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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2023-04-25RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado April 25, 2023 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 the Board Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 25th day of April, 2023. Board: Attending: Also Attending: Mayor Koenig, Trustees Cenac, Hazelton, MacAlpine, Martchink, Younglund and Vacant Position Mayor Koenig, Trustees Cenac, Hazelton, MacAlpine, Martchink, and Younglund Town Administrator Machalek, Town Attorney Kramer, Deputy Town Administrator Damweber, Deputy Town Clerk Beers and Estes Park Housing Authority Executive Director Moulton Estes Park Housing Authority Board members Blackhurst, Daley, Frank, Miller, Smith, and Strieb Absent: Estes Park Housing Authority Board Member Pinkham Mayor Koenig called the meeting to order at 4:50 p.m. and introductions were made for the Town Board and Estes Park Housing Authority Board. ESTES PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY (EPHA) ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DECISION -MAKING AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO 6E FUNDS. With the passage of Ballot Issue 6E approximately $6 million a year would be available to addressing workforce housing and childcare issues in the Estes Valley. Through adoption of the Annual Workforce Housing and Childcare Funding Plan, the Town would enter into agreements with partners, to administer programs. The plan identifies EPHA as a key partner to addressing items related to workforce and attainable housing and has the staff expertise and programming to carry out strategies outlined in the plan. New funding would allow for added EPHA staff, expansion of existing and creation of new programs. Staff requested direction on the extent to which the Town would delegate responsibility to the EPHA to implement housing strategies outlines in the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan and the extent to which the Town would retain decision -making authority related to the expenditure of 6E funds and other funds reserved for workforce and attainable housing. Staff reviewed proposed EPHA roles and responsibilities as the lead agency for strategy and action items including: Property acquisition, asset planning, and renovations to existing supply, new supply, funding and policy, community engagement and client support and organizational capacity building. Options for decision -making authority included: Coordinated development of an annual funding plan outlining expectations and the purpose of funds to be approved by both the Town and Larimer County; the Town retains all decision -making authority and EPHA would request funds each year for individual programs or seek approval for specific expenses; the Town defines thresholds for decision -making authority for the EPHA, or the Town requires approval of individual programs, both existing and new which utilize 6E funds then permit EPHA to carry out the administration as agreed upon. EPHA would keep the Town apprised of program changes and development so they can make informed decisions each year on the annual funding plan. Staff highlighted property and land acquisition as an interest area related to decision points or thresholds. Director Moulton stated the EPHA has historically demonstrated success in addressing housing issues in the Estes Valley. The EPHA decision making framework should be nimble, to allow them to react quickly, match opportunity to need, be financially feasible and without barriers. EPHA Member Blackhurst spoke regarding funding mechanisms utilized by the EPHA, obstacles or missed opportunities due to lack of available funding, RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Study Session — April 25, 2023 — Page 2 seasonal workforce housing constraints, and project priorities including maintenance updates to existing facilities. Joint Board comments and questions have been summarized: Stated the importance of conducting regular studies to capture community needs and change in demand; questioned what increased capacity concerns the EPHA may have; would increased funding allow the EPHA the ability to address needs at a more expeditious pace; whether the Town would be reviewing budgets annually or would the EPHA have the ability to bond 6E funding without Town Board approval; the importance of transparency with the public on how funding would be utilized while coordinating efforts; how landownership would be handled for purchased properties and whether the lands could be leveraged to acquire other properties or development; the highest number of dollars which the EPHA has utilized towards acquisitions; whether 6E funds would be restricted by TABOR; and whether 6E funds could be utilized toward paying off debts acquired by EPHA. Concerns were stated on reviewing every individual use of the 6E funds and the importance of entrusting EPHA to act in their capacity to fulfill directives. Clarification was requested on how childcare needs fit into projects and its connection to the 6E funding allocations and the percentage of 6E funding anticipated for housing and respectively for childcare. Town Administrator Machalek stated staff would be conducting a new childcare needs assessment to identify the demand forecast. A brief discussion ensued regarding the timeline to develop an agreement for Town Board consideration. It was determined staff would develop a draft agreement for Town Board review at a future study session prior to consideration at a regular meeting. TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS None. FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS. None. There being no further business, Mayor Koenig adjourned the meeting at 6:29 p.m. ictoria Beers, Deputy Town Clerk