer, and Deputy Town Clerk
Beers
Absent: Mayor Pro Tern VVobemnoier
Mayor Koenig called the meeting 8zorder at3:58p.m.
2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE AND INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL
CODE. Gary Ruau, SAFEBuilt Chief Building Official (CBO) requested Board feedback
regarding adopting the 2O21 International Building Code and International Residential
Code. He stated LahmarCounty has adopted both codes and enforcing o similar code
provides consistency and simplicity in the Estes Valley. Historically the Town adopts
every other code amendment which went off cycle in 2017 due to staffing changes.
Board questions have been summarized: Concern was heard regarding adopting the
2021 codes and impacts tothe future cost ofbuilding workforce housing; questioned the
differences between the 2018 and 2021 ooden� whether staff provides training and
information to contractors when new codes are adopted; and if staff foresees issues
adopting the 2021 code versus the 2018 code. Discussion ensued regarding State
mandates to adopt the new Energy Code and the correlation between the adoption of
the 2018 ur2O31 codes. Eric Fried, LmrimerCounty CBC} stated since 2013 the county
has adopted the most recent building codes to provide consistency and to make the
county eligible for grant opportunities. CBU Rusu stated the 2021 code would be similar
to the curnant2O15 code aside from sprinkler requirements and permit length changes
from 80 months to 18 months to be more consistent with LarimarCounty. Discussion
ensued regarding sprinkler requirements including: how sprinkler requirements are
handled in Larimer County and the fire districts; impacts for properties which are not
connected toTown water; and how sprinklers help bridge the gap in response time
during a fire which can nave lives and property. Estes Valley Fire Protection District
Chief Wolf provided background on the development of new codes, reviewing agencies,
consistency to jurisdictional rouponse, and statistics related to deaths from fires and
property |ouo from fires. He atatod, if a municipality adopts sprinkler requirements the
Fire District would be able to extend the requirement throughout the district. Board
consensus was to bring the item forward with considerations related to sprinkler
requirements for single-family dwellings.
1ARENEWAL
Town Administrator yWnoha|ekstated voters approved theono'percend 1Asales tax in
April 2O14.which took effect onJuly 1.2O14and would expire onJune 30.2024.These
tax dollars fund four special revenue funds including: the Street Improvement Fund.
Trails Expansion Fund, Community Center Fund. and the Emergency Response Fund.
The Community Center funding is not critical for operation of the center. The 2023
Strategic Plan instructed staff to "develop a process for Town Board consideration of
ba||c1 measure to renew the 1Ana|en tax." Staff proposed the following process: confirm
Board interest in exploring the nonevva| of the tax; utilize the Town'm Community Survey
results, the Comprehensive P|an, and consultation with exports to develop a draft
breakdown of renewal components; solicit feedback from the pub|io, advisory boards
and community partners; and present the draft breakdown of renewal components and
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town Board Study Session — February 28, 2023 — Page 2
summary of feedback to the Town Board. Staff would need to bring forward a package
for consideration well in advance of the January 2024 deadline to set a ballot question.
A small internal staff team would develop the package comprised of input from
community stakeholders. Board questions have been summarized: questioned the
previous process for developing the package for the 1A sales tax in 2014 compared to
the identified process; package timeline; the composition of the small internal team and
concerns regarding personal bias. Town Administrator Machalek stated the initial
package formation would start in the Town Administrator's office, which would then be
reviewed by the Executive Leadership Team and community partners, including special
districts. He encouraged Board direction on the composition of the internal team for a
first draft and highlighted the importance of a package reflecting the needs of the
community, including wildfire preventative measures, and continued improvement of
streets and trails. The Board was in consensus to direct staff to move forward with the
1A sales tax renewal.
FINE ARTS GUILD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.
In 2022, the Fine Arts Guild approached the Town with a proposal to construct and
operate a performing arts center on the Town -owned parcel at the intersection of
Moraine Avenue and Elm Road. At the October 25, 2022, Town Board meeting the
Board directed the Guild to explore Stanley Park as a location for this proposal. Staff
recommended the Fine Arts Guild fund an update to the Stanley Park Master Plan with
the Town selecting and overseeing the consultant. Town Administrator Machalek stated
the update would determine if the location was ideal for a performing arts center, the
optimal location on the property, a review of impacts to existing elements, and provide
an opportunity for public input and feedback. If the updated Master Plan supports
construction and operation of a performing arts center within Stanley Park, the Town
would develop an agreement with the Fine Arts Guild for use, fundraising, design,
construction timelines, operating parameters and other lease terms for the Board's
consideration. Staff requested Board input on the proposal. Board comments have been
summarized: questioned if the Stanley Park deed restrictions would permit an art center
on the property; approximate cost of the study and whether private contributions to the
Fine Arts Guild could be utilized to fund the study; and staff time requirements and
limitations. Tim Phillips, Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies Director stated the center
received a $1 million donation for the development of a performing arts center. He
stated the Guild would propose the same building design presented to the Town Board
in 2022 at the Elm Road location. He stated support had been received from other art
organizations within the community. The Guild has been researching immersive art
businesses similar to Meow Wolf and would pursue options to replicate a program in the
upper levels of the proposed center to generate revenue. Clarification was requested on
the proposed location on the Stanley Park property and whether the updated Master
Plan would include parking. The Board was in agreement to bring this item forward for
consideration with no changes to the proposed timeline.
FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD CHECK IN.
At the November 9, 2021 study session the Town Board discussed ongoing issues
related to the Family Advisory Board (formerly Community & Family Advisory Board). At
the time, Mayor Pro Tem Martchink and Trustee Youngiund were appointed by the
Town Board to develop recommendations for next steps concerning the Family Advisory
Board (FAB). It was recommended and determined the FAB would be permitted to
"refocus" and continue with ongoing efforts outlined in their bylaws. The Mayor
requested a five minute break at 5:25 p.m. and the Board reconvened at 5:30 p.m.
Since the refocus, staff stated FAB has faced challenges regarding roles and
responsibilities including frustrations on policy recommendations, inability to be action
oriented, and membership and regular attendance issues. Deputy Town Administrator
Damweber stated three members have resigned from FAB since May of 2022, which
left FAB at the minimum number of members required to continue meeting under their
bylaws. Board discussion ensued and consensus was reached to consider sunsetting
FAB at an upcoming meeting stating the conditions have changed since the initial
formation of FAB in 2017 such as the approval of the Ballot Issue 6E providing Local
Marketing District tax funds for workforce/attainable housing and childcare within the
Estes Valley. Further discussion outlined the potential of forming a task -oriented group
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town Board Study Session — February 28, 2023 — Page 3
to provide recommendations on an annual operation plan forOE funds and the Town
Strategic Plan development.
SEMI-ANNUAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW WITH BOARD GOVERNING POLICIES —
POLICY 1.10 SELF -MONITORING OF THE BOARD. Mayor Koenig requested
comments from the Board and hearing none, closed the discussion.
TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS &QUESTIONS.
Town Administrator N1acha|ok stated the Town signed a contract with a firm to review
Planning Division deposit fees which should be completed in approximately four
months. He requested Board interest in reducing deposit fees by 50% as recommended
by staff during the December 13, 2022 meeting, to which the Board stated agreement.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS.
An Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Readiness Update discussion was scheduled for
April 11.2O23,
There being no further business, Mayor Koenig adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
~~
Bunny�i2ohaBeena.Deputy TownClerk