The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2025-07-22Informal discussion among Trustees and staff concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 4:45 p.m. Town Board of Trustees Study Session July 22, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Town Hall Board Room, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park Accessibility Statement The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org. Meeting Participation This meeting will be streamed live & available on the Town YouTube page. Click on the following links for more information on Digital Accessibility, Meeting Translations. Public comment Public comments are not typically heard at Study Sessions, but may be allowed by the Mayor with agreement of a majority of the Board. Agenda 5:00 p.m. Curb and Gutter Philosophy 5:20 p.m. Break for Dinner 5:30 p.m. The Future of Estes Park's Water System Service Area Population & Demands 6:30 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions 6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items 6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org. Report To: Honorable Mayor Hall & Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Trevor Wittwer, PE, Town Engineer Department: Public Works Department Date: July 22, 2025 Subject: Curb and Gutter Philosophy Purpose of Study Session Item: Update the board on the historical and current approach to installing concrete curb and gutter. Obtain direction on the future vision of residential streets regarding an urban versus rural or mountainous aesthetic. Town Board Direction Requested: Desire to continue installing concrete curb and gutter on future street reconstruction projects when necessary to provide an adequate runoff conveyance system. Present Situation: Historical use of curb was primarily installed during paving operations to include an asphalt curb only in locations where it was necessary to control stormwater runoff. Asphalt curb is a quick and easy way to control runoff from the street, but it is not a long-lasting material and requires more frequent maintenance and/or replacement. Public Works has not been replacing asphalt curbs when damaged. Citizen complaints regarding stormwater runoff from the street have increased in recent years, specifically regarding water entering driveways from the street. The Development Code has required the installation of concrete curb and gutter with new or redevelopment projects, but that has only been enforced for the last 8-10 years. Proposal: Public Works staff will use discretion to utilize concrete curb and gutter when deemed necessary for drainage purposes on capital street projects. Advantages: • Superior drainage conveyance system • Protects the edge of the asphalt roadway • Prevents erosion • Acts as a physical barrier between the road and sidewalks/trails Disadvantages: • Higher cost to install and repair • Longer project durations • Unappealing aesthetic of a mountainous community Finance/Resource Impact: None at this time. Level of Public Interest: Public interest is perceived to be low, however, future projects will garner higher interest from adjacent property owners. Attachments: 1. Presentation 7/15/2025 1 Curb & Gutter Philosophy Town Board Study Session July 22, 2025 LEGEND Town Maintained Streets Non Town Maintained Streets Streams Lakes Parks Town Boundary 1 2 ATTACHMENT 1 7/15/2025 2 Types & Uses •Catch Curb (Inflow) channelizes stormwater runoff to convey it to a specific discharge location such as a storm inlet or a ditch outlet. •Spill Curb (Outflow) generally allows stormwater runoff to sheet flow across the entire width or length of the roadway. •Gutter Pans convey runoff across street intersections to keep the water flowing in a specific direction or channel. 3 4 7/15/2025 3 Current Data 9.17 miles of concrete curb & gutter 16% of street mileage 23% of named streets (47 of 202) Dry Gulch, Brodie Ave, W Elkhorn, Pine Knoll Dr, Riverside Dr, Prospect Ave, Manford Ave 2025 Improvements Matthew Circle Steamer Parkway Costs •30” Concrete Curb & Gutter $40 - $45 per LF (over 1,000 LF) $50 - $55 per LF (under 1,000 LF) •Concrete Gutter Pan (4’ to 6’ wide) $70 per LF •Asphalt Curb $50 per LF •Additional cost of subgrade prep and base course associated with concrete curb & gutter ($3 per LF) •Remaining Street Network (50 miles) @ $40/LF = $21 million @ 3,000 LF per year = 176 years @ 10,560 LF per year = 50 years 5 6 7/15/2025 4 Project Costs •Graves Avenue 2024: 1,753 LF of curb @ $34.50/LF = $57,727 5% of total project cost •Pine Knoll Drive 2024: 2,920 LF of curb @ $40/LF = $116,800 26% of total project cost •Reclamation Neighborhood 2024: 3,404 LF of curb @ $42/LF = $142,968 20% of total project cost •Matthew Circle 2025: 3,420 LF of curb @ $41/LF = $140,220 35% of total project cost Maintenance Issues •Pavement edge failure •Eroded shoulders & ditches •Damage from snow plows (asphalt) •Inconsistent stormwater conveyance 7 8 7/15/2025 5 Questions? 9 7/15/2025 1 Population and Water Demand Projections for Estes Park Utilities Department Presented by: Ed Harvey, Principal Susan Walker, Director July 22, 2025 Town Board Study Session Harvey Economics 1 Agenda 01 Purpose of the Study 02 Overview of Data Sources and Methods 03 Population Projections 04 Water Demand Projections 2 1 2 7/15/2025 2 Purpose of the Study : Develop population projections and water demand projections for the Utilities’ Water Service Area Evaluate a 20-year period (2026 through 2045). Consider specific growth and water demand drivers. Provide support for future water infrastructure planning. Utilities’ Water Service Area covers the Town plus areas outside Town boundaries. 3 Town of Estes Park Water Service Area 4 3 4 7/15/2025 3 Demand Drivers Permanent and Seasonal Population Growth Increasing % of Seasonal Residents Residential Development Including ADUs Workforce Housing Employment Growth Commuting Workers Remote Working Commercial Development Including Accommodations RMNP Visitors Visitation Patterns Timed Entry Reservations Estes Park Visitors Visitation Patterns Conservation Activities Including Plumbing Retrofits Climate Change Outdoor Water Demands 5 Data Sources and Materials *Indicates Interview(s) Town of Estes Park Utilities * Utilities Documents Billing Data / Other Data Town of Estes Park Community Development Department * Building Permit Data Estes Park Housing Authority * Housing Needs Analysis Development Data Larimer County Planning Department * Building Permit Data National Park Service * Visitor Data / Surveys Rocky Mountain National Park Staff Visit Estes Park * Visitor Data / Surveys YMCA of the Rockies * 6 5 6 7/15/2025 4 Data Sources and Materials, Continued CO Department of Transportation Traffic Data – Historic and Projections Colorado State Demography Office Colorado Water Conservation Board GIS Analysis Undeveloped Acreage U.S. Census Bureau On-the-Map American Community Survey Additional Studies and Reports Remote Working Climate Change Conservation Economic Activity State / Regional Population Projections Colorado Water Plan 7 POPULATION PROJECTIONS Population Categories Year-Round and Seasonal Residents PERMANENT POPULATION Day and Overnight Visitors TRANSIENT POPULATION Commuting Workforce NON-TRANSIENT POPULATION Special Accounts BULK POPULATION 8 7 8 7/15/2025 5 POPULATION PROJECTIONS – Overview of the Methods Future Population Growth Rates Informed by: Historical trends Anticipated demographic changes Land availability Building permit / development data Extensive research Interviews Two Scenarios: Higher Growth and Lower Growth 9 YEAR-ROUND AND SEASONAL RESIDENTS – Permanent Population (Historical) Seasonal Population Year-Round Population Service Area Population Out Town (Seasonal) Out Town (Resident) In Town (Seasonal) In Town (Resident) 3,9359,28213,2171,2252,8892,7106,3932018 5,1058,82113,9271,6912,9213,4155,9002024 0.9%5.5%0.2%3.9%-1.3%2018 - 2024 Annual Average 30%70%% of Total 2018 37%63%% of Total 2024 Notes: •Population estimates based on: (1) # of accounts, (2) assumptions of % single unit/ multi-units, (3) vacancy rates, (4) assumption of 2 people per housing unit. •Resident versus seasonal growth rates are influenced by increasing vacancy rates over time. •Vacancy rates increase from about 30% in 2018 to almost 37% in 2024. Vacancy rates in Estes Park have been increasing since 2015, when the vacancy rate was 25%. 10 9 10 7/15/2025 6 DEVELOPMENT – Service Area Building Permit Activity (Historical) Town of Estes Park Building Permits by Type Remodels/ Additions New Commercial New Residential Year 06292021 41002022 75762023 502102024 Estes Valley (Outside Town) Building Permits by Type Additions (All Types) New Commercial New Residential Year 181162021 90192022 14162023 22182024 Notes: Few new buildings in recent years Remodels / alterations might or might not result in changes in water demands (some additional appliances, some plumbing retrofits, some not related to water use at all) 11 DEVELOPMENT – Future Potential Town of Estes Park - Development “in the Pipeline” (Number of Units) PossibleOn Hold (Approved, Not Started) On-Going (In Development) Type of Development 9843Apartments / Workforce Housing 348185198Hotel Rooms 264098Condos/ Townhomes 1Swimming Pool 1219Single Family 6Restaurants 484229325Total Timelines for future developments are unknown Undeveloped Land within the Water Service Area AcreageParcelsUndeveloped: 255245Town 1,660273Estes Valley (in Service Area) Takeaways: Potential for future growth exists. Timing of future development is uncertain. 12 11 12 7/15/2025 7 YEAR-ROUND AND SEASONAL RESIDENTS – Permanent Population Projections Higher Growth Scenario Seasonal Population Year-Round Population Service Area PopulationYear 5,2468,80514,0512025 6,7268,67715,4032035 8,4878,48716,9752045 3,382-3343,048Total Change (2024-2045) 0.9%Average Annual Growth Lower Growth Scenario Seasonal Population Year-Round Population Service Area PopulationYear 5,2468,80514,0512025 6,7268,67715,4032035 8,0818,08116,1622045 2,975-7402,235Total Change (2024-2045) 0.7%Average Annual Growth Notes: By 2045, the year-round population and seasonal population are equal under both scenarios. Population growth reflects an assumption of increasing seasonal homeownership over time – 50% by 2045. 13 DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS – Transient Population Transient Population Estimates Informed by: RMNP Visitor Patterns/ Timed Entry Town of Estes Park Visitor Estimates Statewide and Regional Population Projections CDOT Traffic Volume Projections Town of Estes Park Parking and Accommodations Capacity 14 13 14 7/15/2025 8 DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS – Rocky Mountain National Park Visitation Low Month (February)Peak Month (July)Total Visitor DaysYear 99,923976,0424,678,8032019 110,717725,5283,313,9492020 133,821906,8174,443,5982021 101,159813,9114,309,1742022 116,601736,3734,124,5872023 105,787760,3054,126,8332024 2020: Timed Entry Permit System (Pilot Program) implemented to manage crowds, ensure public safety and protect environmental resources. 2023/2024: Final Day Use Visitor Access Plan / EA developed; supports current timed entry requirements. Future RMNP visitation is anticipated to be similar to current (2023 / 2024) levels: ~4.1 M visits per year. Limited by: Park capacity; timed entry requirements; other visitor management strategies. Some visitation is moving to the shoulder seasons. 15 DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS – Town of Estes Park Visitation Total Visitor DaysDay Visitors Overnight Visitor DaysYear 4,206,1001,020,8003,185,3002019 3,318,500511,2002,807,3002020 4,274,600651,7003,622,9002021 4,000,000764,3003,235,7002022 3,894,900744,0003,150,9002023 3,986,600759,6003,227,0002024 Notes: Developed by Dean Runyan, based on average spending patterns / economic activity. Relatively stable visitation patterns. Visit Estes Park - New Placer AI Software Data for 2023: • 2.1 million guests visited Estes Park, averaging 2.9 day per guest • Total visits amounted to 6.1 million visitor days Notes: New technology for estimating visitation. Higher total estimate than the Dean Runyon report.16 15 16 7/15/2025 9 DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS – Future Visitation Influences State and Regional Population Projections State of Colorado (CWP - Hot Growth Scenario) Northern Front Range Denver Metro Area State of ColoradoYear 5,876,300730,1693,283,8625,876,3002023 7,943,0701,015,9223,963,2367,217,0982045 1.4%1.5%0.9%0.9%Average Annual Growth Average Annual Daily Traffic Projections HWY 36 - SEHWY 34 - EHWY 34 / 36HWY 7 - SHWY 36 - SWHWY 34 - WYear 7,7006,40018,0009,40011,0004,7002023 10,0728,30122,55411,36515,7525,9412045 1.2%1.2%1.0%0.9%1.7%1.1%Average Annual Growth 17 DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS – Transient Population Projections Higher Growth Scenario Visitors to Estes Park (Peak Day - July) Visitors to Estes Park (Peak Month - July) Number of Visitor Days (Annual) Visitors to Estes Park (Annual)Year 13,794427,6266,271,9962,159,2122025 15,852491,4107,207,5112,481,2742035 18,216564,7078,282,5652,851,3752045 1.4%1.4%1.4%1.4%Average Annual Growth Lower Growth Scenario Visitors to Estes Park (Peak Day - July) Visitors to Estes Park (Peak Month - July) Number of Visitor Days (Annual) Visitors to Estes Park (Annual)Year 13,686424,2596,222,6102,142,2102025 15,118468,6466,873,6332,366,3332035 16,699517,6777,592,7672,613,9032045 1.0%1.0%1.0%1.0%Average Annual Growth 18 17 18 7/15/2025 10 COMMUTING WORKFORCE – Non-Transient Population Future Commuting Levels Informed by: Anticipated demographic trends (i.e., continued aging population, increasing seasonal ownership) Continued visitation and commercial development Rate of development of affordable workforce housing Projections of future traffic volume in Estes Park 19 COMMUTING WORKFORCE – Non-Transient Population Projections Higher Growth Scenario Maximum Total Commuters Commuting Less than 10 miles Commuting More than 10 miles Year 2,1536621,4902025 2,6278081,8192035 3,2059862,2192045 2.0%Average Annual Growth Lower Growth Scenario Maximum Total Commuters Commuting Less than 10 miles Commuting More than 10 miles Year 2,1156511,4642025 2,4357491,6852035 2,8028621,9402045 1.4%Average Annual Growth 20 Notes: Higher scenario growth percentage based on historic commuter growth rate. Lower scenario growth percentage based on historic Estes Park employment growth rate. 19 20 7/15/2025 11 SPECIAL ACCOUNTS – Bulk Population – Current and Projections Number of Homes Served Buildout (Assume 2045)2024Bulk Water Customers 6060Spruce Lake RV Park 9283Hondius Water 1212Spruce Knob Water Company 2220Stonecliff Bulk Water 150135Windcliff POA 336309Total 0.4%Average Annual Growth Population Estimate Buildout (Assume 2045)2024Bulk Water Customers 120120Spruce Lake RV Park 184165Hondius Water 2424Spruce Knob Water Company 4439Stonecliff Bulk Water 300270Windcliff POA 672618Total 0.4%Average Annual Growth 21 POPULATION – Projections Summary Higher Growth Scenario Total (Peak Day)Bulk Non-Transient (Max) Transient (Peak Day) Transient (Average Day) Seasonal Residents Year- Round ResidentsYear 30,6196212,15313,7945,9165,2468,8052025 34,5286462,62715,8526,7986,7268,6772035 39,0696723,20518,2167,8128,4878,4872045 1.2%0.4%2.0%1.4%1.4%2.4%-0.2%Average Annual Change Lower Growth Scenario Total (Peak Day)Bulk Non-Transient (Max) Transient (Peak Day) Transient (Average Day) Seasonal Residents Year-Round ResidentsYear 30,4736212,11513,6865,8695,2468,8052025 33,6016462,43515,1186,4836,7268,6772035 36,3356722,80216,6997,1618,0818,0812045 0.9%0.4%1.4%1.0%1.0%2.2%-0.4%Average Annual Change 22 21 22 7/15/2025 12 WATER DEMAND PROJECTIONS – Overview of the Methods Future Water Demands Based on: Application of assumed growth rates to Utilities’ customer accounts Application of assumed water use rates to account projections Inclusion of dispenser / fill station and bleeders Application of assumed distribution loss (20%) and treatment loss (2%) Application of peaking factor (1.95) Two Scenarios: Higher Growth and Lower Growth 23 WATER DEMANDS – Projected Customer Accounts Higher Growth Scenario Total Bulk Water Accounts Commercial (YMCA) Commercial (Non-YMCA)Residential 5,708511,4494,2532024 6,489511,7784,7042035 7,341512,1515,1842045 1.2%0.0%0.0%1.9%0.9%Average Annual Growth Lower Growth Scenario Total Bulk Water Accounts Commercial (YMCA) Commercial (Non-YMCA)Residential 5,708511,4494,2532024 6,310511,7054,5992035 6,617511,8384,7722045 0.7%0.0%0.0%1.1%0.5%Average Annual Growth24 23 24 7/15/2025 13 WATER DEMANDS – Assumptions of Average Water Use per Account Bleeders (MG) Rural Commercial (MG) Urban Commercial (MG) Rural Residential (MG) Urban Residential (MG) 19,269,25197,180161,89937,10349,6572018 – 2024 Annual Average 19,269,25197,180161,89934,32045,9332045 Notes: •Residential consumption decreases are due to increasing % of seasonal residents. •YMCA demands remain stable at 50 MG per year (based on interview). •Bulk water demands grow at 0.4% per year (pace of estimated population growth). •Dispenser / fill station demands grow at 0.5% per year (based on Utilities interviews). 25 WATER DEMANDS – Other Influences and Uncertainties Several considerations may increase or decrease demands by small amounts. These are likely off-setting and captured within the range of higher growth and lower growth water demands. Conservation Indoor plumbing retrofits over time. Minimal outdoor watering, little conservation opportunity. Seasonal residents less responsive. Climate Change Colorado Water Plan assumes that “indoor demands and non-revenue water are not affected by climate changes”. Changes in climate primarily influence outdoor aspects of municipal demands due to impacts on landscape vegetation irrigation water needs.There is little outdoor irrigation in Estes Park. Remote Work Likely off-setting for people living in Estes Park (working elsewhere) / people working for Estes Park entities (living elsewhere). Stable remote work trends / factored into recent water use patterns. Development of Accessory Dwelling Units Few ADUs have been developed on residential parcels. Not likely a need for seasonal properties. 26 25 26 7/15/2025 14 WATER DEMANDS – Projected Demands Summary Higher Growth Scenario Including Distribution Loss Peak Day Demand (MGD) Average Day Demand (MGD) Total Demand (MG)Year 3.31.7608.62024 3.71.9687.12035 4.12.1765.32045 Including Distribution and Treatment Loss Peak Day Demand (MGD) Average Day Demand (MGD) Total Demand (MG)Year 3.31.7621.02024 3.81.9701.12035 4.22.1780.92045 Lower Growth Scenario Including Distribution Loss Peak Day Demand (MGD) Average Day Demand (MGD) Total Demand (MG)Year 3.31.7608.62024 3.61.8669.02035 3.71.9691.82045 Including Distribution and Treatment Loss Peak Day Demand (MGD) Average Day Demand (MGD) Total Demand (MG)Year 3.31.7621.02024 3.71.9682.72035 3.81.9705.92045 27 Caveats Projections are inherently uncertain! Unexpected events may occur within the next 20 years (flood, COVID, politics). Interviews provide information based on professional / expert judgments. HE did not audit data sources. 28 27 28 7/15/2025 15 Questions and Discussion 29 Thank You Ed - harvey@harveyeconomics.com Susan - walker@harveyeconomics.com www.harveyeconomics.com (720) 889-2755 30 29 30 7/15/2025 16 ADDITIONAL DATA AND INFORMATION Additional Slides Offer the Following: Historic Utility customer account data Historic employment data and commuting workforce data Workforce housing development Historic Utility customer consumption data Projected water demands by customer type 31 DEVELOPMENT – Utility Customer Accounts (Historical) TotalOtherTotal Commercial Rural Commercial Urban Commercial Total Residential Rural Residential Urban Residential 5,34171,2982211,0764,0361,2572,7802018 5,70861,4492661,1834,2531,4082,8452024 366-115145107217152652018 - 2024 Total Growth 610257183625112018 - 2024 Annual Average 1.1%1.9%3.1%1.6%0.9%1.9%0.4%2018 - 2024 Annual Average Notes: Urban = In-Town boundaries; Rural = Outside Town boundaries, within Service Area 75% of total accounts are Residential 71% of total accounts are Urban (in-Town) Rural accounts (Residential and Commercial) are growing faster than Urban accounts “Other” includes Bulk Accounts and YMCA 32 31 32 7/15/2025 17 COMMUTING WORKFORCE – Non-Transient Population (Historical) Maximum Total Commuters Commuting Less than 10 miles (from outside EP) Commuting More than 10 miles (from outside EP) Employed in Estes Park Year 1,3626796832,3202002 1,6666251,0412,7042012 2,0286241,4043,0732022 2.0%1.4%Average Annual Growth Notes: Commuters living within 10 miles of Estes Park may not be new population (they may already be counted as residents living within the Service Area). Historically, growth in commuters has been greater than growth in total employment – may be due to aging population / increasing number of retirees; increasing rates of seasonal homeownership. 33 WORKFORCE HOUSING Estes Park Housing Authority: About 110 units developed in recent years – conversions of existing hotels / lodges Potential for 20 to 30 new units within Service Area in next 5 years Potential for up to ~100 new units near Service Area boundary – long-term project Eligibility for workforce housing included in Town Code Supported by the 6E tax on short-term rentals, but funding remains a challenge Affordability based on income 34 33 34 7/15/2025 18 WATER DEMANDS – Customer Water Consumption (Historical) Total (MG)Bleeders (MG) YMCA (MG) Bulk Water (ALL) (MG) Total Commercial (MG) Total Residential (MG) 454.118.820.5216.6198.12018 442.130.617.5210.9183.12019 435.728.111.0194.3202.32020 431.914.411.4212.7193.42021 445.010.724.710.0213.0186.52022 439.316.541.010.5199.1172.22023 486.915.849.912.5218.5190.22024 100%3%10%45%39%2024 % of Total General Observation: Total water consumption varied year to year but generally remained relatively stable outside of very wet or very dry years, even accounting for growth. 35 WATER DEMANDS – Projected Demands (Detailed) Higher Growth Scenario Total (Incl. Losses)TOTALBleeders Dispenser / Fill Stations Bulk Water Accounts Commercial (YMCA) Commercial (Non-YMCA)Residential 621.0486.915.85.27.349.9218.5190.22024 701.1549.719.35.57.650.0263.8203.52035 780.9612.219.35.87.950.0315.6213.72045 25.8%% Change 2024-2045 Lower Growth Scenario Total (Incl. Losses)TOTALBleeders Dispenser / Fill Stations Bulk Water Accounts Commercial (YMCA) Commercial (Non-YMCA)Residential 621.0486.915.85.27.349.9218.5190.22024 682.7535.219.35.57.650.0253.4199.42035 705.9553.419.35.87.950.0272.0198.42045 13.7%% Change 2024-2045 36 35 36 The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org. Future Study Session Items August 12, 2025 •Development Code Update •Vehicle/Motorcycle Parking Limitations Code Amendment August 26, 2025 •Semi-Annual Compliance Review with Board Governing Policies – Policy 1.10 Self-Monitoring of the Board •Childcare Licensing Regulations & License-exempt Providers •Climate Action Plan Check-In September 9, 2025 •Visit Estes Park Intergovernmental Agreement with Larimer County •Wildlife Protection Ordinance Provisions for Commercial Businesses Items Approved - Unscheduled •Police Department Facility Financing •Overnight Parking •Post Office Operational Perspective •Commercial Loading Permit Post-Season Assessment •Liquor License Process Items for Town Board Consideration •None