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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Community Development Community Services 2015-07-23 Thursday, July 23, 2015 Community Development & 8:00 a.m. Community Services Committee Town Hall Board Room AGENDA 1. PUBLIC COMMENT 2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD i.None. b) REPORTS i. Community Development Quarterly Report. Director Chilcott ii. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions. 3. COMMUNITY SERVICES a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD i.None. b) REPORTS i. Museum Quarterly Report. Director Fortini ii. Visitor Services Quarterly Report. Manager Salerno iii. Shuttle Update. Coordinator Wells iv. Event Report. Coordinator Jacobson v. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions. 4. ADJOURN Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 25, 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 th day of June, 2015. 25 Committee: Chair Ericson, Trustees Holcomb and Phipps Absent: Trustee Holcomb Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Directors Chilcott, Winslow and Fortini, Coordinators Jacobson, Claypool and 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. Status of the Downtown RFP – Director Chilcott stated the Town received a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in the amount of $190,000 to fund a consultant for the Downtown Neighborhood Plan. Staff would draft a Request for Proposal (RFP), and place it on the Town’s website for community review and comment. The RFP would be presented at the Town Board Study Session on July 14, 2015. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions – Director Chilcott introduced new Code Compliance Officer Linda Hardin. Chair Ericson thanked Chilcott for the list of current projects with quasi-judicial status and requested an updated list be sent out monthly as a reminder to the Trustees and public. Chilcott informed the Committee the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has been awarded a final round of funding to help with stream restoration and bank repair. The Town would request funds to assist with the Fall River and Fish Creek Master Plans and work with the Watershed Coalition to identify which properties would benefit most. NRCS would conduct damage survey reports and apply funding as deemed necessary. The Town or Larimer County must apply as the sponsor since the Watershed Coalition is not eligible. Community Development acted as the sponsor previously and found it to be difficult to manage. Staff would request the State provide funds for project management as well as technical assistance. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. th Event Report – Events Coordinator Jacobson distributed the 25 Annual Wool Market calendar and provided updates on the Irish Festival, Bike to Work Day, and Rooftop Rodeo. New events and a new stock contractor have been added to this year’s Rooftop Rodeo which has attracted world class competitors. Senior Services Quarterly Report – Program Coordinator Claypool described the increases seen in attendance in every program offered by the Senior Center. The addition of part time Program Coordinator Headley has made a significant improvement to the quality and variety of programs offered. Claypool also reported Manager Mitchell continues to work with the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks Department on the Community Center, a donation of $3,500 was received to help Community Development / Community Services – June 25, 2015 – Page 2 offset the costs of art and cultural trips, and the Senior Center received an additional grant to continue the N’Balance class in the fall. Shuttle Update – Shuttle Coordinator Wells stated the free shuttle season would begin on June 27, 2015. A new trolley would operate the silver route with additional stops at the Event Center and the hospital. There has been a 54% increase in ridership to date. A trial would be conducted during the month of July on Thursdays to coincide with the Farmer’s Market for downtown employees to board the Silver Route Trolley at the Event Center and be dropped off at Bond Park. If the trial route is successful, it would continue through September 10, 2015 and be considered for continued use in 2016. Museum Expansion Status Update – Director Fortini introduced the new Curator of Collections Naomi Gerakios-Mucci and described the work being done to further the Museum expansion. Focus is being placed on developing the site plan and organizing a successful fundraising kick off effort in the fall. Verbal Updates and Committee Questions – Director Winslow described the difficulty related to banner placement at the intersection of US Highways 34/36. Community Services has received numerous competing requests for placement of banners at this location. Staff attempts to decide which banners get placed at the location based on the event need. Jane Schoen of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary informed the Committee the banner for Autumn Gold was being removed this year due to a conflict with the Peak Flavors Fest and requested a contact for the appeal process. Mayor Pinkham expressed concerns regarding the promotion of competing events. He suggested staff research similar municipality’s policies and develop a strategy that would work best for Estes Park. Administrator Lancaster stated staff continues to work on making the Event Center self-sufficient and suggested taking advantage of the information radio station recently acquired by the Town. Chair Ericson inquired about street performers, using the Event Center as a winter walking track and the progress of booking the Event Center. Director Winslow stated ten musicians have been booked by the Town to perform at Tregent Park and the George Hix Plaza, plans are in place to allow the Event Center to be utilized by citizens during the winter on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Sales and Marketing Manager Lynch has been diligently working on building positive long term relationships to fill the Event Center calendar. There being no further business, Trustee Ericson adjourned the meeting at 9:15 a.m. Barbara Jo Limmiatis, Recording Secretary Community Development Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Alison Chilcott, Community Development Director Date: July 23, 2015 RE: Community Development Quarterly Report (April June 2015) 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. BUILDING SAFETY Promoting a safe built environment to: Construction Activity (1) minimize loss of life and injury to Construction activity continues to increase. The the general public and emergency number of permits issued, construction responders; and valuation, building permit fees collected, and (2) reduce property damage and building inspections performed all continue to destruction. trend upward. Charts describing 2009 - 2014 are attached. Construction activity on larger projects is as follows: o Falcon Ridge Development off Red Tail Hawk Drive: Approximately five or six foundations have been installed and framing has started on Building A. o Mountain River Townhomes off Moraine Avenue: Continues to build out. The contractor is doing a good job of protecting the river, has spent about $50,000 to install an irrigation system, and has installed landscaping to improve curb appeal. o Harmony: The Administration/Phase I Detox building and the new Dining Hall are nearing completion. Final inspections were completed last week. Page 1 of 1 o Estes Park Sanitation District Headwater Building: Building permit has been issued, and construction has begun. o Stanley Aspire Wellness Center: Site grading for the Accommodations-2 building has begun. 2015 International Building Code (I-Code Adoption) The status of 2015 International Building Code (I-Code) adoption with local amendments, and the Town Board Objective to consider adopting the dangerous building codes and building maintenance sections of the International Building Code, is as follows: Schedule. 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. Code recommendations will be forwarded from the Town of Estes Park Board of Appeals to the Town Board. So far this year, the Board of Appeals has facilitated seven public hearings regarding adoption of the 2015 International Codes. The codes reviewed to date are the International Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code and International Plumbing Code. Consensus/Items Set-Aside for Further Discussion. In general, the Board of Appeals and staff are in consensus as to recommendations for adoption of the reviewed codes with proposed local amendments. A few items in each code have been set aside for further discussion, including fees, wind speed and snow loads, wildfire hazard mitigation, and residential sprinkler requirements. International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). On August 6, 2015, the Board of Appeals will review the IPMC, which replaced the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The IPMC is a maintenance code, similar to the International Fire Code. It contains provisions regarding existing unsafe structures and equipment. The Town has not adopted this code in prior I-Code adoption cycles. Once the Board of Appeals has provided input on the IPMC, the Chief Building Official will review the IPMC and initial proposed local amendments with the Town Board during a Study Session. If the Town Board provides direction to proceed with possible adoption of the IPMC, staff will facilitate additional outreach/public meetings. Public Information. Information about the adoption process and drafts of proposed local amendments are available at www.estes.org/ICodes. Inspections The Division of Building Safety now performs an average of 20 inspections per day. The vast majority of inspections are performed by Combination Inspector Traufield. Page 2 of 2 Examples of inspections are below. Roofing Inspection Roofing inspections are required. If roofs are not properly installed, water can get into buildings. Forty-eight (48) roofing permits were issued this quarter. Roofing activity is so high that locals cannot keep up with demand and more out-of-town roofers are working in Town. Water Damage Framing Inspection The studs are the last in a series of vertical point loads bearing one end of a beam. The beam carries the load from the roof to the crawl space. This deficiency was identified by Town. Point loads were correct; but the concrete foundation was off. To correct the problem, concrete was installed under the studs. Concrete Missing Mechanical Inspection The contractor did a good job of protecting the heating/cooling system from construction dust and debris, as required by manufacturers of forced furnaces and by local amendment. Fuel fired appliances have more electronics than ever before. Electronics can be sensitive to dust and debris. Page 3 of 3 ADDRESSING Enhancing public safety through the easy and No update. rapid location of properties by law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical personnel within the Town of Estes Park. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT Minimizing death, injury, and losses to public and private property due to flooding. Project Purpose Status FEMA Community Voluntary incentive program that recognizes communities Town Board approved Rating System for implementing floodplain management practices that public outreach, which exceed the Federal minimum requirements of the NFIP to will begin Fall 2015 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. Cited from www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/crs/community_rating _system.jsp Fall River Stream Streambank stabilization and channel restoration project The 404 permitting Restoration Project from the boundary of RMNP to approximately 500 feet process with the US (Hydroplant Reach) downstream of the Fish Hatchery Road Bridge. Army Corps of Engineers is currently This project is in conjunction with a stream and wetlands underway. project, and will be led by the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition Public Outreach and Engage and inform policymakers; property and business A formal written Engagement Strategy owners; and the public on flood risks and mitigation projects strategy is under through various forms of communication outlets (e.g., social development media, written materials and meetings). Floodplain Issuance of individual floodplain development permits for Ongoing Development Permits work in the regulatory floodplain. Contracted to Olsson Associates in June 2015. Floodplain Review of existing floodplain regulations for compliance with Ongoing Regulatory Review FEMA and State minimum floodplain regulatory standards Contracted to Olsson Page 4 of 4 Associates in June 2015. Estes Valley A non-Collaboration ongoing Watershed Coalition watershed that also seeks to maximize public benefits and minimize public risk, through community engagement and cooperatively on flood recovery and mitigation. Grant Activity This Quarter Grant Program Status 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: To be determined. The Town received 1.07 million to split between this project and Scott Ponds. Funding for this project is reduced as the cost of the Scott Ponds project increases. Estimated is now approximately $146,000. Possible matching funds: $150,000 in CWCB grant funds awarded in 2014. nd CDBG DR Round 2 Infrastructure July 22: Tentative Date State will inform Town whether or not Moraine Avenue bridge replacement grant was awarded. 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. NRCS Emergency Watershed Natural Resource Emergency Watershed Protection Program Phase Protection Program Phase II Funds, $56.9 million to be administered by CWCB. NRCS requested list of first round priorities from the EV Watershed Coalition The submitted list are priority projects from the Fish Creek and Fall River Plans for Resiliency Staff continue to monitor the following grant opportunities: o HUD Disaster Resiliency Competition o State funding for floodplain mapping, estimated at $7.6 million. Page 5 of 5 SIGNAGE This quarter, staff has not made progress on Protecting the health, safety, and the 2015 Town Board Objective to Revise welfare of the public by: the Sign Code to be simpler and easy to understand but retaining the basic intent. (1) ensuring the signage is safe; and (2) is compatible with adjacent land Work will resume once a Planner I is hired uses and the total visual and Linda Hardin receives a couple months environment of the Estes Valley. training. ESTES VALLEY LONG RANGE PLANNING Creating more convenient, equitable, healthy, efficient, and attractive 1996 Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan places for present and future Modernization Purpose Produce an up to date and accessible generations. Articulate a desired comprehensive plan by reviewing and future to inform decision-making updating facts, remove obsolete references, today. and removing information that is no longer relevant. Policies will not change. Status In July, Planning Commission is reviewing Future. Funding No additional funding provided. Staff allocates time when available. Public Additional information can be found at Information www.estes.org/comprehensiveplan Downtown Plan (Neighborhood Plan) Purpose Develop a conceptual plan that defines a vision of the downtown in 2025, describes what the downtown will look like socially, economically and physically, and identifies a clear set of strategies to achieve the 2025 vision. Status The draft request for proposal is being reviewed by the Town Board of Trustees prior to release. Funding $190,000 in Energy and Mineral Impact grant funds awarded by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Public Additional information can be found at www.estes.org/downtownplan Information Page 6 of 6 PLANNING FOR THE PRESENT Providing for the coordinated and Development Applications harmonious development of the Estes Development application updates for larger Valley, which will, in accordance with projects are as follows: present and future needs, best promote health, safety, order, Stanley Hotel Pavilion Event Center: The convenience, prosperity and general Stanley Historic District reviewed and welfare, as well as efficiency and conditionally approved the final application for economy. the Stanley Hotel Pavilion Events Center. The property owner will likely break ground next month. Rocky Mountain Performing Arts Center: Staff from multiple agencies continue to work with the resubmit their development application in the coming months. Staffing Dave Shirks resignation left a vacant Planner position. To continue to meet customer needs in a timely manner, staff contracted with McCool Development Solutions to provided planning services. Staff has advertised for a Planner I/II and hopes to make a job offer within the next couple weeks. However, due to work load, Staff will continue contract out some reviews to McCool after a Planner I is hired. Fees With the assistance of a planning consultant firm, McCool Development Solutions, the Planning Division is undergoing a time study. This study will inform proposed updates to the Development Review Fee Schedule. This schedule was implemented about ten years ago and has seen only minimal changes since implementation. Charges for development review fees do not follow best practices. A proposed fee schedule will be presented to Town Board as part of the budget process. Vacation Rentals Purpose Short-term vacation rentals continue to thrive in the Estes Valley. In an effort to respond this growing segment of our local economy, the Town of Estes Park is considering amendments to the Estes Valley Development Code and Estes Park Municipal Code to more effectively manage these rentals. Status The Community Development Department is working in concert with the Administration and Administrative Services Departments to recommend policy and process changes for short-term vacation home rentals. th The Town hosted a community meeting on May 14 to review input on the initial proposal; upwards of 100 community members attended this meeting. Page 7 of 7 Funding General fund. No specific funds were set aside for this project. Public Information More information can be found at www.estes.org/vacationrentals NUISANCES Eliminating nuisances detrimental to the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare of the Staffing citizens, on private property within the Estes Wes Reichardt resigned from his Valley, such as waste accumulation, unsanitary position as Code Compliance conditions, and noxious weeds. Officer and Linda Hardin, formerly an Accountant II in Finance, was promoted to Code Compliance Officer. Quarterly Case Summary Due to database issues, staff is unable to provide an April - June quarterly case summary. Vacation Rentals Vacation rental enforcement remains a top priority. Code Compliance Officer Hardin initiated discussions with the Police Department about how to improve interdepartmental communication regarding violations. The Town does not have a unified system in place to track complaints received from various departments. If a system were in place the Town would have a better picture of the number and type of complaints and would be able to respond more effectively to repeat violators. Drainage Code Compliance Officer Hardin fielded numerous drainage and flooding complaints. The high volume of complaints is due in part to the extensive rain experienced this year and higher than normal water tables, and changes to the river systems caused by the 2013 Flood. ADDITIONAL UPDATES Board and Commissions Estes Valley Planning Commission. Regular monthly meetings are ongoing. On July 1, 2015, the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners appointed Betty Hull for a third term and appointed Michael Moon for a first term. Estes Valley Board of Adjustment. Regular monthly meetings are ongoing. On July 1, 2015, the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners appointed John Lynch for a fourth term. Town of Estes Park Board of Appeals. Regular monthly meetings are ongoing. Tony Schiaffo was appointed by the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees for a second term. Page 8 of 8 A $815 EPH PROJECT NAME FOR WAIVED FEES Falcon Ridge = $20,629 $91 Comm Dev RemodelWater Test Lab = $1,742 2 SFDs - The Neighborhood Event Center - 2nd Floor Silo 2015 FEES WAIVED 2015 FEES COLLECTED 2015 2015 VALUATION 59$924,562$15,860$055$554,763$11,909$048$1,279,835$13,540$906 84$1,826,297$23,111$6,59671$1,995,509$15,943$22,371 317$6,580,966$80,363$29,873 35%38%33% PERMITS ISSUED 2015 May July April2015 June March MONTH August JanuaryOctober February December November September % CHANGE FROM 2014 DATE SUMMARY YEAR TO DATE YEAR END TOTALS TO PERMIT YEAR 721 2015 $ Remodel New SFD - The Creek Rd - Flood PROJECT NAME Temporary Shelter sbestos Removal and BUILDING FOR WAIVED FEES batement at Town Hall Neighborhood - $2375 Eagle Scout Project @ A A Revisions to MPEC Silo - Community Development Boy Scout Christmas Tree Demo permit for 1147 Fish Fish Hatchery Storage Bldg - $897 EVRPD Youth Center - $39 MPEC Silo 2nd Floor - $327 Grubsteak Emergency Repairs - $24 2014 FEES WAIVED 2014 FEES COLLECTED 2014 2014 VALUATION 53$567,861$9,523$5022$842,344$9,085$051$890,961$10,138$1,50059$1,427,646$11,129$050$2,436,682$24,620$92193$1,301,780$22,406$36669$9,606,300$35,829$530 49$1,053,819$20,698$051$1,432,168$20,181$030$466,315$6,340$094$1,221,336$17,129$3,09647$1,002,307$9,239$126 234$4,782,631$60,573$1,550668$22,249,519$196,317$6,589 PERMITS ISSUED 2014 May July April2014 June March MONTH August JanuaryOctober February December November September YEAR TO DATE YEAR END TOTALS 11 17 620030886 335 2291 Demolition Current MonthYear to Date Current MonthYear to Date w Date Misc. to Additions, Permits Year Alterations, Commercial its Permits Misc. Additions, sc perm i Permits s, m l e Alterations, d Residential Building ons, remo dditi onv = a (434) Residential Add/Alt/Conv also includes the Misc permits belowMinor Repair/Remodel28Boiler/Furnace/Heater313Stove/Fireplace13RoofRadon MitigationWater Heater311AC/CoolerWater/Service Line/Plumbing 8Gas Line/Propane512Sewer LineWindow/Siding212SolarTOTAL(437) Commercial Add/Alt/Conv also includes the Misc Permits beloMinor Repair/Remodel17Boiler/Furnace110Oven Hood/FireplaceRoofW ater Heater17AC/CoolerWater/Service Line/Plumbing/Backflow16Construction Trailer11SolarGas Pipe/LineAntennaWindow/Siding 2TOTALSolarNew square footage = new construction (example: new home, new detached garage, etc)Remodel/Alt/Add square footage = remodel of existing structure or addition to an existing structureAdd/Alt/C 00000020000000000000000000 11 150 576144 18,26418,840 $122,993 2,404,3681,817,611 $1,605,075 11 576 $68,000$54,993 2014 BUILDING PERMITS - DETAILED REPORT 146 2,20779048,153 $198,991$965,393$1,239,984 11$0 00220784808153000 4227214119 1720243845 $591,714$358,948$218,932$348,145$299,872 $332,848$150,895$275,913$444,759$400,660 JANUARYFEBRUARYMARCHAPRILMAYJUNEYEAR TO DATE s ee s e e - if applicable - if applicabl gegegegggegege nnnnnnnnnn vv ALUATION$924,562$509,843$693,836$1,826,297$1,995,509$5,950,047ALUATION RESIDENTIAL PERMITS(101) New Single Family DetachedAttached Square-foota Valuatio(103) New Duplex - Square-foota(434) Add/Alt/ConTotal New Square FootageTotal Remodel/Add Square Footage # RESIDENTIAL PERMITS17202543520157 VALUATION$591,714$358,948$417,923$1,381,538$1,594,849$0$4,344,972 COMMERCIAL PERMITS(213) New Hotels, Motels, Cabins Square-foota(318) New Rec. Bldg. - (319) New Religious Bldg.(322) New Service & Repair Valuatio(324) New Offices, Banks, Prof Valuatio(327) New Retail Square-foota Valuatio(437) Add/Alt/Con Square-foota ValuatioTotal New Square FootageTotal Remodel/Add Square Footag # COMMERCIAL PERMITS4227214119150 VALUATION$332,848$150,895$275,913$444,759$400,660$1,605,075TOTAL BUILDING PERMITS5947468471307VDEMOLITION PERMITS07108VALUATI ON$29,720$029,720FLOODPLAIN PERMITS (includes Temp. PermitVGRADING PERMITSVALUATION$15,200$586,000601,200 TOTAL PERMITS59554884710317TOTAL VALUATION$924,562$554,763$1,279,835$2,271,056$2,396,169$0$7, 426,385 Valuatio(104) New 3-4 Family - * 3 total permits (1 for each) Square-foota Valuatio(438) Add/Alt/Conv Garages/Carport Square-foota Valuatio Square-foota Valuatio Valuatio 0 0 104 410 20 = day 406 per MAY INSPECTION 79 INSPECTIONS Average OF 154 TYPE JANUARY BUILDING 79 2015 Inspections 2077 25 820 0 900800700600500400300200100 INSPECTIONSOFNUMBER Community Services Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Derek Fortini, Museum Director and Curator of Exhibits Date: July 23, 2015 RE: Museum Quarterly Report Background: Attendance Highlights January through June The Pioneers of the Peaks program, a collaboration with the Estes Valley Library District in recognition of Rocky Mountain National Parks Centennial Celebration, was a great success. The attendance for the entire series was 957 people. The Keith Lober program attracted more people than the Museum meeting room could accommodate, so it was repeated a second time amounting to 265 attendees. Following that, lectures from the Pioneers of the Peaks were hosted at the National Park Village. April Through a grant, the Museum hosted a theater group from Denver utilizing the High School Auditorium and offered the performance free for the community. There were 53 in attendance. Unfortunately, a major snow storm and the schools being closed the day before prohibited the large crowd expected on April 18. of the Estes Valleyby the audience in April during National Poetry Month. This was a great opportunity to explore some of the renowned poets that spent their careers in Estes Park. Kurtis Kelly appeared as Charles Edwin Hewes while additional presenters simply read the written words of others poets. Kurtis Kelly as Charles Edwin Hewes. June The Colorado-Big Thompson Project program offered in June attracted 83 people and spurred the idea for an upcoming series of programs that explores the topic in-depth during 2016. Collection Highlights In late May of 2015, Naomi Gerakios Mucci joined the Museum as the new Curator of Collections. Since joining the Museum, Gerakios Mucci has fielded thirteen research requests from community members, professional historians, and individuals from out of state. She spent a total of 23 hours exploring the Mresearch requests. Since joining the Museum, the Curator of Collection accepted some new donations to the collection that include a painting titled "Hallet's Peak" by Alfred Wand's, a Lyman Bxybe print titled "First View of Longs Peak," photographs of the Big Thompson Canyon before the 1976 flood, two new books into the Museum's reference library, and a book on "Instructions for Operating the Stanley Steam Car." Additionally, Gerakios Mucci has been working closely with a summer intern from CSU who has transcribed three diaries that date to the early twentieth century. on the Colorado Big Thompson Project. Alfred Wands painting and a photograph of the Big Thompson Canyon before the 1976 flood. While learning and becoming familiar with the M Mucci has been updating the M catalog information. She has done this by updating records to show relationships between artifacts and documents, updating search terms, and reorganizing materials in the collection. Additionally she has reorganized and began processing two archival collections to include inventories, which will make the collections more accessible to researchers. Finally, the Curator of Collections completed the sixth and final oral history interview scheduled related to the 2013 floods with Incident Command Chief Eric Rose (Curator Hoerner finished three others in the second quarter before departing). Exhibits Ongoing Temporary Exhibits 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 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. Visitors view the Gripped exhibit. Upcoming Programs August 3 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Meet Me @ The Museum with the Curator of Education. August 9 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Kurtis Kelly performs "F. O. Stanley: A Life Well- Lived" at the Historic Fall River Hydroplant. Outdoor performance; free and no reservations required. August 15 from 3:00 4:00 p.m. August 26 from 2:00 3:00 p.m. - Repeat performance by Kurtis Kelly "F. O. Stanley: A Life Well-Lived" at the Historic Fall River Hydroplant. Outdoor performance; free and no reservations required. September 6 from 12:45 6:00 p.m. - Rocky Ridge Music Center History Tour and Concert. Registration required, limit 12 people. Cost is $42 for members, $36 for non-members. September 14 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Meet Me @ The Museum with the Museum Director and Curator of Exhibits. September 16 from 8:15 10:00 a.m. - In case you missed the "Emerging Elkhorn Avenue" tours offered over the summer, this is your last chance to take the tour in 2015! Meet in the northeast corner of Bond Park, be prepared to walk a total distance of 0.7 miles. Cost is $8 cash or check (payable to Town of Estes Park). No reservations required. September 26 from 3:00 4:00 p.m. Mountain National Park Dining Room Girl: The Summer of 1926 at the October 5 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Meet Me @ The Museum with the Curator of Collections. Other Highlights: In the second quarter of 2015, the following professional development was completed: Outreach and a visit to the Loveland Museum/Gallery to view the exhibit and recent donation of the Harold Dunning collection. Dunning was a renowned historian in both Loveland and Estes Park. Staff was able to identify the importance of a number of artifacts related to Estes Park to the Loveland staff as well as explore ideas for potential future loans. In April, staff completed Road to Results: Nine Steps for Identifying, Researching and Building Audiences Part 2 and Part 3. s supervisor training. On June 2, staff and a number of people from the community joined together for the dedication of a memorial bench for long time docent Bill Wachs at the Fall River Hydroplant. Wachs passed away in 2014. In seeking to enhance the overall visitor experience at the Estes Park Museum, staff has asked and received the financial support from the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. to renovate the foyer of the building. Options are being explored with an architect and local construction company that will address a number of issues that have been consistently noted by visitors for several years having to do with confusion upon entering and exiting the building. There were 76 attendees at the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation Inc. Annual Membership Party in May. The event is an opportunity to thank Museum recipient was former Museum Director Mel Bush and recognized his efforts to and 1980s. With the passing away of Bush, his family, including his widow now living in Longmont, and his son (and family) from California accepted the award. Director Fortini, and Friends President Pat Washburn. Community Services Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Teri Salerno, Visitor Services Manager Date: July 23, 2015 RE: Visitor Services Quarterly Report: April - June 2015 Second Quarter Visitor Center Traffic: April June visitor counts were slightly down by less than half a percent (.34%) over last year, a decrease of only 322 people. April was up by 1,450, with May and June down by 700 and 1,060 people respectively. Due to a strong first quarter, counts are up 6.74% YTD over last year through June; this equals 8,347 more people. YTD through June 2014 was123,840. In comparison, Rocky Mountain National Parkis up 17.43% YTD; this represents an increase of 193,874 visitors. This significant increase comes on the heels of R 2014, when the park saw 3.4 million people. Approximately 80% of all visitors enter RMNP from the entrances on the east side of the park. Visitor Center foot traffic: 2010 2015 stndrdth 1 Qtr. 2 Qtr. 3 Qtr. 4 Qtr. Total 2015 36,622 95,565 132,187 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 Second Quarter Telephone Calls: During the second quarter, 3,844 calls were answered, only 22 less than the same time period in 2014, representing a decrease of less than 1% (.57%). The trend of decreasing calls has been steady over the past several years (with the exception of the increase in the fourth quarter 2013 and first quarter 2014 due to inquiries about the flood). It appears the trend could be leveling out, but more time must pass in order to know if this is true. Visitor Center telephone calls: 2010 - 2015 stndrdth 1 Qtr 2 Qtr 3 Qtr 4 Qtr Total 3,844 5,862 2015 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 Retail Sales Retail sales through the end of June total $11,935, which is a 10.9% increase over the same period last year, for a total of $1,173. Third quarter sales are the highest and will be the best indicator of how sales might end for the year. Total Retail Sales Revenue by year 2015 thru June $11,935 2014 $39,533 2013 $29,296 2012 $34,499 2011 $39,192 2010 $40,175 Volunteer Ambassadors: The number of volunteer Ambassadors currently totals 64. Ten new Ambassadors have completed training this year and joined the Visitor Services team. Last year at this time there were 54 Ambassadors on the roster. To date, no Ambassadors have retired; last year, 13 had retired by June. (Three Ambassadors are taking leave of absences due to personal illness or spouse illness). Ambassadors no longer work the front counter during the 5:00 8:00 p.m. evening shifts. During this time, two Visitor Services staff work the Visitor Center. Training for new Ambassadors has finished for the season. If new applications are received, potential Ambassadors may be trained for the winter season if they are needed, or the team will wait until 2016 to bring on new volunteers. Visitor Services Annual Training Annual Visitor Services training was held Tuesday, May 12 in the Town Hall Boardroom. The session was well attended by over 65 people: 51 Ambassadors (includes potential Ambassadors in training), 11 Visitor Services staff and several guests. Informational updates were provided by staff from RMNP, EVRPD, and the following town divisions: Special Events, Visitor Services (providing National Forest updates), Town Shuttles, and the EP Museum. Participants once again rated the training very highly. Volunteers unable to attend the May 12 training attended a make-up training session held on June 12. Fifteen attended this session. All volunteers, but one, attended either the May or June training; this is an excellent training attendance record for the year. All staff attended May 12. Kyle Patterson, Teri Salerno and Bo Winslow before the group on May 12 More Training Opportunities: Lodging Tours and Town of EP Shuttle Route Tours Visitor Services staff and volunteers toured a total of 44 Lodging businesses over three days in the first half of May. Pictured are lodging tour participants at River Spruce Cottages on Hwy 66 during the May 14 tour. There were no retail tours this year due to events being organized by the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce. During the June Ambassador meeting, volunteers had the opportunity to tour the gold, silver, brown, blue and red routes. This training, led Visitor Services Second Open House The event was held Thursday, April 30, four weeks later than the first Open House held on April 2, 2014. Attendance was approximately half (48) of what it was in 2014 (100), with 27 attending the morning session and 21 stopping in for the afternoon session. The trolley was available to take guests along the downtown gold route during both sessions; 19 people took a ride over the course of the day. Attendees could observe volunteers assisting guests at the front desk, explore the call center, ask questions of the Visitor Services staff, learn about how to become an Ambassador, explore materials distributed from the center, tour the building, and ask CEO, Elizabeth Fogarty, about the services they sell that are displayed in the Visitor Center (brochures and menus). Staff will consider skipping a year, and not holding this event in 2016, to determine if that might create more interest and better attendance in 2017. Visitor Center Hours of Operation On Monday, May 18, the hours changed; the VC is now open Monday Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 8A 6P. These hours will extend through Sunday, September 27. Budget: N/A Recommendations: None Community Services Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator Date: July 23, 2015 RE: 2015 Free Shuttle season update Update: 2015 June ridership (4 days): Blue Red Brown Silver Gold Total 882 599 942 311 1,503 4,237 2015 July 4 ridership: Community Awareness: 2015 Maps/Schedules and poster were distributed throughout the area. Visitor Service staff and Charley Dickey of the Shuttle Committee were terrific helpers! Our thanks to the Estes Area Lodging Association for one again paying for distribution to information racks at lodging properties and retail establishments throughout the Estes valley. Regular announcements regarding the Free shuttles are made on the Towns Facebook page and Twitter feed. Here are some samples (next page): 1 2 Estes Park Museum History Highlights on the EP Free Shuttles: Director Fortini provided historical pictures and postcards for passengers to view while they ride the shuttles. The pictures were chosen to reflect sites specific to each route: 3 Special Service Opportunities: The Estes Park Free Trolley (Silver Route): Carried Relay for Life participants and volunteers to and from the event following regular service hours on Sat., July 17, 2015 The Estes Park Free Shuttles will assist participants following the Movies in the Mountains event at Performance Park on Tue., July 28, 2015. A trial period for a Downtown Employee shuttle is scheduled for Thursday mornings rdth in July (23 and 30 remaining). Riders (open to the public) may park at the Fairgrounds Park-n-Ride and board the Silver Route trolley in front of the Estes Park Event Center and catch an express ride to Bond Park in downtown Estes Park beginning at 7:45 a.m. We anticipate two to three additional trips between the locations before ending at 8:30 a.m. Riders wanting to return to the Fairgrounds Park-n-Ride may board the Gold Route (downtown trolley) at any stop or the Brown Route at Barlow Plaza for a ride to the Estes Park Visitor Center and transfer to the Silver Route for an immediate return to the Fairgrounds Park-n-Ride. If enough people use this trial service the route will continue on Thursday mornings through September 10, 2015 with serious consideration for use again in 2016. Watch for more announcements at estes.org/shuttles Please contact me with any questions: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator Office: 970-577-3963 E-Mail: bwells@estes.org Background: N/A Shuttle Committee Recommendation: N/A Recommended Motion: N/A 4 Community Services Memo To: Community Development/Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator Date: July 23, 2015 RE: 2015 Free Shuttle season update (supplement) Update (continued): Concerns raised about Brown Route Stop #10: I have received telephone calls and e-mail concerns about the use of the Brown Route bus on Spur 66 (Tunnel Road) regarding stop #10 at the Estes Park East Portal Campground. In telephone conversations I offered the concerned individuals the opportunity to send e-mails or letters directly to me for consideration by the Estes Park Shuttle Committee regarding their concerns. The invitation for written correspondence is extended to everyone who has concerns about a stop or service, requests for new stops, or compliments about services received. The concern was originally reported to me by one of the Brown Route drivers who was approached by one of the residents along upper Spur 66. I noted his report and recommended he immediately report to his supervisor at Rocky Mountain Transit (our contracted service provider). I later spoke with my supervisor, Teri Salerno, Visitor Services Manager and Janice Crow, General Manager at Rocky Mountain Transit about the concerns from those living along the upper Spur 66. All drivers were contacted immediately about observing the posted speed limit in the area (35 mph). In my conversations with the concerned parties and in response to those concerns, I stated that we would take a ridership count of passengers boarding at stop #10. The daily counts for stop #10 are in Figure 1 (page 2). We will continue to count boarding passengers for the remainder of the shuttle season to gain a full assessment of stop #10. 1 Figure 1 Our last full season count of stop #10 took place in 2012. At that time we had 381 passengers ride board the bus at that stop in 2012 with a daily average of 5.08 riders per day (see Figure 2). Using the count obtained from July 11-19, 2015, we calculated a daily average of 11.2 passengers and then extrapolated that over the course of the whole season with an estimate of 886.6 riders for 2015. Should ridership follow the calculated estimate we would recognize passenger growth at stop #10 of roughly 505 or 132.5% over the past three years. Sample counts, such as the one performed for stop #10 from July 11-19, 2015 are considered acceptable sample measurements in the transportation industry. We will exceed that standard and continue to count passengers at stop #10 for the remainder of the 2015 season. Daily ridership average in 2012: 5.08 Figure 2 Brown Route ridership at all stops has grown significantly over the past two years (see Figure 3 on page 3). The additional need for an ADA compliant vehicle prompted the 2 Shuttle Committee and staff to request the larger capacity, ADA compliant, clean diesel technology bus that we are using this year on the Brown Route. That bus was approved by the CD/CS Committee and the Town Board. The larger bus has enabled us to meet the growing ridership demand. The following figures (3, 4, 5 & 6) show ridership over the past three years, passenger growth, daily ridership averages and average passengers per trip. Figure 3 Figure 4 - Information taken from the CD/CS Shuttle Report, Jan. 21, 2015 Brown Route Daily Ridership Averages 2015 (through July 19) 2014 2013 328.6 324.6 214.1 Figure 5 In 2014, the Brown Route bus experienced regular issues with passenger capacity during peak periods. Riders reached maximum capacity and the bus was even forced to leave potential passengers at the stop. The larger capacity bus has alleviated those issues to date in 2015. Brown Route Average Passengers per Trip 2015 (through July 19) 2014 2013 23.5 23.2 15.3 Figure 6 3 It was suggested by the concerned individuals that the Town consider returning to the smaller capacity gas fueled bus on the Brown Route. To meet current demand on the Brown Route, we would need to either operate with one smaller capacity gasoline bus and risk leaving passengers behind or operate a second, additional bus, on a bottom of the hour schedule to meet the ridership needs satisfactorily. Based on the lease proposals presented at the Jan. 21, 2015 CD/CS Meeting, our cost to lease both buses and meet the ADA need would be $30,246.24 for the 12 week season, an increase of $20,646.24 over current expenditures ($9,600.00) (see Figure 7). Davey Coach (vendor) does not have any of the 21 passenger ADA compliant buses in their current inventory. Our lease with Rocky Mountain Transit, and their installation of the clean diesel technology, was with the agreement that we would use the current bus for the remainder of our existing service agreement which ends December 31, 2018. 2015 Proposed Lease Costs (Leases are three months in length) Vendor Capacity & ADA Status Monthly Cost Taxes Registration Monthly Total Figure 7 (Information taken from the CD/CS Shuttle Report, Jan. 21, 2015) The service cost to operate a bus is the same regardless of what size bus we operate. The cost to operate one or two buses is illustrated in Figure 8 below. It is possible that the second bus could operate on a reduced schedule (fewer hours per day) based on ridership demand. Further research would be needed to make that assessment. 2015 Brown Route Operational Service Costs # of Buses Hourly Rate Hours per Day Service Days Total 1 $55.88 14 79 $61,803.28 2 $55.88 28 79 $123.606.56 Figure 8 Our contractual agreement with Rocky Mountain Transit states that the Town pays for fuel expenses over $2.50 a gallon. It will take additional research to estimate costs due to changes in vehicle type and number of buses used for a season. In my conversation with the residents along upper Spur 66, I relayed our standard procedure for evaluating shuttle stops and services offered with the Estes Park Shuttle Committee. Each year, we meet 3-4 times through August and September for that 4 evaluation period. We look at all passenger, public (non-riding), shuttle driver, and staff feedback for the current year as we plan for the subsequent year. Each comment or concern is looked at individually and evaluated for safety and service efficiency. Should a need for a change in a stop or service be deemed necessary, mid-season, then we will make every effort to implement that decision as expediently and safely as possible. I am scheduled to discuss the concerns raised over the past couple weeks later today with Manager Salerno and Director Winslow. Mechanical Issues with the Towns Trolley and the Leased Trolley: Both trolleys suffered major engine failure over the past two weeks. Rocky Mountain Transit is providing a replacement bus to cover the lease of the Silver Trolley and initiating repairs on the Silver Trolley with the hope of it returning prior to the conclusion of summer service. The Town had to lease a bus to cover the Town owned trolley in order to fulfill the remaining service schedule for 2015 on the Gold Route. I am meeting later today with Manager Salerno and Director Winslow to discuss the severity of the engine failure and possible options for repair. Discontinuation of Real-Time Tracking Services: Due to the failure of our contracted service provider (Connexionz) to meet the terms of our operational/service contract we have terminated service of the Real-Time Tracking Service for 2015. I am in the midst of preparing a complete report for Director Winslow which we will forward to the Town Board. Additional step are already being taken to provide a work-around for serving our passengers. 5 Please contact me with any questions: Brian Wells, Shuttle Coordinator Office: 970-577-3963 E-Mail: bwells@estes.org Background: N/A Shuttle Committee Recommendation: N/A Recommended Motion: N/A 6 Community Services Memo To: Community Development/ Community Services Committee Town Administrator Lancaster From: Lexy Jacobson, Event Coordinator Date: July 23, 2015 RE: Fairgrounds and Events Division- July and August Event Update Report: Highlight of Past Events: Professional Bull Riding joined us for year two, with an additional two nights on June 29-30 and July 3-4. The event had approximately 176 cowboys participate throughout the week and featured 180 bucking bulls. th The Go 4 Festival joined forces with the event on July rd 3 and saw an increase in participation and funds for the Estes Park Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund. th On June 30 we kicked off the new Movie in the Mountains series; an outdoor movie series featuring a bike parade, wood fired pizza, beer garden and a movie! The costume bike parade traveled from the Visitors Center to Performance Park (with the help of PD staff) and saw over 50 participants. Families for Estes, our beer garden team, was able to raise $435. th They will be joining us at the July 28 meeting for another opportunity to raise funds. Overall, the first movie saw roughly 150 people. The anticipated Rooftop Rodeo welcomed over 430 contestants to Estes Park throughout the week of July th 6. Rodeo fans commented on the highly professional, Cervi Championship Rodeo Company, the redesigned arena and our announcer on horseback. The Town would like to recognize Western Heritage for their hard work and dedication to produce a sold out Rodeo in 2015! Western Heritage continues to support other local organizations within the community and was able to donate $2,500 to Victim Advocates and $2,500 to Estes Park Medical Center. Upcoming Events: July/August 7/25-8/2 Hunter Jumper Horse Show Events Complex 7/25 Rocky Mountain National Park Performance Park Centennial Concert 7/26 Artist in Residence Series Performance Park 7/28 Movie in the Mountains Performance Park 7/31 Cool Nights Cruz-In Bond Park 8/1 Rocky Mountain Half Marathon Throughout the Village 8/2 Taste of Shakespeare Performance Park 8/10 Estes Park Jazz Big Band Concert Performance Park 8/13 Kids Paint Out Performance Park 8/14-8/16 Dressage Horse Show Events Complex 8/15 Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies: Summer Performance Park Series 8/15-8/16 Estes Park Wine Festival Bond Park 8/19 Wednesday Night Live Performance Park 8/20 Thursday Night Live Performance Park 8/21-8/24 Longs Peak Reunion Performance Park 8/25 Movie in the Mountains Performance Park 8/26 Praise in the Park Bond Park The Estes Park Hunter Jumper Horse Shows will feature three weeks of professionally trained horses and riders, high competition and FUN! Their first show welcomed roughly 275 participants/horses. In week two and three contestants will have the opportunity to compete in the $15,000 Grand Prix. Show Manager, Chris Coleman, continues to highlight Estes Park as a destination for his clientele to boost participation and overall guest satisfaction. We are pleased to welcome the Estes Park Wine Festival that will feature over 15 Colorado wineries. Some of the participants will be traveling as far as Grand Junction (Red Fox Cellars) and others from our very own hometown (Snowy Peaks). The event has presold over 800 tickets online and is hoping to more than double that through online promotion and weekend ticket sales. Guests can enjoy live entertainment from six bands, a variety of food and shopping! August/September 8/28-8/30 Senior Pro Charity Rodeo Events Complex 8/28-8/30 Handmade in CO Expo Event Center 8/30 Cool Nights Cruz-In Bond Park 9/5-9/7 Labor Day Arts and Craft Festival Bond Park 9/5-9/6 Alpaca Market Events Complex 9/10-9/13 Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Events Complex Festival 9/12 Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Downtown Estes Park Parade 9/17-9/20 Dressage Events Complex 9/19-9/20 Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Bond Park 9/20 Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies: Summer Performance Park Series th The Event Center will welcome the 7 annual Handmade in Colorado Expo on August 28-30. Guests can enjoy some of Colorados Best Handmade Arts, Crafts, Food and Goods. All displayed merchandise is handmade in Colorado and sold direct by the artist or crafter. The event is in partnership with non-profit organization, Imagine, and 10% of all exhibitor fees will be donated back to support their cause!