HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2013-06-25Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 25, 2013
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of
Estes Park' Lu,innpr County' Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in
said Town of Estes Park nnthe 25wday ofJune, 2013.
Present:
Also Present:
William C. Pinkhunn' Mayor
Eric EUaokhumt' Mayor Pro Tern
[ruotoon Mark Elrod
John Ericson
Wendy Koenig
Ron Norris
John Phipps
Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator
LovvoU Richardson, Assistant Town Administrator
Greg White, Town Attorney
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Absent: None
Mayor Pinhham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to du so,
recited the Pledge ofAllegiance.
SWEARING |NOFCODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER KLBSLER.
ChiefKufe|d &Town Clerk Williamson conducted a formal swearing -in ceremony of
Code Compliance Officer/Planner | Phil K|eisimr.
SWEARING |N0FOFFICERS MCAULEY,SYCHLA&HERSEY.
ChiefKufoN introduced Police Officers McAuley, Syoh|aend Hersey, all ofwhom have
completed a year long training program. Town Clerk Williamson conducted a fonno|
owearing'inoonemony.
PRESENTATION LIFESAVING AWARDS.
ChiefKufe|d presented Sergeant Life, Officers Hart and Hersey a lifesaving award for
their efforts inpreserving the life ofaTown ofEstes Park citizen.
PROCLAMATION.
Mayor Pinkham read a proclamation designating July 9, 2013, through July 14, 2013,
aaRooftop Rodeo Week inEstes Park.
PUBLIC C0K8K0E0T8.
John Meissner/County citizen stated the Town would have the privilege of hosting Lady
Ounnavmn and her daughter Lady Anna on September 12 13, 2015. He encouraged
the Town and citizens to welcome her and her traveling party.
TOWN BOARD COMMENTS / LIAISON REPORTS.
Trustee Elrod stated with the resignation of John Tucker Commissioner Hull was
named the new chair of the Commission. Commissioner Bowers was appointed vice -
chair. The Commission has two vacancies, one Town appointment and one County
appointment, Community Development staff has been working onthe modernization of
the Comprehensive Plan with the completion scheduled for the end of2013.
Trustee Norris commented the Bear Education Task Force meet on June 21. 2013:
public education oonUnuoo, good response tothe neoart bear aware insert inthe utility
biUu, and expanding outreach to buainoa000, nauidento, guests and school children. He
reported scams of the o|dody have increased in the community and reminded citizens
tobewary nfunsolicited calls, emai|sormail.
Board of Trustees — June 25, 2013 — Page 2
Trustee Koenig informed the Board the Sister Cities organization would hold a retreat
in September to revisit the program and possibly revamp portions. Western Heritage
has purchased flags for the light poles downtown to advertise the Rooftop Rodeo
during the week of July 9`h.
Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst stated the judges for the America in Bloom program would
be visiting the Town on July 11 and 12, 2013 to judge the Town on its plantings and
overall appeal and attractiveness of the community. He encouraged all business
owners to consider the beautification of their store fronts in an effort to improve the
appearance of downtown.
Trustee Ericson commented two new Tree Board members would be appointed at the
next meeting. The Audit committee met last week to review the CAFR that would be
presented tonight. He attended the annual CML meeting and stated he gained
information on programs such as downtown authorities and creative districts.
Mayor Pinkham stated the Board road the inaugural run of the new downtown trolley
added to the shuttle system this year. A plaque honoring former Trustee Jerry Miller
was added to the trolley. A contest to name the trolley has begun and those interested
in submitting a name can do so for a chance to win a prize.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
• Quarterly Town Project Update — The item was postponed to the next Board
meeting.
1. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Town Board Study Session Minutes dated May 23 and June 11, 2013, and
Town Board Minutes dated June 11, 2013. Town Board Retreat Minutes
dated May 29, 2013.
2. Bills.
3. Committee Minutes:
a. Public Safety, Utilities and Public Works, June 13, 2013.
1. 246CQ Skid Steer Loader & Maxey Trailer, Wagner Equipment -
$50,533.53, Unbudgeted.
4. Estes Valley Planning Commission Minutes dated May 21, 2013.
(acknowledgement only).
Trustee Ericson requested the removal of Item 1.3.a.1 to be discussed as an Action
Item during Action Item 8 — L&P Bucket Truck Purchase. It was moved and seconded
(Blackhurst/Koenig) to approve the Consent Agenda 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.a, and 1.4, and it
passed unanimously.
2. LIQUOR LICENSE ITEMS:
1. CHANGE OF LOCATION — CHEESY LEE'S AMAZING PIZZA, LLC DBA
CHEESY LEE'S AMAZING PIZZA, FROM 861 MORAINE AVENUE TO 600 W.
ELKHORN AVENUE, BEER AND WINE LICENSE. Town Clerk Williamson
stated the applicant submitted a request to change the location of the liquor
license to the Elkhorn Lodge located at 600 W. Elkhorn Avenue. All necessary
paperwork and fees were submitted to the Clerk's Office and the applicant has
completed TIPS training with the initial license. It was moved and seconded
(Blackhurst/Phipps) to approve the Change of Location of the Beer and
Wine liquor license for Cheesy Lee's Amazing Pizza, LLC dba Cheesy
Lee's Amazing Pizza, from 861 Moraine Avenue to 600 W. Elkhorn
Avenue, and the motion passed unanimously.
3. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Board of Trustees — June 25, 2013 — Page 3
1. WESTERN HERITAGE UPDATE.
Howell Wright and other members of the organization were present to provide
an update on the group's activities. A new logo for Western Heritage was
presented; the 2013 Antique show fundraiser was completed and deemed a
success by the group; the first of a series of barrel races was completed; the
group purchased new flags for the light poles downtown advertising the rodeo;
posters and newspaper articles have been disseminated and submitted for the
rodeo; a new Facebook page and website have been created for the rodeo;
and future events are in the planning stage including a Western Art show.
2. VISITOR CENTER TRANSIT (PARKING) STRUCTURE PLANNING
PROCESS. Director Zurn. Item continued to the July 9, 2013 Town Board
meeting.
3. MULTI -PURPOSE EVENT CENTER & STALL BARN CONSTRUCTION
UPDATE. Director Zurn updated the Board on the status of the project stating
staff has been largely devoted to reviews and approvals of the shop drawings,
material approvals, and fielding questions from the contractor. He stated the
final shop drawings were approved today, keeping the project on track and on
schedule. The foundations are formed and would be poured during the week.
The design team and the contractor are working together to continue to identify
value engineering opportunities. Most recently the group identified a reduction
in the foundation requirements due tc stronger soil conditions and a reduction
in the actual loading reactions. The Board stressed the need to manage
change orders to keep the project within the approved budget. The Board
emphasized the need to insure the project does not save money for money
sake and that the contractor build a building to stand the test of time.
4. ACTION ITEMS:
1. ESTES PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD APPOINTMENTS. EPHA
Director Kurelja presented the interview team's recommended appointments of
Matthew Heiser and Catherine Jensen to the Estes Park Housing Authority.
Three applications were received for the two open positions and interviews
were conducted. It was moved and seconded (Norris/Phipps) to approve
the reappointments of Matthew Heiser and Catherine Jensen for five year
terms effective July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2018, and it passed with
Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst abstaining.
2. ESTES VALLEY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPOINTMENT. Code
Compliance Officer/Planner I Kleisler presented the reappointment of Pete
Smith to the Estes Valley Board of Adjustment. Mr. Smith was the only
applicant to apply for the open position. It was moved and seconded
(Koenig/Ericson) to approve the reappointment of Pete Smith to the Estes
Valley Board of Adjustment for a three-year term expiring May 31, 2016,
and it passed unanimously.
3. 2012 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR). Finance
Officer McFarland presented an overview of the annual financial reporting
process. The auditing firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP conducted an
independent audit of the Town of Estes Park's financial statements as of
December 31, 2012 and have expressed an unqualified opinion (clean opinion)
that the financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the funds and activities of the Town of Estes Park in
conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Paul
Niedermuller/CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, highlighted areas the Town should
change financial practices 1) Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) health
insurance liability must be reported at the end of the fiscal year as it relates to
Board of Trustees — June 25, 2013 — Page 4
the Town's Medical Insurance fund; 2) L&P and Water funds should segregate
the fund balance requirements related to the associated debt for each fund; 3)
Recommend the Town staff review the fixed asset list to ensure accurate
reporting; and 4) Staff should compile financial statement and provided them to
the independent third party auditors in order for the auditors to remain impartial
when reviewing the statements. As CliftonLarsonAllen are new auditors for the
Town as of 2013, new practices and formats are being addressed by staff for
next year's audit. Trustee Koenig stated that a number of the items could be
addressed through established financial policies. It was moved and
seconded (Eriscon/Blackhurst) to approve the audit report and
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended December 31,
2012, and it passed unanimously.
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FUNDING. Assistant Town
Administrator Richardson reported the Economic Development Task Force has
entered the final phase of work and has begun acquiring commitments to fund
the Estes Valley Economic Development Office using the investor model
outlined during previous meetings with the Board. The Town has been
identified as a primary/core member of the Economic Development Council to
which the Economic Development Office and staff would report to. The Task
Force would request the Town fund the new office with $30,000 in 2013. If the
Board approves the funding request, the funds would require a supplemental
appropriation for 2013 and be funded from surplus budget funds or draw down
the 2013 fund balance for 2013.
Greg Rosener/Economic Development Task Force Chair informed the Board
that outreach to the community has taken place over the last several months
with over 133 contacts made from 28 different organizations. The Downtown
Development Corporation draft community assessment report has been
delivered with a final report due soon. Both the outreach meetings and
community assessment reconfirmed the plan outlined in "The Path Forward"
presented to the Town Board early this year. The final task would be the
development of the Economic Development Office and Council. The Task
Force has also developed a document titled "Investing in Community Success"
which outlines the anticipated economic impacts and measurable identifiers of
expectations for the Office of Economic Development. This tool would be used
by the council members to measure success, including items such as a
stronger economy, growth in property tax, sales tax revenue growth, number of
businesses assisted, job creation and retention, and many other. All of the
items listed would provide a "Return to the Community". The proposed budget
of approximately $233,000 annually would be funded 50% by the public
(governmental entities including the Town and the County) and 50% funded by
the private sector. The Task Force through research has identified the Town
as a primary contributor at $60,000 annually or 25% of the budget and $30,000
for the remainder of 2013. The Task Force awaits a decision by the County
within the next two weeks and a number of private investors have been
identified ready to contribute if the Town approves funding.
Board discussion followed and has been summarized: Trustee Phipps
questioned how economic gardening would be funded, whether the County
would have to budget funds to support the Economic Development Office, how
many and what type of employees would be hired, how would the council be
run, appointed and would there be bylaws adopted, would the minimum
investment to be a member of the council be $1,000, would the initial board of
directors be established in the next 2 months and would they be requesting
future funding by the Town, would the Town be requested in the future for
incentives to bring additional businesses to town; Trustee Ericson questioned
if the professional staff would find new businesses or provide support once a
business has located in town, questioned were the Town funds for 2013 would
come from, and stated concern with approving funding with the interim
Board of Trustees — June 25, 2013 — Page 5
executive director identified for the Council as the individual worked to defeat
the continuation of EPURA, even though he supports economic development;
Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst commented economic development does not
happen quickly, he would suggest the Task Force come forward and request
funding for 2014 through the community service grants and not be funded in
2013, he stated concern with the Task Force setting the Town's contribution at
$60,000, well above all other investors; Trustee Koenig questioned if the Board
of Directors would be lifetime member as long as they pay the annual
investment, and could the initial members come together to develop the bylaws
and outline the plan further before funding the council this year; and Trustee
Norris stated the research and recommendations have been sound, the budget
developed realistic, community support has been broad, the economic base
needs to be diversified, and the mountain ski communities have been
aggressively marketing their -communities for the summer.
Those speaking in support of Town funding for the Economic Development
Office including Diane Muno/Estes Valley Partners for Commerce (EVPC)
member and business owner, Lynette Lott/Estes Area Lodging Association
(EALA) member, Tim McPhee/Founding member of EVPC, Rainer Schelp/local
business owner, Kent Smith/ local business owner, and Larry Lawson/County
citizen. The EVPC and EALA memberships overwhelmingly support the Town
funding the Economic Development Office as the Town has an important role
in moving economic development. forward. In order for the Town's economy to
grow there must be diversification through the development of new location
neutral businesses. The approval of the funding and growth of economy would
bring new revenue to the Town and improve the quality of life for the citizens.
The government has a role to play in promoting economic development, and if
the Town has a financial commitment the private sector would come forward to
fund the initiative as well.
It was moved and seconded (Norris/Phipps) to extend the meeting to 11:00
p.m., and the motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Elrod stated the Task Force has performed their due diligence over
the past 16 months in defining how the community should move forward with
economic development, and additional clarity on the roles of the Office and
Council would be forthcoming with the development of the bylaws. Trustee
Norris agreed with the comments and stated the Town through budgeting has
the ability to not fund the Office and Council in the future if the Board does not
approve of the direction. He stated it would be irresponsible to not support the
initiative.
Trustee Phipps stated additional information would be necessary in order to
make a decision on funding the Office, and to date the Town has provided
$15,000 in support of the effort.
It was moved and seconded (Norris/Elrod) to fund the Estes Valley
Economic Office for 2013 in the amount of $30,000, and it passed with
Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst and Trustee Phipps voting "No".
Mayor Pinkham called a break at 10:05 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
10:15 p.m.
5. NAMING OF GEORGE HIX MEMORIAL. Director Zurn presented the request
stating former Town Administrator Gary Klaphake addressed the Public Safety,
Utilities, and Public Works (PUP) Committee in February requesting
consideration of renaming Riverside Plaza in recognition of George Hix, former
Town Trustee. He and the Hix family have worked with staff to establish a new
name and memorial. The proposed name for the plaza would be the George
Hix Riverside Plaza. In conjunction with the renaming, the Hix family would
Board of Trustees — June 25, 2013 — Page 6
contribute a minimum of $25,000 towards the commission of a bronze
sculpture or other artwork to associate the area with its new identity. The Hix
family would also request the right to approve the artwork.
Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst requested the item be tentatively approved and
brought back to the Board at the second meeting in July for final consideration.
During the next month staff would establish a public input process to gather
additional comments from the citizens on the renaming. He commented the
renaming of the park in honor of a George Hix who was a valuable public
servant to the community would be appropriate. Trustee Elrod stated the
public has had a chance to commit at both the PUP meeting and the current
Town Board meeting and would not delay the approval for an additional month.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Norris) to
tentatively approve the renaming of Riverside Plaza to the George Hix
Riverside Plaza pending final approval of the Town Board at the July 23,
2013 meeting subject to public input collected during the next month, and
the motion passed with Trustee Elrod voting "No".
6. SENIOR CENTER & MUSEUM MASTER PLAN ADOPTION. Senior Center
Manager Mitchell and Museum Director Fortin' presented the final Senior
Center and Museum Master Plan for adoption. The 6 month process included
a report by the consultants to the Town Board at the May 14, 2013 meeting in
which preferred alternatives for development or re -development of the two
facilities were reviewed. The final plan includes information complied by both
the consultant and staff on potential funding sources and grant opportunities.
Staff also continues to work with the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District
on the RFP for the Community Wellness Recreation Center Feasibility Study.
The results of the study may affect the future recommendations for
development and funding of a new Senior Center or Museum facilities. The
approval of the plan by the Board would not obligate the Town to complete the
plan.
Board discussion followed and has been summarized: Trustee Norris
questioned if there would be a downside of moving ahead with the plan as
outlined; Trustee Phipps stated concern with adopting the plan and would
prefer to accept the plan until the community has more information related to
the community center; Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst commented the Board
should have an in depth discussion of the plan prior to adoption, as adoption
may infer the Town would be seeking funding sources to build the two facilities.
He also stated the Board should have further discussions related to
infrastructure needed to relocate and build the new facilities; Trustee Elrod
suggested without adoption of the plan staff may not be in the position to seek
grant opportunities to address the museum's immediate storage needs; and
Trustee Ericson commended staff and the consultants on the plan and
commented there could be difficulties fundraising until the Senior Center
location has been determined.
Director Winslow stated the plan constitutes the first step in identifying the
need for new facilities, the size of the new facilities, the potential locations and
establishes what the community would support and like to see in the two
facilities.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Phipps/Blackhurst) to
accept and not adopt the Senior Center and Museum Master Plan, await
the feasibility study for the community -wellness recreation center, and
discuss the Master Plan at an upcoming study session, and it passed with
Trustee Elrod and Koenig voting "No".
7. ORDINANCE #09-13 AMENDMENTS TO THE MODEL TRAFFIC CODE,
PARKING & SPEEDING. Commander Rose stated staff has researched the
Board of Trustees — June 25, 2013 — Page 7
issue of parking across painted parking spaces. The code addresses the
speed limit in unmarked business zones; however, the code does not address
unmarked residential areas. As the Model Traffic code does not address these
issues, they must be included in the local amendments to the Model Traffic
Code. He suggested signage be placed at the entrances to town regarding the
speed limits to notify drivers. The Police department would utilize public
information to education the citizens and visitors of the new requirements.
Attorney White read Ordinance #09-13. It was moved and seconded
(Norris/Blackhurst) to approve Ordinance #09-13, and it passed unanimously.
8. L&P BUCKET TRUCK PURCHASE. Operations Manager McEachern stated
the 2012 Vehicle Replacement budget contained funds to replace the vehicle;
however, the vehicle was not purchased in 2012 and the funds were not rolled
over to the 2013 budget. In order to place the order this year and receive the
vehicle in 2014, funds must be reallocated in the 2013 budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst stated the PUP Committee requested the item be
an action item versus a consent item due to the significant cost of the
unbudgeted item. The skid steer loader and trailer were also unbudgeted
expenses at a much lower cost, and therefore, were added to the consent
agenda.
Trustee Ericson commented the integrity and quality of the budget continues to
be important and that he understands the need but the Town and Board have
been trying to enhance financial considerations and the activities.
It was moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Phipps) to approve the purchase
of the 2014 Altec Freightliner for $219,955, and it passed with Trustee
Ericson voting "No".
CONSENT ITEM: 1.3.A.1: 246CQ SKID STEER LOADER & MAXEY
TRAILER PURCHASE. It was moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Koenig) to
approve the purchase of a 246CQ Skid Steer Loader & Maxey Trailer for
$50,533.53, and it passed with Trustee Ericson voting "No".
9. RESOLUTION #13-13 WOODLAND HEIGHTS FIRE — EXTENSION TO
PERMITTING PERIOD FOR NON -CONFORMING STRUCTURES. Code
Compliance Officer/Planner I Kleisler stated the Resolution would extend the
permitting period for nonconforming homes and structures destroyed by the
Woodland Heights fire in June of 2012 through July 30, 2015. The Resolution
was modeled after the Larimer County High Park Fire Rebuilding Program
established for the same time period. The proposed Resolution provides that if
necessary, Board of Adjustment fees shall be waived. To date none of the 17
applications to rebuild have required a variance. Trustee Elrod commented
the Planning Commission approved the recommendation of the Resolution to
the Town Board as most of the homes destroyed were in the County. It was
moved and seconded (Norris/Phipps) to approve Resolution 13-13, and it
passed unanimously.
Whereupon Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at,11:00 p.m.
ri
William C. Pinkham, Mayor
kie Williamson, Town Clerk