HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2010-03-23
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 23, 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 23rd day of
March, 2010.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Trustees Blackhurst, Eisenlauer, Ericson,
Homier, Levine and Miller
Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator
Richardson, Town Attorney White, Finance Officer
McFarland, Town Clerk Williamson,
Absent: None
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
PARK THEATRE MALL SALES TAX REBATE REQUEST.
Administrator Halburnt stated other municipalities have used sales tax rebates for
private developments that have completed public infrastructure improvements, and
have not used rebates for disaster relief. Attorney White restated that rebates have
been used for annexation or development agreements. The recent disaster in Windsor
resulted in damage to many businesses, and Windsor did not use sales tax rebates as a
result of the natural disaster. He stated a policy should be developed if the Board
decides to rebate sales tax for the affected businesses.
Paul Fishman/Park Theater Mall representative stated the businesses located in the
mall were existing businesses that made an initial investment in Estes Park. A rebate
on sales tax would allow these businesses to reopen and continue to increase sales tax
collection in the future for the Town as well as create employment opportunities. The
businesses are requesting the Town reinvest in businesses that exist in the community.
Board discussion followed and is summarized: sales tax collection is not a burden to
businesses; sales tax does not belong to the businesses; sales tax rebates are used to
attract new businesses to a community; rebates don’t work; a rebate would set a
precedent; other businesses have suffered disasters; government represents all sectors
of the community and should invest in the community not one sector; and other
businesses have suffered due to the economy.
A general discussion continued with regard to the development of a disaster plan as it
relates to local businesses and the role of local government. The Mayor stated the
Board should continue the discussion after the new Board is seated in April.
Mayor Pinkham called a break at 5:10 p.m. and resumed at 5:30 p.m.
COMMITTEE SYSTEM DISCUSSION.
Administrator Halburnt reviewed the current Committee system consisting of four
standing committees that meet once a month. She proposed combining the committees
(Community Development/Public Safety and Public Works/Utilities) to streamline the
system.
Trustee Blackhurst stated concern with creating longer meetings and would not be in
favor of combining the committees.
Trustee Ericson and Miller recommended the Board consider a Finance Committee.
The new committee would review financial statement processes, comment on the
budget process and review other financial issues. Trustee Ericson commented on the
Town Board Study Session – March 23, 2010 – Page 2
need to know where Town sales tax collection year-to-date is in relation to spending
and the 30% fund balance on an ongoing basis. Discussion followed by the Board on
the need to understand the role of the proposed Finance Committee before moving
forward. Mayor Pro Tem Levine suggested quarterly study sessions be held in lieu of a
new Committee to review financial document in more detail. Trustee Homeier
suggested the Audit Committee fill the role of the proposed Finance Committee and
address items such as approvals on items to be cut from the current year’s budget.
After further discussion, the Board reached consensus on combining Public Works,
Utilities and Public Safety as one Committee and Community Development/Community
Services as the second Committee for a 6 month trial period starting in May.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE FORMATION.
Administrator Halburnt stated members of the Board have requested the formation of a
Transportation Committee to review and discuss issues, concerns and funding for
transportation/transit in Estes Park. The Board discussed and reviewed with Director
Zurn the current transportation studies that have been completed and the NEPA study
that would be completed in the next 18 months providing preferred processes and
recommendations on transit to reduce congestion. The Comprehensive Review
Committee plans to make recommendations on a new action plan for ongoing items
such as transportation. The Board recommends the formation of a Transportation
Committee to consist of Administrator Halburnt, Director Zurn, Frank Theis and 2
Trustees to be named after the election in April.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Trustee Miller requested communications be added to a future study session to discuss
a proactive communication policy. He also provided an update on the current marketing
efforts of the Local Marketing District/Destination Marketing Organization.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk