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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety, Utilities, and Public Works Committee 2011-06-09RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 9, 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 9' day of June, 2011. Committee: Chair Blackhurst, Trustees Ericson and Koenig Attending: Chair Blackhurst, Trustees Ericson and Koenig Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Chief Kufeld, Dir. Bergsten, Dir. Zurn, and Deputy Town Clerk Deats Absent: None Chair Blackhurst called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. Comments from Charley Dickey related to traffic control at the intersection of Elkhorn and Moraine Avenue were made part of the public record. Staff will contact Mr. Dickey to respond to his concerns. PUBLIC SAFETY. AMEND CHAPTER 10.16 TO ALLOW PARKING OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AT STANLEY FAIRGROUNDS. The recent development of the Transportation Hub at the Stanley Fairgrounds has made it necessary to regulate parking at the new facility. Staff proposes amending Chapter 10.16 of the Municipal Code relating to the use and parking of recreational vehicles (RV) on Town property. Currently, overnight vehicle parking, not including recreation vehicles, is allowed at the CVB parking lot by permit only. The proposed amendment would allow RVs to be used for living and sleeping purposes and parked for periods greater than eighteen (18) consecutive hours at Stanley Fairgrounds. Manager Winslow clarified that only people participating in special events at the Fairgrounds would be allowed to camp overnight in the lot and that it would be used only in overflow situations when the number of campers exceeds the capacity of the camping area located at the northeast corner of the fairgrounds property. Mgr. Winslow stated the overflow situation will likely occur only once a year, during the Hunter -Jumper event, and that campers must obtain a permit from Fairgrounds staff. The Committee discussed the location of the overnight parking spaces and concerns about proximity to the entrance to the grandstands and the potential for issues with pedestrian traffic. They recommended adding language to the ordinance to clarify that only permitted recreational vehicles are allowed in conjunction with a special event at Stanley Fairgrounds. The Committee recommends approval of the ordinance to amend Chapter 10.16 of the Municipal Code to allow parking of recreational vehicles at Stanley Fairgrounds with the requested changes and additions, and asked that information related to current RV parking regulations be included with the Town Board packet materials. UTILITIES. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. Hydroplant and Research Facility Grant Application. Dir. Bergsten informed the Committee of an application made by Colorado State University for a grant to RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — June 9, 2011 — Page 2 construct a micro -hydroelectric power plant to serve as a research and development facility. CSU is requesting that the Town consider commercially participating in this project. The plant, which would be located at the base of Olympus Dam, would generate 80 kW of electricity which could be provided to Town of Estes Park Light and Power customers. Dir. Bergsten estimated that the initial cost to the Town to participate in the project could be as high as $425,000. The Committee discussed concerns related to the amount of the investment; ownership and maintenance of the facility; and the economic feasibility of the project. Town Administrator Haiburnt acknowledged the Committee's concerns about whether the project makes financial sense and said staff will monitor the awarding of the grant which is to take place in September. PUBLIC WORKS. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. 1. Capital Protect Updates. a. Transportation Hub: Dir. Zurn said that the Transportation Hub is complete except for punchlist items. He noted that with the bid for the Hub coming in lower than expected, additions to the project were made possible. Ad alternates included the construction of the bus shelter, and additional trees and lighting. The overlay of the existing parking lot and Manford Avenue were accomplished by a change order to the project and available funds. He noted that an irrigation system will be added, and as the Stanley Fairgrounds master plan is implemented, additional landscaping will be added in the area. He said the contractor is currently in the process of securing materials to complete the lighting prior to the ribbon -cutting on June 17th. Town Administrator Haiburnt confirmed that staff is researching a gate to limit access to 4th Street to be opened and closed as needed. Dir. Zurn said the ribbon -cutting for the Transportation Hub is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17th. He also noted that a project between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and the Town of Estes Park will provide data related to the use of the Transportation Hub. Data will be gathered beginning in late June through August by surveying users of the facility. In July, variable message signs will be placed in Lyons and along Highway 36 directing commuters to the facility. b. Bond Park: Phases I and III are complete and the park was turned over to the Town for use prior to Memorial Day weekend. Shortly thereafter the pavers on MacGregor Avenue began to pop due to traffic load necessitating the closure of the road. Dir. Zurn stated that the installation took place during wet weather conditions and that there is high ground water in that area. A geotechnical firm has been hired to evaluate whether the pavers were installed according to specifications; their decision has not yet been received. Comments about Bond Park from the community and the organizers of the Memorial Day Art Show have been positive. Trustee Blackhurst made a request to revisit the scope and size of the hardscape area in Phase II of the Bond Park development prior to the budgeting process. There being no further business, Chair Blackhurst adjourned the meeting at 8:55 a.m. APPROVED 4 2011 Cynthia Deats, Deputy Town Clerk TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES