Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2025-06-10Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 10, 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 10th day of June, 2025. Present: Gary Hall, Mayor Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem Trustees Bill Brown Kirby Hazelton Frank Lancaster Mark Igel CindyYounglund 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. AGENDA APPROVAL. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to approve the Agenda, and it passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS. None. TRUSTEE COMMENTS, Board comments were heard and have been summarized: Rooftop Rodeo would be held July 5 - 10 with the parade downtown on July 7; the next Visit Estes Park meeting would include a discussion on the next CEO search process and an update on a personnel issue; the Economic Development and Workforce Council would hold a welcome event for summer employees to provide education on a wide array of topics; and the Mayor held a Mayor's Coffee meeting that was well attended. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. Town Administrator Machalek stated the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police awarded Peni Bares with the Professional Staff Member of the Year. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Bills. 2. Town Board Meeting Minutes and Study Session Minutes dated May 27, 2025. 3. Transportation Advisory Board Minutes dated April 16, 2025 (acknowledgement only). 4. Resolution 59-25 Grant Agreement and Amendment #1 with the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies for 2025 Ozone Season Transit Grant Program Funds. 5. Revised Policy 306 Leave. 6. 2025 Art in Public Places (AIPP) Artwork Donation from Sister Cities for a Peace Pole and Interpretive Sign. It was moved and seconded (Igel/Brown) to approve the Consent Agenda, and it passed unanimously. Board of Trustees - June 10,2025 - Page 2 REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Outside Entities). 1. WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT FISH HATCHERY PROPERPf. EPHA Executive Director Moulton and Real Estate Development Director Levine provided an update on the Fish Hatchery Workforce and Affordable Housing project, including a review of the previous 2022 plan, project timeline noting submittal to Community Development would occur in the next month, completion of a community survey and the key insights guiding the development, community and neighborhood meetings held to provide opportunity for discussion and engagement on the proposed development, and the 75 acre site has been reviewed for traffic, hazards, nature and wildlife, cultural and building history. It was further noted the proposed development would occur on 22 acres north of Fall River. Ronnie Pelusio/Pel-Ona, development architect, reviewed the current buildings onsite, including the Hydro Museum and accessory buildings, noting a number of the accessory buildings would be demoed. A key element in developing the site requires a review and determination on traffic impacts, evacuation plan, pedestrian connectivity, and multi-modal connectivity. Discussions with CDOT continue to determine what intersection improvements may be required to address the increased traffic associated with the development. The proposed development contains approximately 100 units with a variety of unit types, including apartments, townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes in an effort to bring a diversity of individuals to the development. Real Estate Development Director Levine reviewed potential rental rates for a LIHTC project for homes in the 30 - 80% AMI which would include approximately 47 of the 103 units proposed. 2. BASE FUNDING REPORT: CROSSROADS MINISTRY OF ESTES PARK. Executive Director Schaffer thanked the Board for their ongoing support of Crossroads and noted 120 volunteers provide the services to the community such as Meals on Wheels, utilities assistance, rental and mortgage assistance, medical assistance, Helping Hub to assist with transportation, and a host of other services. LIQUOR ITEMS: 1. RESOLUTION 60-25 NEW HQT^^ LIQUOR LICENSE FILED BY INDIAN BITES INC. DBAIND^^^^^^^^ W. RIVERSIDE DRIVE, ESTES PARK. CO 80517. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing and Town Clerk Williamson presented Resolution 60-25 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 and has completed TIPS training. The applicant was available for questions. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Brown) to approve Resolution 60-25, and it passed unanimously. 2. RESOLyTjON 61-25 NEW TAVERN LIQUOR LICENSE FILED BY PARK THEATER MALL LLC DBA THE SLAB 116 E. ELKHORN AVENUE, ESTES PARK, CO 80517. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing and Town Clerk Williamson presented Resolution 61-25 for a new Tavern 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 and has completed TIPS training previously. The applicant was available for questions. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (Igel/Younglund) to approve Resolution 61-25, and it passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 07-25 PROPOSED ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Megan Helper/New Gen Strategies and Solutions presented the rate study, including the financial forecast, cost allocation, and rate design. She noted without the proposed rate increase the utility would not meet the required 90 day O&M reserve beginning in 2027 to maintain bond ratings. She reviewed the proposed annual increases to the electric rates that ensure costs Board of Trustees - June 10,2025 - Page 3 and revenues remain balanced. The increase to each rate class varies with typical residential bills realizing a 2% to 3% increase and commercial bills a 3% to 8% increase. The rate study process and public hearing dates were discussed at the May 13, 2025 meeting. Staff has engaged in outreach with the public through a number of events beginning in November 2024 through present. Staff recommended the Board consider electric rate increase of 3.5% beginning in January 2026. Director Bergsten noted the utility has experienced large inflationary pressures that have contributed to and impacted rates. He further stated the utility has a large service area with a small number of customers which increases the cost of service. John Guffy/Town resident stated the importance in considering sustainable energy sources. He commented an increase in rates may reduce the demand on energy. Greg Peterson/Town resident and local business owner stated concern with the current rates and the proposed rates. He noted his electric bills in 2025 have increased well above the proposed 5%. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to continue the public hearing to June 24, 2025, and it passed unanimously. 2. REVISED POLICY 225 CHILDCARE FUNDING GUIDELINES. Manager Bangs reviewed the revision to the policy which included feedback provided by the Board at the February 25, 2025 study session. The revisions primarily address the development of efficient budget and funding distribution processes, staff spending authority and funding program descriptions. The policy has been revised to include an update to the policy statement, the Town's role, outlining the Workforce Housing and Childcare Lodging Tax Fund, appropriations to the 6E Lodging Tax Fund, childcare expenditures, priority grant program, priority grant framework, childcare stability initiative, childcare assistance request, and outlining funding requirements with details on eligible expenditures and childcare funding agreement. The policy would establish staff spending authority for awards up to $50,000 with all other funding requests presented to the Town Board for approval. Board discussion ensued on who would qualify for the childcare incentive included in the policy under the childcare initiative. Concern was heard with regard to childcare providers being eligible for the incentive if they are caring for their own children as well as other families children. Attorney Kramer noted that the policy states the incentive would be available to childcare providers caring for four unrelated children. Further discussion was heard on the staff's spending authority, and it was noted that staff, including Deputy Town Administrator and Housing and Childcare Manager would discuss all expenditures within the spending authority. After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Younglund/Cenac) to approve the revisions to Policy 225 Childcare Funding Guidelines and its exhibits as presented, and it passed unanimously. 3. RESOLUTION 62^5 (X)NT^ OF LARIMER COUNTY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ESTES VALLEY CHILDCARE FUND. Manager Bangs presented a semce contract with Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC) for the administration of the middle- income childcare tuition assistance program which comes forward after the completion of cost-modeling and program build-out for the Estes Valley in collaboration with Larimer Child Care Fund and the use of existing Countywide software, BridgeCare, for the administration. Staff recommends partnering with ECCLC for a number of reasons, including cost-effectiveness of expanding an existing program rather than the creation of a new program, alignment with regional strategic planning and long- term goals for Larimer County, complex and easily accessible data tracking that ensures families are accessing programs and funding sources in a desired hierarchy (CCAP first), allows for a blending of private and public assistance, high level of administrative support and automated services for both families and childcare providers, and accessibility and familiarity for families applying for assistance. The recommended program budget for the 2025-2026 year (July 2025 to August 2026) would total $160,000 in 6E funds with $50,000 in 2025, $100,000 in 2026 and $10,000 in administrative costs (10%) for ECCLC, and 10-15 children to be served depending on the age of the children. The program's goals would create an equitable childcare Board of Trustees - June 10,2025 - Page 4 system through increased access to childcare assistance and improve financial stability for the underserved communities through offsetting the cost of care for middle- income families. The program would support working families in the Estes Park R-3 School District earning 80 - 110% AMI with copays calculated as a percentage, 10% or less, of the household's monthly income. The child, 0-5, must be enrolled with a licensed provider within the Estes Valley, at least one parent must work within the Estes Valley, and not receiving CCCAP or other EVICS assistance. The administrative cost of the program would be well within the costs for other programs similarly situated in Colorado. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Younglund) to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m., and the motion passed unanimously. Board comments and questions have been summarized: questioned how Larimer County's proposed sales tax would impact the program; clarified that only children within the Estes Valley would be sen/ed; questioned if the application would only be available online, and if so, would there be local support to assist families with the application process; and questioned why EVICS proposal was not included in the staff report for consideration by the Board. Public comment in support of the EVICS proposal to administer the Estes Valley Childcare Fund to serve the middle-income, including Logan Kirk/Town resident, Carol Myers/County resident, Louise Olson/Town resident, and Maricruz Ortiz/Childcare provider. Comments were summarized: EVICS supports families and providers within Estes Park; would administer a program within their current budget; 100% of the providers work directly with EVICS, including licensed exempt childcare providers; questioned the advantage of having a separate entity manage funds for a different income status; concerned with young children watching younger siblings due to the lack of affordable childcare; and the current proposal would not support families need for flexibility in choosing a childcare provider. Sarah Schmidt/EVICS Childcare Resource Specialist provided a proposal from EVICS to administer the program locally. EVICS would utilize the current staff to provide oversight and administration of the program at no additional cost which would allow for all funding to be used to assist families. Through EVICS there would be no limitation on using only licensed childcare facilities, thereby providing families with the additional flexibility to use licensed exempt childcare. The application process would be open during the entire year to allow for new members of the community to apply throughout the school year and could be implemented immediately using EVICS current platform. EVICS requested the Board amended the motion to award the funds to EVICS to administer the middle income program. Board comments and questions have been summarized: questioned why staff has recommended ECCLC over EVICS which has no additional administrative costs to manage the program; requested clarification on what BridgeCare software provides that EVICS software does not provide; questioned the ability to use the funds for licensed exempt providers; questioned if there were other non-Estes Park programs providing middle income assistance; questioned the accountability between the two entities; stated concerns with the past history with EVICS and noted they have made improvements; stated concerns that EVICS may come back to the Town for additional funding of the program if grant funds are not available to cover the administrative costs of the program; noted the public comment received favors the EVICS proposal; and questioned if the Town could utilize EVICS services in the future. Manager Bangs stated EVICS does not have the ability to manage the new program currently; BridgeCare provides connectivity to Colorado licensed providers and Colorado Shines; how the funds are used remains a policy conversation, however, staff recommended funds be prioritized to fund licensed facilities; BridgeCare would be the program used by the County and ECCLC if the County sales tax was approved by the voters to administer funds with an emphasis on middle-income families; and the current contract term would be for one year and could be terminated or renewed per the contract. Board of Trustees - June 10,2025 - Page 5 It was moved and seconded (Igel/Hazelton) to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m., and the motion passed unanimously. It was moved and seconded (Lancaster/) to table the Resolution 62-25 and bring the item back, and the motion died lacking a second. Further Board comments were heard and have been summarized: would support the ECCLC contract with the understanding the item could be considered annually; the administrative costs with ECCLC are significant; EVICS can support and provide funding to licensed exempt providers to expand available options to families; and ECCLC may not be an option in the future, and they have a history and knowledge of administering similar programs. It was moved and seconded (Brown/lgel) to deny Resolution 62-25, and the motion failed with Trustees Brown and Igel voting "No". It was moved and seconded (Brown/Hazelton) to approve Resolution 62-25, and the motion passed with Trustee Igel voting "No". It was moved and seconded (Brown/Hazelton) to extend the meeting to complete the agenda, and the motion passed with Mayor Pro Tem Cenac voting "No". 4. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - STANLEY PARK. Town Administrator Machalek provided a review of the request by The Guild for the Town Board to donate approximately four (4) acres with a 100 year lease on the Stanley Park (10 - 12% of the property) for Encore Performing Arts Center. Numerous converstations with the Town Board have occurred regarding the center beginning in December 2023. The Guild anticipates the center would cost $20 million with an annual attendance of approximately 200,000 to 400,000 and an annual operating expense of $5.5 million. The current Stanley Park Master Plan does not include a performing art center. Under consideration would be the addition of an "add alternate" contingent on the execution of an agreement between the Town and the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies by the end of 2025 to include provisions such as an agreed upon full fundraising amount, include a $1 million reclamation reserve to be used if The Guild cannot successfully operate the facility for 10 years, and fundraising timeline. It was moved and seconded (Lancaster/Cenac) to approve the addition of the Encore Performing Arts Center as an Add Alternate to the Stanley Park Master Plan, contingent on execution of an agreement between the Town and the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies by the end of 2025,and it passed with Brown abstaining. 5. REVISED POLICY 671 TOWN FUNDING OF OUTSIDE ENTITIES. Town Administrator Machalek reviewed the proposed revisions to the policy, including updating the list of eligible entities for base funding, clarify the requirements for reporting from base funding entities, clarify eligibility requirements for community initiative funding, and make the process for event sponsorship funding more efficient. Discussion ensued amongst the Board on the benefits of partnering with Estes Nonprofit Network to complete the review of applications versus the full Board evaluating applications. It was moved and seconded (Igel/Hazelton) to approve the revisions to Policy 671 Town Funding of Outside Entities as presented, and it passed unanimously. 6. REMQVAL OF BELLE MORRIS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD. Trustee Igel and liaison to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) stated concern with the performance of Board Chair Morris. He noted the Town Board has the responsibility to ensure the environment at the meetings are healthy and welcoming to all voices and members of the board. He noted more specifically that the Chair has not implemented previous recommendations to reduce the frequency of TAB meetings, to limit TAB involvement in projects, maintaining decorum at meetings, condeming the application and selection process of the newly appointed members, and communication failures that have included TAB dicussions without the inclusion of the liaison and the Chair leading conversations through electronic communicaiton Board of Trustees - June 10,2025 - Page 6 in violation of the Sunshine Law. He recommended the removal of Chair Morris, the appointment of a new Chair, and a Town Board review of the expectations for TAB. Board comments and questions have been summarized: the Town Board should review term limits for all appointed boards and committees; the former TAB liaison Trustee Martchink recommended the sunsetting of TAB as the larger projects in Town have been completed and further noted the TAB meetings were not productive; questioned if TAB should be sunsetted at this time and use ad hoc committees when appropriate in the future for transportation projects; suggested the TAB members could vote to remove Morris as the chair and elect a new chair; there are minority opinions from members that are not being considered due to the Chair's management of the meetings; concern that Trustee Igel was continuing to participate as a member rather than as a liaison; concern TAB receives public comment at their meetings that should be directed to the Town Board; TAB has been a high performing board; the Chair's leadership may not be the reason for the shift in the performance of TAB; and suggested TAB elect a new chair and the Town Board appoint a new liaison to address the concerns. Wally Wood/TAB member spoke in support of Chair Morris and recommended the Town Board consider a new liaison for TAB. Melissa Wood stated TAB should take a vote of no confidence and be the responsible party to remove Chair Morris. Belle Morris/TAB Chair stated concern with how she as a volunteer has been treated. She commented the liaison had not provided facts or a written statement for the record in the packet to outline the concerns and recommendation for her removal. Misti Marcantonio/TAB member requested respectful dialogue at the TAB meetings especially when dissenting viewpoints are shared. The reactions by the Chair have provided an environment of negativity and lack of support in sharing these views. Aracely Thomas/TAB member stated she attended her first meeting as a newly appointed member and was concerned by the remarks and expressions made by the Chair during the meeting. The Chair's responsibility should be to maintain decorum and that was not the case during the meeting. After further conversation, it was moved and seconded (Igel/Brown) to remove Member Belle Morris from the Transportation Advisory Board, and it passed with Trustees Hazelton and Lancaster voting "No". Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 12:27 ^m. "^ s- Gary Hall, M'ay^r /