HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2025-07-22RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado July 22, 2025
Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD of the Town of
Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town Hall in the
Board Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 22nd day of July, 2025.
Board: Mayor Hall, Mayor Pro Tem Cenac, Trustees Brown,
Hazelton, Igel, Lancaster, and Younglund
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Machalek, Town Attorney Kramer, and
Deputy Town Clerk Beers
Absent: Deputy Town Administrator Damweber
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m.
CURB AND GUTTER PHILOSOPHY. Engineer Wittwer provided history and the
current approach to installing concrete curb and gutter in Estes Park. Staff voiced
preference in continuing to install concrete curb and gutter on future street
reconstruction projects to provide an adequate runoff conveyance system. Historically,
asphalt curb was primarily installed during paving operations in locations where it was
determined necessary to control stormwater runoff. He stated asphalt was not a long-
lasting material and would require more frequent maintenance and/or replacement. A
large amount of asphalt curb and gutter exists throughout Estes Park. Citizen
complaints regarding stormwater runoff has increased in recent years due to water
entering driveways from streets. The Estes Park Development Code (EPDC) requires
concrete curb and gutter installation on new or redevelopment projects, which has only
been enforced for the last 8-10 years. Project costs in 2024 were reviewed for Graves
Avenue, Pine Knoll Drive, the Reclamation Neighborhood and Matthew Circle which
would be completed in 2025. Staff spoke regarding the life expectancy for asphalt and
how proper road compaction maintenance and material can increase the life of the curb
and gutter. Staff requested Board direction on the future vision of residential streets
regarding an urban versus rural or mountainous aesthetic.
Board comments and questions have been summarized: questioned if staff have
reviewed the number of streets lacking curb and gutter or were comprised of asphalt
and if those areas would be reviewed; the approximate life span of a street without curb
and gutter or comprised of asphalt material; questioned if there were any concerns with
redirecting water and the benefits of using permeable material; if staff have considered
impacts to properties which may rely on the water mnoff for irrigation purposes; should
different approaches be used for development projects; questioned if grant
requirements have influenced the requirements or mandated material for certain
projects; and requested clarification as to what entity would be required to maintain curb
and gutter along the state highway system within Estes Park. The Board stated support
in handling each road on a case-by-case basis and avoiding asphalt when possible.
THE FUTURE OF ESTES PARK'S WATER SYSTEM SERVICE AREA POPULATION
& DEMANDS. Ed Harvey/Principal and Susan Walker/Partner and Director with Harvey
Economics reviewed population and water demand projections for the Estes Park water
system service area. Demand drivers for the data included: permanent and seasonal
population growth, post COVID work patterns, residential development including ADU's
and workforce housing; commuting and remote workers; commercial development
including accommodations; RMNP and Estes Park visitation; conservation activities and
outdoor water demands; and climate change. The evaluation covered a 20-year period
from 2026 through 2045 to support future water infrastructure planning. Information for
the report was compiled from CDOT, the Colorado State Demography Office, Colorado
Water Conversation Board, GIS Analysis, the United States Census Bureau and
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town Board Study Session - July 22,2025 - Page 2
additional studies and reports related to remote working, climate change, conservation,
and economic activity. Year-round and seasonal resident permanent population
reflected a little less than 1% growth each year. The population of year-round residents
has continued to decrease over time while seasonal growth rates have increased.
Vacancy rates increased from about 30% in 2018 to almost 37% in 2024. Based on the
data collected, the 2045 vacancy rate was assumed to increase to 50%. RMNP
anticipates future visitation numbers would be similar to 2023 and 2024 at 4.1 million
visits per year. Visit Estes Park Placer Al software tracks mobile phone data which
depicted total visits at 6.1 million visitor days. She reviewed the future visitation
influences across the state and region which impact visitation to Estes Park and
reviewed day and overnight visitor transient population projections. Community
workforce and future commuting levels were projected at 2% for the higher growth and
1.4% lower growth scenarios.
Water demand projections were based on: application of assumed growth rates to
Utilities customer accounts; assumed water use rates to account projections; inclusion
of dispenser/fill station and bleeders; assumed distribution loss (20%) and treatment
loss (2%) and peaking factor (1.95) which were reflected in a higher and lower growth
scenario. Projected customer account average annual growth reflected a 1.2% high
growth scenario and 0.7% lower growth scenario. The residential consumption
decreases were identified due to the increasing percentage of seasonal residents. The
YMCA demands reflected a stable projection. Bulk water demands reflected a growth of
0.4% per year and dispenser/fill station demands would grow at 0.5% per year. The
distribution and treatment loss reflected a 4.2 million gallons for peak day demand in the
high scenario and 3.8 million gallons in the low scenario.
Board comments and questions have been summarized: requested clarification to the
reference of "vacancy rate"; how the use of water was quantified related to the impacts
to the community; questioned if there was any data on the number of commuters
traveling outside of Estes Park; noted homes which are not lived in year round have an
impact on the community and utility rates; interest was heard in identifying opportunities
to have more people living within the community full-time, ways to project the impact of
increasing the workforce in the community, and any available related data; questioned
how staff plan for a water storage and whether it was influenced by seasons or local
events; questioned the current water capacity and when the last population study was
conducted; and questioned if the data reflected assumptions the service area would not
expand beyond its current state.
TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS,
None.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS,
It was requested and determined the Business Use of Golf Carts on Trails would be
added to Approved/Unscheduled, and Updates to Policy 208 - Naming of Town Owned
Parks, Open Spaces, and Facilities would be scheduled for September 23,2025.
Mayor Hall brought forward a citizen request to review the Town sign regulations. Board
discussion has been summarized: questioned if the sign code would be considered in
the development code re-write; concerns were heard related to discussing a specific
issue or business at a study session; signage requirements outside town limits and the
temporary lift in restrictions during COVID has caused confusion throughout the
community; and noted value in and overview of how the code has been enforced.. The
Board consensus was to hear an overview of the sign code and high level options on
specific wind signs.
There being no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m.
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Byfiny^/ictoria Beers, Deputy Town Clerk