HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2010-06-08Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 8, 2010
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes
Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town
of Estes Park on the 8th day of June, 2010. Meeting called to order by Mayor
Pro Tem Chuck Levine.
Present:
Also Present:
Chuck Levine, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Eric Blackhurst
Mark Elrod
John Ericson
Wendy Koenig
Jerry Miller
Greg White, Town Attorney
Jacquie Halburnt, Town Administrator
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Absent: William C. Pinkham, Mayor
Lowell Richardson, Deputy Town Administrator
Mayor Pro Tem Levine called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do
so, recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Joanna Dardin/Town citizen read a prepared statement outlining why Larimer County
Open Space funds should not and cannot be used to fund the improvements to Bond
Park.
Charlie Dickey/Town citizen thanked PIO Rusch for the quick response to his questions
on water quality at the recent Mayor coffee chat.
David Habecker/Town citizen read a prepared statement regarding the practice of
reciting the unconstitutional Pledge at the beginning of Town Board meetings.
John Guffey/Town citizen presented the Board with a report from GRIST that identified
those responsible for the recent gulf disaster. He stated 22% of the blame rests with
the citizens of America based on the fact we drive, fly and buy products that are either
shipped long distances or made with petrochemicals. He also listed 10 ways the
citizens of Estes Park can reduce their need for petroleum.
TOWN BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Blackhurst stated the Estes Park Housing Authority would be held on
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 203. He reminded the public that the
combined Public Safety, Utilities and Public Works Committee meeting would be held
on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room.
Mayor Pro Tem Levine announced Mayor Pinkham was not present at the meeting
because he is visiting the Town's sister city Monte Verde, Costa Rica.
1. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Town Board Minutes dated May 25, 2010 and Town Board Study Session
Minutes dated May 25, 2010.
2. Bills.
3. Committee Minutes:
Board of Trustees — June 8, 2010 — Page 2
A. Community Development/Community Services, May 27, 2010:
1. Special Events:
a. MacGregor Avenue & Park Lane Closure August 14, 2010 for
Firebird Car Show.
b. Estes Valley Workforce Housing Assistance Program BBQ
Fundraiser in Bond Park July 24, 2010.
Trustee Ericson requested Item 3.A.1.a be removed and discussed as an action item.
It was moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Koenig) the Consent Agenda Items 1, 2,
and 3.A.1.b be approved, and it passed unanimously.
Item 3.A.1.a MacGregor Avenue & Park Lane Closure August 14, 2010 for Firebird
Car Show. Trustee Ericson suggested the car show be limited to the area around
Bond Park because of the damage the park incurs when vehicles are parked or driven
on the grass. Special Event Manager Winslow stated cars would be allowed on the
grass surface, weather permitting. Once Bond Park has been redeveloped, cars would
only be allowed on the hard surfaces. It was moved by Trustee Ericson to approve the
event with parking of the vehicles on the surrounding area of the park and not on the
grass. The motion died due to a lack of a second. After further discussion, it was
moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Elrod) to approve the closure of MacGregor
Avenue and Park Lane on August 14, 2010 for the Firebird Car Show, and it passed
unanimously.
2. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. LARIMER COUNTY OPEN SPACE FUND UTILIZATION REPORT.
Finance Officer McFarland stated the voter approved % of 1 % sales tax was
earmarked for acquiring, protecting, improving, managing, maintaining and
administering open space, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks and trails. The
fund began in 1996. The Town has received approximately $3.875 million that
has been used on personnel, operations and maintenance, capital projects and
debt service. Funds have been used to purchase the Knoll -Willow property
and Hermit Park property, construct portions of the Fall River, Lake and Fish
Creek trail system, Hydroplant Museum grounds and restroom, Pine Knoll
viewing platform and Bond Park redesign Phase I.
Joanna Darden reaffirmed her opinion the open space funds should not be
used for the redevelopment of Bond Park.
2. MEDICAL MARIJUANA CENTER UPDATE.
Attorney White provided the Board with background history on Amendment 20
to the Colorado Constitution and the recent passage of House Bill 10-1284, as
it pertains to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture and sale of medical
marijuana and medical marijuana -infused products. The bill creates a state
licensing authority and authorizes that authority to promulgate regulations
governing the licensing of medical marijuana. Municipalities may adopt a local
ordinance between July 1, 2010 and July 1, 2011 licensing, regulating or
prohibiting the cultivation or sale of medical marijuana. Licensing would be
similar to liquor licensing requiring dual licensing by the state and the
municipality. The Town and Larimer County passed a temporary moratorium
that expires on June 24, 2010; therefore, there are no centers located within
the Town or the unincorporated portion of the valley. He suggested the Board
consider an extension of the moratorium through June 30, 2011 to provide the
Board time to consider options and to hear public comment.
Charlie Dickey/Town citizen cautioned the Board on allowing centers in Estes
Park due to the ease of access for substance abusers and the increase in
crime. He would support a continuation of the moratorium.
Board of Trustees — June 8, 2010 — Page 3
Judy Anderson/Town citizen stated she has had a party interested in leasing
space for the past 6 month, and commented that 25% of sales at a shop in
Loveland come from Estes Park citizens. She recommended the Board
consider the financial aspect of allowing the centers. She would not support a
continuation of the moratorium.
Trustee discussion was heard: encourage public input on the issue; encourage
the public to review the House Bill; and there are no local doctors to prescribe
medical marijuana or clinics to provide monthly follow up in Estes Park.
3. TOWN BOARD LIAISON UPDATES.
Trustee Miller reported the LMD discussed how the Town and the LMD PR firm
could work together during a crisis in the future. He stated downloads of the
Visitor Guide are up 131%.
Trustee Ericson stated Larimer County sales tax was up 4% during the first
quarter, therefore, the Open Space funds the Town receives are up.
Supporters of the Performing Arts (SOPA) are continuing discussions with
potential fundraising consultants. The 4th annual Earthfest would be held at the
YMCA on April 22 — 24, 2011.
4. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
PIO Rusch provided a review of the current run-off status which exceeded
1500 cubic feet at the highest; Town's efforts to protect public property; news
releases, interviews and numerous responses to email and telephone calls;
updates to the Town's emergency webpage; and provided over 1600 sandbags
and sand for the public. Town staff has worked continually with the support of
Larimer County, CERT Team, Fire Department and local businesses that have
provided food for those working extended hours. Chief Kufeld stated the Police
Department has been monitoring the rivers, warning people to keep their
distance, and are watching for debris that could damage infrastructure. The
Trustees thanked staff for their efforts.
3. ACTION ITEMS:
1. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT: EVRPD & TOWN OF ESTES
PARK FOR THE YOUTH CENTER.
Attorney White stated the Town, School District and the Recreation District
entered into an agreement in 1995 to construct and operate a youth center.
In 2005, the Town and Recreation District entered into a second agreement
for the operation of the center that expires on June 9, 2010. The first
amendment to the agreement would extend the IGA for an additional 5 year
term. All other terms of the agreement would remain in force and effect.
Stan Gengler/ EVRPD Director stated the center has 20 to 25 kids attend
each day during the school year. He commented the one item the center
would be interested in adding is a gymnasium. After further discussion , it
was moved and seconded (Koenig/Blackhurst) to approve the first
amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Youth Center,
and it passed unanimously.
Whereupon Mayor Pro Tem Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
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Chuck Levine, Mayor Pro Tem
J 6 'e Williamson, Town Clerk