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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety, Utilities, and Public Works Committee 2015-02-12RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, February 12, 2015 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY/UTILITIES/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 12th day of February, 2015. Committee: Chair Norris, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig and Trustee Nelson Attending: Chair Norris and Trustee Nelson Also Attending: Chief Kufeld, Directors Bergsten and Muhonen, Managers McEachern and Fraundorf, and Deputy Town Clerk Deets Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Koenig Finance Officer McFarland Town Administrator Lancaster Chair Norris called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None. PUBLIC SAFETY. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. Municipal Court Annual Report — Judge Brown provided the Committee with a summary of the court's activities for 2014. He reported that, overall, the total number of cases and revenue for 2014 show no particular trends from previous years, noted that parking ticket revenue was considerably lower in 2014 than in 2013, and said that the court heard three cases involving trash management/bear issues in 2014. He reported that in 2014, the municipal court was designated as a Court of Record which allowed the court to make increases to its fines and fees. The municipal court judge participates in the Citizens Information Academy, the Citizens Police Academy and speaks to groups throughout the community. He said a study is underway to determine the appropriate financial compensation for the position of Clerk of the Court. When asked by Chair Norris, Judge Brown said he supports the proposed community center and said it would bring positive options to the community. 2. Victim Advocates Annual Report — Executive Director Mesropian reported on highlights of 2014 which included partnering with Western Heritage for a fundraiser for victims of domestic violence; joining with local nonprofits to make a film about the agency that can be viewed on-line; providing shelter for families in the safehouse; and continuing the 24/7 crisis, and counseling programs. When asked by Chair Norris, Ms. Mesropian said she supports the proposed community center and said that it will provide meeting space for support groups and team groups. 3. Verbal Updates — o The Police Department (PD) is in the final stages of selecting a Restorative Justice Program Coordinator who may be on the job as soon as next week. o New design, graphics and reflective tape will be applied to the new police cars. o The department is working to fill a police officer position and is recruiting at the academies located along the Front Range. Recruitment is also underway for Community Service Officers (CSO) in preparation for summer 2015. Chair Norris informed the public that the Larimer County Emergency Preparedness Guide is available in the Town Hall lobby. He also advised the public to be aware of fraudulent activities and scams and reported that the Larimer County Sheriff's RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — February 12, 2015 — Page 2 website contains detailed information on current scams, fraud alerts, and tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. UTILITIES. HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINE TREE TRIMMING 2015-2018. The Town currently has a tree -trimming contract with Adam's Tree Service for one year- round crew and a summer seasonal crew. Staff is requesting that the contract be amended to increase the man hours within the contract allowing the crews to address the backlog in areas where snow and wind related outages occur. Supt. Lockhart said tree -trimming around the lines increases the line of sight, allows for quicker response times, and increases employee safety. Staff proposes amending the contract to provide for two full-time, year-round crews. The amendment would not affect the 2015 budget, as there are monies in other line items that will not be used during the year that can be transferred to fund the increase created by the contract amendment. The Committee recommends the contract amendment with Adam's Tree Service be included on the consent agenda at the February 24, 2015, Town Board meeting. Staff will bring forward the purchase of a Four Drum Overhead Puller at the March 2015 PUP Committee meeting. The Committee requested that staff include photos of the equipment/vehicles in future committee meeting and Town Board materials. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. Verbal Updates — o Water Rates — Water rates need to be clearly stated and understandable. Staff will ask the consultant to calculate a rate that will be simpler to present to the public. For example, rather than using varying percentages to describe the rate hikes, equate the increase to a dollar amount per year. Staff will conduct individual conversations with the Trustees on the water rates to help prepare for the study session and dialogue with the public. o Fish Creek — The first phase of utility work, primarily related to sewer repairs, has begun. o Grant for Flood Recovery Project Manager — The position was advertised and resulted in a good pool of applicants. The position was offered to, and accepted by, one of the candidates who is expected to begin work on February 23, 2015. o Water Master Plan — Work continues with the consultant. The executive summary and map has been sent to the Trustees. o Automated Meter Reading System — Staff is researching automated meter reading systems to upgrade the current equipment. One product being reviewed is a meter reading system that can listen to the meters and pass the information to the billing department. Other options at various price points are also being considered. o February Election — Voters approved the ballot question related to broadband services. The Economic Development Council (EDC) hosted community outreach sessions to solicit questions from various groups which identified the community's need for stronger, less expensive and a wider range of broadband opportunities. The session facilitator spoke on a variety of options, however, there is currently no predetermined solution. o IT Policies — Nine IT -related policies have been reviewed and approved which apply to staff and all others who utilize the Town's network including contractors and volunteers. Updates to the policies were overdue and also required by CIRSA in order to provide certain network insurance coverage. IT staff recently completed upgrades that will increase the RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — February 12, 2015 — Page 3 safety, security and reliability of the network. PUBLIC WORKS. POLICE VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS — G78B & G102 Staff received a quote for the purchase of two new Police vehicles from Spradley Barr of Greeley. The dealership provides the Town with good customer service and support, and the quote received from Spradley Barr was $415 below the State of Colorado competitive bid price. Therefore, staff is recommending the purchase of two (2) 2015 Ford Utility Interceptors at a cost of $30,697 each. The Police Department has funded $52,748 for replacement of these vehicles in the vehicle replacement fund. The shortfall will be transferred from other PD line items during mid -year budget revisions. The Committee recommends the purchase of two 2015 Ford Utility Interceptors at a total cost of $61,394 budgeted, from the vehicle replacement fund (Account # 635-7000-435-34-42) be included on the consent agenda at the February 24, 2015, Town Board meeting. STREETS DIVISION POTHOLE PATCH TRUCK PURCHASE. Public Works, through the Vehicle Replacement Fund, budgeted $210,000 to purchase a 2015 Pothole Patch Truck. A bid for a RA400 Patcher mounted on a 2015 Peterbilt chassis was received from MacDonald Equipment Co. of Commerce City. Even though it was a year old, the dealership honored the Weld County 2014 procurement base bid price for the same vehicle at $199,450 plus options. The Town's options totaled $6,000 putting the cost of the vehicle at $205,450. The Committee recommends the purchase of a 2015 Pothole Patch Truck from MacDonald Equipment Co., of Commerce City, at a total cost of $205,450 budgeted, from the vehicle replacement fund (Account #635-7000-435-34-42) be included on the consent agenda at the February 24, 2015, Town Board meeting. The Committee requested that staff include photos of the equipment/vehicles in future committee meeting and Town Board materials. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. Verbal Updates — o Downtown Estes Loop — The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the devolution of West Elkhorn Avenue has been fully executed. Staff expects to receive the quit claim deed and payment of $4.2 million by March 9, 2015. Additionally, a special study session is scheduled for March 18, 2015, to review the analysis of various options as part of the NEPA study process. The Loop project will provide valuable improvements to bridges and intersections within the downtown area. o Transit Hub — Nothing new to report since last update. o Scott Ponds — Aspen cuttings were dumped into the breached dam at the lower Scott Pond. "No Dumping" and "No Trespassing" signs have been installed as this area is not safe due to sloughing of the soil. The signs are temporary and will be removed once permanent repairs are completed. o Fish Creek — Approximately 30 percent of the design for the road and trail repairs is complete, with final plans expected by June. Staff was initially told by FEMA representatives that in order to receive reimbursement funding the trail had to be returned to its original location. Now FEMA may consider an alternative plan that would be less expensive to construct. The consultant is preparing an alternative design for evaluation. o Dry Gulch Road Improvements — Survey work has begun. Staff is meeting with the owners of Sombrero Stables to talk about the vision of RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — February 12, 2015 — Page 4 the project. The installation of a detached recreation path is being considered. o Virginia Drive — Project awarded to Osmun Construction and is in progress. o Community Drive — Repairs to Community Drive will be funded by an award from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the monies have been received. Paving will be scheduled as weather permits. o Manford Avenue — Installation of a stop sign on Manford Avenue and Community Drive for eastbound traffic is being considered. o Signage — Staff has received a signage diagram from CDOT indicating proposed, improved signage to assist in navigating from Highway 34, 36, and 7 to Rocky Mountain National Park. The proposal will be reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Board prior to providing feedback on the proposal to CDOT. There being no further business, Chair Norris adjourned the meeting at 9:17 a.m. /k(,Q.,�f Cynthia Deats, Deputy Town Clerk L ::bPRC `yr ED ' :E9 24 2015 TOWN OF ESTES PARK EOA,RD OF TRUSTEES