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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Community Development Community Services 2010-06-24Preparation date: June 15, 2010 * Revision date: June 22, 2010 AGENDA TOWN OF ESTES PARK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE June 24, 2010 8:00 a.m. Board Room, Town Hall 1. PUBLIC COMMENT 2. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT A. Quarterly Reports 1. Senior Center — Manager Mitchell 2. Fairgrounds/Events — Manager Winslow 3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT A. Recommendations to the Town Board * 1. Contractor Licensing Director Joseph B. Reports 1. Community Development Financial Report — Director Joseph 2. Monthly Building Permit Summary — Director Joseph Process outlining the steps to adopt the 2009 version of the IBC 4. ADMINISTRATION A. Reports 1. Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) — Nancy Almond Sharing research results regarding community investment in Early Care and Education NOTE: The Community Development/Community Services Committee reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared. Cynthia Deats From: Admin iR3045 Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 8:09 AM To: Cynthia Deats Subject: Job Done Notice(Send) ***************************** *** Job Done Notice(Send) *** ***************************** JOB NO. 2946 ST. TIME 06/23 08:04 PGS. 1 SEND DOCUMENT NAME TX/RX INCOMPLETE TRANSACTION OK 5869561 KEPL 5869532 Trail Gazette 5861691 Channel 8 6353677 Reporter Herald 5771590 EP News ERROR Memo TOWN or :L.:7'ES PA. 11 11111111 1 Ill "'"""""""""""""""""itilit),),)ql,')')),)iiserPil,)0, 00000l0000000 "ll1111111111liolooiou olo 111111111111111 000 To: Community Development/Community Services Committee From: Lori Mitchell, Senior Center Manager Date: June 24, 2010 RE: Senior Center quarterly report United Way funding The Senior Center Division of the Community Services Department recently received notice that the meal programs (noon dining room meals at the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels) will continue to receive funding from the United Way Solid Foundations Fund for the second year of the July 2009-June 2012 funding cycle. In July 2009, after a competitive application process, the Senior Center was awarded a three-year contract with the United Way for a total of $27,000 in funding for the period ($9000 annually for three years). This amount is budgeted revenue for the Senior Center Division; all funds are used for operating support of the meals program. Senior Center meal programs have been funded in part by United Way of Larimer County since 1998 with a cumulative total of $104,796 in awards. Northern Colorado Senior Resource Network (NCSRN) Senior Center staff will host the August networking meeting of the NCSRN, a group of senior services staff from various agencies across the Front Range. Staff will present information on current Senior Center health and wellness opportunities as well as local information for the group. Senior Center programs The Senior Center offers a wide variety of planned programs monthly. Attendance at planned programs is operating at 103% capacity year-to-date 2010 as compared to 96% capacity for the first five months of 2009. These classroom or lecture programs are in addition to the drop -in opportunities available daily (for example, drop -in events include craft groups, pool (billiards), card games, coffee hours, Wii games, public computer use, fitness programs such as Tri Fit, Tai Chi, ZUMBA and much more). Planned programs — second and third quarters 2010: • Supreme Court Trends - an eight -week study series • Makeovers for Mothers - a two -session event • Communication Tips for Parkinson's Patients - a one-time lecture • Publisher 2007 - computer classes with Park School District Adult Outreach • Dream It! Live !t! Love It! — athletes over age 50 - a one-time lecture by the Aspen Club • Larimer County Extension — Container Gardening - a one-time lecture • Home Building and Remodeling - a one-time lecture • Beethoven Revisited Music Appreciation - a six -week study series • Medicare Counseling - monthly assistance with Aspen Club trained counselors • Shakespeare for All - a three-month study series • The Science of Satiety — a one-time lecture by the Aspen Club • Managing Paper Clutter — classroom study sessions • World War II: the Battle of Iwo Jima — a one-time lecture • Lawn Care in the Mountains — a one-time lecture by Larimer County Extension • Emotional Freedom Technique — a one-time lecture by the Aspen Club • Fall Garden Clean Up — a one-time lecture by the Larimer County Extension • Paying for Long Term Care — a one-time lecture by the Alzheimer's Association Day trips offered second and third quarters 2010: • Butterfly Pavilion — Westminster • Boulder Dinner Theatre (twice) — Boulder • CU — Golden Dragon Acrobats - Boulder • Vintage Aero Flying Museum - Platte Valley Airport, Hudson • King Tut Exhibit - Denver Art Museum - Denver • CSU Trial Gardens - Fort Collins • Colorado Rockies Baseball (three games) - Denver • Blackhawk and Central City (twice) In addition to noon dining room meals and Meals on Wheels, the Senior Center offers a special themed luncheon monthly. For example, April Spring Fling, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Rodeo week and the Scottish Festival are celebrated with a special party menu, favors and occasional entertainment. Attendance at the themed luncheons in 2010 is averaging 50 people per event. Fundraising Additionally, Senior Center staff is assisting Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Inc. (EPSCC, INC.) with their four summer breakfast fundraisers. Their first event was June 12 with an attendance of 250 as compared with 286 in 2009. Local citizens of all ages as well as Front Range senior groups attend. Out-of-town senior groups often spend the day in Estes Park shopping, touring and visiting museums or special events. Forty seniors from outside groups attended the June breakfast and came from Johnstown Senior Center, Platteville Senior Center, South Suburban Senior Center and the Northwest Baptist Church group from Denver, and the Disabled Resource Support Group — Fort Collins. Comments on attendance and meals statistics Programs and overall attendance: Year-to-date 2010 program attendance (through May) is 10% ahead of the same period in 2009 with a total of 6120 visits for programs and activities. Additionally, overall attendance to the Senior Center year-to-date 2010 is 18% higher than the same five - month period in 2009 with a total of 7436 visits. Meals Year-to-date 2010 dining room meal use is 2.4% ahead of the same five -month period in 2009. Additionally, Meals on Wheels are down 20% from the same period in 2009. Staff marketed the program to local health care providers. The result is that the program has enrolled thirty new customers in the first five months of 2010, as compared to three new customers in the same five -month period in 2009. These new customers are in addition to the regular client list. Staff identified a trend in the Meals on Wheels program, whereby newer customers are using the service on a short-term basis during periods of recuperation and illness, in lieu numbers of longer term er gd regular or daily use. This accounts for the decline in actual Estes Park Senior Center- Meal Programs Report 5.31.10 page 1 Meals on Wheels, Dining Room and Take -Out Meals Meals on Wheels 2006 Total = 4,651 2007 Total = 4,056 2008 Total = 4,736 2009 Total = 4,430 2010 YTD = 1,611 J Current Month = May 332 -4-2010 -4-2009 -4,-2006 2007 -4-20081 Dining Room Meals Previous Month, April = 569 = 54% capacity Current Month, May = 671 = 70% capacity Includes take-out meals (2), member (608) and non-member meals (61) 2006 Total = 9,275 2007 Total = 9,588 2008 Total = 8,265 2009 Total = 8,125 2010 YTD = 3,092 Month -to - month comparison May 2006 393 2007 321 2008 420 2009 310 2010 332 Month -to - month comparison 1200 2006 l000 830 800 2007 935 600 2008 601 400 200 11111111i111 10 J F M A M J J ASOND -4-2010 - 2009 2006 YTD 2007 --2008 2009 604 2010 671 Senior Center Meal Programs Report Meals on Wheels, Dining Room and Take -Out Meals 5.31.2010 page 2 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Combined Meal Programs - Monthly Comparisons Combined Meal Programs - Yearly Comparisons Month to month Comparison May 2006 1223 2007 1256 2008 1021 2009 914 2010 1003 111111111111111111111 11111111111111111 2003 11,356 2004 13,937 ® 2005 14,730 2006 13,926 2007 13,644 2008 13,001 2009 12,555 El2010 111111111 2010 YTD 4703 ISenior Center Programs / Activity Attendance Report 5.31.10 page 3 Attendance at Activities and Programs Current month May = 1,298 (number of visits, drop -in and planned programs combined) 2006 Total = 12,411 2007 Total = 14,089 2008 Total = 14,441 2009 Total = 15,981 2005 TYD = 6,120 -2500 - 2000 - 1500 - 1000 -500 111111111111 0 J FM AMJ J ASOND Previous month — April "Planned Programs" Potential or Ideal Capacity "Planned Programs/% Utilization" * *programs as a % of ideal capacity/actual "Drop -In" Programs Utilization 307 Month -to - month comparison 2006 995 2007 1255 2008 1094 2009 1228 2010 1298 272 or 86% capacity 920 Current month — May "Planned Programs" Potential or Ideal Capacity 305 350 or 115% capacity "Planned Programs/% Utilization" * *programs as a % of ideal capacity/actual "Drop -In" Programs Utilization Year-to-date 2010 average programs capacity = 103% Average programs capacity 2009 = 102% Average programs capacity 2008 = 95% 948 Senior Center / Facility Overall Attendance 5.31.2010 page 4 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Q� ��� DPP V9 �P� ��'"� PJG co(<, OG� + 0 2009 May = 1441 Year Total 18,661 2010 May May = 2119* ' New people counter device installed in May - 2006 Year Total 17,471 May = 1590 2007 Year Total 18,510 May = 1737 _°- 2008 Year Total 17,562 May = 1396 2010 Senior January February March April May June July August September October November December Center Rentals (0) (54) Hagen party (33) Weaver party (0) (18) Fam. Hearing Ctr. 2010 rental users: 105 2005 rental users = 393 2006 rental users = 426 2007 rental users = 721 2008 rental users = 599 2009 rental users = 191 2010 Senior Center Non -Rental Users January TOEP meetings (16 ) County commissioners (19 ) NARFE (18) Low Vision support (4) Mayor (50) Special Transit (13) February County commissioners (13) NARFE (2) Low Vision support (4) Mayor (29) Sister Cities (8) March County commissioners (24) NARFE (7) Low Vision support (2) Mayor (24) Sister Cities (8) TOEP meetings (4) CIA (35) United Way (2) April County Commissioners (23) NARFE (10) Low Vision support (8) Mayor (24) Sister Cities (9) May County Commissioners (20) NARFE (10) Mayor (30) Sister Cities (11) Parade of Years (70) June July August September October November: December: 2010 non -rental users: 497 2005 non -rental users = 1295 2006 non -rental users = 286 2007 non -rental users = 249 2008 non -rental users = 270 2009 non -rental users = 888 Memo I 111111111111 1 1 1 111111 111111111111 iiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII111111111111111111111111111111111,11)11111. 41,114v111p114,11);Ivig,v,!,!,!u,1,1111,,11,,111:1,111111"0 To: Community Development/Community Services Committee From: Bo Winslow, Fairgrounds and Events Manager Date: June 24, 2010 RE: Fairgrounds/Events Quarterly Report rrtuw Report The Fairgrounds and Events Department has had a busy quarter preparing for the upcoming summer season. Staff spends this quarter booking the different venues, processing applications for events going on throughout Town, and looking at new events, as well as planning current events. Below are attendance numbers for events that have taken place and a list of many of the events planned for the next quarter. Performance Park currently has 38 events booked for the summer. (This number is consistent with 2009.) The Town is sponsoring the Wednesday Night Concert Series at Performance Park as it has in the past. Jazz Fest Attendance was down this year. Staff feels this was due partly to weather, as there was snow several days before the event and it was a cold weekend (May 15-16). 2007 Attendance* \ 2008 Attendance t_ 2009 Attendance 1395 1235 1500 2010 Attendance 931 Bond Park continues to be a popular place to hold events and staff has seen a slight increase in events in and around the park. The Art Center kicked off the busy season Memorial Day Weekend (May 29- May 31) with the Art Market. The event had nice weather and good attendance. 2007 36,000 Attendance* 20I 2008 Attendance 20 09 000 Attendance 36,0002010 Attendance Cowboy Sing Alongs will be in Bond Park this summer on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights throughout the summer. This event is sponsored by the Town and the merchants in the community. The Scandinavian Festival will be Saturday and Sunday, June 26th and 27th The Coolest Car Show will be Sunday, July 4th The traditional Fireworks over Lake Estes will once again light the skies and echo throughout the mountains Sunday, July 4tn BBQ in the Park will be Saturday, July 24th. This is a fund-raising event for The Estes Valley Workforce Housing Assistance Program. This new event was approved by Town Board on June 8, 2010, The Auto Extravaganza, which is a Town -sponsored event, will be joined by the Firebirds for their car show Saturday, August 14th. The Firebirds are 1967-1969 "First Generation" cars. The Heritage Festival will finish Bond Park's August activities Saturday and Sunday, August 21St and 22nd. The Fairgrounds at Stanley Park is anticipating another busy summer with many events returning, as well as several new events, The Safety Fair (May 22) was our first event on the property in 2010. While the wind seemed to have its way for most of the day, the event had great numbers, with a strong showing from our community. This is a great family event. 2007 Attendance* 400 2008 Attendance 750 2009 Attendance 500 2010 Attendance 350 I The Top Hands Organization had its fund-raising event for the Rooftop Rodeo — The Antique Show - on Memorial Day Weekend, with the following attendance numbers reported. 2007 Attendance* 1600 2008 Attendance I 2009 Attendance 1600 1659 2010 Attendance 1660 The Estes Park Wool Market started with workshops on Thursday and Friday, June 10th and 11th. The animal shows and the rest of the Wool Market took place on Saturday and Sunday, June 12th and 13th. The Estes Park Equestrian Club had an event full of fun and games planned on Saturday, June 19th The Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Club began showing Wednesday, June 23rd, celebrating its 26th year here in Estes Park. The Arabian Horse Show will be with us again starting Thursday, July 1st and will show all the way through the 4th of July. Rooftop Rodeo kicks off Tuesday, July 6th with a Parade down Elkhorn Avenue at 10:30 a.m. Gates open each night Tuesday through Sunday (July 6-11) at 5:30 p.m. Rodeo entertainment starts at 7 o'clock and the award -winning rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is bringing its vendor trailer to the rodeo this year. This trailer is a special vehicle that we are honored to have included in our event. In addition, Dodge Rodeo is bringing its interactive trailer. This trailer was at the National Finals Rodeo and other large rodeos such as Cheyenne Frontier Days. Dodge selected Estes Park for several reasons, including winning the Small Rodeo of the Year Award, and the diverse demographics of our audience. Each night will have a theme with the following schedule: Tuesday Night we will celebrate our opening performance featuring the Cheyenne Dandies. Fort Carson will have a mounted group and the Riatta Girls will be doing trick riding and roping. Wednesday Night will be our Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night. Thursday Night we will honor our local Emergency Service Workers. Friday Night will be Military Appreciation Night. Saturday Night there will be colorful dancing and fun -filled entertainment as we honor our local Hispanic Community. Sunday Night will be Kids' Night. Team Penning is coming back after taking a few years off and will be here from Friday, July 16 h to Sunday, July 18th. Hunter Jumper Shows start Wednesday, July 21 st until Sunday, August 15th. There are five different jumper shows going on during this time frame. The Saturdays of July 31, August 7 and August 14 will feature a Grand Prix with $25,000 in prizes to be given away each night. This is a great event to watch and the competition is fierce. Wrapping up August is our biggest weekend of the summer: It starts with the Si i Network Show on Thursday, August 19th through Friday, August 20th. This is an educational show for its participants. The Dressage Show will be Thursday, August 19th through Sunday, August 20th. This is the third year for this show and we will see several of the top horses in the nation compete during the weekend. The Colorado Senior Pro Charity Rodeo will be Friday, August 20th and Saturday, August 21 St. This rodeo has been in Boulder for the past 24 years and has moved to Estes Park to celebrate its 25th year! Finally, the first -ever Estes Park Draft Horse Show will be Sunday, August 22 . This will be a free event and there will be all kinds of hitches and horses for all to enjoy. The Events Department also process applications for other events that take place in Town. These are events such as concerts, car shows, bike races and running races. Staff also process requests for the two banner locations, at the intersection of Hwys. 34 and 36, and at the CVB. *Most attendance numbers are estimates. Formulas are used to give staff numbers that can be fairly compared year to year. BUDGET vs. YTD 0 x z dr! tc= VD 00 00 >1. C> et 0 00 F. 4 r- 0 ON C, C> 00 c>C4), • < te) sr> N 00 c<> 00 >1>" 00 <1' 00 00 00 0 c,k a) 0, 00 >. < 6 csi > 00 ca 13C-' 0, Cvl 00 0 kr> c. v. .1 CA:, C> 0 t-- 00 00 0 0 0 00 kr> 00 0 00 ', kr> C> CO ,r1 C,1 tk, C> 00 000 oo C, 04 c",1 (-4 0, ,0 0 r- c> (al cn c> Csi 0, •cl. 00 tel 0 •,-} t-- C> ;TO' N 01 (-4 >e, 0, (NI Total Revenues 8 00 8 00 .5 oa 2 5 V. E. 5. e 8 ar) •ar, CO 00 Cn 'ft 00 CO 04 5 00 0 00 6 8 0 '0 -8 & 5 _o 8 61: e,7 C?' C, 0 N 1:0 a 0 GD HGD GD • 0 < ej N >. 0, <GD N t1/4 "' cn GD c0 GD O • 0 c> a CD Co N 4 S,; Co CO CO a 01 0 GD Ct CONZ VD M GO 0 M N 0 0). n r-- ,.0GGD CO CO CO kr; 0 0 kr) CD GD CCC d?) 01GD CO vt Co 00 Nt v:5 V:? on CO 0 • N N • On 4 CO Co Co GD Co m 00 0 0 )0 In "c).„ N a N c- ,--.GD a a 0) N ko Co 01 00 10 Cp GD GD 10 10 GD N CO Co Co GD CO CON CC Co CC Co CC GD GD co N Co N Go N GD szt GD Co CO CO CO Co GD t-- 'Ca') 0 CC:! • CCC 'et ;. Co C, CO or:,. N -.. YEAR TO DATE YEAR TO DATE MONTH TO DATE SPECTIONS (101-2300) o d > c 0 O o : i N U) 0) (0 C 0 U E ray) �CL>- C 0 15 � O o 0 0 N Co 0 YN ace E C!)E C J LL O LL z () c 0 m 7, s C 0 C O o 10�, 0) Co W N cp C? N Co to • m 't N N Co N cr) CO to r N fi 0) o \ \ o ° \ o oM t() Co 0 0 r o Co O CO CO_ �' (� (0r 1-• (fl N to Co CoO Co m r CMo 0 (0 r19 Eft (ft (ft N CO O 00 C0 CO CO Lf) Co N 0)N M 0) Co 00 N Co O CONEft O O O p O O o 1 CO • C• O • N d' ▪ r co co(f) (O (o (0 CO (o 0 NNI CO 0 O VO CO LO COCO CO dt 0) Co Co 4 Om 00) CO id N to co0 CO, CO, LO CO LO N Co r N Eft tO {/} (ft Efl Eft (ft - N rt CO 0) (0 d' NI CO 05 O 0)CO0) ( O O O CO U Co U) U) O p o O O \ O O O CO o t. m °) Co Ct M d L(7 CV N Co $4,586,776 -34% CO N N Co d CO CO L9 w d0' dam'" N Co • Lo Lo N (�O" d' M CO I- Co N 00) Od' cot..., 0 N Co • CO c 0 COi) N .d. �. o lf) r - r CO m r M M N d F» (» Eft (ft (ft (A Eft Eft U) o o o o co c0 CO Co 00 co M tr co CT co 00 d N Lf) COM0 0 COC" d' 0 0 co• to Co co Co r Co Co Co Co ( U) 0 C (O co m N 4 CO in N CO CD CO • Co ai o 4 Co -cr..I co O co to N E 6? Eft (fl N rn L _ c U) no iti. 9 c >' o N 0 2 Q ")co as c Q wO 0 .0 z LC) N co co Co Co CO (v CV U) 9 0 Q) 0 Co Co Co N Co) 03 $ 35,473,383 CO 0 co CO CO Co O CO (ft co O O N 0 E d 0) C 0 5 m 0_ O N (/) O d w 5 CC 0 LL w CC w 0 o c W cC O o_ cC Ea- 0 'a) N r (d N JI, RESIDENTIAL PERMITS (101) New Single Famil Detached (103) New Duplex (104) New 3-4 Family (105) New 5+ Family (434) Add/Alt/Cony Footing & Foundation New Square Footage Remodel/Add Square Footage January February Marc vember December TOTALS 2 5 7,736 436 9 672 TOTAL RESIDENTIAL VALUATION COMMERCIAL PERMITS (213) New Hotels, Motels, Cabins (318) New Rec. Bldg. (319) New Religious Bldg. (322) New Service & Repair (324) New Offices, Banks, Prof (327) New Retail (437) Add/All/Conv Footing & Foundation New Square Footage Remodel/Add Square Footage 7 $692508.00 6 $ 310,178.00 6 TOTAL COMMERCIAL VALUATION GRADING PERMITS* VALUATION DEMOLITION VALUATION FLOODPLAIN DEV. PERMITS VALUATION *Note: 50.00 charge for FPDPs TOTAL PERMITS VALUATION" 6 $169,264.00 0 0 13 $861,772.00 6 $1,899,478.00 3 $13,600.00 15 $2,223,256,00 *does not include Grading Permits Residential (434) permits also include the following Misc permits: Minor Repair/Remodel: Boiler/Furnace/Heater: 4 Solar: Stove/Fireplace: Wind Turbine: Roof: 2 Water Heater: A/C/Cooler: Water/Svc Line/Plumb: Gas Line/Propane: Sewer Line: Window/Siding: 1 Total Residential Misc Permits: 30 YTD 10 186 4 0 0 0 49 0 14,569 53 $2,061,732,00 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 $0.001 17 $187,38 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 leis, misc permits 0 2,860 7,201 42 $2,475,710,01 iew detached garage, etc) )n to an existing structure 2 $16,900.00 6 $44,950.00 0 $0.00 95 $4,582,392.00 REPORTS\REPORTS 2010\Year Sheet 2010 llpillluiL: invest in early CIIllunooU initiatives Page 1 of 2 Everything Michigan Opinion: Invest in early childhood initiatives Published: Thursday, March 05, 2009, 5:00 AM Updated: Monday, October 12, 2009, 9:10 AM Lew Chamberlin ( Business Review In these trying economic times it is more important than ever that, as a community, we assure ourselves that our public and private dollars are being used in the most efficient and effective way. It is in this light that I write to encourage our community, as a matter of policy, to increase our emphasis on investment in early childhood initiatives. In recent years we have learned much about the development of our children between the ages of zero and five. We now know that our children learn more by their third birthday than at any other time in their lives. This is when they learn to solve problems, to cope with stress, to be creative and to communicate. We also know that the architecture of a child's brain is not fully developed at birth. It develops over time, with early skills providing the foundation for later skills. What happens in these early years can have a profound impact on how a child's brain develops and how successful that child may be later in life. And not surprisingly, we have learned there is a significant return on the investment communities make in young children. Programs for children have a much higher return on investment than programs that intervene later in life. A study by the RAND Corp. found that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs there is a return of as much as $17 depending on the type and intensity of the program. The typical return for many quality programs ranges from $3 to $7. The benefits include lower special -education costs, higher high school graduation rates, a better -trained and higher -earning job force and reduced crime and welfare dependency. Doesn't it make sense to deploy our resources to help children while they are developing rather than to invest much more to solve problems of truancy, addiction and crime later on? Wouldn't our community be better served by investing in preschools rather than prisons? So what can we, as a community, do to impact young children in Kent County and take advantage of the Chamberlin http://blog.mlive.com/businessreview/western_impact/print.html?entry=/2009/03/invest_in... 6/24/2010 Opinion: Invest in early childhood initiatives Page 2 of 2 early childhood return on investment? First, we should all familiarize ourselves with the facts about the current state of early childhood initiatives in our community. Second, we should advocate for more and better early childhood programs. Share your concerns with family, friends, neighbors and legislators. And finally, when the time comes, be prepared to support public investment in early childhood. By doing so, we can improve the quality of life for all of our children while using our precious public resources more efficiently and more wisely. It just makes cents. Lew Chamberlin is CEO of the West Michigan Whitecaps in Grand Rapids and actively involved in First Steps, a community partnership working to develop a system of support services for young children and their families. Learn more at firststepskent.org. © 2010 MLive.com. All rights reserved. Website Resources: Kids First —Aspen: Early Childhood Options —Summit Co: Fremont County: Steamboat Springs: Bright Futures - Telluride: First Five Years Fund Investing in ECE: www.aspenpitkin.corn/departments.kids-first www.earlychildhoodoptions.org www,echofamilycenter.org www.familydevelopmentcenter.org http://www.brightfuturesforchildren.org/ www.ffyf.org www.heckmanequation.org http://blog.mlive.com/businessreview/western impact/print.html?entry=/2009/03/invest in... 6/24/2010 Nancy H. Almond Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program Critical Issue: The need for increased community investment, support, and coordinated services for early childhood care and education in Estes Park. Action Research Project University of Denver — May 2010 LOOK PHASE The availability of quality early care and education (ECE) is critical to the economic infrastructure of our community. Parents who have access to quality, consistent care are more dependable and productive at work. Estes Park suffers a critical shortage of infant and toddler care, with no center -based care available for children under 2'/2 years of age. There is a critical lack of licensed care available for weekends and evening hours, a necessity in a tourism based economy. Parents who are unable to access quality care make do with a patchwork approach, often compromising the safety and positive nurture of their children at such a critical developmental stage. Many families in Estes Park work in the tourism industry and do not qualify for state childcare assistance due to the seasonal and inconsistent nature of their jobs and businesses. The current lack of 'nateservices and ccess ffect the of allincome IevelsaResearch clearly shows that ability to attract and retain young families children who receive quality early care and education are more successful in school and more likely to graduate and become contributing members of society. This is especially profound for low income children. Thirty-five percent of the students at Estes Park Elementary School are from low-income families. Our community es not have access to federal of children fordtwtort dollars, half day and the Colorado Preschool Programonly serves a small number sessions. My research questions: What would Whattake if Oveprovide looked at other qualityimilacommunities care ties where education for families in Estes successful ECE systems are being supported and then collaborated in our community to identify practices that would work for us? THINK PHASE I gathered data through literature and website reviews and evaluations of services and systems in other Colorado mountain resort communities. I conducted community focus groups including teachers, parents and community leaders. From each group, input was received on community strengths, assets, needs and gaps around ECE services. Analysis of the responses from the focus groups revealed common and recurring themes: • The need for quality facilities. • The lack of infant/toddler care. • The need for sustainable funding to support quality programs. • Access to financial assistance for families. • A lack of community awareness and education around ECE issues and impacts. I also analyzed the data collected from my evaluation of ECE services in four Colorado mountain resort communities: Summit Cothe ty, City oissuepof of fora bil ty, accessibility, Salida, qualiy and Fremont County. In each of these communities community support were top priorities that triggered action steps to solutions. In each community, there is a significant level of public financial support, supplemented with multiple sources of grant funding. In the City of Aspen and Summit County local tax dollars support the operations of effective, innovative non -profits, who in turn offer services to the community. In Aspen, voters overwhelmingly supported a small percentage of city sales tax revenues being shared between the local housing authority and ECE services, as a measure to retain working families in the community. In other communities services are provided in partnerships with local school districts and receive funding through a variety of state and federal funding sources and public and private grants. Partnerships with school districts expand outreach to community programs, resulting in more effective school readiness, early intervention, and special education services. Other key findings and repeated themes: • Securing sustainable funding is critical to successful ECE systems building. Communities that have secured tax based support have been successful in conveying the message that ECE is a permanent, critical community need. Often, grant dollars can be used to leverage public investment. • ECE services impact the whole community, and partnerships and collaborations are critical to success. Engaging the support of the business community is vital. • Communities that have invested have seen positive results: increased services to families, stronger and expanded ECE programs, better qualified staff, retention of young families, improved school readiness. • Successful community models build support by emphasizing BOTH the economic impacts to the community AND the impacts of early learning on school readiness. • Investment in staff development is critical. Professional development of staff increases quality and improves outcomes for children, families, and thriving communities. Based on this data, questions that arise about my critical issue are: "What system of support would be most effective in Estes Park? "What would it take to build community support for this effort?" In order to answer these questions, more study would be required to determine costs, resources, and political/public will. ACT PHASE The provision of quality early care and education services is a critical community issue and requires investment from multiple stakeholders. Community leaders in Colorado and across the country are recognizing the needs of young families and the economic benefits of quality early childhood service. Collaborative leadership efforts are required to make early childhood services a community priority. My recommendations for action are that local leaders establish a Community Action Team. The Action Team would be charged with identifying top priorities, creating an action plan and timelines, developing a funding plan, and making recommendations for implementation. An experienced facilitator should be appointed to guide the work of the Action Team. Assistance and expertise should be sought from EVICS and ECCLC to work with the Action Team to provide support, access to research, and contacts with other community leaders and experts in the field. Action Research Project Nancy H. Almond Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program University of Denver May 2010 Critical Issue: Community Investment in Early Childhood WHY? The availability of quality early care and education (ECE) is critical to the economic infrastructure of our community. Families need access to quality, consistent care in order to live and work in our community. 2 When quality care is available: ■ Parents can pursue employment. • Workplace morale and retention are improved; absences decreased. ■ Young families stay in the community. Studies show that children who receive quality care and education are more likely to: ❑ Be successful in school ❑ Graduate from high school ❑ Have higher earning potential ❑ Become contributing members of the community 3 An investment in the early years costs communities less down the road in crime, delinquency, welfare and remedial education. The conventional view of economic development typically includes company headquarters, office towers, entertainment centers, and professional sports stadiums and arenas In the future, any proposed economic development list should have early childhood development at the top. The return on investment from early childhood development is extraordinary, resulting in better working public schools, more educated workers and less crime." Arthur J. Rolnick Federal Reserve Bank 4 Why does quality care matter? Because the early years are foundational. 85% of a person's intellectual, emotional and cognitive ability is developed by age 5. 5 Early learning experiences and environments hardwire the brain for future learning and success Children who don't have access to safe, stable and enriching environments are at risk for starting school behind their peers. 6 The achievement gap starts BEFORE children enter school Yet, 95% of our public investment in children happens after age 5. 7 • No center -based care for children under age 2.5 • Very limited care for evenings and weekends. 8 • No Federal Head Start program • Limited state -funded preschool for at -risk children - one classroom - half -day. • 35% students at EPES low income CO Child Care Assistance (CCAP) Unavailable to many families who work in tourism based jobs. Inconsistent -, Unavailable 9 Limited, short-term tuition assistance available through EVICS scholarships —dependent upon grants & donations — no sustainable revenue source ECE programs struggle to survive financially. 10 In Estes Park, the average cost of full-time care is $650 per month for one child. A single parent, working full-time at $10/hr. spends nearly half of what he/she makes on childcare for one child. 11 My research questions: What would it take to provide access to quality ECE programs in EP? Where and how is it being done successfully in other communities? Community Focus Groups Teachers/Providers Parents Community Leaders 12 Recurring themes: . Need for quality facilities . Lack of infant/toddler care . Need for sustainable funding for programs . Access to financial assistance for families . Lack of community awareness of ECE issues Successful ECE systems in other mountain resort communities: . Summit County/Breckenridge . Aspen/Pitkin County . Salida . Fremont County 13 Common themes in each community: • Affordability, accessibility, and quality - top priorities that triggered action. ■ Significant level of public support. • Acknowledgement in the community that young families need support. Summit County — Early Childhood Options ■ Non-profit agency supported by .5 mil prop tax initiative and other sources. • Prompted by lack of affordable options. • Tax portion of funding provides recruitment, retention, parent education, tuition assistance, CI & QI grants 14 Town of Breckenridge • Town funds paid off debt balance for all non-profit ECE centers. • Town funds built high -quality, non-profit ECE center — bid out to contractor to operate. • Town contributes to scholarship program for families to access care. Aspen — Kids First • City agency supported by .45% sales tax — shared with local housing authority. Recently renewed by voters for 30 years. • Creates sustainable funding for 2 critical community needs. • Provides tuition assistance, quality improvement grants, staff incentive program, coaching and training. 15 FUNDING ■ Securing sustainable funding is critical to successful ECE services. ■ Permanent, critical community need. • Combine public funding with other sources to maximize services. 16 COLLABORATIONS ▪ ECE impacts the whole community economic viability AND early learning ▪ Partnerships are critical to success Engaging the business community is vital INVESTMENT Investment in staff development: Increases quality Improves outcomes for children, families, and thriving communities. 17 POSITIVE RESULTS • Increased services to families • Stronger/higher quality programs • Better qualified staff • Retention of young families • Imprss Estes Valley Investrner In' Childhood Success VICS,org 18 EVICS: A Community Partnership Town of Estes Park Early Childhood Council of Larimer County Working together to ensure children thrive. 19 Possibilities abound for greater impact! ■ Secure sustainable funding • Increase capacity • Build partnerships • Increase success of ECE programs ■ Meet the needs of working families ■ Prepare children for success Recommendation: Form a Community Action Team: identify top priorities develop a plan create action steps implement solutions 20 There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. - Margaret J. Wheatley 21