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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2010-05-11 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 11, 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 11th day of May, 2010. Board: Mayor Pinkham, Trustees Blackhurst, Elrod, Ericson, Koenig, Levine and Miller Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Town Attorney White, Director Kilsdonk, Manager Fortini, Town Clerk Williamson, Absent: None Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. PUBLIC INFORMATION. Public Information Officer (PIO) Rusch reviewed her role in developing and coordinating efficient and effective public relations, public information, media and communication programs, both internally and externally for the Town. The position reports directly to the Town Administrator to assist the Town Board in relaying messages to the public through news releases, local and regional media, Town website, formal public meetings, informal public meetings, direct mail (utility bill messages and Town Bugle), email, publications, presentations, outreach programs, Channel 12, signage, advertising, surveys, interagency partnerships, special events, weekly employee advisories, regular employee meetings, and casual interaction with the public. PIO Rusch reviewed recommendations for media and public contact. Public inquires should be forwarded to the PIO and the Town Administrator in an effort to make staff fully aware of public concerns and provide follow up on requests promptly. The Mayor is the spokesperson for the Town Board. She stated reactive communications may adversely affect the Town; however, serious mistakes would be addressed. Discussion was heard amongst the Board on how to respond to comment made in the media or comments directed at the Board. Administrator Halburnt stated proactive communication would be a topic at the next study session when appropriate. HISTORIC PRESERVATION. Jim Pickering/Historian Laureate provided a brief statement on historic preservation and the importance of preserving history and heritage. He stated Estes Park needs a renewed sense of civic ownership in the post EPURA era. A historic preservation ordinance is a logical and necessary extension of the Town Board mission and vision statements and goals. Mr. Pickering reviewed the Q&A document prepared for the meeting answer questions regarding cost, affect on property taxes, etc. He stated a historic preservation ordinance would be entirely consensual and would not impinge on the rights of private property owners. The ordinance would allow property owners to apply for funding to improve the property and create a new level of awareness. Museum Manager Fortini presented a presentation; reviewed definitions of Local Preservation Ordinance (LPO), Certified Local Government (CLG), Historic Preservation District, National Register of Historic Places; State Register of Historic Properties; Larimer County does not have a local preservation ordinance and is not a CLG; minimum requirements for LPO; requirement of a CLG Preservation Commission, responsibilities of a Historic Preservation Commission; benefits of LPO; reviewed the cautions of adopting a LPO; and reviewed the achievements of the Town to preserve history and heritage without becoming a CLG. Mgr. Fortini reviewed the tax credits Town Board Study Session – May 11, 2010 – Page 2 available to property owners that range from 30 - 50% depending on whether or not the property is listed on the National Register. Federal tax credits apply only to income- producing properties, whereas State tax credits include residential properties. Staff would recommend the following steps if the Board consensus is to move forward: a downtown historical/architectural survey, a downtown business owner survey, and/or presentation by staff from the State and other communities. The downtown property survey would identify what resources exist, why they are important and what treatments are recommended. The survey would cost approximately $37,500; however, the survey is not required. Board comments are summarized: Trustee Koenig voiced concern the commission could identify a property as historic, thereby limiting the property owner’s rights and the cost related to future remodels of historic properties. Trustee Blackhurst questioned if the community was interested in a historic preservation ordinance because he does not see an overwhelming demand. Trustee Miller stated the ordinance would provide property owners the opportunity to improve their properties. Trustee Koenig stated a survey should be conduct to see if the public would support a historic preservation ordinance. Trustee Elrod questioned the value of a survey without the public clearly understanding the issue. The Board agreed to bring the issue back for further discussion. SUPPORTER OF THE PERFORMING ARTS UPDATE. SOPA representatives Stan Black, Gail Upp, Bob Gunn and Chris Wood were present to provide the Board a status of the current fundraising for the theater. Mr. Gunn provided a financial update stating they have 504 donors and have $2.2 million in cash, pledges, FOSH funds and Town commitment for infrastructure improvements. He also pointed out arts and culture tourists tend to spend more by extending their stays. This reinforces the fact that the performing art theater would be an economic engine for the community. A point was made that most large tourist communities in Colorado have a theater. The CAP grant expired; however, they still have an interest in supporting SOPA in the future once fundraising has reached 60% or more. SOPA has planned many fundraising events this summer at Performance Park and will also conduct a survey during the events to determine the community’s interest. Board comments are summarized: suggested the survey be expanded to include other guests and citizen that may not attend the performances, i.e. Survey Monkey; questioned how the facility would benefit the local groups; discussed concerns on how long it could take to reach the necessary funding; inquired as to whether or not the SOPA Board has considered hiring a professional fundraising firm; and questioned if the potential outside users have been contacted to provide funding. Mr. Gunn stated the performa for the theater concentrates on the larger out of town performers because they can charge more for tickets to help offset the operating cost of the theater. The local groups would still have use of the theater. SOPA has been focusing on bringing high quality entertainment to the Town. He also stated the group has tried to hire a professional fundraising firm; however, the costs have been prohibitive and the firms would not actually raise the funds. Trustee Koenig suggested SOPA contact the hospital Board to discuss their recent fundraising campaign. The two Boards agreed to meet again after the summer in September or October to discuss progress. There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m. Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk