HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2025-04-22Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, April 22, 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 22nd day of April, 2025.
Present: Gary Hall, Mayor
Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem
Trustees Bill Brown
Kirby Hazelton
Mark Igel
CindyYounglund
Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator
Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator
Dan Kramer, Town Attorney
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Absent: Trustee Frank Lancaster
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:
It was moved and seconded (Brown/Cenac) to enter into executive session for
discussion of a personnel matter - Section 24-6-402(4)(f), C.R.S. and not involving:
any specific employees who have requested discussion of the matter in open
session; any member of the Town Board; the appointment of any person to fill an
office of the Town Board; or personnel policies that do not require discussion of
matters personal to particular employees. - Municipal Judge, Town Attorney and
Town Administrator Annual Evaluations, and it passed unanimously.
The Board entered into executive session at 5:05 p.m. and the executive session
concluded at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Hall reconvened the regular meeting at 7:08 p.m. and all desiring to do so recited
the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION.
Mayor Hall proclaimed May 5-9, 2025 as Public Service Recognition Week.
PROCLAMATION.
Mayor Hall proclaimed April 20 - 26, 2025 as Volunteer Recognition Week.
AGENDA APPROVAL.
It was moved and seconded (HazeltonA^ounglund) to approve the Agenda, and it
passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.
Christy Crosser/County resident and Friends of the Museum Board member thanked the
Town Board for the community grant awarded to the museum, and requested the Board
consider adding the museum back into the Town's Strategic Plan. She noted the need
for additional parking stalls to be allocated for the library. She stated support for the joint
meeting between the Town Board and the County Commissioners to discussion the Visit
Estes Park Board.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS.
Board comments were heard and have been summarized: recognized the completion of
the newly refurbished Town Hall bathrooms; noted the three open positions on the
Transportation Advisory Board; reminded the public of the Rooftop Rodeo; Sister Cities
Board of Trustees - April 22,2025 - Page 2
to welcome back the local students that went to Monteverde, Costa Rica over spring
break; thanked Restorative Justice for their facilitation of the recent Town Board and
Planning Commission meeting; reminded the public to support local non-profits through
the Duck Race; Visit Estes Park selected the next interim CEO, Bill Hamberry, with a
contract and start date to be determined; Tourism Summit to take place on April 30, 2025;
a joint meeting with the Town Board and County Commissioners would be held on May
6, 2025; and encourage interested individuals to apply for the Estes Park Planning
Commission, Estes Park Board of Adjustment, and the Estes Park Housing Authority.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT,
Town Administrator Machalek stated he reported full compliance with Policy 3.4 at the
previous meeting. He noted partial compliance'with 3.4.5 as staff determined a change
order was approved outside of the explicit language of the approved resolution. One
additional project from 2022 incurred the same violation. The projects were completed
within budget and within the proper spending authority.
POLICY GOVERNANCE MONITORING REPORT- POLICIES 3.3 AND 3.7.
Policy 2.3 designates specific reporting requirements for the Town Administrator to
provide information on policy compliance to the Board. The above policies are reported
on each April and noted full compliance. He stated 3.3.3 requires operational revenue
projections are clear and projected and actual revenues are within 10% margin of error.
Two funds were outside of this margin for the Worforce Housing Lodging Tax Fund and
the Parking Service Fund. Staff made expenditure reductions in both funds to ensure
budgetary compliance.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Bills.
2. Town Board Meeting & Study Session Minutes dated April 8,2025.
3. Estes Park Planning Commission minutes dated March 18, 2025 (acknowledgment
only).
4. Resolution 29-25 Amendment to the Professional Engineering Services Agreement
with AE2S LLC to add general services during construction for the Carriage Hills and
Spruce Knob Water Systems Improvement Project $219,930, Budgeted.
5. Resolution 30-25 Contract with Vance Brothers, LLC for 2025 Chip & Crack Seal
Program $306,859.04, Budgeted.
6. Resolution 31-25 Contract extension with Coulson Excavating Company, Inc. for 2025
Overlay & Patching Program $1,712,250.25, Budgeted.
7. Resolution 32-25 Change Order to the Construction Contract with JOC Construction,
LLC for Performance Park Restrooms Remodel $105,826.49, Budgeted.
8. Resolution 33-25 Intergovernmental Agreement with Colorado Department of
Transportation for Fiscal Year 2023 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
Funds to Support Estes Park Transit Service Expansion Programs in 2025 and 2026
$252,370.00, Budgeted.
9. Resolution 34-25 Contracts for On-Call Electrical Services with Dickinson Electric,
Inc., Flash Electric, Inc., South Paw Electric Company.
10. Letter of Support to Colorado Department of Transportation for the Non-Attainment
Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise Community Clean Transportation Assistance
Grant Program (NAAPME) for Moraine Avenue Trail Design/Construction Project.
11. Resolution 35-25 Setting the Public Hearing for a New Beer & Wine Liquor License
Application for Galloway Reed LLC dba Inkwell & Brew, 150 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes
Park, Colorado.
12. Resolution 36-25 Setting the Public Hearing for a New Hotel & Restaurant Liquor
License Application for Fortuna Aurea Inc dba Park Tavern, 237 & 247 W. Elkhorn
Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado.
13.Acceptance of Town Administrator Policy Governance Report.
Board of Trustees - April 22,2025 - Page 3
It was moved and seconded (Igel/Younglund) to approve the Consent Agenda, and it
passed unanimously.
Consent Item #4 - Resolution 29-25 Amendment to the Professional Engineering
Services Agreement with AE2S LLC to add general services during construction
for the Carriage Hills and Spruce Knob Water Systems Improvement Project
$219,930, Budgeted. It was noted by Town Attorney Kramer that Consent Item #4 was
not finalized or approved by staff and would need to be reconsidered at a future Town
Board meeting. It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Hazelton) to reconsider
Resolution 29-25 at the next Town Board meeting, and it passed unanimously.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Outside Entities).
1. BASE FUNDING REPORT - ESTES VALLEY CRISIS ADVOCATES. Program
Director Fanucchi reviewed a report outlining the mission and programs provided by
the organization. She noted the program sen/ed 466 clients, 908 total shelter nights,
1,598 client contacts, and 3,150 volunteer hours by the board members and volunteer
advocates. The funding the Town provides assists the organization and to leverage
the funds to apply for and receive funding from other sources such as federal funding.
2. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE GRANT FUNDING FOR THE ESTES VALLEY
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (EVFPD). Division Chief Landkamer stated the Town
funded a 25% match, $175,000, for a Wildfire Defense Grant awarded to the EVFPD
to thin and treat property in the Thunder Mountain area adjacent to Rocky Mountain
National Park, approximately 200 acres. In February 2025, the Colorado State Forest
Service notified EVFPD that they had reconsidered the match requirement and
determined the grant award no longer required a match due to Estes Valley's status
as an "underserved community". The project cost remained at $740,000; however, the
grant no longer requires the match. The Town Board could require the funds be repaid
to the Town, and therefore, reduce the scope of the project or EVFPD would need to
find additional funds to complete the project.
Town Board discussion was heard and has been summarized: questioned if the funds
were needed now by the EVFPD since the project would take three to four years to
complete; could the funds be returned for Town use and reissued at a later date, closer
to the tail end of the project; the funds have been allocated to address this needed
community concern; concerned the Town allocated funds are no longer needed to
secure the loan and could be used for other Town priorities; questioned how the new
1A sales tax funds have impacted the EVFPD financially; stated the EVFPD does not
have a financial stake in the current project other than in-kind; requested repayment
of the funds would be second guessing a prior board; questioned if the EVFPD would
use 1A sales tax revenues to fund future grant opportunities; and requested additional
information and discussion occur prior to making a final decision.
Division Chief Landkamer stated EVFPD's would provide in-kind grant management,
hire the contractor and manage the project. The 1A sales tax has provided the funding
for EVFPD to hire a Wildland Risk Reduction Educator and hire a mitigation crew.
Town Administrator Machalek stated the item would be scheduled for an upcoming
Board meeting to allow additional deliberative discussion with a formal action by the
Board.
LIQUOR ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTION 37-25 N EW HOTEL & RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE FILED BY
JWC ELEVATIONS LLC DBA STANLEY CHOCOLATE FACTORY. 157 W.
ELKHORN AVENUE UNIT 1-10 & 14, ESTES PARK. CO 80517. Mayor Hall opened
the public hearing and Town Clerk Williamson presented Resolution 37-25 for a new
Hotel & Restaurant liquor license. She reviewed the application stating all paperwork
and fees had been submitted. The applicant was aware of the Training for Intervention
Procedures (TIPS) requirement as the applicant owns other liquor establishments in
Town and has completed TIPS training previously. The applicant was available for
Board of Trustees - April 22,2025 - Page 4
questions and spoke regarding their experience, the renovations, intentions for the
new building, and opening date of Fourth of July weekend. Mayor Hall closed the
public hearing and it was moved and seconded (CenacA'ounglund) to approve
Resolution 37-25, and it passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTIQN 38-25 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS #1 TO THE
2025 BUDGET. Director Zimmerman presented a supplemental budget appropriation
for the 2025 budget to re-appropriate remaining balances for uncompleted 2024
purchase orders to complete the acquisition of goods and services ordered in 2024
but not received by the end of the year or uncompleted projects. Any grant funds
associated with the projects must also be rolled over to the current 2025 budget. After
reflecting the budget amendment, the General Fund reserves are projected at 31.5%
of 2025 operating expenditures with the inclusion of $56.2 million in rollovers and
amendments. The proposed supplement would increase the current Administrative
Assistant in Public Works from a .75 FTE to a 1.0 FTE. It was moved and seconded
(BrownA^ounglund) to approve Resolution 38-25, and it passed unanimously.
2. RESOLUT!Ohn9-25 6E FUNDING EXPENDITURE FOR CHILDCARE START-UP
COSTS. Manager Bangs reviewed a request to utilize 6E funds of $150,002.25 to
support the start up costs for Little Kids Motessori Childcare and Preschool located
within the St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church to serve up to 26 children from infant
to 5 years old. The funds would be used to purchase equipment, supplies, and staffing
costs for three lead teachers and three assistant teachers for the first three months of
onboarding. The initial start-up costs received by the Town would be used to leverage
matching grants with larger, more regional organizations. The funding agreement
outlines sipulations, including the provider must offer childcare for infants and toddlers,
and must offer childcare services for at least five years or be required to return the
funds. The operator Susan Castillo was present and provided a brief overview of the
new childcare program. After further discussion, it was moved and seconded
(Hazelton/Cenac) to approve Resolution 39-25, and it passed unanimously.
3. ORDINANCE 05-25 AMENDING SECTION 13.2 OF THE ESTES PARK
DEVELOPMENT CODE TO ADD CAROUSELS AS LIMITED COMMERCIAL
RECREATION OR ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS. Mayor Hall opened the
public hearing. Director Careccia noted a proposal to place an indoor carousel on
property within the CD zoning district, 133 West Elkhorn Avenue, was received as part
of a larger, adjacent development that includes a chocolate factory and other
food/beverage type uses. Currently only limited indoor commercial recreation
establishments are permitted by right within the CD zoning district. The Development
Code further defines what specifically constitutes a limited recreation establishment
as indoor movie theaters and theatrical space for dramatic, musical or live
performances; or indoor billiards, pool and other table games. The carousel would
neither be an allowed use by right nor an accessory use within the CD zoning district.
On March 25, 2025, the Town Board directed staff to draft a narrowly focused text
amendment to specifically allow indoor carousels as an accessory use within the CD
zoning district. At their meeting of April 8, 2025, the Town Board reviewed a proposed
amendment drafted by staff, recommended revisions, and directed staff to move
forward with the public hearing adoption process.
Wait Dietrich/Chairman and President of Whimsadoodle stated strong support for the
new addition to the area and to enhance the area of Cleave Street.
Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was moved and seconded
(Younglund/Hazelton) to approve Ordinance 05-25, and it passed unanimously.
4. RESOLUTION 40-25 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDIN LARIMER
COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR SECURITY. Chief Stewart presented a
Memorandum of Understanding with Larimer County Sheriff's Office to allow the Estes
Park Police Department sworn officers to work special events in the unincorporated
Larimer County and at the Larimer County Fairgrounds. The agreements further
Board of Trustees - April 22,2025 - Page 5
outlines the compensation rate for officers with a 4% inflation per year for three years,
describe the incident command structure, and other operational procedures for
events. After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Hazelton/lgel) to
approve Resolution 40-25, and it passed unanimously.
5. ORDINANCE^6-25 AMENDING CHAPTERS 10.04.030 AND 10.04.040 OF THE
TOWN OF ESTES PARK MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO OVERNIGHT
PARKING. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Director Muhonen stated the
Muncipal Code sections 10.04.030 Parking Prohibited and 10.04.040 Overnight
Parking Prohibited have been reviewed by staff and proposed revisions have been
drafted to address ambiguities, improve enforceability, and ensure alignment with
operational capabilities and community expectations. The code as written prohibits
parking on any public roadway or parking lot within town limits overnight for more than
18 hours. The proposed code language would make lawful the long-standing historic
overnight parking along residential streets. At the March 25, 2025 study session, the
Board affirmed concerns with camping on public streets and parking lots. The Board
also expressed some differing opinion on the continuation of overnight parking
prohibitions and requested a future discussion. The current proposal would keep the
current overnight parking restriction in parking lots while allowing overnight parking in
other areas. The ordinance does however provide overnight parking at the Events
Complex parking lot. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was moved and
seconded (Igel/Cenac) to approve Ordinance 06-25, and it passed unanimously.
6. RESOLUTION 41-25 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH DESMAN.
INC FOR THE DESIGN OF THE BIG HORN PARKING STRUCTURE. Manager Klein
presented a contract with DESMAN, Inc. for the design of a multi-level Big Horn
parking structure, to include structural design accommodating an additional fourth
level for potential future construction of workforce housing at a cost of $456,882 or a
not to exceed amount of $500,000. A request for proposal was issued in June 2024
and staff negotiations with the top consultant could not be completed due to the gap
between the consultant's fees and the Town's budget. The second ranked consultant
provided a fee proposal in line with the Town's budget, and staff have confirmed the
designer's capabilities and experience with similar projects in Colorado. The
proposed parking structure would increase parking supply and mitigate the loss ofon-
street parking caused by the Cleave Street Improvement Project. It was moved and
seconded (IgelA'ounglund) to approve Resolution 41-25, and it passed
unanimously.
7. REVISED POLICY 842 - PARKING PERMITS. Manager Klein reviewed a revision to
the policy to allow the Business Permit: Commercial Loading permit to park overnight
at the Museum Annex Parking lot on 220 4th Street from 5 p.m. to 1 0 a.m. This would
free up downtown parking spots during the high season. It would further eliminate
ambiguity for the parking enforcement team on potential violations.
Board discussion was heard and summarized: concern was raised on making the jobs
of the Post Office employees and contractors more difficult; the number of issues and
concerns raised with the use of the parking lot by the Post Office outway their
continued use; other options and solutions could have been brought forward by the
community and the Post Office; questioned if there was a legal risk in limiting the Post
Office's use of the parking lot; this change may elevate the converstation to relocate
the Post Office from downtown; and concern with the neighborhood impact for permit
holders. It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Hazelton) to approve Policy 842
- Parking Permits with the proposed revisions, and it passed unanimously.
8. RENAMING REQUEST FOR POST OFFICE PARK LOT TO "BALDWIN PARK
LOT". Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Town Administrator Machalek brought
forward a proposed name change for the currently named Post Office Parking Lot as
outlined in policy 208. The name change would recognize that the parking lot serves
many businesses and functions other than the Post Office. Baldwin Park would be
the closest Town facility to the parking lot and highlights the adjacent public park area.
The change would further eliminate the potential confusion regarding ownership of the
public parking lot. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was moved and seconded
Board of Trustees - April 22,2025 - Page 6
(Igel/Cenac) to approve the renaming request of the Post Office Park lot to the
Baldwin Park lot, and it passed unanimously.
It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/lgel) to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
and the motion failed with Mayor Pro Tem Cenac and Trustees Brown and Younglund
voting "No".
9. TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER APPOINTMENTS AND
ROLES. Item to be continued to the May 13, 2025 meeting.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. 2024 IMPACT REPORT FOR 6E WORKFORCE HOUSING AND CHILDCARE
LODGING TAX FUNDS. Item to be continued to the May 13, 2025 meeting.
Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m.
^
Gary Hall, M<^
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J^ie Williamson, Town Clerk\ \!J