HomeMy WebLinkAboutTBSS 06-13-17
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado June 13, 2017
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 13th day of June, 2017.
Board: Mayor Jirsa, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig, Trustees Holcomb,
Martchink, Nelson, Norris and Walker
Attending: All
Also Attending: Assistant Town Administrator Machalek, Town Attorney
White, Manager Wells, and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: Town Administrator Lancaster
Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
KEY OUTCOME DISCUSSION – GOVERNMENTAL SERVICE & INTERNAL
SUPPORT. The Board discussed the value of the biennial citizen survey and if the
survey results are utilized by the staff. The survey has been used by staff to identify
areas that need to be addressed, such as economic development, and provides staff
with a mechanism to evaluate Town programs and services.
Ongoing discussion with intergovernmental districts and agencies has been beneficial in
addressing responsibilities of each entity. Staff continues to develop these
relationships.
The Board discussed the statement “…adequate funding for staffing needed…”. Staff
tends to be reluctant to bring forward requests for additional staff to complete the
current level of services. Mayor Jirsa stated the Board needs to address an overall
philosophy on the financing of projects, such as stormwater master plan, a new Urban
Renewal Authority, downtown vision, broadband, flood mitigation, road repairs and
workforce housing to name a few. Staff stated a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has
been developed by staff and would be presented at the upcoming Strategic Plan
meeting in July. Board comments followed on the need to develop criteria to assess
priorities; a discussion on all financing options available to the Board; and the possibility
of including an ongoing list of projects in the Town’s Strategic Plan or an appendix to
the plan.
Mayor Jirsa stated the Board should discuss the philosophy on supporting causes and
how involved the Town should be in issues that do not directly impact the Town. The
Board suggested a policy be developed to outline the Town would support issues that
directly impact the local government.
DISCUSSION OF RURAL TRANIST AUTHORITY (RTA)
Manager Wells provided an overview of the formation of an RTA to provide year-round
transit service within the Estes Valley and connect the transportation system to
neighboring communities, such as RTD in Lyons and COLT in Loveland. The Town
could obtain funding through Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) 5311 grants for up
to 50% for new service and match the other 50% through sales tax, guest related
revenues, passenger fares, other grant funding, sponsorship program or donations.
The Town would be required to provide ADA services to the same service area with the
same operating hours as the fixed routes if awarded the FTA grant funds. The grant
would require the Town to offer a minimum of three days per week service year-round.
Establishment of an RTA would require the support of the Town Board, Larimer County
Town Board Study Session – June 13, 2017 – Page 2
Commissioners, and individuals living within the boundaries of the RTA. The state
statutes allow for the formation of an RTA similar to a Special District through a vote at
a general or coordinated election in November. The Town’s year-round transit survey
conducted in 2016 yielded a positive result for the inclusion of year-round transportation
within the Estes valley. The adoption of an RTA could eventually reduce the Town’s
transit expenses, if not eliminate them from the budget. The service could provide
access to Estes Park for employees living in the Front Range communities, reducing
their commuting expenses.
Board discussion followed on the need to provide service to the Fish Hatchery property
if workforce housing would be developed in the future; the Board needs to understand
the pros and cons the other RTAs have experienced; corporate funding and support
from the local business community would be needed; and the demand needs to be
determined and what riders would be willing to pay for the service. The Board
consensus was to complete a large-scale survey to identify the market, gather
additional information from other communities, survey larger employers to determine
interest and willingness to contribute, and add the item to the strategic planning
discussion in July.
TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
Trustee Martchink stated concern with the collection of sales tax by vendors at special
events in town. Assistant Town Administrator Machalek commented staff held a
meeting to discuss how to address the issue and the need to develop a policy.
The Town has been contacted by an immigration group that would like to have a
discussion with a couple of the Board members, Chief Kufeld and Administrator
Lancaster. After further discussion, the Board agreed the Mayor would represent the
Board at the meeting.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
The Board discussed the option to provide vacation home registrations for vacant land.
Director Hunt stated the Development Code would have to be amended to allow a
provisional registration to be issued. Other items that would need to be addressed
would include the need for future inspection and consideration of a time limit. The
Board consensus was not to address the issue further as it was not a priority at this
time.
The Board discussed the need to update the Development Code and the Building Code
to facilitate redevelopment, and to allow building inspections by a third party. Director
Hunt stated there are models developed for third party building inspections and
redevelopment, and suggested he bring examples forward for the Board’s review.
Board comments included the need to establish best practices from other communities
on redevelopment issues; suggested a separate redevelopment code be developed as
the current code addresses new development; and concerned with third party
inspections and the need to ensure Community Development funding remains
sustainable.
There being no further business, Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk