HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2010-08-10
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 10, 2010
Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD of the Town
of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town Hall in
Room 130 in said Town of Estes Park on the 10th day of August,
2010.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Trustees Elrod, Ericson, Koenig, Levine
and Miller
Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator
Richardson, Town Attorney White, Director Kilsdonk, Town
Clerk Williamson, LMD Board Blackman, Webermeier,
Blanchard, Larson, and Lassen, and LMD Director Campbell
Absent: Trustee Blackhurst
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Trustee Blackhurst recused
himself from discuss due to a perceived conflict of interest.
LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT &
OPERATING PLAN.
Town Administrator Halburnt stated the current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with
the Local Marketing District (LMD) states the terms would be reviewed in August prior to
the submittal of the following year’s Operating Plan.
LMD Director Campbell reviewed the key accomplishments in 2010, including
partnerships with Guest Research Inc. for year round visitor survey and analysis, Hill
Aevium for marketing review and media allocation planning, Gretchen Walker/Hannah
Marketing for group sales consulting, Turner PR for public relations, James Frank
Photography for still photography, Nick Molle Productions for TV ads, videos, RMNP
‘Rivers’ production and ReachLocal for internet marketing pay-per-click. The LMD staff
would be focusing on future goals such as 2011 planning, 2010 summer conversion
study, drive meetings and conventions group business, enhance email marketing and
begin destination branding initiative.
LMD Chair Larson stated there were two topics the LMD would like to discuss with the
Town Board regarding lessons learned and transparency. LMD Board Member
Webermeier stated the supervision of employees, the number of employees and the
funding of the employees by the Town should be reviewed. The LMD would
recommend removal of specific names, titles, etc. from the agreement, and requested
the Town consider providing a specific dollar amount with an annual increase for
staffing. The LMD Board could then allocate funds as needed for staffing. The LMD
Board has realized they were understaffed in 2010 and would need to add staff 2011.
The LMD would like to grow the group marketing aspect and special events with the
backing and aid of the Town. They requested the help of the Special Events
Department to run the events. The main effort would be to grow off season events.
This would require an increase to the Town’s budget; however, it would be offset by
additional sales tax revenue. Town Administrator Halburnt stated the Town does not
have the staff for new events and looks for turn key events to bring to town. Discussion
continued on the need for more events such as Winterfest, the economic feasibility and
viability of more events, the large number of volunteer hours provided to put on the
larger events in town such as the Rodeo and the Christmas Parade, and the LMD
should provide a proforma for new events.
Town Board Study Session – August 10, 2010 – Page 2
LMD Chair Larson stated the LMD Board would like to address transparency as it
relates to stakeholder fees and real costs associated with producing the payroll for LMD
staff. LMD Board Member Webermeier stated the stakeholder fees currently go to the
Town, and therefore, there is no incentive for the LMD to grow this product by
increasing fees and/or selling additional products. The LMD would request the
stakeholder fees be retained by the LMD and pay rent to the Town for space at the
Visitor Center and appropriate IT costs. Discussion continued on the need for staff to
address the details such as rent, more detailed LMD budget or a biannual report, and
the need for a simplified payment process for salaries and rental of office space.
The Boards suggested Town Administrator Halburnt and LMD Director Campbell meet
to discuss potential changes to the IGA. The draft IGA would be reviewed by two
members of each Board before consideration by each Board. The Town Board thanked
the LMD for their efforts during the past year. LMD Chair Larson thanked the Town for
forming the district.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
The Board considered whether or not to begin the public hearing process for medical
marijuana. The consensus was to wait because the Board extended the moratorium for
an entire year. The next study session would be a presentation on medical self
insurance and open discussion.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk