HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2025-05-13Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 13, 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 13th day of May, 2025.
Present: Gary Hall, Mayor
Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Kirby Hazelton
Frank Lancaster
CindyYounglund
Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator
Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator
Dan Kramer, Town Attorney
Bunny Victoria Beers, Deputy Town Clerk
Absent: Trustees Brown and Igel
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited the
Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL.
It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to approved the Agenda with the
removal Action Item #3, and it passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.
None.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS.
Board comments were heard and have been summarized: The NoCo Foundation
celebrated 50 Years of Philanthropy and showcased Crossroads Ministries of Estes Park;
the Trustee Talk would take place on May 22, 2025 and the public were encouraged to
attend, and Larimer County proclaimed May as Mental Health awareness month.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
Town Administrator Machalek highlighted Public Service Recognition Week and publicly
recognized the dedicated hardworking individuals who provide value and keep services
operational in the community.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Bills.
2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated April 22,2025.
3. Town Board Strategic Planning Session #2 Minutes dated April 18,2025.
4. Transportation Advisory Board Minutes dated March 19, 2025 (acknowledgment
only).
5. Resolution 42-25 Change Order for Fall River Trail Final Segment Design with Otak,
Inc. $95,900, Budgeted.
6. Resolution 43-25 Contract Extension for 2025 Striping & Pavement Markings with
Colorado Barricade Company $120,431, Budgeted.
7. Resolution 44-25 Change Order for the Construction Contract with NoCo Commercial,
LLC for the Town Hall Variable Flow Refrigerant (VRF) Systems Replacement
$421,980.88, Budgeted.
Board of Trustees - May 13,2025 - Page 2
8. Resolution 45-25 Construction Contract with TCC Corporation for the Town Hall
Finance Department Remodel (170 MacGregor Ave) $295,208, Budgeted.
9. Resolution 46-25 Construction Contract with TCC Corporation for the Street Division
Maintenance Shop Restrooms Remodel (575 Elm Road) $178,322, Budgeted.
10. Resolution 47-25 Intergovernmental Agreement with CDOT for 2025 "Bustang to
Estes" Transit Service.
11 .Transportation Advisory Board Appointments.
• Reappointment of Joan Hooper for a 3-year term expiring March 31, 2028.
• Appointment ofAracely Thomas for a 3-year term expiring March 31,2028.
• Appointment of Brian Denning for a 3-year term expiring March 31, 2028.
12.Estes Park Housing Authority Reappointment of Eric Blackhurst to a term expiring
April 30, 2030.
13. Resolution 48-25 Colorado Department of Human Services Co-Responder Contract
with SummitStone Health Partners.
14. Revised Policy 101 - Board Assignments.
It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Younglund) to approve Consent Agenda
Items 1-13 with the removal of Consent #14, and it passed unanimously.
Revised Policy 101 - Board Assignments. During the joint meeting with Larimer
County Board of Commissioners the Mayor offered availablity as additional liaison on
the Visit Estes Park (VEP) Board. Additional interest was heard from Board members
and the Mayor welcomed recommendations. It was moved and seconded
(Younglund/Lancaster) to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Cenac as additional Liasion for
the VEP Board, and it passed unanimously.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS (Carry Over Item From 4-22-2025):
1. 2024 IMPACT REPORT FOR 6E WORKFORCE HOUSING AND CHILDCARE
LODGING TAX FUNDS. Manager Bangs presented the 2024 Impact report,
reviewed the strategic planning process, stakeholder outreach, revenue, and
priorities including childcare initatives, tuition assistance and facility expansion.
Highlights of her presentation included: Tuition supported 58 children in 2024;
grant funding was received to support the expansion of assistance to middle-
income eligible households; two licensed childcare centers received funding to
provide childcare within the community; a preschool Fellowship Program was
funded at the YMCA of the Rockies; $35,420 in funding was provided for out-of-
school programming and reflected an increase in enrollment; 40 childcare
preschool spots were retained with the purchase of Mountain Top Preschool.
Housing Initiatives were presented by Estes Park Housing Authority Director
Moulton including: 2024 focuses; $5,359,679 in funds were dedicated to land
banking which added 117 workforce restricted units at Fall River Village, Grand
Estates, and Beaver Brook Crossing; pre-development work had begun at Fish
Hatchery, a pilot rental assistance program was launched for middle-income
working housholds; a pilot program was launched using 6E funds for a Habitat for
Humanity property; and he highlighted staff and administrative costs. Manager
Bangs stated staff would begin public outreach for the 2026 6E Funding Plan.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Outside Entities).
1. ESTES PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL RISE CHALLENGE PRESENTATION.
Estes Park Middle School Environmental Resilience Team participated in a
statewide initiative where students are tasked with taking civic action to improve
community resilience against natural hazards. In collaboration with the Public
Works Department and the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition students focused on
improvements to the stormwater drainage plan. Students talked about the impacts
Board of Trustees - May 13, 2025 - Page 3
of the 2013 flood and the vital importance of well maintained detention basins.
Maintaining basins and stormwater systems ensures functionality, prevents
flooding, and supports the areas water and energy needs. Students inspected
seven privately owned basins with the help of Public Works Engineer Waters to
collect data. Evidence of standing water, debris, errosion, blocked inlets and
outlets, seidement build-up, overgrown vegitation and damage to the turf or
structure reflected neglect of the basins. Students stated the Town does not have
policies on the maintenance of private stormwater basins. Students are working
with Town staff to propose new policies for stormwater drainage system
maintainence for public and private detention facilities. These policies would align
with the Larimer County Stormwater Design Standards and the Mile High Flood
District Manual. Students recommended the Board adopt the Stormwater
Drainage System Maintenance Policy. They encouraged a meeting with private
owners of detention basins to provide an opportunity for collaboration, guidance
and ensure the property owners are supported in protecting their properties and
the community. The Board commended students efforts identifying an issue,
providing options to engage the community and providing potential solutions.
2. SISTER CITIES YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL. Students Alexa Rojas Santana
and Jackson Gold provided an update on the annual Sister Cities Youth and
Educational Exchange to Monteverde, Costa Rica. They were joined by Cynda
Bash/Teacher, Rachel Grahm/Co-Sponsor and Glen Case/Co-Sponsor. Students
reviewed the geography, climate, activities attended, the local wildlife observed
including a night walk, tour of the cloud forest, local studies including ecotourism,
technical and professional opportunities, dinners with local families; and a circus
program which helped provide connections for students who may be high risk for
drug abuse. They visited the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Santa Elena library,
Garuva Ecoexperiencias for coffee, sugar cane and chocolate processing, and the
Calle Verde festival. Students responded to Board questions surrouding similarties
and differences between Monteverde and Estes Park. The Board commended the
students and sponsors for participating in the Sister Cities program and stated the
value of the cultural engagement. Sister Cities hope to welcome Monteverde
students in July of 2025 to Estes Park.
3. BASEJ=yND!NG REPORT ^ESTES VALLEY WATERSHED COALITION.
President Bob Leavitt provided an update on the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition
(EVWC) Base Funding Report. He reviewed the history of the EVWC which was
formed in 2013 after the devistating flood. Highlights of EVWC efforts was
presentated included: Changes to the local wildlife including the increase in
beavers to the surrounding areas; the importance of the comprehensive plan,
environmental development code changes and the future of disaster recovery;
financials and operating costs; efforts to secure grants to help improve the area,
and he reviewed 2024/2025 project supporters. He stated the organization hosts
a number of programs including bringing in experts from around the country to
provide educational sessions to the public. Frank Theis stated the Estes Park High
School Environmental Resilience Team wrote and were awarded a $4,000 grant
to improve a detention basin at the Raven Subdivision Habitat for Humanty project.
The Board commended the work of the EVWC, their collaboration with numerous
organizations to provide support to the community and spoke to the value of their
educational programs.
LIQUOR ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTION 49-25 NEW BEER & WINE LIQUOR LICENSE FILED BY
GALLOWAY REED LLC DBA INKWELL &BREW, 150 E. ELKHORN AVENUE,
ESTES PARK, CO 80517. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing and Deputy Town
Clerk Beers presented Resolution 49-25. She reviewed the application for the new
Beer & Wine Liquor License, stating all paperwork and fees have been submitted and
the application has undergone concurrent review. The applicant was aware of the
Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) requirement. The applicant was available
for questions and stated they were looking to expand offerings to provide an additional
option for locals and visitors in the community. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing
Board of Trustees - May 13, 2025 - Page 4
and it was moved and seconded (Younglund/Cenac) to approve Resolution 49-25
for a new Beer & Wine liquor license for Galloway Reed LLC dba Inkwell & Brew,
150 E. Elkhorn Avenue, and it passed unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION 50-25 NEW HOTEL AND RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE
APPLICATION FOR FORTUNA AUREA INC., dba THE PARK TAVERN 237 & 247
W. ELKHORN AVENUE, ESTES PARK, COLORADO. Mayor Hall opened the public
hearing and Deputy Town Clerk Beers presented Resolution 50-25. She reviewed the
application for the new Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License, stating all paperwork
and fees have been submitted and the application has undergone concurrent review.
The location has had a liquor license in the past. The applicant was aware of the
Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) requirement and owners have completed
the training previously. The applicant was available for questions and stated they hope
to create a hidden craft cocktail bar or speakeasy opportunity which would bring in
cocktails from 200 years ago. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing and it was moved
and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to approve Resolution 50-25 for a new Hotel &
Restaurant liquor license for Fortuna Aurea Inc., dba The Park Tavern, 237 &
247 W. Elkhorn Avenue, and it passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER APPOINTMENTS AND
ROLES. Item was continued to May 27, 2025.
2. RESOLUTION 51-25 SETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING DATES FOR PROPOSED
ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES. Superintendent Lockhart stated the setting of the
public hearing dates for the proposed electric rate increases was presented as an
Action Item to allow additional opportunity for public comment. Staff requested setting
the electric rate increases public hearing dates for June 10th and June 24th. It was
moved and seconded (Hazelton/Younglund) to approve Resolution 51-25, and it
passed unanimously.
3. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT STANLEY PARK. Item continued to May 27,
2025.
4. RESOLyTIQN 52-25 FINDING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE AND INITIATING
ANNEXATION PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ELKHORN LODGE PHASE II
ANNEXATION. Senior Planner Hornbeck stated the purpose of Resolution 52-25
would be to determine whether the content of the annexation petition substantially
complies with the Municipal Annexation Act and set a date and time for the eligibility
hearing. He reviewed the annexation application timeline, advantages and
disadvantages and recommended approval of the resolution. There being no
comments, it was moved and seconded (Lancaster/Younglund) to approve
Resolution 52-25, and it passed unanimously.
5. RESOLUTION 53-25 AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
THE STATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS FOR THE
SPRUCE KNOB AND CARRIAGE HILLS WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT. Town Administrator Machalek stated the resolution would be the official
acceptance of the grant agreement for the Spruce Knob and Carriage Hills Water
System Improvements Project. It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Younglund) to
approve Resolution 53-25, and it passed unanimously.
6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR ANNUAL MERIT. Mayor Hall stated the Town
Administrator Annual performance review was conducted by Graves Consulting. The
Town Administrator agreement reflects the position was entitled to a merit increase
each calendar year based on the merit pool provided to all Town employees. The
agreement further outlines the Board may override the increase to provide a greater
or lesser increase, or no increase. Mayor Hall recommended a 3.5% increase based
on Town Administrator Machalek's work ethic, performance and leadership. It was
Board of Trustees - May 13,2025 - Page 5
moved and seconded (Hall/Cenac) to increase Town Administrator Machalek's
merit increase to 3.5% effective May 2,2025,and it passed unanimously.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Outside Entities).
1. MUSEUM ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024.
Director Fortini presented an overview of the Museum Annual Report. Staff review
strategic initiatives annually to address goals beyond ongoing operations.
Highlights of the report included: Museum Annex improvements; oral histories
inventory in collaboration with the Estes Valley Library; he reviewed visitation and
return visitors; the contributions from the Estes Park Museum Friends &
Foundation Inc which helped fund two 12 month contract positions at 75%; artifacts
and collections, and volunteer efforts. 2025 Strategic initiatives included:
determining Town philosophy/financial commitment to manage and maintain
historic structures; paint the Historic Hydroplant sturctures; re-roofthe caretakers
cottage; digitize newspapers from 2001-2005; execute moth mitigation and begin
a 30 month monitoring period for impacted artifacts; Joe Mills donations from 2013-
2023 and other donations; complete the 2025 phase of artifact cleaning, relocation,
and catalog update; Museum Annex improvements, and continue oral history
collection efforts.
Town Administrator Machalek introduced David Greear, Public Works Director and the
Board welcomed him to the position with the Town.
Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
Gary Hall, MAypr
L^^^l
Victoria Beers, Dep'uty Town Clerk