HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2011-12-13
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, December 13, 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 13th day of
December, 2011.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Levine, Trustees
Blackhurst, Elrod, Ericson, Koenig and Miller
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Attorney White and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator
Richardson
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Gary Suiter/The Mercer Group was present to receive input from the Board on the
process including the established timeline, discuss expectations for public and staff
involvement, and discuss strengths and challenges for the town. Concern was raised
with the proposed timeline having the Board consider adoption of an employment
contract after the April 3rd Municipal election. Clerk Williamson clarified the new Board
would not be seated until the second meeting in April, thereby allowing sufficient time
for the current Board to finalize an employment contract. Further discussion ensued on
the need to take action prior to the election, and the consensus of the Board was to
proceed with the current timeline in an effort to select the right candidate. Mr. Suiter
stated the timeline is only a guide for the process and where possible could be
compressed when appropriate.
The Board discussed the need and options for public/staff involvement in the process.
The consensus of the Board was to involve the public during the beginning stages of the
process with a questionnaire available on the Town’s website, newspaper and public
announcements through the Town’s Public Information Office with a comment deadline
of December 28th. Mr. Suiter would receive all comments and compile the information
for the Board’s review. Town staff would have a modified questionnaire available to
provide anonymous comments by December 28th. The department heads would have
individual interviews with Mr. Suiter and would provide input on the questions provided
to the Town Board. The public and staff would also get a chance to meet the
candidates during the final stages of the interview process.
Mr. Suiter led a discussion with the Board on the strengths and challenges of Estes
Park:
Strengths
• Healthy financial reserves, no General Fund debt
• Intellectual capital in the staff and the community (educational level)
• High level of Volunteerism
• Quality of the employees
• #1 mountain resort community in Colorado, 3rd most popular visited location in
the State
• Presence of RMNP – Easy access
• Positive Intergovernmental relationships with other entities. High level of
cooperation with the other entities for support, projects, etc.
Town Board Study Session – December 13, 2011 – Page 2
• High quality of life
• Accessibility (no mountain passes)
• Access to quality health care
• High quality education
• Infrastructure that is capable of handling 50,000 people a day – as well as a
strong public safety Department
• Located conveniently to DIA/Denver/Boulder
• Town is the focal point of the government – sole source of local government and
not competing with others
• Recreational opportunities
• Natural Environment
• Low property taxes
• Cultural arts – art, music, performing arts
• Events/Rodeo
• Quiet time in winter
• Friendly
Challenges
• Seasonal nature of the economy
• "Pay as you go" philosophy for major infrastructure/capital projects/maintenance
– financial limitation
• Inadequate maintenance of infrastructure (roads)
• Changing demographics – retirement, aging population, less than 10 years
residency
• Educated base has high expectation that issues will be addressed immediately –
high expectations for service
• Year-round employment opportunities / not hiring from within the community
• Housing affordability
• Homogenized service/care providers
• Enclosed valley
• Lack of hi-technological opportunities
Strengths of Organization
• High quality staff
• Commitment of the staff to the community
• Customer service
• Little turnover in staff
• Well-equipped
• Well-organized
• Commitment to training, education, growth
• Finance dept. recognition statewide
• Intergovernmental cooperation
• Support of events
• Community reinvestment to improve the quality of life
• Support of non-profits
• Involvement of community with local government
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk