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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety, Utilities, and Public Works Committee 2011-12-08RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, December 8, 2011 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 8th day of December, 2011. Committee: Attending: Also Attending: Chair Blackhurst, Trustees Ericson and Koenig Chair Blackhurst, Trustees Ericson Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Commander Rose, Dir. Bergsten, Dir. Zurn, and Deputy Town Clerk Deats Absent: Town Administrator Halburnt, Trustee Koenig, Chief Kufeld Chair Blackhurst called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. Johanna Darden, Town resident, spoke in opposition to construction of parking structures as a method to reduce traffic congestion. She said a parking structure would detract from the beauty of the area and noted that, currently, the transportation hub at the fairgrounds is underutilized. Trustee Blackhurst noted that the business community has been asking for additional parking for years and that at this time a transit study is being conducted related to the Highway 34 corridor. PUBLIC SAFETY Commander Rose reported on the results of a drive speed study on Brook Drive in response to neighborhood concerns about speed bumps. The study recorded an average speed of 21.6 to 21.9 miles per hour indicating speeding is not an issue in the area. The Committee requested that the results of the study be sent to the neighborhood residents. UTILITIES. 2012-2013 TREE TRIMMING CONTRACT. In order to increase reliability and decrease fire danger, the Light and Power Department contracts for tree trimming around overhead high voltage power lines on an annual basis. The 2012 budget contains $200,000 for this purpose. Advertisements for sealed bids were sent out in November 2011 for a two-year contract. Bidders must be certified and insured to work around high voltage power lines and possess and utilize equipment that meets American National Standards Institute requirements. Proposals include all labor, equipment, and incidentals for a two -person crew to perform the work. Bid results are as follows: Name 2012 Bid Davey Tree No bid Foothills Tree Service $357,760.00 Wright Tree Service $191,089.60 Asplundh Tree Experts $196,060.80 Staff recommends awarding a contract to low -bidder Wright Tree Service, at a cost of $191,089.60 for high voltage power line tree trimming in 2012. Awarding of the 2013 contract of $193,710.40 will be based on performance and allocation of funds. Supt. Steichen said that Asplundh Tree Experts has been awarded the contract in the past with satisfactory results, however, following a check of references and recommendations for Wright Tree Service, staff is recommending contracting with the RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — December 8, 2011 — Page 2 low bidder. The Committee recommends the approval of a contract with Wright Tree Service for 2012 Tree Trimming at a cost of $191,089.60, from account #502- 6301-540-25-32, budgeted, to the consent agenda. Awarding the second year of the contract (2013) at a cost of $193,710.40, will be based on performance and allocation of funds. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. 2012 Utility Rate Increase. Dir. Bergsten reported that the wholesale power cost from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) will increase by 8.3% in 2012. Since wholesale power costs account for approximately 50% of Estes Park L&P's expenses, a purchase power rider was introduced in 1991 to pass through these changes in costs. The increase to retail rates is approximately 4.1%, which is in addition to the electric rate increase of 1.4% previously approved by the Town Board. 2. November Storm Damage & Recovery. To date approximately $250,000 in costs has been attributed to damage, replacement costs, and additional operational and personnel expenses related to the November wind storm. However, Commander Rose reported that damages would need to be in the $6 million range in order to qualify for state relief. He and Supt. Steichen stated that the Town's emergency management system was a great help in handling the event and thanked the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland for the assistance they provided. PUBLIC WORKS. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. Alternatives & NEPA Study for Highway 34 Transit Parking Facility. An environmental study to determine the preferred alternative for expansion of transit -related parking areas in Estes Park along the Highway 34 corridor is underway. The one-year study which began in August is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. The consultant firm of Felsburg Holt and Ullevig (FHU) has been collecting data since Labor Day weekend, and will schedule public hearings later in the study process, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A stakeholders group has been formed and held its first technical meeting to in October, with a second meeting scheduled to focus on the purpose and needs of the study. Deputy Town Administrator Richardson said that staff will coordinate efforts between the groups that are currently involved with transportation -related topics, such as the Transportation Visioning Committee and the shuttle committee. MISCELLANEOUS. Dir. Zurn reported that: • Staff is researching ITS systems to identify the appropriate product to purchase with FASTER grant monies remaining from the transportation hub project. The system needs to be adaptable and flexible enough to allow for future growth. • The Town has two current Requests for Proposals (RFP): the first for Virginia Drive, and the second for Bond Park Phase. • Work along Black Canyon Creek is essentially complete with plantings to be added by Parks staff when appropriate. There being no further business, Chair Blackhurst adjourned the meeting at 8:36 a.m. APPROVED DEC 20 2011 dyr}kl..4�, Cynthia Deats, Deputy Town Clerk TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES