HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2025-03-25Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 25, 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 25th day of March, 2025.
Present: Gary Hall, Mayor
Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Bill Brown
Kirby Hazelton
Mark Igel
Frank Lancaster
Cindy Younglund
Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator
Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator
Dan Kramer, Town Attorney
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Absent: None
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited the
Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION. Arbor Day Celebration. Mayor Hall proclaimed April 25, 2025 as Arbor
Day and announce the winners of the poster contest.
PROCLAMATION. Mayor Hall proclaimed May 3, 2025 as The Great Estes Park Duck
race.
GRADUATION CEREMONY: 2025 COMMUNITY INFORMATION ACADEMY (CIA)
PARTICIPANTS. Mayor Hall, Public Information Officer Miller and Town Administrator
Machalek present Participation Certificates.
AGENDA APPROVAL.
It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Brown) to approve the Agenda, and it passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS,
Rut Miller/Town citizen EVICS invited an invitation to the Board and community - Isabell
- April is the month of the Child and invited all to celebrate at the Mountain View Bible
Church on April 7th. Help celebrate children and families.
John Guffey/Town Citizen - he stated concern with the roundabout at MacGregor and
Wonderview due to the speeds that drivers enter the roundabout. He stated the speed
limit on Devils Gulch to Glen Haven is 25 mph and we should do all we can to maintain
the speed on the roadway especially due to bike traffic.
Nick Thomas/Town citizen - thanked the Board again for the CIA program and asked the
Board to continue to support the program.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS.
Board comments were heard and have been summarized:
Lancaster - interviews for the EPHA for the Board member.
Younglund - Sister Cities sent students to Costa Rica MonteVerde over spring break and
there will be a presentation by the students in April.
Board of Trustees - March 25,2025 - Page 2
Hazelton - Restorative Justice - facilitated the Joint Study Session meeting. Welcomed
Megan Graper as the Restorative Justice Coordinator. Liaison for VEP - CEO search
committee - Read a statement from VEP - the search committee shall reconvene to
determine the next steps in the search for the new CEO.
Brown - he encouraged the CIA participates to remain engaged in the community and he
encourage them to participate in next years Community Police Academy and consider
the Police Auxiliary. Housing Authority - process to get software to streamline
maintenance of 335 units. Propose consider at April 8th Town Board meeting for an
amendment to the Development Code to address the use of a carousel in the CD
Commercial Downtown zoning district.
Rooftop Rodeo on July 7th on Elkhorn - encouraging the businesses and clubs to be
involved. Mutton Buston on April 1st.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
Add the requested item for the April 8, 2025 meeting for consideration - Hall, Hazelton,
Lancaster, Brown
CIA - recognized PIO Miller for her efforts with the CIA program.
Policy Governance Monitoring Report-Policies 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10 and 3.11.
Town Administrator Machalek stated compliance and noted full compliance.
Renaming of the Post Office Parking Lot to the Baldwin Parking Lot - the Board agreed
to add it the April 8th meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Bills.
2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated March 11,2025.
3. Town Board Strategic Planning Study Session #1 Minutes dated March 13, 2025.
4. Estes Park Planning Commission Minutes dated February 18, 2025.
5. Resolution 21-25 Larimer County Contract Amendment for the Fish Hatchery Housing
Project to remove restrictive American Rescue Plan (ARPA) language/requirements
and extend the timeline to December 31, 2027.
6. Revisions to Town Board Policy 101 - Board Assignments.
7. Appointment to the Estes Park Housing Authority Board of Commissioners of Stacy
Ciolli to complete a term expiring April 30, 2027.
8. Acceptance of Town Administrator Policy Governance Monitoring Report.
It was moved and seconded (Igel/Younglund) to approve the Consent Agenda, and it
passed unanimously.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Outside Entities).
1. BASE FUNDING REPORT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & WORKFORCE
COUNCIL fEDWC). Director DePasquale/Estes Park Chamber of Commerce
President and Christina KraWEDWC Chair provided a presentation to review the
council, the importance of economic development, and the highlights for 2024 and
upcoming items for 2025. A few of the key highlights for 2024 included the
development and redesign of training opportuinities, a monthly newsletter, business
surveys to determine needs, and conducted site selection visit with Larimer County.
The Counicl would develop an operating plan in 2025, develop additional traininings,
develop case work process and goals for 2025, and hired an Operations Manager.
Board of Trustees - March 25,2025 - Page 3
Trustee Igel - this is a report on base funding and what would be the impact if the Town
did not support the Chamber without base funding. The program would likely not exist
even with other funding support.
Trustee Brown-he joined the BASE program which is a great program for the businesses
in the community. Sprint program/
Hazelton - any thought on BASE 2 or intermediate BASE funding program. Development
in an exit strategy Sprint - how to exit your business or welcome the new owners.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS:
1. ACTION ITEMS:
A. RESOLUTION 22-25 REGARDING ELKHORN PLAZA CONDOMINIUIVIS
AMENDED PLAT. ELKHORN PLAZA CONDOMINIUM HOA,
OWNER/APPLICANT. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Senior Planner
Hornbeck presented an application for an amended subdivision plat to combine
three individual lots into one, amend the limited and general common elements to
accommodate larger decks on the 15 existing condominiums on, and vacate an
easement. The current lots are zoned CO Outlying Commercial and contain two
condominium buildings at 540 and 550 W. Elkhorn Avenue. The amended plat
would vacate a road easement to access the northern lot, which would not longer
be needed with the unified ownership. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It
was moved and seconded (Igel/Hazelton) to approve Resolution 22-25, and it
passed unanimously.
B. ORDINANCE 03-25. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT, 1895 FALL RIVER RD,
KINLEY BUILT LLC, OWNER/APPLICANT. Mayor Hall opened the public
hearing. Planner Washam reviewed a request to rezone the from CO Commercial
Outlying and A Accommodations. The current property, 2.29 acres, contains an
office building built in 1975 and was the former location of the Rocky Mountain
Conservancy in the unincorporated Larimer County. The applicant has submitted
an application for a development plan for a new three story hotel with 26
accommodation units and two staff housing units as a concurrent review with the
rezoning request. The Estes Park Planning Commission approved the
development plan, with conditions, on February 18, 2025 and contigent on the
Town Board approval of the rezoning. If the rezoning should be denied the
Development Plan would be nullified. Staff reviewed the rezoning criteria and
found the rezoning to A would allow future development in alignment with the
existing character of the area; the request would further align with the 2022 Estes
Forward Comprehensive Plan for a mixed-use centers and corridors for this
property; and. adequate public services would be available as required by the
providers.
Town Board comments and questions have been summarized:
Younglund - site design is aligned with the staff recommendations - the office is
approximately 3500 sq. ft and the proposed hotel is 22,000 sq. ft. per level and the
site will not be further distrubed and she is confused and needs it to be completed.
Kyle Paulick/Galloway Civil Engineer for the project - 9400 sq ft is the footprint of
the building and the disturbance of 66, 068 sq ft will only be during construction
and will be landscaped after construction.
Younglund also stated that she is concerned with the number of parking spots
being provided , including the number of spots for the spa and meeting room.
Parking calculations were incorporated per the discussions with Town staff. There
was a variance to limit the parking by 3 parking spaces due to the steepness of the
lot.
Board of Trustees - IVIarch 25,2025 - Page 4
Brown - questioned the difference of the zoning of A versus A-1. Commented on
the changes of conditions in the area and the staff is using the Comprehensive
Plan and that it is an outlyer in the area and he would support the staff
recommendation.
Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was moved and seconded
(Igel/Hazelton) to approve Ordinance 03-25, and it passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTION 23-25 INTERGOVERNMENTAL GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE
COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE FOR GRID HARDENING. BUDGETED. Director
Bergsten and Line Superintendent Lockhart stated the Town was notified the utility
received a $538,262 grant combined with an in-kind labor match of $184,633 from the
Colorado Energy Office to increase the resilency to the electric system through grid
hardening. The improvements would increase reliabitlity and allow the lines to handle
future load capacity. The project would further the use of a PRPA utility-scale battery
required to support the transition.
Katleen Reeves/Elm Road and supports the project.
It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Hazelton) to approve Resolution 23-25,
and it passed unanimously.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. ANNEXATION REFERRAL - ELKHORN LODGE PHAS^^ Senior Planner
Hornbeck. Review slides Substantial Compliance Resolution, Eligibility Resolution,
Annecation Ordinance, Establishment of Zoning at the annexation or 90 days
thereafter, and other applications such as a development plan.
The application has requested the annexation of 40 acres adjacent to the Elkhorn
Lodge to develop two hotels with 100 units each and the relocation of 8 to 10 cabins
on the historic Elkhorn Lodge. The property may be subject to PUD overlays. The lot
has steep slopes with 20 to 30% and with a steep ridge with ridgeline protection would
need to be addressed. Wildfire and geologic hazard plan would be required and would
be reviewed during the development plan or subdivision, however, the Town Board
could request the plan as part of the annexation. Current zoning is 1 dwelling on 2.5
acres in the county. The applicant has requested the A zoning.
Referral to Town Board, in accordance with the Municipal Annexation Act, of a petition
to annex 40 acres of land into Town.
Dan Kramer - once annexation is initiated there will be varying timelines with an
annexation agreement for easements and other requirements.
Applicant presentation - John Romero/Galloway and Justin Maby/East Avenue
To preserve the site and develop areas in gateways to National Parks. The main
lodge has been placed on a new foundation and have moved the historic cabins.
Phase II would be to build on the current work with a new experience on the 40 acrees.
The goal in the upper area is more dense building to avoid additional roads and less
impact on the property, maintain horse trail, sustainable tourism. Romero - it is
envisioned as accommodation in the Comprehensive Plan. Community interest and
they have held neighborhood meetings and will continue to have meetings with the
neighbors. This area is within a mile of downtown and would be considered as a
urbanized area and adjacent to commercial uses. Integration capablity there are
adequate public facilities. There are distinct advantages - we are subject to the Town
Board of Trustees - March 25,2025 - Page 5
policies and development standards, connected development, increase in sales tax to
the Town and key roadway connections should be created from Moraine to Elkhorn.
Public Comments:
Joan Hooper-the proposed development with 300 units that is a heavily used wildlife
cooridor. She stated concern with the protection of wildlife corridor. She suggested
a new wildlife study. She stated the two development would add 500 units to the town.
Katlin Reeves - we do not think of Estes Park being rural. The rezoning has been put
in place to protect the area. She did not think the lots would not be developed but she
did not expect a project of this size. She stated concerns with the project and will
have large impact on the environment. It is impartive to project the current zoning.
Project the current land use and zoning of the property.
Jim Fisherkeller - concerned with wilfire risk and the increase in risk along with
insurance cost increases. Wildlife impact and the draw of the tourist. It will negatively
impact the Town economy. Please involve the other local hotels to discuss their
occupancy rates.
Max Burkehalter - 1250 Rangeview Road - Rangeview Road there is a cul de sac
and it is not thourough fair. He is opposed to a road over the top of Elm Road.
Jeanna Stine - the indication that there was a sufficient traffic report completed in
December which is in the middle of winter at the lowest traffic flow in Estes Park. It is
difficult to get out of Elm Road onto Moraine today and additional traffic flow.
Kristine Poppitz - pose a questions there are 184 units with phase I and let the new
development be completed before approving additional 300 units.
Trustee comments and questions have been summarized:
Trustee Brown one of the opponent that the Town will insist that it will be a public road
from Moraine to Elkhorn or would it only be an emergency access. He stated that a
new traffic study would need to be completed once Phase I is completed. Jeff Mabry
would be ok with access through Phase I and to have a gate at on Elm Road for
emergency access only. Brown - liaison to the EPHA - the sales tax and the lodging
tax is gone from the 110 units that were vacation homes. He stated we need to replace
that revenue and it would likely be through annexation. He has not heard much about
working with the developer to have community meetings.
Trustee Igel - annexation gives the board control of the land, the issues, etc. It may
be a benefit for the Town to guide the future development of the property. If the Town
does not annex the property what would the County allow.
Lancaster-we need a light at Moraine and Elm road regardless of this project.
Hazelton - she stated she has a lot of questions to service the property with the level
of development. She is supportive of annexation to allow her to ask questions and
dive into the issues further.
Younglund - she is in alignment with Trustee Hazelton to allow the Town to have more
control on the project.
Cenac - there are a lot of questions about the project and know one else that lives
here and the Board members that care about this community and would like to keep
the development in the hands of the Town.
Town Public Works Department would recommend the roadway be a public right of
way.
Consensus was to move forward with the annexation process.
Board of Trustees - March 25,2025 - Page 6
Extend the meeting Cenac/Hazelton
REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:
It was moved and seconded (Brown/Hazelton) to enter into executive session for the
purpose of determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to
negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations, and/or instructing negotiators -
Section 24-6-402(4)(e) C.R.S; and for a conference with an attorney for the Board
for the purposes of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions - Section 24-
6-402(4)(b) C.R.S. - Springhill Suites Hotel (Olympus Lodge) Annexation
Agreement, and it passed unanimously.
Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. to executive session.
The Board concluded Executive Session at p.m.
Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at p.m.
^L
Gary Hall, MayON^_y
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Ja^sjde Williamson, Town Clerk