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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2013-01-08Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 8, 2013 Minutes of e Regular meeting of the Board of Tiuot000 of the Town of Estes Park, Lorimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park onthe 8*day ofJanuary, 2013. Meeting called toorder byMayor Pinkhann. Present: Also Present: VViUiann C. Pinkharn' Mayor Eric B|ackhurst' Mayor Pro Tern Trustees Mark Elrod John Ericson Wendy Koenig Ron Norris John Phipps Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator LovvaU Richardson, Assistant Town Administrator Greg White, Town Attorney Jackie VViUianouon' Town Clerk Absent: None Mayor Pinkharn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved and seconded (Ericson/Norris) to enter Executive Session for determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to nogmtimtinnn, developing strategy for negotiations, and/or instructing negotiators underC.R.S. 24'0'402(4)(e) related to Cornerstone Engineering, and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Fqnkhamrecessed the meeting toenter into Executive Session at0:31 p.m. MayorHnkham reconvened the mooting /t 7:05 p.m. from Executive Session and o|| desiring to do so, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS. TOWN BOARD COMMENTS / LIAISON REPORTS. Trustee Norris commented the Bear Education Task Force would meet on Mondoy. January 14, 2013. He reminded the community that Winter Fent would be coming up onJanuary 18-21.2013. Trustee Koenig stated Sister Cities would meet January 9, 2013 at the Senior Center. Mayor Pro Tern 8|ackhurst stated the Housing Authority would hold its monthly meeting VVodneoday. JanuoryS. 2013 in Room 203at8:30 a.m. and the Public Safety, iVi|iUey and Public Works Committee would meet on Thursday. January 10. 2U13inthe Board Trustee Phipps informed the community the Open Lands Advisory Committee continues to evaluate the possible donation of a 10.000 acre ranch; however, environmental issues have caused the process huproceed slower than anticipated. Trustee Ehoonn commented on the progress the Town has made in reviewing the financial status of the Town and identifying projects.. At the study session on January 0.2O13the Board would review financing options with Jim yNaniro/BLX. Board of Trustees — January 8, 2013 — Page 2 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. • Staff, EALA and Visit Estes Park met to discuss the operating hours at the Visitor Center for 2013, and it was determined the facility would open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. in order to better serve those using the shuttle system. • Stanley Historic District Technical Review Committee met on December 6, 2012 and December 12, 2012 to review the proposed wedding facility at the Stanley Hotel. The Committee recommended conditions to the preliminary design. The hotel would review recommendations and bring forwarded a revised proposal for the Committee's consideration. The hotel has decided completion of the building prior to May/June would not be feasible, and therefore, would bring back a revised plan at a later date. 1. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Town Board Minutes dated December 11, 2012 and Town Board Study Session Minutes dated December 11, 2012, Town Board Joint Meeting with Estes Valley Recreation and Park District Minutes dated December 4, 2012 and Town Board Joint meeting with Estes Valley Planning Commission Minutes dated November 15, 2012. 2. Bills. 3. Committee Minutes: a. Public Safety, Utilities and Public Works, December 13, 2012. b. Community Development/Community Services December 20, 2012. 1. 2013 Road Closures. 4. Estes Valley Planning Commission Minutes dated November 20, 2012 (acknowledgement only). 5. Stanley Historic District Technical Review Minutes dated December 6, 2012 (acknowledgement only). 6. Resolution #01-13 - Public Posting Area Designation. Trustee Ericson requested Consent Item 1.1 be moved to an Action Item. It was moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Koenig) to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1.2 —1.6 and it passed unanimously. Action Item: Consent Item 1.1 - Trustee Ericson requested the Town Board Study Session minutes dated December 11, 2012 identify the need fora 10% match on grant funds awarded the Town. He also requested the Town Board Study Session minutes dated December 4, 2012 clarify the intent of the MPEC versus the multi -use stall barn. It was moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Phipps) to approve the Consent Agenda Item 1.1, and it passed unanimously. 2. REPORT ITEMS: 1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK UPDATE. Superintendent Baker would present presentation at the January 22, 2013 meeting. 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE BRIEFING. Jim Pickering presented the draft report prepared by the Task Force entitled the Estes Valley's Economic Future: The Path Forward. The plan envisions a 7 point action plan for an economic initiative in the Estes Valley including the adoption of an "Investor Model", creation of an Estes Park Office for Economic Development, hire an Executive Director, provide a sufficient budget, consider Board ofTrustees — January O.2U13—Page 3 sources of funding, pursue recommended sources of funding and establish an Estes Valley Economic Development Council. The adoption and implementation would require four ohtiou| steps: 1) submit draft to key groups and individuals to obtain feedback, suggestions, ideas, and indication of future participation; 2) prepare afina| document using the feedback; 3) release the final document inthe form ofareport tothe community; and 4)convene the 1* Estes Valley Economic Development Council meeting and dissolve the Task Force. In addition, Downtown Colorado, Inc. would hold meetings with the community in |mto February and provide awritten comprehensive community economic assessment by early spring to provide the community with a current, objective and independent third -party ooeeoomonL The Office of Economic Development would develop and implement o five-year strategic program focusing on both the recruitment of now businesses and the retention and expansion ofthose that already exist inthe community. The decision toact to broaden and diversify our economy and strengthen our year-round business community in o decision to protect and improve the tax buao of every public taxing entity in the Estes Valley. The Task Force would like to present a final report tothe Town Board inMay. Trustee Koenig stated concern With the draft document being delivered to the public prior to the Board having ample time to review the document and in particular the statistics presented. The Board may want to move economic development in a different direction than has been outlined in the document. Trustee Norris stated a study session would be held with the Board and the Economic Task Force prior to the completion of the public meetings to address concerns prior to completing the final document. Mayor Pinkham suggested the Board meeting as an appropriate venue for unveiling the pmoaun and endorsing the pmoosa rather than approving the draft document. Trustee Norris requested the Task Force provide brief notes from the community meetings an they occur in order for the Board to understand the ioouao being raised by the community. Trustee Ericson would request the Task Force coordinate directly with Administrator Lancaster to ensure efforts related to economic development are coordinated throughout the valley. ' Trustee Elrod questioned anumber ofitems such anthe boundary for the development area, business recruitment and business retention and expansion as a municipal funotion, expanding the Local Marketing District (Visit Estes Park) to encompass business development, the need for representation by +the county on the oovnni|, and joining the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation as o revenue source for the activities related to economic development. Greg Ruoanan7ask Force member stated VVm|t E|ish/NCEDC President & CEO would not recommend the Town joining an the groups focus is changing; however, he would recommend the Town have o representative at the meetings. Mayor Pinkham called abreak at 8135 and reconvened the meeting at 810 EGTES PERFORMANCE INCORPORATED (EPIC) PERFORMING ART THEATER PROJECT OVERVIEW. Stan Black/EPIC Board Member, Bob Gunn/EPIC Board Member, Roger Thorp/Thorp & Associates and Dick Zellner/EPIC Executive Director were present to provide an overview of the 20 million privately funded economic development project The proposed downtown location for the performing art theater would afford EPIC the ability to obtain top rents for the commercial businesses located in the building to offset operation costs of the theater. The location also fits with the Estes Valley Comprehensive P|an, would require no public funding, provide an economic driver downtown, increase sales tax, and be attractive to potential investors. Board of Trustees — January 8, 2013 — Page 4 EPIC has provided outreach with the community including a formal announcement in August 2012, a website, local and regional papers, 15 local meetings, and two recent presentations sponsored by Estes Valley Partners for Commerce. The frequent challenges addressed at meeting were parking and the possible redesign of the building to eliminate the need for public parking spaces. In November of 2011 a separate entity, EPIC, was developed to negotiate a deal with the Park Theater Mall property owners as it became abundantly clear a theater should be located downtown. In March 2012, the Park Theater Mall property owners pledged the property with a deadline of March 2014 to obtain necessary approvals and funds to build the theater. As of April 2012, it was clear to EPIC that an adequate theater could not be built on the current property and began reviewing options. The theater was unable to negotiate suitable additional property from the property owner to the west for the theater due to the building's structure and utilities associated with the current building. The only other option was to move the proposed theater east into the parking lot owned by the Town. In October, the theater received approval from the Board of Adjustment for a height variance and river setback. EPIC has concluded the project would grow the sales tax base by a minimum of $650,000 annually; provided $1.75 million in annual salaries; $1.5 million in annual profits by the businesses located within the building; and provide at no cost to the Town $2 million in improvements to the Riverwalk including necessary easements, public restrooms and maintenance as payment for the 8,000 square feet of parking lot to the east. The previous MOU with SOPA included $1.2 million in Town funded infrastructure improvements and an annual operating subsidy of $217,000. Concerns EPIC has heard from the public and the Board include the impact the building height would be on the iconic views, environmental cleanup of the property from previous uses, the size of the theater both height and the number of seats, and parking for theater goers and others accessing the downtown corridor. EPIC stated the proposed building would not impact the view corridor from the Hwy 34 corridor. EPIC would evaluate the cost to clean up the site before moving forward with construction. The building has been designed to accommodate theater operations with height in mind. EPIC held a number of fundraisers in 2012 at Performance Park, which is designed to accommodate 700 attendees with standing room only attendance. Performance Park was not designed with a parking lot to accommodate 700 attendees, rather most attendees park offsite and walk to the park. EPIC contends people would park offsite and would then be exposed to the shops along Elkhorn Avenue and the Riverwalk as they make their way to the theater. There are approximately 500 parking spaces in lots around the theater and ample street parking to accommodate those attending a performance. Most performances would be held during evening hours when day visitors would be leaving town, thereby making parking available for theater goers. EPIC would propose paying for a shuttle from the fairgrounds or the soon to be constructed Visitor Center parking structure to shuttle theater attendees to and from the theater to address parking concerns. Roger Thorp/Thorp Associates provided overviews of past and current renditions of the theater. He stated the initial 512 seat theater design lacked the necessary backstage, loading dock area, and south entrance. In order to accommodate the needed design elements and a good connection to the Riverwalk, the proposed theater required 8,000 additional square feet at the back of the complex. This design created a theater with 745 seats and a loss of 25 of the 96 parking spaces in the lot owned by the Town. In April, a 17 foot high parking deck was proposed with the initial design providing a total of 115 spaces, a gain of 19 parking spaces. Underground parking for the theater was Board of Trustees — January 8, 2013 — Page 5 also investigated with approximately 14 spaces created. Construction of the building would begin at the north with staging occurring on the south side of the river. Staging could occur on Rockwell for south end construction, which would coincide with the 8 inch water main improvements on Rockwell. No staging would occur in the adjacent parking lot. Mark Selby and Tia Sillers/National Advisory Board for the project were present to provided details on the essential design needs and opportunities of a performing art theater located in Estes Park including: in order to attract national talent and a higher caliber artist a theater would need a backstage area that could facilitate large productions and the necessary equipment and staging; require adequate dressing room facilities for performers; a loading area adequate to offload productions in the morning hours and load in the late evening hours after a show has concluded; Estes Park is located in the middle between booking venues to the west and east, and therefore, would be a booking agents answer to a show between venues; Estes Park also lies outside the non -compete clause of venues such as the Paramount in Denver and provide alternate opportunities for performers traveling across the country. Trustee Elrod requested prior to the January 22, 2013 meeting the real estate contract be modified to include the actual costs of the land and the easements. 3. VISITOR CENTER 2012 VIDEO SALES. Item continued to the January 22, 2013 Town Board meeting. Mayor Pinkham called a break at 9:40 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:50 p.m. It was moved and seconded (Norris/Elrod) to extend the Town Board meeting to no later than 11:00 p.m., and the motion passed unanimously. 3. ACTION ITEMS: 1. ESTES VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS. Director Chilcott informed the Board that staff recently advertised for two Town positions on the Estes Valley Planning Commission. Applications were received and interviews were held. The interview team recommended the reappointment of Commissioner John Tucker for a four-year term and the appointment of Steve Murphree for a four-year term. It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Phipps) to approve the appointments of John Tucker and Steve Murphree to the Estes Valley Planning Commission for a four- year term beginning January 1, 2013 and expiring December 31, 2016, and the motion passed unanimously. 2. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS RECYCLING GRANT TOWN MATCH. Director Zurn stated the League of Women Voters has received a $14,900 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to purchase new recycle bins downtown. Public Works staff has met with the LWV to discuss the acceptance of the bins and the placement of the new bins downtown. Staff would prefer to locate the new bins in established locations and have a combination unit for both trash and recycling materials rather than separate containers. The grant only allows the purchase of recycle bins, therefore, the Town would need to fund the additional cost of a combination unit. If approved by the Board, 24 new bear -resistant containers would be purchased and installed by the Town at an additional cost of $19,500 above the grant funding. This item was not budgeted for in 2013. Ann Morris/League of Women Voters Recycling Committee presented the League's request to offer residents and visitors increased opportunity to recycle rather than send reusable waste to the landfill, and show visible Board ofTrustees — January 8.2V13—Page O progress inprotecting the wildlife by reducing access to waste asafood onunm. The grant awarded LVVVrequires the purchase of24new recycle bins tobeacquired and installed byJune 3O.2013. Approval ofthe proposal would provide the Town with quality and durable infrastructure with the grant covering more than half the cost. Mayor Pro Tern 0ackhurst stated concern with the lack of coordination between Bear Aware and the LVyyon efforts to address the trash concerns; the unknown cost to install the new units-, the cost ofmaintenance, and what additional cost would be added to the current trash removal contract. He also questioned vvhe:a the Town would fund this unbudgotod item. DireotorZurn confirmed the cost for maintenance and trash removal would inonaaeo with the new units. The Board discussed the request further stating this inapilot program for 2013 and additional information on costs would be established through the implementation ofthe first 24units. There may beadditional funding from the state to cover the entire cost of future units. The units are an investment in the Town'spremier mountain community image rather than acost. Johanna Darden/Town citizen and SuaanVVulf/County resident stated support for the bear -resistant dual units. It was moved and seconded (Ericson/Norris) to approve the additional funding of$1Q.5O0for 24combined trash/recycle bear -resistant bins and installation in the downtown conidor, and it passed with Mayor Pro Tern B|ackhunstvoUng "No". 3. TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT. Item continued to the January 22, 2013 meeting. Mayor pinkhamwhereupon h*adjourned the meeting at102Up.� /~ /3^ // ' I ' VViUiamC. Pinkhom. Mayor Jal6kie Williamson, Town Clerk