HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2017-06-27Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 27, 2017
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 27th day of June, 2017.
Present:
Also Present:
Todd Jirsa, Mayor
Wendy Koenig, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Bob Holcomb
Patrick Martchink
Ward Nelson
Ron Norris
Cody Rex Walker
Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator
Travis Machalek, Assistant Town Administrator
Greg White, Town Attorney
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Absent: None
Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited the
Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL.
Town Clerk Williamson requested an additional action item to consider the appointment
of the Transportation Advisory Board Interview Committee to fill a recent resignation. It
was moved and seconded (Jirsa/Koenig) to amend the Agenda to add the
Transportation Advisory Board Interview Committee to the Action Item agenda, and
it passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.
Tom Gootz/Town citizen requested a discussion begin on the percentage of renewables
used by Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) and a long-term goal to reduce coal usage.
Gordon MacAlpine/Town citizen read a prepared statement related to renewable energy,
stating the cost to produce has decreased, while the cost of coal and natural gas are less
stable and likely to increase. He requested PRPA develop a comprehensive plan for
Estes Park to be 100% renewable by 2030-2035 similar to the plan being developed for
Fort Collins.
Tom Street/County citizen reiterated the need for 100% renewable energy and urged the
Town Board to pass a resolution in support of the effort.
Reuben Bergsten/Utilities Director reminded the community of the renewable energy
program and encouraged electric customers to sign up for the program.
The following individuals spoke in support of Visit Estes Park (VEP) Steve Kruger/LMD
Board Chair, Katlin Kruger/EALA member, Lindsay Lamson/Local Marketing District
(LMD) Board member, Sean Jurgens/LMD Board member, Bill Almond/County citizen
and former LMD Board member, Donna Bryson/Town citizen and Wendi BrysonNEP staff
read a prepared statement for Ken Larson/Town citizen, Jean McGuireNEP staff read a
prepared statement for Anne Morris, Carrie Arnold/Town citizen, Ken Arnold/Town citizen,
Daniel Pliske/County citizen read a statement for Paul Chubbock, Paul Scheil/EALA
member, Michael Fogarty/County citizen read a prepared statement for Patrick and
Melynn Murphy and Elizabeth Fogarty/CEO & President of Visit Estes Park. Comments
included support for CEO/President Elizabeth Fogarty and her staff, the VEP annual
report demonstrates positive metrics for the district, denouncing the inaccurate and
unfounded statements in the editorial by the Trail Gazette, requesting the removal of
Board of Trustees — June 27, 2017 — Page 2
Town appointed Board member Charley Dickey, and the district responds to information
requests and remains transparent.
Art Messal/Town citizen stated concern with the recent RFP released by the Town for a
workforce housing project at the Fish Hatchery property. He would suggest the Town
engage in a dialogue on the issue of workforce housing prior to moving forward.
Michelle Hiland/Town citizen stated she continues to ask for the VEP budget and to date
has not received a copy.
TOWN BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Norris recommended the Town request a customized energy plan from PRPA.
He stated the Community Development annual report has been completed and
recommended the Board review the report. The Estes Valley Planning Commission
would hold a special meeting on June 30, 2017 to review large vacation home
applications, and would hold its next regular meeting on July 18, 2017. The Family
Advisory Board would hold its next meeting on July 6, 2017. He reminded the public to
be aware of bear activity in the area.
Trustee Walker stated the Western Heritage Committee thanked the Town Board for
providing the improved arena dirt. The Rooftop Rodeo would begin July 5, 2017 with the
Rodeo parade.
Mayor Jirsa attended the annual CML conference along with Town Administrator
Lancaster, Assistant Town Administrator Machalek and Trustee Nelson. He stated he
would bring forward items discussed during the conference for the Board's consideration.
Trustee Holcomb commented the Transportation Advisory Board meet June 22, 2017.
The new parking garage would officially open on July 14, 2017.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
The parking garage would open on July 1, 2017 for the holiday weekend and final
completion scheduled on July 14, 2017.
1. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Town Board Minutes dated June 13, 2017 and Town Board Study Session
dated June 13, 2017.
2. Bills.
3. Committee Minutes.
a. Public Safety, Utilities and Public Works Committee Minutes dated, June
8, 2017.
4. Transportation Advisory Board Minutes dated May 17, 2017
(acknowledgement only).
5. Parks Advisory Board Minutes dated June 1, 2017 (acknowledgement only).
6. Estes Valley Planning Commission Minutes dated May 19, 2017
(acknowledgement only).
7. Parking Structure Utility Box Art Application Approval.
8. Resolution #19-17 Setting the Public Hearing date of July 11, 2017 for a New
Liquor License filed by Park Theater Mall LLC dba Historic Park Theater &
Cafe, 130-132 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Board of Trustees — June 27, 2017 — Page 3
9. Resolution #20-17 Adopting the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Standards for Procurement, Bidding and Contract Awards for USDA
Grant Funded Rural Water Projects.
It was moved and seconded (Holcomb/Koenig) to approve the Consent Agenda
Items, and it passed unanimously.
2. LIQUOR ITEMS.
1. CHANGE IN LOCATION OF A TAVERN LIQUOR LICENSE FILED BY PARK
THEATER MALL LLC DBA HISTORIC PARK THEATER & CAFE, FROM 130-
132 MORAINE AVENUE, ESTES PARK, CO 80517 TO 116 E. ELKHORN
AVENUE, ESTES PARK, CO 80517. Mayor Jirsa opened the public hearing.
Town Clerk Williamson reviewed the application to change the location of the
current tavern liquor license, stating all paperwork and fees have been submitted.
The Mayor closed the public hearing. After further discussion, it was moved and
seconded (Holcomb/Norris) to approve the Change of Location of the Tavern
Liquor License filed by Park Theater Mall LLC dba Historic Park Theater &
Cafe to 116 E. Elkhorn Avenue, and it passed unanimously.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS. Items reviewed by Planning Commission or
staff for Town Board Final Action.
1. ACTION ITEMS:
A. RESOLUTION #21-17 & ORDINANCE #19-17 RAVEN ROCK ADDITION
ANNEXATION. Mayor Jirsa opened the public hearing. Planning
Consultant McCool reviewed the application to annex 10.90 acres of vacant
land zoned A -Accommodations. The property owner would install all on -site
and off -site facilities, such as water, wastewater, stormwater, and other
utilities. The property borders Mary's Lake Road which would require the
property owner to dedicate additional right-of-way of 70 feet with any new
Development Plan. The property owner has requested modifications to the
standard annexation agreement to include under item 3 a 20-foot utility
easement would be provided if necessary and item 4 shall be reworded to
include that all future extensions of utilities are the responsibility of the
owner. Mayor Jirsa closed the public hearing. Attorney White read the
Ordinance into the record. It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Holcomb)
to approve Resolution #21-17 and Ordinance #19-17 annexing Raven
Rock Addition with a condition of approval to include revisions to items
3 and 4 of the Annexation Agreement as outlined above, and it passed
unanimously.
B. ORDINANCE #20-17 AMENDMENT TO THE ESTES VALLEY
DEVELOPMENT CODE REGARDING MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT IN
THE RM (MULTI -FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICT. Director Hunt reviewed the
revisions to the Estes Valley Development Code to address the Estes Park
Housing Authority's (EPHA) concerns with the previous code revision
language that would have jeopardized the Authority's ability to utilize federal
funding for attainable housing projects and receive the height incentive. The
proposed Exhibit BC would provide two distinct code sections to address the
incentives for attainable and workforce housing. Both sections state a
developer would have to choose to build all attainable units or all workforce
housing units, and could not mix and match the two types of housing. An
attainable -qualified project with federal funding cannot be restricted to
workforce housing.
Michael Moon/Estes Valley Planning Commission (EVPC) Chair requested
the Town Board remand the issue back to the Commission for further review
and public comment to ensure a code amendment that would address the
needs of the EPHA while ensuring the incentives create additional workforce
housing and not more market rate condominium developments for use as
Board of Trustees — June 27, 2017 — Page 4
second homes or vacation homes. Workforce housing has not been
developed over the past decades with federally funded projects, therefore,
incentivized private funding along with the density and height bonuses
should create an economically feasible project for developers.
Greg Rosener/Economic Development Corporation (EDC) commented the
original proposal eliminates the use of federal funds in the form of tax credits
to be used by EPHA to build attainable housing. He stated the Town should
ensure the option remains available.
Rita Kurelja/EPHA Director spoke in favor of Exhibit BC which allows
attainable housing developments to receive the height bonus and take
advantage of federal funding. The current attainable housing developments
contain 163 units with 143 having at least one household member that works
in the Estes valley.
Bob Levitt/EVPC Commissioner stated the Commission did not receive input
from the EPHA or EDC during the review of the proposed amendments to
the code and was unaware of the impacts the code amendments would have
on federal funding. He requested the Town Board remand the issue back to
the EVPC for further review.
Lindsay Lamson/County citizen would support revisions that would not limit
the development of all types of housing and include all financing options. He
recommended Exhibit BA with a sunset clause in 18 months.
Bill Pinkham/EPHA Board member stated the community needs both
attainable and workforce housing to meet the needs of the community.
Sharry White/EVPC Commissioner concurred it would have been helpful to
have the information provided by the EPHA during the Planning Commission
meetings. She requested the item be remanded and the Planning
Commission work with the EPHA to develop new revisions to the
Development Code.
Aaron Freimark/Barrel Manager stated the local businesses continue to have
difficulty in finding housing. He also stated concern with the number of J-1
workers living in one house because of the lack of housing. The discussion
should address all housing issues, including full-time and seasonal.
Charley Dickey/Town citizen would support Exhibit BC and would not
support an 18-month sunset provision.
Jon Nicholas/EDC President/CEO stated the EDC attended the study
sessions but was not allowed to participate; however, staff meet with Director
Hunt to discuss the issues. There are four major areas to consider: 1)
availability of land; 2) capital; 3) the market demand; and 4) incentives. The
removal of any funding mechanism in providing additional affordable housing
would be detrimental.
Steve Lane/Basis Architect commented on the need to keep it simple, allow
flexibility and consistency. The additional third floor makes a significant
difference to developers.
Jim McGibney/County citizen stated the third story would provide a better
development and be more productive because of the increase cost of
construction. He encouraged the Board to adopt a code that would allow for
all financing options.
Board discussion followed: Trustee Norris would support the code
amendment to remove barriers in the development of additional housing;
would request staff work with EPHA and EDC to expand options; and would
Board of Trustees — June 27, 2017 — Page 5
support a sunset clause. Trustee Nelson stated Exhibit BA recommended
by staff would simplify the code and provide incentives without eliminating
funding options. He would not support a sunset provision. Trustee
Martchink commented the code revision lacks a definition for workforce
housing and sets no limit on the number of hours someone must work within
the Estes valley to qualify. He stated Exhibit BC would be a compromise.
Trustee Walker would support Exhibit BC -a with an 18-month sunset and
include a 30 hour per week requirement to qualify for workforce housing.
Mayor Jirsa recommended the issue be remanded to the EVPC for further
review.
Mayor Jirsa closed the public hearing. It was moved and seconded
(Holcomb/Martchink) to approve Ordinance #20-17 to amend the Estes
Valley Development Code as stated in Exhibit BC, and it passed with
Mayor Jirsa and Trustees Nelson and Walker voting "No".
4. ACTION ITEMS:
1. TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD INTERVIEW COMMITTEE
APPOINTMENT. The Town received a resignation from Gregg Rounds on June
25, 2017. His term would have expired on March 31, 2018. Staff has requested
the Board fill the position because of the ongoing work in developing a Master
Parking plan. It was moved and seconded (Nelson/Walker) to appoint Trustee
Holcomb and Norris to the Transportation Advisory Board, and it passed
unanimously.
Whereupon Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 9- .m.
Jacki
Iiamson, Town Clerk
Todd Jirsa, Mayor