HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2011-07-26Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, July 26, 2011
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 26th day of July, 2011. Meeting called to order by Mayor
Pinkham.
Present:
Also Present:
William C. Pinkham, Mayor
Chuck Levine, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Mark Elrod
John Ericson
Wendy Koenig
Jerry Miller
Jacquie Halburnt, Town Administrator
Lowell Richardson, Deputy Town Administrator
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Absent: Greg White, Attorney
Eric Blackhurst, Trustee
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited
the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
Charley Dickey/Town citizen commented that staff reported 15% more traffic is moving
through the Moraine/Elkhorn intersection with the new phasing by CDOT; on the need to
reassess the parking fees collected as a fundraising effort at the transportation hub
during the Rodeo and Scotsfest because it is confusing to the motorist planning to use
the free hub and shuttle system; the port-a-john located at the transportation hub should
be kept cleaner and a trash can should be added; stated mistakes were made during the
last Board meeting such as not following the guidelines adopted for meeting procedures
that calls for public comment on all action items; and the formation of the Estes Park
Business Association in an effort to bring together business organizations in town to
become involved in the local government.
TOWN BOARD COMMENTS / LIAISON REPORTS.
Trustee Ericson complimented staff on the news release encouraging local use of the
shuttle system. The Larimer County Open Space program has developed guided hikes
at Hermit Park during the month of August.
Trustee Koenig stated the shuttle bug bench has been installed at the school parking lot
and suggested the Town use the shuttle bug mascot in future campaigns of the shuttle
system. Sister Cities has provided two new wildlife cameras to Monte Verde and a new
website will be developed to help the scientist in the US and Monte Verde communicate.
The Rooftop Rodeo was a success and a report would be forthcoming. She thanked
Estes Park for supporting the rodeo especially the restaurants.
Trustee Miller stated the Marketing committee reported the visitor guide requests are flat
and internet requests are up for the month.
Mayor Pinkham stated there was a misconception at the last meeting that the Board was
trying to do something behind the scenes. He reassured the public the Board does not
make decision outside of the Town Board room; however, there are times the Board
needs to discuss items in Executive Session.
Board of Trustees — July 26, 2011 — Page 2
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
• Requested citizens return the Town citizen survey as soon as possible The
survey would be placed on the Town's website the second week of August for the
rest of the valley to participate and encouraged the citizens to take the survey.
• A meeting was held with consultants, the contractor, staff and soil experts to
discuss the failure of MacGregor Avenue and concluded it is due to the moisture
in the soil. Solutions continue to be discussed and would be brought forward to
the Town Board for consideration. The roadway would remain closed with repairs
completed this fall.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Town Board Minutes dated July 12, 2011, Town Board Study Session Minutes
dated July 8, 2011 and July 12, 2011.
2. Bills.
3. Committee Minutes
A. Public Safety, Utilities, and Public Works Committee, July 14, 2011.
4. Estes Valley Planning Commission Minutes dated June 21, 2011
(acknowledgement only).
5. Resolution #10-11 — Schedule public hearing date of August 9, 2011 for a
New Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License Application filed by Uribe LLC dba
El Mex-Kal Restaurant, 160 First Street.
It was moved and seconded (Levine/Miller) the Consent Agenda be approved, and it
passed unanimously.
2. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS. Items reviewed by Planning Commission or
staff for Town Board Final Action.
1. CONSENT ITEMS:
1. Lot 1, Sundance Mountain Subdivision, 1531 Fish Hatchery Road;
Livingston Amended Plat; Jane Livingston/Applicant. Applicant
requested continuance to August 23, 2011.
It was moved and seconded (Levine/Miller) the Planning Commission Consent
Agenda be approved, and it passed unanimously.
3. ACTION ITEMS:
1. RTA FINAL APPLICATION AND PAYMENT.
Town Administrator Halburnt reported the final application is due on August 2,
2011 and payment of the third party analysis would be required by August 9,
2011. Deputy Town Administrator Richardson provided the Board with an
overview of the other five RTA applications in an effort to determine the scope
of the projects and the type of funding to be used to complete the project. Not
all applications were available for review.
Frank Theis/Elkhorn Project Inc. stated the six proposals are different and
unique. The Elkhorn Project's proposal is the smallest with a unique
perspective focused on historic preservation. EPI contends the application was
also the most complete. Kimberly Campbell/EPI commented during a recent
conference the project was discussed and was well received.
Board of Trustees — July 26, 2011 — Page 3
Johanna Darden/Town citizen asked when the citizens of the community would
have input on whether the project should go forward. She stated the severe elk
and deer habitat would be destroyed by this proposal.
Rich Johnson/Town citizen questioned the use of an environmental impact
analysis completed for a residential proposal on the property. He stated the use
as a ski resort would have significantly different impacts and would destroy the
historic nature of the property. He suggested the issue be taken to a vote.
Trustee Miller requested the item be postponed to a special meeting to allow
further review of the other proposals and to allow additional public review and
comment.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Levine/Koenig) to
submit the final application and fund the third party analysis for the RTA
application from the Community Reinvestment fund, and it passed with
Trustees Miller and Elrod voting "No".
2. TRANSPORTATION VISIONING COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS.
Trustee Koenig recused herself from the discussion. Trustee Ericson stated the
Transportation Visioning Committee (TVC) was established to envision the
transportation needs of the valley in 15-20 years. The committee would like to
receive public input on the issues, needs, priorities and ideas to address
transportation issues. The meetings would be held at the end of September
with at least three meetings facilitated by a no cost facilitator from CSU. Greg
Rosener/TVC member stated the committee has not come up with solutions or
prioritized ideas, and would be looking for input without preconceived ideas from
the public. The meeting would be informal, dialogue/discussion format, and
focus on collecting ideas and comments from the community. The TVC would
then discuss the issues and prioritize the items for the Town Board to consider.
Johanna Darden/Town citizen thanked the TVC and she would encourage the
Board to approve the public input process.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Elrod/Levine) to
approve the conducting of additional open public meetings to further
enhance the public input for the transportation visioning project, and it
passed with Trustee Koenig abstaining.
3. EXPIRED BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS.
Director Chilcott stated in April 2010, the Town Board approved a temporary
policy that extended the expiration through January 1, 2011 for application and
building permit due to the downturn in the local economy. The economy has
not significantly improved; therefore, staff would propose the extension of the
temporary policy through the end of 2011 with no assessment of additional fees.
The Community Development/Community Services Committee recommended
the extension through the end of 2011, with the option to reassess the
economic situation in December 2011 to determine if the deadline should be
extended through 2012.
Greg Rosener/Town citizen and Frank Theis/Town citizen spoke in support of
the extension stating the current economic situation continues to be difficult for
real estate, banking and development. They would encourage the Board
consider extending the item through the end of 2012.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Elrod/Koenig) to extend
application and building permits expiration through December 31, 2012,
and it passed unanimously. The Board thanked staff for bringing the issue
forward.
Board of Trustees — July 26, 2011 — Page 4
Tub 2009 INTERNATIONAI Qom DING_ CODE. Item moved to August 23,
2011. Bob Fixter/Town citizen requested clarification if the new code
amendments would require him to sprinkle a property he is about to own and
use as a small hotel. If so, the requirement would cost approximately $85,000
and would require the system to be exposed.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF PROSPECT AVENUE BYPASS IMPROVEMENTS.
Director Zurn commented repairs have been completed on the concrete road
swork completed by LaFarge for the reconstruction of the Prospect Avenue
bypass. Approximately 1,100 square yards have been removed and replaced
this past spring. A walkthrough was conducted by Public Works on June 28th
and found the final item to be completed is the reseeding of the disturbed areas
by the contractor. The ride ability does not meet specs; however, further
removal of additional sections of roadway would compromise the integrity of the
roadway and the lifespan. An overlay of the roadway to address ride ability
would not be advisable due to the effects of heat and cold on the two different
surfaces and the maintenance of an asphalt road surface. Mike
Todd/Cornerstone Engineering stated the subcontractor for LaFarge had not
placed a concrete road on a 10% grade prior to this project. Town Administrator
Halburnt stated the Town could request the contractor replace the roadway;
however, the Board should review the pros and cons of such action.
Cecilia Zinser/County citizen and representing the Cumorah property owners
requested the same improvements to the intersection of Ouray/Moccasin Drive,
side street reconfiguration, and improvement to drainage. An asphalt overlay of
the intersection was completed during the construction creating an asphalt
seam and thereby creating a drainage issue resulting in an icing of the
intersection in the winter. The homeowners request the improvements prior to
approval of the intersection including asphalt apron, culvert replacement if
necessary and permanent concrete curbs. Bill Bowie/Cumorah Road
Association President reconfirmed the request stating association understood
the improvements were going to be included in the project scope. He also
addressed a concern with the sidewalk ending at the top of the hill, which invites
individuals to walk along the road.
Kathleen Kase/Town citizen and Daniel DeBlasio/Town citizen raised concern
with the reseeding of the areas that has resulted in noxious weeds. They
requested the reseeding be completed successfully prior to the project
acceptance.
Director Zurn confirmed the reseeding is a requirement of the contract and final
payment of the contract would be held until the reseeding has been completed
successfully. The Ouray/Moccasin intersection has come to the attention of
staff and will be reviewed.
Johanna Darden/Town citizen stated the Town should not approve work that
was not completed properly.
Board discussion followed and consensus was reached that staff should accept
the roadway once the neighborhood issues have been addressed.
6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.
Town Administrator Halburnt stated since 2010 the Town Board has been
reviewing economic development through staffs exploration of grant
opportunities of over $1.1 million; a renewing of the 2017 team discussions by
Mayor Pinkham; staff attendance at discussions with Partners for Commerce,
Northern Colorado Economic Development Center, and a meeting with Kathay
Board of Trustees — July 26, 2011 — Page 5
Rennels; and staff attending a meeting hosted by the School Board with other
public officials led by Kathay Rennels. The Mayor and Administrator Halburnt
discussed a renewed initiative for economic development in Estes Park with the
following steps for consideration:
1. Creating a small group of partners (those who will help us) to start the effort.
2. Decide who will lead the effort and who will pay for that person's time. We
need continuous management of the project.
3. Work with CSU to assign a facilitator, perhaps as a graduate student project.
4. Define economic development and decide what the issue is we are trying to
solve.
5. Hold a meeting in late September or October to being asset mapping.
Identify our assets and opportunities and create subgroups on the main
issues. Ms. Rennels is willing to kick off this meeting and work with the
group on a 1/4ly or semiannual basis. All interested community groups
should be invited.
6. The people who should participate are the ones who will be affected by
economic development.
7. Don't implement solutions without identifying them through the process. In
other words, don't come into the meetings with pre conceived notions of
what needs to happen, let the process work it out.
Kathay Rennels has advised the Board take formal action to move forward and
would suggest an individual housed in Town Hall be hired to address the issue.
However, the individual could be hired and paid for by a core group of entities
within town. The project should be completed within a 12 month period.
Board discussion was heard and summarized: the Town should take the lead
and provided the leadership for economic development; regular reporting should
be provided to the all parties involved; and the effort should be a public process
with a group of individuals assembled to address the issue.
Greg Rosener/Town citizen, Ron Norris/Town citizen, Charley Dickey/Town
citizen, and Frank Theis/Town citizen spoke in favor of economic development.
The group involved should include major players from the private sector as well
as the public sector. A presence on the web would be beneficial and the use of
a professional facilitator would be crucial. The leadership of the Town would
help to bring the community together to establish a plan.
Johanna Darden/Town citizen would be in favor of economic development that
created high paying jobs in an effort to build a stronger economy.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Miller/Levine) to
approve an economic development initiative, and it passed unanimously.
Whereupon Mayor Pinkham adjourned the me,ing,V5:O2 p.m.
William C. Pinkham, Mayor
Jctie Williamson, Town Clerk