HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2010-09-14
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 14,
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
Rooms 202 & 203 in said Town of Estes Park on the 14th day of
September, 2010.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Levine, Trustees
Blackhurst, Elrod, Ericson, Koenig and Miller
Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator
Richardson, Town Attorney White, Chief Kufeld, Director
Joseph, Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA.
Mayor Pinkham stated the Board passed a moratorium for the establishment of medical
marijuana centers in Estes Park through June 30, 2011. He requested the Board
consider taking formal action to ban centers prior to 2011 because Larimer County
Commissioners are taking action to ban centers in the unincorporated Larimer County,
causing Estes Park to be an island.
Trustee Koenig reviewed the results of an informal survey for the prescribing and
monitoring of marijuana users in Estes Park previously presented to the Board during
the moratorium discussion.
Trustee Elrod stated the Board should take formal public comment in order to establish
a foundation for the Board’s future action on the issue. He commented on the need to
hear from representatives of the local medical establishments, experts on the benefits of
marijuana, testimony from the public on whether or not to allow it in our community,
local law enforcement on potential issues of concern if allowed, staff time and effort in
regulating and licensing; local banks on their policies for accepting deposits, hear from
other social service agency and hear from other nearby communities that allow medical
marijuana centers regarding experiences pro or con. Attorney White commented the
state statute allows municipalities and counties to ban centers without a cause,
therefore, eliminating the need to establish a record for banning.
After further discussion, the Board reached consensus to hold a public hearing at the
October 12, 2010 Town Board meeting, and send out letters to entities such as clinics
and banks asking for input either in a letter to the Board or in person at the meeting.
RECYCLING.
Mayor Pinkham requested the Board take formal action regarding its position on
recycling in order to address ongoing requests for Town funding of recycling efforts. It
was reiterated by Board members that two companies currently provided recycling
services in town for a fee, and recycling should be addressed by private industry. The
Board consensus was to have a Resolution prepared for the Board to consider at the
September 28, 2010 Board meeting.
PROBLEM STATEMENT REVIEW.
Director Joseph stated the problem statement process has been appreciated by the
Planning Commission. The process could be refined by addressing who can initiate the
Town Board Study Session – September 14, 2010 – Page 2
process and how the issue flows between the Town Board and the Planning
Commission.
Board comments are summarized: the process has helped to focus the issue and
enhance the communication between the Board and the Commission; a problem
statement should have the consensus of the group and not come from one member of
the Board or Commission; staff should also initiate a problem statement; a joint meeting
of the Board and Commission should be held if complex issues arise; and a problem
statements should be reviewed by staff prior to moving an item forward to the Board for
consideration to ensure there is merit.
NEXT STUDY SESSION.
Town Administrator Halburnt stated the analysis of medical benefits may not be ready
for the next meeting; however, SOPA would like to update the Board on this season’s
fundraising efforts and present a draft business plan. Additional items that could be
discussed at the next session include a quarterly financial report and committee
structure.
Trustee Miller requested the October 12th session include a presentation by the Historic
Preservation Committee of a draft ordinance.
Trustee Blackhurst questioned the need to discuss a community garden. Mayor
Pinkham stated he received a request from members of the community that should be
reviewed by the Board.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk