HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Community Development Community Services 2014-07-24
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Community Development & 8:00 a.m.
Community Services Committee Town Hall Board Room
*Revised:
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
2. COMMUNITY SERVICES
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i. Pumpkin & Pilsners in Bond Park Coordinator Jacobson
b) REPORTS
i. Visitor Center Quarterly Report. Manager Salerno
ii. Museum Quarterly Report. Coordinator Hoerner
iii. July & August Event Report. Coordinator Jacobson
iv. Event Benefit & Cost Report. Director Winslow
v. Shuttle Update. Coordinator Wells
vi. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i. Sign Code Revisions – Eliminating Creative Director Chilcott
Sign Program & Review Board.
b) REPORTS
i. Community Development Quarterly Report. Director Chilcott
ii. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
4. ADJOURN
AGENDA
Community Services Memo
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Lexy Jacobson, Event Coordinator
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: New Event in Bond Park – Pumpkins and Pilsners
Objective:
To have new event reviewed by Town Board and approve to conduct.
Present Situation:
Per Town Policy all new events in Bond Park need to be approved by Town Board.
Proposal:
Families for Estes is looking for new ways to fund-raise money that will go towards their
bi-annual free family events throughout town, new senior center partnership (F.A.S.T-
Families And Seniors Together) as well as to designate funds to support the new
community recreation/senior center. This will be an event on Saturday, October 11th,
from 12-6pm. Pumpkins and Pilsners is a fall family festival highlighting kid’s activities,
live music, food vendors and beer. Some of the kid’s activities include a pumpkin patch,
pumpkin carving/decorating contests, pony rides, face painting, hay rides, hay maze,
photo cutouts, and a bounce house. The goal with this festival is to draw our local
families (young and old) as well as our guests who may be visiting in town that
weekend.
Advantages:
Proposed event date is outside of our summer season
Has the opportunity to increase foot traffic for the Surprise Sidewalk Sale
The event is multigenerational offering activities for all ages
All event proceeds are benefiting a local nonprofit (Families for Estes)
Disadvantages:
N/A
Action Recommended by Staff:
Staff recommends approval of this event. We hope to support more events taking place
outside of the May-August months.
Budget:
The Town will receive revenues from miscellaneous rental fees (TBD by Town Staff and
Event Manager) as well as a $20 per vendor as a vendor fee.
Level of Public Interest
Staff feels the response to this event will be positive. We have had feedback from our
Events Focus Committee about wanting an Oktoberfest in Estes Park and this event
accomplishes that request. Pumpkins and Pilsners caters to both our guests as well as
our community!
Sample Committee Recommendation:
I recommend approval/denial of the Pumpkins and Pilsners Event in Bond Park,
to be included as an Action Item at the July 27, 2014, Town Board Meeting.
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Teri Salerno, Visitor Services Manager
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: Visitor Services Quarterly Report: April – June, 2014
Second Quarter Visitor Center Traffic
The Visitor Center experienced a decrease of 6.13% in foot traffic in April, May and
June over the second quarter last year. In 2013, the center saw 102,142 people come
through the doors, for an average of 1,122 people per day. This year, 95,887 visitors
came to the center during the second quarter, an average of 1,065 people each day.
(NOTE: Daily averages are calculated based on the number of days the Visitor Center is open during the
quarter. Easter fell in the first quarter in 2013 and in the second quarter this year; the VC is closed on
Easter Sunday. This fact changes the number of open days in the two quarters when comparing years.)
The month of April was up 21.36%, which equals 2,613 more people. May and June
were both down; May by 4.05%, which totals 1,210 less people and June by 12.48%,
which equals 7,658 less people. Overall the Visitor Center is down 4.13% through June
of this year. In 2013, we saw 129,172 guests and this year, we have seen 123,840.
This equates to 5,332 less people to date in the VC over last year.
During the second quarter, Rocky Mountain National Park experienced similar visitation
patterns as the EPVC. April visitation counts were also up in Rocky, by 7.43%, and May
and June were also both down, by 7.78% and 10.56% respectively. This equates to an
8.11% decrease in visitation during the second quarter this year when compared to the
same time-frame in 2013, for a total of 75,714 less visitors in RMNP. YTD, RMNP is
down 5.01% when compared to January – June in 2013; this percentage decrease
equals 58,667 less people.
Community Services Memo
EP Visitor Center Traffic
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Total
2014 27,953 95,887 123,840
2013 27,030 102,142 174,146 33,356 336,674
2012 31,464 101,192 184,459 47,275 364,390
2011 32,960 100,558 212,458 55,716 401,692
2010 19,877 76,080 179,627 49,394 324,978
2009 21,492 78,442 164,098 37,807 301,839
2008 16,797 64,642 144,648 37,433 263,520
2007 18,060 68,195 158,669 31,116 276,040
2006 8,999 54,602 139,046 29,522 232,169
Second Quarter Telephone Calls
Visitor Services staff answered 5.41% less telephone calls during the second quarter of
2014 over the same time period in 2013. The Visitor Center received 4,087 calls April –
June 2013, for an average of 45 calls per day, while this year, the call center received
3,866 calls, for an average of 43 calls per day. This is the fewest number of calls
received in the second quarter since 2006.
Visitor Center Telephone Calls
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Total
2014 2,090 3,866 5,956
2013 2,055 4,087 6,313 3,045 15,500
2012 2,357 5,112 6,368 2,341 16,178
2011 3,119 5,946 8,779 2,855 20,699
2010 3,934 7,162 9,772 3,224 24,092
2009 3,931 7,608 11,035 3,796 26,370
2008 3,538 6,615 10,122 3,281 23,556
2007 3,899 6,575 10,521 3,360 24,355
2006 3,891 6,127 9,298 3,002 22,318
Retail Sales
Retail sales through the end of June total $10,762; this reflects an increase of 11.4%
over last year’s sales of $9,536 received through June. The biggest retail sales months
at the Visitor Center are July – September; therefore, the third quarter can potentially
have the greatest influence over how the annual sales end up for the year. If Visitor
Center counts are strong during the third quarter, sales should surpass the total sales in
2013, especially under the unusual circumstances created by the September flood.
Total Retail Sales Revenue by year
2005 (in old Building) $17,675
2006 $39,299
2007 $43,554
2008 $36,485
2009 $42,582
2010 $40,175
2011 $39,192
2012 $34,499
2013 $29,296
2014 thru June $10,762
Volunteer Ambassadors
The number of volunteer Ambassadors currently totals 54. Last year at this time, the
town had 62 volunteers on the Visitor Services roster. As of June 30, 13 Ambassadors
have retired for a variety of reasons that include: move from EP, personal illness, illness
of spouse, age, birth of baby, and other work or volunteer commitments. The team has
trained five new Ambassadors for this year.
As previously discussed, the number of volunteers on the roster has been decreasing
over the last two years. This trend is being experienced across town departments and in
other agencies. In prior years, the number of volunteers had hovered around 70 - 75
during the busiest time of year.
Seventh annual Visitor Services training
The seventh annual Visitor Services training was held for staff and volunteers on May
13 in the Town Hall Boardroom. There were 42 Ambassadors, 9 staff and several
guests in attendance. Training participants once again rated the session highly; this
training will continue to be offered each year to the Visitor Services team before the
start of the busy summer season. For those who missed the May annual training, a
make-up session was held in June.
Lodging, retail, & shuttle route tours
Visitor Services volunteers and staff toured a total of 38 lodging properties over three
days in May and 30 retail businesses over two days in early June.
During the June Ambassador meeting, Rocky Mountain Transit provided for staff and
volunteers the third annual tour of the Town shuttle routes for the coming season.
Feedback from participants once again confirmed the tour’s success.
Visitor Center Hours of Operation:
The Visitor Center hours of operation changed on Saturday, May 17: The center is now
open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.. These
hours will extend through the weekend of Elk Fest, through Sunday, October 5.
Budget: N/A
Recommendation: None
Community Services Memo
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Derek Fortini, Museum Director and Curator of Exhibits
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: Museum Quarterly Report
Background:
Attendance Highlights
The Meet Me @ the Museum staff-led lectures that take place on the first
Monday of the month are beginning to grow in attendance and are gaining a
following. The topics vary, which make it appealing to participants, and the 1 – 2
p.m. hour seems to work for a number of people. Staff is happy with the
outcome and the direction it is heading.
As every May, Curator of Education Mittelman hosted the third grade classes at
the Museum and the Hydroplant to help fulfill their curriculum on local history.
This program continues to be developed with the third grade team to meet their
needs. There are plans in the future for the Museum to become more integrated
into the rest of the school district where appropriate.
The Downtown History Walking Tours, kicked-off this year, are now being offered
on a regular basis. This service was designed based on Ambassador feedback
that visitors ask for history tours. They are taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays
and Friday from 8:30 - 10 a.m. weekly through the summer by trained docents
utilizing a script developed by staff and an IPad that has a number of historic
images to illustrate the downtown history. Most tours are finished with a walk to
the Birch Cabin, located on the Knoll-Willows property, by those who wish to walk
there. Museum staff is continuously searching for ways to utilize this historic
building.
Collection Highlights
During the first six months of 2014 the Curator of Collections Hoerner has spent
39.25 hours fielding 34 individual research requests from amateur and
professional historians, assisted 14 individual researchers in exploring the
Museum collection for a total of 23.25 hours, and accepted 18 donations of 208
objects to the Museum collection. Progress on the Estes Park Museum
Deaccessioning project is steady, with the list of objects to be deaccessioned
finalized and the Curator of Collections determining the most appropriate method
to do so.
Exhibits
Ongoing Temporary Exhibits
Estes Park celebrated the arrival of Swedish artist Birger Sandzén (1871 – 1954)
in 1925, when he helped establish and teach for a branch of Denver’s Chapell
School of Art. Sandzén was fascinated by the challenges of depicting the
beautiful local landscape, and would continue to summer in Estes Park until his
death in 1954. Discover how the renowned artist, often referred to as “America’s
Van Gogh,” inspired the community of Estes Park artists with his enthusiasm for
art enrichment. The temporary exhibit Sandzén in Estes Park will feature
paintings and graphics of the mountainscapes for which Sandzén became so
well-known. On display through August 3, 2014.
Upcoming Exhibit - Climb On!
Experience the vertical side of Estes Park, home to some of the nation’s most
spectacular rock climbing throughout its history. Granite boulders, sub-alpine
crags, and high mountain walls make the Estes valley and surrounding high
peaks a world class training ground for elite and amateur climbers alike. Learn
about ascending rocky terrain and how individuals pioneered local routes that
pushed the limits of gravity. The new exhibit, Climb On!, will open September 26,
2014 and continue through October 4, 2014. This exhibit is in support of Rocky
Mountain National Park’s Centennial celebration.
Gripped
This temporary exhibit featured in the Main Gallery of the Museum will display
photography that captures local bouldering in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain
National Park. Open to public submissions, Museum staff will select several to
explore this growing sport within rock climbing. Opening will coincide with Climb
On! on September 26, 2014.
Adam Strong, Storm Shadow Emerald Lake, by Melissa Strong
Upcoming Programs
Note: The phrase “In celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th
anniversary” indicates the support of the anniversary as well as endorsement by
Rocky Mountain National Park.
Throughout the summer: Downtown History Walking Tours. Offered Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 – 10 a.m. Meet at the northeast corner of Bond
Park near the Enos Mills sculpture in downtown Estes Park. Cost is $8 per
person.
July 30, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Two Wheelin’ History Tour (bicycle tour). Roll into the
Estes Park Museum for a tour of significant sites where pioneers, settlers and
adventurers made history in the Estes valley. Space is limited to the first 15
people. Identical rides will take place on Wednesdays, July 9, 16 and 30. The
bicycle ride is approximately 8.5 miles round-trip. Cyclists must bring a bicycle,
helmet and water, wear comfortable cycling attire and be prepared to ride their
bike for over an hour with some hills. The group will take breaks along the tour.
Cost is $8 payable by cash or check the day of the tour.
August 4, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Meet Me @ the Museum (staff-led lecture). Topic to
be determined. Meet Me @ The Museum encourages all of us to be curious
about the history of sites, events, and those who came before us in Estes Park.
Museum staff will aim to include the community in their local history findings once
a month. Discussions will be on-site at the Museum or participants may
assemble at the Museum and then embark by foot, bike or caravan to other
location(s) in the Estes valley. Get involved with the Museum staff’s topic of
choice by participating in Meet Me @ the Museum events on the first Monday of
every month.
August 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Wolves of the West: A Live Animal Demonstration
(family friendly program). Once wolves roamed Estes Park, what happened to
them? What can we learn from their story as a mistrusted and misunderstood
species? Educators from the W.O. L. F. Sanctuary will discuss these topics and
introduce lives wolves safely to the audience. Cost is $5 for children or Museum
members and $8 for adults and non-members. Pay the day of the program, no
registration required.
September 7, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Meet Me @ the Museum: Rocky Mountain Elk: A
History (staff-led lecture). While so prominent and a major draw to the area
today, elk were said to have been extirpated from our valley by 1880 only to be
reintroduced in 1913 and again in 1915. Join Director and Curator of Exhibits
Derek Fortini as he explores the history of elk in Estes Park. Free admission, no
registration required.
September 26, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Climb On! Public Opening (temporary exhibit
opening). In celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th anniversary.
Experience the vertical side of Estes Park, home to some of the nation’s most
spectacular rock climbing. Granite boulders, sub-alpine crags, and high mountain
walls make the Estes valley and surrounding high peaks a world class training
ground for elite and amateur climbers alike. Learn about ascending rocky terrain
and how individuals pioneered local routes that pushed the limits of gravity. Light
refreshments will be served. Free admission, no registration required.
October 4, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Playground Trail: The National Park-to-Park
Highway (lecture). In celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th
Anniversary. Following World War I, Americans were ready to “See America
First.” The slogan was used by the newly-created National Park Service to
promote automobile travel to the National Parks of the West. The National Park-
to-Park Highway Association, headquartered in Denver, promoted a 5,500-mile-
long “auto trail” to and through 12 National Parks. A dedication tour along the
highway was held in 1920. Sponsored by the National Park Service and AAA, the
media event spotlighted the beauty of the Parks plus the pleasures and pitfalls of
driving an automobile to and through the nation’s “playgrounds.” This fully-
illustrated program will transport the audience along the National Park-to-Park
Highway as it was experienced during the 1920 tour. Cost is $3 for Museum
Friends members or children, $5 for non-Museum members, no registration
required.
October 6, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Meet Me @ the Museum: Vintage Souvenirs of
Rocky Mountain National Park (staff-led lecture). See unique mementos and
keepsakes once collected by visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Now
housed at the Estes Park Museum, these keepsakes were once purchased as a
reminder of a special visit. Curator of Education Alicia Mittelman will discuss how
they represent bigger themes about nostalgia, art, and collecting with items
produced over the span of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100 years as a
national treasure. Free admission, no registration required.
October 9, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Geology of Estes Park Rock Climbing: A Thrill
More Than One Million Years in the Making (lecture). In celebration of Rocky
Mountain National Park’s 100th Anniversary. The soaring granite walls of Lumpy
Ridge and the area’s alpine peaks are a rock climber’s paradise. The Diamond
face on Longs Peak is a world-famous crucible for alpine rock climbing. Visitors
from across the country and around the world converge on Estes Park to enjoy
the classic climbing routes on Hallett Peak, Petit Grepon, Twin Owls, The Book,
and many other peaks and walls. So why is Estes Park a rock climbing mecca? It
all comes down to the area’s geology. Join us for a journey through Estes Park’s
geological history and explore questions such as: Why is there so much granite
here? How did that rock come to form such soaring walls? What made the
granite split to form the area’s famous climbing cracks? And how does our
climbing impact the environment? Free admission, no registration required.
Other Highlights
From May 9 through the 11, Museum staff was fortunate enough to attend the
Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museum (CWAM) conference in Cody,
Wyoming. This was one of the largest CWAM conferences ever with much
taking place at the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum, also known as the “Smithsonian of
the West.” Even though networking is one of the most beneficial aspects of
conferences, staff was able to spread out and attend almost all of the offered
sessions. Highlights included an IPad training (which is now being used on our
walking and bicycling tours), learning about the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum world
renown archive collection and the process of digitizing their letter archive, and
attending a behind-the-scene tour of parts of the exhibit to learn how to mix top
dollar technology (such as a hologram “Buffalo Bill Cody” introducing people to
the gallery) with simple in-house interactives to provide a memorable experience
for visitors.
In early June, Director and Curator of Exhibits Fortini was able to work with
videographer John Story Brooks to produce a short film about the Museum
hosted on ColoradoTown.com. This website is geared towards improving
visitation to smaller towns throughout Colorado. The promotion was free for the
Museum.
Estes Park Museum April, 2014
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.
April 2014 Attendance
Gallery/Office Visitors 405
Hydroplant Visitors 0
Programs and Tours—Museum 135
Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 0
Group Meetings and Rentals 198
Total Attendance & Programs—Museum & Hydroplant 738
Programs and Tours Capacity 162
Programs and Tours Percentage Utilization 83
Museum & Hydroplant Programs/Tours-Detail:
4-7 Meet Me @ The Museum 27
4-12 Connecting to Collections 7
4-27 Photo Preservation Drop-In Hours 3
4-28 Estes Park Third Grade Gallery Tours 50
4-29 Estes Park Third Grade Gallery Tours 48
Group Meetings and Rentals-Detail:
4-2 Paige Claassen Oral History Interview 3
4-8 CVB Ambassadors 36
4-10 Work Zone/ Flagger Training 20
4-14 Creative Arts District 10
4-14 Spanish Class 7
4-15 Coolest Car Show in Colorado Committee 6
4-17 Estes Park Museum Friends Liaison Meeting 7
4-17 Estes Park in Bloom 7
4-17 Rooftop Rodeo Committee 39
4-22 EPPD - Testing 12
4-23 EPPD Employee Meeting 12
4-24 Estes Park Museum Friends Board Meeting 12
4-25 Special Events Committee Meeting 17
4-28 EPPD 7
4-30 Peggy Donahue Oral History Interview 3
Total Attendance Year-to-Date:
2010 2,024
2011 2,450
2012 3,307
2013 3,167
2014 3,438
Total April Attendance
Estes Park Museum
459 477
872
951
738
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Estes Park Museum May, 2014
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.
May 2014 Attendance
Gallery/Office Visitors 1,042
Hydroplant Visitors 59
Programs and Tours—Museum 132
Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 121
Group Meetings and Rentals 392
Total Attendance & Programs—Museum & Hydroplant 1,746
Programs and Tours Capacity 272
Programs and Tours Percentage Utilization 97
Museum & Hydroplant Programs/Tours-Detail:
5-2 Museum Friends Event: Cookbook Signing 48
5-5 Meet Me @ The Museum 35
5-15 Estes Park Third Grade Hydroplant Tour 45
5-16 Estes Park Third Grade Hydroplant Tour 48
5-17 Block Printing with Children and Families 10
5-20 Boulder Senior Center Hydroplant Tour 28
5-22 Art Eats 9
5-24 Post Flood Historic Preservation of Elkhorn and Baldpate 30
Group Meetings and Rentals-Detail:
5-1 Coolest Car Show in Colorado 4
5-2 Museum Friends Press 4
5-6 HDR - Fish Creek Planning Meeting 25
5-8 Fish Creek TAC 10
5-13 Estes Park in Bloom 7
5-14 Department Head/ Managers Meeting 30
5-14 Fish Creek Improvements TAC 132
5-15 Coolest Car Show in Colorado 6
5-15 Museum Board Executive Meeting 4
5-15 Rooftop Rodeo Committee 49
5-25 Wagner/ Harlin Reception 50
5-27 United Way Awards Ceremony 35
5-28 Fish Creek TAC 10
5-29 Special Events Committee Meeting 15
5-29 Museum Friends Board 11
2010 3,327
2011 3,550
2012 4,977
2013 4,623
2014 5,184
Total May Attendance
Estes Park Museum
1,303
1,100
1,670
1,456
1,746
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Estes Park Museum June, 2014
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.
June 2014 Attendance
Gallery/Office Visitors 1,537
Hydroplant Visitors 328
Programs and Tours—Museum 228
Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 0
Group Meetings and Rentals 431
Total Attendance & Programs—Museum & Hydroplant 2,524
Programs and Tours Capacity 296
Programs and Tours Percentage Utilization 77
Museum & Hydroplant Programs/Tours-Detail:
6-2 Meet Me @ The Museum 17
6-13 Museum Friends Event: Cookbook Recipes 75
6-24 Downtown History Walking Tour 2
6-26 An Evening at the Knoll with Al Birch 54
6-27 Downtown History Walking Tour 3
6-27 An Evening at the Knoll with Al Birch 65
6-29 Rocky Ridge Music Center Tour & Concert 12
Group Meetings and Rentals-Detail:
6-4 Coolest Car Show in Colorado Meeting 4
6-5 Fish Creek TAC 10
6-5 Bike to Work Day Steering Committee 8
6-10 CVB Ambassadors 42
6-11 National Park Foundation Transportation Scholars 17
6-11 Alpine Anglers 35
6-12 Regional School Officers Resource Meeting 30
6-13 Museum Friends Press 3
6-14 Museum Friends Press 3
6-17 Estes Park in Bloom 2
6-18 Fish Creek TAC 10
6-19 Rooftop Rodeo Committee 71
6-21 Marriner Birthday Party 50
6-23 Coolest Car Show in Colorado Meeting 6
6-24 Fish Creek/ Fall River Event 20
6-25 Community Center Meeting 25
6-25 Ranch Meadow HOA 45
6-26 TOEP Board Retreat 22
6-26 Museum Friends Board 12
6-28 Postcard Club 16
2010 5,186
2011 6,278
2012 8,051
2013 7,610
2014 7,708
Total June Attendance
Estes Park Museum
1,859
2,728
3,074 2,987
2,524
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Estes Park Museum Quarter II 2014
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.
April 2014 Attendance
Gallery/Office Visitors 405
Hydroplant Visitors 0
Programs and Tours—Museum 135
Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 0
Group Meetings and Rentals 198
Total April Attendance 738
May 2014 Attendance
Gallery/Office Visitors 1,042
Hydroplant Visitors 59
Programs and Tours—Museum 132
Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 121
Group Meetings and Rentals 392
Total May Attendance 1,746
June 2014 Attendance
Gallery/Office Visitors 1,537
Hydroplant Visitors 328
Programs and Tours—Museum 228
Programs and Tours—Hydroplant 0
Group Meetings and Rentals 431
Total June Attendance 2,524
Total Quarter II Attendance 5,008
2010 5,186
2011 6,278
2012 8,051
2013 7,610
2014 7,708
Total Attendance Year-to-Date:
Community Services Memo
To: Community Development/ Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Lexy Jacobson, Event Coordinator
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: Fairgrounds and Events Division- July and August Event Update
Report:
WHEW! I am confident to report that our staff has survived and conquered a successful
4th of July weekend and series of events that followed. We hosted 2 new events,
featured a set up in the Event Center, overcame 3 property changeovers and have
reports that this year’s fireworks were the “best they’ve seen”! We have a contagious
momentum and are excited to keep going.
Where we’ve been….
JULY
Fairgrounds July 3rd Estes Park Go 4th Festival
Performance Park July 3rd Thursday Night Live
Performance Park
July 4th Estes Park Village Band Patriotic
Concert
MPEC/Pavilion July 4th Coolest Car Show
Fairgrounds July 4th-5th Professional Bull Riding
Fairgrounds July 4th-6th Arabians
Lake Estes July 4th Fireworks Over Lake Estes
Downtown July 8th Rooftop Rodeo Parade
Performance Park July 10th Thursday Night Live
Fairgrounds July 8th-13th Rooftop Rodeo
On behalf of the Fairgrounds and Events staff, we would like to give a HUGE thanks to
the Western Heritage organization! They have once again exceeded the expectation of
the Rooftop Rodeo and new this year, the PBR event. We appreciate their efforts to
offer a unique and memorable guest experience and look forward to continuing our
partnership.
The Rooftop Rodeo saw great crowds and fearless riders! Based on our totals thus far,
we have concluded that on average ¾ of the stands were full each night. There are
reports that show guests traveling from as far as New Jersey, Alabama and even Brazil
and Australia! We had the opportunity to host the Queens Dance in the new Event
Center, and things went off without a hitch. Folks were impressed with the added space
and overall layout. In total we hosted about 500 people . We are anxious to see what
new and exciting features are in the works for the 89th Annual event.
Where we are….
JULY
Fairgrounds July 16th-20th Copper Penny Horse Show***
Performance Park July 17th Thursday Night Live
Performance Park July 19th The Performance Park Summer Series
Fairgrounds July 23rd-27th Hunter Jumper Festival 1***
Performance Park July 24th Thursday Night Live
Visitor Center July 25th Cool Nights Cruz-In
Performance Park July 25th Girls Night Out
Performance Park July 31st Thursday Night Live
Fairgrounds July 30th-Aug 3rd Hunter Jumper Festival 2***
Our staff is happy to introduce our new Hunter Jumper show manager, Chris Coleman.
Chris and his team will be with us for the 3 series event; Copper Penny, Hunter Jumper
Festival I and Hunter Jumper Festival II. Our property will see roughly 800.horses
throughout their stay. These numbers support the “100 horses” theory which in turn
supports this show being a lead revenue generator for the Fairgrounds. (Please refer to
Event Benefit document that has been presented).
Where we’re going….
AUGUST
Downtown Aug 2nd Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
Performance Park Aug 2nd Taste of Shakespeare: Comedy of Errors
Fairgrounds August 8-10th Paint Horse Show
Bond Park August 10th Arapahoe Celebration of 1914 Expedition
Performance Park Aug 11th Estes Park Jazz Big Band Concert
Event Center Aug 13th 16th Annual Volunteer Luncheon
Performance Park Aug 14th Plein Air Rockies Kid's Paint Out
Fairgrounds August 15-17th Dressage Horse Show
Performance Park Aug 14th Plein Air Rockies Quick Draw
Performance Park Aug 16th The Performance Park Summer Series
Performance Park August 17th Bike in Movie
Visitor Center August 22nd Cool Nights Cruz-In
Event Center August 22-23rd Estes Park Bluegrass Festival
Fairgrounds August 23-24th Heritage Festival
Performance Park August 23rd Nashville in the Rockies
The Arapahoe Celebration of 1914 will be joining us August 10 th, in Bond Park. This is a
new event to support the RMNP Centennial by educating participants of the history
through various activities and seminars.
“Planting the Seed of Kindness” is the theme for the 16th Annual Volunteer Luncheon!
The event will be featured in the Event Center on August 13th. The committee has taken
a different approach to gain more participation by adjusting the time and increasing
more event activities! Come and join us.
Simply Bluegrass is bringing folk back to Estes Park! Scheduled for August 22nd and
August 23rd, the event will feature 3 stages of entertainment, vendors and VIP access.
Staff has been working closely with their team on new layouts for both the Event Center
and Pavilion as well as ticket sales. Thus far we can report that over 200 tickets have
been sold.
Returning to the Fairgrounds is the Heritage Festival; taking place on the same
weekend as the Bluegrass Festival! The Town has joined forces with their committee to
offer coordination and support to lift the event to its fullest potential. We are confident
that the committee has lined up some great entertainment, activities and
demonstrations that are sure to offer both education and fun for all ages!!
Community Services
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Bo Winslow, Director
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: Event Benefit & Cost Report
Report:
Attached is another piece of the event benefit and cost report which shows the financial
benefit of events to the Town and community.
The spreadsheet shows the following:
Attendance of events with staff’s interpretation of day and overnight stays
Dollars spent by guest
Total sales tax collected – showing maximum possible down to 10%
This report shows both aggressive and conservative numbers. All numbers have
formulas behind them so they can be manipulated as necessary.
See attached report
EventRooftop RodeoSR Rodeo Art Market Barrel RaceAttendance 14,714 1,100 12,000 120Overnight 75% 11035.5 50% 550 20% 2400 80% 96Day 25% 3678.5 50% 550 80% 9600 20% 24*Spending of Overnight Guest $860 $9,490,530 $860 $473,000 $623 $1,495,200 $623 $59,808*Spending of Day Guest $102 $375,207 $102 $56,100 $89 $854,400 $89 $2,136Total Spending $9,865,737 $529,100 $2,349,600 $61,9444% sales tax collected on total spent 4% $394,629 4% $21,164 4% $93,984 4% $2,47850% came only for event (4% sales tax) 50% $197,315 $10,582 $46,992 $1,23910% came only for event (4% sales tax) 10% $39,463 $2,116 $9,398 $248Event Cowboy Mt Shooting Red, White & Cool Fall Back Beer Fest Tree Lighting Attendance 250 150 300 800Overnight 90% 225 80% 120 75% 225 30% 240Day 10% 25 20% 30 25% 75 70% 560*Spending of Overnight Guest $860 $193,500 $860 $103,200 $693 $155,925 $693 $166,320*Spending of Day Guest $102 $2,550 $102 $3,060 $83 $6,225 $83 $46,480Total Spending $196,050 $106,260 $162,150 $212,8004% sales tax collected on total spent 4% $7,842 4% $4,250 4% $6,486 4% $8,51250% came only for event (4% sales tax) $3,921 $2,125 $3,243 $4,25610% came only for event (4% sales tax) $784 $425 $649 $851Event Ranch Horse Versatility Tinsel Tavern Jazz Fest Wool MarketAttendance 450 50 1,200 8,000Overnight 60% 270 75% 37.5 60% 720 75% 6,000Day 40% 180 25% 12.5 40% 480 25% 2,000*Spending of Overnight Guest $860 $232,200 $673 $25,238 $860 $619,200 $860 $5,160,000*Spending of Day Guest $102 $18,360 $91 $1,138 $102 $48,960 $102 $204,000Total Spending $250,560 $26,375.00 $668,160 $5,364,0004% sales tax collected on total spent 4% $10,022 4% 1,055 4% $26,726 4% $214,56050% came only for event (4% sales tax) $5,011 $528 $13,363 $107,28010% came only for event (4% sales tax) $1,002 $106 $2,673 $21,456
Event Mini Horse Show Elk Fest Arabian Horse Show Catch the GlowAttendance 250 7,000 180 32,000Overnight 100% 250 60% 4200 100% 180 30% 9,600Day 0 0 40% 2800 0 0 70% 22,400*Spending of Overnight Guest $860 $215,000 $693 $2,910,600 $860 $154,800 673 $6,460,800*Spending of Day Guest $102 $0 $83 $232,400 $102 $0 $91 $2,038,400Total Spending $215,000 $3,143,000 $154,800 $8,499,2004% sales tax collected on total spent 4% $8,600 4% $125,720 4% $6,192 4% $339,96850% came only for event (4% sales tax) $4,300 $62,860 $3,096 $169,98410% came only for event (4% sales tax) $860 $12,572 619 $33,997Event Dressage Show Hunter Jumper Shows Scottish Festival Draft Horse ShowAttendance 590 2,800 70,000 1,500Overnight 80% 472 65% 1,820 60% 42,000 25% 375Day 20% 118 35% 980 40% 28,000 75% 1,125*Spending of Overnight Guest $860 $405,920 $860 $1,565,200 $693 $29,106,000 $860 $322,500*Spending of Day Guest $102 $12,036 $102 $99,960 $83 $2,324,000 $102 $114,750Total Spending $417,956 $1,665,160 $31,430,000 $437,2504% sales tax collected on total spent 4% $16,718 4% $66,606 4% $1,257,200 4% $17,49050% came only for event (4% sales tax) $8,359 $33,303 $628,600 $8,74510% came only for event (4% sales tax) $1,672 $6,661 $125,720 $1,749Event Westernaires WinterfestivalAttendance 600 7000Overnight 80% 480 43% 3010Day 20% 120 46% 3220*Spending of Overnight Guest $860 $412,800 $673 $2,025,730*Spending of Day Guest $102 $12,240 $91 $293,020Total Spending $425,040 $2,318,7504% sales tax collected on total spent 4% $17,002 4% $92,75050% came only for event (4% sales tax) $8,501 $46,37510% came only for event (4% sales tax) $1,700 $9,275
* Data provided by Guest ResearchDAY OVERNIGHTSPRING$89.00 $623.00SUMMER$102.00 $860.00FALL$83.00 $693.00WINTER$91.00 $673.002011 Visitor Study Analysis conducted by Guest Research/Scott Hannah ‐ Outside Agency specializing in guest research data.
1
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: 2014 Season update for the Estes Park FREE Shuttles
Update:
2014 Shuttle Season Ridership Numbers:
June Total Ridership Comparison
June Daily Average
Comparison
2014 2013 2012 2011
2014 2013 2012 2011
10,579
8,745
2,561
3,048
1,057.9
874.5
320.1
508.0
21.0% 313.1% 186.9%
21.0% 230.5% 108.2%
14 vs '13 & '12 & '11 Comparison
14 vs '13 & '12 & '11 Comparison
July 1-12
2014 2013 2012 2011
18,149 16,886 9,085 9,407
July 4th Ridership numbers with comparison to previous year:
2014 2013 2012 2011
3,841 3,598 1,491 2,090
+6.8% +141.3% -28.7% unavailable
Note: no fireworks display in 2012 because of fire ban
2014 Wool Market/FACE of Fiber June 7th = 177 & 8th = 56 Total 233
2014 Stanley Film Fest Apr 24-27 = 32/233/131/5 Total 401
2014 Memorial Day Weekend May 26th = 164 & 27th = 176 Total 340
2014 YMCA World Council extra service July 2nd Total 550
Community Services Memo
2
Most bus trips had standing room only on the 4th! Passengers are grateful for the
free shuttles – feedback from Steve N. on Blue Route.
The remaining Elkhorn Express special service days for 2014 include:
Sat-Sun September 13-14 Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies (Bond Park)
September 20-21 Autumn Gold (Bond Park)
Western Heritage Antique Show (MPEC)
September 27-28 (No event announced yet)
October 4-5 Elk Fest
Friday November 28 Catch-the-Glow Parade
2015 Shuttle Service Requests: Requests due in writing to the Shuttle Committee by
August 1, 2014.
Next Shuttle Committee Meeting: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 – 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
at the Visitor Center Board Room
Background:
N/A
Shuttle Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Recommended Motion:
N/A
Page 1
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Wes Reichardt, Code Compliance Officer
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: Sign Code Revisions-Eliminating Creative Sign Program and Review
Board
Objective:
Staff is recommending the elimination of the Creative Sign program and Review Board.
It has never been used and creates difficulty for staff and potential applicants. The
guidelines are difficult to understand and subjective.
Background:
In late 2010, the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees adopted significant revisions to the
Sign Code based on recommendations from the Sign Code Task Force. Revisions were
aimed at relaxing code standard and improving the internal consistency, clarity, and
readability of the document.
1. Creative Sign Design Program. One of the highest priorities of the Task Force was
creation of this program. However, the program has not been used. Community
Development staff find that understanding the guidelines is difficult at best. This may
be part of the reason the program hasn’t been used.
Creative Sign Design Review Program and Creative Sign Design Review Board created
in December 2010 with adoption of Ordinance #18-11.
Staff are working to determine the necessary scope of revisions to the Sign Code and
request appropriate funding in the 2015 budget. The Creative Sign Program will be
examined at that time. The Town plans to hire a consultant that specializes in sign
codes and is very familiar with legal issues related to sign codes.
Budget: Cost of codifying sign code revision.
Recommendation:
This is a report only. Unless concerns are expressed, staff will proceed with obtaining
cost estimates for revisions for consideration during 2014 budget sessions.
Community Development Memo
Page 2
Sample Motion:
N/A
Page 1 of 6
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Wes Reichardt, Code Compliance Officer
Date: July 24, 2014
RE: Community Development Quarterly Report
Community Development provides seven core governmental services: Building Safety;
Addressing; Floodplain Management; Signage; Long-Range Planning; Planning for the Present;
and Land Use Nuisances. The department has seven full-time staff.
BUILDING SAFETY: Promote a safe built environment to (1) minimize loss of life and injury to the
general public and emergency responders; and (2) reduce property damage and destruction.
A verbal report will be provided by the Chief Building Official at the CD/CS meeting.
ADDRESSING: Enhance public safety through the easy and rapid location of properties by law
enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical personnel within the Town of Es tes Park.
No update at this time.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT: Minimize death, injury, and losses to public and private property due
to flooding.
No update at this time.
SIGNAGE: Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by (1) ensuring the signage is safe and
(2) is compatible with adjacent land uses and the total visual environment of the Estes Valley.
No update at this time.
Community Development
Memo
Page 2 of 6
ESTES VALLEY LONG RANGE MASTER PLANNING: Create more convenient, equitable, healthy,
efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations. Articulate a desired future to inform decis ion-
making today.
A verbal report will be provided by a Planner at the CD/CS meeting.
PLANNING FOR THE PRESENT: Provide for the coordinated and harmonious development of the
Estes Valley, which will, in accordance with present and future needs, best promote health, safety, order,
convenience, prosperity and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy.
A verbal report will be provided by a Planner at the CD/CS meeting.
NUISANCES: Eliminate nuisances detrimental to the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare
of the citizens, on private property within the Estes Valley, such as waste accumulation, unsanitary
conditions, and noxious weeds.
Code Compliance Policy:
Purpose: To contribute to the safety, aesthetics, and quality of life in the Estes Valley by
attaining compliance with adopted codes.
Educate the Town’s citizens and property owners about regulations and code
compliance.
Achieve compliance with Town codes through outreach, education and enforcement.
Allow the level of enforcement that best fits the type and circumstances of the code
violation(s) within clear and objective criteria, consistent with the established
priorities, and maximize available resources.
Assure consistency within the Town’s Code Compliance program.
Priorities: Code violations vary on the degree of severity and level of enforcement required
to reach compliance. As such, the Town has established a priority ranking fro m A through
D and Non-Priority for violations. Staff continues to take proactive measures to address top
community concerns:
Animals: Work with the community and animal control to ensure safe animal -human
interactions.
Dark Sky Lighting: Address light pollution, including the past, current and future
violations.
Noxious Weeds: Create a multi-faceted approach to the management of noxious
weeds in the Estes Valley.
Vacation Rental Homes: Take measures to ensure that vacation home s are
operating in a manner consistent with our local codes.
Junk Accumulation: Seek to decrease junk and trash accumulation on residential
and commercial properties.
Wildfire Mitigation: Partner with other organizations to strengthen fire mitigation and
prevention in the Estes Valley.
Page 3 of 6
Outreach and Education:
Weeds: Noxious weeds are an increasing problem in the Estes Valley. If not controlled,
these invasive plants can dominate the landscape and permanently damage natural
plant communities and ecosystems.
The Town continues its partnership with the Estes Land Stewardship Association,
Larimer County Weed District and Rocky Mountain National Park too establish the
best approach to the management and eradication of noxious weeds. The Town
partnered with ELSA, Larimer County, RMNP and others for the upcoming Estes
Park Weed Round Up on July 26. The event will be located on Elm road above the
transfer station.
The Town has partnered with Eagle Rock School students to help an elderly
property owner reach compliance on a noxious weed violation. In the future we hope
to continue to work with Eagle Rock to assist property owners with limited mobility or
other special circumstances.
Outreach: Staff has begun working Saturdays and evenings to be able to reach out to
business owners and community members. The focus will be on the Commercial
Downtown district and Commercial outlying areas. There has been a positive response
to this as we form relationships and achieve compliance through education and
cooperation with the community.
Enforcement:
Dashboard Summary: The attached dashboard report summarizes key indicators for the
months of April through mid-July, 2014. As the summary indicates, code compliance
cases decreased in May and June as the Department prioritized for spring run -off. The
types of complaints remain varied, with most relating t o junk accumulation, weeds and
sign code cases.
Enforcement Actions: If possible, staff strives to resolve code compliance matters
voluntarily prior to taking any enforcement actions.
From April to mid-July, the Community Development Department issued 24 letters of
request, 6 notices of violation and 2 rubbish ordinances in un -incorporated Estes
Park. One violation went to a public meeting with the Board of County
Commissioners for a zoning/land use violation on Big Thompson Avenue and
another property owner will be issued a summons in the coming week for outdoor
storage.
Vacation Home Rentals: Staff have taken proactive steps to ensure that vacation home
rentals are licensed and operative in a matter consistent with applicable codes.
Vacation home websites such as VRBO lists 374 homes, Homeaway.com lists 348
homes, Airbnb lists 127, and Flipkey lists 169 homes available in the Estes Valley.
Page 4 of 6
Currently the Town has 173 Business licenses on file for vacation homes with in
Town limits and 125 permits for those in unincorporated Estes Park for a total of 298
legally operating homes.
To that end, staff are reviewing online listings of vacation home rentals and making
contact with those not licensed with the Town or not in compliance with Town codes.
The Community Development Department has been working closely with the Town
Clerks Office to identify said vacation homes and continue our efforts to send out
notices. Department estimates in the months of July and August, staff will send
approximately 70 notices to property owners.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
No updates at this time
Page 5 of 6
Town of Estes Park Code Compliance: April-July
Number of Zoning Cases Received overTime: Cases Opened/Closed
General Updates Cases by Category
Mission Statement:
To contribute to the safety, aesthetics, and quality of life in
the Estes Valley by ensuring compliance with adopted codes in
a fair and comprehensive manner. Mission focus
is on achieving voluntary compliance
through cooperative efforts between code officials and citizens.
Education/Outreach
Partnered with ELSA for the 2014 Estes Park Weed Round Up.
Partnered with Eagle Rock School students to help citizens reach compliance
Presentations: ELSA and Board of Realtors
Enforcement
While the Town strives to achieve voluntary compliance
with local codes, enforcement actions may are still be necessary.
Official Correspondence
Courtesy Letter of Request 24
Notice of Violation 6
Summons/public mtg 1
Page 6 of 6