HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2016-09-27
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado September 27, 2016
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
Board Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 27th day of September,
2016.
Board: Mayor Jirsa, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig, Trustees Holcomb,
Martchink, Nelson, Norris and Walker
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Assistant Town Administrator
Machalek, Town Attorney White, and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ANNEXATION PHILOSOPHY AND POLICY.
The Town does not have a formal policy or position on annexing property. A number of
communities have adopted a formal policy outlining the elected officials’ philosophy on
annexations. In developing a policy, the Town Board should consider the cost of
providing service to the annexed area, address enclaves, require annexations as a
condition of development approval, require annexed areas to meet Town infrastructure
standards, and residential properties cost the Town whereas commercial properties pay
for themselves and bring in sales tax revenue to the Town. Properties surrounded by
the Town are considered enclaves and can be annexed without the property owner’s
consent after three years. Annexed properties benefit from Town services, including
local law enforcement, 60% reduction in water rates, other services such as
snowplowing, and become eligible to vote in local municipal elections.
Attorney White confirmed a formal policy would provide staff with direction when
discussing potential development or redevelopment of properties. Annexation
agreements can be negotiated with property owners and developers to address Town
concerns and provide advantages for the owner. A number of communities require
annexation in order to obtain municipal utilities.
Board discussion followed and the consensus was to develop an annexation policy
addressing the issues outlined by staff. Staff would prepare a draft policy for review by
the Town Board within the next two months.
2017 STRATEGIC PLAN AND MAP.
Administrator Lancaster presented the draft 2017 Strategic Plan for the Board’s review
and comment prior to formal adoption. The following were requested changes:
Key Outcome Area – Public Safety, Health and Environment, the objective
related to restoring streams damaged during the 2013 flood would be moved to a
5-7-year goal.
Key Outcome Area – Town Financial Health, the redundant statement related to
adequate fund balance would be removed. Add the development of an
annexation policy under objectives as well as other revenue enhancement
options.
Key Outcome Area – Infrastructure, remove redundant statement regarding
repairs to Fish Creek trail.
Key Outcome Area – Robust Economy, revise the broadband statement to
complete engineering design.
Town Board Study Session – September 27, 2016 – Page 2
TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS.
Trustee Norris stated Paul Brown has provided information on tiny houses that the
community of Walsenburg, CO has developed for seasonal housing.
Trustee Nelson commented on the role of the Town Board liaisons to other Boards and
Committees, stating the Town Board members are not members and should not
participate in the groups meetings or influence their decisions. He further commented it
would not be proper for the liaison to be included on the agenda for the Board or
Committee. Attorney White stated concern has been raised in the past that liaisons
have been active members of the Boards or Committees. The liaison should be present
to observe, answer questions if asked, and be the communication link between the
group and the Town Board.
Administrator Lancaster requested direction from the Board on a response to the
Mountain Pack to fund fire suppression. The Board consensus was not to support the
request. A citizen has requested the Board consider the adoption of an Ordinance to
address idling cars. After Board discussion the consensus was not to move the item
forward.
Town staff has discussed the need to limit shuttle services to within town limits, and
those wanting the services in the county could pay a fee for the service based on a fee
per rider. After further discussion, it was determined to maintain the current shuttle
service for 2017 and follow up with discussions with the EDC, EVPC, LMD and the
Shuttle Committee to discuss the topic further.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS.
None.
There being no further business, Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk