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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2025-02-25 Town of Estes Park TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION February 25, 2025 from 4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Town Hall Board Room 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park Accessing Meeting Translations (Accediendo a las Traducciones de la Reunión) can be found on the Town website at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings 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 AGENDA 4:45 p.m. 2025 Public Works 1A Sales Tax Update. (Engineer Wittwer) 5:00 p.m. Senior Needs Assessment and Recommendations. (Management Analyst Simpson) 5:25 p.m. Break for Dinner 5:40 p.m. Stanley Park Master Plan and Performing Arts Center. (Director Hinkle) 6:25 p.m. Semi-Annual Compliance Review with Board Governing Policies – Policy 1.10 Self-Monitoring of the Board. (Mayor Hall) 6:35 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions. 6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items. (Board Discussion) 6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting. \ Informal discussion among Trustees and staff concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 4:30 p.m.       2/19/2025 1 Town of Estes Park 2025 1A Update Street Improvement Program Trails Expansion Stormwater 1A Streets Overview LEGEND Town Maintained Streets Non Town Maintained Streets Streams Lakes Parks Town Boundary 1 2 2/19/2025 2 Town of Estes Park Street Improvement Program Goal Implement a street improvement program to maintain the average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of the Town of Estes Park at a value of 80 Pavement Condition Index (PCI) 2016 PCI rating = 65Program PCI goal = 80 Current PCI rating = 80.5 3 4 2/19/2025 3 PCI Examples 100 85 72 5363 35 Maintain System-Wide PCI of 80 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 PC I  We i g h t e d  Av e r a g e Year Annual Condition Plot (Area Weighted  Average) Projected PCI Actual PCI *Large inventory inspection (69%) in 2022 resulted in higher PCI rating than previous years 5 6 2/19/2025 4 2024 Street Improvements Overlaid 0.7 miles of roadway and performed asphalt patching at 17 locations 2024 Overlay and Patching Stonegate Dr Valley View Rd Pine Knoll Dr Reclamation Neighborhood 3rd Street, North Ct, South Ct finished in spring 2025 2025 Street Improvements Overlay and Patching – 1.6 centerline miles Overlay - W Elkhorn Ave, E Riverside Parking Lot, Matthew Circle, Steamer Parkway, Grand Estates Drive, Big Boulder Drive Patching – 13* locations identified for asphalt patch repairs 7 8 2/19/2025 5 2025 Projects – 1A Streets & Parking Lots Visitor Center Parking Lot – SB 267 Parking lot reconfiguration – awarded $1.03M grant with 20% local match of $257k Consultant will complete design by October 2025 Matthew Circle Complete reconstruction with new concrete curb and gutter, 4” of new asphalt pavement Cleave Street Improvements Construction to be complete in May 2025 2025 – 1A Streets Budget 2025 Projected Expenditures $800,000 for Overlays and Patching $330,000 for chip & crack seal program $120,000 for personnel, spray patcher, equipment, etc. $70,000 for Engineering Design Costs Contingency funds are included 9 10 2/19/2025 6 STIP Production Summary CL Miles Locations CL Miles Locations Overlay 0.7 3 1.6 6 Chip Seal 004.223 Crack Seal 007.214 Asphalt  Patching ‐17 ‐13 Spray  Patching ‐1,036 ‐TBD Parking Lot Street Miles  Surfaced 0.7 13 Trail Miles  Surfaced 0.2112 2025 Proposed E Riverside Treatment 2024 ‐ Streets Improved – 1A Sales Tax Approximately 90% of roadway segments have been crack sealed, chip sealed, patched, or overlaid through 1A program since 2015. Pothole repair spray patcher performs hundreds of additional minor patching repairs each year. Achieved 2014 goal of a PCI of 70 in 2018. New goal to maintain PCI of 80 through 2034. Pavement degradation is perpetual. Revenue from 1A tax is critical for maintaining PCI over the entire life of the roadway. 11 12 2/19/2025 7 Maintain System-Wide PCI of 80 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029 2031 2033 2035 PC I  We i g h t e d  Av e r a g e Year Annual Condition Plot (Area Weighted Average) Actual PCI Unfunded $300k Annually Maintain PCI ‐ Approx $1.1M Annually *Large inventory inspection (69%) in 2022 resulted in higher PCI rating than previous years 1A Trails Overview 13 14 2/19/2025 8 1A Trails Priorities (Dry Gulch / Devils Gulch Connection) Trail # Project Name Estes Valley Master Trails Plan Project Priority Table Top priority Fall River Trail has been focus of grant applications Additional project priorities near the School District that are eligible for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grants 2025 Trail Expansion Fall River Trail - Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) & Multi- Modal Options Fund (MMOF) TAP: Awarded $2.3 million with required local match of $575k MMOF: Awarded $1.4 million with required local match of $479k Design will be complete in March 2025 Anticipated construction to start in Q4 of 2025 Design of trails along US34 and CO 7 Consultant will finalize design of both trail sections by end of 2025 Concrete trails, minimum of 8’ wide, updated street/driveway crossings, ADA access 15 16 2/19/2025 9 2025 Trail Expansion Community Drive & Manford Avenue Design (SRTS grant) Community Drive & Brodie Avenue Trails Maintenance Program Annual inspections to determine a Trail Condition Index rating Plan repairs and maintenance activities Identify capital projects Implement a reporting tool for citizen input Budget appropriately based on quantifiable maintenance needs 17 18 2/19/2025 10 2024 Stormwater Projects Streets & Stormwater crew installed 160’ of new storm sewer pipe across the E Riverside parking lot to alleviate backflow into the street from spring runoff and high river levels. 2025 Stormwater Projects New cross pan, inlet, and associated culvert crossing will be installed at the intersection of Old Ranger Drive and Fall River Ln by Street & Stormwater crew (as shown in EV Stormwater Management Plan) Extension of 24” storm sewer along EPHA property at Graves Avenue and Community Drive, completed by Street & Stormwater crew. Annual maintenance includes cleaning culverts, inlets, manholes, and ditches. Performance Park bridge replacement. 19 20 2/19/2025 11 Thank You! 21       TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE Report To: Honorable Mayor Hall Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Suzanna Simpson, Management Analyst Date: Feb. 25, 2025 RE: Senior Needs Assessment Purpose of Study Session Item: The 2024 Strategic Plan included an Objective to “[r]eview data on the needs of the senior community in Estes Park and evaluate actions that the Town could take to address these needs.” The purpose of this study session item is to review the whitepaper created in response to this Strategic Plan objective. The whitepaper is intended to provide a basis for future discussions by providing a broad overview of the data on the needs of the senior community in Estes Park, as well as some recommended actions that the Town could support to address these needs. Town Board Direction Requested: Staff requests direction from the Board regarding the contents of the whitepaper as follows: 1. Are there any missing elements of the analysis? 2. Are the any parts of the analysis or recommendations that the Board has concerns about? 3. How would the Board like to consider implementation of the recommendations? Options include the Strategic Planning process or the creation of a Senior Needs Strategy Document. Present Situation: The Town’s transfer of Senior Services in 2017 to the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD), the dissolved partnership between Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. (EPSCC) and the EVRPD, and the elimination of key medical services led to a perception by some community members that local government in Estes Park was not supportive of seniors. Several local and regional agencies and organizations are providing services to the senior population, addressing needs around physical fitness, socialization, meals, chore assistance, and cultural and educational programs. The whitepaper provides an assessment of the senior demographic, gaps in services, and an overview of the agencies and organizations serving them. Proposal: Staff has broken down recommendations into four categories as follows: 1. Town-Led Recommendations: a. Add Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. to the approved Base Funding list b. Provide a centralized resource for seniors online and in print c. Hold Mayor/Trustee Chats at the Senior Center twice per year d. Schedule regular updates from organizations serving seniors 2. Town-Supported Recommendations: a. Promote the federal Chore Voucher program b. Promote multi-generational opportunities c. Promote volunteer opportunities d. Provide space and resources for a Senior Roundtable e. Support legislation impacting seniors 3. Not recommended for the Town: a. Allocation of staff for a Senior Services division or similar 4. Future and Long-Term Discussion: a. Housing b. Transportation Advantages: • The Town can be a strong supporting partner to the agencies and organizations serving seniors. • The Town will be better informed on the issues impacting seniors. • Advancing a key area of the strategic plan, specifically the “Exceptional Community Services” key outcome area, Strategic Policy Statement 2: “We support the needs of our senior community.” Disadvantages: • Expenditure of some Town resources including budget and staff time will be required. • Recommendations may not address all the needs of the senior community. Finance/Resource Impact: Finance/resource impact will vary depending on which recommendations the Board wants to implement. The largest financial impact would likely come from adding EPSCC as an eligible entity for Base Funding. Annual Base Funding contributions would be subject to the annual budget process. The bulk of the resource impact from the other recommendations comes from staff time. Level of Public Interest Medium Attachments: 1. Senior Needs Assessment Whitepaper 2. Senior Needs Assessment Presentation Executive Summary In Estes Park, 40% of residents are aged 65 or older. Currently, several local and regional agencies and organizations are providing services to the senior population, addressing needs around physical fitness, socialization, meals, chore assistance, and cultural and educational programs. Research indicates that awareness of resources and a centralized place for seniors to access resources is a primary gap in services. This whitepaper contains a set of recommendations for ways that the Town can support seniors, including those areas where the Town can lead efforts, where the Town can support efforts, what the Town should not consider, and complex items for future and long-term discussion. The needs of the senior population is a complex and evolving issue, one which cannot be solved by a single entity. Instead, the Town should focus efforts on supporting the organizations that are currently serving seniors and stay engaged and informed on this issue to ensure action can be taken when and if the needs change. Overview of Recommendations Recommendations are sorted into four categories: Town-led, Town-supported, not recommended for the Town, and future discussion items. Town-led recommendations are: ●Add Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. to the approved Base Funding list ●Provide a centralized resource for seniors online and in print. ●Hold Mayor/Trustee Chats at the Senior Center ●Schedule regular updates from organizations serving seniors Town-supported recommendations are: ●Promote the federal Chore Voucher program ●Promote multi-generational opportunities ●Promote volunteer opportunities ●Provide space and resources for a Senior Roundtable ●Support legislation impacting seniors Not recommended for the Town: ●Allocating staff Future discussion items: ●Housing ●Transportation ATTACHMENT 1 UPDATED 2025-02-21 Scope and Purpose The 2024 Town Board Strategic Plan included an objective to “[r]eview data on needs of the senior community in Estes Park and evaluate actions that the Town could take to address these needs.” This document is intended to provide a basis for future discussions by providing a broad overview of the data on the needs of the senior community in Estes Park, as well as some recommended actions that the Town could support to address these needs. The purpose of this report is not to reexamine conflicts of the past, or debate perceptions about the level of support that some segments of the community receive over others. Rather, the purpose is to gain an understanding of what the current needs are of seniors in Estes Park, to identify any gaps, and determine areas where the Town can support this segment of the community. Background The Town’s transfer of Senior Services in 2017 to the Estes Valley Recreation & Park District (EVRPD) as part of the construction of the multigenerational Community Center, the dissolved partnership between Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. (EPSCC) and the EVRPD, and the elimination of key medical services led to a perception by some community members that local government in Estes Park was not supportive of seniors. The Larimer County Office on Aging (LCOA) held a series of Community Conversations in late 2022. These sessions were facilitated by the CSU Center for Public Deliberation and were part of the engagement strategy for the LCOA to develop their four-year plan. Meetings were held in Estes Park, Berthoud, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Wellington. When participants were asked “What is the most important thing you want us to understand about older adults living in Larimer County?”, several participants talked about the perception that the broader community doesn’t care about older residents. Specific words that were used included “disregarded, ignored, overlooked, dismissed, invisible, and forgotten.” They went on to talk about the need to feel seen, appreciated, valued, and deserving of dignity, and most importantly, respected. Many feel that they still have a lot to contribute and offer to their communities and that they represent valuable “untapped talent and wisdom.” In Estes Park specifically, it was noted that participants expressed frustration with overall town leadership, and had the most focused conversation of all communities 1. Current Status The Demographics Demographic data shows that seniors make up a significant portion of Estes Park’s population, and a significantly higher portion than neighboring communities, similar mountain communities and the state overall. 40% of Estes Park’s population is 65 years or older, compared to 16% in 1 Martin Carcasson, PhD., “Larimer County Office on Aging Report on Community Conversations,” Center for Public Deliberation, Colorado State University, December, 2022 the state of Colorado, 12% in Boulder, 12% in Fort Collins, 17% in Longmont, 21% in Loveland, 13% in Lyons, and similar mountain communities such as Breckenridge at 17%, Glenwood Springs at 13%, 17% in Steamboat Springs and 18% in Vail. This is an increase from 34% for the previous study period of 2013 - 2022. This number is expected to continue trending upward. The median age in Estes Park is 61, compared to 38 in Colorado 2. The largest population block in Estes Park is females aged 70 to 74 (555), the second largest population block is males aged 65 to 69 (482) 3. When evaluating how to serve the community, it is important to take this demographic data into consideration. Additionally, with a demographic this large, the needs of the population are as diverse as the population itself. Stakeholders and Resources Stakeholder interviews were conducted with local, regional, and state agencies and organizations, including Adam Bickford, Data Analyst and Outreach Coordinator for the Colorado State Demographer’s Office; Brian Schaffer, Executive Director, Aaron Bojan, Associate Director, and Jess Borries, Client Advocate for Crossroads Ministry; Scott Mouton, Executive Director of the Estes Park Housing Authority; Lori Bradford with the Estes Park Police Auxiliary’s Blue Santa program; Vicki Papineau, Director for the Board of EPSCC; Peter Sinnott with the Estes Valley Dementia Adult Day Planning Project, Claudine Perrault, Director and Eric White, Adult Services Librarian of the Estes Valley Library; Tom Carosello, Director, Julie Bunton, Fitness and 55Plus Manager, and Amy Alexander, EVCC Operations Manager for EVRPD, Erin Alt, Office on Aging Program Manager for LCOA, and Carlie Bangs, Housing & Childcare Manager for the Town of Estes Park. Additional sources of information included the Colorado Commission on Aging, the National Council on Aging, and the National Institute of Senior Centers. Additional detail is provided below on organizations doing the most day-to-day work to support the senior population in Estes Park. Crossroads Ministries Crossroads Ministries serves the senior population in a few key ways. The first and most widely known is Meals on Wheels, which was transitioned from the Town Senior Services in 2017. In 2024, they provided 6,883 meals. A paid staff member coordinates the program, which has four routes with meals delivered by volunteer drivers. They partner with the Good Samaritan Society, which prepares the meals. They serve roughly 35 people Monday through Friday, and participants can get frozen meals for the weekend. Crossroads purchases the meals for $7, and those who qualify can get meals for half price, $1, or free, depending on the need. While this program targets seniors, others who have a need can start and stop the program based on their circumstances. 2 Estes Park Age Tables, Colorado State Demography Office, December 2, 2024, Estes Park Age Tables.xlsx 3 “Populations and People” United States Census Bureau, October, 2024 https://data.census.gov/profile/Estes_Park_town,_Colorado?g=160XX00US0825115#populations-and- people Crossroads also recently created the Helping Hub, a program matching volunteers with individuals who have a need in the community, primarily seniors. The largest need for participants is transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, or rides to the front range. The program encourages participants to plan ahead, a week is recommended, but emergency situations do arise and volunteers are on call for that. In addition to transportation, the program matches volunteers with individuals who need assistance with light household chores or maintenance items, organization, and other similar tasks. The program has around 100 volunteers, with 65 that are active every week. The service area for this program is the Estes Park School District. Additionally, Crossroads serves as the fiscal agent for the Bridge of Estes, a new nonprofit for serving cancer patients and local providers, which could eventually become a program within the Helping Hub. Crossroads also provides mental health services and counseling, including grief counseling, currently serving individuals aged 5 to 86. Scholarships are provided through grant funding and donation. Estes Park Senior Center and Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. The Estes Park Senior Center is now established at 1760 Olympian Lane. The building is owned by EPSCC and they are managing all aspects of caring for the center, including programming. In 2024, the center served 310 members, plus additional program attendees who are not members. Current members include residents from Estes Park, Glen Haven, Allenspark, Drake, Pinewood Springs, Lyons, Denver and Front Range communities and out-of-state seasonal visitors. All presentations and workshops hosted by the center are open to the public. Meals have been provided through a partnership with Big Horn Restaurant for the last eight years. EPSSC gets a grant from the Village Thrift Shop to subsidize the meals. The cost for EPSCC is $11 per person per meal and members pay $7 per meal or $20 for three meals. Menus are published in the Estes Park News free of charge. In 2024, an average of 29 people had lunch at the Senior Center every day Monday through Friday. An average of 29 people came in for coffee, an average of 28 people attended presentations, an average of 17 people were assisted on the phone every day, and an average of two to 16 people attended classes and games every day. In 2024, 7,502 meals were served 4. Since moving into its own facility, EPSSC has strengthened and renewed partnerships with Good Samaritan Society, Crossroads Ministries, Aspen Club of UC Health, and more. It is also working on a campaign for capital improvements, including expansion. In addition to programming and meals, the senior center plays an important role in connecting members to resources such as Medicare counseling, blood pressure checks, and financial and medical counseling. The center is run by an all-volunteer board and two very part-time paid staff. With more resources they could expand hours, programming, and social opportunities. 4 Daily Activities 2024, Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc., January 6, 2025, DailyActivities2024.xlsx Estes Valley Dementia Adult Day Planning Project In an example of local residents working to fill a gap that exists for seniors, a group of local volunteers created the Estes Valley Dementia Adult Day Planning Project. The group is currently led by Peter Sinnott, with the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center serving as the fiscal agent until they form their own 501c3. The goal is to open a facility in Estes Park which can serve as a daytime center for individuals with dementia. The facility would be staffed by an executive director and trained staff who would provide social connection, lead games, and serve lunch to participants. This type of facility also serves to provide respite for caregivers in addition to improving the quality of life for its participants. Estes Valley Recreation and Park District EVRPD serves a significant portion of the senior population in Estes Park, both through healthcare and standard memberships at the Community Center and through their Elevated Connections program. Based on feedback from members, they do not reference “seniors” in their branding for Elevated Connections, which provides programs for active adults aged 55 and older, including recreational, fitness, social, and learning activities. Membership in this program is typically between 65 and 75 individuals at any given time. The healthcare memberships are typically offered to individuals over the age of 55 through partnerships with qualifying insurance coverages (such as Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit). There are approximately 1,700 of those memberships at the Community Center at any given time, accounting for around 50% of overall memberships. By including individuals over 55 without a healthcare membership, total senior memberships at the Community Center comprise around 60% of the overall membership. They often refer individuals to EPSCC if they are looking for programming more in line with what EPSCC provides. Due to Estes Park’s demographic, their leagues are primarily seniors, especially Pickleball. Their Silver Sneakers classes are at capacity, their Senior Circuit classes are also full and very successful, as well as their Friday Fitness classes. The majority of their personal training clients are seniors. While the EVRPD no longer houses a senior center at the Estes Valley Community Center, they are still serving a large number of seniors in the community, whether through membership to the Community Center or through fitness opportunities, classes, or their Elevated Connections program. Larimer County Office on Aging LCOA is the Area Agency on Aging for Larimer County, serving adults aged 60 and beyond, adults living with a disability, and caregivers. Area Agencies on Aging are designated for every part of the country, mandated under the Older Americans Act to support certain programs through community partners and provide direct services to communities. Funds are distributed through the Federal Older Americans Act and the Older Coloradans Fund. Funds provided through LCOA programs are restricted due to federal guidelines, but they have been able to purchase equipment and help with upgrades at the Senior Center, and they purchased a van for Crossroads’ Meals on Wheels program. They also have a Chore Voucher program, good for snow shoveling, mowing, cleaning gutters, etc. These vouchers are self- directed with no income or citizenship requirements, individuals just have to be 60 years or older to receive them. They also have a strong caregiver support program in Estes Park, with a focus on Spanish language services. The LCOA is actively looking for ways to support more multi- generational opportunities. Themes During stakeholder interviews and research, key themes emerged in conversation with each stakeholder. These themes are what largely shaped the recommendations below, and they demonstrate the complexity of senior needs as a social issue that does not have one single solution, nor is one agency or entity going to serve as the primary owner of issues surrounding the senior population. Stakeholder conversations reflect the diversity of the population and their needs. When discussing a topic as complex as “senior needs” it is important to note that there is not a one- size fits all approach to solving any issues that exist for this population. The LCOA notes tension between the preference to age in place, both in terms of home and community, and rural communities that have fewer resources and growing needs. In Estes Park, this has resulted in many different groups working to meet the needs of the diverse senior population, with some of these organizations having large rosters of seniors who volunteer for them. A key finding of the research is that the primary focus for the agencies and organizations working on senior needs centers around how to help seniors age in place, or age at home and live as independently as possible while remaining in their community. This focus is being addressed by various groups in Estes Park - EPSCC, LCOA, Crossroads Ministries, and EVRPD offer programs that focus on keeping seniors healthy, active, social, and comfortable in their homes. The Blue Santa program supports these efforts once per year with their delivery of non-perishable food and hygiene products to elderly and shut-in residents. At this time, there is no discussion of expanding the program to more than once per year. There is a general sense that recipients enjoy the connection to the holidays, and that the level of donations currently received would not support expansion. Awareness of Services/Communications Every stakeholder interviewed mentioned that their largest challenge was awareness of the services they have available for the senior population. Many programs, opportunities, and resources exist, but there is no centralized resource for the wide variety of services available. Reaching the targeted population can be challenging for a number of reasons, some included in additional themes below. Digital/Technology Barriers Barriers to digital access or overall challenges with changing technology was identified by many stakeholders as a top issue for reaching their target audience. Many agencies have moved to digital platforms to announce their service offerings and this continues to be a challenge for some seniors. Even seniors who are technologically savvy find it difficult to keep up with changing technology. Transportation Transportation impacts all facets of quality of life for seniors - especially overall health and socialization. There is an expectation of some limited services in our area, but there is a sense that the opportunity for expansion is completely dismissed as a result. For some seniors in our area, the limited schedule of Via presents a challenge for running a few simple errands in town. This is a highly nuanced issue, but evidence supports the need for continued discussion around consistent, year-round transportation opportunities in Estes Park. Multi-generational Opportunities There is a strong desire by many stakeholders to explore multi-generational opportunities. How these can be executed is the challenge, as there seems to be more interest in organic or passive opportunities rather than planned or scheduled time. The Senior Center’s programming, game and creativity time, and music offerings are available to all, not just members. Both the Community Center and the Estes Valley Library offer programs that provide multi-generational opportunities. The Estes Valley Community Garden provides opportunities that could be considered multi-generational by nature of its work and location. The Larimer County Office on Aging has many tangible resources available, such as board games with a multi-generational theme, etc. Housing While housing for seniors is not as pressing of an issue here as in some communities, it is a more difficult problem to address in Estes Park. Fewer opportunities exist for dedicated housing and revenue from the Lodging Tax Extension (Ballot Issue 6E funds) support only workforce housing projects. Many seniors with limited means who are in need of housing in Estes Park have extremely limited opportunities. Socialization Because isolation is such a detriment to the overall health and wellbeing of seniors, many stakeholders focus on providing or supporting these opportunities. There is not a single agency working on the health of seniors in Estes Park that does not promote socialization as a key opportunity to improve the quality of life and health for the senior population. Recommendations Recommendations are broken down into four categories: those that the Town can take the lead on, those that the Town can support, areas in which the Town should not be involved, and items that will need to be a focus for long-term and ongoing discussion. Town-Led 1. Base Funding: As EPSCC is a nonprofit that exists solely to serve the senior population in Estes Park, staff recommends adding the organization to the approved Base Funding entity list in Policy 671. Base Funding will make a greater impact to their ongoing needs than a portion of Community Initiative Funding. Given that EPSCC serves the largest demographic in town, they are advancing a key area of the strategic plan, specifically the “Exceptional Community Services” key outcome area, Strategic Policy Statement 2: “We support the needs of our senior community.” The National Council on Aging states that senior centers are recognized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) as a community focal point and are one of the most widely used services among seniors nationwide. More than 11,000 senior centers serve more than 1 million older adults every day in their communities and neighborhoods, with 75% of participants visiting their local center one to three times per week and spending an average of three hours per visit. Additionally, research shows that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, mental, and economic wellbeing 5. 2. Centralized Resources: Staff recommends that the Town create and maintain a web page and a printed document with resources for seniors. This includes links to all of the agencies referenced in this report, as well as other items that relate to the themes that emerged in the research for this report, including housing information, Town items such as awareness of ADUs for the use of extended family, multi-generational activity opportunities, signing up for relevant alerts or notifications, transportation updates, and more. 3. Mayor/Trustee Chats at the Senior Center: Prior to 2016, a monthly Mayor’s Chat was held at the Town’s Senior Center and open to the public. As a result, a large part of the senior community was engaged with Town government and Town government was more accessible to them. Staff recommends scheduling Mayor/Trustee chats at the Senior Center twice per year to help bridge the current gap and allow easier access to this population, as well as provide an opportunity for senior residents to discuss their needs and concerns with Town government. 4. Updates from Organizations Serving Seniors: Another way to strengthen communication and understand the needs of seniors and how they are being addressed is to hear directly from the organizations that serve them. Staff recommends inviting representatives from these organizations to provide updates to the Town Board at least once per year. For those organizations that receive Base Funding, this can be achieved through their funding updates to the Town Board. For other organizations, Town staff can create a schedule for an update to the Town Board. Town-Supported 1. Promote the Federal Chore Voucher Program: The LCOA is the local agency responsible for administering self-directed chore vouchers. Awareness of this program has been a barrier to participation and the Town should support promoting the program. Chore vouchers are available for anyone aged 60 and older and cover seasonal household chores that might be difficult for seniors, such as snow removal, lawn care, cleaning gutters, painting, etc. There are two voucher periods in a funding year, July 1 5 “Get the Facts on Senior Centers,” National Council on Aging, December 2, 2024, https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-senior-centers/ through December 31 and January 1 through June 30. Funding cannot exceed $250 per voucher period and only one voucher per household can be provided 6. 2. Promote Multi-generational Opportunities: When possible, the Town should promote multi-generational opportunities through sharing information provided by stakeholders and partners on email and social media. 3. Promote Volunteer Opportunities: The Town should promote volunteer opportunities for the organizations serving the senior population, both internally and externally. Internally, this can be through promoting opportunities for Town staff to use their paid Volunteer Leave, whether individually or as a coordinated group project. 4. Provide Space and Resources for a Senior Roundtable: To help eliminate gaps or overlaps in service to the senior population, staff recommends that the Town provide space for and promote an annual or biennial roundtable style discussion for the agencies and organizations serving seniors to discuss current needs and challenges. The Town does not need to be the leader of efforts around senior needs but should be a key stakeholder bringing all of those who are leading efforts together and staying up to date on what is happening. 5. Support Legislation Impacting Seniors: The Town Board occasionally supports state or federal legislation for matters impacting the community, and legislation impacting the senior population should be added to the topics brought forward for consideration. Do Not Recommend 1. Allocating Staff: Many needs are being met in the community by various agencies and organizations. Through the research that developed this report, staff has determined that there is no benefit to the Town taking on something similar to a Senior Services Division as once existed. This is a situation where the Town should allow these agencies to lead their efforts and provide support when needed. Ongoing/Future/Long-Term Discussion Items 1. Housing: A complex issue in Estes Park for every segment of the population. Housing for seniors is especially complex as there are fewer opportunities in our area to build adequate, multi-family housing. The Town should keep this topic as a discussion item with the Estes Park Housing Authority and find ways to support any efforts that come forward to provide housing for seniors. A significant number of people on the Estes Park Housing Authority’s waitlist are seniors with limited means for rent. Many of these are people who have lived here for decades with very limited income, sometimes just a Social Security check. 2. Transportation: Year round transportation options are a constant discussion and have been piloted in the past. Many stakeholders spoke of significant concerns about public transportation options available for the senior population which helps improve their ability to be independent. Some organizations are attempting to fill the gap, such as Via and Crossroads, but having regular transportation that does not need to be scheduled is the 6 “ADRC Individual Voucher Programs,” Larimer County, January 17, 2025, https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices/aging/ooa/adrc/vouchers desire. Representatives from Crossroads pointed out that many participants in their programs used the Town’s shuttles during the summer season, as there is a stop right near their facility. The Town’s Parking and Transit Division should engage the senior population in discussion to better understand their specific needs and how to accommodate them through viable transportation options (times of day and days of the week). LCOA funds transportation services for medical appointments and other rides to promote self-sufficiency in Berthoud, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Wellington. Limitations and Exclusions The needs of the senior population in any community is a highly complex and nuanced issue. This report cannot be inclusive of all of the needs of such a large demographic, nor can any one agency or organization purport to have all of the answers to solve the complex issues around an aging population. Although a diverse group of stakeholders contributed information to this report, and an extensive amount of research was conducted, this report does not include every topic of interest to seniors. Regional and local private businesses that serve seniors, including those who provide in-home care services, were not included in this report. Most prominently, it does not cover the topic of healthcare, as other stakeholders are engaged in discussions around that topic for seniors in Estes Park, and matters concerning healthcare are beyond the Town’s current scope. Conclusion Adults aged 65 and older comprise a significant portion of the population of Estes Park. Several agencies and organizations, both locally and regionally, offer services and programs to meet the needs of seniors in Estes Park. The Colorado Commission on Aging provides eight domains for an age-friendly community: housing, transportation, social participation, outdoor spaces and buildings, respect and social inclusion, communication and information, civic participation, employment opportunities, community support and health services. 7 Where possible, the Town can lead the initiatives that address these domains within its scope, support the varied initiatives being carried out by other agencies and organizations, facilitate discussion when needed, stay engaged with the senior population, and improve access to resources for seniors. The Town’s involvement as a supporting partner will be more impactful to the wellbeing and quality of life for seniors, allowing the varied organizations to continue doing their important work, ensuring that Estes Park can remain a vibrant and welcoming community for all of its residents. 7 “Colorado Commission on Aging Annual Report,” Colorado Commission on Aging, September 1, 2024 References Carcasson, Martin, (2022) Larimer County Office on Aging Report on Community Conversations. Center for Public Deliberation, Colorado State University, Colorado Commission on Aging. Colorado Commission on Aging Annual Report (2024) Colorado State Demography Office. Estes Park Age Tables. (2024). Estes Park Age Tables.xlsx Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. Daily Activities. (2025) DailyActivities2024.xlsx Larimer County. (n.d.) ADRC Individual Voucher Programs. https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices/aging/ooa/adrc/vouchers National Council on Aging (n.d.) Get the Facts on Senior Centers. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the- facts-on-senior-centers/ Senior Needs Assessment Town Board Study Session February 25, 2025 Suzanna Simpson, Management Analyst Town Administrator’s Office Purpose The Town’s 2024 Strategic Plan included an Objective to “[r]eview data on the needs of the senior community in Estes Park and evaluate actions that the Town could take to address these needs.” ATTACHMENT 2 UPDATED 2025-02-21 Background The Town’s transfer of Senior Services in 2017 to the Estes Valley Recreation & Park District, the dissolved partnership between Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. and the Estes Valley Recreation & Park District, and the elimination of key medical services led to a perception that local government in Estes Park was not supportive of seniors. Background LCOA Community Conversations 2022: • Perception that the broader community doesn’t care about seniors. • Specific words used: Disregarded, ignored, overlooked, dismissed, invisible, forgotten. • Want to feel seen, appreciated, valued, and deserving of dignity, and most importantly, respected. • In Estes Park, specifically, participants expressed frustration with overall town leadership and had the most focused conversation of all communities. Currentt Statuss -- Demographics 40% of Estes Park’s population is 65+ Compared to: •16% in the state of Colorado •12% in Boulder •12% in Fort Collins •13% in Lyons •17% in Longmont •21% in Loveland •17% in Breckenridge •13% in Glenwood Springs •17% in Steamboat Springs •18% in Vail Currentt Statuss -- Demographics Estes Park’s median age is 61, compared to 38 in the state of Colorado The largest population block in Estes Park is females aged 70 to 74 (555) The next largest population block in Estes Park is males aged 65 to 69 (482) Stakeholderss andd Resources Stakeholder interviews conducted with local, regional, and state agencies and organizations: •Colorado State Demographer’s Office •Crossroads Ministries •Estes Park Housing Authority •Estes Park Police Auxiliary’s Blue Santa Program •Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. •Estes Valley Dementia Adult Day Planning Project •Estes Valley Library •Estes Valley Recreation & Park District •Larimer County Office on Aging •Town of Estes Park Housing & Childcare Division Stakeholderss andd Resources Additional sources of information: •Colorado Commission on Aging •National Council on Aging •National Institute of Senior Centers Stakeholderss andd Resources Crossroads Ministries •Meals on Wheels (transitioned from Town Senior Services in 2017). •In 2024, Meals on Wheels provided 6,883 meals. •Serving roughly 35 people M-F, option to purchase frozen meals for the weekend. •Seniors are the target demographic, but others who have a need can start and stop the program. Stakeholderss andd Resources Crossroads Ministries •Fiscal agent for Bridge of Estes, a nonprofit serving cancer patients and local providers. •Created the Helping Hub, matching volunteers with those in need, primarily seniors. •Volunteers assist with basic household chores & maintenance. Largest need is transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, or rides to the front range. •Helping Hub has around 100 volunteers, 65 that are active every week. Stakeholderss andd Resources Estes Park Senior Center and Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. •Estes Park Senior Center now established at 1760 Olympian Lane. •In 2024, served 310 members, plus program attendees. •Current members from Estes Park, Glen Haven, Allenspark, Drake, Pinewood Springs, Lyons, Denver and Front Range, as well as seasonal residents. •Meals provided through partnership with Big Horn for 8 years and running. •In 2024, 7,502 meals were served, with an average of 29 people having lunch every day M-F. Stakeholderss andd Resources Estes Park Senior Center and Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc. •Additional touchpoints include coffee, presentations, telephone assistance, classes, and games. •Connects members to resources such as Medicare counseling, blood pressure checks, and financial and medical counseling. •The center is run by an all-volunteer board and 2 part-time paid staff. •Currently working on a campaign for capital improvements. Stakeholderss andd Resources Estes Valley Dementia Adult Day Planning Project •Created by a group of local volunteers to address existing service gap. •Goal to open a facility in Estes Park to serve as a daytime center for individuals with dementia. •Also meant to also provide respite for caregivers in addition to improving the quality of life for its participants. Stakeholderss andd Resources Estes Valley Recreation & Park District •Serves a significant portion of the senior population through healthcare and standard memberships at the Community Center and through Elevated Connections program. •Elevated Connections has around 65-75 members and provides activities and programs for active adults aged 55+. •Healthcare memberships offered to individuals 55+ through partnerships with qualifying insurance coverages (i.e. Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit, etc.). Around 1,700 members. Stakeholderss andd Resources Estes Valley Recreation & Park District •Senior memberships comprise around 60% of total. •Often refer individuals to EPSCC if they are seeking programming more in line with their offerings. •Due to demographic, many of EVRPD’s leagues are primarily seniors. Stakeholderss andd Resources Larimer County Office on Aging •Area Agency on Aging for Larimer County, serving adults 60+, adults living with a disability, and caregivers. •Funds distributed through the Federal Older Americans Act and the Older Coloradans Fund. •Funds restricted due to federal guidelines, but they were able to purchase equipment and upgrades, such as carpeting, for the Senior Center and purchased a van for Crossroads’ Meals on Wheels program. •Distribute self-directed Chore Vouchers, provide resources for multi-generational activities, and caregiver support programs. Themes A key finding of the research is that the primary focus for those working on senior needs is to help seniors age in place and live as independently as possible, while remaining in their community. Themes Key themes that emerged in conversation with each stakeholder: 1. Awareness of Services/Communications 2. Digital/Technology Barriers 3. Transportation 4. Multi-generational opportunities 5. Housing 6. Socialization Recommendations:: Town-Led 1. Add Estes Park Senior Citizens Center to Base Funding 2. Centralized Resources 3. Mayor/Trustee Chats at the Senior Center twice per year 4. Updates from Organizations Serving Seniors Recommendations:: Town-Supported 1. Promote the Federal Chore Voucher Program 2. Promote Multi-generational Opportunities 3. Promote Volunteer Opportunities 4. Provide Space and Resources for a Senior Roundtable 5. Support Legislation Impacting Seniors Doo Nott Recommend 1. Allocating Staff for a Senior Services division Recommendations:: Futuree Discussion 1. Housing 2. Transportation Limitationss andd Exclusions This report is not inclusive of all the needs of such a large demographic, nor can any one agency or organization purport to have all the answers to solve these complex issues. Though a diverse group of stakeholders contributed information, and extensive research was conducted, this report does not include every topic of interest to seniors. Notably, regional and local private businesses that serve seniors, and the topic of healthcare are excluded, as these matters are beyond the Town’s current scope. Conclusion The Colorado Commission on Aging provides 8 domains for an age-friendly community: housing, transportation, social participation, outdoor spaces and buildings, respect and social inclusion, communication and information, civic participation, employment opportunities, and community support and health services. Where possible, the Town can lead the initiatives that address these domains within its scope, support the varied initiatives being carried out by others, facilitate discussion when needed, stay engaged with the senior population, and improve access to resources for seniors. Boardd Direction Requesting direction from the Board as follows: •Are there any missing elements of the analysis? •Are there any parts of the analysis or recommendations that the Board has concerns about? •How would the Board like to consider implementation of the recommendations? Options include the Strategic Planning process or the creation of a Senior Needs Strategy Document. EVENTS & VISITOR SERVICES DEPARTMENT Report To: Honorable Mayor Hall Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Robert Hinkle, Events & Visitor Services Director Date: February 25, 2025 RE: Stanley Park Master Plan and Performing Arts Center Purpose of Study Session Item: The Performing Arts Guild is asking to build a Performing Arts Center “Encore” on the Stanley Park property. Town Board Direction Requested: Staff needs direction on how to proceed with the proposed Performing Arts Center plan “Encore”. Questions that need to be answered: ●Is the Town Board comfortable with the financial assumptions and income projections for Encore? ●Is the Town Board comfortable with the amount of land being utilized and the projected relocation expenses for Encore to be built on Stanley Park? ●Is the Town Board comfortable with the overall concept and does it make sense for Stanley Park? ●Does the Town Board agree with the proposal for use of land on Stanley Park for the Performing Arts Center project “Encore?” ○If so, should the Master Plan be revised to include a Performing Arts Center on the property? Or should the concept be treated as an add alternate if fundraising targets are met within a certain timeline? Present Situation: The current Stanley Park Master Plan does not include a Performing Arts Center. The proposed plan for “Encore” would utilize 4-5 acres, which is approximately 10-12% of the property available on the Events Complex. After the roundabout was installed at Community Drive, about ¾ of an acre was carved off of the Events Complex. Just that small piece was very noticeable in the production of the Hunter/Jumper Show, Rodeo and Scottish Festival. Since the 2019 Master Plan, the business has evolved in different directions than experienced before 2019. Larger events such as Frozen Dead Guy Days, Skijoring and National Specialty Dog Shows utilize more of our property than ever before. Also the growing number of contestants with Western Equine Sporting Events such as Team Penning and Rodeo brings additional parking problems, especially with their larger trailers. Proposal: Background: The Town Board was approached by the Fine Arts Guild about using the Elm Road/Moraine Avenue parcel for a performing arts center. The Town Board did not support that parcel for this use and suggested exploring Stanley Park. December 12, 2023 Study Session - The Fine Arts Guild requested Board support through the donation of land on Stanley Park. Summarized comments and questions by the Board: What the exit strategy would be if the project does not meet projections: the Board encouraged a review of patronage and projections to develop a realistic approach of the first year's operation; more details were requested on the cost estimates for the “Inner Sanctum” and whether design would be outsourced, and the difference between this application and previous unsuccessful applications. Board consensus was to review relocation of existing facilities and financial impacts and risks prior to public outreach for the Stanley Park Master Plan update in early 2024. April 9, 2024 Study Session - Staff reviewed the relocation of existing facilities and financial impacts and risks for the proposed project. The main risk for the proposed project revolves around operational sustainability of the center to meet assumptions and projects outlined in the plan. Additionally, staff highlighted the opportunity cost of the land currently used for larger horse and dog shows, festivals, rodeos and other events. Relocation costs were estimated at $7.1 million. The Town Board directed staff to solicit feedback from the public. Board consensus was to continue forward with the update to the Stanley Park Master Plan to consider a performing arts center on the property. Tim Phillips, Fine Arts Guild representative stated the Guild would be available to discuss expenses, answer questions, and he proposed the Elm Road Town owned property as another option for a performing arts center. A community survey was conducted by Design Concepts September 17-October 4, 2024 and had 376 respondents. Results were made available in November, 2024. “Encore” is asking for +/- 4 acres of land on Stanley Park with a 100-year lease. Advantages: A new Performing Arts Center “Encore” in Estes Park would be a new attraction and serve the arts community and general public. Disadvantages: ● There is a risk for the Town if the project is built and cannot sustain itself operationally by meeting the assumptions and projections. ●Either the Town or project would need to incur the additional expense of relocating our current facilities. ●The opportunity cost of the land that can currently be utilized for our larger horse shows, dog shows, festivals and rodeos. Finance/Resource Impact: The additional expense of relocating our current facilities would be greater than $7,000,000. Level of Public Interest The item is initiated by the Fine Arts Guild and has medium public interest. Attachments: 1.Stanley Park Performing Arts Center 2.Performing Arts Center “Encore” - The Ask. Stanley Park Performing Arts Center Events Department February 25, 2025 ATTACHMENT 1 Present Situation •The current Stanley Park Master Plan does not have a Performing Arts Center. The current plan for Encore would utilize 4-5 acres which is 10-12% of the property available at the Events Complex. •Since the 2019 Stanley Park Master Plan, the business has evolved in different directions than experienced before 2019. •Larger events such as Frozen Dead Guy Days, Skijoring and National/Regional Specialty Dog Shows use more of the property. •Parking has become a problem because of the growing horse shows and larger trailers. Community Survey Results Survey was open September 17- October 4, 2024 376 Respondents Review Encore Financial Assumptions Design and Construction $18-$20 million Attendance 200,00-400,000 Annual Payroll/Operating Expense $5.5 million Events Complex Would occupy 10-12% of the remaining property at the Events Complex $7 million plus of relocation/infrastructure expenses Requested Direction Does the Town Board agree with the proposal for use of land on Stanley Park for the Performing Arts Center project “Encore”? If so, should the Master Plan be revised to include the Performing Arts Center on the property? Or should the concept be treated as an add alternate if fundraising targets are met within a certain timeline? The Ask •Stanley Park •+/- four acres •100 year lease (50 year + 25 +25) •Construct and manage Encore! Center for the creative arts •Inner Sanctum •Main Theater •Cabaret Theater •Rotating exhibits art gallery •Meeting rooms, rehearsal rooms, creative rooms •HOME to the Arts Community Site Plan ATTACHMENT 2 Survey Says: •What do you feel is missing form the Stanley Park complex? •1. Performing arts •Strong support for the performing arts •2. Walking Paths •Could include botanical gardens and sculpture gardens •Logical inclusions •3. Amphitheater Although there was support for an amphitheater probably shouldn’t ENCORE! Center for the creative arts and Inner Sanctum Survey Says: •Detractors •Impact to Current fairgrounds activities •Been there done that-previous attempts have failed •“Cowboys and Fine Art don’t mix” •$7 million dollars Okay, but what about? •The impact to the Fairgrounds parking, paddock, and other activities. •RV and horse-trailer parking •Mid June –Mid August (10-12 weeks) •EPSD parking lots Rec Center lot •Paddock vs Amphitheater •Noise concerns/ duplication •Other Activities •Shared use •Support for other events Economic Impact •Over 5 million people live within 3 hours of Estes Park •We see visitors both local (Colorado) and globally each year •Fastest growing segment of Colorado •I-25 corridor •According to The Denver Post: “Greeley and Fort Collins will more than double by 2050. Economic Impact •Rocky Mountain National Park •Town’s offerings of shops, entertainments, lodging, and food and beverage •Stanley Hotel (and Film Institute) •YMCA of the Rockies •Encore! Center for the Creative Arts/ Inner Sanctum Experiential Art (Inner Sanctum) •“. . . How we’re consuming art is changing. It’s becoming more immersive. And with the rise of cultural travel, people want to build these shared larger-than-life experiences directly into their travel plans.” “Experiential art encourages the visitor to take selfies/to interject themselves into the art they are viewing. They are able to not only be a part of their own experience but are able to simultaneously share their experiences with friends, family, and for what it’s worth the rest of the world in real time!” Inner Sanctum •Growing market •The global market for immersive experiences is growing rapidly, reaching an estimated value of $180 billion by 2026. •Audience Engagement •Immersive art exhibitions can create heightened emotions in viewers, such as happiness, awe, and relaxation. Playful, fun, and thought provoking. •24% of American travelers are planning an immersive art experience on vacation in 2025, with the number rising to 52% of 18-24 year olds. •Investor interest •Investors are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into immersive art experiences. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE Report To: Honorable Mayor Hall Board of Trustees From: Town Administrator Machalek Date: February 25, 2025 RE: Semi-Annual Compliance Review with Board Governing Policies – Policy 1.9 Self-Monitoring of the Board Purpose of Study Session Item: Conduct semi-annual self-monitoring of compliance with Town Board Governing Policies per Governing Policy 1.9. Present Situation: Policy 1.9 (Self-Monitoring of the Board) establishes a semi-annual review process to ensure that the Town Board is systematically and rigorously monitoring its compliance, both individually and collectively, with the Board’s adopted Governing Policies. Monitoring is on an exception basis, which means that discussion at the Study Session will be limited to Town Board member concerns about compliance with the policies listed in section 1.9.6. Finance/Resource Impact: N/A Level of Public Interest Low Attachments 1.LINK - Town Board Governing Policies March 11, 2025 •6E Childcare Grant Funding Framework and Updates to Policy 225 March 25, 2025 •Estes Park Health Update •Estes Park Municipal Code Title 10 Parking Prohibition Revisions •Policy 842 Parking Permits Revisions April 8, 2025 •Vacation Home Waitlist •Hosted Short-Term Rentals April 22, 2025 •Annexation Policy •OHV/Golf Carts on Roads Items Approved – Unscheduled: •Cleave Street Redevelopment Update •Town Board Email Listing on Website •Police Department Facility Financing •Curb and Gutter Philosophy •Liquor License Process •Stanley Park Master Plan Implementation •Noise Ordinance Enforcement •State Wildfire Code Items for Town Board Consideration: •EPHA Board Appointment Interview Process •Annual Review of Vacation Home Cap •Bed & Breakfast/Vacation Home License Transition •Flock Safety Cameras Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items February 25, 2025