HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2025-01-14Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 14, 2025
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees 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 January, 2025.
Present: Gary Hall, Mayor
Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Bill Brown
Kirby Hazelton
Mark Igel
Frank Lancaster
CindyYounglund
Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator
Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator
Dan Kramer, Town Attorney
JackieWilliamson, Town Clerk
Absent: None
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited the
Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL.
It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Hazelton) to approve the Agenda, and it
passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.
Robert Johnson/Town resident, Steve and Carol Thomas/Town resident, Chris
FisherkeIIer/Town resident, Audem Nelson/Town resident, Nataliya Pleshkova/Town
resident, Rutt Miller/Town resident, Jenny Forester/Town resident, Linda Bensey/Town
resident, Melissa Wood/County resident, Jennifer Bass/Town resident, and Wayne
Park/County resident, members of an ad-hoc coalition, presented information on a draft
resolution in support of immigration similar to Resolution 10-18 adopted by the Town
Board in 2018. The group shared the history of immigration within the United States over
the years including the Declaration of Human Rights; reviewed the rights provided within
the US constitution to all people including immigrants; the increased risk of mass arrest
and deportation within the upcoming months and its impacts on our community;
immigrants are a vital segment of the US through the work they perform, taxes they pay
($97 billion in taxes, $23 billion in Social Security and $6 billion in Medicare), and positive
contributions to society; commented on the number of undocumented members of the
Estes Park community; removing undocumented family members would have a negative
impact on the families that already live in constant fear of being arrested or deported; a
reduction of immigrants within the community would negatively impact the school district
by decreasing enrollment; a reduction in the workforce would negatively impact the
community which depends on tourism; and requested the Board adopt the following: 1)
renew the call for action for immigration reform to the Colorado and National delegations
of Resolution 10-18; 2) ensure equal access for support services; 3) support the laws that
preserve the rights of all people in Estes Park; 4) apply the laws to defend immigrants
within our community; and 5) adjust and create local policies to keep immigrant families
together.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS.
Board comments were heard and have been summarized: invited the public to the
upcoming Colorado Open Meetings and Records Workshop; 2nd annual First Peoples
Festival to take place to celebrate their culture; Behavioral Health Council has provided
grants to local entities including the Harmony Foundation, School District and Crossroads;
Sister Cities would send seven students and three teachers on an exchange to
Monteverde, Costa Rica during spring break in March; Restorative Justice to host a
Board of Trustees - January 14,2025 - Page 2
deliberative engagement series jointly with the Library; Visit Estes Park approved their
2025 budget; the search for the next CEO would continue with preliminary interviews;
encourage residents to participate in the Citizen Information Academy; and commented
the first individuals have been moved into the Housing Authority's newly acquired
workforce housing at Fall River Village.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Bills.
2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated December 10,2024.
3. Transportation Advisory Board Minutes dated October 16, 2024 (acknowledgement
only).
4. Board of Adjustment Minutes dated December 3, 2024 (acknowledgement only).
5. Resolution 01-25 Public Posting Area Designation.
It was moved and seconded (Cenac/lgel) to approve the Consent Agenda with the
removal of Consent Item 5, and it passed unanimously.
Consent Item #5 - Resolution 01-25 Public Posting Area Designation. The proposed
resolution designates, as required by Colorado Revised Statute, where public postings
of Town meetings would occur. As outlined in the proposed resolution, the Town posts
all notices of public meetings on the Town's website. HB 19-1087 revised the statute to
allow posting of public meetings on municipal websites in lieu of posting in a physical
location. Town Clerk Williamson noted the Town began posting on the Town's website
in 2020 and has done so for the past four years with no comments or complaints received
regarding the postings. Board discussion followed on the posting requirements, including
whether or not posting the notices phsyically in Town Hall in addition to posting on the
website should be considered. After further discussion it was moved and seconded
(HazeIton/Younglund) to approve the Consent Agenda Item 5 - Resolution 01-25
Public Positing Area Designation as presented, and it passed with Trustees Brown
and Igel voting "No".
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Outside Entities).
1. SALUD FQUNDATIQN'S COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS UPDATE. Executive
Director Santisteven provided an overview of the services provided by Salud to the
underserved within the Estes Park community. He stated Salud and other safety net
providers are facing significant financial challenges that may impact rural sites such
as Estes Park, and even face the closing of the facility. Issues impacting the financial
stability of these clinics include the impact of inflation, the static support at the federal
level of 15% funding with no adjustment for inflationary costs, the Medicaid unwind
from COVID-19, and currently operating at a $1 million deficit per month. He stated
his intent was to educate at the local, state, and federal level to assist in addressing
the issue and prevent the clinics from being closed due to a lack of adequate funding.
He requested support and advocacy from the Board at the state and federal level to
inform them of how important the clinics are in supporting the health and wellbeing of
the community members. Doug Frisbee/Estes Park Foundation stated the foundation
has been working with Salud to keep the clinic open through fundraising efforts. He
noted Estes Park has been the only community asked to raise the funds necessary to
address the $1 million operating deficit. Trustee Lancaster stated support for a Town
resolution to support the ongoing funding of Salud and other medical and mental
health facilities. Staff would prepare a resolution for the Board's consideration at the
January 28, 2025 meeting.
Board of Trustees ~ January 14,2025 - Page 3
LIQUOR ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTION 02-25 TRANSFER OF A HOTEL & RESTAURANT LIQUOR
LICENSE FROM BLACK CANYON CATERING INC. DBA DELLA TERRA
MOUNTAIN CHATEAU TO Z GOLF FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICES. LLC DBA
DELLA TERRA MOUNTAIN CHATEAU, 3501 FALL RIVER DRIVE, ESTES PARK.
CO 80517. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing and Town Clerk Williamson
presented Resolution 02-25 for the transfer of a Hotel & Restaurant liquor license. She
reviewed the application for the transfer of ownership, stating all paperwork and fees
had been submitted and a temporary permit was issued December 2, 2024, which
authorizes the Transferee to continue the sale of alcohol while the transfer application
was pending. Brandon Sandberg/Attorney with Dill and Dill presented the application
along with Taylor Wright/Liquor Manager for Estes Park Wedgewood licenses. The
applicant was aware of the Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) requirement,
and stated all staff handling the sales of alcohol would be TIPS trained. Mayor Hall
closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (HazeltonA'ounglund) to
approve Resolution 02-25 to transfer a Hotel & Restaurant license held by Black
Canyon Catering Inc. dba Della Terra Mountain Chateau to Z Golf Food &
Beverage Services, LLC dba Della Terra IVIountain Chateau located at 3501 Fall
River Road, Estes Park, and it passed unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION 03-25 TRANSFER OF A LODGING AND ENTERTAINMENT
UQUOR LICENSE FROM BLACK CANYON CATERING INC. DBA DELLA TERRA
EVENTS TO Z GOLF & BEVERAGE SERVICES, LLC DBA DELLA TERRA BY
WEDGEWOOD WEDDINGS, 3501 FALL RIVER DRIVE, ESTES PARK, CO 80517.
Mayor Hall opened the public hearing and Town Clerk Williamson presented
Resolution 03-25 for the transfer of a Lodging and Entertainment Liquor License
noting the state has recently revised the liquor code to create two separate licenses
from this category as either a Lodging license or an Entertainment license. If
approved, the applicant has applied for an Entertainment license moving forward. She
reviewed the application for the transfer of ownership, stating all paperwork and fees
had been submitted and a temporary permit was issued December 2, 2024, which
authorizes the Transferee to continue the sale of alcohol while the transfer application
was pending. The applicants were available to answer any additional questions.
Mayor Hall closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded
(Younglund/Hazelton) to approve Resolution 03-25 to transfer a Lodging and
Entertainment license held by Black Canyon Catering Inc. dba Della Terra
Events to Z Golf Food & Beverage Services, LLC dba Della Terra by Wedgewood
Weddings located at 3501 Fall River Road, Estes Park, and it passed
unanimously, and it passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTION 04-25 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH DESIGN
WORKSHOP INC. FOR AN UPDATE TO THE ESTES PARK DEVELOPMENT
CODE. Director Careccia stated a request for proposals was issued on July 31, 2024
to identify a qualified consultant to assist the Town with updating the Estes Park
Development Code adopted in 2000 and amended over the years. He stated the
Development Code requires an update to bring it into contemporary standards,
incorparte modern best practices and efficiencies, ensure consistent language, and
bring it into alignment with the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2022.
Three consultants were interviewed and evaluated by staff with Design Workshop as
the selected firm due to their team's experience, project history, and scope of services.
A proposed contract has been negotiated with a not to exceed amount of $300,000
and a project timeline of completion of December 31, 2026. After further conversation,
it was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Younglund) to approve Resolution 04-25,
and it passed unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION 05-25 6E FUNDING EXPENDITURE TO BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
OF LARIMER COUNTY IN ESTES PARK. Housing and Childcare Manager Bangs
reaffirmed the annual Workforce Housing and Childcare Funding Plan prioritizes out-
of-school programming for the allocation of 6E funds. The Boys and Girls Club of
Board of Trustees - January 14,2025 - Page 4
Larimer County received funding in 2023 in the amount of $75,000 and used the funds
to invest in competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and staff training to recruit and
retain quality staff in the Estes Valley which resulted in serving 80 individual Estes
Park youth during the 23-24 school year. The current request from the organization
would fund the 24-25 school year in the amount of $80,000. This request was deferred
due to the purchase of a childcare facility in 2024 that lead to a need to consider this
request once additional funds were received to cover the cost of the grant.
Alison Hines/Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County CEO provided an overview of the
organization and stated the additional funding increased enrollment from 40 in 2023
to 79 in 2024. The additional funding also enabled the Club to expand program care
to include school out days, increase attendance by 50%, and expand academic
support through CO-AAP grant for STEM and math tutoring in coordination with the
Estes Park School District.
After further conversation, it was moved and seconded (Cenac/Hazelton) to
approve Resolution 05-25, and it passed unanimously.
3. RESOLUTION 06-25 6E FUNDING EXPENDITURE TO THE ESTES PARK
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL R-3. Housing and Childcare Manager Bangs presented an
application from the Estes Park Elementary School to fund the Project Launch
program which has been funded by the RISE grant to provide care and learning to
over 70 students over the past four years. The grant has ended, however, the
community and parents have depended on the program for high-quality care and
programming. The request would fund the program for 16 full days of programming
to approximately 80 children, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. Students in the
program qualify for free or reduced lunch, are English Language Learners, or are
below grade level in reading. The request of $55,000 would fund the 2025 summer
programming costs.
Erin Miller/Estes Park Elementary School Principal provided an overview of the Project
Launch program that has been offered for free to families in the community for the
past four years. Priority has been given to children aged four to eight, as they face
the greatest challenges in securing summer care. The progam utilizes certified
teachers and High School P-TEACH program participants to assist students in
preparing for the upcoming school year. The grant would fund the program and
increase enrollment. The program focuses on reading each summer based on pre-
post assessment which has decreased the "summer-slide".
It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Hazelton) to approve Resolution 06-25, and
it passed unanimously.
4. RESOLUTION 07-25 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH^THE CAR
PARK FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE TOWN'S PUBLIC PARKING FACILITIES,
Manager Klein stated Public Works solicited request for proposals from well-qualified
professional parking management firms with six firms responding. The selection
committee consisting of representatives from the Estes Park Chamber Commerce,
Estes Park Visitor Center, Estes Park Police Department, Transportation Advisory
Board, and the Public Works Department selected The Car Park as the second lowest
bid and under the 2025 budgeted amount.
Board comments and questions have been summarized: stated a review of The Car
Park's performance has not been provided and should be added to the process in the
future; requested a full review of the other proposals before moving forward; and the
selection committee had representation from the community evaluating the proposals
which strengthens the recommendation.
It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Lancaster) to approve Resolution 07-25,
and it passed with Trustee Igel voting "No" and Mayor Hall and Trustee Brown voting
to "Abstain".
Board of Trustees - January 14,2025 - Page 5
It was moved and seconded (Brown/Lancaster) to extend the meeting past 10:00
p.m., and it passed with Mayor Pro Tem Cenac voting to "Abstain".
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. ANNEXATION REFERRAL - OLYMPUS LODGE/SPRINGHILL SUITES. Senior
Planner Hornbeck stated the referral was brought forward to receive direction from the
Town Board to determine if the property should be annexed, if the requested zoning
would be acceptable to reference in the annexation agreement, and the manner of
required roadway improvements. A brief history of the property was provided outlining
it contains 3.2 acres of county property zoned Accommodations/ Highway Corridor
and currently operates as the Olympus Lodge, and if annexed the proposed zoning
requested would be A - Accommodations. The applicant has also submitted a
development plan application for the subject property which proposes the demolition
of the Olympus Lodge and the construction of a new Springhill Suites hotel with onsite
employee dormitory housing. The applicant has indicated interest in pursuing a
Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay to facilitate development. In accordance
with the Town's PUD standards, a demonstration of public benefit would be required.
An annexation agreement can recognize the applicant's (petitioner's) intended zoning
and can condition annexation on the rezoning. The development of the property would
trigger improvements to the intersection of Big Thompson Avenue and Mail Road.
Public Works staff have indicated that a roundabout would be the preferred
improvement and required by the Development Code. The Town may require property
owners to meet higher development standards or take additional steps to mitigate
development impacts as part of the conditions of annexation such as requiring the
developer to improve the intersection with a roundabout. The Board may direct staff
to pursue other options regarding the intersection improvements. The construction of
a roundabout at this location has been estimated at $4.5 million. The new hotel would
increase sales tax revenues to the Town that could be used to reimburse the
developer on an annual basis for a defined timeframe to assist with offsetting a portion
of the roundabout construction costs.
Todd Wright/Olympus Lodge owner stated CDOT completed a study that indicated
that onsite improvements would provide minimal traffic impact and recommended the
intersection should be signalized with or without the development. Annexation was
initiated in order to receive Town water. The proposed development would increase
sales tax, provide the Water Department with water tap fees of approximately $1.5
million, and allow the connection of two dead-end water lines to be connected.
Chris Combs/Applicant state his family have had an option to purchase the property
and develop it into a Springhills Suite hotel since August 2022. He and his family has
worked to develop a project that would suit Estes Park and have hired an architect
that has developed other properties in National Park communities. He stated the
traffic from the new hotel and employee housing would not significantly impact the
current traffic at the intersection, and the requirement of a roundabout would render
the project unfeasible. The sole impact of the roundabout has been left to the
developer who does not have the authority to use tools such as eminent domain to
acquire land for public improvements.
Board comments and questions were heard and summarized: questioned if a signal
would be feasible for the development; it may be appropriate to have an impact fee
for the development to assist with the cost of the signaling; questioned why the
Development Code requires a roundabout versus a traffic signal; questioned what
opportunities exist from the Town or CDOT to assist with the cost of the construction
of the roundabout; questioned how the land would be purchased by the developer to
facilitate the construction of the roundabout; would a roundabout not also cause the
same impacts with stacking as a traffic signal; would a sales tax increment be an
option; has a right in and right out only option been considered; could this project be
a public private partnership; and questioned if the Town would have eminent domain
authority in the county.
Board of Trustees - January 14,2025 - Page 6
Director Muhonen outlined the Development Code requirements for a development to
meet adequate public improvements, including traffic movement. The traffic impact
study provided by the applicant indicated the side traffic generated by the
development would impact the operations of the intersection, which would require a
signal or a roundabout. CDOT has indicated an access permit would not be issued
until improvements to the intersection has been addressed. Staff reviewed the need
from improvements from a safety perspective and determined a roundabout would be
the preferred alternative as well as the long-term cost to the taxpayers due to lower
maintenance costs. He further outlined there are additional concerns with a traffic
signal such as significant earthmoving to create stacking lanes for the light cycling,
widening of the intersection, and right-of-way acquisition may be required. The costs
of these improvements are unknown at this time.
Town Administrator Machalek stated concern with the taxpayers of the Town of Estes
Park funding improvements to a roadway along a state highway and a county road.
The county has confirmed there are no planned improvements to the intersection
planned. CDOT uses accident data to term improvements to dangerous intersections
and only two accidents have occurred in the past few years at this intersection.
Town Attorney Kramer commented that municipalities that enter into agreements that
utilize sales tax reimbursement, buy backs, cost sharing, or other financing
mechanisms have policies that outline how they are addressed.
Board consensus was to have Town Attorney Kramer and the applicant discuss
potential options for the road improvements and associated costs and bring back for
further conversation with the Board.
Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 11:08 p.
Gary Hall,
-X-. ^. V, ,~~~» , ^ r^ •- -1^,—I
ie Williamson, Town Clerk