HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2023-12-12RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado December 12, 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 12th day of December,
2023.
Board:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Mayor Koenig, Mayor Pro Tem Cenac, Trustees Hazelton,
Lancaster, MacAlpine, Martchink, and Younglund
Mayor Koenig, Mayor Pro Tem Cenac, Trustees Hazelton,
Lancaster, MacAlpine, Martchink and Younglund
Town Administrator Machalek, Deputy Town Administrator
Damweber, Town Attorney Kramer, and Deputy Town Clerk
Beers
None
Mayor Koenig called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
ENCORE ARTS UPDATE.
The Fine Arts Guild stated interest in building the performing arts center identified as
"Encore!". Tim Phillips, Fine Arts Guild representative reviewed the project area which
would take up a significant portion of the land in Stanley Park, would require the
relocation of many existing Town facilities, and a new entrance off the roundabout at
Community Drive and US Highway 36. Highlights of the presentation included: Support
for the project by the local arts community; how interactive, immersive art has gained
popularity throughout the world; new attractions the project would bring to the arts
community and public; a location for local artists to display their work, needed space for
rehearsals, and the numerous spaces would provide a sound buffer between theaters
without disruption across performance spaces. The Fine Arts Guild requested a $1
annual long-term land lease for the project space. He stated construction funds would
be raised through private donations, public contributions, crowd -sourcing, investment
backing, naming rights and traditional financing provider. "Inner Sanctum" would provide
on -going operations funding for the center, and the Estes Arts District would continue to
be a supporter. He reviewed the initial construction estimates at approximately $15
million and an additional $3-5 million for design of the inner sanctum, salaries for a
project manager and administrative assistant, and a year of operational costs. He
reviewed financial model projections based on ticket price points for approximately 310
days of operation per year. He requested the Board support through the donation of
land. Board comments and questions have been summarized: What the exit strategy
would be if the project does not meet projections; the Board encouraged a review of
patronage and projections to develop a realistic approach of the first years of operation;
more details were requested on the cost estimates for the "Inner Sanctum" and whether
design would be outsourced, and the difference between this application and previous
unsuccessful applications. Board consensus was to review relocation of existing
facilities and financial impacts and risks prior to public outreach for the Stanley Park
Master Plan update in early 2024.
DRAFT ARTS MASTER PLAN.
Estes Arts District President Kendall Akin and Executive Director Greg Miles presented
a review of the draft Estes Park Arts Master Plan (AIM). Miles stated the implementation
of AIM would seamlessly integrate art into the Town's identity. The plan was drawn from
the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Creative
industries included non and for -profit organizations and independent self-employed
creatives. Identified industries included design, film and media, heritage, literary and
publishing, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, culinary arts and brewing. He stated
the allure of the Town was historically promoted through artists and reviewed the
current art supporting aspects throughout the community, impacts of art, community
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town Board Study Session — December 12, 2023 — Page 2
collaboration and goals for AIM. President Akin stated the plan would fulfil key
strategies identified in the Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan, encourage community
collaboration and elevate the Art in Public Places program. Due to time constraints the
Board was in agreement to continue the discussion to a 2024 study session.
RACIAL COVENANTS RESEARCH AND ORDINANCE. The item was continued to a
future meeting.
TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS.
None.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS.
Future study session agenda items would be discussed at the regular meeting.
There being no further business, Mayor Koenig adjourned the meeting at 5:11 p.m.
Bu toria Beers, Deputy Town Clerk