HomeMy WebLinkAboutREPORT 2025 Strategic Plan Progress1
2025 Town of Estes Park Strategic Plan
Progress Report
February
KEY OUTCOME AREAS Party
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Complete Comments
EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICES - Estes Park is an exceptionally vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and active mountain community in which to live, work, and play, with housing available for all
segments in our community.
Increase utilization of "Access Granted" program for senior community that will allow
participants to share home access codes and emergency contract information so that first
responders will not have to damage anything if they need to do an emergency welfare
check.
Ian Stewart 100%Multiple presentations have been given and have been well attended. Process in place to continue to make these
presentations in the future.
Track progress towards metrics of success established for childcare in 2024.Jason Damweber 17%Metrics developed; tracking in progress and ongoing.
Develop a master plan for Town Parks and Open Space, in cooperation with the
Recreation District and Estes Valley Land Trust. Include chapters on water-conscious
landscaping and pocket parks.
Greg Muhonen 5%
Proposals received and reviewed. A professional services contract for this work will be presented for consideration at an upcoming Town Board meeting. Projected completion date is Q1 2026.
Formalize an annexation policy with Larimer County. (2024 CARRYOVER)Steve Careccia 5%Staff is addressing Board direction/questions from 11/12/24 study session. Next step will be to schedule second study
session.
Continue rewriting the Estes Park Development Code with participation from
elected/appointed officials, stakeholders, and residents. (Multi-Year Objective)Steve Careccia 0%Project kick-off meeting held on February 10. Consultant is currently working on the draft public engagement plan.
Replace ADA non-compliant signs in Town Hall.Paul Fetherston 0%Planned replacement to coincide with Central Reception/ Finance Department remodel contingent on available project
funding
Develop a digital accessibility transition plan as required by state law. Kate Miller 100%The digital accessibility plan was completed in 2024 and will be continually updated each year to reflect the Town's
progress in this area.
Promote utilization of "Reachwell" app for non-English speaking community alerts (NoCo
Alerts & EP Alerts).Ian Stewart 100%Completed. As with "Access Granted" this program will require ongoing community messaging and presentations.
Expand the greenhouse footprint and production capacity to service expanding planting
demands on public properties. (2023 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen 95%Construction on the greenhouse is nearly complete. The only remaining item is the final walkthrough/inspection.
Continue to work with the Fine Arts Guild to evaluate the feasibility of a performing arts
center in Stanley Park. (2024 CARRYOVER)Rob Hinkle 95%
Working with Design Concepts to review the Master Plan and the feasibility of a performing arts center. Initial costs for
relocation were presented to the Town Board on April 9 and the Town Board directed staff to continue. Encore will be
meeting with the Museum about the possibility of partnering with the Museum on their possible future expansion. The
Board will discuss next steps at the March 11th Study Session.
Complete Museum Annex addition.Paul Fetherston 10%Conceptual drawings to be completed soon; CMGC project delivery services secured through JOC Construction.
GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES AND INTERNAL SUPPORT - We provide high-quality support for all municipal services.
Implement 2024 Organizational Culture Action Plan.Travis Machalek 0%2025 Organizational Culture Action Plan drafted and to employees for feedback. Implementation will begin in March
2025.
Revise Employee Success & Development Form and Process for 2025 based on
feedback received in 2024. Jackie Williamson 100%Completed and rolled out revised form in December 2024. ESD reviews are in process.
Propose and implement approved recommendations from the Town employee benefit
package review conducted in 2024.Jackie Williamson 10%Data collected and analysis to be completed in Q1
Investigate translation of the volunteer form into other languages to solicit a diverse
applicant pool. Kate Miller 0%To begin by Q2 of 2025.
Implement new Human Resources Information System/Payroll.Jackie Williamson 5%RFP review in process.
Add process improvement goals to the Employee Success and Development program to
reinforce the value.Jackie Williamson 0%To begin by Q4 of 2025.
File all new employee records electronically starting in 2025. Jackie Williamson 10%Proposal received from RMMI to move files electronically. Researching Laserfiche file structure for employee files.
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2025 Town of Estes Park Strategic Plan
Progress Report
February
KEY OUTCOME AREAS Party
Responsible
On
Track
Behind
Schedule
Hold/
Tabled Done*%
Complete Comments
Evaluate the development of a searchable public GIS portal to enhance access to
available property records.Jackie Williamson 10%Staff to begin the evaluation process once all electronic building files have been uploaded into Laserfiche.
Continue evaluation of permanent Financial records for digitization.Tammy Zimmerman 0%To begin by the end of Q2.
Replace Town firewalls and associated software for increased web protection.Paul Fetherston 100%Complete.
Implement additional security measures to better protect the Town against cyber threats. Paul Fetherston 100%Additional security measures (Sophos MDR, Duo MFA) implemented; secured Excess Cyber Security coverage through
our insurance provider; this is an on-going effort.
Complete building life cycle audits for Town Hall and the Visitor Center.Paul Fetherston 0%Audits are scheduled to begin in February and completed by June for purposes of influencing potential FY 2026 CIP
requests.
Remodel the public restrooms in Town Hall.Paul Fetherston 70%Restrooms closed on January 6 - project demolition completed, construction underway. Restrooms are anticipated to
reopen in mid-March.
Replace florescent lighting with LED lights in the Street Shop.Paul Fetherston 100%Complete.
Refresh the Human Resources Strategic Plan and share next steps with the Town Board.
(2024 CARRYOVER)Jackie Williamson 25%Staff has begun to updated the plan with input from the organizational culture survey. A report on items addressed in
2024 will be produced and provided to the Board. Complete plan by beginning of Q2.
Install Phase 1 & 2 Town Hall Variable Refrigerant Flow cooling units. (2022
CARRYOVER)Paul Fetherston 10%
In an effort to maximize resources, the Town sought grant funding for this project through the Colorado Energy Office
Public Building Electrification Grant (PBEG). Based on the November 22, 2024 notification that the Town's grant
application was not awarded, the Town is moving forward with awarding the contract for the VRF replacement with
budgeted funds. The project is slated for completion by end of Q2 2025.
Start design efforts and pursue land acquisition necessary to relocate the Police
Department out of Town Hall. (2024 CARRYOVER)Paul Fetherston 15%Pre-design assessment phase currently underway with assessors on site in early February to review operational needs
and conduct potential location site visits. Conceptual plans and cost estimates anticipated complete by end of Q2 2025.
OUTSTANDING GUEST SERVICES - We are a preferred Colorado mountain destination providing an exceptional guest experience.
Develop a guiding philosophy for events that includes consideration of impact on
businesses and the community.Rob Hinkle 0%Will start staff discussions in March.
Add Breakaway Roping as a women's competitive event at the Rooftop Rodeo. Rob Hinkle 50%Submitted paperwork to the WPRA and PRCA and awaiting approval.
Utilize Laserfiche to automate event processes such as event orders, vendor inquiries
and forms, and check request forms. Rob Hinkle 10%Started vendor inquiriy form.
Evaluate and implement better tracking metrics for the Town's outdoor festivals.Rob Hinkle 5%Investigating companies and methods appropriate for our festivals.
Ensure the availability of an Official Visitor Guide mailing program.Rob Hinkle 100%Mailing program is in place and being utilized.
Collaborate with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to provide on-site education
opportunities at the Estes Park Visitor Center. Rob Hinkle 0%On the agenda for our next Rocky Mountain Conservancy meeting in March.
Enhance the visitor experience in the Visitor Center through Estes Park imagery and
artifacts. (2024 CARRYOVER)Rob Hinkle 80%
Met with Rebecca from Visit Estes Park and with Mikaela from EP Museum. Both are enthusiastic and supportive of the
project. Discussed potential "Then and Now" style imagery & the process for obtaining permission to use images from
Museum library. Discussions also held with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy about potential projects to enhance the
visitor experience. There is funding for an immersive walking tour to encourage exploration of downtown that is in the
VEP 2025 budget. This ties into the Then & Now imagery.
Explore interactive exhibit for the Estes Park Visitor Center. Rob Hinkle 0%Evaluation will begin by Q2.
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2025 Town of Estes Park Strategic Plan
Progress Report
February
KEY OUTCOME AREAS Party
Responsible
On
Track
Behind
Schedule
Hold/
Tabled Done*%
Complete Comments
PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENT - Estes Park is a safe place to live, work, and visit within our extraordinary natural environment.
Explore the feasibility of solar panels and battery storage on the proposed new Police
Department building.Paul Fetherston 0%Renewable energy options for a new policy facility will be explored once the project goes to design. Currently, funding is
only in place for assessment and not design.
Evaluate the feasibility of plug-in hybrid vehicles for use in the Police Department.Paul Fetherston 100%
Currently, the Town purchases hybrid vehicles for police patrol vehicles. Each year a police vehicle is purchased,
options related to viable sustainable options such as hybrid and plug in hybrid are considered. It will also be a factor
considered in designing the infrastructure necessary for a new police facility.
Replace hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and line trimmers powered with internal
combustion engines with battery operated tools to comply with state standards for
municipal governments.
Greg Muhonen 30%Parks acquired 8 electric tools to test capability and durability. Product research continues at the ProGreen Expo.
Remaining electric tool purchases are expected to be completed by Q3 2025.
Partner with Larimer County to utilize grant funds to develop a Climate Action Plan
specific to Estes Park.Jason Damweber 0%
Currently on hold due to freeze of Federal grant funds for sustainability efforts. (Previous status: Staff participated in
interview process for the County's grant funded position responsible for developing Climate Action Plan; selection made
by hiring manager in January 2025. The Climate Action Plan portion of the work is expected to begin in late 2025 and to
wrap up in 2026.)
Collaborate with Drive Clean Colorado to accelerate equitable adoption of clean
transportation options. Greg Muhonen (DK)20%Working with Larimer County Climate Smart Future Ready for scheduling electric vehicle events during Bond Park
scheduled events.
Increase interagency operability by collaborating with public safety partners on radio
channel sharing authorizations.Ian Stewart 100%Radio 800MHz talkgroups have expanded from 3 banks of 16 channels to 16 banks of 16 channels. We have also added
11 banks of 16 VHF channels. All achieved through collaboration with Fire/Law/EMS/Emergency Management partners.
Implement Phase 3 of the Security Camera project to address the needs of the Event
Center and the associated parking area. (2022 CARRYOVER)Paul Fetherston 15%
IT, in cooperation with Facilities and the Police Department, is leading this effort to expand the security of high traffic
Town facilities and areas. IT has secured a unified physical security platform that will support a network of physical
security resources including cameras, door access, and other physical security options. The installation of the unified
physical security platform is underway and will be completed by end of Q1 2025, to be followed with the installation of
Phase III measures in the Events Center, Fairgrounds and Museum expected by end of Q2 2025.
Acquire dual-band radios for Police Department supervisors to assure emergency
communications during critical incidents and disasters.Ian Stewart 100%PD Supervisors and Command Staff have dual band (800MHz and VHF) packset radios operational.
ROBUST ECONOMY - We have a diverse, healthy, year-round economy.
Work with the Estes Chamber of Commerce and Downtown businesses to evaluate
implementation options for the Downtown Plan. (2024 CARRYOVER)Travis Machalek 5%The first step in this process will be working through how to best engage all of the downtown businesses in the
discussion. Director DePasquale and TA Machalek are reviewing the offerings of Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI).
Implement a new software module from SAFEbuilt to allow electronic submittal of
development applications and automated workflow processing. Steve Careccia 70% Module has been built. Internally testing now. Next step will be external testing.
TOWN FINANCIAL HEALTH - We will maintain a strong and sustainable financial condition, balancing expenditures with available revenues, including adequate cash reserves for future needs and
unanticipated emergencies.
Complete the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system by the
end of 2025. Tammy Zimmerman 40%
Implementation has begun on the core financials with Tyler. Chart of accounts, forms (Check, AR Invoice, AR Statement,
POs, Requisition, Contract, & Receipt forms), as-is and to-be state analysis, and other tasks have been completed. We
are working on user access settings and roles. Business process changes have been discussed and will be finalized and
refined as we get to testing the initial configuration settings next year. Asset management (Fleet Maintenance module)
implementation began in February 2025.
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2025 Town of Estes Park Strategic Plan
Progress Report
February
KEY OUTCOME AREAS Party
Responsible
On
Track
Behind
Schedule
Hold/
Tabled Done*%
Complete Comments
Finalize a set of general budget policies to help guide budget development in the future.Tammy Zimmerman 15%
This work will begin after coordination of the audit and learning the previous budget process and discussing with key
players. We have the initial Budget guidelines used in the past and will develop a more formal presentation of the
process for FY26 budget cycle.
TRANSPORTATION - We have safe, efficient, and well-maintained multimodal transportation systems for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders.
Complete Phase 1 (design) of the US34 and SH7 trail reconstruction projects.Greg Muhonen (JB)5%Eight design fee proposals were received and a contract with J-U-B Engineers was approved at the 2/11/25 Town Board
meeting.
Complete the rehabilitation of West Elkhorn Avenue from Moraine Avenue to Far View
Drive. (2024 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen (JB)50%Construction contract was awarded to Coulson Excavating in 2024. This project was delayed to Q2 2025 at the direction
of the Town Adminstrator
Complete the reconstruction of Matthew Circle.Greg Muhonen (JB)10%This work is expected to start in Q2 2025 when paving temperatures return. Design is in progress using in-house
resources.
Complete the reconstruction of Steamer Parkway Greg Muhonen (JB)0%This work is expected to start in Q2 2025 when paving temperatures return.
Complete the Cleave Street Improvements Project. (2024 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen (JB)35%Construction contract was awarded to ABC Asphalt. Utility relocation work was suspended during the summer guest
season and has been further delayed by repetitive buried utility conflicts and cold winter weather.
Begin evaluating traffic flow and business impacts upon completion of the Downtown
Estes Loop. Greg Muhonen 0%This work is expected to start in Q3 2025 by a consultant to be hired by the new Public Works Director
Seek funding and create an implementation timeline for the year-one recommendations
from the Transit Development Plan. (2024 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen (DK)0%
The consultant team presented results of community engagement efforts, existing conditions assessment and preliminary
recommendations to the public at an open house on May 21, 2024 in coordination with the 2045 Transportation Plan. The
Transportation Advisory Board is currently reviewing the documents. We are now looking at Q2 2025 presentation to the
Town Board for consideration of adoption of the plan. After that time, we will work on the projects during the 2026 budget
process.
Collaborate with RTD and the newly created GoNoCo34 Transportation Management
Organization to enhance regional transit connectivity options.Greg Muhonen (DK)20%Representing ToEP as Board member (Treasurer) of the TMO for 2025 at monthly meetings.
Select specific recommendations from the 2045 Multimodal Transportation Plan for
budgeting and implementation in 2026. (2024 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen (JB)0%This work is expected to start in Q3 2025 by the new Town Engineer during the 2026 budget process.
Seek grant funding for a corridor study that identifies needed multimodal transportation
improvements on US34 (Big Thompson Avenue) between Wonderview Avenue and
Steamer Drive.
Greg Muhonen (JB)0%
This work is expected to start in Q3 2025 by the new Town Engineer during the 2026 budget process.
Identify funding and construct a 3-level parking structure at the Big Horn parking lot.
(Multi-year Objective)Greg Muhonen (DK)5%This project was discussed at the February 11 TBSS. We will bring options at the March 11 meeting when discussing
2025 parking rates.
Evaluate the pros and cons of beginning to plan for implementation of Phase 4 of the
Downtown Parking Management Plan prior to implementing Phase 3.Greg Muhonen (DK)5%This project was discussed at the February 11 TBSS. We will bring options at the March 11 meeting when discussing
2025 parking rates.
Design the Community Drive Multi-Use Trail (east side of Community Drive between
Manford Avenue and US36). If funded through a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) or other
grant funding source, advertise for construction in Q4 2025.
Greg Muhonen (JB)0%
The SRTS grant application was submitted in October 2024 for construction funding. Continued effort on in-house
design is contingent upon receipt of construction funding. SRTS Grant award announcement is expected in late March
2025.
Develop, fund, and implement a public trail maintenance program. (2022 CARRYOVER) Greg Muhonen (JB)30%Staff is working to develop this plan in-house. Initial development meeting with all affected divisions was held on 2/19/25.
Further discussions are forthcoming. 1A sales tax funds are expected to be the revenue source for this effort.
Complete the street rehabilitation of 1st Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street, North Court, and
South Court and provide ADA compliant pedestrian facilities following the water main and
service installation project. (2024 CARRYOVER)
Greg Muhonen (JB)50%
Phase 1 construction (3rd Street, North & South Courts) was awarded to Wagner Construction and construction has
begun. Due to numerous construction issues, sidewalk construction and final paving on 3rd St, North Ct and South Ct
was delayed until the spring of 2025. Due to funding constraints, roadway and sidewalk work on 1st and 2nd Streets was
also delayed until 2025.
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2025 Town of Estes Park Strategic Plan
Progress Report
February
KEY OUTCOME AREAS Party
Responsible
On
Track
Behind
Schedule
Hold/
Tabled Done*%
Complete Comments
Utilize SB267 grant funds to design transit & parking improvements in the Visitor Center
Parking Lot. (2023 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen (JB)30%
Project is on temporary hold. Due to an error on the part of CDOT staff, grant funding was cut off at the 30% mark on
12/31/24. They have assured us that the grant woud be re-established within 90 days from 1/30/25. Once funding is re-
established, the 30% plans will be presented to TAB and design will proceed.
Complete design of the Fall River Trail Final Segment and advertise for construction to
commence in Q4 2025.Greg Muhonen (JB)40%Design consultant expected to deliver final plans and bid documents in Q1 2025.
UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE - We have reliable, efficient, and up-to-date utility infrastructure serving our community and customers.
Update the Water Master Plan. (2023 CARRYOVER)Reuben Bergsten 75%
Mid-year 2025 completion, pending future demand projections. We are at a tipping point in future demand. A new
treatment water plant (excluding supporting infrastructure and distribution system needs) will cost $15 to $27M for every
million gallons per day capacity. However, future demand is limited by fewer available vacant lots and remodels that
install highly efficient water fixtures and appliances which are driving future demands down.
Complete a Zero-Emission Transit Fleet Transition Plan. (2024 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen (DK)15%
The Grant Agreement has been executed and a third party consultant has been selected to conduct the study. The
consultant contract is expected to be signed by the end of Q4 2024, with completion of the Plan anticipated by Q3 2025.
This Plan will cover only the Town's Transit Fleet - not the entire Town fleet. This Objective will need to be carried over to
2025. Consultant contract anticipated to be signed the first weeks of Jan 2025 and the consultant team will immediately
begin work to meet May 2025 deadline. Held data stakeholder meeting 12-FEB.
Develop, fund, and implement a stormwater drainage system maintenance program.
(2023 CARRYOVER)Greg Muhonen 65%
PW staff met in April 2024 to review the draft Stormwater Maintenance policy and project list. A future Town Board study
session is needed to discuss options for resolving drainage issues along roadways (ie retrofitting streets with concrete
curb and gutter, eliminating or upsizing driveway culverts, etc). This has been postponed until the new Stormwater
Engineer starts and begins to lead this planning effort, which will guide future stormwater infrastructure design and
construction grant funding.
Complete construction of Trailblazer Broadband system for customers in the electric
service area. (Multi-year Objective)Reuben Bergsten 90%
The preliminarily awarded BEAD grants are pending federal funding. The completion of build out is fiscally constrained.
We've completed 90% of the build based on customer count. The remaining 10% of customers are the highest-cost
construction and lowest density/revenue.
Use the Water Master Plan results to generate options for achieving reliable year-round
operation of at least one water treatment plant.Reuben Bergsten 0%Mid-year 2025 start
Develop an enforcement process for customers who do not comply with water
administrative regulations.Reuben Bergsten 0%Start 2nd quarter 2025
Initiate construction of the Mall Road Looping project. Reuben Bergsten 0%Start 3rd quarter 2025, Design work is in progress
Develop a schedule and prioritization of projects to maximize the use of 1A funds in the
areas west of town with the highest wildfire risk. Reuben Bergsten 7%Initiated mapping of proposed projects
Complete at least one stormwater CIP project from the list included in the Stormwater
Drainage System Maintenance Policy.Greg Muhonen 0%This work is expected to start in Q3 2025
Establish a process to verify applicant-provided information that would determine these
applicants as eligible for participation in a low-cost Trailblazer program Reuben Bergsten 7%Initiated converstations with Crossroads and the School.
* for multi-year projects, DONE refers to the portion of the project planned for the current year.