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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2016-05-10Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 10, 2016 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 May 2016. Present: Also Present: Todd Jirsa, Mayor Wendy Koenig, Mayor Pro Tem Trustees Bob Holcomb Patrick Martchink Ward Nelson Ron Norris Cody Rex Walker Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator Travis Machalek, Assistant Town Administrator Greg White, Town Attorney Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk Absent: None Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS. Arthur Messal/Town citizen requested the Town Board address the issues related to the current design of the voter approved community center which lacks elements presented to the voters and includes a number of duplicated items. The project has the ability to make an impact in the community if built correctly. He also requested the Dry Gulch construction access road be reopened for the residents of the area to utilize during the rest of the construction. Sue Strom/Town citizen questioned why the access road built in the area of Dry Gulch Road to assist residents during the construction was closed. She stated there are safety concerns with the current emergency only access. Michelle Hiland/Town citizen stated the community center design does not reflect what the community requested in a multipurpose and multigenerational facility. She requested the Town Board make the necessary changes to the community center to reduce costs and provide a collaborative design. Julie Klett/Town citizen thanked the Town for the improvements to the Dry Gulch Road area. She requested the access road be reopened. Alex Kostadinov/Town citizen requested the Dry Gulch project access road be reopened stating the safety argument is not a reasonable reason for closing the roadway. He stated asking approximately 1,000 residents to drive 20 minutes one-way multiple times a day is not reasonable. Julia McClain/Town citizen also requested the access road be reopened as a number of the individuals in the neighborhood do not have the economic means pay for the additional gas required to drive the detour multiple times a day. TRUSTEE COMMENTS. Trustee Nelson stated the Estes Valley Land Trust has hired Jeffery Boring as the organization's Executive Director. Mr. Boring comes to the Trust from the Larimer County Natural Resources Department bringing an extensive knowledge of conservation. He recognized the Town, the Estes Valley Land Trust, and Larimer County Open Lands Board for their financial assistance in purchasing the Cascade Board of Trustees — May 10, 2016 — Page 2 Cottages inholding. The local agency support aided the Rocky Mountain National Park in raising private donations to purchase the property two years earlier than expected. Trustee Walker stated he attended his first Visit Estes Park (Local Marketing District) meeting and thanked them for the orientation. Trustee Norris commented the Estes Valley Planning Commission would meet May 17th to continue discussions of the Lazy B Ranch Special Review. He stated the Police department has begun their enforcement of the Wildlife Ordinance which went into effect on April 15t. Chief Kufeld stated the Police Auxiliary has actively identifying property's that are not complying with the new regulations. To date six violations have been identified, three cases unfounded, and a number of cases are being followed up. It appears the community has complied voluntarily with the new regulations. Trustee Martchink thanked those involved in successfully organizing recent events in town, including the Winter festival, Duck Race and the first 5k Duck Waddle. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. None. 1. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Town Board Minutes dated April 26, 2016 and Town Board Study Session April 28, 2016. 2. Bills. 3. Estes Valley Board of Adjustment Minutes dated April 5, 2016 (acknowledgement only). 4. Resolution #11-16 Setting Public Hearing for a new Hotel & Restaurant Liquor License filed by Notchtop Cafe, LLC dba Notchtop Bakery and Cafe, 459 E. Wonderview Avenue #4, Estes Park, CO 80517. 5. Revised Board Governance Policy 1.4. 6. Estes Park Representation on the Go NoC0 Board. It was moved and seconded (Holcomb/Norris) to approve the Consent Agenda Items, and it passed unanimously. 2. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS (OUTSIDE ENTITIES): 1. ESTES VALLEY PARTNERS FOR COMMERCE QUARTERLY UPDATE. Kirby Hazelton/President congratulated the newly elected Mayor and Trustees. In the past quarter the organization has held a meet and greet with the Town candidates for the mayor and trustee open positions; participated in ongoing business incubator discussions with the EDC; provided a support letter for the Estes Arts District to support their efforts in forming a State recognized district; would participate in the upcoming Housing Summit; held a discussion on capacity building as recognized by the Avalanche report; discussions have taken place on the formation of a craft beverage interest group; working on providing better value to their membership; continuing the "Explore Your Store" program; Business After Hours on the third Thursday of the month; and invited those interested to their monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at Poppy's 3. ACTION ITEMS: 1. COLORADO DIVISION OF HOUSING GRANT FOR LONE TREE APARTMENTS RENOVATION PROJECT. Jeff Feneis/Loveland Housing Board of Trustees — May 10, 2016 — Page 3 Authority Director of Development stated the Lone Tree Apartments are owned by the Loveland Housing Authority and run be the Estes Park Housing Authority. The Loveland Housing Authority is pursuing funding to complete a renovation of the apartments which provide 57 affordable housing units. The Authority has applied for an $800,000 grant from the Colorado Division of Housing that must be awarded to the Town of Estes Park. The Loveland Authority would monitor the grant and prepare all reports for the Town to minimize the impact on staff. It was moved and seconded (Walker/Holcomb) the Town of Estes Park be the fiscal agent for the Colorado Division of Housing Grant for the Lone Tree Apartment Renovation project, and it passed unanimously. 2. REQUEST FOR FOSH FUNDS BY EPIC FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERFORMING ART CENTER. Tom Dority/Estes Performing Inc. (EPIC) introduced Mark Newhouse, the newest Board member to the committee, who has a long history in the non-profit space as a former Board Member of the Watson Homestead, and Vice President of the Clemens Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees. Mr. Newhouse provided a review of the progress EPIC has made in the past four years, but more significantly the last year. After the flood of 2013 the capital campaign was suspended through January 2015. The Board decided to move forward with development plan review approval in an effort to restart its capital campaign with approval of the plan by the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and the Town Board. The approvals were received by the Commission and Boards in late 2015 and early 2016. The EPIC Board requested the release of the FOSH funds to hire an Executive Director to aid in the revamped capital campaign. In 2013, the Town Board found the project to be a feasible plan that would be viable. The EPIC Board has a plan, a capable Board and the next step would be to raise funds to build the project. EPIC stated the release of the funds now would be more valuable than if the funds are released after EPIC has raised the millions required for ground -breaking. Those speaking in favor of the release of the FOSH funds to EPIC included Pat Nelson/Fine Arts Guild and Estes Arts District, Charley Dickey/Town citizen and downtown business owner, and Jon Nicholas/Economic Development Corporation Executive Director. The funds should be released to allow EPIC the necessary funds to hire expert fundraising assistance; however, EPIC should be held accountable for how the funds are used. The Avalanche study identified the project as a significant economic driver for the Town. Art Messal/Town citizen spoke against the release of the funds and stated concern with the feasibility of the project. Board discussion followed and has been summarized. At the April 18, 2013 meeting, the Board found the construction of the theater feasible; agreed to continue to hold the funds until January 31, 2017; and would distribute the FOSH funds if no significant construction was underway. Trustee Nelson stated the community use of the facility would be vital and with the inclusion of the use the FOSH funds should be released to move the project forward. Trustee Martchink stated optimism in the success of the project and would support providing the FOSH funds to move the project forward. He encouraged the EPIC Board to move the project forward with an increased vigor. Trustee Norris stated this is the community's money and he would support putting it to use for this project. Trustee Walker stated concern with releasing the FOSH funds for fundraising rather than significant construction as approved by the pervious Board motion. Mayor Jirsa commented he would not support the release of the funds as significant construction has not occurred. Diana Muno/EPIC Board member stated the Board has made progress with the approval of the development plan, the addition of new Board members, and the Town Board finding the project feasible. The project now requires professional Board of Trustees — May 10, 2016 — Page 4 fundraising to aid the volunteers in raising the funds needed to build the theater. After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Holcomb/Norris) to approve the release of the FOSH funds to EPIC for the Rocky Mountain Performing Art Center, and it passed with Mayor Jirsa voting "No". 3. 2016 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: OVERLAY CONTRACT AWARD. Engineer Stallworth presented a request to contract with Coulson Excavating Co. for the 2016 Street Overlay program to overlay Axminister Lane, Devon Drive, Golf Course Road and Manford Avenue. In addition the contract would complete large patch work on Brodie Avenue, Community Drive, Curry Drive, Grand Estates Drive and Spruce Drive. As the bid of $418,970 came in well below the budgeted $526,000, staff requested the Board authorize staff to work with the contractor to complete additional work up to the budgeted funds. The contractor would begin work between May 31 — August 15, 2016. The increased funding and completed work would advance the 2024 STIP plan. It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Walker) to approve a construction contract for the 2016 Street Overlay Program, to Coulson Excavation, Inc. in the amount of $418,970.50 with a 10% contingency and the remaining budgeted funds to be used for further road improvements up to $526,000, and it passed unanimously. 4. 2016 FEDERAL LANDS ACCESS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION. Director Muhonen stated at the April 12, 2016 meeting the Town Board authorized Public Works to hire the engineering consultant firm of Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig to prepare a Federal Lands Access Program grant application for the Moraine Avenue Improvements for submittal on May 21, 2016. Through the application development the river trail along the Big Thompson River was deleted due to the high cost (over $7 million) and the need for an additional nine easements. After further discussions with Rocky Mountain National Park and further budget evaluation, the Mary's Lake Road intersection improvements were removed from the application. The final application would fund a multimodal trail, roadway widening to include bike lanes and a center left turn lane, curb and gutter drainage improvements, and intersection improvements at Elm Road and other local street intersections along Moraine Avenue from Crags Drive to Mary's Lake Road. Letters of support for the application have been received from the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District, Estes Park Cycling Coalition, and the Estes Park Economic Development Council. Additional letters from the Colorado Department of Transportation, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Transportation Advisory Board are expected and would be submitted with the grant application. Those speaking in favor of the application included Tom Street/Transportation Advisory Board member reading comments from Kimberly Campbell/ Transportation Advisory Board Chair, Kent LaSalle/Estes Valley Trails Committee member, Jon Nicholas/Economic Development Corporation Executive Chair, Charley Dickey/Town citizen and downtown business owner, and Art Messal/Town citizen. The FLAP grant application would deliver on the promises of the 1A sales tax through improving the roadways in Estes Park and providing a safer area for pedestrians and bicyclists. The multimodal trail would provide increase safety in the area that has seen significant increase in traffic in the past 65 years, and would enhance the guest experience. Paul Fishman/Town citizen stated concern that CDOT has not taken responsibility to improve its roadway. He would encourage the Town continue discussions with CDOT regarding the safety issues related to the roadway. He also stated concern with the short time frame provided for this grant and the lack of public participation in the process. Board of Trustees — May 10, 2016 — Page 5 Mayor Jirsa questioned if the plan had been vetted by the public. He questioned if the project was the highest priority for safety and stated concern with the funds being spent on the project. There may be a need for future trails to connect workforce housing projects and the funds would not be available. Trustee Walker stated the project does not fit his priorities to improve housing and downtown parking. Trustee Koenig complimented staff for the proposed plan and appreciated the project being paired down. Trustee Norris agreed and stated the improvements to the roadway are a high safety priority for the community. After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Norris/Holcomb) to approve the submittal of a 2016 Federal Lands Access Program grant application for the proposed multimodal improvements to Moraine Avenue, and it passed with Mayor Jirsa and Trustee Walker voting "No". 5. BUILDING PERMIT FEE WAIVER — 1147 FISH CREEK ROAD. Director Cumbo presented a request by the homeowners of the property located at 1147 Fish Creek Road to waive building permit fees for the reconstruction of their home destroyed during the 2013 flood. The house was the only structure lost in the flood. It was moved and seconded (Walker/Norris) to approve the waiver of building permit fees for 1147 Fish Creek Road in an amount not to exceed $4,500, and it passed with Mayor Pro Tem Koenig voting "No". 6. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INTERVIEW COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS. Town Clerk Williamson stated per Policy 101 all applicants to Town Board Committees or Boards must be interviewed by the Town Board or their designee. The Town has advertised the position for approximately a month and received one application from the current Board member Pete Smith. Board discussion ensued on the past reappointment of other Committee/Board members without an interview. After discussion, it was moved and seconded (Koenig/Holcomb) to reappointment Pete Smith to the Board of Adjustments for an additional 3-year term expiring May 31, 2019, and it passed unanimously. 4. REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Martchink) to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing specialized details of security arrangements under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(d), and the motion passed unanimously. Whereupon Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 9:37 p.m. Mayor Jirsa reconvened the meeting to open session at 9:46 p.m. Whereupon Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 10:36 p.m. Todd Jirsa, May r Jaki Williamson, Town Clerk