HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2014-07-08
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado July 8, 2014
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 the
Rooms 202/203 in said Town of Estes Park on the 8th day of July, 2014.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig, Trustees Ericson,
Holcomb, Nelson, Norris and Phipps
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Finance Officer McFarland
and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: Town Attorney White
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS & QUESTIONS.
Trustee Nelson provided the Board with an update on the Open Lands Advisory Board
discussion on the open space sales tax scenarios, including current distribution
Scenario 1 - 58% / 42% cities versus county, Scenario 2 - 50% / 50%, or Scenario 3 –
42% / 52%. The preferred funding scenario is option 2 which would provide additional
funds for the county to manage the current open lands. The decrease in city funding
has not been supported by the larger municipalities which would see a larger decrease
in funding. The composition of the Open Lands Advisory Board would be modified to
create a balance in representation by geography, population and sales tax generation.
Trustee Phipps questioned when the alternate parking garage drawings would be
available for review. Administrator Lancaster stated the alternate drawings would be
available later in the week and would be forward for review and discussion at the next
Board study session.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS.
Trustee Phipps requested staff prepare a draft public forum policy for Board discussion
at an upcoming study session.
A Board discussion was heard on the issue of housing and the consensus was to move
forward in a parallel effort with the formation of an advisory committee, a summit
meeting/conference with other CAST communities and staff preparation of a white
paper. A future study session would be held to define the advisory committees’ role,
charter, composition and appointment. Staff would contact CAST to discuss interest in
conducting a meeting to discuss housing issues.
RTA APPLICATION.
Tom Dority/EPIC Board member reviewed the RTA grant application process, and
stated the State Economic Development Council would approve two applications for
2014 for unique projects which would contribute significantly to economic development
and tourism, substantially increase the out-of-state tourism, and would not be expected
to be built without the state tax share. The Town would be the applicant and the
deadline to apply has tentatively been set for December 2014 with an award in June
2015. He stated the proposed project package would include the EPMC Wellness
Center, EPIC Performing Arts Center, post office parking structure, Conference Center,
and a Stanley Steamer automobile center for a total package of approximately $52.5
million. RTA grants have been awarded in the past to larger communities and it is
thought that a smaller resort community would have a good chance at an award in
Town Board Study Session – July 8, 2014 – Page 2
2014. In addition, the package demonstrates the unified, collaborative efforts of the
community to recover from the flooding of 2013 and build a strong year-round economy.
In order to produce a successful application a consultant would be hired at an
approximate cost of $125,000. It was suggested the FOSH funds be used to cover the
cost of preparing the application.
Board discussion was heard and summarized: successful applications have had a
narrow focus and have been given consideration over applications that contained a
number of small projects; concerned the projects would not create substantial increase
in out-of-state tourism; concerned with the limited time to find an appropriate consultant
to prepare a complete and competitive application; and questioned if complete plans for
the proposed projects need to be submitted and if an architect would need to be hired,
increasing the cost of the application.
Mr. Dority stated a consultant has not been identified; however, the committee would
reach out to other successful applicants to identify the consultants used. The projects
identified would need to have renderings and drawing for the application.
The Board requested the committee meet with the Office of Economic Development and
International Trade to discuss the proposed application and determine the level of
support and report back to the Town Board. Administrator Lancaster stated if the Board
agrees to move forward with the application, the 2014 budget would be amended to
authorize the expenditure of the FOSH funds.
USE OF PROJECT CONTINGENCIES.
Administrator Lancaster continued the discussion from the previous study session
stating that any major/substantial changes to the scope of a project would come forward
to the Board for approval. Minor changes to a project would be addressed by the project
manager utilizing the contingencies funds approved with the original contract. Any
contingency funds approved for a project and not used would be returned to fund
balance. After further discussion the Board agreed with the definition and use of
contingency funds.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk