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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2026-03-10Town ofEstes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 10, 2026 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 10th day of March, 2026. Present: Gary Hall, Mayor Marie Cenac, Mayor Pro Tem Trustees Bill Brown Kirby Hazelton Mark Igel Frank Lancaster Cindy Younglund Also Present: Travis Machalek, Town Administrator Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator Dan Kramer, Town Attorney Sarah Stoddard Cameron, Recording Secretary Absent: None Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved and seconded (Cenac/Brown) to enter executive session for discussion of a personnel matter-Section 24-6-402(4)(f), C.R.S. and not involving: any specific employees who have requested discussion of the matter in open session; any member of the Town Board; the appointment of any person to fill an office of the Town Board; or personnel policies that do not require discussion of matters personal to particular employees - to conduct Judge Thrower and Attorney Kramer's annual reviews, and it passed unanimously. Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 5:33 p.m. to enter executive session. The Board concluded the executive session at 6:52 p.m. Mayor Hall called the meeting back 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 (Hall/Brown) to approve the Agenda with Report and Discussion Item 1 to be heard prior to Planning Commission Action Item 1, and it passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS. None. TRUSTEE COMMENTS. Board comments were heard and have been summarized: attended the Estes Park Police Department (EPPD) Awards Banquet; commended EPPD officers, volunteers, and staff for their sen/ice and dedication to keeping the community safe and secure; made special commendations to awardees Susan Stewart and Melissa Westover of Restorative Justice; encouraged the public to attend an Estes Park High School's Girls Soccer Team home game, and acknowledged the hard work of student athletes; urged constituents to vote in the upcoming municipal election and encouraged attendance at the candidate forums on March 12th and March 23rd; two variance requests were addressed at the last Board of Adjustment meeting including approval of construction of a garage with non- conforming setbacks, and a riparian setback for the Fish Hatchery Project in which more information was requested; urged the community to attend the inaugural presentation of the Kent Smith Civic Engagement Award Monday, March 16; Mayor Hall attended 6th and 7th grade classes and taught students about municipal government; expressed gratitude Board of Trustees - March 10, 2026 - Page 2 to Trustee Younglund for her civic service; and it was noted that Mayor Hall would act as liaison to the Regional Opioid Abatement Council (ROAC) in lieu of Trustee Younglund through the end of April when appointments are made once the new Board in seated.. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. Town Administrator Machalek reported non-compliance of Policy Governance 3.4., signatory delegation, to the Board, due to 2025 contract renewals with Mountain View Commercial Cleaning and Atlas Unlimited LLC dba Superior Trash Company which were excuted without Board approval. Steps have been taken for contract renewals to ensure appropriate Board consideration for future items as staff would attach authorizing Resolutions to corresponding purchase orders on all contracts $100,000 or greater. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Expenditure Approval List - Bills 2. Town Board Meeting and Study Session Minutes dated February 24,2026 3. Estes Park Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes dated February 3, 2026 (Acknowledgement Only) 4. Joint Town Board and Estes Valley Fire Protection District Study Session Minutes dated February 13, 2026 5. Fee Waiver Request for the Rezoning of 440 Valley Rd per Community Development Policy 402: Equity Fee and Fee Waiver 6. Letter of Support for the Local IMPACT Accelerator Grant from the Colorado Energy Office 7. Resolution 19-26 Professional Services Agreement with Root Policy Research for the Housing Action Plan, $47,000, Grant Funded 8. Resolution 20-26 Setting the Public Hearing for a New Beer and Wine Liquor License Application for Snow Dragon LLC dba Mary Jane's, 358 East Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 9. Resolution 21-26 Setting the Public Hearing for a New Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Sky Peak Group LLC dba Estes Perk, 145 East Elkhorn Avenue, Units 98 and 105, Estes Park, Colorado It was moved and seconded (HazeIton/Cenac) to approve Consent Agenda Items 1- 4 and 6-9, and it passed unanimously. CONSENT ITEM REMOVED FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Item 5: Fee Waiver Request for the Rezoning of 440 Valley Rd per Community Development Policy 402: Equity Fee and Fee Waiver. Town Administrator Machalek explained that at the January 27, 2026, Town Board Meeting, an application to rezone 440 Valley Road from RM (ResidentiaI-MuItifamily) to A (Accomodations) was denied. Staff anticipates a resubmission of this request. Per Estes Park Development Code §3.1 General Provisions, reapplication would be subject to the $2,520 rezoning application fee. Staff proposed waiving the associated reapplication fee, despite non-conformance to Community Development Policy 402 fee waiver requirements. Board comment ensued with staff being commended for their direction and excellent customer service. It was moved and seconded (Hazelton/Brown) to approve Consent Agenda Item 5, and it passed unanimously. Board of Trustees - March 10, 2026 - Page 3 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION ITEMS: A. Resolution 22-26, Chase Minor Subdivision Plat, 173 Stanley Circle Drive. Bob and Michelle Chase, Owners/Applicants. Mayor Hall opened the public hearing. Senior Planner Hornbeck reviewed the application for a proposed minor subdivision dividing a 1.7 acre parcel in the Little Prospect Mountain Subdivision into two (2) lots measuring approximately 0.67 and 0.5 acres for the purposes of estate planning. The subject property, zoned E (Estate), was developed for single family residential use, and included a single-family detached home, detached garage, travel trailer pad,and a small shed. The 0.67-acre lot would retain the existing single-family residence, while the 0.50-acre lot would be placed into a trust for a beneficiary and would remain undeveloped at this time. The application complied with E (Estate) zoning dimensional standards requirements, as both resulting lots exceed the minimum size of 0.5 acre. Density would remain one (1) unit per lot, complying with zoning density requirements of no more than two (2) units per acre. There are no mapped geologic or fire hazards identified within the subdivision. No improvements, grading, or site disturbances would occur as a result of the request. Access to the lots would be shared, and a Shared Access and Driveway Agreement has been submitted and would be recorded with the minor subdivision plat. No public comment on this application had been received. Mayor Hall closed the public hearing. It was then moved and seconded (Igel/Younglund) to approve Resolution 22-26, and it passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Resolution 23-26 Establishing 2026 Seasonal Paid Parking and Parking Permit Fees. Manager Klein presented the proposed 2026 seasonal paid parking and parking permit rates. Daily parking fees are to be set at $2.00 per hour between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and are to be implemented and enforced for a twenty- two-week period commencing May 22, 2026, and terminating October 18, 2026. Hourly fees would be collected for 682 parking stalls, equating to 67% of stalls located in the downtown corridor or 31 % of total stalls system wide. Daily parking fees would not apply to the 28 stalls reserved for people with disabilities, nor for the spaces currently reserved for access to civil services at the Town Hall, Library, and Post Office with the exception of holidays. All existing 2025 permit rates would remain unchanged through the 2026 season. It was noted that the Paid Parking Program remains financially self-sustaining, as costs are paid through daily parking and permit fees. Parking ambassador training has been refined to focus on promoting longer stays for patrons, after feedback indicated visitors felt stress regarding time limits. Staff proposed implementing dynamic fee rates at the Riverside and Davis parking lots using entrance and exit cameras capable of measuring occupancy. Hourly rates would range from $0 to $5 depending on predicted demand. Higher rates would be charged on event days and weekends, while free or reduced rates would be applied on weekdays. The dynamic pricing program, if approved, would be implemented during June or July, and data collected through the 2026 season would be used to make informed decisions about day-to-day rates in 2027. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Questioned whether the dynamic pricing pilot program had been budgeted, how user data would be protected, how quickly and significantly rates would change, and whether approval of Resolution 23-26 approved the dynamic pricing pilot program; expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to collect additional traffic pattern and occupancy data through the dynamic pricing pilot program; clarified that dynamic pricing would only be implemented in the Riverside Lot during the 2026 paid parking season; expressed concern regarding the potential reduction and deterrence of visitors given higher or unknown parking rates; acknowledged dynamic pricing has been successful for events and holidays in other municipalities; expressed desire for free or reduced weekday parking, as well as ample and clear signage for dynamic lots; noted the intention of paid parking continues to be the facilitation of visitor turnover and improve parking availability, rather than generate significant revenue for the Town; questioned whether dynamic pricing would be seen as price gouging, and how a reduction in parked vehicles would affect downtown business; acknowledged that paid parking in the downtown corridor Board of Trustees - March 10,2026 - Page 4 encourages visitors to park in outer non-paid areas; and encouraged staff to focus on increasing parking capacity rather than increasing daily rates. Staff explained that increasing parking capacity to meet demand isn't feasible given the Town's financial and spatial constraints, and urged the Board to consider multifaceted solutions such as the dynamic pricing pilot program. It was noted that implementation of dynamic pricing would be subject to Board approval and would be brought back to the Board. After further discussion, it was then moved and seconded (Hazelton/Brown) to approve Resolution 23-26, and it passed with Trustee Igel voting "No". 2. Resolution 24-26 Designating a Portion of Town-Qwned Property at the Northwest Corner of Community Drive and Manford Avenue as the Preferred Site for a New Public Safety Facility. Director Fetherston presented a portion of Town-Owned property located at the northwest corner of Community Drive and Manford Avenue, and requested the Board formally designate the site as the preferred location for a new public safety facility. Final approval of construction budget financing and design are to be brought to the Board at a later date. It was explained that the current police facility was built in the 1930's, has had no significant capital improvements, critically undersized, and lacks secure vehicle intake and detention facilities. Staff have reviewed over 21 sites for a new public safety facility, and following feedback from the community and School District regarding the land swap proposed in July 2025, and the withdrawal of a proposal of a performance facility on the Events Complex property as well as the completion of additional analysis, this site was identified as the optimal choice. Advantages identified included: The Town's ownership of the site which eliminated acquisition costs; the site allows for future expansion; and its central location, including its proximity to schools, the Events Complex, and the three main causeways entering/exiting town. It was announced that pending site approval, financing would be brought to the Board in late 2026. Board comment ensued and has been summarized: Clarified that six (6) barns would require relocation; and expressed excitement regarding the site's central location and proximity to the schools. It was then moved and seconded (Igel/Cenac) to approve Resolution 24-26, and it passed unanimously. 3. Letter of Support to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for Design of a New Public Safety Facility. Director Fetherston requested Board support for a grant application for $200,000 in DOLA Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance (EIAF) Grant funds for the design of a new public safety facility following the affirmation of the preferred site. The required 1:1 local match for the grant would be met using $300,000 in design funds appropriated in the 2026 Budget. Total schematic and construction design costs have been estimated at $1.5 million. It was noted that if the Board denies the letter of support, the application would be withdrawn. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Questioned whether the Town had received DOLA EIAF funds previously; and advised staff to focus on nexus of grant activities and energy assistance savings during grant hearings. It was then moved and seconded (Younglund/lgel) to approve the Letter of Support, and it passed unanimously. 4. Resolution 25-26 Services Contract Renewa|with Atlas Unlimited LLC dba Superior Trash Company for Waste and Recycling Collection Services. Director Fetherston presented extension three (3) to the 2023 Waste and Recycling Collection Services Contract for Town facilities and a designated downtown area with Atlas Unlimited LLC dba Superior Trash Company through December 31, 2026. The original contract was competitively bid on through December 2023 and contained the option of five (5) one-year renewals. Renewal was recommended due to the contractor's responsiveness, reliability, and quality of work. The contract price totals $152,659, $110,313 of which covers downtown waste and recycling. The remaining $42,346 has been allocated towards facilities waste and recycling. It was then moved and seconded (Igel /Hazelton) to approve Resolution 25-26, and it passed unanimously. Board of Trustees - March 10, 2026 - Page 5 5. Resolution 26-26 Services Contract Renewal with Mountain View Commercial Cleaninfl for Janitorial Services. Director Fetherston explained that staff sought approval of extension two (2) to the 2024 Services Contract forjanitorial services in Town buildings with Mountain View Commercial Cleaning for the 2026 calendar year. The contract was competitively bid and originally approved through December 31, 2024, with the option of three (3) one-year renewals at a fixed cost of $488,183, which includes funds for emergency and as-needed cleanings, and was accounted for in the approved in the 2026 Budget. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Questioned whether the full allocation for emergency cleanings, $16,800, was typically utilized; commended the contractors for their work; and noted front-facing services vastly improve visitor experience. It was then moved and seconded (Hazelton/Younglund) to approve Resolution 26-26, and it passed unanimously. 6. Estes Park Sister Cities Association Renaming Request - Monteverde Park. Town Administrator Machalek presented a request from the Estes Park Sister Cities Association to schedule a date to rename a space south of Snowy Peaks Winery and northeast of the Moraine roundabout "Monteverde Park." The unnamed property was acquired through a quick claim deed from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and features a Monteverde Peace Pole installation. Per Policy 208, renaming requests are not subject to the community input/feedback period that an initial naming request requires. This was purposeful as staff wished to expedite the naming process. It was recommended this action item be brought to the March 24, 2026, Town Board meeting for consideration. Board discussion ensued and has been summarized: Expressed enthusiasm about the property being converted to a park; recognized the Estes Park Sister Cities Association for their mission; and Trustee Igel reported that he could not support approval without an appropriate community inpuVfeedback period. It was then moved and seconded (Younglund/Cenac) to approve scheduling the Renaming Request as an Action Item at the March 24 Town Board meeting, and it passed unanimously. REPORT AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Semi-Annual Compliance Review with Board Governing Policies - Policy 1.9 Self-Monitoring of the Board. Mayor Hall summarized the complaint raised by Christy Jacobs/Town resident regarding comments made by Trustee Brown at the January 27, 2026, Town Board meeting, stating that Trustee Brown made reference to a lawsuit against the Town, without naming the litigants. Jacob's complaint accused Trustee Brown of breaching the Trustees' code of conduct protocol during those comments, and claimed signs of partiality and disrespect were evident. Trustee Hazelton provided further summary, and Mayor Hall read a portion of her complaint into the record. Board comment ensued and has been summarized: Trustee Igel reported a portion of her complaint in reference to his comment was inaccurate, as he was speaking to a different matter and not referencing what was said by Trustee Brown; questioned proper procedures for receiving and handling complaints, and noted that procedures must be consistent over time; requested the formal complaint procedure be elaborated upon by staff through policy or other means to ensure consistency; recognized that Policy 103 permits sanctions on Trustees found guilty of misconduct, and that constituents have the right to recall a Trustee if they so desire; noted that Trustee Brown could have chosen his words more carefully; acknowledged that Board members are allowed to share opinions for themselves and have the same right to free speech as constituents; several Trustees noted that they did not find the comments personally offensive, and concluded what Trustee Brown said was fact; recognized that the Board governs itself and must hold Trustees to the highest level of accountability; questioned how formal complaints would be separated from general constituent disapproval, noting that in some instances time would be better spent elsewhere; and concluded the comments did not constitute bullying; Trustee Brown did not break code of conduct protocol; and no further action would be taken on the complaint. Board of Trustees - March 10,2026 - Page 6 REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved and seconded (Younglund/Brown) to enter executive session for a conference with an attorney for the Board for the purposes of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions - Section 24-6-402(4)(b), C.R.S. - the Town's Role in noise regulation under state law and for a conference with an attorney for the Board for the purposes of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions - Section 24- 6-402(4)(b), C.R.S. - considerations regarding finality and reconsideration of quasi- judicial decisions, and it passed unanimously. Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m. to enter executive session. The Board concluded the executive session at 10:03 p.m. Whereupon Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Gary Hall, Sar^ti Stqd^ar^f Q^meron, Recording Secretary