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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Community Development Community Services 2013-10-24 Thursday, October 24, 2013 Community Development & 8:00 a.m. Community Services Committee Town Hall Board Room 1. PUBLIC COMMENT 2. COMMUNITY SERVICES a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD i. None. b) REPORTS i. Museum Quarterly Report. Director Fortini ii. Year End Shuttle Report Coord. Wells iii. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions. 3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD i. Revision to Town Floodplain Regulations. CBO Birchfield ii. Temporary Sign Policy Director Chilcott b) REPORTS i. Floodplain Management Report Post Flood. CBO Birchfield ii. Community Development Monthly Report (Verbal Update) Director Chilcott iii. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions. 4. ADJOURN AGENDA Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 22, 2013 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 22nd day of August, 2013. Committee: Chair Ericson, Trustees Elrod and Norris Attending: Chair Ericson, Trustees Elrod and Norris Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Assistant Town Administrator Richardson, Directors Chilcott and Fortini, and Deputy Town Clerk Deats Absent: Director Winslow Chair Ericson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT. SURPRISE SIDEWALK SALE RESOLUTION. The Surprise Sidewalk Sale is scheduled to take place on the weekend of October 12- 13, 2013. Businesses located outside of the downtown area can participate in the sale by reserving space in Bond Park, or in the Dairy Queen parking lot if Bond Park is under construction and not available for use. The adoption of a resolution is required to hold the sale due to regulations that exist within the Municipal Code and the Estes Valley Development Code. Staff is recommending that sandwich board signs be allowed during the sale provided they do not encroach on the sidewalk. The Committee recommends approval of the Surprise Sidewalk Sale Resolution to be included on the consent agenda at the September 10, 2013, Town Board meeting. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.  Senior Center Quarterly Report – Attendance continues to be good with overall attendance running at 93% of capacity. Attendance at drop-in events is running 7% higher than 2012. Manager Mitchell attended the Colorado Association of Senior Centers Conference in August. Based on information provided at the conference, the Senior Center Master Plan process, and the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District’s proposed Community Wellness Recreation Center concept, are on track to meet changes in business practices and programming. Trustee Norris thanked staff for providing programming related to internet scams and various other scams that target seniors. Community Development / Community Services – August 22, 2013 – Page 2  Collections Facility Report – Bryon Hoerner, Curator of Collections, outlined steps being taken to protect the Museum’s artifacts. To ensure proper care of items on-site, environmental monitoring has been updated to include multiple digital monitoring devices and membership in an online climate data analysis program. The off-site storage facility has been organized and was cleaned by a local commercial cleaning crew. Bed sheets donated from local hotels and lodges are being utilized as dust covers to protect the artifacts. The off-site facility was inspected for pests, holes in the exterior walls and roof were plugged, and two of three garage doors were removed to help seal the building and reduce the chance of pest infestation. The Committee asked if any destroyed artifacts were found during the cleaning and organizing of the off-site storage facility. Dir. Fortini indicated that some items were disposed of due to their deteriorated condition. The Committee said the report underscores the need for a proper storage facility.  Shuttle Update – The shuttle system recorded its 300,000th rider on July 28th, and on August 9th ridership for 2013 surpassed the total number of riders for the entire 2012 season. Out of 90 entries “Elkhorn Express” was selected by the Shuttle Committee as the name for the downtown trolley. Estes Park resident, Bruce Barrow sent in the winning entry and the closest guess at the total number of trolley riders for the month of July. Information is being distributed to businesses and lodging establishments regarding the revised shuttle schedule that will be in place during the USA Pro Challenge on Saturday, August 24th. The Shuttle Committee continues to meet to discuss the system and is suggesting that the loading zones remain open until 10 p.m. to facilitate loading and unloading on the Gold and Brown routes during the evening hours. The Committee requested data on the number of people using electronic devices such as cell phones and iPads to receive information about the shuttle schedule, and information as to whether the shuttles are operating on schedule. Coordinator is also preparing a report addressing the pros and cons of adding a second trolley to the Town’s fleet. Adding bike racks to the shuttles was discussed including safety, scheduling issues, and damage that may result from loading and unloading bicycles.  Fairgrounds & Events Report – 170 people attended the first Chuck wagon Cook- off that was scheduled in conjunction with the Heritage Festival, however, attendance at the Heritage Festival was low. The Cowboy Sing-Alongs continue to attract large crowds in Bond Park and preparations for the USA Pro Challenge are complete and ready for the event on Saturday, August 24th. Staff emphasized that planning for the bike race has provided valuable experience working with other agencies in Northern Colorado and said that a follow-up discussion to review the pros and cons of the event will be held. Staff participated in discussions with a committee from Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) related to assistance the Community Services Department may be able to provide as plans are made for events to celebrate Rocky’s 100th Anniversary Community Development / Community Services – August 22, 2013 – Page 3 beginning in September of 2014. The Committee suggested that RMNP might consider utilizing the MPEC as a possible venue for large public events related to the Park’s anniversary.  Verbal Updates – o Ambassadors – Sandy Osterman, president of the Ambassadors stated that the group is prepared for the bike race on Saturday, and reported that a good working relationship has been established with VisitEstesPark. The Committee suggested that members of the Ambassadors group consider participating in designing the parking structure by providing input at public meetings scheduled during the first week of September. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.  Floodplain Management Report on Revisions to State & Federal Programs – Chief Building Official Will Birchfield, acting as the Town’s Floodplain Administrator, said there are three levels of regulation that must be considered when managing the Town’s floodplains and that there are four floodplains within the Town’s boundaries: Big Thompson, Fall River, Black Canyon, and Fish Creek. In light of recent changes to floodplain regulations, revisions to the Municipal Code will be required in order to align with new laws related to floodplain management. Due to the volume and complexity of the information, CBO Birchfield proposes to bring the information forward at three separate meetings to address the following: 1) a local ordinance adopting minimum federal requirements for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) making community property owners eligible to purchase coverage through the NFIP program; 2) a revision to current regulations to comply with recently updated state standards contained in the Colorado Conservation Board Floodplain Regulations; and 3) local regulations in Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code. He said last year Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Act which affected flood insurance rates and also changed floodplain modeling from a community- wide view to a watershed view. Next month staff is preparing to bring forward to the Committee proposed amendments to the Town’s floodplain ordinance which will address the impact of the Biggert-Waters Act on flood insurance and the changes to the state laws. Changes required for compliance with federal law and updates to local regulations will be brought forward at subsequent meetings. He said the proposed amendments will contain new terminology and technical floodplain verbiage.  Comprehensive Plan Modernization – Community Development Staff and the Planning Commission continue to work on modernizing the Comprehensive Plan. Dir. Chilcott and Planner/Code Enforcement Officer Kleisler noted that the Economic Overview and Economic profile require a significant rewrite in order to convey the information in a readable, usable format. A draft utilizing a new Community Development / Community Services – August 22, 2013 – Page 4 format which includes graphs and tables was presented to the Committee as an example of how the information, such as the 2010 census data, may be presented. The final report is intended to be more visual than the existing document and more user-friendly in terms of locating information on the page. The Committee stated that the new plan should contain information that will assist in making decisions for the future in regard to housing, daycare, the senior center, and asset management; and requested that staff provide a presentation to the full Board at an upcoming study session.  Community Development Monthly Report – Year-to-date building permit numbers are 3% higher than 2012, with valuation up 10%, and fees up 16%. These numbers do not include the permits for the MPEC and the stall barn. The building and planning divisions are both seeing an increase in activity, with building division staff performing an average of 20 inspections per day. Work continues at the Courtyard property, however, the current contractor is withdrawing his permits due to private business issues, and the property owner will be hiring a new general contractor. Staff will begin proactive enforcement of high priority sign code violations in the downtown area. Since it is difficult for Building Permit Tech Charlie Phillips to be out of the office, Planner/Code Compliance Officer Kleisler will assist with sign code compliance and outreach. Dir. Chilcott said that the Planning Commission has a busy schedule for the fall and said that current applications can be viewed on the Town’s website. She noted that Charley Dickey was appointed to the Planning Commission as a Town appointee and said that interviews for a county appointee will be held on August 23, 2013. Trustee Elrod reported that staff will be providing reports at each Estes Valley Planning Commission meeting to provide information to both the new and existing members of the Planning Commission. Overviews on topics such as the fire code, flood plain regulations, and the building code will be presented, as well as how those codes impact the Commissioners’ decisions and oversight responsibilities.  Verbal Updates – o Code Compliance – Staff has been working over the past several months to create a formal code compliance policy and procedures to proactively address hot button issues in the community. Planner/Code Compliance Officer Kleisler presented a draft dashboard report that was developed using information gathered during numerous outreach meetings which were held earlier this year. He recommended the report be provided to the Committee on a monthly or quarterly basis and include open cases, closed cases, and the type of cases being addressed. He said the data included within the report will provide information related to spikes in complaints about specific issues, such as noxious weeds, which can then be used to prepare to address issues within the community in a timely manner. There being no further business, Chair Ericson adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m. Community Development / Community Services – August 22, 2013 – Page 5 Cynthia Deats, Deputy Town Clerk Community Services Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Derek Fortini, Museum Director and Curator of Exhibits Date: October 24, 2013 RE: Museum Quarterly Report Background: Management Highlights The Museum participated in the Estes Park In Bloom Project on July 10 and 11, 2013. Director Fortini served as one of the community representatives and attended several of the tours and events that took place with the judges and provided historical information about the locations they visited. Our community won in the 4,001-7,000 population category, which, it was stated, “…is a rare and unusual accomplishment for a first-time participant, but your efforts are worthy of a competitor with years of experience.” The “Heritage Preservation” section, in which the Museum took the lead, received a score of 114 out of 175 possible points. We look forward to working on the areas they recommended slight improvement by next year’s program. Collection Highlights The initial steps to stabilize the off-site storage facility were completed and staff will continue their efforts to ensure the best possible preservation of its collection. This includes a pest management program, better surveillance of environments, and digitizing flat/paper artifacts. A project has also begun to transcribe handwritten documents in the collection; typed transcriptions will be added to the database and will facilitate ease for future research. Forty-four objects were secured through loans for the Sandzén in Estes Park exhibit. This required extensive work by the Curator of Collection s to schedule delivery dates between four individuals and organizations. He meticulously filed condition reports on each art work, and pursued additional paperwork required by the entities loaning pieces for the nearly year-long exhibit. The same steps will take place at the end of the loan agreement. Megan Huelman was hired to fill the Deaccessioning Assistant position. She started at the beginning of September and has made progress despite the difficulties of limited access on roadways and that permanent Museum staff was tasked to assist at the Call Center. Using the original paper catalogue system which dates back 50 years, work has begun to correct inconsistencies in the computer database (PastPerfect). Correcting these inconsistencies will aid in our effort to refine the collection. Exhibits Past Temporary Exhibits The temporary exhibit Beyond the Baldpate: The Photographic Works of Charles Mace closed on September 8, 2013. In preparation for the exhibit, staff conducted original research on the life of Charles Mace and the history of the Baldpate Inn. The exhibit provided the opportunity for the community to learn more about Mace who was an extraordinary individual deeply connected historically to Estes Park. Information gleaned from the exhibit was entered into PastPerfect so that the rich information will be captured in perpetuity. The exhibit also provided the opportunity to build relationships with Charles Mace’s descendants, a local collector of Mace photographs, and the Baldpate Inn. Ongoing Temporary Exhibits The temporary exhibit Sandzén in Estes Park was received with a Museum Members only opening on September 26 and a public opening o n September 27. Ron Michael, curator of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas, attended both events. He gave a lecture to a group of 55 people at the Members Only opening, and visited with local individuals who were encouraged to bring in their Sandzén works for the evening. Michael was available to answer questions and helped with our raffle drawing during the public opening that attracted 65 people. We were very excited that Michael was resilient enough to attend both programs despite the flood and were very happy with the turn out both evenings. It is also important to note that we received praise both evenings for going through with the events despite the flood devastation so that residents could have a little reprieve. The Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. helped tremendously with food, drinks, and support for both events. Staff is very happy with the outcome of the exhibit and a ll visitors seem to enjoy it. The exhibit will be on display through August 3, 2014. Permanent Gallery Renovations We hosted a “soft” opening for the 2013 permanent gallery renovations Stories Under the Stars and The Park Theatre. Visitors were invited to stop in during gallery hours between August 20 and 22 to view the new display. Staff made themselves available those three days to visit with patrons and answer questions about the new display. The final day culminated with the presence of local muralist Michael Young (who painted the mural for Stories Under the Stars) and Sharon Seeley (current owner of the Park Theatre and donor of the original Park Theatre chairs in the display). Visitors were able to meet with them and ask about their contributions to the renovation. Staff is very happy with how the exhibit space turned out. Both displays are sustainable in such a way that the content within each space (voice recordings or movies projected on screen) can change, yet the environment can stay the same. We have received many compliments about the new installations. Hydroplant Even though we may facilitate a few more group tours, the Historic Fall River Hydroplant closed for the 2013 season. An initial look at the attendance for the year reports just over 1,900 visitors, which is up nearly 250 visitors from last year and would be the highest attendance in the past five years. We are hoping to talk to our docents that facilitate the site to learn more about the visitors they interacted with. Many people have already commented that the addition of the Stanley artifacts on loan from the Stanley Museum in Kingfield, Maine provided a more rounded visitor experience. The artifacts will be on loan to our Museum for the 2014 summer as well. Staff is also planning a special educational event to kick- off next summer at the Hydroplant. Education Third Quarter Highlights In the Third Quarter, staff experimented with a new program series called "Meet Me at the Museum." These staff-lead programs took place at the Museum and off-site. We hope to gain a following as these will continually be offered on the first Monday of each month. Staff spoke at four outreach programs including the YMCA, Baldpate Inn (twice), and with the Summer Residents Association. By doing so, the Museum gains publicity and strengthens its ties to the community. Upcoming Programs October 26, 8-9:30 a.m., Downtown History Walking Tour. Abner Sprague was hired to plat the town in 1905 by Cornelius Bond and the Estes Park Town Company. Within weeks, lots along the street named "Elkhorn" were taken up and new businesses were planted. Over the course of a decade, the basic footprint of the town we know today had put down roots. Discover the hidden past on a walking tour of downtown Estes Park with Curator of Education Alicia Mittelman. During the tour, participants will explore historical photographs from the Museum's collection. The photographs will aid in comparing the past to the present. The tours offered on October 14, 15, 17 and 26 are identical except for an earlier start time on the last tour (8 a.m.). The cost is $10, payable by cash or check on the day of the tours. No reservations are necessary. Meet in Bond Park. November 9 and 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Heritage Book Workshop. The Museum will be hosting "Heritage Book" workshops. Supplies, some instruction and space for participants to archive their family photographs will be provided. See our website for more information. Date and time TBD. Art Eats. Families will be encouraged to take a short gallery tour of Sandzén in Estes Park before having the opportunity to participate in an exercise to explore the “impasto” painting style that Sandzén is known for. Impasto is a painting technique where paint is applied to the painting surface thickly to create texture. After a short demonstration, participants will apply different color frosting to a personal cake creating an edible impasto masterpiece of their own. See our website for more information. Estes Park Museum  July, 2013      From November through April, the Estes Park  Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   From May through October, the Museum is  open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River  Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through  Labor Day, Tuesday through Sunday.                                                      July 2013 Attendance  Gallery/Office Visitors 1,766  Hydroplant Visitors 678  Programs and Tours—Museum 3,328  Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 45  Group Meetings and Rentals 252  Total Attendance & Programs—Museum & Hydroplant 6,069  Programs and Tours Capacity 4,373  Programs and Tours Percentage Utilization 77  Museum & Hydroplant Programs/Tours‐Detail:  7‐1 “Meet Me @ The Museum” WWII Program 33  7‐4 “Coolest Car Show in Colorado” – Museum Friends Event  3,000  7‐8 CVB Ambassadors Hydroplant Tour 20  7‐8 Summer Residents Association Outreach Program 114  7‐11 “Estes Park in Bloom” Hydroplant Tour 25  7‐15 “History Hike: Eugenia Mine” Tour 14  7‐18 “Digging Allenspark” Archaeology Program 36  7‐21 Rocky Ridge Music Center Tour and Concert 14  7‐23 Cheley Camp – Museum Friends Tour  52  7‐31 “Pioneer Award” – Museum Friends Event 65     Group Meetings and Rentals‐Detail:   7‐9 Visit Estes Park Meeting  17  7‐11 E & O 4‐Cities Meeting 38  7‐15 Historic Tour Committee 12  7‐16 Snow and Ice Committee  15  7‐17 Religion and Philosophy – Senior Center Program   37  7‐18 Bear Task Force  19  7‐18 Rooftop Rodeo Committee 44  7‐21 Postcard Club  31  7‐25 Estes Park Museum Friends Board Meeting 14  7‐26 Creative Arts District Meeting 25     Total Attendance Year‐to‐Date:   Total June Attendance  Estes Park  Museum 3,074 2,728 1,859 2,267 2,504 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total July  Attendance  Estes Park  Museum 6,069 6,6686,583 5,8285,701 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 5,500 6,000 6,500 7,000 7,500 8,000 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013  2009 13,039 2010 11,014 2011 12,861 2012 14,719 2013 13,679               From November through April, the Estes Park Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  From May through October,  the Museum is open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through Labor  Day, Tuesday through Sunday.  Estes Park Museum  August, 2013      From November through April, the Estes Park  Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   From May through October, the Museum is  open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River  Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through  Labor Day, Tuesday through Sunday.                        August 2013 Attendance  Gallery/Office Visitors 1,108  Hydroplant Visitors 605  Programs and Tours—Museum 111  Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 37  Group Meetings and Rentals 264  Total Attendance & Programs—Museum & Hydroplant 2,125  Programs and Tours Capacity 198  Programs and Tours Percentage Utilization 75  Museum & Hydroplant Programs/Tours‐Detail:  8‐5 “Meet Me @ The Museum” Bike Tour to the Stanley Hotel 5  8‐6 “How We Enjoyed E.P.” YMCA Outreach  8  8‐9 “Two Wheelin’ History by Bike” Tour 6  8‐10 “Two Wheelin’ History by Bike” Tour 8  8‐12 Ken Jessen History Tour 13  8‐13 “Grand Old Man of Estes Park” – Museum Friends Program 40  8‐20 Greeley Senior Center Hydroplant Tour  13  8‐21 “The Mace Exhibit” Baldpate Inn Outreach Program  18  8‐22 Fort Collins Senior Center Hydroplant Tour 8  8‐22 City of Fort Collins Hydroplant Tour 16  8‐28 “How We Enjoyed E.P.” Baldpate Inn Outreach Program 13     Group Meetings and Rentals‐Detail:   8‐5 Museum Friends Newsletter Preparation 5  8‐5 Historic Tour Committee  12  8‐6 RMNP Multi‐Use Trail Plan  37  8‐7 Bear Task Force   15  8‐8 Estes Park United 100  8‐13 CVB Ambassadors 46  8‐20 Mountain Golf Villas of Estes Park HOA Meeting 24  8‐22 Estes Park Museum Friends Board Meeting 13  8‐26  Historic Tour Committee 12     Total Attendance Year‐to‐Date:   Total June Attendance  Estes Park  Museum 3,074 2,728 1,859 2,267 2,504 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total August Attendance  Estes Park  Museum 6, 2,125352 12 2013 2, 4,924 5,224 2,483 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 5,500 000 2009 2010 2011 20                               2009 15,522  2010 16,238  2011 17,785  2012 17,785  2013 15,804              From November through April, the Estes Park Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  From May through October,  the Museum is open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through Labor  Day, Tuesday through Sunday.  Estes Park Museum  September, 2013      From November through April, the Estes Park  Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   From May through October, the Museum is  open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River  Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through  Labor Day, Tuesday through Sunday.                        September 2013 Attendance  Gallery/Office Visitors 1,312  Hydroplant Visitors 31  Programs and Tours—Museum 122  Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 0  Group Meetings and Rentals 732  Total Attendance & Programs—Museum & Hydroplant 2,197  Programs and Tours Capacity 160  Programs and Tours Percentage Utilization 76  Museum & Hydroplant Programs/Tours‐Detail:  9‐24 Downtown History Walking Tour 2  9‐26 “Sandzén in Estes Park” Members Exhibit Opening  – Museum Friends Event 55  9‐27 “Sandzén in Estes Park” Public Exhibit Opening –Museum  Friends Event 65     Group Meetings and Rentals‐Detail:   9‐4 Parking Structure Meeting 28  9‐5 Parking Structure Meeting 41  9‐6 Parking Structure Meeting 26  9‐10 CVB Ambassadors 50  9‐12 Coolest Car Show in Colorado 13  9‐18 Volunteer Clearinghouse 11  9‐19 Volunteer Clearinghouse 49  9‐20 Volunteer Clearinghouse 50  9‐21 Volunteer Clearinghouse 69  9‐22 Volunteer Clearinghouse 62  9‐23 Volunteer Clearinghouse 50  9‐24 Volunteer Clearinghouse 49  9‐25 Volunteer Clearinghouse 39  9‐26 Volunteer Clearinghouse 37  9‐27 Volunteer Clearinghouse 47  9‐28 Volunteer Clearinghouse 51  9‐29 Volunteer Clearinghouse 35  9‐30 Volunteer Clearinghouse 25  Total June Attendance  Estes Park  Museum 3,074 2,728 1,859 2,267 2,504 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total September Attendance  Estes Park  Museum 3, 2,197209 12 2013 2,2,096 1,108 1,443 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 000 2009 2010 2011 20                         Total Attendance Year‐to‐Date:   2009 16,965  2010 17,346  2011 19,881  2012 19,280  2013 18,001                  From November through April, the Estes Park Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  From May through October,  the Museum is open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through Labor  Day, Tuesday through Sunday.  Estes Park Museum  Quarter III   2013    July 2013 Attendance  Gallery/Office Visitors 1,766  Hydroplant Visitors 678  Programs and Tours—Museum 3,328  Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 45  Group Meetings and Rentals 252  Total July Attendance  6,069  August 2013 Attendance  Gallery/Office Visitors 1,108  Hydroplant Visitors 605  Programs and Tours—Museum 111  Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 37  Group Meetings and Rentals 264  Total August Attendance 2,125  September 2013 Attendance  Gallery/Office Visitors 1,312  Hydroplant Visitors 31  Programs and Tours—Museum 122  Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 0  Group Meetings and Rentals 732  Total September Attendance  2,197     Total Quarter III Attendance 10,391                                                     2009 16,965  2010 17,346  2011 19,881  2012 19,280  2013 18,001  Total Attendance Year‐to‐Date:            From November through April, the Estes Park Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  From May through October,  the Museum is open seven days a week.  The Historic Fall River Hydroplant is open from Memorial Day through Labor  Day, Tuesday through Sunday.  To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham Town Board of Trustees Town Administrator Lancaster From: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator Date: October 24, 2013 RE: Season ending update for 2013 Estes Park FREE Shuttles Update: We have carried 344,987 riders since shuttle service began in 2006. 2013 Season ridership numbers: Month 2013 # of Riders vs. 2012 vs. 2011 vs. 2010 June 8,763 2,561 +242.2% 3,048 +187.5 % July 39,668 25,365 +44.0% 24,180 +63.7% August 30,326 19,432 +56.1% 19,914 +52.3% September 10,898 11,495 -5.2% 9,744 +11.8% YTD Total 89,637 58,853 +52.3% 56,886 +57.6% 30,008 +198.7% Month 2013 Daily Average vs. 2012 vs. 2011 vs. 2010 June 876.3 320.1 +173.7% 508.0 +75.5% July 1,304.0 818.2 +73.1% 780.0 +81.6% August 978.3 626.8 +56.1% 642.4 +52.3% September 1,362.3 1,436.9 -5.2% 1,218.0 +11.8% YTD 1,155.6 745.0 +55.1% 720.1 +60.5% 379.8 +204.3% Community Services Memo Stop Code usage via Mobile Devices Stop Code usage via Town website May: 53 May: 5 June: 556 June: 1 July: 1,773 July: 1 August: 1,286 August: 0 September: 336 September: 0 Elkhorn Express Trolley Ridership (Gold Route) Gold Route June July Aug Sept Totals % of Daily Elkhorn Express Route Average EP Visitor Center 1036 5067 3814 886 10803 35.7% 135.0 Bond Park 300 1198 862 141 2501 8.3% 31.3 Local's Grill 263 1143 742 211 2359 7.8% 29.5 Ore Cart Rock Shop 199 919 646 178 1942 6.4% 24.3 Tregent Park 162 678 431 81 1352 4.5% 16.9 West Park Center 57 283 180 19 539 1.8% 6.7 Maxwell Inn 63 210 129 49 451 1.5% 5.6 Elkhorn Lodge 100 356 266 54 776 2.6% 9.7 Mrs. Walsh's Garden 129 354 241 61 785 2.6% 9.8 Grub Steak 279 1307 912 251 2749 9.1% 34.4 Trading Post 397 1777 1251 239 3664 12.1% 45.8 Barlow Plaza 322 971 782 263 2338 7.7% 29.2 Totals 3307 14263 10256 2433 30259 Ridership for new stops in 2013 Silver June July Aug Sept Totals % of Daily Route Average E.P. Conf. Center 58 280 334 105 777 6.4% 9.7 Blue June July Aug Sept Totals % of Daily Route Average Good Samaritan 39 89 46 20 194 1.1% 2.4 Salud Health 24 116 139 25 304 1.7% 3.8 Crossroads Min. 33 87 68 15 203 1.2% 2.5 Totals 96 292 253 60 701 4.0% 8.8 No new stops for the Red or Brown routes. Service Notes: Shuttle service scheduled for Sept. 14-15 was cancelled due to flooding. Trolley service scheduled for Sept. 20-21 was cancelled due to flooding. Trolley service scheduled for Elk Fest occurred as planned Sept. 28-29. The trolley is scheduled to operate on Nov. 29 for the Catch the Glow Parade. Background: The shuttle/trolley drivers reported having difficulty getting the Gold and Brown Routes into the downtown loading zones in the evening hours, especially Barlow Plaza. Currently the loading zone time ends at 6:00 p.m. Shuttle Committee Recommendation: The Shuttle Committee submits an official request to increase the scheduled loading zone times along Elkhorn Ave. so that they end at 10:00 p.m. Recommended Motion: Passed unanimously by the Shuttle Committee on August 8, 2013. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Will Birchfield, Chief Building Official Date: October 24, 2013 RE: Revision to Town Floodplain Regulations Objective: Revise the Town floodplain regulations to comply with minimum state standards by the January 14, 2014 deadline. Revise the regulations to address a minor housekeeping item, i.e. revising the reference from the Board of Adjustment to the Board of Appeals as specified in the adopted building code. Present Situation: The Town of Estes Park has adopted Floodplain Regulations as part of Chapter 17 of the Estes Park Municipal Code. The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) established new statewide floodplain rules (Rules) on January 14, 2011. The Rules are applicable to all geographic areas of Colorado. The Town must update, adopt and enforce our local ordinances by January 14, 2013 to be in compliance with the new Rules. Although the Rules present higher standards than those set forth as minimum standards in the National Flood Insurance Program, they become the effective minimum standards for Colorado. The attached ordinance proposes the following changes to the Town’s Floodplain Regulations: 1. Redefine the floodway from a 12-inch rise to a six-inch rise. This will become effective when the Town has new studies/maps which are incorporated into FEMA maps. 2. Freeboard standards. Freeboard is elevating a building’s lowest floor above predicted flood elevations by a small additional height. Elevating a building in such a way can lead to substantial reductions in flood insurance and significantly decrease the chances the building will be damaged by storms and flooding. One foot of freeboard shall be required on all new and substantially changed structures within the floodplains with a one percent chance of flooding annually (100-year floodplains). Two feet of freeboard shall be required for new and substantially changed critical facilities within the 100-year floodplains. 3. Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). Will prevent basements in buildings built on fill which has been placed to raise a structure or lot to or above the base flood elevation. The Community Development/Community Services Committee received a report in August 2013 relating to need to adopt state floodplain regulations. The Municipal Code revisions are unrelated to the September 2013 flood. Proposal: Amend the Estes Park Municipal Code to include the CWCB Rules established on January 14, 2011. The Chief Building Official is the Town’s floodplain manager and administers the floodplain regulations. Advantages:  Compliance with minimum state floodplain requirements; and  Properties better protected from future flood events. Disadvantages:  Not adopting such regulations is a violation of state law; and  Ineligible for numerous floodplain-related grants. Action Recommended: Recommendation to the Town Board of Trustees to Ordinance Number TBD - 13. Budget: Publication and codification fees are estimated at $500. Level of Public Interest Low Sample Motion: I move to recommend approval/denial of Ordinance Number TBD - 2013 to the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees. Attachments: 1. Ordinance 2. Exhibit A: Municipal Code Revisions ORDINANCE NO. TBD- 13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK, LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO, AMENDING TITLE 17 THE ESTES PARK MUNICIPAL CODE BY INCLUDING FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS ENACTED BY THE COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD. WHEREAS, on January 14, 2011, the Colorado Water Conservation Board established new statewide floodplain rules (Rules) that apply to all geographic areas of Colorado; and WHEREAS, by January 14, 2013, local entities, including the Town of Estes Park, must update, adopt and enforce their own local ordinances to stay in compliance with the Rules; WHEREAS, this ordinance was introduced and read at length on November 12, 2013, at the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK, COLORADO AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Municipal Code of the Town of Estes Park is amended by the revision of Chapter 17.28 – Floodplain Regulations as more fully set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Section 2. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared severable. Section 3. The Ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its adoption and publication. PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK, COLORADO, THIS _________ DAY OF ________________, 2013. TOWN OF ESTES PARK By: Mayor ATTEST:          Town Clerk   I hereby certify that the above Ordinance was introduced and read at the meeting of the Board of Trustees on the _______ day of _______________, 2013, and published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Estes Park, Colorado, on the _______ day of __________________, 2013. _____________________________ Town Clerk Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 1 of 7    Section 1: Chapter 17.28.015 of the Municipal Code regarding floodplain regulation definitions to be amended to read as follows: Sec. 17.28.015. Definitions. For purposes of this Chapter only, certain terms and words are defined as set forth in this Section: (1) Existing manufactured homepark or subdivision means a manufactured homepark for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, construction of streets and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) are completed before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter. (2) Expansion to existing manufactured homepark or subdivision means the preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads). (3) Manufactured home means a structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. For floodplain management purposes, the term manufactured home also includes parked trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles placed on a site for greater than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days. For insurance purposes, the term manufactured home does not include parked trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles. (4) Manufactured homepark or subdivision means a parcel or contiguous parcels of land divided in two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale. (5) New manufactured homepark or subdivision means a manufactured homepark or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by the Town. (Ord. 7- 87 §8, 1987; Ord. 8-90 §3, 1990; Ord. 15-97, 1997) (1) Critical Facility or Critical Facilities means a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is situated, as specified as essential facilities per ASCE/SEI 7, that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during or after a flood. Commented [KT1]:   Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 2 of 7  (2) Freeboard means the vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood such as debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization of the watershed. (3) Regulatory Floodplain means the 100-year floodplain in Estes Park. Previously designated floodplain areas that have been removed from FEMA’s effective regulatory floodplain by a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) shall be regulated by requiring all new and substantially improved structures on these lands to maintain the lowest floor minimum one foot above the base flood elevation, consistent with development in the regulatory floodplains. Section 2: Chapter 17.28.020 of the Municipal Code regarding the establishment of floodway districts to be amended to read as follows: 17.28.020 Establishment of districts. (a) There are created and established in the Town the following special zoning districts: (1) FW Floodway District; (2) FF Flood Fringe District. (b) Establishment of Floodway Criteria. The Town recognizes that Designated Floodways are administrative limits and tools used to regulate existing and future Floodplain developments within its jurisdiction. At such time when floodways are to be delineated through Physical Map Revisions involving local government participation, the Town shall delineate floodways for the revised reaches based on ½- foot rise criteria. Letters of Map Revision to existing floodway delineations may continue to use the floodway criteria in place at the time of the existing floodway delineation. Until such time that floodways are revised and designated, the Town may continue to regulate its mapped one-foot floodways. For reaches where a transition must be shown to connect new studies to existing studies with different floodway criteria, the transition length shall not exceed 2,000 feet. (b) (c) The floodway and flood fringe districts shall be special zoning districts which overlay the underlying zoning districts on property designated to be within the floodplain area. The boundaries of the zoning districts shall be determined by actual elevation of the ground surface as determined by a Town-approved engineering survey and delineated on the official floodplain zoning maps of the Town. (c) (d) Whenever possible, the provisions of this Chapter shall be interpreted to apply in conjunction with other land use regulations. In the event of conflicts with other provisions of this Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply. (Ord. 22-86 §1 Exhibit A (part), 1986) Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 3 of 7  Section 3: Chapter 17.28.040 of the Municipal Code regarding the FW Floodway District conditions to be amended to read as follows (no changes or deletions to remaining subsections): 17.28.040 FW Floodway District; conditions (12) A minimum levee freeboard of three (3) feet shall be necessary, with an additional 1- foot of freeboard within 100 feet of either side of hydraulic structures within the levee or wherever the flow is constricted, such as at bridges. An additional 0.5-foot above this minimum is also required at the upstream end of the levee. Section 4: Chapter 17.28.090 of the Municipal Code regarding floodplain development permits to be amended to read as follows: 17.28.090 Floodplain development permit. A floodplain development permit shall be obtained before construction or improvement begins within any area of special flood hazard. Applications for special floodplain development permits shall be accompanied by surveys, plot plans, drawings and plans indicating floodproofing measures as set forth in this Chapter. Applicants for a floodplain development permit shall be assessed a fee for advertising and processing. (Ord. 22-86 §1 Exhibit A (part), 1986; Ord. 28-87 §2, 1987; Ord. 15-97, 1997) A qualified Colorado registered professional engineer in good standing shall direct or supervise floodplain projects within the regulatory floodplain and project designs within the regulatory floodplain shall be certified and sealed by the Colorado registered professional engineer of record. Section 5: Chapter 17.28.105 of the Municipal Code regarding flood mitigation measures and stream alteration activities to be added to read as follows: 17.28.105 Effects of Flood Mitigation Measures and Stream Alteration Activities on Regulatory Floodplains (1) Channelization and flow diversion projects shall appropriately consider issues of sediment transport, erosion, deposition, and channel migration and properly mitigate potential problems through the project as well as upstream and downstream of any improvement activity. A detailed geomorphological analysis should be considered, when appropriate, to assist in determining the most appropriate design. Project proponents for a mitigation activity must evaluate the residual 100-year floodplain. Proponents are also encouraged to map the 500-year residual floodplain. (2) All public and private Flood Control Structures shall be maintained to ensure that they retain their structural and hydraulic integrity. Annual inspections including, as appropriate, field surveys of stream cross-sections, shall demonstrate to the floodplain manager that the project features are in satisfactory structural condition, Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 4 of 7  that adequate flow capacity remains available for conveying flood flows, and that no encroachment by vegetation, animals, geological processes such as erosion, deposition, or migration, or by human activity, endanger the proper function of the project. If any significant problems, as identified within annual inspection reports, the facility or project owner shall notify the floodplain manager within 15 days of the inspection. The inspections shall be conducted by Town staff for all publicly owned or publicly maintained facilities, and shall be conducted by the property owner or facility owner for all privately owned and maintained facilities. (3) Any stream alteration activity proposed by a project proponent must be evaluated for its impact on the regulatory floodplain and be in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local floodplain rules, regulations and ordinances. (4) Any stream alteration activity shall be designed and sealed by a Colorado Registered Professional Engineer or Certified Professional Hydrologist. (5) All activities within the regulatory floodplain performed by federal agencies using local or state funds, or by private, local or state entities shall meet all applicable federal, state and local floodplain requirements. (6) Stream alteration activities shall not be constructed unless the project proponent demonstrates through a floodway analysis and report, sealed by a Colorado Registered Professional Engineer, that there are no adverse floodway impacts resulting from the project. This requirement only applies on stream reaches with Base Flood Elevations established. (7) No adverse floodway impact means that there is a 0.00-foot rise in the proposed conditions compared to existing conditions floodway. Upon completion of any work within a floodway, a Floodway No-Rise Certificate shall be submitted by the engineer or record. (8) Whenever a Stream Alteration activity is known or suspected to increase or decrease the established Base Flood Elevation in excess of 0.3 vertical feet, a Letter of Map Revision showing such changes shall be obtained in order to accurately reflect the proposed changes on FEMA’s regulatory floodplain map for the stream reach. The Town is responsible for ensuring that this process is pursued. This section herein does not require a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) to be applied for, unless mandated by the floodplain manager. Section 6: Chapter 17.28.155 of the Municipal Code regarding enforcement of floodplain rules and regulations to be added to read as follows: Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 5 of 7  17.28.155 Enforcement of Floodplain Rules and Regulations. The following procedure shall be followed regarding alleged violations. (1) Notice of Non-Compliance. 1. A Notice of Non-Compliance (NONC) may be prepared and transmitted by the Floodplain Manager. Information regarding potential violations may be discovered directly by staff or can be brought by a Complainant or by any other person who may be directly and adversely affected or aggrieved as a result of the alleged violation. 2. Oral complaints shall be confirmed in writing by the Complainant. Persons making a complaint are required to submit a formal letter of complaint to the Floodplain Manager. 3. NONC process. i. An NONC shall be delivered to an alleged violator by personal delivery or by certified mail (return receipt requested). A copy of the NONC shall be transmitted to FEMA Region VIII and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator at the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). ii. The NONC does not constitute final action. iii. The NONC shall identify the regulation or policy subject to Town jurisdiction allegedly violated and the facts alleged to constitute the violation. The NONC may propose appropriate corrective action and suggested corrective action(s) if any, that the Floodplain Manager elects to require. (2) The Town shall support, through its National Flood Insurance Program activities, these regulations. This support will include the existing ability for the Floodplain Manager to file sanctions upon a property owner for non-compliance. Section 7: Chapter 17.28.160 of the Municipal Code regarding FF flood fringe district conditions to be amended to read as follows: 17.28.160 Appeals. Appeals to the Board of Adjustment Appeals specified in the adopted building code may be taken by any person aggrieved by his or her inability to obtain a building permit in the FW floodway or FF flood fringe zones or by any officer, department, board or bureau of the Town. Upon review, the Board of Adjustment shall have jurisdiction only over the following matters: (1) To review the exact zoning district boundary of the FW floodway or FF flood fringe district as it relates to any specific piece of property; (2) To determine the suitability and advisability of alternate methods of construction. Such determination shall not reduce the capacity of the structure involved to Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 6 of 7  withstand flood damage, nor shall any alternate methods restrict the flow capacity of the main channel or any drainage relative to such channel; (3) In appropriate cases, the Board of Adjustment Appeals specified in the adopted building code may issue a variance from provisions of this regulation only after making a specific finding that the variance will not endanger health, welfare and safety of the applicant, or any upstream or downstream owner or occupier of land. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to effect relief. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result. Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the structure will be permitted to be built with a lowest floor elevation below the regulatory flood protection elevation, and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation. (4) No variance shall be granted within the regulatory floodway if the base flood level will be increased. (Ord. 22-86 §1 Exhibit A (part), 1986; Ord. 8-90 §6, 1990) (5) Request for a variance to any of these regulations may be considered by the Town, provided the entity or individual requesting the variance has submitted a written request to the floodplain manager. A notice of the Request must be provided to any adjacent communities that would be affected by the variance. (6) The request for a variance shall identify: 1. The regulation(s) from which the variance is requested; 2. The communities that would be affected by the variance; 3. The reasons why the Rule cannot be complied with; 4. The estimated difference in water surface elevations, flood velocities and flood boundaries that would result if the requested variance were granted than if the calculations were made through strict compliance with the regulation(s); 5. The estimated number of people and structures that will be impacted by granting of the variance; and 6. Any other evidence submitted by the Town, the CWCB, or other party of interest. (7) Variances may be issued if it can be determined that: 1. There is a good and sufficient cause; and 2. The variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief; and 3. Failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the community or the requestor and that the hardship is not the community's or requestor’s own making; and Ordinance No. TBD - 13 Exhibit A Page 7 of 7  (8) The granting of a variance will not result in increased vulnerability to flood losses, additional threats to public safety and welfare, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud or victimization of the public, hide information of significant interest to the public or conflict with existing local laws or regulations. (9) Variance requests shall be processed as follows: 1. The Town shall render, confirm, modify, or reject all variance requests pertaining to these regulations. 2. The CWCB may review local variance decisions on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the overall intent and spirit of these Rules are properly considered at the local level. 3. Informal variance determination request may be presented to CWCB staff in order to guide community officials or project applicants as to whether a formal variance would be needed on a case by case basis. Section 8: Chapter 17.28.180 of the Municipal Code regarding incorporation by reference to be added to read as follows 17.28.180 Incorporation by Reference. Rules and Regulations for Regulatory Floodplains in Colorado, adopted by the Department of Natural Resources Colorado Water conservation Board, effective January 14, 2011. FEMA Regulations 44 C.F.R. §§ 59, 60, 65, and 70 (2010), available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/44cfrv1_00.html, EPA Regulations 40 CFR § 302 (2010), available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/40cfr302_03.html, and OSHA Regulations 29 CFR § 1910 (2010), available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/29cfr1910_99.html, are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, The Colorado “Office of the State Engineer Rules and Regulations for Dam Safety and Dam Construction Materials,” set forth in 2 C.C.R. § 402-1 (2010), available at http://water.state.co.us/pubs/rule_reg/ds_rules07.pdf, are incorporated herein by reference. The FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Mapping Partners (2009), available at www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm, are also incorporated herein by reference. These regulations are hereby incorporated by reference by the Town of Estes Park and made a part of these Regulations for Regulatory Floodplains within Town limits. Materials in these Rules which are incorporated by reference are those materials in existence as of the effective date of these Rules and do not include later amendments to or editions of these materials. The material incorporated by reference is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Town of Estes Park Municipal Building, 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. Commented [AC2]: We won’t be able to codifiy links to  webpages. This needs to be revised.  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE October 24, 2013 Recommendations To The Board Item #ii. Temporary Sign Policy This item will be a verbal report by Director Chilcott, who will bring all documents to the meeting for distribution. Page 1 of 8 To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Will Birchfield, Chief Building Official and Floodplain Manager Alison Chilcott, Community Development Director Date: October 24, 2013 RE: Floodplain Management and Stream/River Corridor Protection Objective: Report to Community Development/Community Services Committee on floodplain management and stream/river corridor protection activities since the September flood. Provide information to aid in future decision-making about floodplain management, stream/river corridor protection, short-term stabilization and long-term rehabilitation of river and streams. Decisions will have ecological and economic impacts and will require community input. Present Situation: I. Floodplain Management and Stream/River Corridor Protection 1. Floodplain management is a core service provided by the Town. The Town has adopted local regulations that are intended to: a. Provide adequate zoning regulations to minimize death, injury, and losses to public and private property due to flooding; and b. Identify and clarify where flood hazards may exist and to insure that potential buyers or builders are aware that certain properties are in areas with special flood hazard. (Summarized from Estes Park Municipal Code Chapter 17.28 Floodplain Regulations, 17l.28.010 Purpose) Regulations are administered by our local floodplain manager, Will Birchfield. Community Development Memo Page 2 of 8 The Town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides eligibility for flood insurance, flood disaster assistance, state and federal grants, loans and buyout funds for flood-prone property. Compliance with floodplain regulations is necessary in order to continue to qualify for the program and related benefits. The Town’s regulations meet and in some cases exceed minimum standards established by the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. 2. Stream/River Corridor Protection Also, within the Estes Valley regulations are in place to promote, preserve and enhance the important hydrologic, biological, ecological, aesthetic, recreational and educational functions that stream and river corridors, associated riparian areas and wetlands provide (from Estes Valley Development Code Section 7.6 Wetlands and Stream Corridor Protection, A. Purpose and Intent). Regulations are administered by the Town of Estes Park Planning Division for the entire Estes Valley. Stream and river corridors and associated riparian areas are wider than flood hazard areas. II. Flood Impact 1. Within the Estes Valley, the flood caused major changes to Fish Creek and portions of Fall River. Big Thompson and Black Canyon experienced less change. a. Watercourses migrated (50 feet or more in some areas), Fall River Migration & Alluvial Deposits Home at River’s Edge was 50 feet from Fall River b. An enormous amount of alluvial debris was deposited (with depths of at least 3 feet). c. Fish Creek no longer meanders in many areas. d. Stream/river beds were lowered (maybe as much as 5 feet). Page 3 of 8 e. Stream/river corridors widened (50+ feet in some areas). Rain triggered rock and mud slides which removed vegetation. ] Giant Track Mountain Rock Slide MacGregor Mountain-Slide off Fall River Road 2. Infrastructure, homes, and businesses in stream and river corridors were damaged or destroyed. Fish Creek- roads & utilities destroyed Stream/river migration and erosion has rendered some lots along Fish Creek and Fall River temporarily or permanently unbuildable. Approximately half the structures (3,750) in the Estes Valley were affected by the rains and flood; e.g., located in the no flush zone, had groundwater in the crawl space, basement, or first floor living space. . . In terms of numbers, severe physical damage to homes and businesses was minimal within Town limits. One home was substantially damaged (50% or more of valuation to fix), fourteen additional buildings experience some level of structural compromise, but at this point we do not think they meet the substantial damage criteria. For those who Page 4 of 8 suffered losses the loss is tremendous. All these structurally damaged buildings were outside the mapped special flood hazard area. Structural damage & Fish Creek channel migration. Homes were 30 feet from Fish Creek Fall River undercutting bank / encroaching on home III. Flood Hazard Areas Have Moved The FEMA Flood Insurance Study and associated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are used by the Floodplain Manager to regulate special flood hazard areas (areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding). In many areas the study and maps are no longer accurate and cannot be relied on to protect life and property. IV. Temporary Suspension of Permitting for Permanent Construction 1. The final location of our watercourses has ecological and economic impacts, and requires community input. Because of this the Town has implemented a temporary suspension for existing and new building permits in or along our waterways. Returning streams and rivers to their pre-flood locations and reclaiming land is not allowed at this time. This suspension is based on several factors, such as not knowing the final location of the stream/river channels, floodplain, and to ensure businesses and residents remain eligible to purchase flood insurance. Page 5 of 8 2. Emergency provisions need to continue beyond the initial “sunset” date of Tuesday, November 12th. Staff is using the high water mark of this event as current floodplain boundaries. Both FEMA NFIP representatives and other experts agreed this is an appropriate approach. FEMA floodplain experts reviewed and advised that the Town’s floodplain ordinance supports this approach. 3. Temporary Work. Permits are being issued for temporary work necessary to prevent further loss of property, such as bank stabilization, shoring buildings, repairing private bridges and utility infrastructure. There are no fees for the floodplain permits or for the associated building permit authorizing work on a temporary basis. Work can only be approved on a temporary basis until more information is obtained regarding the magnitude and significance of the flood event. At this time only engineers can apply for flood plain permits. We have chosen not to limit this to hydrologists only. V. Short-Term Stream/River Stabilization 1. Short-term bank stabilization is needed prior to spring runoff. Remobilization of materials in debris fans can cause further scouring and bank erosion. The window for stabilization is closing. Ideally work would be complete before ground freezes. Tasks Include: a. Identify roles and expectations for private, local, state, and federal entities. Status: Bank stabilization is a private responsibility on private property. Permitting is required. Roles and expectations to minimizing hazards related to re-mobilization of debris fans prior to spring run-off are TBD. b. Identify priorities for restoration (e.g. who needs to do what and where, enforcement of floodplain regulations, etc.) Status: At this point, Community Development priorities are (1) Stonebridge Estates on Fish Creek (2) Fall River from Estes Condos/Bugle Point upstream to the Fish Hatchery. Significant work is required along most of Fish Creek. With the fine sedimentary soils further incision, downward cutting of the stream bed is possible per Natural Resource Conservation Hydrologist Steve Yochum. Responsibilty for Fish Creek rehabilitation needs to be determined, i.e. with the Town or County take the lead. c. Identify public and private resources/grants Page 6 of 8 Status: FEMA assists with bank stabilization when structures/improvements are threatened and/or man-made banks are damage. The Natural Resource Conservation Corps can step in where FEMA leave off assisting with stabilizing natural banks. Federal funding from the Natural Resource Conservation Service may be available (75% federal/25% match); funding will be prioritized and requires a sponsor, e.g. the Town of Estes Park. Sponsorship will be acted on at the next Town Board meeting. The 25% match does not have to be Town funds. Technical assistance and grants are also available from the Corps of Engineers, Colorado Water Conservation Board, FEMA. Staff is also looking into grants from foundations. d. Implementation Schedule (e.g. bank stabilization prior to spring runoff). Status: Some private property owners have attempted to stabilize banks. Current temporary mitigation activities are using available materials which may not always comply with best practices. VI. Long-Term Stream/River Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of streams/rivers requires planning. Rehabilitation projects can take eighteen months or longer. For long-term rehabilitation, staff recommends adopting best practices as identified by experts such as FEMA and NRCS for rehabilitation. 1. Answers are needed to questions such: a. Can/should a river segment be moved back to its former location, remain in its current location, or moved to a new location? b. How does moving a river impact upstream and downstream properties? Discreet unplanned projects can negatively impact up and downstream property owners? c. Who pays for the work? d. Is acquisition of conservation easements or land needed? If so, by who and with what funds? 2. Developing criteria and standards for permitting permanent work where the flood hazard areas and floodway have moved with the watercourse need is required. Page 7 of 8 VII. Ongoing Work Staff are: 1. Continuing to consult with, and learn from, experts about best practices. This includes: Stream Restoration Coordinator at the Colorado Water Conservation Board; District Conservationist and Hydrologists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service; FEMA Floodplain Specialists (one of whom is embedded with Community Development); private consultants such as ICON or Stantek, if funds allow, City of Fort Collins and Larimer County Floodplain Managers; Estes Valley Land Trust, and Colorado Association of State Stormwater and Floodplain Managers. 2. Engage stakeholders in short stabilization and long-term rehabilitation discussions. One of the next steps is to create, or participate in, a local Stream Taskforces, as recommended by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. 3. Work towards adopt an Advisory Map. Adopt an advisory map for regulatory purposes until a new Flood Insurance Study is completed, which may not occur for a year or more. Staff is in contact with the Colorado Water Conservation Board which plans to prepare recovery maps. High-water marks from this flood event along with peak stream/river flows need to be obtained to create the advisory/recovery maps. NRCS has prioritized Fall River and Fish Creek for peak flow estimates. Also, staff will determine if the Town can use current study where there is no alteration of course, conveyance capacity. 4. Glossary of Terms. Prior to the CD/CS meeting a Glossary of Floodplain Plain Management terms is attached and will be posted at www.estes.org. Trustees are likely to hear these terms frequently over the next year or two. Proposal: At the October 24, 2014 CD/CS meeting, staff will report to CD/CS. Staff will report to Town Board on November 5, 2014. Advantages: N/A Disadvantages: N/A Action Recommended: Report only. No action needed at this time. Page 8 of 8 Budget: TBD Level of Public Interest: Very High Sample Motion: N/A Page 1 of 3    Glossary of Floodplain Management Terms The following definitions are from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Floodplain Rules and Regulations. Term Definition 100-year Flood A flood having a recurrence interval that has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded during any given year (1-percent-annual-chance-flood). The terms "one- hundred-year flood" and "one percent chance flood" are synonymous with the term "100-year flood." The term does not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every one hundred years. 500-year Flood A flood having a recurrence interval that has a 0.2-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded during any given year (0.2-percent-chance-annual-flood). The term does not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every five hundred years. Base Flood Is synonymous with 100-year flood and is a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Basin The total land surface area from which precipitation is conveyed or carried by a stream or system of streams under the force of gravity and discharged through one or more outlets. CFS – Cubic Feet per Second A rate of the flow, in streams and rivers, for example. It is equal to a volume of water one foot high and one foot wide flowing a distance of one foot in one second. One "cfs" is equal to 7.48 gallons of water flowing each second. Channelization The artificial creation, enlargement or realignment of a stream channel. Colorado Floodplain and Stormwater Criteria Manual The Manual prepared by the CWCB to aid local officials and engineers in the proper regulation and design of flood protected facilities. The Manual is advisory, rather than regulatory, in purpose. Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) FEMA's comment on a proposed project, which does not revise an effective floodplain map, that would, upon construction, affect the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing regulatory floodplain. Page 2 of 3    Critical Facility or Critical Facilities Means a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is situated, as specified as essential facilities per ASCE/SEI 7, that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and after a flood. Detailed Floodplain Information Floodplain information prepared utilizing topographic base mapping, hydrologic analysis, and hydraulic calculations to arrive at precise water surface profiles and floodplain delineations suitable for making land use decisions under statutorily authorized zoning powers. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) A FIRM is the official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. Floodway The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be kept free of obstructions in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. Freeboard The vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood such as debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization of the watershed. Hydraulic analysis The determination of flood elevations and velocities for various probabilities based on a scientific analysis of the movement and behavior of floodwaters in channels and overbank areas. Hydrologic Analysis The computation of the peak rate of flow, or discharge in cubic feet per second, for various selected probabilities for streams, channels, or watersheds based on a scientific analysis of the physical process. Page 3 of 3    Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) An official revision to the currently effective FEMA map. It is issued by FEMA and changes flood zones, delineations, and elevations. Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) FEMA’s modification of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) based on the placement of fill outside the existing regulatory floodway. Regulatory Floodplain Floodplain Maps, Profiles, and related information for flood hazard areas that have been designated and approved for regulatory purposes. Substantial Change Any improvement to, or rehabilitation due to damage of, a structure for which the activity performed equals or exceeds 50% of the pre-improvement or pre-damaged value of the structure. The value of the structure shall be determined by the local jurisdiction having land use authority in the area of interest. Regulatory Floodplain The Regulatory Floodplain in Colorado is the 100-year floodplain. However, the CWCB will Designate and Approve 500-year floodplain information but only at the written request of a local authority having land use jurisdiction. In addition, previously designated floodplain areas that have been removed from FEMA’s effective regulatory floodplain by a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) shall remain within the Regulatory Floodplain for all activities affected by Rule 11(c). All Designated and Approved Regulatory Floodplain information can be used by local authorities having land use jurisdiction for the purpose of local regulation. The General Assembly has deemed the designation of floodplains a matter of statewide importance and interest and gave the CWCB the responsibility for the designation of Regulatory Floodplains and to assure protection of public health, safety, welfare and property by protecting development in the Regulatory Floodplains. SFHA – Special Flood Hazard Area Areas subject to inundation by the 1% annual chance flood. TOWN OF ESTES PARK PLANNING DIVISION 170 MACGREGOR AVE. P.O. BOX 1200 ESTES PARK, CO 80517 PH. 970-577-3721 FAX 970-586-0249 WWW.ESTES.ORG Estes Valley Stream and River Corridor Protection Revision Date: October 2013 OVERVIEW The following requirements and standards are intended to promote, preserve and enhance the important hydrologic, biological, ecological, aesthetic, recreational and educational functions that stream and river corridors, associated riparian areas and wetlands provide. Regulations apply to all new development. Source: EPA DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS No person shall engage in any activity that will disturb, remove, fill, drain, dredge, clear, destroy or alter any area, including vegetation, within stream or river corridors and their associated buffer areas. Source: EPA Structures and improvements for recreational, educational or scientific activities such as trails, fishing access and wildlife management and viewing may be permitted in a buffer/setback area provided that a management plan that establishes long-term protection of the buffer/setback area is submitted and approved. PRESERVATION OF VEGETATION All existing vegetation within the stream/river corridor or wetland buffer/setback area shall be preserved, and where necessary to provide adequate screening or to repair damaged riparian areas, supplemented with additional native planting and landscaping. Source: EPA BUFFER/SETBACK AREAS Streams. All buildings and accessory structures shall be set back at least thirty (30) feet from the annual high-water mark of stream corridors, or if not readily discernible, from the defined bank of the stream. Where defined banks are not TOWN OF ESTES PARK PLANNING DIVISION 170 MACGREGOR AVE. P.O. BOX 1200 ESTES PARK, CO 80517 PH. 970-577-3721 FAX 970-586-0249 WWW.ESTES.ORG readily discernible, the setback shall be measured from the thread of the stream. Rivers. All buildings and accessory structures shall be set back at least fifty feet from the annual high-water mark of river corridors or, if not readily discernible, from the defined bank of the river. All buildings and accessory structures shall be set back at least thirty feet horizontally from the annual high-water mark of river corridors. Downtown Area. In the CD district, all buildings and accessory structures shall be set back at least twenty feet from the annual high-water mark of river corridors. Where a principal building in the CD district provides public access, including a primary entrance, on the side of the building facing a stream or river corridor, the setback may be reduced to ten feet with the approval of the Decision-Making Body. Parking Lots. Except in the CD zoning district, parking lots shall be set back at least fifty feet from the annual high-water mark of stream or river corridors, or if not readily discernible, from the defined bank of the stream or river. In the CD district, parking lots shall be set back at least twelve feet from the delineated edge of the river or stream corridor. UTILITIES No Alternative. Utilities may be allowed in a buffer/setback area only if the Decision- Making Body determines that there is no practical alternative. Location. Utility corridors in buffer/setback areas shall be located at the outside edge of the area and access roads for maintenance of utilities shall be located outside the buffer/setback area. Access. Access for maintenance of utilities in buffer/setback areas should be at specific points rather than parallel to the utility corridor. Reclamation. Any disturbance of the buffer area shall be reclaimed by regrading and revegetation. Provisions for reclamation of the disturbed area shall be included in any development or improvements agreement for the project, with adequate collateral to guarantee that the reclamation will be completed. Source: EPA BOUNDARY DELINEATION Stream and river corridors shall be delineated at the annual high-water mark, or if not readily discernible, the defined bank of the stream or river. Regulated stream and river corridors include streams and rivers are identified on the Stream and River Corridor Resource Map found in Appendix A of the development code, and includes the Big Thompson and Fall River. Streams include the Black Canyon Creek, Fish Creek, and various unnamed streams and minor drainages, some of which are intermittent. US CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes a program to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including streams and rivers. Contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at 303-979-4120 for permit information. Note: This information was summarized from Estes Valley Development Code Section 7.6 Wetlands and Stream Corridor Protection. Please visit www.estes.org for complete development code requirements. Source: EPA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE October 24, 2013 Report Item #ii. Community Development Monthly Report This item will be a verbal report by Director Chilcott, who will bring all documents to the meeting for distribution.