HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2024-12-10
December 10, 2024
4:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Board Room
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Public comment is not typically heard at Study Sessions, but may be allowed by the Mayor with agreement of a
majority of the Board.
This study session will be streamed live and available at www.estes.org/videos
4:30 p.m. Multimodal Transportation and Transit Development Plans.
(Engineer Bailey)
5:00 p.m. VEP Dark Skies Initiative.
(VEP Director Paiement)
5:35 p.m. 2025 Funding Proposal for Tuition Assistance.
(Manager Bangs)
6:05 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
(Board Discussion)
6:10 p.m. Comments & Questions.
6:15 p.m. Adjourn for Dinner and Town Board Meeting.
Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this
meeting at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Town Board Study Session for December 24, 2024 Has Been Cancelled.
AGENDA
TOWN BOARD
STUDY SESSION
PUBLIC WORKS
Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Dana Klein, CPP, CCTM, Parking & Transit Manager
Jeff Bailey, PE, PTOE, Town Engineer
Date: December 10, 2024
RE: Multimodal Transportation and Transit Development Plans
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Provide an update on the status of the development of the Multimodal Transportation
Plan (MTP) and Transit Development Plan (TDP) documents.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Provide overall impressions of, and comments on, the draft documents intended to
direct the Town decision-making and spending for transportation and transit
improvement efforts over the next 20 years.
Present Situation:
Development of the MTP and TDP has been a Strategic Plan Transportation Objective
in 2023 and 2024. Consultant work on the two plans began in January of this year. A
steering committee of select business owners and other stakeholders was assembled to
guide the initial phases of the document development along with input from the
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). A list of desired projects was developed with
significant input (over 700 responses/comments) from the public through an online
comment portal. A less successful public meeting was held in May that yielded only 4
public attendees.
With the help of the TAB, the list of 100+ projects was narrowed down to 78 that were
then categorized into project types (Vehicle, Active Transportation and Transit) and
prioritized for inclusion in the documents. Some of the higher priority projects are
realignment of the Mall Road/US 36/Fish Creek Road intersection; future roundabouts
at the Moraine Avenue intersections with Elm Road and Marys Lake Road; various
pedestrian crossing improvements throughout town; miscellaneous additional transit
stops; and transit route modifications to improve service and efficiency.
The draft documents were first revised to address the initial comments of Town staff
and the TAB. and then released for public comment through web links on November 13.
To date, we have received 22 comments on the MTP and 19 on the TDP, with more still
expected from staff at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the Estes Park
Housing Authority (EPHA). The public comment period will close on January 3, 2025,
and the documents will be revised to address the comments received. It is expected
that the final documents will be presented for Town Board approval in late January or
early February 2025.
Proposal:
Finalize the two planning documents and seek Town Board adoption in Quarter 1 of
2025 and begin planning implementation of the recommended projects through the
2026 budget process and beyond.
Advantages:
• These plans will guide incremental improvement of the Town’s transportation and
transit systems over the next twenty years.
• They provide increased focus on multimodal transportation opportunities and are not
limited to addressing only the needs of motor vehicles.
• The TDP casts a vision for improved and/or expanded transit routing intended to
serve more of the Town’s citizens, workforce, and visitor needs.
Disadvantages:
• Sales tax revenue spent on this project and the associated recommendations for
future improvements could be used for other Town priorities.
• Many of the proposed projects will require seeking additional funding sources, such
as grants, which are competitively awarded and never guaranteed.
• Construction of the proposed projects will often be disruptive to the community and
visitors.
Finance/Resource Impact:
• Immediate Impact: The funding for the development of these plans comes from a
$200,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and
$50,000 in matching funds from the Town, both approved and budgeted in 2024.
• Future Impacts: The funds to implement the recommended projects in the plans will
come from a combination of State and Federal Grants; taxes collected from the
recently approved extension of the 1A sales tax; and Town General Fund
allocations, subject to prioritization with other budgetary needs.
Level of Public Interest
To date, the level of public interest has been moderate
Attachments:
1. Kimley-Horn Presentation Power Point Slides
2.Link to the Multimodal Transportation Plan:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A7cc895
61-e514-3efe-b30c-c3d10f5b38d3
3.Link to the Transit Development Plan:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A0be74e
0c-6f3d-3f85-b02d-34ad58adea8a
2045 Transportation Plan –Draft Plan –Town Board
December 10, 2024
ATTACHMENT 1
2045 Transportation Plan
Engagement Recap
1st Round Engagement Recap
280 Transit Survey Responses
Engagement Themes
•Visitors tend to drive their own car or
walk to get around Estes Park. Only
17% reported using transit.
•Parking availability and avoiding
traffic were the most common
reasons for riding transit.
•Most people got their information
about transit services from the Estes
Park website, the annual service
brochure, or the Estes Park Visitor
Center.
5
Issues and Opportunities
The most popular answers for
improving transit experience in
Estes Park were more routes or
destinations served and more
frequency.
Popular destinations that
respondents said they’d like to get
to included the Safeway, the
YMCA, and the hospital, all areas
currently served by at least one
route.
Most respondents never use transit
or only use it during special events.
Among those who use transit, the
Red route was the most popular by a
significant margin, followed by the
Brown route.
The RMNP Shuttle was the most
popular alternative service.
Most respondents said that figuring
out how to use the transit system
was either very easy or somewhat
easy.
Transit Services Getting Around
2nd Round Engagement
•TAB Meetings
•Goals
•Recommendations
•Open House and Virtual Engagement
•Surveys
•Recommendations
•Themes
•Supportive of recommendations
•Wanted more destinations served by transit
8 Attendees Open House (Snowing in Late May)
58 Responses Virtually
2045 Transportation Plan Goals
Goals
1.MULTIMODAL SAFETY
2.CHOICES AND CONNECTIVITY
3.USER EXPERIENCE
4.REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
5.RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
6.ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
7.ACCESSIBILITY
8.FUNDING/IMPLEMENTATION
2045 Transportation Plan Draft Documents
Comment on Documents
www.estestransportationplan.com
Dana Paiement
Senior Destination Development Manager
Visit Estes Park
Estes Park
International
DarkSky
Community
Certification
What is the DarkSky
International
Community
Certification?
A designation awarded by DarkSky International to
communities that actively work to reduce light pollution,
protect their night sky quality, and educate residents
about the importance of dark skies, essentially signifying
a commitment to preserving a naturally dark environment
for astronomy and wildlife observation.
Visit Estes Park
Operating Plan
Develop existing and introduce new
programs that contribute to the pillars
of sustainable tourism within our destination.
Why?
DarkSky destinations offer an unparalleled
natural experience. In a world where many
people live in urban environments, seeing
the Milky Way clearly or witnessing a
meteor shower with minimal light
interference is not just rare; it's magical.
Protects
Wildlife
Enhances
Astronomy
Saves
Energy
Promotes
Health
Boosts
Sustainable
Tourism
Improves
Safety
Stargazing is dependent on clear, dark skies. It enables off-
season tourism which helps balance visitor numbers throughout
the year and reduce the impact of seasonal peaks on local
infrastructure and resources.
Stargazing Lodging Packages
Dinner under the Stars
Astronomy Merchandise
Night Sky Tours & Workshops
Colorado Plateau DarkSky Cooperative
Economic Impact Study
Visitation of areas for the observation
of night skies, or astrotourism, is a
trend increasing in popularity.
Astrotourism is a low impact,
sustainable form of tourism, which can
be a great value-added product to any
typical service that a tourism, leisure,
or hospitatility business can offer.
A 2019 Missouri State University study
examined the economic impact of dark
sky tourism on the Colorado Plateau
economy. According to the study, over
the next decade astrourism could lead
to $5.8 billion in visitor spending and
support the creation of 11,000 new
jobs annually.
Colorado Plateau DarkSky Cooperative
Economic Impact Study
DarkSky destinations have a
demonstrated tourism draw. In 2016,
over 5.5 million people visited an
International Dark Sky National Park
just in the states.
Since dark sky observation mostly
occurs at night, astrotourists are far
more likely to make overnight stays. On
average, overnight visitors spend 3x
more than day-only visitors. This
translates to a $90 day trip becoming
a $270 overnight stay (for NPS
lodging) up to a $380 overnight stay
(for non-NPS lodging.)
Dark Sky Certifications in Colorado
Dark Sky Communities
Crestone, Colorado
Norwood, Colorado
Nucla/Naturita, Colorado
Ridgway, Colorado
Westcliffe/Silver Cliff,
Colorado
Paonia, Colorado
Dark Sky Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Hovenweep National Monument
Jackson Lake State Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Slumgullion Center
Top of the Pines
Over 30 applicants from Colorado are in the IDSP pipeline! That's
more than anywhere else in the world!
2024 participating
Colorado OEDIT Mentor
Program
Town of Bayfield (via Durango
Area Tourism Office)
Town of Grand Lake
Town of Rangely
Town of Silverton (via San
Juan Development
Association)
Visit Estes Park
Western Slope DarkSky
Association
2025 participating
Colorado OEDIT Mentor
Program
Lake County Government
Town of Berthoud
Town of Frisco
Town of Rangely
What’s Needed
for the
Certification?
Convene a Coalition for the Stars1.
Conduct a Sky Brightness
Measurement Program
2.
Engage the Community with DarkSky
Education & Outreach
3.
Develop a Lighting Management Plan4.
Set up a Policy Planning Framework5.
Inventory Outdoor Lighting6.
What we’ve done
so far
Convened a Coalition for the Stars
Completed the Dark Sky Mentor Program through
OEDIT
Conducted two DarkSky measurement events in
2024
Drafted the Lighting Management Plan and
Ordinances
Engaged the Community with Dark Sky Education
and Outreach
Mayor Wendy Proclamation last April for International
DarkSky Week
Obtained letters of support from the community
DarkSky page on our website and
created a podcast
What the community has
done so far
Rocky Mountain National Park hosted The 2024
Astronomy Festival, a celebration of dark night skies, the
field of Astronomy and night sky stewardship
RMNP, YMCA of the Rockies and the Estes Park
Memorial Observatory have ongoing Night Sky and
Astromony Programs
Rocky Mountain Conservancy secured funding for an
intern to complete a lighting inventory of RMNP
FAQs
How can we complete the lighting inventory? Through volunteers or hiring an intern. The inventory needs
to include pictures during the day, the lumens, the color temperature, times or motion detectors yes or no,
how many of each type.
How much will this cost? We won’t know until we have a full lighting inventory.
There are grants available to help with this.
How will it be enforced? Through the town code.
How can the town help residents and businesses support to upgrade their lighting?
Through the existing energy efficiency grant that the town offers for business & residential.
We could also create an "adopt a streetlight" program, similar to Lake City, CO.
How will this impact the business community? Increase business through astrotourism. Curfew only
for those who close at night, 24 hour businesses can keep lights on.
Is DarkSky lighting is less safe? No one is safer with bright, white lights shining directly into their eyes while
they are walking or driving at night. Glare prevents us from seeing what is actually meant to be illuminated.
Our ask:
Work with the Town staff to earn an International
DarkSky Community Certification.
To Whom It May Concern,
As Director of the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, I am writing to express my strong support
for the Town of Estes Park’s efforts to obtain Dark Sky Certification. Our observatory is a vital
nonprofit community resource, and preserving the natural darkness of Estes Park’s night skies is
essential to our mission and success.
The Estes Park Memorial Observatory relies on the pristine dark skies of our region to provide
high-quality stargazing experiences for residents, students, and visitors. The quality of these
experiences, directly influenced by the darkness of our skies, is crucial to the observatory's role
in fostering scientific education and curiosity. The observatory’s state-of-the-art 16-inch
computerized telescope, housed in a motorized robotic dome, offers unparalleled opportunities
for exploring the wonders of the universe. However, light pollution would significantly diminish
the clarity and breadth of what we can observe and share with the community.
As a nonprofit public charity, the observatory serves as an educational venue for the Estes Park
community and its visitors. Located on school property, we provide access to all local schools,
and the high school actively incorporates the observatory into its curriculum by offering two
astronomy classes. In addition, we host over 2,100 visitors annually for public stargazing
sessions, many of which have waiting lists due to high demand. These sessions are often
described as a highlight of visitors’ trips to Estes Park, drawing attendees from all over the
world.
Since our opening in 2008, the observatory has worked in partnership with the local school
system, the Estes Valley Astronomical Society, and Rocky Mountain National Park to offer a
variety of events throughout the year. Additionally, since 2018, donations from observatory
visitors have contributed over $42,000 to local scholarships, supporting the future education of
Estes Park students.
The Town of Estes Park has been a substantial contributor to the success of our observatory, and
obtaining Dark Sky Certification would be a significant step in ensuring that this vital
community resource continues to thrive. Protecting our night skies would enhance the
observatory’s ability to offer unique educational experiences, serve as a tourism asset, and inspire
countless individuals through the wonders of astronomy.
I urge the Town of Estes Park to continue its commitment to preserving our natural skies by
pursuing this certification. Doing so will benefit not only the observatory but also the
community, our schools, and the visitors who come from near and far to experience the beauty of
Estes Park under the stars.
Sincerely,
Mike Connolly
Director, Estes Park Memorial Observatory
November 24, 2024
I strongly support the Dark Sky Initiative of Visit Estes Park. Dark sky is such a treasure
in our community. The places where dark skies exist are becoming fewer every day. The
fact that I can go out on my deck in Carriage Hills and see the Milky Way is so awesome
and precious to me! I grew up in Lincoln Nebraska where such views were not possible.
It required long trips into the country to find night skies that were not even as dark as we
have here. When my friends and family from Nebraska come for visits, we sit out on the
deck admiring the nighttime sky, a view they can’t get at home. I have a telescope.
When the skies are clear in the Estes Valley, stargazing can be great!
Interest in astronomy is growing. This is evidenced by the large crowds that attend
programs and stargazing sessions at the EP Memorial Observatory. When I go into
RMNP in the evening I often find people observing the night sky. This is especially true
when there is something special to see such as a comet, meteor shower, or northern
lights. These events have become well publicized via media outlets, thus more people
are turning out. For such events the EP Memorial Observatory is often open, with
telescopes set up outside along with the main one in the dome. The Observatory is also
opened during the day for solar eclipses. Both day and night sessions are well attended.
By adopting a lighting policy and taking modest steps over several years, Estes Park
can become a designated Dark Sky Community. This will show the public that we are
dedicated to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism, both by day and by night.
Bob Leavitt
740 Ramshorn Drive
Estes Park, CO
Estes Park • Loveland • Fort Collins
970.567.6109 - Dawn@DawnWilsonPhotography.com
Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall and Board of Trustees
December 2, 2024
Dear Mayor Hall and Town Trustees,
For several years, I have enjoyed photographing the night skies of Rocky Mountain National
Park and the Estes Park area. We are extremely lucky to be able to not just see the
prominent features of the night sky, like the Big Dipper and the North Star, but on a clear
night local residents can enjoy a sky full of stars, the Milky Way, numerous constellations
and the various meteor showers throughout the year.
But even with our skies dark enough for night photography, we have light pollution that
trickles into the scenes. Although your control does not go beyond the boundary of this
valley to reduce the light pollution of the Front Range, you do have the power to help
reduce the light pollution emitted from Estes Park.
Reducing manmade light has many positive impacts, including offering tourists the
opportunity to see something they probably do not experience at home. Research shows
99% of the U.S. lives under light pollution and 80% of Americans cannot see the Milky Way.
Obtaining a DarkSky Community Certification is a wonderful opportunity to validate that
experience for visitors to Estes Park and the business owners that work with the tourists.
In September 2024, Paonia in western Colorado received their DarkSky Community
certification, becoming the 6th DarkSky Community – and the largest with 1,500 residents
– in Colorado to have this designation. Will Estes Park be the 7th and largest?
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Cheers,
Dawn Y. Wilson
TO: Town of Estes Park
FROM: Deborah Price, DarkSky Colorado Board Member
debhprice@gmail.com 970-310-9358
RE: Le er of Support for Dark Sky Cer fica on
DATE: December 2, 2024
I would like to offer my support, on behalf of DarkSky Colorado, for the process to get the town of Estes
Park cer fied as a Dark Sky Community. As a gateway to Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, the town is
posi oned to promote the values of the na onal park that include conserva on and natural area
protec on.
Dark skies are one of the important values that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Light pollu on creates
dangers to nocturnal wildlife, obscures the night sky, and interferes with human health. It also plays into
visitor sa sfac on. In a survey conducted by the Na onal Park Service a number of years ago, 90% of the
respondents said seeing a dark sky was very important to them. The astronomy programs at Rocky
Mountain Na onal Park a est to this—they are some of the most popular programs in the park.
Eighty percent of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way. Our na onal parks offer some of the best
opportuni es to witness this, but nearby town lights interfere with this opportunity. Contrary to popular
belief, well-lit buildings are not safer. Bright lights, especially those that are glaring and shine up into the
sky, create a bright blindness, allow burglars to survey an area, create shadows for people to hide in, and
disturb the wildlife, including many migratory birds, that live in or frequent the area.
While it is not a small project to switch over to night-friendly ligh ng, the rewards can be well worth it.
In addi on to the wildlife and health benefits, it is also a boon to tourism, one that con nues year-long
despite the seasons. Many people now seek out dark sky loca ons to enjoy. Estes Park can add this to
the list of reasons people come to visit.
For more informa on on light pollu on, benefits of dark skies, and more, visit The DarkSky Colorado
website at www.DarkSkyColorado.org or the DarkSky Interna onal website at www.DarkSky.org .
Nature. Pass it on.
P.O Box 3100 Estes Park, Colorado 80517 Phone: 970-586-0108 rmconservancy.org
Andrew Grossman
Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Colorado State Government
1600 Broadway Suite 2500
Denver, CO 80202
Dear Mr. Grossman,
On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, I am writing to express our wholehearted support for Visit
Estes Park's decision to participate in the Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program.
Since 1931 Rocky Mountain Conservancy has worked to conserve the iconic scenery of Rocky Mountain
National Park and the landscape that surrounds this beloved area. A critical component to the awe-inspiring
draw of this region is the incredible night skies that we are blessed with on a daily basis. As an organization
committed to the conservation and enhancement of the Rocky Mountain National Park and its surrounding
areas, we recognize the importance of maintaining the pristine quality of our night skies, a nd are grateful that
Visit Estes Park is pursuing the opportunity to become a Mentor within the Colorado Tourism Office and in
partnership with the internationally recognized Dark Sky Certification.
Joining the Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program reflects our community’s dedication to responsible tourism
and environmental stewardship. This program not only promotes awareness of the significance of dark skies
but also provides valuable guidance on minimizing light pollution and prese rving the natural beauty of our
nocturnal landscapes. In addition to promoting awareness, Visit Estes Park’s participation in this program will
also help lead this effort throughout the Estes Valley and provide a positive impact to Rocky Mountain
National Park. As a champion of this region, we want to do whatever we can to preserve our beloved night
skies and support this pristine Wilderness experience for future generations. We believe that participation in
the Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program will further strengthen efforts to preserve the long -term well-being
of Estes Park and its surrounding areas.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy pledges its full support in assisting Visit Estes Park throughout the Dark Sky
Certification Mentor Program, be it through educational initiatives, collaborative projects, or public
engagement opportunities. Together, we can work towards ensuring that future generations continue to
marvel at the splendor of the night sky over the Estes Valley.
Thank you for your commitment to the conservation of our natural treasures across The Centennial State. We
look forward to witnessing the positive impact of Visit Estes Park's participation in the Dark Sky Certification
Mentor Program and being an active partner with them every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Ian Stafford
Director of Stewardship and Policy
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Ian.Stafford@RMConservancy.org
TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION
December 10, 2024
VEP Dark Skies Initiative.
Additional Links:
• Application guidelines and tools
• DarkSky Approved lighting products
• Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative
Economic Impact study
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Carlie Bangs, Housing and Childcare Manager
Date: December 10, 2024
RE: 2025 Funding Proposal for Tuition Assistance
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Consider the use of 6E funds for various tuition and financial assistance needs in 2025.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Provide comments on how staff proposes 6E funds should be allocated in 2025 to
support EVICS Family Resource Center (EVICS) Childcare Scholarships, childcare
tuition assistance to local families during the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program
(CCAP) freeze, and middle-income assistance.
Present Situation:
In 2023, EVICS applied for 6E funds to support their local Childcare Scholarship
program and to act as the community organization to administer 6E funding for tuition
assistance in the Estes Valley. Their funding application, per Policy 225: Childcare
Funding Guidelines and Application, demonstrated that in the previous year (2022), they
administered assistance to subsidize childcare costs for 35 families totaling $45,000.
Their application for 2023, requested $100,000 divided into two parts: $50,000 was
designated to cover the administrative costs of the program through a professional
service agreement, and the remaining $50,000 was allocated directly for tuition
assistance awards.
Per their funding agreement, the Town's Housing and Childcare Manager, along with
staff, was responsible for auditing the funds and evaluating the agreement with EVICS
annually to ensure the program's efficiency and effective administration.
In December 2023, the Housing and Childcare Manager requested that EVICS Family
Resource Center submit an annual report detailing the distribution of tuition assistance
funds for the year. The report, provided by the Tuition Assistance Navigator on February
26, 2024, showed a total of $111,000 distributed to 36 families during 2023.
In February 2024, Larimer County Human Services announced a temporary freeze on
new enrollments into the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP). This
statewide program, administered by Larimer County Health and Human Services, will
continue to support families already enrolled, but no new applicants are to be accepted
until the freeze is lifted. A waitlist has been established, with approximately 350 families
currently waiting for enrollment. Four families from the Estes Valley are on that list.
In October 2024, additional restrictions were announced regarding CCAP funding.
These included reductions in financial support for childcare providers, such as the
elimination of coverage for activity fees, registration fees, and transportation fees; a
reduction in the number of paid holidays for providers (from 10 to 4); a decrease in the
maximum allowed absences per child (from 15 to 3 per month); stricter time limits for
unemployed parents to find work; and a shorter window for families to submit required
documentation. These changes have significantly impacted childcare providers,
reducing the financial resources they depend on.
At present, there is no expectation that the CCAP freeze will end anytime soon. When it
does, it is anticipated that it could take years for movement on the waitlist, similar to the
situation following the last freeze, which occurred in 2017-18.
The Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, the Early Childhood Council of Larimer
County, the United Way of Larimer County, and EVICS are collaborating to address the
impacts of the CCAP freeze strategically across the county.
As of November 2024, EVICS has distributed $147,000 in 6E funds for tuition
assistance to eligible CCAP families affected by the freeze, as well as to families who
would typically qualify for emergency assistance.
In total, EVICS has been provided $286,280 in 6E funding for tuition assistance,
including the 2023 allocation of $50,000 to administer the program. EVICS projects an
increase in funding needed in 2025 to $250,000. They will present a funding application
for tuition assistance in early 2025.
Proposal:
Staff requests direction on the proposed allocation of 6E funds dedicated to tuition
assistance programs in 2025 by answering three questions:
1. Does the Town want to continue to direct 6E funds to provide tuition assistance to
families who would otherwise have been enrolled in CCAP?
2. How would the Town like to financially support the EVICS Tuition Assistance program in
2025?
3. How much 6E funding should be allocated to middle-income assistance in 2025?
The 2025 6E Funding Plan outlines the use of funds for tuition assistance. It states that
such funds will be used “to serve families with incomes up to 100% AMI, while also
supporting local private assistance programs that serve low-income families.” It further
states that “the distribution of 6E funds to private assistance programs, such as the
EVICS Childcare Scholarship Program will be reviewed annually through the Childcare
Funding Application.”
Because of 6E Lodging Tax funds, the Town of Estes Park is in a unique position to
step in and support families during the CCAP freeze. While many families that EVICS
serves are financially eligible for CCAP, EVICS reports that other factors render many
families ineligible, such as parent’s legal status, custody issues, and/or employer
verification. EVICS plans to report on the number of families who received assistance
through their organization that would normally have been on CCAP in their funding
application in 2025. EVICS estimates $250,000 in funds are needed to support low-
income families, including families otherwise served by CCAP, in 2025.
In addition to directing funds to support tuition assistance for low-income families, the
Board has directed staff to develop a middle-income tuition assistance program for
households that exceed the financial eligibility required for CCAP and EVICS Tuition
Assistance. With a $50,000 grant from the Buell Foundation, the Town is in the process
of further cost-modeling and developing an assistance program that will be available to
Estes Valley working families in the second half of 2025 that fall into the middle-income
category, between 80-100% AMI. Long-term strategy requires the expansion of
assistance to include middle-income working families. At this time, staff recommends
that a greater proportion of 6E funds go toward low-income families, especially in light
of the CCAP freeze and growing need.
With all of this in mind, staff recommends that up to $200,000 be awarded to assist
families that would have otherwise been enrolled in CCAP and to contribute to the
EVICS Tuition Assistance Program awards, and $50,000 be directed to middle-income
tuition assistance awards. We believe this is a reasonable allocation given the current
situation and ever-evolving circumstances, particularly in light of the CCAP freeze, the
cost-modeling work still in progress, and ongoing discussions among partners. Of the
$200,000, we are still awaiting data to determine what proportion should be allocated for
emergency assistance (the focus of EVICS’s program) and how much should be
allocated to cover the gaps created by the CCAP freeze. We should have a better idea
of the breakdown in early 2025, when we will bring forth an action item (or items) to the
Board.
Advantages:
• Tuition Assistance provides needed stability for families and childcare providers.
Disadvantages:
• None noted, though there are always potential opportunity costs when funds are
allocated for particular purposes.
Finance/Resource Impact:
$250,000 allocated to Tuition Assistance in the 2025 6E Funding Plan, distributed from
the 6E Childcare Assistance Fund, 270-1948-419.29-75
Level of Public Interest
Moderate
Attachments:
1. 2023 and 2024 EVICS Childcare Scholarship Reports
In 2023, EVICS Family Resource Center experienced a year of significant growth in services and
support for our families in the Estes Valley. Staying true to our mission of supporting family prosperity
in the Estes Valley focus was set on strategic planning and setting actionable goals that fortified our
services and reaffirmed our organizational values. With the easing of pandemic restrictions in 2023, we
expanded our programming to meet the community's eagerness for engagement and adaptability to
ongoing changes. In collaboration with the Town of Estes Park and 6E funding, we enhanced our Tuition
Assistance program, providing increased financial support to working families seeking quality childcare.
With a total spend of $111,000 in Tuition Assistance it is clear we saw an increased need for monetary
assistance to secure childcare in the Estes Community.
The EVICS Tuition Assistance program, guided by qualifications and principles akin to CCAP and LCCF,
adopts a personalized approach, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive family services.
Understanding the dual need for affordability and quality in childcare, EVICS remains dedicated to
helping Estes Park families navigate these challenges and ensure the success of their children.
Our engagement with community partners, stakeholders, donors, board members, and the families we
serve reinforced EVICS as a cornerstone of trust within the Estes Valley. Our dedication to inclusivity,
support, and connection has further cemented EVICS as a trusted partner and advocate for children
and families.
6E IMPACT REPORT
2023
EVICS Tuition
Assistance
970-586-3055
EVICS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EVICS.org
ATTACHMENT 1
In July 2023, EVICS Family Resource Center submitted a request to the Town of Estes Park for $100,000
in support, divided equally between supplementing tuition assistance for local families and funding a
Tuition Assistance Navigator position. With the town's approval, priority was given to direct tuition
assistance, addressing the increased demand evidenced by the $55,000 already distributed by EVICS
at the time of the application. This need was further amplified by the educational efforts and promotion
of the Tuition Assistance Program, particularly following the 6E approval and outreach to the workforce
and Spanish-speaking community.
The application process for EVICS Tuition Assistance serves as an interim solution while families are
supported in qualifying for other programs like CCAP and LCCF. However, in 2023, challenges such as
legal issues, documentation barriers, and seasonal employment fluctuations led to a high rate of CCAP
application denials. The Tuition Assistance Navigator played a crucial role in assisting families with these
hurdles, ensuring they had the necessary support and documentation to reapply when circumstances
allowed. With the additional 6E funds, EVICS was able to maintain assistance for families ineligible for
other funding sources, demonstrating the program's adaptability and commitment to the community's
needs.
EVICS Tuition
Assistance Funding
Summary
$750,000
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY
6E IMPACT REPORT
2023
EVICS Tuition
Assistance
$750,000
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY
6E IMPACT REPORT
2023
EVICS Tuition
Assistance
See Data in Tuition Assistance 2023 PDF attached
Points to note:
Mountaintop Childcare serves largest number of families with Tuition Assistance support. EVICS
and Mountaintop work closely to complete follow up and follow through to help support
registered families on applying for additional tuition support.
A decline in dollars spent in September as we saw UPK begin. Due to the required holding of
UPK space at preschools a drop in enrollment was experienced. Now that the UPK program has
ongoing availability and enrollment we are able to get families signed up at the time their child
is elibible by age and enrollment.
970-586-3055
QUICK STATISTICS
DETAILS
$111K
Families
supported
36
Tuition
Assistance
support given
2023 Tuition
Assistance
Total $ distributed
to to providers for
families in TA
program
Families approved
through EVICS
Application
process to receive
TA support
$50K in 6E funds
approved 7/2023
for extension of TA
support through
EVICS
Support was able
to be increased to
more families in
2023 over any
other year
Significant
increase in need
over 2021 and
2022.
23
Families
receiving TA
support
Current families
endrolled in TA
With additional 6E
funds EVICS was
able to increase
support to local
families
10 Families on TA
program 1/2023
compared to 23
12/2023
12
Families
applied but
declined TA
Families applied
but did not qualify
for Tuition
Assistion support
from EVICS
Families put on
follow up rotation
to reapply.
Income was too
great at time of
application to
qualify for the
program
57
Tuition
Applications
received
Application
collected and
processed for TA
support
Word of mouth
and community
connections have
increased trust in
EVICS
Applications
increased by
almost 2x because
of outreach for TA
program
OUTCOME
6E IMPACT REPORT
2023
EVICS Tuition
Assistance
EVICS.org
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CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS GAINED
Cost of Living: Expanding tuition assistance in Estes Park faces the challenge of incorporating the high
cost of living into eligibility assessments. The Family Advocacy Coalition (FAC) has highlighted
affordability as a critical obstacle for families, with childcare costs being a prominent example. The EVICS
program is vital for families affected by seasonal employment fluctuations, which often disqualify them
from other forms of support. Currently, there is no established method to factor in living expenses,
business ownership, or personal debts. Applicant income is verified by obtaining 30 days of current pay
stubs or the like and using the Federal Poverty Calculator with the gross income to determine eligibility
and parent copay amounts. This process requires significant management and follow up to ensure EVICS
is gaining a fair and accurate picture of the family’s total income. Collaborative efforts with partner
organizations are underway to understand how other debts and expenses are considered in similar
programs. The key takeaway is the necessity of developing a system that acknowledges the unique costs
associated with mountain community living which significantly impact family budgets.
Seasonality: With the known challenges of seasonal employment and income fluctuations capturing an
accurate income for those in the service industry required continuous ‘pulling’ of income verification. The
EVICS tuition assistance program is crucial for families to maintain employment amidst seasonal work and
fluctuating incomes.
Other Tuition Assistance sources:
CCCAP:
CCAP eligibility and application process presents significant challenges for many of our families that are
enrolled in Tuition Assistance. Factors include seasonal employment, legal issues that disqualify families
(i.e. separation/divorce in process, custody disputes, adoptions, guardianship, etc.), parental citizenship
and documentation (CCAP does not allow for undocumented parents/guardians to apply, nor those that
are in the citizenship process. Another barrier, is that if you are a citizen who is sponsoring a family
member in the citizenship process it is advised to not receive state, federal or county assistance). EVICS
currently has 23 families receiving tuition assistance only 10 of these current families are eligible for
CCAP. 6 of these families were in the application process when the Larimer County CCAP Freeze took
place. 4 were still in the first months of their EVICS Tuition Assistance Award and eligibility is unknown.
Our families that have been approved for CCAP in Larimer County have reported alarmingly high parent
copays compared to what they are currently approved for with EVICS. One family seeing an increase of
$500 of what they are currently paying. In some circumstances, EVICS agreed to help CCAP recipients
with the gap coverage to offset the cost.
6E IMPACT REPORT
2023
EVICS Tuition
Assistance
6E IMPACT REPORT
MONTH AND YEAR
Tuition Assistance 2023
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CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS GAINED CONTINUED
CCAP reports to assist families that fall below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level and under 85% of the
state median income. At EVICS our Tuition Assistance recipients for 2023 all fall under 65% of Average
Median Income (AMI). While 97% of 2023 recipients are 165% land below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Despite all recipient families falling below 65% of the Average Median Income and 97% below 165% of the
Federal Poverty Level, complexities in eligibility criteria prevent many from qualifying for additional
funding through the CCAP program.
LCCF:
The Larimer County Childcare Fund (LCCF) intended to expand eligibility but fell short in supporting local
Estes Valley families, with issues in application follow-up and rapid expenditure of funds. Our office
guided families to apply for LCCF to at least be placed on their waitlist. Currently only 1 family receives
any funding from LCCF, they were extended from 2022. 2 Estes Park families are on the LCCF waiting list.
Other families that EVICS has assisted with LCCF applications have not reported any communication or
notification of movement on the waitlist orm aid availability.
UPK:
Universal Pre-Kindergarten was implemented with immense challenges and was ultimately underfunded
for some of the intended programming, such as coverage for eligible 3 year-olds. UPK also replaced and
altered the funding format for preschool slots. The payment system to providers was confusing. This
complicated the landscape of childcare and made fragile the availability of slots and planning by
providers. We work closely with providers approved for UPK funding to find places for these children (4-5
years old) to attend the UPK programs. A challenge has been that some parents have declined UPK due to
only being approved for ½ day UPK at 1 location and needing to find care for the other half of the day.
Transportation between two childcare facilities is unavailable and has led to keeping the child at the
original provider. EVICS tracks UPK spaces at Mountaintop Childcare, and the YMCA program and
continuously encourages parents to enroll.
Eligibility for Estes Valley Working Families:
EVICS had to turn away 12-15 families who were applying for Tuition Assistance support because they
qualified just at or over 185% of the FPL. Thus requiring they have pay a parent copay of 13-15% of their
monthly income. In many cases this amount would be equal to or exceed the cost of childcare they were
receiving. In follow up with these families it was learned that some were able to put together childcare
with adjusted parent schedules, favors from neighbors or friends, or some chose to have a parent leave or
alter employment to be home for their children.
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CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS GAINED CONTINUED
It’s New!:
The new 6E funding presents a challenge due to its novelty and the ongoing development of related
procedures, policies, and allocations. Ensuring that the funding's goals align with actual needs of our
working families requires diligent monitoring and follow-up. The T.A. Navigator role is key in maintaining
close connections with families, understanding their needs, and assessing the impact of support on their
wellbeing and participation. This role also facilitates communication with the Housing and Childcare
Manager, highlighting issues such as the increased parent fee for CCAP-approved families, and how the
6E funding can bridge affordability gaps, thereby contributing to sustainable tuition assistance.
Establishing clear direction and securing consistent funding are crucial for the strategic growth and
expansion of EVICS's tuition assistance services. Consistent funding ensures the ability to meet family
needs and adapt to the evolving childcare landscape, while the T.A. Navigator's data monitoring informs
the program's impact and guides future planning for efficient fund utilization and leveraging additional
support.
6E IMPACT REPORT
2023
EVICS Tuition
Assistance
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In short, the future goal of the EVICS Tuition Assistance program should be to ensure that affordability of
childcare for our local workforce is never a barrier.
The EVICS Tuition Assistance program is committed to a future that ensures that childcare affordability is
never an obstacle for the local workforce. With the strategic use of 6E allocation funding, the program
aims to expand tuition assistance, anticipating an increase in demand as the community grows and other
funding sources are halted.
The T.A. Navigator's role in tracking data is crucial for guiding the program's future and ensuring funds are
used effectively. Efforts to streamline and create efficiency in the application and and the eligibility
process are ongoing, with the aim to serve more families without compromising the program's success.
Past challenges have underscored the importance of reliable funding to support families through various
crises, allowing the program to pivot and fill gaps in affordability when necessary.
EVICS Family Resource Centerwould love to see:
Increased eligibility for families seeking tuition assistance at our local level that is ongoing and
consistent
To be able to serve those working families that are right along the threshold of tuition assistance
eligibility and are expending 15% of their income
To see providers being able to bill a state average cost of care to families without worry of losing
business For providers to be able to bill for spaces held for the child versus on attendance to create a
more consistent income
Increased infant and toddler spots in facilities and home care
A renewed interest in the childcare profession here locally because it is a well compensated and
supported field
Thank you!
Please direct any inquiries or questions about this report to:
Garett Faillaci - Tuition Assistance Navigator
garrett@evics.org
970-586-3055
6E IMPACT REPORT
MONTH AND YEAR
Tuition Assistance 2023
THE FUTURE!
2025
Tuition Assistance Funding Proposal
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Tuition Assistance
Allows childcare providers to
receive full tuition while parents
pay a portion based on their
income, called a parent fee.
Childcare Tuition
..is not equal to the cost of care.
Cost of Care: the actual cost to provide care for each child
Tuition (price): the amount that is charged to families
Tuition Rate
per week per child State of CO Larimer County Estes Valley COST OF CARE
Infant $375 $326.58 $275 $490 per week
Toddler $315 $319.83 $275-325 $400 per week
Preschool $265 $302.50 $260 $330 per week
Tuition Rates and Cost of Care
Impact on Providers
●Money is lost when providers cannot charge close
enough to the actual “cost of care”
●Childcare providers are subsidizing revenue by not
charging tuition near the cost of care
●By keeping tuition rates low/affordable for families,
they oftentimes need to cut expenditures by paying
staff lower wages
2025 6E Funding
Does the Town want to allocate 6E funds to the following:
to cover the CCAP freeze?
to fund EVICS Tuition Assistance?
to allocated to middle-income workforce assistance?
Low-income Assistance
CCAP and EVICS Tuition Assistance
Serves households:
●Who are typically low-income, making less than 80%
AMI
●Ineligible for CCAP for reasons such as parent’s legal
status, custody issues, employer verification, etc.
●Eligible for CCAP but the program is frozen
●Families experiencing a hardship or emergency and
needing temporary assistance
Low-income Assistance
CCAP and EVICS Scholarship Program
In 2022, EVICS awarded $45,000 in assistance.
In 2023, EVICS awarded $111,000 in assistance.
In 2024, EVICS projects to award over $180,000 in
awards.
*$147,000 January through October
Low-income Assistance
CCAP and EVICS Scholarship Program
Low-income Assistance
CCAP and EVICS Scholarship Program
Low-income Assistance
EVICS Tuition Assistance and CCAP
2025 Projection: $250,000
Does the Town want to direct 6E funds to provide tuition
assistance to families who would otherwise have been enrolled
in CCAP?
How would the Town like to financially support the EVICS Tuition
Assistance program in 2025?
Middle-income Workforce
Assistance
Larimer County Childcare Fund (LCCF)
●Created by United Way of Larimer County and currently
administered through the Early Childhood Council of Larimer
County (ECCLC) to serve households
●Who are considered middle-income in Larimer County (80-100%
AMI)
●Administered in coordination with other assistance programs like
Universal Preschool and state licensing
Estes Valley Childcare Fund (EVCF)
Middle-income Workforce
Assistance
Estes Valley Childcare Fund
●6E funds go directly to Estes Valley families
●Cost modeling is underway with Brodsky Research to provide
data that will support the annual budgetary needs for this
program
●The anticipated launch of the Middle-income Workforce
Assistance will be late summer 2025
●$50,000 allocation in 2025 and a waitlist if that’s exceeded until
2026
2025 Timeline
2025 6E Funding
Does the Town want to allocate 6E funds to the following:
to cover the CCAP freeze?
to fund EVICS Tuition Assistance?
to allocated to middle-income workforce assistance?
2025 Tuition Assistance
Funding Needs
Cost Modeling
Priorities
●What is budgeted for each income level to serve
current children in childcare?
●Additional children as childcare spots increase?
●What 6E dollars are budgeted for tuition assistance
annually?
●What’s the local cost of care?
●What are appropriate tuition rates for the Estes
Valley?
●How is this aligned with reimbursement rates for providers?
Program Build-out
Priorities
●Complementary and braided public and private
assistance programs
●Streamlined application process
●High level of sophistication in policy development and
data tracking
●Administration costs and staff resources required
January 14, 2025
• Law Enforcement Event Security MOUs
• Police Department Facility Update
January 28, 2025
• Scoping Project for Capacity
Improvements on the Big Thompson River
and Fall River
• HB 24-1175: Local Government Rights to
Property for Affordable Housing
February 25, 2025
• Stanley Park Master Plan and Performing
Arts Center
Items Approved – Unscheduled:
• OHV/Golf Carts on Roads
• Annexation Policy
• Town Board Email Listing on Website
• Hosted Short-Term Rentals
• Parking Enforcement Ordinance Updates
• Curb and Gutter Philosophy
• Liquor License Process
• Stanley Park Master Plan Implementation
Items for Town Board Consideration:
• None
Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items
December 10, 2024