HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Community Development Community Services 2015-04-23
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Community Development & 8:00 a.m.
Community Services Committee Town Hall Board Room
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i. None.
b) REPORTS
i. Quarterly Community Development Report. Director Chilcott
ii. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
3. COMMUNITY SERVICES
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i. Contract for Shuttle Services with Rocky Mountain
Transit Management. Coordinator Wells
b) REPORTS
i. Museum Quarterly Report. Director Fortini
ii. Visitor Services Quarterly Report. Manager Salerno
iii. Facility Booking Update (Verbal Report). Manager Lynch
iv. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
4. ADJOURN
AGENDA
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, February 26, 2015
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
26th day of February, 2015.
Committee: Chair Ericson, Trustees Holcomb and Phipps
Absent: Town Administrator Lancaster
Also Attending: Finance Officer McFarland, Directors Winslow, Chilcott and
Fortini, Managers Mitchell, Salerno, and Lynch, Coordinator
Wells, and Recording Secretary Limmiatis
Trustee Ericson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
None.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
Verbal Updates and Committee Questions – Chair Ericson inquired about the grant
application for the Downtown Visioning Project, the Moraine Avenue Bridge
replacement, the sign code and a Downtown Development Authority. Director
Chilcott stated the grant for the Downtown Visioning Project was submitted and a
response would be received by mid-March, the sign code project has obtained the
information needed to proceed, a notice of intent for the Moraine Avenue bridge
replacement was submitted to the Office of Emergency Management who will advise
staff on whether or not to proceed, and involvement in a Downtown Development
Authority is dependent upon direction from the Town Administrator.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
NEW EVENT IN BOND PARK – WINE FESTIVAL.
Director Winslow presented the Wine Festival to be held in Bond Park during an
undetermined weekend in August. This event would include wine sales, samples, and
education as well as food vendors, music, entertainment and miscellaneous
merchandise that would not compete with downtown merchants. Staff would also seek
the approval of the road closures of the 100 Block of MacGregor Avenue and the south
parking lot of Park Lane. The Committee recommended the approval of the Wine
Festival to be included as a Consent Item at the March 10, 2015 Town Board
meeting.
NEW EVENT IN BOND PARK – RELAY FOR LIFE WALK.
Director Winslow presented the Relay for Life Walk which would be moved from the
High School track to Bond Park on July 18, 2015 from noon to midnight. This event has
been reviewed and approved by the Police Department. A shuttle would be provided for
participants to take them to and from the fairgrounds to alleviate parking concerns. Mike
Oline, event coordinator, stated the event would be celebrating its fourteenth year. The
purpose of the walk is to raise awareness and disseminate information about cancer
and treatment. The Committee recommended the approval of the Relay for Life
Walk to be included as an Consent Item at the March 10, 2015 Town Board
meeting.
Community Development / Community Services – February 26, 2015 – Page 2
NEW EVENT IN BOND PARK – DUCK FESTIVAL.
Director Winslow presented the Duck Festival to be held in Bond Park on May 2, 2015
in conjunction with the Rotary Club’s annual Duck Race. The Festival would include live
entertainment, face painting, food vendors, pony rides and booths for local non-profit
organizations to promote their activities. The Committee recommended the approval
of the Duck Festival to be included as a Consent Item at the March 10, 2015 Town
Board meeting.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
2014 Annual Report – Director Winlsow reported the goals met by the Fairgrounds
and Events Division and the highlights of the event season.
o Senior Services Division - Manager Mitchell stated the Senior Center had the
highest attendance on record, as well as increases in meals served, fitness
classes held, and rental spaces booked.
o Estes Park Museum Division - Director Fortini reiterated that attendance was
down overall due to the change of venue for the Coolest Car Show and
failure of the Estes Park Museum & Friends Foundation Inc. to conduct their
Historic Tour. The Museum lifted the collections hold in 2014 and received a
large donation of newspapers from the Trail Gazette. The Climb On! Exhibit
provided opportunities to celebrate Rocky Mountain National Park’s
centennial, inform the public of the rich climbing history in the area, gather
oral histories, obtain public loans, and work closely with the community.
o Visitor Services Division - Manager Salerno reported the second busiest year
since the Visitor Center opened in its current location and plans to host an
open house again this year on April 30, 2015.
o Estes Park FREE Shuttles - Coordinator Wells informed the Committee of the
continued success of the Estes Park Free shuttles. It appears ridership has
plateaued at around 90,000 riders.
o Sales & Marketing - Manager Lynch provided an overview of the new Estes
Park Events Complex website. The grand opening for the Events Center
would be on May 8, 2015.
Verbal Updates and Committee Questions – Trustee Holcomb inquired about the
condition of the stall barns. Director Winslow stated staff is investigating scraping
and painting the barns to improve the visual appearance until they are torn down.
There being no further business, Trustee Ericson adjourned the meeting at 9:52 a.m.
Barbara Jo Limmiatis, Recording Secretary
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To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Alison Chilcott, Community Development Director
Date: April 23, 2015
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 (Current Planning); and Land Use Nuisance Code Compliance. The department has
nine full-time staff.
This report provides an overview of January - March 2015 activities and accomplishments.
BUILDING SAFETY
Promoting 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.
Quarterly reports are attached. In comparison to the first quarter of 2014:
o Permits issued increased 29%
o Valuation increased 20%
o Fees collected increased 44%
Construction activity on larger projects are:
o Falcon Ridge: Site grading and utility installation has begun. Forty-nine building permits
are expected to be issued next week for construction of the dwelling units and common
building.
o Mountain River on Moraine Avenue: Continues to build out, with certificates of
occupancy issued for two units, and additional building permits issued.
o Harmony: The Administration building is under construction and likely to be completed
within the next month. The new dining hall is under construction.
Community Development
Memo
Page 2 of 10
o Estes Park Sanitation District Headwater Building. Building permit application has been
submitted and initial plan review is complete.
The Estes Park Housing Authority submitted building permit applications for 48 residential
units, all the proposed Falcon Ridge units. In 2014, only 19 residential units were permitted.
This development will result in an increase in Estes Valley housing stock. This activity will
be reflected in the April – June 2015 quarterly report.
Staff has contracted out some plan reviews to local firms in an effort to stay within
established plan review performance standard timeframes. The performance standard for
residential plan review is two weeks and four weeks for large commercial projects.
Status of the 2015 International Building Code (I-Code) adoption with local amendments
and the Town Board Objective of considering adopting the dangerous building codes and
building maintenance sections of the International Building Code is as follows:
o The adoption process is on schedule, with Town Board review of the complete
package of proposed I-Code local amendments tentatively scheduled for December
2015.
o Information about the adoption process and drafts of proposed local amendments
are available to the public at www.estes.org/ICodes. Press releases outlining
process, schedule, and encouraging public input have been published.
o The Estes Park Board of Appeals has been seated, received initial Board training,
and is meeting at least monthly to fulfil its legislative function of reviewing significant
changes to the I-Codes and facilitating amendments and adoption of building codes.
Code recommendations will be forwarded from the Board of Appeals to the Town
Board.
o On August 6, 2015, the Board of Appeals is scheduled to review the International
Property Maintenance Code, which replaced the Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings. 2015. The International Property Maintenance Code is a
maintenance code, similar to the International Fire Code. It contains provisions for
addressing unsafe structures and equipment. The Town has not adopted this code
in prior I-Code adoption cycles.
o Staff has recommended adoption of the 2015 International Building Codes, with local
amendments. About a half dozen issues have been set aside for further discussion,
i.e. fees, wind speed and snow loads, wildfire hazard mitigation, and residential
sprinkler requirements.
Combination Building Inspector Traufield, Senior Building Permit Technician Phillips, along
with four of the five Board of Appeals members attended the Colorado Chapter of the
International Code Council Educational Institute.
Page 3 of 10
In March, Senior Building Permit Technician Phillips, obtained his International Code
Council Residential Plans Examiner certification and continues to
perform residential plan reviews for the Town.
ADDRESSING
Enhancing public safety through the easy and rapid location of properties by law
enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical personnel within the Town of Estes
Park.
Harmony Foundation addresses has been revised, with property owner permission, to
increase public safety. The entire property was previously addressed 1600 Fish Hatchery
Road. No buildings were individually addressed. There are now two internal street names
and individual numerics on the buildings.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Minimizing death, injury, and losses to public and private property due to flooding.
Staffing. Tina Kurtz, Environmental Planner, with extensive experience in water
management planning began work full-time on Flood Recovery/Flood Mitigation. Her
position is fully funded by an Energy and Mineral Impact Grant awarded by the Colorado
Department of Local Affairs. Tina is the lead staff person in Community Development for
flood recovery and mitigation work.
Estes Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC)
o Beginning in late 2013, the Town began serving as the catalyst to create the Estes
Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC). The transition to an independent watershed
coalition is now complete. The EVWC has formed as a non-profit organization whose
mission is to “promote an ecologically healthy watershed that also seeks to maximize
public benefits and minimize public risk, through community engagement and sound
science.” More information on the organization can be found at www.estesvlt.org/new-
collaboration-evlt-estes-valley-watershed-coalition
o The EVWC and Town are working cooperatively on flood recovery and flood mitigation.
Tina Kurtz serves as the Town liaison to the EVWC. The Town assisted by funding
preparation of Big Thompson Master Plan grant application submitted by the Coalition.
o The first collaborative construction project between the Town and EVWC is expected to
be in the Hydroplant to Morton property reach of Fall River. One project will be led by
the Town and the other immediately adjacent and downstream will be lead the by
coalition. Together these projects will reduce risk of property damage along the densely
developed Fall River corridor. A key part of these projects is stabilizing the alluvial
debris at risk of remobilization during future spring runoffs.
Page 4 of 10
o Last year, the Town applied for and was awarded $200,000 in grant funding from the
Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Fish Creek Restoration Project - Brook to
Country Club Reach. Staff is requesting that these funds be transferred to Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition. If the Watershed Coalition had been a formal organization last
year, the coalition rather than the Town would likely have applied for and been awarded
the funds. The funding is for work on private property and aligns best with the coalition's
mission. This request will be considered by Town Board on April 28th.
o EVWC Grant Funding Awarded This Quarter:
o Planning for High Priority Restoration Projects $137,149
o Upper Big Thompson River Master Plan $162,445
o Watershed Coalition Staffing $154,942
Total: $454,536
Outreach to State and Federal Partners – The Magnitude of Challenges Facing
Downtown Estes Park. On February 2, 2015 the Town hosted a tour downtown. The tour
was well attended by our state and federal partners including representatives of FEMA, the
Army Corps of Engineers; Colorado Governor’s Office, Department of Local Affairs,
Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and CWCB. Chief
Building Official Birchfield noted that downtown experienced an estimated 2% annual
event. The event caused more than $8 million in property and economic loss to downtown.
Mitigation is estimated to cost at least $20 million and is only partially funded at this point.
Floodplain Regulations. As previously reported, interim regulations will remain in place
until new Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps are prepared. This is
expected to occur about five years after the 2013 flood event. The goal is to complete as
much mitigation as possible prior to adoption of a new study. T his will minimize the number
of properties being placed in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Properties in SFHAs are
subject to high flood insurance costs, and costs are expected to rise significantly due to the
insolvency of the National Flood Insurance Program.
CWCB serves as the State Coordinating Agency for the National Flood Insurance Program.
This quarter staff learned that state is considering $7.6 million to fund new floodplain
studies.
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. Staff continues to monitor National Flood
Insurance Program reforms and evaluate possible impacts on Estes Park. A joint public
information meeting with the Downtown Business Partners on the status of flood risk,
mitigation options, and insurance implications to the downtown is scheduled for April 28th.
This meeting has been heavily noticed, including door -to-door delivery of information and
Page 5 of 10
postcards mailed to downtown business and property owners. It will also be streamed live
and recorded for future viewing.
FEMA Community Rating System (CRS). Staff is very concerned about how raising
insurance rates will impact Estes Park, including downtown Estes Park. Staff are evaluating
all tools to reduce the rising cost of insurance. One of these tools is participation in the
FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) program.
About CRS
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP's) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program
that recognizes communities for implementing floodplain management practices that exceed the Federal minimum
requirements of the NFIP to provide protection from flooding.
In exchange for a community's proactive efforts to reduce flood risk, policyholders can receive reduced flood
insurance premiums for buildings in the community. These reduced premiums reflect the reduced flood risk resulting
from community efforts toward achieving the three CRS goals:
1. Reduce flood damage to insurable property
2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP
3. Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management
Participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) is voluntary. By participating, communities earn credit points
that determine classifications. There are 10 CRS Classes: Class 1 requires the most credit points and provides the
largest flood insurance premium reduction (45 percent), while Class 10 means the community does not participate in
the CRS or has not earned the minimum required credit points, and residents receive no premium reduction. The
CRS Classes are based on completion of 19 creditable activities organized into 4 categories:
1. Public Information
2. Mapping and Regulations
3. Flood Damage Reduction
4. Warning and Response
Cited from www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/crs/community_rating_system.jsp
At the May 26th Town Board Study Session, staff will request approval to engage the public in
discussions about joining the CRS Program. Staff will also provide an overview of the
advantages and disadvantages of the program. Reduced flood risk and flood insurance rates
come with some disadvantages, such as the need for additional staff time to implement and
monitor the program. This time can be significant and some communities have a full-time CRS
staff person. To learn more about this program, Karen Thompson applied for and was
accepted into a weekly-long CRS training program that will occur this August. Training
program cost is paid by FEMA.
Fish Creek and Fish Creek Plans for Resiliency (Master Plans)
Town Board provided resolutions of support for the Fish Creek and Fall River Plans for
Resiliency. Both the Town and Estes Valley Watershed Coalition are pursuing funding to
implement priority projects identified in these plans. In response to continued public input on
the Scott Ponds Natural Area recommendations within the draft Fish Creek Plan, the Town
elected to remove all recommendations for the area from the plan.
Page 6 of 10
Grant Activity This Quarter
Grant Program Status
NRCS Emergency Watershed
Protection Program
Grant Closed Out
Bugle Point appeal granted. Bugle Point to receive $71,321.60 in
federal and state funding for 2013 emergency bank stabilization
work.
CDBG DR Round 1 Infrastructure Applied for and received funding for flood mitigation of uppermost
Fall River reach within the Town, i.e. hydroplant area.
Amount requested: $502,539
Amount awarded: TBD
Possible matching funds: $150,000 in CWCB grant funds awarded in
2014.
CDBG DR Round 2 Infrastructure Submitted Notice of Intent for Moraine Avenue bridge replacement.
Received approval to submit a complete application by May 29th.
Amount requested: $2 million
CDBG DR Round 2 Planning Submitted application for hydrology and hydraulics study on Fall
River, Big Thompson and Black Canyon
Amount requested: $273,024
Amount awarded: $105,800
Award is for hydrology only.
CWCB may complete hydraulics study.
DOLA Energy and Mineral Impact
Funds
Submitted application for Downtown Neighborhood Plan
Amount requested and awarded $190,000
Application submitted for CDBG DR Round 2 Planning funds. This
project was considered important by the state. There were not
enough Round 2 funds so the state made a decision to fund the plan
with Energy and Mineral Impact Grant funds.
Staff are monitoring the following grant opportunities:
o HUD Disaster Resiliency Competition
o Natural Resource Emergency Watershed Protection Program Phase Funds, $56.9 million
to be administered by CWCB.
o State funding for floodplain mapping, estimated at $7.6 million.
Page 7 of 10
SIGNAGE
Protecting 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.
The status of 2015 Town Board Objective to Revise the Sign Code to be simpler and easy
to understand but retaining the basic intent is as follows:
February 10, 2015 Randall Morrison, sign code consultant gave Sign Code 101 presentation at Town
Board Study Session
February 10, 2015 Contracted with Randall Morrison
April 3, 2015 Consultant completed first draft of sign code
Staff and Town Attorney are reviewing
April 28, 2015 Town Board discussion and update during Study Session
May 4, 2015 Begin 2nd draft
Early June, 2015 Present draft Sign Code in Town Board public hearing.
June, 2015 Tentative: Town Board adoption of Sign Code
June/July, 2015 Tentative: Publish and Codify
Staff and the consultant have decided on a two chapter approach:
Chapter 1: Signage on private property; the bulk of the sign code.
Chapter 2: Signage on public property and public right of way
This approach allows for greater flexibility for the Town to regulate signs on Town owned
property for special events and non-commercial speech while ensuring the code meets the
constitutional tests of both categories of signs.
Randall Morrison is presenting at the Colorado Municipal League (CML) annual conference
in Breckenridge on Thursday June 18, 1:45 to 3 pm . This is an opportunity for Trustees
attending conference to listen to Mr. Morrison’s sign code presentation and meet with Mr.
Morrison.
ESTES VALLEY LONG RANGE MASTER PLANNING
Creating more convenient, equitable, healthy, efficient, and attractive places for present
and future generations. Articulate a desired future to inform decision-making today.
Comprehensive Plan Modernization. Staff and the Estes Valley Planning Commission
continued modernizing the 1996 Comprehensive Plan. Planning staff are currently drafting
the Economics, Transportation and Planning the Valley’s Future chapters. These chapters
require more substantial re-writing to achieve the goal of modernizing the comprehensive
plan. Given that more revisions are required and there is more gray a rea (more room for
discretion), staff will be asking for more input from the elected and appointed officials.
Page 8 of 10
Downtown Neighborhood Plan. The Town applied for, and was awarded, $190,000 in
Energy and Mineral Impact grant funds by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The
next step is to draft a request for proposals.
Resiliency Plans. Town Board provided resolutions of support for the Fall River Corridor
Plan for Resiliency and the Fish Creek Corridor Plan for Resiliency. The Town and Estes
Valley Watershed Coalition are seeking funding to implement priority projects identified in
the plans.
Trails Plan. Senior Planner Shirk serves as liaison to the Estes Valley Trails Committee,
overseen by the Recreation District. The Recreation District has been awarded GOCO
grants to prepare a Master Trails Plan for the Valley. A RFP was distributed by the District
in late March, with a goal of completing the Trails plan by the end of 2015.
Estes Park was selected as the location for the 2017 State Conference of Colorado
Chapter of the American Planning Association. This annual conference is typically held in
late September/early October.
PLANNING FOR THE PRESENT
Providing 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 development code amendment is being considered to allow Pet Grooming in the
Commercial Downtown District.
Planner Kleisler drafted a White Paper on Vacation Rental. The goal of the paper was to
spur an informed community discussion of vacation home rentals that ultim ately leads to
positive and equitable changes in governmental policies and processes. Town
Administrator Lancaster reviewed the Vacation Rental at Town Board Study Session on
January 26, 2015. Following that discussion staff outlined a public process to obtain public
input on vacation rentals and to draft code amendments for Town Board consideration by
the end of 2015.
Senior Planner Shirk serves as an ex-officio member on the Economic Develop ment
Corporation development code committee. This committee is evaluating what in the Estes
Valley Development Code may hinder redevelopment in commercial districts.
Development application updates are as follows:
o Aspire Wellness Center at the Stanley: Approved by Town Board
o Cell Tower on Prospect Mountain: Approved by Larimer County. The tower will provide
antenna locations for up to three providers, and had the support of Rocky Mountain
National Park.
Page 9 of 10
The Estes Valley Board of Adjustment approved two variances in the downtown area; one
allow outdoor display of merchandise (Earthwood Collections), and one to allow a n outdoor
“beer garden” at the former Park Theater Mall site.
Development project updates are as follows:
o Aspire Wellness Center at the Stanley: Approved by Town Board
o Cell Tower on Prospect Mountain: Approved by Larimer County. The tower will provide
antenna locations for up to three providers, and had the support of Rocky Mountain
National Park.
o The Estes Valley Board of Adjustment approved two variances in the Downtown area.
One is to allow outdoor display of merchandise (Earthwood Collections), and one to
allow an outdoor “beer garden” at the site of the former Park Theater Mall.
NUISANCES
Eliminating 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.
Staff continues to advance the code compliance program by partnering with the community
through education, outreach, and enforcement to help maintain the Town’s high quality of
life and aesthetics.
Focus remains on items identified during the 2013 Enhancing Code Compliance Services
public outreach sessions, including junk and vacation rentals.
There were a total of 25 cases Between January
and March 2015.
o 24-Letter of Requests
o 1- Notice of Violation which went before
the County Commissioners for court
action.
In March the Town received a guilty plea from a
defendant with a deferred sentence in municipal
court for a land use issue involving a business.
o Code Compliance rarely uses this level of
enforcement.
o This success was accomplished through great teamwork and cooperation with the
Police Department, especially Officer Filsinger Sr.
Vacation home enforcement is becoming a top priority as we enter spring.
o Focusing on operating permits, business licenses, occupancy, and vehicles.
Page 10 of 10
In 2015, the Town has averaged 2-3 vacation home business licenses/ operating permits
per week.
o 2015 totals from January through April 15.
16 Business Licenses approved, 1 denied (accessory dwelling unit).
8 Operating Permits approved.
Operating Permit/
Business License
2013 2014 2015
Inside Town limits 143 156 172
Outside Town limits in the
Estes Valley
117 128 136
Total 260 284 308
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Board and Commissions
Estes Valley Planning Commission. Regular monthly meetings held. Two new
Commissioners have joined the Planning Commission, both appointed by the Town Board.
Russ Schneider joined the Commission in January. Mr. Schneider was appointed for a
four-year term. Sherri White joined the Commission in March. Mrs. White is complet ing a
vacated term set to expire in December 2016. Both new members have received
orientation training from the planning staff and Town Attorney White.
Estes Valley Board of Adjustment. Regular monthly meetings held. The Town Board re-
appointed members Wayne Newsom and Jeff Moreau to four year terms. Adopted revised
by-laws to eliminate need to alternate chair between Town and County appointees.
Town of Estes Park Board of Appeals. Regular monthly meeting began in January to
review and advise the Town Board on 2015 I-Code adoption with local amendments.
BUILDING PERMIT SUMMARY2015 YEAR‐TO‐DATE MONTHPERMITS ISSUED 2014VALUATION2014FEES COLLECTED 2014FEES WAIVED 2014PROJECT NAMEFOR WAIVED FEESMONTHPERMITS ISSUED 2015VALUATION2015FEES COLLECTED 2015FEES WAIVED 2015PROJECT NAMEFOR WAIVED FEESJanuary53 $567,861 $9,523 $50Demo permit for 1147 Fish Creek Rd - FloodJanuary59 $924,562 $15,860 $0February22 $842,344 $9,085 $0February55 $554,763 $11,909 $0March51 $890,961 $10,138 $1,500Asbestos Removal and Abatement at Town HallMarch48 $1,279,835 $13,540 $906$815 EPHA$91 Comm Dev RemodelApril59 $1,427,646 $11,129 $0AprilMay49 $1,053,819 $20,698 $0MayJune51 $1,432,168 $20,181 $0JuneJuly50 $2,436,682 $24,620 $921Fish Hatchery Storage Bldg - $897Grubsteak Emergency Repairs - $24JulyAugust30 $466,315 $6,340 $0AugustSeptember94 $1,221,336 $17,129 $3,096New SFD - The Neighborhood - $2375Revisions to MPEC Silo - $721SeptemberOctober93 $1,301,780 $22,406 $366Eagle Scout Project @ EVRPD Youth Center - $39MPEC Silo 2nd Floor - $327OctoberNovember47 $1,002,307 $9,239 $126Boy Scout Christmas Tree Temporary ShelterNovemberDecember69 $9,606,300 $35,829 $530Community Development RemodelDecemberYEAR TO DATE126 $2,301,166 $28,746 $1,550YEAR TO DATE162 $2,759,160 $41,309 $906% CHANGE FROM 201429% 20% 44%2015YEAR END TOTALS 20152014YEAR END TOTALS 2014668 $22,249,519 $196,317 $6,589
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Number Issued419 499 485 494 668% change from previous year13% 19% -3% 2% 35%Valuation$11,233,978$11,904,278$14,162,316$13,491,465 $22,249,669% change from previous year-26% 6% 19% -5% 65%Fees Collected$155,535$164,699$180,746$182,980 $196,317% change from previous year4% 6% 10% 1% 7%Fees Waived$8,599 $23,776 $15,516 $10,072 $6,589 PROJECTS WITH SIGNIFICANT VALUATION OR COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE20102010 Safeway Fueling Facility & Hail Damage Roofing20112012201220132013201320132013201420142014201420142015 Falcon Ridge Infrastructure (Grading Permit) $586,000Safeway RemodelSafeway Pharmacy RemodelEstes Park Medical Center - MRI AdditionBest Western/Silver Saddle Expansion$1,500,000$6,472,865$577,547$579,147$699,531$1,936,630$186,210$828,156$1,092,947$846,513$551,000$600,000$2,223,256$1,936,936$250,000Harmony Kitchen & Dining HallFloodplain Permit Valuation for Fish Creek Utility InfrastructureFlood Repairs to Town Property (bank stabilization/trails, etc.)Harmony Foundation - Administration & Detox BuildingPark River West - Three UnitsFIVE-YEAR TREND4-Unit Mixed-Use Building at Black Canyon Inn CondominiumsEstes Park Medical Center - Nursing Home Estes Park Medical Center - Nursing Home RemodelSingle-Family HomeSingle-Family Home
2014 BUILDING PERMITS - DETAILED REPORTJANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE YEAR TO DATERESIDENTIAL PERMITS(101) New Single Family DetachedAttached11 Square-footage 2,2072,207 Valuation $198,991198,991(103) New Duplex - 0 Square-footage0 Valuation0(104) New 3-4 Family - * 3 total permits (1 for each)0 Square-footage0 Valuation0(438) Add/Alt/Conv Garages/Carports0 Square-footage - if applicable0 Valuation$0(434) Add/Alt/Conv17 20 2461 Square-footage - if applicable0 Valuation $591,714 $358,948 $218,9321,169,594Total New Square Footage0Total Remodel/Add Square Footage0 # RESIDENTIAL PERMITS 17 20 25 62 VALUATION $591,714 $358,948 $417,923 $1,368,585COMMERCIAL PERMITS(213) New Hotels, Motels, Cabins0 Square-footage0 Valuation0Minor Repair/Remodel 2 4(318) New Rec. Bldg. - 0Boiler/Furnace/Heater 3 8(319) New Religious Bldg.0Stove/Fireplace 0 1(322) New Service & Repair0Roof37 Valuation0Radon Mitigation(324) New Offices, Banks, Prof0Water Heater04 Valuation0AC/Cooler01(327) New Retail0Water/Service Line/Plumbing 3 6 Square-footage0Gas Line/Propane 1 4 Valuation0Sewer Line(437) Add/Alt/Conv42 27 2190Window/Siding 5 8 Square-footage0Solar Valuation $332,848 $150,895 $275,913$759,656TOTAL17 43Total New Square Footage0Total Remodel/Add Square Footage0Minor Repair/Remodel 2 4 # COMMERCIAL PERMITS 42 27 21 90Boiler/Furnace 3 8 VALUATION $332,848 $150,895 $275,913 $759,656Oven Hood/FireplaceRoof09TOTAL BUILDING PERMITS 59 47 46 152Water Heater15VALUATION $924,562 $509,843$1,434,405AC/Cooler0Water/Service Line/Plumbing/Backflow 2 4DEMOLITION PERMITS 0 7 1 8Construction Trailer 0VALUATION $29,720 $0 29,720SolarGas Pipe/Line1FLOODPLAIN PERMITS (includes Temp. Permits)000AntennaVALUATION0Window/Siding 1 1TOTAL932GRADING PERMITS11VALUATION $15,200 $586,000 601,200SolarTOTAL PERMITS 59 55 48 162New square footage = new construction (example: new home, new detached garage, etc)TOTAL VALUATION $924,562 $554,763 $1,279,835 $2,759,160Remodel/Alt/Add square footage = remodel of existing structure or addition to an existing structureAdd/Alt/Conv = additions, remodels, misc permits(434) Residential Add/Alt/Conv also includes the Misc permits belowCurrent Month Year to Date(437) Commercial Add/Alt/Conv also includes the Misc Permits below Current Month Year to DateCommercial Additions, Alterations, Misc. PermitsResidential Additions, Alterations, Misc. PermitsDemolitionBuilding Permits Year to Date
050100150200250300350400450500454114184442262314400NUMBER OF INSPECTIONSTYPE OF INSPECTION2015 BUILDING INSPECTIONSJANUARY ‐MARCH 1135 Inspections Average per day = 18
1
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator
Date: April 23, 2015
RE: Contract for shuttle services with Rocky Mountain Transit Management
Objective:
Rocky Mountain Transit Management (RMTM) (McDonald Transit Associates Inc.) has
made a contract offer to continue operating the busses for the 2015 Estes Park FREE
Shuttle Service.
RMTM will lease one vehicle from Davey Coach not to exceed the price of $3,435 for
the vehicle per month and the Town of Estes Park will reimburse vehicle lease costs.
RMTM will maintain and insure the Town’s trolley under the same terms and conditions
outlined in the service contract.
The Town will pay to install/uninstall Connexionz GPS tracking as appropriate per
owned/leased vehicles, not to exceed $500 per vehicle per season.
The hourly service rate for 2015 will be $55.88 which includes routine maintenance,
shuttle drivers, insurance, and fuel costs up to $2.50 a gallon for the five full-service
shuttle schedule and charters.
The service contract with Rocky Mountain Transit Management (McDonald Transit
Associates Inc.) is a continuation/piggyback of the five year contract (2015 = 3 rd year)
between Rocky Mountain National Park with Rocky Mountain Transit Management
(McDonald Transit Associates Inc.).
Continued…
Community Services Memo
2
Proposal:
The Rocky Mountain Transit Management (McDonald Transit Associates Inc.) contract
proposal is attached.
Advantages:
Offering continued shuttle service (tenth season) for guests and residents of Estes
Park and the surrounding community.
Reduction in the amount of private vehicles on local roads and emissions.
Disadvantages:
Reduced access to local business and services for guests, residents, and summer
workers.
Greater number of private vehicles utilizing area roads and emissions.
Action Recommended:
Acceptance of the agreement with McDonald Transit Associates Inc. to provide shuttle
services for the Town of Estes Park, as specified in the agreement.
Budget:
The 2015 Estes Park FREE Shuttles budget is attached, showing the McDonald Transit
Associates Inc. contract as a part of the whole budget.
Transportation Fees #101-5600-456-22-60
Other (Charters) #101-5600-456-22-98
Level of Public Interest:
The Estes Park Free Shuttles served a total of 90,083 riders in 2014 with
approximately one-third being local residents and summer workers.
The Shuttle Committee accepts regular requests for shuttle stops from area
businesses and potential riders.
Through the 2014 shuttle season (nine years), we have served 432,187 riders.
Shuttles provide alternate transportation while reducing traffic congestion and
emissions
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
Continued…
3
Recommended Motion:
I move for approval/denial of the agreement with McDonald Transit Associates
Inc., to provide shuttle services for the Town of Estes Park, as specified in the
agreement and sent to the Town Board, to be included on the Consent Agenda at
the May 12, 2015, Town Board meeting.
Attachments:
2015 Town of Estes Park Transportation Budget
2015 Agreement with McDonald Transit Associates Inc.
Note:
Not applicable.
Community Services Memo
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Derek Fortini, Museum Director and Curator of Exhibits
Date: April 23, 2015
RE: Museum Quarterly Report
Background:
Attendance Highlights
January
The Museum partnered with the Estes Park Mountain Shop to offer two
interactive evenings to teach people about mountaineering and to
celebrate the “Climb On!” exhibit and Rocky Mountain National Park’s
centennial.
Accomplished local mountaineers Tom Hornbein and Jim Detterline kick-
offed the “Pioneers of the Peaks” speaker series. This program is co-
sponsored with the Estes Valley Library and will feature a different
speaker once a month through June, 2015.
Mike Caldwell instructing a participant on climbing techniques.
February
Three events were designed for young audiences: a Cub Scouts gallery
tour, the Fibonacci sequence program and Game Night.
March
Local antique expert Bob Fixter shared a collection of items that pertained
to Women’s History Month.
Mountaineer and Climbing Guide Harry Kent attracted 132 people for his
“Pioneers of the Peaks” presentation.
Collection Highlights
In the first quarter of 2015 the Museum received funds from a private donor in
order to digitize 12,085 feet of eight and sixteen millimeter film from the Museum
collection. This digitization allows for significantly easier access to the content of
the films for staff and public use. Most of the film footage had never previously
been viewed by current staff due to concerns about the structural integrity of the
materials. The film footage can now be used for programs, exhibits, and
research.
The Museum loaned four objects to History Colorado in Denver for display in
their exhibit celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Rock Mountain National Park: I
Love Rocky Mountain National Park. The exhibit will be showing until April 2016.
The Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation pledged funding for six oral
histories regarding the 2013 Flood. The first two of those interviews have been
completed, the next two are being scheduled, and two additional narrators are
being sought.
Deaccessioning is continuing slowly. Some objects determined to be in too poor
of condition to be transferred to other institutions have been discarded. A
number of institutions have been contacted regarding objects that are
appropriate for transfer. A collection of objects related to the U.S. Forest Service
has been transferred to the National Museum of Forest Service History in
Missoula, MT.
To date, the Museum has added 806 new objects to its collection. Sixty-seven
objects from seven private donors, 536 objects produced by staff during the 2013
flood, and 203 objects found in the collection.
Exhibits
Ongoing Temporary Exhibits
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. Climb On!, will be on display through October 4, 2015 and is in support
of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Centennial celebration.
Gripped
This temporary exhibit featured in the Main Gallery of the Museum has
photography that captures local bouldering in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain
National Park. Its opening coincided with Climb On! and has been very well
received by guests.
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.
April 27, 7-8 p.m. Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History. A
Ranger’s Mountain Rescues by Keith Lober. A collaboration with the Estes
Valley Library District. In celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th
anniversary.
May 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meet Me @ the Museum. Facilitated by the Museum
Director and Curator of Collections.
May 18, 7-8 p.m. Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History. The
“Art” of Mountaineering by James Disney. A collaboration with the Estes Valley
Library District. In celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th
anniversary.
May 22 and 23, 7:30-9 p.m., and 24, 3-5:30 p.m. The Impossible Paradise.
Original play with local history.
May 26, 1 p.m. Seasonal Opening of the Fall River Historic Hydroplant (open
through September 6, 2015).
June 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meet Me @ the Museum. Facilitated by the Curator of
Education.
June 10, 2-3 p.m. Learning About the Colorado-Big Thompson Project by Greg
Silkensen of the Northern Colorado Water Conservation District.
June 22 – August 28, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Downtown Walking Tour
facilitated by Museum docents.
June 29, 7-8 p.m. Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History. A
Tribute to Search and Rescue by Nathan Dick. A collaboration with the Estes
Valley Library District. In celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th
anniversary.
July 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meet Me @ the Museum. Facilitated by the Curator of
Collections.
Other Highlights:
In January, Director Fortini and Curator Mittelman were interviewed by 9 News in
regards to the Climb On! exhibit and the press related to Tommy Caldwell’s free
climb in Yosemite. It was a wonderful opportunity and there was a slight
increase in exhibit attendance after the airing.
In the first quarter of 2015, the following professional development was
completed:
All staff attended the webinar “Interpretive Planning for Small
Museums” hosted by the American Association of Museums
Director and Curator of Exhibits attended an Exhibition Label
Writing webinar.
Director and Curator of Exhibits attended the webinar “Road to
Results: Nine Steps for Identifying, Researching and Building
Audiences; Part 1: Knowing the Audience” presented by American
Alliance of Museums. This three part series should help with future
planning in growing our attendance and is available to all staff.
March of 2015 brought in the end of a two year non-renewable loan with the
Stanley Museum in Kingfield Maine. There were a number of artifacts on loan
and on display at the Historic Fall River Hydroplant. After working with a
representative from the Stanley Museum, a number of items were donated to the
Estes Park Museum with the remainder of them shipped back to Maine. The
donations will be wonderful additions to our permanent collection, as well as
make for a very appealing display about F. O. Stanley at the Hydroplant. The
process of accessioning the artifacts has begun and should be highlighted in the
second quarter report.
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Teri Salerno, Visitor Services Manager
Date: April 23, 2015
RE: Visitor Services Quarterly Report: Jan – Mar 2015
First Quarter Visitor Center Traffic:
Visitor counts for January, February and March were all significantly higher than
the same months in 2014.
For the first quarter, counts were up 31% over last year, which equals an
increase of 8, 669 people.
This represents our highest first quarter ever; our second highest year was in
2011, with 32,960 visitors January - March.
This was an increase of 100 more people per day, on average, over the same
months in 2014. This equals an average of 411 people per day in 2015.
In comparison, Rocky Mountain National Park’s visitation was up over 27% in
January and 10% in February, which equals +19% YTD at the end of February.
At the time of this writing, statistics for March were not yet available.
Visitor Center foot traffic: 2010 – 2015
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr. Total
2015 36,622 36,622
2014 27,953 95,887 210,509 57,018 391,367
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
Community Services Memo
First Quarter Telephone Calls:
Visitor Services staff answered 72 less telephone inquiries during the first quarter
2015 over last January - March.
This represents a decrease of 3.57%.
This trend of decreasing calls has continued since 2009, except for the slight
increase in the first quarter 2014 over 2013 due to the number of calls received
by those with questions relating to the September 2013 flood.
Visitor Center telephone calls: 2010 - 2015
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Total
2015 2,018 2,018
2014 2,090 3,866 5,532 2,057 13,601
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
Volunteer Ambassadors:
The number of volunteer Ambassadors currently on the roster totals 56; this
includes five Ambassadors out-of-town over the winter, who intend to return to
work this summer.
In the summer of 2014, Ambassadors no longer worked the front counter during
evening shifts at the Visitor Center, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. This practice will continue
in 2015; it allows us to focus the Ambassadors to work shifts during the day, 8:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m., when we need their help the most.
Evening shifts at the center have traditionally been harder to fill because they are
not as busy.
Currently there is one person near completion of training and several interested
in starting training for the coming season.
Visitor Services Upcoming Events & Training
Open House: Thursday, April 30
Lodging Tours: Wednesday, May 6; Friday, May 8; and Thursday, May 14
Visitor Services Annual Training Day: Tuesday, May 12
Start of summer hours: Monday, May 18
Town shuttle tours: Tuesday, June 9
Budget: N/A
Recommendation: None