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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2011-09-27 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 27, 2011 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 27th day of September, 2011. Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Levine, Trustees Blackhurst, Elrod, Ericson, Koenig and Miller Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Directors Bergsten, Chilcott, Kilsdonk, McFarland and Zurn, Manager Winslow and Town Clerk Williamson Absent: None Mayor Pro Tem Levine called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. CAPITAL ASSET PRIORITIZATION / OTHER BUDGET ITEMS The Trustees ranked 15 items as related to the 2011 guiding principles, budget/legal requirements, needs expressed by the citizens, maintain/improve access to Town government, significant one-time investment with a benefit to accrue over many years, and project year. The following are the projects ranked by percentage: Stall Barns – 85%, Bond Park Phase II – 81%, Moraine Avenue Streetscape – 80%, Remodel Barn W – 71%, Multipurpose Event Center – 68%, Performing Art Center site preparation – 64%, Public Restroom Transportation Hub – 59%, Museum Storage Facility – 50%, Elkhorn Project Inc. infrastructure – 50%, Fish Hatchery property affordable housing – 49%, Parking Structure – 49%, Indoor Arena – 47%, Police department lobby remodel – 40%, Elkhorn Project Inc. loan – 34%, and CVB 2nd floor finish – 8%. Stall Barns Discussion was heard on what could be done before the season started; whether or not the project could be phased and if using metal buildings would allow for flexibility in future additions; Trustee Miller stated a stall building could be built for $6,000 - $8,000 a stall and would recommend portable stalls; questioned what the original Fairgrounds Master Plan shows for stall barns and requested staff review and provided additional information to the Board; making some improvements would make a good impression on the users of the property and demonstrate positive progress in improving the stall situation; location of the new stalls are also subject to the location of the performing arts theater; and discussion was heard on the issue of bonding for improvements at the fairgrounds. The consensus of the Board was to have staff review the Master Plan and investigate further the options and cost for replacing 100 stalls in 2012. Bond Park Phase II Trustee Elrod questioned if Phase II was the phase outlined in the Bond Park Master Plan or just the next phase of the project. Staff would be holding meetings with a stakeholder group to begin discussion of Phase II outlined in the Master Plan and what it would contain, i.e. the water feature. The recommendation of the stakeholder group would be brought forward for the Board to review. Moraine Avenue Streetscape The $50,000 in proposed funding would be for landscaping across from the Moraine restrooms. Board consensus was to investigate the potential of using large flower pots Town Board Study Session – September 27, 2011 – Page 2 in the area rather than spending funds to improve private property. Discussion also followed on the need to include funding for the pedestrian light at Wiest. Trustee Blackhurst commented the Town should not install a pedestrian light because a permanent easement through the Park Theater Mall property is not in place to complete the riverwalk. Remodel Barn “W” The Board questioned if the repairs to the barn where a safety issue. Staff stated the building has significant issues related to leaks that have caused insurance claims. The estimated cost to reroof the structure is approximately $50,000 - $70,000. The more significant issue is whether or not the building is in the right location per the Fairgrounds Master Plan. The Board discussed whether or not the barn should be replaced and potentially added to a bond issue for the fairground improvements. Multi Purpose Event Center Additional discussion was heard on the feasibility of bonding for the improvements on the fairground property. Trustee Blackhurst stated the public has continued to ask for an indoor facility since the 1970s. Performing Arts Center Site Preparation The Board consensus was to continue setting money aside for the potential site improvements. Public Restroom at Transportation Hub Staff suggested signage be placed to direct users of the hub to the restrooms at the grandstand and confirmed the restrooms would be available during ticketed events. The Multi Purpose Event Center, if built in the proposed location, could provide restrooms in the future. Museum Storage Facility The current facility located on Elm Road at the old Light and Power shop contains venting for methane gas due to the landfill below and has no environmental controls. Trustee Elrod stated the Town has a fiduciary responsibility to protect Town assets such as the museum’s collection. Director Kilsdonk commented the Friends of the Museum have begun a campaign to raise funds for this capital project and staff would like to work on funding the project through private and grant funding. The Board agreed to earmark $250,000 a year from the Community Reinvestment Fund through 2017 with the new facility built for the Town’s centennial in 2017. Elkhorn Project Infrastructure The Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Elkhorn Project Inc. stated a $1 million aggregate cap on infrastructure improvements would be considered if the RTA application is approved. The infrastructure improvements would be completed in 2012. Fish Hatchery Housing Project Trustee Blackhurst stated the Housing Authority would likely complete a needs assessment in the spring of 2012; however, he does not see a demand for low income housing at this time. He commented the community has begun to lose citizens due to decreased funding for Section 8 vouchers which has lead to an increase in rents. Trustee Elrod questioned if there might not be other economic development opportunities for the property because low income housing does not appear to be the highest or best use for the property. Parking Structure The proposed funding would be the 20% matching funds if the Town were to receive a grant for a parking structure. Director Zurn stated the grant has not been awarded; however, the Town’s project remains number two in the state. Town Administrator Halburnt stated the project is opportunity-based and would not be considered without Town Board Study Session – September 27, 2011 – Page 3 the grant funding. Staff suggested the item be broken out from the Capital Asset Management Plan and moved to a grant-based line item. Fairgrounds Indoor Arena The Board requested the item remain on the list and be consider during a complete evaluation of the Fairground’s Master Plan. PD remodel Trustee Blackhurst stated an item such as staff safety should be completed. The Board consensus was to add the item to the 2012 budget. Elkhorn Project Loan The Board requested the item be removed from the list. CVB Remodel 2nd Floor The Board consensus was to remove the item from 2012 and consider the item in the future to address visitor issues such as expanding the restroom facilities and increasing the lobby area. VISION/MISSION/GOALS The Board discussed potential changes to the Vision, Mission and Goals for 2012. Trustee Elrod suggested changing resort community to mountain community, and questioned what Estes Park really wants to be. Discussion followed and the Board reached consensus that Estes Park wants to strive to be a resort community, and therefore, the Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles should remain unchanged in 2012. Vision - The Town of Estes Park will enhance our position as a premier mountain resort community. Mission - The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to provide high-quality, reliable services for the benefit of our citizens, visitors, and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting. Guiding Principles - The Town of Estes Park strives to maintain a balanced approach while we: A. Maintain and strengthen our economic vitality B. Provide services which are responsive, sensitive, and reliable C. Preserve our unique character and history D. Sustain a family-friendly community for our citizens and visitors E. Consider the impact of our actions on the environment F. Support diverse, affordable housing G. Enhance recreational and cultural opportunities H. Employ and maintain a professional, innovative, and productive team 2012 GOALS Develop Economic Strategy - Engage the community in an economic development visioning process - Evaluate economic development and grant opportunities - Participate in county, regional and state economic planning Improve Transportation - Enhance Visitor Experience o Evaluate/Improve Public Transportation Services o Encourage use of the transportation hub and measure effectiveness - Reduce Congestion o Continue to partner with CDOT and RMNP to seek solutions Sustain Infrastructure Town Board Study Session – September 27, 2011 – Page 4 - Implement Comprehensive Street Maintenance / Replacement Program o Explore internal and external funding options o Recommend street maintenance /replacement plans for 2013 budget - Recommend Utility maintenance / replacement plan for 2013. Stanley Park Redevelopment - Develop long-term alternatives for financing the completion of the Stanley Park Master Plan - Begin construct of replacement horse stalls - Resolve SOPA feasibility at Fairgrounds and FOSH funding by May 2012 Bond Park Redevelopment - Complete the first stage of development - Develop scope and implement the second stage of development The Board noted the goals were not in order of priority. Other goal items were discussed such as public safety and employee retention. Town Administrator Halburnt suggested retaining employees should be reviewed in general and include salaries, benefits, etc. Trustee Koenig stated support for a pay increase in 2012 for employees. SHUTTLE SERVICE Director Kilsdonk stated there has been significant feedback from organizations and individuals on the shuttle schedule and routes. Staff has reviewed the input and provided analyses of 2012 requests from EALA/LMD, Transportation Visioning Committee and a less detailed analysis of requests made by the Estes Park Business Association. The requests reviewed ranged from an increase in the number of service hours from 2992 to 4628 by starting the shuttles one hour earlier and extending them one hour later at night, an extension of services days, updating the shuttle maps to not only color code but include dash or dotted lines, additional shuttle routes including the use of a tram/trolley downtown, additional signage, vehicle wraps, audio information, benches, restroom at the transportation hub, bicycle racks for shuttles, ads on shuttles and an early morning start at the YMCA. The costs for increased shuttle operations and/or additional vehicles range from $43,296 - $53,201. With an increase in service hours comes a direct affect on other expenses such as an increase to the public restroom cleaning contract of approximately $7,100. Trustee Blackhurst stated other entities such as EALA requesting the extension of service should help fund the increased cost of service. The schedules should be set by transportation professionals and not individuals or other entities. Trustee Koenig stated EALA has funded the service through promoting and advertising the shuttle service and has increased the ridership as promised in 2011. Trustee Miller would support starting the shuttles an hour earlier to allow individuals working downtown to ride the shuttle to work thereby freeing up parking downtown. He requested staff review the ideas presented to determine which items should be implemented to realize an efficient and effective shuttle system. Trustee Koenig stated support for increasing the service hours and would support $50,000 for the extended operations of the shuttle system in 2012. The Board consensus was to transfer $750,000 to Community Reinvestment Fund and $50,000 to the Transportation budget in 2012. MEDIUM SIZE RODEO The Rooftop Rodeo has been classified as a small rodeo in the past; however, in 2011 the purse size was increased for team roping, a two member team, to provide $3,000 per contestant. This one item moved the rodeo into the medium-sized category for which there are 131 PRCA rodeos with a purse size ranging from $3,001 - $9,999 per event. PRCA has recommended and may become a rule of PRCA to pay the individual contestants the same purse in the future. The ramifications of a medium rodeo Town Board Study Session – September 27, 2011 – Page 5 classification include the following: a purse equal to or greater than 17% of sales (2011 sales $135,000 with a purse of $23,600 meeting the requirement); increase financial commitment by the Town for an increased purse and stock fees; and a mid-sized category would offer additional revenue potential from ticket sales and additional sponsorships. The rodeo committee has proposed an increase in purse size to $32,000 ($4,000 per contestant). The Town’s current stock contract includes an annual increase; however, staff is recommending an $8,000 increase to cover the cost of additional stock for the anticipated increase in cowboy participation in the rodeo. The mid-size classification should bring higher quality and better-know contestants, increased attendance, increased visibility and more sponsorship funding. Board discussion followed: questioned if the Town needs to do more because the rodeo has already made it within the top five of the medium category; discussed the need to stay within the category; questioned if the rodeo committee plans to do anything to offset the increased purse required to maintain the medium-size category; asked what the long term implications would be to remaining a medium category, i.e. increased costs year-over-year; and the Board requested the item be discussed further during the budget process. SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE ON BALLOT ISSUE Linda Chapman/Superintendent and school staff reviewed the School District’s November ballot Issue 3B that would raise $750,000/year and would sunset in three years. The Park R-3 school district has received decreasing state funding over the past several years and as of 2009 funding was $1,809 less than the national average per student. Without the funding from 3B the district would need to begin cutting programs. The District maintains a strong school system, helps to attract individuals to the community, and is essential for sustainability. The annual increase would be approximately $44/annually for a home valued at $335,000. There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk