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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board 2025-11-25 Note - The Town Board reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared. Town Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 7:00 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 and available on the Town YouTube page at www.estes.org/videos. Click on the following links for more information on Digital Accessibility and Public Comment. Agenda Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Approval Public Comment Town Board Comments/Liaison Reports Town Administrator Report Consent Agenda 1. Expenditure Approval Lists – Bills 2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated November 12, 2025 3. Planning Commission minutes dated September 16, 2025 (acknowlegment only) 4. Letter of Support for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant for State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements and Community Drive Connector Trail Agenda continues on page 2 Action Items 1. Resolution 100-25 Officially Scheduling the Regular Municipal Election – April 7, 2026 Presented by Town Clerk Williamson To officially set the date, determine election method (poll vs. mail ballot) and identify the Town Clerk as the designated election official (DEO). Reports and Discussion Items 1. Organizational Housing Plan Update Presented by Manager Bangs Staff proposal for next steps in implementing the Organizational Housing Plan to address employee housing needs. Adjourn Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, November 12, 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 12th day of November, 2025. Present: Gary Hall, Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Marie Cenac Trustees Bill Brown Mark Igel Kirby Hazelton Frank Lancaster Cindy Younglund Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator Dan Kramer, Town Attorney Bunny Beers, Deputy 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 (Brown/Cenac) to approve the Agenda with Action Items appearing in the following order: Public Hearing – 2026 Proposed Budget, 2026 Visit Estes Park Operating Plan, Resolution 99-25, Ordinance 18-25, Revised Policy 842 Parking Permits, Post Office Space Constraint Study Request Letter, Revised Policy 601 Spending Authority and Limits and Revised Policy 1101 Delegation of Contract Signature Authority, and it passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS. Patrick Martchink/Town resident and former Trustee announced the publication of “Goodnight Estes Park” a children’s book written by him and his wife Andria Martchink. He invited the Board and public to a signing event on December 6th where his daughter Ila would be reading the book to attendees. TRUSTEE COMMENTS. Board comments were heard and have been summarized: Interim Fire Chief Warren Jones was appointed by the Estes Valley Fire Protection District; the Mayor spoke at the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners meeting to support the Estes Park Health acquisition by UC Health; members spoke regarding the November 4th coordinated election unofficial results, the importance of voting, thanked staff for their support in providing a Town jurisdiction map to help identify voter eligibility at the polls and stated the official results would be certified after Larimer County canvassing was completed; Board of Adjustment interviews would be conducted by the interview committee and any recommendation would be forthcoming; Restorative Justice held a Board meeting where discussions surrounded future focuses, development code group conversations, and the Better Together Fundraising event on December 11th; Visit Estes Park CEO Sarah Leonard was in attendance at the Board meeting and would start her official position on December 1st; Mayor Pro Tem Cenac and Trustee Hazelton would host a Trustee Talk at the Senior Center on November 20th; National Philanthropy Day would take place and nominees were congratulated; Sister Cities would discuss the delegation visit at their meeting and more information would be provided at a future meeting; the Colorado Opioid Abatement Conference took place in October and highlighted a 31% decrease in fentanyl deaths in the State of Colorado and anticipated $880 million in funding would be coming into Colorado through 2041 to help address addiction and recovery efforts; the Rooftop Rodeo would take place July 6-11, 2026; Greg Muhonen/Stormwater Engineer was named Professional Manager of the Year in 2025, by the Colorado Chapter of American DRA F T Board of Trustees – November 12, 2025 – Page 2 Public Works Association (APWA); APWA recognized the Downtown Estes Loop Project as the Project of the Year for Small Communities; and staff were commended for the Town being awarded the International City/County Management Association’s Local Government Excellence Award in the Community Partnership category for its role in the collaboration with Visit Estes Park and Larimer County to address critical workforce housing and childcare issues. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. Town Administrator Machalek thanked staff and all efforts to hold a Veteran’s Day Ceremony where colors were presented by local Boy Scouts Troup #8, the ceremony was led by American Legion Post 119 Commander Dan Scace, Mayor Hall led the Pledge of Allegiance, Todd Bertani delivered the invocation, Tracy Dalton offered the benediction, and Brad Fitch shared stories of his service. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Expenditure Approval Lists - Bills 2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated October 28, 2025 3. Resolution 94-25 Contract Amendments Extending Debris Removal and Hauling Services with Multiple Contractors to Deal with Storm, Disaster, or Other Events 4. Resolution 95-25 Design Build Construction Contract for Mrs. Walsh’s Garden Pond with Whitestone Construction $114,206.40 Budgeted It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Hazelton) to approve the Consent Agenda, and it passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING – 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET. Mayor Hall reopened the public hearing which was continued at the October 28, 2025 meeting. Director Zimmerman highlighted the following items presented at the first hearing including: the budget timeline, the 2026 Strategic Plan, fund balances, Highway User’s Trust Fund, and stated a final 2025 budget appropriation would be presented at an upcoming meeting. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Younglund) to approve the Highway User’s Trust Fund for expenditures for striping, snow plowing, traffic signs, streetlights, and other related road and street costs as proposed for 2026, and it passed unanimously. It was moved and seconded (Hall/Cenac) to approve Resolution 96-25 to set the mill levy, 97-25 to adopt the 2026 budget, and 98-25 to appropriate sums of money for 2026, and it passed unanimously. It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Hazelton) to approve the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, and it passed unanimously. 2. 2026 VISIT ESTES PARK OPERATING PLAN. The item was continued from the October 28, 2025 Town Board meeting. The Board requested additional information related to a recent VEP marketing contribution adjustment for the 2026 Frozen Dead Guy Days event. Trustee Hazelton stated there have been no changes to the VEP Operating Plan and the funding change for Frozen Dead Guy Days FDGD was not ingrained in the plan presented to the Town Board and the County Commissioners. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Cenac) to approve the 2026 Visit Estes Park Operating Plan, and it passed unanimously. 3. RESOLUTION 99-25 RESTATED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE ESTES PARK LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT. On May 6, 2025, the Town Board and Board of County Commissioners held a joint study session to discuss Visit Estes Park (VEP). At the direction of both bodies, staff were directed to review the current intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and draft proposed amendments. DRA F T Board of Trustees – November 12, 2025 – Page 3 Proposed changes were reviewed at the May 27th and October 14th Town Board study session. Resolution 99-25 contained the following three changes: language was added in Section 6.8 to clarify both governing boards need to approve the VEP bylaws; Section 8.6 was added to require VEP to submit the organization’s line-item budget by December 31st, and added language in Section 8.3 to clarify both governing boards need to approve VEP’s Annual Operating Plan. The restated IGA would also set a March 2, 2026 deadline for the VEP Board of Directors to review and approve its bylaws and present to both elected bodies for consideration. Previously discussed modifications included: a cleanup of the provisions for elections if VEP seeks or was required to submit any question to an election; reduction in the number of VEP Directors through natural attrition from seven to five, with three Town-appointed and two County-appointed and no impacts to sitting members; the Town would appoint two Board members and the County would appoint one Commissioner; new quorum of three Directors and requirement for three affirmative votes for the VEP Board to act; a change to the process for removing an appointed Director; creation of a Marketing Advisory Committee and a mechanism for current VEP Directors to transition to the committee without an interview; VEP to include a policy and bylaw compliance report for the previous 12-month period in the annual Operating Plan, and any decision to terminate the IGA or dissolve VEP would require a majority vote of each elected body. Staff recommended approval of Resolution 99-25. Board comments have been summarized: reluctance was heard for forming new committees and reducing the membership on the VEP Board; support was heard for a change in the structure of the Board and the formation of a marketing committee with public and former VEP Board representation; confidence in the new CEO; the Board mentioned pros and cons for making changes during a CEO transition; past governance problems and public comments received identified as issues currently and were similar in 2018 reinforcing the issue was structural; and it was stressed the changes are not a reflection of people. It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Hazelton) to approve Resolution 99-25, and it passed with Mayor Hall and Trustees Brown and Igel voting “No”. 4. ORDINANCE 18-25 AMENDING CHAPTER 5.20 OF THE ESTES PARK MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING VACATION HOMES AND BED AND BREAKFAST INNS. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Town Clerk Williamson presented Ordinance 18-25 amendments to the Estes Park Municipal Code for vacation home regulations. The proposed changes would address hosted vacation homes, the residential waitlist, require a natural person to apply for a vacation home, establish the marketing and advertising of a vacation home without a license as a violation and miscellaneous revisions. The ordinance would remove the requirement for the primary resident to not be present during a rental, thereby allowing the property to be hosted or unhosted so long as occupancy limitations do not exceed the allowed limit. The revision would provide a one-time opportunity for bed and breakfasts (B&B) licensed by May 23, 2023, to apply for a hosted vacation home license through the end of the renewal period January 31, 2026 over the current residential cap. The Town removed the last application from the waitlist this year for residentially zoned properties subject to the 322 cap. The proposed revision would establish a lottery system with a cap for those interested in obtaining a residentially zoned vacation home license. The lottery would be held after the annual renewal process when there are 10 or less applications on the list and populate the list up to 30. She stated if during the lottery an application was not chosen, the applicant would get an additional entry in any new lottery. The revisions also identify a non-refundable $200 application fee for all new vacation home applications, which would be applied to the business license fee at completion of the application process. The proposed ordinance would establish the marketing and advertising of a vacation home without a license as a violation of the code and assess the maximum penalty fee of $2650 per violation. The violation could be assessed for each day the property was being advertised and if properties have a confirmed violation, the property would not be eligible for five (5) years to apply for a new license or be placed on the waitlist. Town Attorney Kramer spoke regarding the non-transferability of non-transferable licenses. At the June 10, 2025 study session, the Board requested a concept where non-transferable licenses could transition to natural persons and allow some transfers to family members. At the October 14, 2025 study session, the Board were presented with a list of family members to discuss, and the Board direction was to not include a provision allowing DRA F T Board of Trustees – November 12, 2025 – Page 4 transfers to certain family members. He clarified, business entities (LLCs) could retain ownership of the property and not be the named licensees on that license. The amendments would require the licensee to demonstrate ownership interest in the home, identify and submit to the Town natural persons no later than the 2027 renewal and if property ownership changes, demonstrate a continued ownership interest in the property. Matt Lovas/Town resident and bed and breakfast operator requested clarification on the vacation home license fees for hosted vacation homes. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Questioned Board consensus on allowing some transfers to certain family members; it was recommended to change 5.20.110(b)1.c related to response to waitlist applicants from 14 days to 30 days; concerns were heard for applying a five (5) year suspension if properties sell or if there are special circumstances and the high violation fee; whether there should be an ability to cure an administrative issue; and more time was requested to review updated code language provided to the Board. It was moved and second (Brown/Igel) to continue the public hearing on Ordinance 18-25 until November 25, 2025 and to schedule a study session to discuss Board concerns, and it failed with Mayor Hall, Mayor Pro Tem Cenac and Trustees Hazelton, Lancaster and Younglund voting “No”. Town Administrator Machalek reminded the Board of the upcoming holiday, time constraints, and requested clarification on Board concerns to provide staff direction in drafting an item to be brought back for consideration. After further discussion, Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was moved and seconded (Lancaster/Brown) to approve the sections on hosted short-term rentals, include the transfer of bed and breakfast licensing change, the lottery and waitlist, licenses must be held by natural persons and change the waitlist response period from 14 days to 30 days, and no vote was cast as a substitute motion was made. After further discussion, a substitute motion was moved and seconded (Cenac/Younglund) to approve Ordinance 18-25 as presented, and it passed with Trustees Brown, Igel and Lancaster voting “No”. 5. REVISED POLICY 842 PARKING PARMITS. Staff stated Policy 842 Business Permit: Commercial Loading currently allows holders to load and unload business vehicles from a parking stall or loading zone located in downtown Estes Park with limitations on overnight parking and prohibits overnight parking downtown. At the October 28, 2025 study session, the Board directed staff to bring forward revisions modifying the permit type to allow for overnight parking in the Downtown Commercial Zoning District during the months of November through April. Sam Tanenbaum/Wildside 4x4 stated support for the revised policy. It was moved and seconded (Igel/Cenac) to approve revisions to Policy 842, and it passed unanimously. 6. POST OFFICE SPACE CONSTRAINTS STUDY REQUEST LETTER. The USPS facility serving Estes Park was dedicated on May 13, 1962. Since that time, visitation patterns to Estes Park and the volume of mail handled by the post office have changed significantly. The existing postal facility does not have sufficient secure storage or loading space for postal carriers, leading the carriers to rely on the use of the Town- owned Baldwin Parking Lot for post office operational needs. A Space Constraint Study (SCS) would be a first step in gaining USPS support for the relocation of the post office. Staff recommended Board approval of the letter to the USPS and the Town’s Congressional Delegation outlining known challenges with space at the postal facility and requested USPS begin working on a SCS. The Board agreed there are significant constraints at the Post Office, the issues were severe and stated appreciation to staff for putting together the constraints study request letter. It was DRA F T Board of Trustees – November 12, 2025 – Page 5 moved and seconded (Igel/Cenac) to approve the Post Office Space Constraints Study Request Letter signed by Mayor Hall, and it passed unanimously. 7. REVISED POLICY 601 SPENDING AUTHORITY & LIMITS. The proposed amendments to Policy 601 would delegate spending authority to the Town Administrator to assign departmental spending limits, removing the need for Board action when position titles change. The Town Administrator and Town Attorney would retain their current $100,000 spending authority limits. The policy would establish clear thresholds for change orders and department directors would be authorized to approve change orders up to a limit set by the Town Administrator, not to exceed $50,000, or to the amount previously authorized by a Board resolution. Director Zimmerman stated the revisions would streamline purchasing processes and avoid unnecessary delays related to administrative changes, and provide clear authority for managing change orders, improving accountability, and tracking for project spending. For large construction projects, the ability to use Board-approved contingency amount more efficiently could prevent costly project delays. Existing exceptions would remain in place for expenditures approved during the annual budget process, such as insurance claims and premiums, debt obligations, utility payments, purchased power and water rights, payroll taxes and withholdings, and other specifically authorized items. It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Brown) to approve revisions to Policy 601, and it passed unanimously. 8. REVISED POLICY 1101 DELEGATION OF CONTRACT SIGNATURE AUTHORITY. Policy 1101 was adopted in 2020 clarifying which Town employees are authorized to approve various contracts and identified which contracts require Board approval. The Board reviewed and approved updates to Policy 1101 at the August 12, 2025 meeting, with the exception of memoranda of understanding being executed by the Police Chief. Town Administrator Machalek requested the Board reconsider the proposed edits to the Police Chief’s signature authority to execute operational agreements with law enforcement partners in a timely and efficient manner, consistent with how regional law enforcement agencies approach these agreements. He stated the Town Administrator was responsible for any contract executed within staff’s authority and would elevate any agreement to the Board in accordance with Governance Policy 2.1.8.8. Clarification was requested on the ability of the Police Chief or staff to release data collected through license plate readers or flock systems. Town Attorney Kramer informed the Board, the release of flock/license plate data or information was governed by the Colorado Open Records Act and the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Lancaster) to approve revisions to Policy 1101, and it passed unanimously. REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Brown) to enter into executive session for a conference with an attorney for the Board for the purpose of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions – Section 24-6-402(4)(b), C.R.S. – Ballot Question 300, and it passed unanimously. Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 9:49 p.m. to enter into executive session. The Board concluded Executive Session at 10:49 p.m. Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m. Gary Hall, Mayor Bunny Victoria Beers, Deputy Town Clerk DRA F T Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado November 12, 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 12th day of November, 2025. Board: Mayor Hall, Mayor Pro Tem Cenac, Trustees Brown, Hazelton, Igel, Lancaster and Younglund Attending: Mayor Hall, Mayor Pro Tem Cenac, Trustees Brown, Hazelton, Igel, Lancaster and Younglund Also Attending: Town Administrator Machalek, Attorney Kramer, Director Careccia, Director Greear, and Recording Secretary Stoddard Cameron Absent: None Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. DEVELOPMENT CODE UPDATE: COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES. Eric Khrongold, Senior Associate with Design Workshop, and Jessica Garrow, Principal with Design Workshop, presented on the purpose, applicability, impact, and feedback regarding commercial design guidelines. Community and staff feedback emphasized the desire for design guidelines as eighty-two percent of respondents supported using design guidelines to “maintain the character of the town”, and eighty-three percent supported “reinforce the look and feel of downtown as a welcoming place for business and pedestrians”. There was consensus from the community and staff that current height standards of three (3) to four (4) stories should be maintained but some restrictions on location, and that buildings should not ruin existing ridgelines or view sheds. It was noted by Design Workshop that current commercial design guidelines are unrestrictive, leaving building design and site aesthetics up to the property owner. The design guidelines were presented in six (6) categories - mass and scale, materials and fenestration, street level design, mechanical and service areas, lighting and signage, and parking. Each category was broken down into subcategories to replicate code sections, which included prescriptive and flexible code language examples. Pros to using prescriptive language included providing clear standards for developers and staff. Although, it was noted that certain sites in Estes Park are topographically challenged and require creative workarounds to be developed, which prescriptive code language might inhibit. Pros to flexible language included allowing more individuality and creativity in development, while cons included the requirement for greater interpretation from staff, creating uncertainty. Board direction was requested on the desired approach, extent, and applicability of development activity within town limits, in preparation for the upcoming development code update. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Expressed desire for flexible code language regarding mass, scale, materials and fenestration, citing local topography as necessitating flexibility; recognized that a flexible code allows for creativity, prevents uniformity, and protects property rights; discussed the benefits to staff of prescriptive code language, noting that standards would likely change over time leading to inconsistency, and it would be difficult to guide staff through these decisions; requested language supporting maintaining the eclectic nature of the town; noted the importance of protecting view sheds on maintaining community character and tourism; requested prescriptive code language in regards to view sheds; objected to the development of mass-produced standardized buildings typically used by corporations; praised the downtown corridor for its businesses hidden in alcoves, recesses and cavities; expressed desire for durable weather-resistant materials be used for buildings, with no restrictions on natural or unnatural materials, as well as improvement to accessibility for those with disabilities, and walkability for pedestrians; requested code language surrounding mechanical and service areas focus on function over aesthetics, particularly in regards to DRA F T vehicle accessibility, noting that some areas can look more industrial to divert pedestrians; noted parking areas should be designed to minimize visual dominance and prevent destruction from runoff and erosion, with consistency on finishes and prevention of blind spots; and requested the code emphasize and complement the town’s wildlife ordinance and dark sky standards. DOWNTOWN ESTES LOOP TRAFFIC STUDY RESULTS. Director Greear provided an overview of the Downtown Estes Loop Traffic Study results as produced by Lantz Associates. The study consisted of an analysis of evaluated travel times, traffic volumes, pedestrian activity, congestion levels, and vehicle emissions. Prior to the start of construction of the Downtown Estes Loop in 2016 an environmental and traffic assessment was conducted by Lantz Associates, which established baseline conditions for the study. Director Greear reported an increase in intersection volumes of one percent, an increase of through volumes of seventeen percent, and an increase in pedestrian volumes of forty percent. Travel times decreased by thirty-nine percent, while westbound travel times decreased by three percent. Emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds decreased by thirty percent, thirty-one percent, and twenty-nine percent respectively. Transit ridership on the Red Line increased from 13,317 in July of 2016 to 35,317 trips in July of 2025. It was noted that the Chapter of American Public Works Association (APWA) named Stormwater Engineer Greg Muhonen 2025 Professional Manager of the Year and announced the Downtown Estes Park Loop Couplet as the winner of the state’s “Transportation Project in a Small Community” category. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Expressed concern regarding the ease of movement of traffic west of the downtown corridor and potential consequences for businesses seeing decreased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, particularly on W Elkhorn Avenue; commended the project for addressing stormwater drainage issues, assisting in environmental cleanup and flood mitigation, and replacing outdated infrastructure using grant funding; inquired about a potential rise in wrong-way driving incidents and citations; noted that a study over one year does not adequately measure the success of the project, particularly in regards to the behavioral changes of residents and effects on tourism and business; questioned whether further economic analysis on the outcomes of this project would be feasible and determined that time and capital would be best spent elsewhere; acknowledged that this project was highly contentious to the community, of which about fifty percent of constituents disapproved; and questioned the effects of Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed entry requirement on traffic congestion and observed increased pedestrian activity. Trustee Igel expressed disapproval of the project and questioned whether the outcomes presented were indicative of project failure given the monetary input required for project completion. TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS. None. FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS. It was requested and determined that Development Code Update – Engagement Summary would be scheduled for January 27, 2026. The Commercial Loading Permit Postseason Assessment has been unscheduled, but remains approved, and both the Annexation Policy Discussion and the joint study session with the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) on the Wildfire Resiliency Code were approved but unscheduled. There being no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m. ______________________________________ Sarah Stoddard Cameron, Recording Secretary DRA F T Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 16, 2025 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. The meeting was held in the said Town of Estes Park on September 16, 2025. Commission: Chair Charles Cooper, Vice Chair David Arterburn, Dick Mulhern, Chris Pawson, Julie Phares Attending: Commissioners Cooper, Arterburn, Mulhern, Pawson, Phares, Community Development Director Steve Careccia, Senior Planner Paul Hornbeck, Town Attorney Dan Kramer, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund Absent: Pawson Chair Cooper called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm. There were approximately 15 people in the audience. INTRODUCTIONS Commissioners and staff introduced themselves. New Commissioner Julie Phares was introduced and welcomed. AGENDA APPROVAL It was moved and seconded (Mulhern/Arterburn) to approve the agenda. The motion passed 4-0. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes dated May 20, 2025 (revised format) 2. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes dated June 17, 2025 It was moved and seconded (Arterburn/Mulhern) to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed 3-0 with Phares abstaining. PUBLIC COMMENT: Kristine Poppitz, county resident, mentioned the Citizen Initiatives by Preserve Estes Park and inquired about obtaining an invitation for PEP to attend the Newcomers meeting on September 27. Tom Kaszynski, county resident, believes Estes Park is one of the last real mountain towns and should not be overdeveloped. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Preliminary Plat 685 Peak View Dr Senior Planner Hornbeck Planner Hornbeck reviewed the history of the proposal. The applicants request approval of a preliminary subdivision plat to create a 12-lot subdivision. Proposed lots range in size from approximately 9,000 to 18,000 square feet, with an open space tract of 30,000 square feet. Access is proposed to eleven lots from a new street that aligns with Twin Drive and ends in a cul-de-sac. The remaining lot would be accessed via the existing private driveway to the west. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a recommendation to the Town Board to approve the preliminary plat, subject to the following findings and conditions of approval. Findings: 1. The Planning Commission is the recommending body for the preliminary plat. 2. The Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees is the decision-making body for the preliminary plat. Town Board approval of a final plat is also necessary to subdivide the property. Planning Commission – September 16, 2025 – Page 2 3. Adequate public/private facilities are currently available or will be made available by the applicant to serve the subject property. 4. This request has been submitted to all applicable reviewing agency staff for consideration and comment, with no objections received. 5. The preliminary plat application complies with applicable standards set forth in the Estes Park Development Code. 6. The preliminary plat application is consistent with the conceptual plat included with the rezoning application. Conditions: 1. All outstanding staff and referral agency comments shall be addressed, including: a. The final plat shall include a landscape plan to demonstrate conformance with Development Code Section 7.4.C.2 regarding the detention pond. 2. Lots 1-2 and 7-12 shall be subject to an amended deed restriction recorded with the final subdivision plat. Planner Hornbeck answered questions raised by the Commissioners. Regarding transportation concerns, the School District avoids cul-de-sacs when possible for student pickup. However, an alternative design was not requested, and there was no indication of a desire for a bus pull-out on Peak View. Development Review Engineer Jennifer Waters addressed drainage questions, noting that the detention pond location is positioned at the lowest elevation on the property. When asked about the water easement on the west side of Lot 5, Applicant Frank Theis explained that a water main can and often does run under driveways. Engineer Waters responded to questions about the proposed drainage system, explaining that an open channel, beginning at Longs Drive, will handle drainage from lots 1-3 in Coyote Run, 1st Filing. For the area in Coyote Run 2nd Filing, the same open channel will convey runoff, with the exception of lots 11 and 12, which could drain into a future curb and gutter system. The development requires 6,000 square feet for a water retention pond designed to accommodate a 100-year flood event, based on impervious area and grading calculations. The landscape plan will show plantings for the retention basin and will undergo review by Community Development. Public Works has expressed a preference for an underground pipe in the existing ditch and will coordinate with the applicant as final design plans progress. Additional development details were discussed, including that ADU use is approved for lots 6-12 as they are large enough to accommodate such units. The Final Plat will require a landscaping plan, primarily focused on the detention pond area. All existing overhead power lines will be moved underground, along with all other electrical infrastructure. Public Works denied the waiver request for curb and gutter requirements along Peak View Drive. With the rezoning of the subject property, a critical deadline was established requiring the deed restrictions to be completed by September 25. Cristy Jacobs, town resident, expressed concerns about the location of both the water detention facility and sewer infrastructure. Kristine Poppitz, county resident, questioned the square footage calculations for open space, noting that the current calculations allow for parcels less than a quarter acre, which she argued does not provide a community benefit. She also inquired about the trail being moved off of Peak View due to safety concerns and emphasized that no action should be taken until the deed restrictions are in place. Laura Rustin, town resident, agreed with the request that deed restrictions should be finalized before any approval is granted and questioned the developer hiring the engineer for the project. Jon Thornsbury, town resident, raised Planning Commission – September 16, 2025 – Page 3 safety concerns about Peak View being a busy road that is not suitable for school bus stops, and inquired about the expected timeline for the development. Joan Hooper, a county resident, cautioned about using the correct terminology when distinguishing between workforce housing and attainable housing, citing confusion that occurred with the Prospector Development. Commissioner Arterburn asked Attorney Kramer to confirm that the Town Board approved an 80% deed restriction for 80% AMI income for the Coyote Run project. Attorney Kramer confirmed this and stated he has no concerns about not having the deed restriction in place yet. It was moved and seconded (Mulhern/Arterburn) to forward to the Town Board a recommendation of approval of the Preliminary Subdivision Plat, according to findings and conditions recommended by Staff. The motion passed 4-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. September 20 will be the second open house for the Development Code update. Planning Commission members are encouraged to attend. 2. The Commission discussed the value and implementation of site visits for development applications. Mulhern expressed appreciation for the site visit opportunity and emphasized the importance of ensuring the public has the chance to know about and attend these visits. Arterburn agreed that the site visit option is beneficial but noted that not all development submittals necessarily require one. Phares found the site visit to be helpful and informative, supporting the continued use of this practice for appropriate applications. 3. The date of the next joint study session has been set for Tuesday, September 30, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Anexation policy and the Development Code process will be discussed. With no further business, Chair Cooper adjourned the meeting at 2:30 pm. _________________________________ Chuck Cooper, Chair Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary 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. Memo To: Honorable Mayor Hall & Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Jamin Rucker, Civil Engineer I Department: Public Works Date: November 25, 2025 Subject: Letter of Support for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant for State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements and Community Drive Connector Trail Type: Other (Letter of Support) Objective: Public Works requests Town Board authorization for the Mayor to sign a Letter of Support to meet the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Non-Motorized Trail Grant requirement for governing body support for the following two projects: 1. State Hwy 7 ADA Improvements and 2. Community Drive Connector Trail. This Letter of Support serves to meet the qualification of a “letter of resolution” required by CPW and affirms the Town Board is aware of both applications. The grants were submitted on October 1, 2025, requesting a total of $300,000. Present Situation: CPW requires a signed “Resolution of Support” verifying board awareness and support, acknowledgment of financial and legal obligations, commitment to project completion and long-term maintenance, and assurance that the improved properties remain publicly accessible under Town or partner control for at least 25 years. While the Estes Park Town Board has its own definition of a “Resolution,” this is not a request for a resolution, but a request for a Letter of Support. CPW Staff have stated that a signed Letter of Support from the Mayor on behalf of the Board of Trustees will suffice to meet this qualification. Projects: • Project 1 – State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements ($250,000 grant): Reconstructs a deteriorated trail segment to meet ADA standards and improve safety along a high-traffic corridor connecting schools, neighborhoods, and regional trails. Planned improvements include ADA-compliant curb ramps, crosswalks, and signage. • Project 2 – Community Drive Multi-Use Trail ($50,000 grant): Constructs a new non-motorized trail from US Highway 36 to Manford Avenue, closing gaps in existing infrastructure and providing a safe, accessible corridor connecting to schools, Stanley Park, fairgrounds, and regional trails. Both projects support Estes Valley Master Trails Plan objectives, SCORP 2025–2029 Objectives I & II, and CPW Strategic Plan (2015) Goal VI by enhancing equitable access, multimodal connectivity, safety, and sustainable recreation. Proposal: Approving the Mayor to sign a Letter of Support on behalf of the Town Board endorsing both projects, authorizing submission of required documents, and confirming the Town’s commitment to project completion, long-term maintenance, and public access. Advantages: • Reduces general fund reliance and offsets funding pressures. • Addresses longstanding ADA and safety concerns along State Hwy 7. • Promotes equity, serving ~6,000 residents in a disproportionately impacted corridor. • Expands multimodal connectivity and reduces pedestrian–vehicle conflicts. • Encourages community health and engagement through active transportation and outreach programs. Disadvantages: • Increased staff time for grant management and coordination, though Public Works has experience with similar grants. • Temporary construction impacts (traffic delays, lane closures) minimized through coordination and public communication. Action Recommended: Approve the Mayor to sign a Letter of Support on behalf of the Board of Trustees to complete grant requirements. Finance/Resource Impact: • Project 1: Grant $250,000, Local Match $73,000 from 246-3400-434.35-60 and $227,000 from 244-3400-434.35-60. • Project 2: 246-3400-434.35-60; Grant $50,000; Local Match $380,160; Total $430,160 • Both projects are funded in the 2026 budget, with sufficient unobligated 1A Sales Tax funds for the local match. Future Ongoing Impacts: No significant ongoing operating expenses are anticipated beyond routine maintenance once projects are completed. Future One-Time Impacts: Grant funding provides financial relief for these projects, reducing the need for additional general fund expenditures. In-house design and construction further reduce costs while counting as allowable in-kind match. Level of Public Interest: Outline the known or perceived interest by the public, i.e. high interest, item initiated by contact from the public or groups, etc. Sample Motion: I move for the approval/denial to authorize the Mayor to sign the Letter of Support on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Attachments: 1. Letter of Support 2. Project 1 CPW grant application 3. Project 2 CPW grant application Mayor 970-577-4777ghall@estes.org 170 MACGREGOR AVE. P.O. BOX 1200, ESTES PARK CO. 80517 WWW.ESTES.ORG Pam O’Malley Non-Motorized Grants Administrator Colorado Parks and Wildlife Dear Ms. O’Malley, The Town of Estes Park strongly supports the grant applications for the State Highway 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project and the Community Drive Connector Trail submitted to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant Program. This letter serves to meet the qualification of a letter of resolution, affirming that the Town Board’s ultimate decision-makers are aware of and fully support these applications, recognize financial and legal obligations, and commit to completing, maintaining, and ensuring long-term public access for these projects. The Town of Estes Park Public Works Department will oversee and implement both projects, leveraging experienced staff for design, construction, and project management. Project 1 will reconstruct an aging segment of the State Highway 7 Trail to address ADA compliance, safety deficiencies, and accessibility barriers, including installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps, crosswalks, and signage. Project 2 will construct a new multi-use trail along Community Drive from US Highway 36 to Manford Avenue, closing gaps in the local trail network and creating a safe, accessible corridor for non-motorized travel. Both projects involve quantifiable, measurable activities aligned with clearly defined goals. The Town will provide a local match exceeding the required 25%, funded through the Town’s 1A Sales Tax. Cost savings are achieved through in-house design and construction, utilizing Town staff and Public Works project management as in-kind contributions. Project 1 includes a local match of $244,678 for a total project cost of $494,678, while Project 2 includes a local match of $380,160 for a total project cost of $430,160. The Town Board affirms its full support for these projects and confirms that the improved properties will remain under Town control and publicly accessible for at least 25 years. Sincerely, Gary Hall Mayor Town of Estes Park November 25, 2025 Attachment 1 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Application form NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION - MAINTENANCE PROJECT BASICS Title Type Phased State Hwy 7 project Trail D B D ADA Improvements Construction Maintenance Yes B No D Planning D Support If yes, Phase #of Brief summary This project focuses on reconstructing an aging trail segment near the intersection of Hwy 7, which currently has significant ADA non-compliance and safety issues. Improvements will include full reconstruction, ADA-compliant curb ramps, crosswalks, and accessible signage. Grant request Match Total $ $ $ 250,000.00 244,678.00 494,678.00 Grant ratio1 Match ratio Total 50 % 50 % 100 % APPLICANT Type El Local D Recreation and Organization Town of Estes Park Postal address PO Box 1200 City Estes Park General email lblevins@estes.org Lead contact Laura Blevins Telephone (970) 577-3574 Project manager Jamin Rucker Telephone (970) 577-3736 PARTNER OR CO-SPONSOR Organization Postal address City Contact name Telephone DCounty D Federal D Tribal Metro Districts D Non-Profit State CO ZIP Code 80517 UEI# KNMKSMB6JNW5 Title Grants Specialist Email lblevins@estes.org Title Civil Engineer Email jrucker@estes.org BN/A State CO ZIP Code Title Email Grant ratio = grant request / total. Match ratio = match / total. August 202') Attachment 2 Non-Motorized Application form I Page 2 of 2 PROPERTY Nearest town or city Town of Estes Park County Larimer Latitude/Longitude 40.366706 /-105.502911 Congressional district 2 Name of property owner CDOT Right of Way Trail Corridor controlled by D Fee simple D Lease D Easement D License B ROW D Other: Uses E Hiking, walking, running B Bi king D Equestrian E-bikes allowed? B Yes D No D Snow sports (non-motorized) B ADA Accessible D Other: Estimate percentage by type (e.g.,) 50% hiking, etc. 75% Walking, 25% Hiking, Running, Biking Surface D Natural D Crusher fines D Asphalt [HI Concrete D Other: Size of new trailhead (sq. ft.)Length of trait being planned Length of new trail construction2 Length of trail maintenance 1200 Feet Length of inter-connecting trail Length of trail reroute Length of decommissioned trail Length of restored trail Length of trail to be signed Length of trail grooming Other: Estimated amount of paid crew hours: Grant 0 Match: o ACKNOWLEDGEMENT On behalf of the applicant entity, I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information in this application is true and correct. Authorized Representative Signature Digitally signed by Laura A. Blevins Date 10/01/2025 Name Laura Blevins -1-^g Grants Specialist Length of trail - use miles, square feet, linear feet COLORADO PARKS L D LI F E Timeline NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION PROJECT DETAILS Organization Town of Estes Park Project title State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements TASK MoblUzation, staffing, construction or maintenance elements, planning phases, etc. 50% Design - Town Funded 100% Design - Town Funded IGA Execution CDOTFIR/FOR (Project 1)1 Right-of-Way Clearance Advertise Construction Bid Contract Award Notice to Proceed Preconstruction Conference | Mobilization and Pre-Con Work Construction Final Completion Closeout - Estimate 90s days Administrative Close-out Dates* October 2025 Dates January 2026 Dates April 2026 April 2026 April 2026 Dates May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 Dates June 2026 Dates June-August 2026 Dates August 2026 August-November20Z6 *The timeUne is an estimate of your project completion. Remember the project must be completed within 2.5 years of the award date. Suqqestion - use quarterly or multipte month time frames [Q2/XX; Jun-Sept XX1. Initial grant expiration date will be June 30th or December 31st, dependent upon assigned funding source. Attachment 3 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Criteria Questions NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION - MAINTENANCE Organization Town of Estes Park ^'^ Project title State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements 1. PROJECT NEED 15 points A. Give a detailed description of the project, including information such as mileage or width of trail maintenance, re-route or restoration plans, and any other trail components/structures. The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project addresses critical ADA compliance and safety issues along a high-traffic corridor in Estes Park. The project will replace 1,200 linear feet of deteriorated asphalt trail with an 8-foot-wide concrete trail with curb and gutter, ADA-compliant ramps, grading, drainage, resurfacing, and signage. Shared driveway access to 760 and 720 S. St. Vrain Avenue will be maintained. The Town is coordinating with CDOT for permits and long-term maintenance. This project supports SCORP (2025-2029) Objectives I & II by advancing equity, inclusion, and close-to-home sustainable recreation. It aligns with CPW Strategic Plan (2015) Goal VI, Objectives A & B, broadening access, promoting safe, responsible recreation, and enhancing infrastructure to provide connected, accessible trails for residents and visitors.Components: 1,200 ft concrete trail, curb and gutter, ADA ramps, grading/drainage, signage, CDOT-standard materials. B. Describe the project's urgency and why it is being pursued at this time. The State Highway 7 Trail Improvement is urgent due to longstanding safety and accessibility issues. In August 2022, the Town received a complaint regarding the steep incline of the existing trail, which creates barriers for mobility-impaired users. Since that time, the Town has been actively working to design and implement improvements to address these concerns. Current conditions limit safe pedestrian and wheelchair access along this high-traffic corridor, a key segment of Estes Park's larger trail network connecting neighborhoods, schools, and recreational destinations such as the Homer Rouse, Fish Creek, and Lake Estes Trails (Estes Park Master Trails Plan, Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District). Upgrading the trail now addresses ADA compliance, improves multimodal connectivity, and provides barrier-free access for residents and visitors. This project aligns with SCORP 2025-2029 priorities for equity, inclusion, and close-to-home recreation (Objectives I & II) and supports CPW Strategic Plan (2015) Goal VI, Objectives A & B, by broadening access, promoting safe and responsible C. Describe the current condition of the existing trail. Include how it arrived at its current condition. The existing SH7 trail is a narrow, detached asphalt path with significant deterioration, including cracking, uneven surfaces, and poor drainage. Its steep incline and inconsistent width create accessibility challenges for mobility-impaired users. These conditions resulted from age, heavy pedestrian and bicycle use, and limited prior maintenance. Without upgrades, the trail poses ongoing safety risks and fails to meet ADA standards. Addressing these deficiencies now supports SCORP (2025-2029) Objectives I & II by promoting equitable access and close-to-home recreation. It also aligns with CPW Strategic Plan (2015) Goal VI, Objectives A & B, by enhancing infrastructure, supporting safe and responsible use, and ensuring long-term sustainable access for residents and visitors. NM Trails: Application fonn | Pse,e 2 of 8 _2. CQAAMUbUTY BEblEFH 15 points A. Describe the community that will benefit from this project. Include relevant demographic and economic data. The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project will benefit residents, visitors, and the local workforce in southern Estes Park. The corridor sen/es households, lodging, businesses, and recreational amenities, with a population of -6,000 including a significant proportion of older adults and mobility-impaired individuals (Estes Valley Master Trails Plan). Seasonal tourism generates high pedestrian and bicycle traffic along this key corridor. CODEX environmental screening indicates portions of the area are disproportionately impacted, with over 40% of households housing-cost burdened. Upgrading the trail improves safe, accessible connections for all users, supporting SCORP (2025-2029) Objectives I & II by promoting equity, inclusion, and close-to-home sustainable recreation opportunities, while enhancing multimodal transportation and stewardship of public infrastructure. References: Estes Valley Master Trails Plan; SCORP 2025-2029; CODEx Environmental Screening Tool, CNHP, CSU. B. Outline any deficiencies or barriers to access this project would address or improve for the abovementioned community. The existing SH7 trail is narrow, uneven, non-ADA compliant, and features a steep incline, limiting access for mobility-impaired users, older adults, families, and tourists (Estes Valley Master Trails Plan). Deteriorated asphalt, inadequate drainage, and missing curb ramps create safety hazards along this high-use corridor. The project will replace -1200 linear feet with an 8-foot-wide concrete trail, including curb, gutter, ADA ramps, drainage improvements, and signage, while maintaining shared driveway access. This removes barriers, enhances safety, and provides equitable, connected pedestrian infrastructure. Approximately 3,000-5,000 users annually—including residents, visitors, and school-aged children—will benefit (pedestrian counts, local population, and visitation data). The project aligns with SCORP (2025-2029, Objectives I & II) and CPW Strategic Plan Goal VI, promoting safe, inclusive, and accessible outdoor recreation and multimodal transportation (Estes Valley Master Trails Plan; SCORP 2025-2029; CPW Strategic Plan 2015). C. Estimate the number of people and/or types of user groups that will have access to recreational opportunities as a result of this project. Include methods for determining this estimate. The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project will serve residents, visitors, and workforce along southern Estes Park. The corridor connects neighborhoods, schools, lodging, and recreational destinations, including the Homer Rouse Trail, Lily Lake, and Mary's Lake (Estes Valley Master Trails Plan, 2022). Based on local population (-6,000 residents), seasonal visitation (millions annually), and pedestrian/bicycle counts along SH7, we estimate 3,000-5,000 users will benefit annually. User groups include local families, students, mobility-impaired individuals, cyclists, and tourists. Estimates were determined using trail counts, school zone pedestrian studies, and seasonal tourism data, reflecting peak and off-peak usage patterns. This project enhances safe, equitable, and connected access for all users in accordance with SCORP objectives for equity, inclusion, and close-to-home recreation (SCORP 2025-2029, Objectives I & II). NM Trails: Application form | Page 3 of 8 3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT 10 points A. Give a detailed description of who will oversee the trait work. Include who will perform the maintenance activities (staff, volunteers, conservation corps, contractors, etc.) The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements will be overseen by Town of Estes Park Public Works staff, who will manage project scheduling, coordination with CDOT, and compliance with design standards. Construction and installation will be performed by licensed contractors selected through competitive procurement, with third-party construction management retained to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and safety requirements. Routine maintenance after project completion will be conducted by Public Works staff, ensuring long-term durability and ADA compliance. This combination of experienced municipal staff, qualified contractors, and professional oversight guarantees high-quality construction, effective management, and ongoing safe operation of the trail for all users. B. Outline any CPW State Trails funding received in the last five years and if the project(s) were completed on time, on budget and within scope. For applicants without prior State Traits funding, provide examples of similar grant funded projects. Include project title, year of award, grant amount, and grantor for each. Over the past five years, the Town of Estes Park has successfully managed several grant-funded projects, demonstrating our capacity to complete projects on time, within budget, and in scope. 2018 Fall River Trail Extension - CPW LWCF, $750,000; extended trail to Fall River/Fish Hatchery intersection; completed on time and within budget. 2019 Fall River Trail Phase 2 Part A - CPW State Trails, $250,000 grant with $75,000 match; constructed retaining walls and bridges; completed efficiently ahead of schedule. 2020 Fall River Trail - Colorado the Beautiful - GOCO, $363,706; extended trail to improve access and safety; completed on time and budget. 2024 Fall River Trail Final Design - CPW Non-Motorized Trails, $45,000; completed design phase to make project shovel-ready. These projects demonstrate Estes Park's consistent success delivering CPW/GOCO-funded trails on time, within scope, and on budget, improving safe, accessible, and sustainable recreation. NM Trails: Application form | Page A of 8 4. PLANNING A. Discuss the process that identified this maintenance project as a priority. 10 points The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project was identified as a priority through ongoing monitoring by Town staff and direct input from the community. In August 2022, the Town Board received a complaint regarding steep grades and poor accessibility along the existing trail, particularly affecting mobility-impaired residents and visitors. Town staff conducted site assessments and reviewed pedestrian and cyclist usage patterns, confirming the trail's safety and compliance deficiencies. The project aligns with the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan, which emphasizes improving connectivity, multimodal access, and safe routes along Highway 7, a key corridor for residents, students, and visitors. Input from staff and the public guided the development of a targeted, actionable plan to upgrade approximately 1,200 linear feet of trail, addressing ADA compliance, safety, and connectivity for all users (SCORP 2025-2029, Objectives I & II; CPW Strategic Plan, Goal VI). B. List all approved internal master our outdoor recreation plans and/or any external area, regional, or statewide plans this project supports. This project supports the following plans and strategies: Estes Valley Master Trails Plan - identifies Highway 7 and Community Drive corridors as key multimodal routes requiring improved pedestrian and cyclist access and safety. Town of Estes Park Comprehensive Plan - emphasizes safe, connected, and accessible infrastructure for residents and visitors. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Strategic Plan (2015) - Goal VI: Connect people to Colorado's outdoors, supporting safe, responsible, and accessible outdoor recreation, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships to broaden access. Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP 2025-2029) - Objectives 1-111: advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion; expanding sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities; and enhancing resources, data, and capacity for outdoor recreation planning. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Guidelines - ensures design and construction meet state standards for safety and accessibility along state-managed right-of-way. These plans collectively reinforce the project's alignment with local, regional, and statewide recreation priorities. NM Trails: Application form | Page 5 of 8 5. MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY 10 points A. Explain how the site will be maintained and monitored after the grant funded work is complete (operation and maintenance plans, future budgeting commitments, etc.) After completion, the State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project will be maintained by Town of Estes Park Public Works staff, with routine inspections, cleaning, snow removal, and repairs per the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan maintenance guidelines. The Town will implement best management practices including monitoring drainage, repairing pavement cracks, maintaining signage, and ensuring ADA features remain compliant. Maintenance schedules and budgeting for repairs, resurfacing, and long-term upkeep are incorporated into the Town's annual operations plan. Coordination with CDOT ensures ongoing compliance and safe use on state-managed right-of-way. These measures will ensure the trail and amenities remain safe, accessible, and sustainable for residents, visitors, and the workforce well into the future. B. Describe the best management practices that will be used to maintain the trail to ensure that the trail and its amenities will be sustainable. Best management practices for the State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project include routine inspections, debris removal, snow and ice management, pavement and drainage maintenance, and repair of any damage to curb, gutter, or ADA ramps. Signage and wayfinding will be regularly evaluated and maintained. Maintenance follows the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan standards, including periodic assessments of trail surface condition, slope stability, and accessibility features. The Town incorporates these activities into its annual operations and budgeting, ensuring sustainable, long-term trail performance. Coordination with CDOTfor state-managed right-of-way ensures compliance with applicable standards. These practices preserve trail safety, accessibility, and longevity while supporting sustainable use by residents and visitors. NM Trails: Application form | Page 6 of 8 6. WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCES 15 points A. Describe how potential impacts to wildlife and natural resources were evaluated during the project scoping phase (using 'Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind', mapping tools, etc.). Include any positive impacts this work will showcase. During the project scoping phase, potential impacts to wildlife and natural resources were evaluated using CPW's Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind guidelines and mapping tools such as habitat overlays and environmental screening datasets. The project footprint is confined to the existing corridor, minimizing disturbance to native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Improvements include enhanced drainage and erosion control to protect nearby waterways. By providing an accessible, well-defined trail, the project concentrates pedestrian activity within the designated corridor, reducing off-trail impacts and promoting responsible use. Positive impacts include improved public awareness of environmental stewardship, safer and sustainable recreation, and reduced habitat fragmentation along the SH7 corridor. B. Describe any wildlife and natural resources issues raised by CPW staff during the application consultation. Consultation with CPW staff has not yet taken place. However, no specific wildlife or natural resource issues are anticipated because of this existing trail maintenance. However, Town staff are experienced in coordinating with CPW and will ensure that all work complies with applicable regulations and best practices. The project design incorporates measures to protect adjacent vegetation, minimize erosion, and maintain safe, accessible trail use while avoiding impacts to natural resources. C. Explain how potential wildlife and natural resource impacts will be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated (trail realignment, seasonal closures (include dates), signage, gates, game cameras, etc.) The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project is located within an existing corridor, minimizing potential impacts to wildlife and natural resources. Work will remain within the current trail footprint, avoiding new habitat disturbance. Best management practices include erosion control measures, proper grading and drainage, and the use of durable, low-impact materials. Construction will occur outside sensitive periods if any seasonal concerns arise, and signage will direct users to stay on the trail. Town staff will coordinate with CPW to ensure compliance with all applicable wildlife and environmental standards, mitigating potential impacts while maintaining safe and accessible trail use. NM Trails: Application form | Page 7 of 8 7.'PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS 15 points A. Outline public engagement activities for this project (public meetings, comment periods, surveys, etc.) The Town of Estes Park follows a structured public engagement process for all trail projects. For the State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project, engagement will include public meetings with the Town Board and staff presentations, comment periods advertised through the Town's website and local media, and direct outreach to affected property owners. Surveys and informal feedback opportunities will be provided to gather input from residents, businesses, and trail users. All comments will be reviewed and considered in the final design and construction planning to ensure the project reflects community needs and priorities. This process aligns with Estes Park's standard practices for public participation in capital improvement projects. B. Describe any partnerships that will ensure the project's success (public agencies, conservation or recreation groups, local businesses, etc.) The State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project will leverage partnerships to ensure successful planning, construction, and long-term maintenance. Key collaborators include the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for permitting and compliance on the state-managed right-of-way, Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District for alignment with regional trail networks, and local businesses such as the Kinnikinnik Motor Lodge to coordinate access and minimize impacts. Town staff from Public Works and Engineering will oversee construction, supported by third-party contractors and construction managers. Community input through public meetings and surveys will guide design decisions, ensuring the project meets the needs of residents, visitors, and trail users. These partnerships collectively enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability of the trail. C. Describe how potential opposition to this project or its implementation will be identified, addressed and managed. Potential opposition to the State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project will be identified through public engagement, including formal public meetings, comment periods, and direct outreach to adjacent property owners and affected businesses. Concerns may relate to construction impacts, driveway access, or temporary disruptions. Town staff will document all feedback and address issues by coordinating with CDOT for permits, adjusting construction sequencing to maintain safe access, and providing clear communication regarding project timing, safety measures, and expected benefits. Ongoing updates via the Town website, social media, and email notifications will ensure transparency. By engaging stakeholders early and consistently, potential opposition can be mitigated, fostering community support and minimizing conflicts during implementation. NM Trails: Application form | Page 8 of 8 8. BUDGET AND FUNDING 10 points A. Describe the source of match for the project and when it will be secured. Include in-kind donations and partner contributions. The source of match for the State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements Project will come from the Town of Estes Park's 1A Sales Tax, which is allocated for local infrastructure and trail improvements. The Town is providing a match that exceeds the required 25%, reflecting the high priority of this project for safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The match will be secured through the Town's annual budgeting process and will include both cash contributions and in-kind support from Town staff, Public Works oversight, and project management. This demonstrates the Town's strong commitment to completing the project and ensuring its long-term maintenance and sustainability. B. Describe any consequences if this funding application is unsuccessful (loss of partner funds, staff capacity, expiration of surveys, etc.). If this funding application is unsuccessful, the Town would face delays in addressing critical ADA compliance and safety issues along SH7, leaving residents, visitors, and mobility-impaired users at risk. Planned improvements to pedestrian connectivity and multimodal access would be postponed, potentially increasing maintenance costs overtime. The Town's committed match funds and staff capacity allocated for this project would be underutilized, and the opportunity to leverage state and partner resources for safe, sustainable trail infrastructure would be lost. Additionally, delaying construction could hinder coordination with CDOT and the integration of the trail into the broader Estes Park non-motorized trail network, limiting long-term community and tourism benefits. COLORADO PARKS & WILDL Document checklist NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION-CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE PROJECT DETAILS Organization Town of Estes Park Project title State Hwy 7 Trail ADA Improvements DOCUMENTS PRE-APPLICATION - SEPTEMBER Document Source Submission format 1. Letter of Intent [Scope of work] Applicant's own PDF 2. Project map Applicant's own PDF FULL APPLICATION - OCTOBER Document Source Submission format 3. Application CPW template PDF 4. Budget CPW template Unprotected Excel file 5. Photographs & maps Applicant's own Merged PDF (5 pages max) 6. Letters of support Various Merged PDF (5 letters max) 7. Resolution Applicant's own Signed PDF 8. Environmental forms CPW Template Signed PDF D 9. Formal EA or NEPA* ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORAAATION Federal Template Web link or PDF 10. Required match funding secured (including cash match funds) 11. Construction projects have been evaluated for permits and, if required, permits obtained. 12. Project area is owned by a public land agency or has an easement that designates the area be open to the public for at least 25 years. Q 13. Conservation /Youth Corps or other organization will be used on the project. Name of organization: 14. Volunteers will be utilized on the project Name of organization: *Must be completed prior to application presentations in January. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Application form NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION - CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BASICS Title Type Phased Community project Drive Connector Trail 13 Construction D Maintenance D Yes B No D Planning D Support If yes, Phase #of Brief summary The Town of Estes Park proposes the construction of a new non-motorized multi-use trail along Community Drive, extending from US Highway 36 to Manford Avenue. Grant request Match Total $ $ $ 50,000.00 380,160.00 430,160.00 Grant Match Total ratio1 ratio 12 % 88 % 100 % APPLICANT Type B Local D Recreation and Organization Town of Estes Park Postal address PO 1200 City Estes Park General email lblevins@estes.org Lead contact Laura Blevins Telephone (970) 577-3574 Project manager Jamin Rucker Telephone (970) 577-3736 PARTNER OR CO-SPONSOR Organization Postal address City Contact name Telephone DCounty D Federal D Tribal Metro Districts D Non-Profit State CO ZIP Code 80517 UEI# KNMKSMB6JNW5 Title Grants Specialist Email lblevins@estes.org Title Civil Engineer I Email jrucker@estes.org BN/A State CO ZIP Code Title Email Grant ratio = grant request / total. Match ratio = match / total. August Z02t) Non-Moton'zed Application form | P^e 2 of 2 Nearest town or city Town of Estes Park Latitude/Longitude 40.371323, -105.497757 Name of property owner Town of Estes Park Trail Corridor controlled by D Fee simple D License TRAIL County Larimer Congressional district 2 D Lease D Easement B ROW D Other: Uses 13 Hiking, walking, running B Biking D Equestrian E-bikes allowed? D Yes D No D Snow sports (non-motorized) El ADA Accessible D Other: Estimate percentage by type (e.g.,) 50% hiking, etc. Surface D Natural D Crusher fines D Other: Size of new traithead (sq. ft.) Length of new trail construction2 .4 miles Length of inter-connecting trail Length of decommissioned trail Length of trail to be signed Other: Estimated amount of paid crew hours: Grant 0 D Asphalt E Concrete Length of trail being planned Length of trail maintenance Length of trail reroute Length of restored trail Length of trail grooming Match: o ACKNOWLEDGEMENT On behalf of the applicant entity, I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information in this application is true and correct. Authorized Representative Digitally signed by Laura A. Blevins Signature l-aularx- i-'icvn isoate: 2025.10.0114:44:00-oe'oo- Q^Q Name Laura Blevins -Y-^ Grants Specialist Length of trail - use miles, square feet, linear feet COLORADO PARKS & WILDL Timeline NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION s^^ PROJECT DETAILS Organization Town of Estes Park Project title Community Drive Connector Trail TASK Mobilization, staffing, construction or maintenance elements, planning phases, etc. 50% Design - Town Funded 100% Design - Town Funded IGA Execution Advertise Construction Bid Contract Award Notice to Proceed Preconstruction Conference Mobilization and Pre-Con Work Construction Final Completion Closeout - Estimate 90s days Administrative Close-out Dates* October 2025 Dates January 2026 Dates April 2026 Dates May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 Dates June 2026 Dates Ju ne-September 2026 Dates *The timeline is an estimate of your project completion. Remember the project must be completed within 2.5 years of the award date. Suggestion - use Quarterly or multiple month time frames [Q2/XX; Jun-Sept XX]. Initial grant expiration date will be June 30th or December 31st, dependent upon assigned funding source. COLORADO PARKS WILDLIFE Criteria Questions NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION - CONSTRUCTION Organization Town of Estes Park Project title Community Drive Connector Trail 1. PROJECT NEED 15 points A. Give a detailed description of the project, including information such as miles of new or resurfaced trails, any other trail components/structures, and the restoration/decommission of old reroutes. The Town of Estes Park proposes construction of a multi-use trail along Community Drive, extending from the US 36 underpass to existing sidewalks on Manford Avenue (approx. 0.4 miles). This new facility will provide a safe, dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists in an area currently lacking continuous non-motorized infrastructure. By linking the regional trail system at US 36 with neighborhood sidewalks, the project will close a critical gap in connectivity for students, residents, and visitors traveling between schools, community facilities, and residential areas. In addition to the trail, the project includes safety-focused improvements such as bump-outs at crosswalks and enhanced signage to slow traffic and improve driver awareness. These traffic-calming measures are essential along a corridor heavily used by schoolchildren and families, where pedestrian-vehicle conflicts are common. Overall, the project directly supports the goals of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail grant by expanding safe, non-motorized access, enhancing trail connectivity, and promoting sustainable recreation opportunities that reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. B. Describe the project's urgency and why it is being pursued at this time. Community Drive serves as the main access to Stanley Park, the fairgrounds, and nearby schools. Recent improvements, including the Community Drive roundabout and connection to Estes Lake, have increased traffic and highlighted the need for safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The proposed trail west to Manford Avenue will link schools with recreation amenities, including baseball fields, dog park, skate park, playgrounds, and event spaces. Without a dedicated path, pedestrians and cyclists navigate alongside vehicles, creating safety risks. Constructing a multi-use trail with traffic calming will provide secure, equitable access and support CPW Non-Motorized Trail priorities by enhancing connectivity and recreational opportunities. C. Describe all existing trails/traH systems in the area and the need for additional trait reroutes to be constructed. The area has limited trail infrastructure. Paved sidewalks serve segments of the neighborhood but do not provide continuous multi-use access along Community Drive. Regional trails, including the US 36 underpass and Stanley Park paths, exist but end before reaching schools and recreation areas. Informal routes are used by pedestrians and cyclists but lack safety and accessibility features. The project will construct a multi-use trail west from the US 36 underpass to Manford Avenue, filling gaps in the network, improving connections to schools, Stanley Park amenities, and the fairgrounds, and creating a fully accessible corridor for non-motorized travel. NM Trails: Application form | Page 2 of 8 2. COMMUNITY BENEFIT 15 points A. Describe the community that will benefit from this project. Include relevant demographic and economic data. This project will provide safe, accessible, and connected non-motorized routes to schools, Stanley Park amenities, and the fairgrounds while linking to Estes Park's broader trail network. By connecting these destinations, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users gain improved access for recreation, commuting, and daily activities. The trail promotes active transportation, healthy lifestyles, and reduced pedestrian-vehicle conflicts along a heavily used corridor.Community engagement is central. Programs like "Walk and Bike to School," outreach campaigns, and collaboration with the Estes Park School District, law enforcement, and local organizations will educate students and families, encourage safe walking and hiking, and increase neighborhood participation in outdoor recreation. Regular assessments of trails and infrastructure will maintain safety, accessibility, and usability for all residents, including youth, older adults, and people with disabilities.These improvements expand recreational connectivity and safe access, directly supporting CPW Non-Motorized Trail grant goals by enhancing year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. B. Outline any deficiencies or barriers to access that this project would address or improve for the abovementioned community. Key barriers prevent safe, equitable non-motorized travel along Community Drive. No continuous trail exists from the US 36 underpass to Manford Avenue, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to share roadways with vehicles. Existing paths are fragmented, informal, or inaccessible to users with disabilities, limiting safe access to schools, Stanley Park amenities, and the fairgrounds. The project will construct a dedicated multi-use trail and implement traffic-calming measures, creating safe, accessible routes. Community input through workshops and surveys will guide design, and ongoing monitoring will ensure the corridor meets user needs. This directly addresses safety, accessibility, and connectivity gaps, aligning with CPW Non-Motorized Trail priorities. C. Estimate the number of people and/or types of user groups that will have access to recreational opportunities as a result of this project. Include methods for determining this estimate. The Community Drive Connector Trail will serve students, families, recreational users, and commuters accessing schools, Stanley Park amenities, and the fairgrounds. Traffic counts (Station ID 101650, AADT 9,300 in 2024; 1 70 single-unit trucks, 11 0 combination trucks) highlight the volume of vehicles currently sharing the corridor, indicating high potential demand for a safe, non-motorized alternative. According to data from the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District, they estimate that over 100,000 people use Stanley Park each year. This trail will provide safe access for all non-motorized users and reduce vehicle conflicts along a busy corridor. NM Trails: Application form | Page 3 of 8 3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT 10 points A. Give a detailed description of who will oversee the design process and trail construction. Include who will build the trail (staff, volunteers, conservation corps, contractors, etc.) The project team includes Jamin Rucker, Civil Engineer I, Town ofEstes Park Engineering Division, serving as overall Project Manager; Trevor Wittwer, Public Works Town Engineer, providing design oversight; and Justin Kearney, Streets Division Supervisor, overseeing construction by the Streets Division. The Streets Division will perform trail construction to reduce costs, with contractors used as needed for specialized work. Jamin Ruckerwill coordinate design, construction, and safety standards, ensuring efficient, cost-effective management and high-quality trail development. B. Outline any CPW State Trails funding received in the last five years and if the project(s) were completed on time, on budget and within scope. For applicants without prior State Trails funding, provide examples of similar grant funded projects. Include project title, year of award, grant amount, and grantor for each. Over the past five years, the Town of Estes Park has successfully managed several grant-funded projects, demonstrating our capacity to complete projects on time, within budget, and in scope. 2018 Fall River Trail Extension - CPW LWCF, $750,000; extended trail to Fall River/Fish Hatchery intersection; completed on time and within budget. 2019 Fall River Trail Phase 2 Part A - CPW State Trails, $250,000 grant with $75,000 match; constructed retaining walls and bridges; completed efficiently ahead of schedule. 2020 Fall River Trail - Colorado the Beautiful - GOCO, $363,706; extended trail to improve access and safety; completed on time and budget. 2024 Fall River Trail Final Design - CPW Non-Motorized Trails, $45,000; completed design phase to make project shovel-ready. These projects demonstrate Estes Park's consistent success delivering CPW/GOCO-funded trails on time, within scope, and on budget, improving safe, accessible, and sustainable recreation. MM Trails: Application form | Page 4 of 8 4. PLANNING 10 points A. Discuss the process that identified this construction project as a priority. This project was identified as a priority through the Stanley Park Master Plan, the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) application, and the Town's Capital Improvement Plan. Staff have worked on the SRTS project for several years, collaborating with the School District, EVRPD, and EPPD to create a safe route for students while recognizing the area's heavy recreational and visitor use. The previous SRTS application noted the trail was viewed more as a recreation route, and the grant was not awarded. The Town revised the project, taking design in-house and proposing construction with the Streets Division. A $50,000 grant will fund concrete, curb, and gutter, while the Town is committed to overmatehing to complete this essential trail. B. List all approved internal master or outdoor recreation plans and/or any external area, regional, or statewide plans this project supports. This project is supported by Town of Estes Park plans that specifically reference the Community Drive corridor and Stanley Park area. These include the Stanley Park Master Plan (2019), which outlines trail and infrastructure improvements near Community Drive; the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan (2016), promoting a connected regional trail system linking Stanley Park and nearby neighborhoods; the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan (2023), which encourages active transportation in the corridor; the Capital Improvement Plan 2025-2029, identifying the Community Drive North Segment as a priority; and the Town Strategic Plan (2025), emphasizing safe, accessible recreation and trail connectivity in this area. MM Trails: Application form | Page 5 of 8 5. MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY 10 points A. Explain how the site will be maintained and monitored (maintenance plans, estimated cost, and future budgeting commitments, etc.) after construction. After completion, the Community Drive Connector Trail will be maintained by Town of Estes Park Public Works staff, following routine inspections, cleaning, snow removal, and repairs per Estes Valley Master Trails Plan guidelines. Best management practices will include monitoring drainage, repairing pavement cracks, maintaining signage, and ensuring ADA features remain compliant. Maintenance schedules and budgeting for repairs, resurfacing, and long-term upkeep are incorporated into the Town's annual operations plan. These measures will ensure the trail and amenities along Community Drive and Stanley Park remain safe, accessible, and sustainable for residents, students, and recreational users well into the future. B. Describe the best management practices that will be used to construct the trail to ensure that the trail and its amenities will be sustainable. Best management practices for the Community Drive Connector Trail include routine inspections, debris removal, snow and ice management, and maintenance of pavement, drainage, curbs, and gutters. ADA features, signage, and wayfinding will be regularly evaluated and repaired as needed. Maintenance follows Estes Valley Master Trails Plan standards, including assessments of trail surface condition, slope stability, and accessibility. These activities are incorporated into the Town's annual operations and budgeting to ensure long-term sustainability. By implementing these practices, the trail and its amenities will remain safe, accessible, and durable, supporting sustainable recreational use for residents, students, and visitors. NM Trails: Application fonn I Page 6 of 8 6. WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCES 15 points A. Describe hov/ potential impacts to wildlife and natural resources were evaluated during the project scoping phase (using 'Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind', mapping toots, etc.). Include any positive impacts this work will showcase. During project planning, the Town will evaluate potential impacts to wildlife and natural resources using CPW's Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind guidelines and mapping tools for habitat, wetlands, and sensitive areas. Staff will consult the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan and GIS layers to identify environmentally sensitive zones and align the trail to avoid wildlife corridors. The project will minimize vegetation removal, preserve tree cover where possible, and use permeable surfaces to reduce runoff. Positive impacts will include improved stormwater management, reduced pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, and safe access to green spaces, enhancing stewardship and public awareness of local habitats while promoting responsible recreational use. B. Describe any wildlife and natural resources issues raised by CPW staff during the application consultation. Consultation with CPW has not yet occurred. Because the trail will be constructed along the Stanley Park and dog park parking lots, no specific wildlife or natural resource issues are anticipated. Town staff, experienced in coordinating with CPW, will ensure all work complies with applicable regulations and best practices. The project design incorporates measures to protect adjacent vegetation, minimize erosion, and maintain safe, accessible trail use while avoiding impacts to natural resources. C. Explain how potential wildlife and natural resource impacts will be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated (trait realignment, seasonal closures (include dates), signage, gates, game cameras, etc.) The Community Drive Connector Trail will be constructed along existing impervious surfaces, including the Stanley Park parking lot and areas adjacent to the baseball and dog park parking lots, minimizing disturbance to natural habitats. Trail alignment avoids vegetation removal and sensitive areas. Runoff will be managed with permeable surfaces and drainage controls. Signage and gates will guide users along the trail and prevent off-trail travel, reducing wildlife disturbance. While seasonal closures are not anticipated due to the developed nature of the site, the Town will monitor trail use and habitat conditions and implement mitigation measures if needed, ensuring safety, accessibility, and protection of local resources. NM Trails: Application form | Page 7 of 8 7.'PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT B PARTNERSHIPS 15 points A. Outline public engagement activities for this project (public meetings, comment periods, surveys, etc.) Extensive public outreach has already informed the Community Drive Connector Trail project. Town staff conducted parent and student surveys through the Safe Routes to School program, participated in the Estes Park Safety Fair to provide trail information to the community, and collaborated with the Estes Park School District and Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District. Additional engagement will include public meetings with the Town Board, staff presentations, and comment periods advertised through the Town's website and local media. All input will be considered in final trail design and construction planning to ensure the project meets community needs and priorities. B. Describe any partnerships that will ensure the project's success (public agencies, conservation or recreation groups, local businesses, etc.) The Community Drive Connector Trail will benefit from strong partnerships supporting its success. Estes Park School District students helped inform the application after Town staff visited classes at Estes Park Elementary; letters from these students were provided as part of the application. Key collaborators also include the Estes Park School District, Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District, and Town of Estes Park Public Works and Streets Division, which will manage design and construction. The Town will continue engaging community organizations, neighborhood groups, and stakeholders to ensure outreach, support, and stewardship, helping maintain the trail, promote safe use, and achieve CPW Non-Motorized Trail goals. C. Describe how potential opposition to this project or its implementation will be identified, addressed and managed. No opposition to the Community Drive Connector Trail is anticipated. The Town will continue proactive communication with residents, neighborhood groups, schools, and stakeholders to ensure transparency, address concerns promptly if they arise, and maintain public support throughout design, construction, and ongoing maintenance. NM Trails: Application form | Pc^e 8 of 8 8. BUDGET AND FUNDING 10 points A. Describe the source of match for the project and when it will be secured. Include in-kind donations and partner contributions. The match for the Community Drive Connector Trail will come from the Town of Estes Park's 1A Sales Tax, designated for local infrastructure and trail improvements. The Town is providing a match that exceeds the required 25%, reflecting the high priority of this project for safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. Savings are realized by taking design and construction in-house using Town staff, Public Works oversight, and project management, reducing costs while contributing in-kind support. The match will be secured through the Town's annual budgeting process, demonstrating strong commitment to completing the project and ensuring long-term maintenance and sustainability. B. Describe any consequences if this funding application is unsuccessful (loss of partner funds, staff capacity, expiration of surveys, etc.). If this funding application is unsuccessful, the Community Drive Connector Trail project would need to be postponed to future years. As a shovel-ready project, delays would impact timely construction, extend staff planning and management efforts, and defer the safety, accessibility, and recreational benefits for students, residents, and visitors. COLORADO PARKS & WILDL Document checklist NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION - CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE PROJECT DETAILS Organization Town of Estes Park Project title Community Drive Connector Trail DOCUMENTS PRE-APPLICATION - SEPTEMBER Document Source Submission format 1. Letter of Intent [Scope of work] Applicant's own PDF 2. Project map Applicant's own PDF FULL APPLICATION - OCTOBER Document Source Submission format 3. Application CPW template PDF 4. Budget CPW template Unprotected Excel file 5. Photographs & maps Applicant's own Merged PDF (5 pages max) 6. Letters of support Various Merged PDF (5 letters max) 7. Resolution Applicant's own Signed PDF 8. Environmental forms CPW Template Signed PDF D 9. Formal EA or NEPA* ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION Federal Template Web link or PDF 10. Required match funding secured (including cash match funds) 11. Construction projects have been evaluated for permits and, if required, permits obtained. 12. Project area is owned by a public land agency or has an easement that designates the area be open to the public for at least 25 years. 13. Conservation/Youth Corps or other organization will be used on the project. Name of organization: 14. Volunteers will be utilized on the project Name of organization: *Must be completed prior to application presentations in January. 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. Memo To: Honorable Mayor Hall & Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk Department: Town Clerk Date: November 25, 2025 Subject: Resolution 100-25 Officially Scheduling the Regular Municipal Election – April 7, 2026 Type: Resolution Objective: The next regular Municipal Election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 per Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS). The resolution will officially set the date, determine election method (poll vs. mail ballot) and identify the Town Clerk as the designated election official (DEO). Present Situation: The Municipal Election Code provides that all regular elections in statutory towns shall be held on the first Tuesday of April in each even-numbered year. As a statutory town, Estes Park must comply with the statutes outlined in CRS Title 31 Article 10. The Town has consistently held mail ballot elections in the past and has realized a significantly higher turnout. Colorado voters have become accustom to mail elections as the State of Colorado has been an all-mail ballot state since the signing of the law in 2013. Proposal: The proposed resolution would set the election for April 7, 2026 as a mail ballot election and designate the Town Clerk as the DEO for the Town of Estes Park, thereby giving authority to complete all aspects of the Municipal Election, including the appointment of election judges. Electronic equipment would be rented from ES&S to count the ballots. ES&S would be used to set up the ballot layout for the printer. Advantages: •Setting the election meets the requirements of the statute. •Provides the Town Clerk with the authority to perform all aspects of the election. Disadvantages: •None. Action Recommended: Staff requests the approval of Resolution 100-25 setting the regular Municipal Election for April 7, 2026. Finance/Resource Impact: The cost of the election has been budget through the adoption of the 2026 budget at $35,000 in the Town Clerk fund. This funding does not include the staff time/overtime to complete the election. Level of Public Interest: Low. Sample Motion: I move for the approval/denial of Resolution 100-25. Attachments: 1. Resolution 100-25 RESOLUTION 100-25 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO CONDUCT THE REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION, SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 7, 2026, AS A MAIL BALLOT ELECTION AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN CLERK TO APPOINT ELECTION JUDGES WHEREAS, by the ordinances of the Town of Estes Park and the statutes of the State of Colorado, the 7th day of April, 2026 is fixed as the time for a regular municipal election to elect three (3) Trustees; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Board of Trustees to provide for the holding of such an election; and WHEREAS, it is the decision of the Town Board by the adoption of this Resolution to hold the regular municipal election of April 7, 2026 by mail ballot pursuant to the provisions of sections 31-10-907 through 31-10-913, C.R.S; and WHEREAS, section 31-10-401, C.R.S., allows the Board of Trustees to delegate to the Town Clerk, by resolution, the authority and responsibility to appoint the judges of election. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK, COLORADO: 1.Pursuant to the provisions of sections 31-10-907 through 31-10-913, C.R.S. the regular municipal election of April 7, 2026 shall be a mail ballot election. 2.The Town Clerk is hereby appointed as the designated election official for the Town of Estes Park for the conduct of this mail ballot election. 3.There shall be one (1) precinct for this mail ballot election. The mail ballot location for said precinct shall be the Estes Park Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517. 4.Pursuant to section 31-10-201(1)(b), C.R.S., to be eligible to vote in this regular mail ballot election a person must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, a resident of the town, and a resident of the State of Colorado for twenty-two (22) days immediately preceding the election. 5.An electronic voting system shall be used in the election and the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to perform all acts and functions necessary for the use of such electronic voting system as required by the laws of the State of Colorado pertaining thereto. 6.Pursuant to section 31-10-401, C.R.S., the Town Clerk is hereby delegated the authority and responsibility to appoint judges of the election at least fifteen (15) days before the election day. 7.The judges of election shall receive for their services $18 per hour. 8.The Town Clerk shall establish the form of the regular mail election ballot. 9.The Town Clerk shall, at the expense of the Town, arrange for such materials and supplies for such election as may be necessary. DATED this day of ,2025. TOWN OF ESTES PARK Mayor ATTEST: Town Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Town Attorney Attachment 1 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: Manager Bangs Department: Administration Date: November 25, 2025 Subject: Organizational Housing Plan Update Objective: Consider staff’s proposal to support the Organizational Housing Plan by exploring a partnership with the Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) that leverages shared resources, expertise, and property assets to deliver both short and long-term housing solutions for Town employees and the broader Estes Valley community. Present Situation: Historically, the Town of Estes Park has experienced workforce housing challenges that impact employee recruitment, retention, and overall organizational stability. Consistent with the goals outlined in the Town’s Organizational Housing Plan, staff have evaluated current employee housing needs and inventoried available housing options to inform recommendations for next steps. To plan for how to best address these needs, Town staff have worked closely with partners at Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA), which provides expertise in housing management, rental administration, and land development for workforce and attainable housing in the Estes Valley. Building upon the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the use of 6E Lodging Tax revenue, the Town and EPHA have partnered to develop Town-owned parcels at Fish Hatchery and 179 Stanley Circle Drive - both identified in strategic plans related to addressing housing challenges and in the Organizational Housing Plan as key opportunities for employee housing. Predevelopment of 179 Stanley Circle Drive is currently underway to allow for workforce housing. To date, the Town’s intent has been to develop this site exclusively as Town employee housing. The development concept includes up to 12 housing units on the site. Concurrently, EPHA continues to expand its housing portfolio, adding more than 100 workforce-restricted units since 2023. This growth in workforce housing inventory has begun to ease the demand for Town-managed employee housing. In 2024 and 2025, fewer employees have requested Town housing assistance, as more workers have been able to secure long-term rentals independently. However, the need for transitional and medium-term Town housing remains strong and is expected to climb over time, as an important element of recruitment and retention, as reflected in the Organizational Housing Plan. The Town has maintained a combination of housing supports for employees, including master-leased units from private landlords and Town-owned homes used for employee housing. Town employees also occupy several EPHA-managed workforce units, reflecting strong collaboration between the two entities. A better understanding of existing housing inventory has helped shape the Town’s current strategy for implementing the objectives of the Organizational Housing Plan. Town and EPHA staff have discussed potential creative solutions to meet the needs of the community, EPHA, and the Town, and propose a collaborative approach that provides a cost-effective, sustainable solution to address workforce housing challenges while aligning public resources with local expertise. One option could be for the Town to provide direct funding on an annual basis to EPHA in exchange for housing units to be reserved or set aside specifically for Town employees. The funding amount could be negotiated annually based on the number of units to be reserved and other considerations such as the extent to which they would be used for short-term or transitional housing or for the longer-term, number of bedrooms, etc. The downsides of this approach are that the housing would be very temporary, it would incur an ongoing annual expense, and it would be vulnerable to cost escalations. Another option could be for a longer-term arrangement, where the Town provides land and direct funding to EPHA in exchange for permanently reserved units for Town employees. Such an arrangement could provide EPHA with immediate capital and land to support community housing development, while providing the Town with ready and flexible access to employee housing and advancing shared objectives to expand attainable housing opportunities throughout the Estes Valley. Proposal: Building on the latter option outlined above, staff propose a partnership with EPHA that we believe will strengthen workforce housing opportunities for Town employees while also advancing the mission of EPHA. The Town and EPHA have been working together to plan for a workforce housing development for Town staff, at Town expense – with EPHA serving as the Town’s contract developer – on a Town-owned parcel located at 179 Stanley Circle Drive. Staff’s proposal is to put similar land and money toward Town employee housing as previously envisioned, but with greater flexibility and efficiency, by obtaining 12 “floating” Town units among EPHA’s properties rather than having Town employees all clustered at 179 Stanley Circle Drive. Town staff see many significant advantages and minimal drawbacks to this proposal, as discussed below. In this scenario, the Town could convey the title to the 179 Stanley Circle Drive property along with direct funding (up to $2 million is what Town staff has proposed). In return, EPHA would provide the Town with priority access to 12 set-aside housing units (the number of units currently envisioned to be developed at 179 Stanley Circle Drive, though it is likely more could be built on the site) within EPHA-managed properties to be used as needed for Town employees, as selected and determined by the Town. Rent prices for Town employees would be the same as for other members of the community, and rent would be retained by EPHA. An arrangement of this nature allows flexibility for the Town to support its employees for periods of time and under rules we ultimately adopt under our internal policies, while EPHA handles leases, rent collection, and overall property oversight as it typically does, consistent with its workforce housing standards. The Town would not have to take on the role of landlord, for which EPHA is much more experienced and better equipped. Town and EPHA staff would work collaboratively to finalize procedures for requesting, assigning, and managing these units to ensure efficient coordination and equitable use. Furthermore, while development of 179 Stanley Circle Drive will likely not be complete for several years, and the Town has not yet fully funded the project, this arrangement could provide Town units for its employees immediately and at a lower cost in the long term. It takes advantage of the economies of scale EPHA has already amassed at properties across the valley. The benefit to EPHA is that it provides immediate land and capital to continue building homes for the entire community, including at 179 Stanley Circle Drive. And if for any reason the Town is occasionally not using one of its designated EPHA-owned units, EPHA can fill that unit with another member of the community. Once the Town is ready to fill its unit, that unit can “float” to a different but similar, vacant EPHA-owned unit. This carries inherent efficiencies over the original model, where the housing at 179 Stanley Circle Drive would simply sit empty if the Town occasionally did not have an employee to fill a home. Staff believe a partnership like this could offer a cost-effective and strategic approach to meeting workforce housing needs for both Town staff and the community. By transferring readily developable property and funding to EPHA, the Town leverages EPHA’s housing development expertise, housing administration expertise while accelerating access to employee housing. In addition, this collaboration complements the Town’s existing Transitional Housing Program, drafted in collaboration with EPHA, which provides temporary housing for new or relocating employees as they secure long-term housing. Together, these efforts demonstrate the Town’s ongoing commitment to supporting employees and expanding attainable housing opportunities for the Estes Valley community. Advantages: •Flexible access to housing for employees, helping with recruitment and retention of staff •Reduce Town’s administrative burden when managing housing for employees •Advances the goals of the Town and strengthens workforce housing supply Disadvantages: •Loss of direct control of property Action Recommended: Direction from the Town Board to explore a formal agreement with Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) for the transfer of Town-owned property, 179 Stanley Circle Drive. A transfer could occur by ordinance. Finance/Resource Impact: None at this time, though there will be financial impacts if an agreement between the Town and EPHA is entered into or if the Town develops the property at 179 Stanley Circle Drive. Level of Public Interest: Moderate. Attachments: 1.Organizational Housing Plan (2023) 2.2024 Updates to Organizational Housing Plan Organizational Housing Plan The organizational housing survey of Town employees completed in April 2023 demonstrates that there is a need for a variety of housing options for staff – from transitional housing for new recruits to short- and long-term rental options to assistance with homeownership opportunities. The following plan, developed by an ad-hoc Organizational Housing Task Team convened by the Town Administrator, outlines the methods in which the Town intends to address the housing needs for our future and current staff. We know we will not be able to meet all the needs, and certainly not all the preferences and desires, but we also recognize how important it is to do what we can to provide assistance to staff in a community with a very challenging housing environment. While implementation of this plan will be funded using money in our own organizational housing budget, it is important to note that staff may also benefit from our larger community focused efforts to address workforce housing using Lodging Tax Extension funds, Short-term Rental Linkage fees, and other such sources. Finally, while this plan is designed to address housing needs, it should also be noted that we will continue to monitor interest and consider options to assist with transportation for employees who live in the front range. Transitional Housing The Town has a need for transitional housing, or a “landing place,” for new employees to be able to move to the community while they search for permanent housing. The Town’s current transitional housing stock will be depleted with the impending demolition of structures at the Fish Hatchery and at 179 Stanley Circle Drive (which was recently converted to “duty housing”), and more stock is needed overall. Transitional housing arrangements will have a term of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extensions depending on circumstances at the time. Actions and Considerations: ●Target creation of up to five transitional housing units by the end of 2023 (inclusive of master-lease arrangements). o Pilot one- and two-year leases to evaluate feasibility of master leasing. o Evaluate subsidization of master leases for transitional housing. ●Buy units or build on existing Town property. ●Consider dedicating a portion of Town-owned units for transitional housing. o 2 from current stock of Town-owned homes (future mix TBD with Fish Hatchery Development) o 2 from Master Leases (private sector and Housing Authority) o 1 from Stanley Circle Drive Development ●Consider flexible (one-year), fixed-term solutions including master leases to close the gap between the demand for transitional housing and supply of Town-owned property. ●Rely mainly on multi-family dwellings for transitional housing. ●Evaluate using the Housing Authority as a property manager for Town-owned/leased units. Mid-Term Rental Housing (one to three years) Beyond the need for a short-term “landing place,” the Town has a need to offer employees a medium-term housing solution while they seek permanent housing within the Estes Park R-3 School District boundaries. Mid-term rental housing arrangements will have a term of up to three (3) years. Attachment 1 Actions: ●Target creation of approximately 20 rental housing units (mid-term and long-term) by the end of 2026. ○Contract to build at least 10 Town units at the Fish Hatchery development. ○Build the maximum number of units permitted on the Stanley Circle Drive property, which is expected to be 10-12 (contingent upon Town Board decisions related to rezoning, etc.) ●Develop a Town program to master lease mid-term housing options for Town employees. Publish a Request for Quotations to acquire local master leases. (A Request for Quotations issued in October 2023; we expect to have four-five units leased by the end of 2023.) ●Work with the Estes Park Housing Authority to maintain a high position on their waitlist and steer employees to them as appropriate. Long-Term Rental Housing Understanding that some employees may prefer to rent long-term with no intention of becoming a homeowner, the Town plans to set aside a portion of Town-owned housing units, once constructed, to be rented by employees for as long as they are employees of the Town (these units would have to be owned by the Town rather than rented, with the possible exception of units master-leased through the Housing Authority). These placements, which would likely be highly coveted, would be made using a point/preference system that would take into account residency/proximity requirements and other such considerations. The Town would reserve the right to increase rents as necessary to cover costs to the Town, but would be kept at an affordable level. Long-term rental housing arrangements will last as long as an employee remains employed by the Town. Actions: ●Once constructed, set aside a certain number of Town-owned units to be used for long-term rentals. ●Explore master leases with Estes Park Housing Authority. ●Create a system to allocate long-term rental housing units. ●Consider development of a program to subsidize long-term rental housing using a sliding scale. Long-Term Homeownership Employee survey responses indicate a preference for homeownership. We know how challenging it can be for staff to find available homes that meet their budget and preferences. The Town has an interest in supporting employees wishing to own a home within the community where they work. Overall, employees expressed interest in single-family homeownership, but all housing types (single-family, townhome, condo, etc.), sizes, and costs would be eligible for this benefit. Actions: ●Reconfigure and strengthen the current down payment assistance program to provide greater financial assistance earlier in an employee’s tenure through one of two possible programs/options (details TBD): o Possibility 1: Homes would be purchased by the employee, with the down payment subsidized by the Town at a much higher dollar amount than our current program provides. The housing unit would be deed-restricted by the Town. The deed restriction would require some combination of (1) a right of first refusal to ensure that another Town employee would have an opportunity to own the home if sold, (2) an income and/or workforce restriction for residents if sold on the open market, and (3) Town recoupment of its investment as a share of the home’s appreciation upon sale if sold to someone who is not a Town employee. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible that the “investment” (rather than a direct employee “benefit”) might not be taxable. o Possibility 2: Provide a low interest loan option for employees needing additional funding to qualify for a loan and are not interested in a deed restriction placed on the property. ●Longer-term, to increase available supply, consider buying or developing for-sale housing to be owned and used by Town employees, with the Town holding a similar deed restriction. Continue to Provide a “Duty House” Employees who do not live in the Estes Valley are occasionally required to work late, work early the next day, or are on-call for outages or snowplowing. This creates a need for a “duty house” that can be used for nightly stays as necessary. The Town began a duty house pilot program in December 2022 with the Town-owned single-family home at 179 Stanley Circle Drive. As noted above, we plan to demolish this house to make way for 10-12 new units on the property (contingent upon the Town Board approval process), in which case we would need to identify another housing unit to be used as a duty house. Actions: ●Evaluate 2023 duty house use in January 2024. Adapt the duty house program in response to lessons learned. ●Consider long-term duty house location/dedication if Stanley Avenue is developed for Town housing needs. ●Explore conversion of the Water Division scale house to a duty house. Organizational Housing Plan 2024 Update In April 2023, the Town conducted an organizational housing survey for its employees, revealing a pressing need for diverse housing options. The survey highlighted the necessity for transitional housing for new recruits, as well as short- and long-term rental opportunities and support for homeownership. In response to these findings, an ad-hoc Organizational Housing Task Team, convened by the Town Administrator, has developed a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the housing needs of both current and future staff. While we acknowledge that we may not be able to fulfill every need or preference, we are committed to making meaningful progress in a community facing significant housing challenges. This update outlines our strategies and initiatives to support our workforce and enhance their housing security. Funding for housing development projects dedicated specifically to Town Employees poses challenges due to the Fair Housing Law, which affects our ability to access Federal and State Grants. The reliance on the Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) for the development of workforce housing will be vitally important. EPHA has stepped in, due to an MOU signed with the quasi-governmental organization in 2023, as the designated developer for both the 22-acre rezoned Fish Hatchery property, as well as property owned by the Town located at 179 Stanley Circle Drive. Both of these developments will provide ample workforce housing for the community as well as opportunities for Town employee housing (179 Stanley Circle Drive will likely be solely for Town staff and a certain number of units at the Fish Hatchery development will likely be reserved for Town staff). In addition to collaborating with EPHA on the development of housing, the Town seeks to collaborate with them for the management and operation of these units. While most units will be for rent, there may also be ownership opportunities, depending on financing options and legal constraints. In 2024, EPHA has been busy prioritizing the purchase and conversion of short-term rentals to workforce housing units and beginning the conceptual design & entitlement process for development projects. This year, they purchased two short-term rental properties and converted them to attainable workforce housing. Over 100 housing units dedicated to the workforce will be online and available to the Estes Valley community by the end of 2024. These units’ rental rates all fall under 80% AMI, ensuring affordability and meeting the Estes Park Development Code’s definition of “Attainable Housing”. The breakdown of the unit type and rent for these units can be found at the end of this document. As community members, these units will be available to Town staff. The Organizational Housing Task Team broke down the need for employee housing by the duration of need, defined by Transitional Housing, Mid-Term Rental Housing, and Long-Term Rental Housing. The Task Team also considered the use of a “Duty House” and homeownership programs. Transitional Housing Transitional housing was prioritized in 2023 to address the identified need to assist with the recruitment of new long-term employees. The Town’s existing transitional housing stock includes three single-family homes on Town-owned land at the Fish Hatchery and four leased units in other areas around Town. We are currently working with EPHA and a design consultant on predevelopment tasks to dramatically increase the number of units available at the Fish Hatchery and 179 Stanley Circle Drive. We expect there will be a mix of unit types, including apartments and townhomes/condos. Attachment 2 Transitional housing arrangements generally have a term of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extensions depending on circumstances at the time. In 2024, one master leased home was rented for the full year, while the other three were utilized for shorter periods for newly recruited permanent staff and summer seasonals. The housing units located at Fish Hatchery were utilized by current Town employees as full-time rentals not to exceed three years or until the property is ready for redevelopment Beginning in 2025, the Town proposes transitioning away from these private master leased units to units owned by EPHA. Transitioning units from private homeowners to EPHA will alleviate the dependency on Town staff for property management, facilities maintenance, and administrative work. The plan is to master lease a total of six units in 2025 for transitional housing stock at various locations owned by EPHA, including Fall River Village and Beaver Brook. This will help provide a diverse supply of housing types to help fit the needs of town employees. Master leasing units for transitional housing will begin the pilot phase of collaborating with EPHA for administering a Town-employee waitlist and preference system to be expanded upon when considering Mid- and Long-Term Housing solutions. The existing inventory of master-leased units in Town are outlined below: Location Beds Bath Rent Lease Ends Waitlist? 600 Mocassin Circle Drive 1 1 $1150 Includes trash & water August 31, 2026 No 257 Moccasin Street #2 2 1 $1,800 includes trash & water September 30, 2025 No 257 Moccasin Street #3 2 1 $1,900 includes trash & water September 30, 2025 No 514 Grand Estates Drive B5 2 2 $1,900 December 15, 2025 No Mid- and Long-Term Housing Mid-Term Housing (defined as 1-3 years) and Long-Term Housing solutions are in the works but are more difficult opportunities to create than transitional housing because of the costs associated with new construction. Implementation of mid- and long-term housing solutions is widely contingent upon new development on Town-owned property at 179 Stanley Circle Drive and Fish Hatchery. Between the two developments, units will be used for both mid- and long-term housing solutions. The opportunity to master lease units at EPHA properties will be considered for mid- and long-term use, as well. 179 Stanley Circle Drive ● Currently in design and predevelopment ● Town-employee only housing ○ Funding is a challenge as we can only use Town funds rather than LIHTC, grants, or 6E/Vacation Home Linkage fee ●Collaborating with EPHA to manage and operate ●Approximately 12 townhome units ○Potential for more with the vacation of right-of-way at Stanley Drive and Stanley Circle intersection ○Up to 3-bedrooms; all with garages Fish Hatchery Workforce Housing ●Currently in design and predevelopment ●Community-wide workforce and affordable housing ○Funded with ARPA, 6E Lodging Tax, LIHTC, and other TBD ○Potential for sale of some units ●Collaborating with EPHA to manage and operate ●Approximately 98 various unit types including townhomes, condos, and single-housing units (the number of units will depend on the outcome of various studies used to determine what the site can actually accommodate). The unit types, particularly single-family & duplex units will be dependent upon the entitlement process with Community development. The initial conceptual plan does not fit all of the code requirements. Employee “Duty-House” The Task Team found that retaining a duty house for employees who do not live in the Estes Valley is essential moving forward. A “duty house” is a designated home used for nightly stays for employees who live out of town but need a place to sleep. The existing home located at 179 Stanley Circle Drive has acted as a duty house prior to acting as transitional housing. The scale house located at the Water Division currently acts as a duty house that can be used for nightly stays as necessary. Relocating duty housing with the new Police building has been discussed as an option for both police personnel and other Town staff. Housing Affordability Programs The Town understands that in addition to long-term rental opportunities, employees are also seeking homeownership opportunities. The Town’s current down payment assistance program, while a benefit to employees, does not provide sufficient financial support to meet the demands of the real estate market in the Estes Valley. The existing program must be enhanced in order to make an impact on the ability of employees to purchase a home. EPHA is currently undergoing an evaluation and enhancement of the Downpayment Assistance Program (DPA) that they’ve administered in the past for the same reason. As they develop and begin implementing a more robust program, the Town will have an opportunity to devote or earmark funds to the program or rely on EPHA for this service to the community. EPHA piloted a Workforce Rental Assistance program in 2024 that increases eligibility to include “middle-income” working households with an income of 80-115% AMI. Households with at least one person in the home working in the Estes Valley, including Town employees, are eligible for a one-time grant of $4,800 to cover costs associated with the deposit or first/last month's rent, or a $400 per month subsidy. 2024 EPHA New Workforce Housing Unit Breakdown Beaver Brook Studio 1 1 $1,248 70% 2 1.5 13 $1,783 70% 3 2.5 4 $2,163 75% 4 2.5 1 $2,400 75% *AMI is the rental rate AMI and is not an income requirement for the household Fall River Village Lower Parcel *AMI is the rental rate AMI and is not an income requirement for the household Fall River Village Upper Parcel (5-year limit) *AMI is the rental rate AMI and is not an income requirement for the household Organizational Housing Plan 2025 Update This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC Request for Direction Should the Town explore a formal agreement with Estes Park Housing Authority for the transfer of Town-owned property, 179 Stanley Circle Drive? Organizational Housing Plan Plan for Employee Housing Ɣ Employee survey conducted in April 2023 Ɣ Plan was developed by ad-hoc Organizational Housing Task Team Ɣ Update conducted in 2024 Present Situation Ɣ Town supports employees through a mix of: ­Master-leased units ­Town-owned units ­EPHA-managed workforce units Present Situation Ɣ Collaboration with EPHA remains central Ɣ Growing inventory of EPHA workforce- restricted units has eased demand Ɣ EPHA is the acting developer of two Town-owned properties ­Fish Hatchery Neighborhood ­179 Stanley Circle Drive Present Situation Potential Strategies 1.Annual funding to EPHA to reserve units for Town-employees 2.Long-term arrangement where Town provides land and capital to secure permanently reserved units Proposal A partnership with EPHA that strengthens workforce housing opportunities for Town employees, while also advancing the mission of EPHA. Transfer of 179 Stanley Circle Drive Ɣ Continue with the development of housing at this location (similar land and money toward the project) Ɣ No restriction on employer at this development Ɣ Obtaining 12 “floating” Town-employee units among EPHA properties Advantages to Consider Ɣ Management (including leases, rent collection, and overall property oversight) handled by EPHA ­Town is not a landlord Ɣ Coordinating employees with housing will be collaborative between the Town and EPHA ­Directed by internal administrative processes Ɣ Town serves the current needs of its employees Ɣ EPHA increases its portfolio of buildable land and capital for other projects Request for Direction Should the Town explore a formal agreement with Estes Park Housing Authority for the transfer of Town-owned property, 179 Stanley Circle Drive? Next Step The Town and EPHA draft a formal agreement by ordinance for the transfer of Town-owned property, 179 Stanley Circle Drive. Questions & Discussion This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC