HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety, Utilities, and Public Works Committee 2011-04-14RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, April 14, 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 14th day of April, 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, and Deputy Town
Clerk Deats
Absent: Dir. Zurn
Chair Blackhurst called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
Brandon Pietsch, Kerrie Hill, and Gary Hall, voiced concerns on behalf of the Estes Park
Medical Center (EPMC) related to the Prospect Avenue pavement replacement project
that will be taking place this spring. They said last year's project negatively affected
accessibility to the medical center and called it a contributing cause to financial
hardships experienced by the medical center which lead to a reduction in force during
the winter months. They asked that the Town consider the facility and its patrons when
scheduling the project and asked to be included in construction meetings and updates.
Town Administrator Halburnt said that the project is scheduled to be completed by
Memorial Day weekend and added that Project Manager Ash would be in contact with
the EPMC staff regarding construction meetings.
PUBLIC SAFETY.
AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE — SECTION 9.08.080 HARASSMENT.
The harassment section of the Estes Park Municipal Code was initially adopted in 1998.
In 2010, state law was amended to include advancements in technology, more
specifically electronic communication. Staff recommends adopting changes to the
municipal code to address electronic communication including email, text messaging,
and instant messaging. The Committee recommends approval of an amendment to
the Municipal Code Section 9.08.080 Harassment to include language specific to
advancements in communication technology.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
1. Strategic Plan Update — Chief Kufeld reported that the department is currently in the
process of developing a five-year Strategic Plan to replace the previous plan that
expired in 2010. He said the department is following a ten -step process created by
author John Bryson, which has proven to be effective in the development of strategic
plans for municipal organizations. The process stresses the importance of
community involvement by utilizing surveys to gather input. The plan is currently in
the development stages and will be drafted to outline the department's strategy and
direction for the next five years, to include the direction gathered from stakeholder
surveys and to complement the Town's Mission, Values and Goals.
UTILITIES.
PURCHASE POWER RIDER.
Wholesale power costs from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) account for
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Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — April 14, 2011 — Page 2
approximately 50% of the Light and Power Department's expenses. These wholesale
costs can change at times when the Town's electric rates have already been
established. Staff is recommending the Purchase Power Rider (PPR) be formalized in
an ordinance that stabilizes the Light and Power budget and reduces costs associated
with rate hearings. The PPR has been in place since 1991, this ordinance will formalize
the practice. Staff recommends adding language to the ordinance to address
renewable energy, wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) calculations, and to
change the name from Purchase Power Rider to the industry accepted term of
wholesale Power Cost Adjustment. In response to a question about solar energy, Dir.
Bergsten noted that under the existing contract with PRPA, the Town of Estes Park has
the authority to produce up to one megawatt of energy. The Committee recommends
approval of the Power Cost Adjustment Ordinance to be included on the agenda
as an action item at the April 26, 2011, Town Board meeting.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
1. Integrated Resource Plan Draft — John Bleem, Platte River Power Authority Division
Manager, presented a draft of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The plan is
developed every five years and matches loads to resources. Mr. Bleem said
research indicates that no new firm resources will be needed until 2020, with new
renewal sources required by 2015, and said key factors considered in developing
the plan include state standards and voluntary programs. Draft IRP
recommendations include monitoring and studying regional developments, and
continuing contingency planning.
Brian Moeck, PRPA General Manager, updated the Committee on current PRPA
projects and pending environmental regulatory legislation.
2. Energy Efficiency Updates — Barb Boyer Buck reported on 2011 residential and
commercial energy efficiency programs being offered through the Light and Power
department. These programs include: Efficiency Express, Residential Energy
Assessments Plus, Lighten Up, Lighting with a Twist, Holiday Bulb Exchange,
Energy Efficiency Rebates, Large Building Tune -Ups, Energy Star New Homes,
General Demand -Side Management (DSM), and Select HVAC. Funding for the
programs is provided by the Estes Park Light & Power and Platte River Power
Authority.
3. Marys Lake Water Treatment Plant Update — Confirmation testing on the plant was
completed on January 12, 2011, and the plant has remained in operation since that
time. HDR is reviewing the 0 & M documents, and remaining paperwork related to
outstanding change orders must be completed and signed. Once a complete set of
the final as-builts are received from GE the project will be finalized.
PUBLIC WORKS.
SNOW PLOW TRUCK REPLACEMENT.
The 2011 Vehicle Replacement budget contains $185,000 for the replacement of a
2000 Freightliner 4x4 snow plow dump truck. The truck has higher than normal
maintenance costs and falls within established replacement parameters. The Colorado
State Bid price for the truck follows:
McCandless International, Aurora, CO
2011 International 7500 4x4 Dump Truck and Snow Plow $200,548
Trade -In: 2000 4x4 Freightliner Dump Truck Snow Plow -15,000
Bid Price $185,548
The Committee recommends approval of the purchase of a 2011 International
Dump Truck and Snow Plow from McCandless International as outlined above at
a cost of $185,548 from account #635-700-435-34-42, budgeted.
Supt. Mahany reported that the streets department has been using the pothole patcher
to make road repairs, and invited the Committee to inspect the new bucket truck that
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Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works Committee — April 14, 2011 — Page 3
was recently delivered.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
1. Introduction of Kevin Ash — Project Manager Ash was unable to attend the meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Rick and Valerie Thompson, owners of the Estes Park Pie Shop, requested a three-
hour limit be imposed on parking spaces on Elkhorn Avenue in front of their shop to
allow better access to area businesses. Currently, these spaces are not time -limited.
Town Administrator Halburnt said Public Works Dir. Zurn and Police Chief Kufeld are
researching the request and will also contact neighboring businesses to receive input to
decide if they will recommend a change.
There being no further business, Chair Blackhurst adjourned the meeting at 9:19
a.m.
Cynthia.°eats, Deputy Town Clerk
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES