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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Town Board 2025-09-09Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 9, 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 9th day of September, 2025. Present: Gary Hall, Mayor Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem Trustees Bill Brown Kirby Hazelton Mark Igel Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator Dan Kramer, Town Attorney Bunny Beers, Deputy Town Clerk Absent: Trustees Frank Lancaster and Cindy Younglund Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATION FOR CONSTITUTION WEEK 2025. Mayor Hall proclaimed September 17, 2025 through September 23, 2025 as Constitution Week. AGENDA APPROVAL. Staff requested an additional item be added to the agenda to appoint Town Board members to an interview committee for the Estes Park Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to fill a vacancy. It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Brown) to approve the Agenda with the inclusion of Action Item #6 Interview Committee for the Estes Park Housing Authority Board, and it was approved unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS. Amy Plummer/Town Resident stated appreciation for the time, energy, and commitment of the Board and staff. TRUSTEE COMMENTS. Board comments were heard and have been summarized: Trustee Brown read a statement related to municipal code language restricting certain development which was taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, was found to be invalid, and stated his concerns if a similar ordinance was approved in Estes Park; Visit Estes Park Board reviewed the draft 2026 operating plan at their recent meeting, , developed a social media and events sponsorship policy, hiring a Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, would review a first draft of the Tourism Master Plan, and held an Executive Session to identify finalists for the CEO position; the August Trustee Talk discussions were focused on VEP and the relocation of the Police Department; the Board noted concerns from the public on the lack of a Scottish Irish Highland Festival parade in 2025; and staff were commended for the public engagement and community outreach related to the water station closure during the Scottish Irish Highland Festival and for providing alternative options during the festival. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. The Town Board would hold Budget Study Sessions on September 18, 2025 and October 3, 2025 and the public were encouraged to engage in the budget process. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Expenditure Approval Lists - Bills. 2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated August 26,2025. Board of Trustees - September 9,2025 - Page 2 3. Resolution 83-25 Amending the Professional Services Contract with Kimley Horn for Mali Road to Increase the Contract Value by $71,270.00 and Authorize the Town Administrator to Approve the use of $15,000.00 in Contingency. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to approve the Consent Agenda,and it passed unanimously. ACTIONITEMS: 1. ORDINANCE 16-25 VACATING A PORTION OF STANLEY CIRCLE DRIVE RIGHT- OF-WAY. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Planner Hombeck presented Ordinance 16-25 requesting to vacate a portion of Stanley Circle Drive Right-of-Way (ROW). He stated the Town owns 179 Stanley Circle Drive and has engaged the Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) to manage the development of employee housing on the property. EPHA consultants were in the process of developing a plan for the property, which may involve a request to rezone the property in the future. During planning, excess ROW adjacent to the property was identified. The applicant requested the Town vacate approximately 11,000 square feet of ROW, reverting ownership back to the Town. Ray and Uta Sahm/Town Resident stated objection to vacating the ROW and comments have been summarized: Intersection safety concerns at the two intersecting Stanley Circle Drive roads just prior to intersecting at Stanley Avenue; vacating the ROW would leave no room for intersection improvements; increased capacity through development would negatively change the character of the neighborhood, impact water pressure and resident views; they questioned whether any studies can be done related to building near/under power lines and they highlighted health and environmental impacts to trees and animals, including the elk. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Whether vacating the ROW allows sufficient space for intersection improvements; setback impacts for future development; options available to mitigate the identified concerns; if staff knew of any know development applications for the subject property; the available public comment opportunities for future developments and or rezoning; and general concern was stated related to the need for traffic improvements at the intersection. Town Engineer Wittwer stated there would remain adequate intersection space with the ROW vacation which would not impact future improvements. Town Administrator Machalek stated the development of a property requires the applicant to conduct a traffic study at the proposed location which would be reviewed through the application process. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (Brown/Hazelton) to approve Ordinance 16-25, and it passed with Mayor Pro Tem Cenac voting "No". 2. RECONSIDER ORDINANCE 15-25 TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 17.66 OF THE ESTES PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO REGULATE RATHER THAN PROHIBIT FEATHER FLAG SIGNS. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. At the August 26, 2025 meeting, the Board approved Ordinance 15-25, temporarily suspending certain provisions of the Municipal Code to regulate rather than prohibit feather flag signs in certain areas of Town, with an amendment to change the proposed end date of the temporary suspension from December 31, 2025 to January 6, 2026. Following the meeting, staff noted the potential interest of the Board to extend the suspension through the 2026 holiday season, with an expiration date of January 6, 2027. Staff requested the Board reconsider Ordinance 15-25 to correct the expiration date to January 6,2027. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Brown) to reconsider Ordinance 15-25 striking the expiration date January 6, 2026 in section 7 and amending to January 6,2027, and it passed unanimously. 3. RESOLUTION 84-25 CHANGE ORDER TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH DESIGN WORKSHOP FOR THE ESTES PARK DEVELOPMENT CODE UPDATE. Following feedback received through the development code update, staff reviewed options for additional public engagement Board of Trustees - September 9,2025 - Page 3 opportunities with the consultant Design Workshop. Resolution 84-25 would expand the contract to include contractor engagement at an additional open house on September 20, 2025, attendance at eight pop up events over two separate weeks, attendance at three community meetings and an additional full-length survey. The cost of the additional services would increase the contract by $34,900. It was moved and seconded (Igel/Cenac) to approve Resolution 84-25, and the motion passed unanimously. 4. PURCHASE OF GAPVAX MC1510 COMBO SEWER CLEANER FROM FARIS MACHINERY. Director Greear stated Public Works staff maintain a stormwater conveyance system comprised of stormwater inlets, culverts and open drainage ditches throughout town limits by hand or through the use of a trailer mounted water jet paired with a trailer mounted vacuum. The process was described as inefficient and time consuming and currently only one culvert or inlet can be cleaned per day. The purchase of the proposed equipment would improve the process, increase the number of culverts or inlets cleaned to four or five a day, utilize less staff, help identify utilities, and mitigate during flooding events by providing immediate culvert service. Staff researched the cost of contracting the services and determined the cost would exceed the proposed vehicle and require additional fees for training to operate the vehicle. Cost would be funded through 1A sales tax revenues between Streets and Water of approximately $618,260. Board comments and questions have been summarized: Question the life expectancy for the vehicle; number of inlets, culverts and drains which need servicing; capacity; other potential uses between departments for other services; maintenance costs and sen/ice; and when the vehicle would be available if approved. It was moved and seconded (Igel/Brown) to approve the purchase of GapVax MC1510 Combo Sewer Cleaner from Faris Machinery, and it passed unanimously. 5. RESOLUTION 85-25 AMEND 6E FUNDING EXPENDITURE FOR CHILDCARE START-UP COSTS. Manager Bangs stated the Board was presented with a funding request from Little Kids Montessori in March 2025 to support start-up and operation of childcare at the St. Bartholomew's Church. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the facility no longer meets the applicant's needs. Staff confirmed, funds approved in March had not been distributed. The applicant identified 439 W. Elkhorn Avenue as an alternate location which has undergone pre-licensing and fire inspections. In order to meet the licensing needs, the property would need to pass a health inspection, obtain an outdoor hardship waiver due to space limitations for outdoor activities, staff training and qualifications, and secure a health consultant. The new location would not meet the requirements to serve infants (children under 12 months). The amended request reflected one toddler classroom (up to 11 children 13 months to 35 months) and one preschool classroom (up to 11 children three to five years old). The funding agreement identified funds would be released in four phases tied to the completion of licensing milestones. Staff confirmed the landlord of the subject property had committed to a five (5) year lease with the applicant. Susan Castillo-Lugo/Applicant provided an overview of the alternate location and Little Kids Montessori's intended use of the space. Board comments and questions have been summarized: requested clarification on the unforeseen circumstances which caused the applicant to seek an alternate location; questioned the use of adjacent space for outdoor activities; questioned if improvements are made to the building would the space be able to be used by another provider in the future; requested confirmation on the amount of funding which would be applied toward start-up costs by the applicant; concerns were heard regarding the Town funding 100% of the start-up costs for a business; questioned how the applicant would handle a future move, a significant change in circumstance, and fund unforeseen expenses;; questioned if the applicant would be required to pay back funds if the location was not used for childcare in the future; and noted appreciation for a thorough business plan. Staff commented on the obligation to bring forward any application for Board consideration, and noted the intent of the budgeted funds was to support and encourage new childcare businesses. The applicant further stated her commitment to provide childcare regardless of the location and noted she currently provides home childcare. Staff thanked the Board for their time and would be providing regular licensing updates. It was moved and seconded Board of Trustees - September 9,2025 - Page 4 (HazeIton/Brown) to approve Resolution 85-25, and the motion passed unanimously. 6. INTERVIEW COMMITTEE FOR THE ESTES PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to appoint Trustees Brown and Igel to the interview committee, and the motion passed unanimously. REPORTS & DISCUSSION 1. REVIEW OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED ORGANIC CONTRACT WITH PLATTE RIVER POWER AUTHORITY. Staff provided an update on the amended and restated Organic Contract with Platte River Power Authority (PRPA). Director Bergsten stated the contract would ensure a long-term supply of safe, reliable, envimmentally responsible service and competitive prices for energy services provided to the community. He reviewed history of the contract between the four owner communities: Estes Park, Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. Since December 2024, the owner communities and PRPA collaborated to develop proposed revisions to the contract including: extending the contract through 2075; modernizing language in the contract and power supply agreements; language updates on qualifications of Board members; updating PRPA responsibilities; language allowing municipalities to give PRPA authority to run certain services; and updates to Board positions. Mayor Hall stated all four municipalities are reviewing these proposed changes. The Board clarified whether the voting rights of participating municipalities would change through the update. Discussion ensued on the number of homes in the community with solar power which staff responded was a high percentage compared to the other owner communities. Staff continue to identify opportunities to help maintain a stable power grid including equipment and updated batteries. Attorney Kramer requested clarification on timing to bring any changes forward. At the Board's direction staff would bring forward an ordinance for Board consideration at the September 23, 2025 meeting in an effort to be in sync with the other owner communities. Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m./-, \ "-l\»~,-<r~~. ^. ) c^ ..<..,-'' Gary-Hall, Mayor /' ^-.-..^Victoria Beers, Deputyeputy Town Clerk Beers