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Home My WebLink AboutPACKET Town Board 2015-06-09The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to provide high‐quality, reliable services for the benefit of our citizens, guests, and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting. The Town of Estes Park will make reasonable accommodations for access to Town services, programs, and activities and special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 577-4777. TDD available. BOARD OF TRUSTEES - TOWN OF ESTES PARK Tuesday, June 9, 2015 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. (Any person desiring to participate, please join the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance). PROCLAMATION: “Bike to Work, Bike to Play Activities June 17-30, 2015.” PUBLIC COMMENT. (Please state your name and address). TOWN BOARD COMMENTS / LIAISON REPORTS. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. 1. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Town Board Minutes dated May 26, 2015 and Town Board Study Session Minutes dated May 26, 2015. 2. Bills. 3. Committee Minutes: A. Community Development & Community Services Committee, May 28, 2015 cancelled. 4. Estes Park Board of Appeals Minutes dated May 7, 2015 (acknowledgement only). 5. Estes Valley Board of Adjustment Minutes dated April 7, 2015 (acknowledgement only). 6. Audit Committee Minutes dated May 21, 2015 (acknowledgement only). 2. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. RMNP UPDATE. Superintendent Baker. Prepared 5/31/15 * NOTE: The Town Board reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared. 3. LIQUOR ITEMS: 1. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP – FROM DEER RIDGE, INC., DBA THE OTHER SIDE RESTAURANT TO TWO 16, INC., DBA THE OTHER SIDE OF ESTES, 900 MORAINE AVENUE, HOTEL & RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE. Town Clerk Williamson. 2. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP – FROM THE VIEW, INC., DBA THE VIEW RESTAURANT TO HIGH COUNTRY CUISINE LLC, DBA THE VIEW, 300 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, HOTEL AND RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE. Town Clerk Williamson. 4. ACTION ITEMS: 1. INVESTMENT POLICY. Finance Officer McFarland. 2. INSURANCE BROKER CONTRACT. Director Williamson. 5. ADJOURN. Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 26, 2015 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 26th day of May 2015. Present: William C. Pinkham, Mayor Wendy Koenig, Mayor Pro Tem Trustees John Ericson Bob Holcomb Ward Nelson Ron Norris John Phipps Also Present: Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator Travis Machalek, Assistant Town Administrator Greg White, Town Attorney Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk Absent: None Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and all desiring to do so, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS. None. TRUSTEE COMMENTS. Trustee Ericson stated the May 28th Community Development/Community Services Committee meeting has been cancelled. The Transportation Advisory Board held their regularly scheduled meeting and received updates on the Dry Gulch project and continued discussions on the master parking plan/policy. Trustee Phipps announced the May 19th Estes Valley Planning Commission meeting was cancelled for May 19th. He and Trustee Nelson presented the Pride Award Scholarship to Melody Tovar for her extraordinary community service and academic achievement. Mayor Pro Tem Koenig stated the Western Heritage Foundation would hold a fund raiser on May 29th at 7:00 p.m. with the Window to the West Art Show gala. The public may attend on Saturday and Sunday to view the art on display. Trustee Norris commented telephone scams are on the rise and to notify the police department with any concerns. Mayor Pinkham stated he had the honor of introducing Tommy Caldwell at the Stanley Hotel. Mr. Caldwell completed the first-ever free climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. None. 1. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Town Board Minutes dated May 12, 2015 and Town Board Study Session Minutes dated May 12, 2015. 2. Bills. Board of Trustees – May 26, 2015 – Page 2 3. Committee Minutes: a. Public Safety, Utilities & Public Works Committee, May 14, 2015 - Cancelled. 4. Transportation Advisory Board Minutes dated April 15, 2015 (acknowledgement only). 5. Parks Advisory Board Minutes dated April 16, 2015 (acknowledgement only). 6. Estes Valley Planning Commission Minutes dated April 21, 2015 (acknowledgement only). It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Norris) to approve the Consent Agenda Items, and it passed unanimously. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS. Items reviewed by Planning Commission or staff for Town Board Final Action. 1. ACTION ITEM: A. AMENDED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT – Lot 7, Marys Lake Subdivision Replat, TBD Kiowa Court; Greg Coffman/Applicant. Planner Kleisler. Item continued by staff to the June 23, 2015 Town Board meeting. B. AMENDED PLAT, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT & REZONING REQUEST  AMENDED PLAT & DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT Portion of Lot 25, Block 10, Town of Estes Park, & portion of Lot 8A of the Amended Plat of a portion of Lots 7, 8, 24, & 25, Block 10, 2nd Amended Plat, Town of Estes Park; 175 Spruce Drive and the adjacent undeveloped land; Silver Moon, LLC/Owner.  ORDINANCE #03-15 Rezone from RM-Multi-Family Residential to CD- Commercial Downtown, Silver Moon, LLC/Owner. Planner Kleisler. Planner Kleisler stated the applicant owns the Silver Moon Inn zoned CD Commercial Downtown and recently purchased the lot to the north, an illegally subdivide lot from the Mountain Gate development zoned RM Multi-Family. The applicant has requested the consolidation of two lots to remove the interior lot line and correct the illegal subdivision of the northern lot; rezone the northern lot to CD; and include a development agreement to restrict the use of the area currently comprised of the northern parcel in lieu of a development plan. This action would require future development on the parcel to be reviewed through the Special Review process. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the application package; however, they further restricted the northern parcel to residential use only and prohibited accessory uses for the hotel such as gazebo, picnic area, etc after hearing testimony from the Mountain Gate HOA. The proposed restriction would create split zoning on the property as it relates to use. Additional development could occur on the northern parcel; however, it would be extremely difficult due to the slope. Tom Hochstetler/Silver Moon Inn owner stated the rezoning would provide the density needed to address flood repairs. The removal of the lot line between the properties would provide the owner additional options to move the property or raise the property to mitigate future flooding. He requested the Board remove the residential restriction from the northern Board of Trustees – May 26, 2015 – Page 3 parcel and allow the property to be zoned commercial. He stated due diligence was not allowed by the Planning Commission during the process. The Special Review restrictions are understood and at this time the owner has not contemplated development on the lot. A conservation easement or fire belt may be created. The main objective of the applicant’s request would be to repair the Inn. Board discussion followed on the potential of developing the northern lot both commercially and residentially, discussed setbacks on the northern lot zoned as CD or RM, the need to include a Special Review for the property, and the need to limit the uses on the property. Dan Herlihey/Town citizen and Mountain Gate HOA President stated the parcel was sold to Silver Moon, LLC by the original developer. The HOA stated concern with the commercial rezoning of the property due to the steep slopes, natural undisturbed vegetation, active wildlife habitat, lack of adequate access, prominent views, and close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Mountain Gate HOA requested non-residential uses be restricted and the restriction placed on the plat to ensure no future commercial development. Renee Krahn/Town citizen stated she purchased the property with the understanding the developer would complete the condominium development and never anticipated commercial development. Fred Renner/ Mountain Gate HOA Vice President commented the HOA’s largest concern would be the unknown commercial development that may be built in the future. Barry Sweets/Town citizen commented when he purchased the land it was residential and there is a nature greenbelt in the area used by the wildlife. He would like to see the area protected. Tom Hochstetler stated the property would not be suitable for residential or commercial development. His objective would be to rezone the property and remove the lot line to improve the Silver Moon Inn. Trustee Norris stated he could not support the motion without the inclusion of a Special Review to provide future boards tools and to allow public comment. He would remove the additional restrict on the northern property recommended by the Planning Commission. It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Nelson) to approve Ordinance #03-15 to rezone the property to CD Commercial Downtown without the Special Review. A substitute motion was offered. Attorney White read the Ordinance. It was moved and seconded (Norris/Phipps) to approve Ordinance #03-15 to rezone the property to CD-Commercial Downtown with Special Review without the Planning Commission’s recommendation to limit the northern lot to residential use only and the Development Agreement, and it passed with Trustee Ericson voting No. Trustee Phipps questioned if the Special Review requirement would apply to the entire parcel with the removal of the lot line or just to the northern portion of the combined lot. Attorney White confirmed it would only apply to the northern lot as outlined in the Development Agreement. It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Norris) to approve the Amended Plat, a Portion of Lot 25, Block 10, Town of Estes Park, & portion of Lot 8A of the Amended Plat of a portion of Lots 7, 8, 24, & 25, Block Board of Trustees – May 26, 2015 – Page 4 10, 2nd Amended Plat, Town of Estes Park; 175 Spruce Drive and the adjacent undeveloped land with the findings and conditions recommended by the Estes Valley Planning Commission, and it passed unanimously. 3. ACTION ITEMS: 1. ORDINANCE #09-15 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE FOR PROSPECT MOUNTAIN RADIO SITE. Attorney White stated the Town entered into a lease agreement in 2010 with Heron LLC to lease property on Prospect Mountain for the installation and operation of communication, transmission and reception systems. In 2014, the Town installed a Highway Advisory Radio System and antenna on the mountain. It was later determined that the facilities were not on the property subject to the lease agreement and certain provisions of the lease were not being performed by the Town. The first amendment to the lease agreement includes the additional property needed for the radio station, updates the listing of communication systems, provides for the payment of past due rentals, and substitutes an annual rental increase in the amount of 3% to replace the CPI increase. Attorney White read the Ordinance. It was moved and seconded (Phipps/Nelson) to approve Ordinance #09-15, and it passed unanimously. 2. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT. Director Williamson stated the Town Board approved a three-year contract with Town Administrator Lancaster in April 2012 that was extended through June 30, 2015 to provide the Board time to complete his annual evaluation and discuss new contract terms. The Board found his performance to be well above average. The proposed four-year contract would expire June 7, 2019 to ensure an off election appointment of a new Town Administrator. The Board recommended a salary of $155,000 and adjustments to the salary per the annual market study for the management pay family. It was moved and seconded (Ericson/Holcomb) to approve the updated Town Administrator job description and new four- year employment contract with Town Administrator Frank Lancaster, and it passed unanimously. 4. REQUEST TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved and seconded (Koenig/Ericson) to approve entering into executive session for a conference with the Town Attorney for the purpose of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions on the Loop under 24-6- 402(4)(b). C.R.S., and it passed unanimously. Whereupon Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. Mayor Pinkham reconvened the meeting to open session at 8:26 p.m. Whereupon Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m. William C. Pinkham, Mayor Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado May 26, 2015 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 26th day of May, 2015. Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig, Trustees Ericson, Holcomb, Nelson, Norris and Phipps Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Assistant Town Administrator Machalek, Town Attorney White and Town Clerk Williamson Absent: None Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. TRUSTEE COMMENTS & QUESTIONS. Trustee Norris commented phone scams are on the increase and the community should be aware; stated concern an incident between a guest and the individual wearing a sign against the police may be imminent; CDOT estimates repairs to Hwy 34 to take 2 years to complete and cost an estimated $50 to $100 million if the road is relocated way from the river; and the Bear Education Task Force would request the Town consider the changes to the Wildlife ordinance and the Vacation Home ordinance be consistent with each other in addressing wildlife and trash issues. Trustee Holcomb requested additional handicap parking be added in front of the Municipal building and Bond Park. Mayor Pro Tem Koenig stated the timeframes proposed in the new Wildlife ordinance for trash bins to be brought in are not reasonable given the hours individuals work, especially in the summer season. She would suggest the Bear Education Task Force revisit the timeframes and make them reasonable to meet the needs of the citizens. Trustee Ericson commented the discussion of Dry Gulch at the last study session required additional time to discuss and the financial information on the project should have come from the Finance Officer. Mayor Pinkham complimented CDOT on the recent meeting to discuss the repairs to Hwy 34. CDOT would refine the reconstruction plans to address sharp curves, raise the roadway away from the river and consider animal issues. The construction is estimated to begin December 2015. The repairs are to address current road issues and to prevent future flooding concerns. He stated Hwy 43 through Glen Haven was hit hard this weekend with the heavy rain and was washed out. PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC FORUMS Director Muhonen requested public forums for the following:  Dry Gulch Road Construction – June 3rd, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan.  Transit Hub Parking Garage – June 10th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum.  Scott Pond Restoration – July 7th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum. The Board agreed to the proposed public forums. Town Board Study Session – May 26, 2015 – Page 2 FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS. Updates on the following items were provided:  The Truancy ordinance would remain unscheduled until staff receives additional information from the School District.  The Wildlife ordinance would be drafted for Leadership to review. An update on the status of the ordinance would be held at the June 9th study session.  The Local Preference Purchasing policy would be presented by Finance Officer McFarland with the review of the other finance policies. Item for consideration included an update from CDOT on the major road repair projects on Hwy 34 and Hwy 7. After discussion the Board consensus was to have CDOT provide staff with updates and present information to the Board. A meeting can be scheduled at a later date at the Board’s request. Trustee Holcomb questioned how funds approved for the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District fundraising efforts for the Community Center are being used. The District has announced they would go to the voters in November for a mil levy increase. Administrator Lancaster would contact the District to understand their intent for the funds approved by the Town Board for fundraising. Trustee Ericson requested the draft NEPA report be presented to the Town Board prior to releasing it to the public. He requested it be added to the unscheduled items. Mayor Pro Tem Koenig stated concern the study sessions are not being utilized to educate the Board on items and are becoming meetings to discuss items before the Town Board meetings. She stated these discussions should take place in the Board meeting. VACATION RENTAL HOME PROJECT AND OBJECTIVES. Planner Kleisler provided the Board with an updated on the recent public forum to discuss vacation rentals within the Estes valley and potential issues, including occupancy limits, vehicles and parking, fire prevention, number of parties, workforce housing, highway development, fees, licensing, and property management. The May 14th meeting was well attended with 86 attendees with 41% owning vacation homes. A webpage has been developed and documents would be added to the site as the process of developing new regulatorty code language progresses. The webpage would also include a survey to gain additional public input on issues. Staff would continue to update the Town Board and County Commissioner of the progress and anticipates bringing proposed code amendments in October. Board comments have been summarized: need a balance between residential neighborhoods and vacation rentals; be mindful of how new regulations may affect workforce housing; questioned if vacation rentals increase long term rental rates; would new regulations help to maintain Estes Park as a community or just a resort; should future vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods be subject to a special review; new regulations need to be fair and enforceable; the Town should not regulate individual property rights or require renting of units as workforce housing; and vacation rentals are a business competing with commercial accommodations. The Board consensus was to hold a joint meeting with the Town Board, County Commissioners and the Estes Valley Planning Commission when the project reaches 75% complete to review the proposed recommendations. FEMA COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM. Planner Kurtz provided an overview of the Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary incetive program that recognizes communites for implementing floodplain management practices that exceed the Federal minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide protection from flooding. In exchange for a community’s proactive efforts to reduce flood risk, policy holders can receive reduced flood insurance premiums for buildings in the community. The reduced premiums Town Board Study Session – May 26, 2015 – Page 3 reflect the community efforts to reduce flood damage to insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. Participation in the program is voluntary and classes range from 1-10 with a class 1 receiving a 45% reduction in insurance premiums. The classes are based on completion of 19 creditable activities organized in four categories: public information, mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction, and warning and response. Staff proposed engaging the public to provide education and information on the program. Current floodplain management efforts would reduce the Town’s class from a 10 to an 8 or 9 and reduce premiums by 5-10%. Participation in the program would also provide additional grant opportunities and provide an incentive for further floodplain mitigation, activities/programs, and floodplain management within the Town. Significant staff time would be required to monitor programs, collect data, and complete reporting to meet the extensive monitoring by the state and federal government of the activities/programs implemented by the Town.. There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m. Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 1 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall Commission: Brad Klein, John Spooner, Joe Calvin, Don Darling, Tony Schiaffo Attending: Members Klein, Spooner, Calvin, Darling, and Schiaffo Also Attending: Chief Building Official Will Birchfield, Building Inspector Claude Traufield, Permit Technician Charlie Phillips, Recording Secretary Karen Thompson Absent: None The following minutes reflect the order of the agenda and not necessarily the chronological sequence. There were three people in the audience (Division of Building Safety staff and one local General Contractor). Chair Spooner opened the meeting, stating this meeting would be a review of the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) Significant Changes for 2012 and 2015. He explained the reasoning behind reviewing two years: the Town adopted the 2009 codes, and is planning to skip the 2012 and adopt the 2015 codes. However, in order to do this, the 2012 changes still apply. CONSENT AGENDA Minutes from April 2, 2015 Board of Appeals meeting. It was moved and seconded (Schiaffo/Klein) to approve the minutes as presented and the motion passed unanimously. REPORTS Chief Building Official (CBO) Will Birchfield stated Larimer County is hosting free energy training on June 30th, facilitated by the Colorado Energy Office. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact the Division of Building Safety. The scope of the International Residential Code (IRC) is for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. It is a self-contained code. Parts of the IFGC are pulled out and placed into the IRC. The IFGC deals with piping systems and appliances and venting of fuel gas appliances. Fuel gas is natural gas, manufactured gas, liquid propane gas, or any combination of those. Any piece of equipment that is not operated by one of those gases is not covered in this code. They are regulated by the International Mechanical Code (IMC). The IMC will be discussed in June. CBO Birchfield stated all the ICC codes are written as minimum standards. These regulations are a target to aim past, not a target to shoot for. CBO Birchfield stated most of the changes are in the 2015 code. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 2 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall 2012 Significant Changes to the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) Identification, Testing & Certification. Each section of pipe, tubing, and each fitting in a gas piping system must bear the identification of the manufacturer. Gas piping materials will be restricted to only those that are labeled. Clearance to Combustible Materials. Clarified the gypsum board is considered a combustible material for clearance to combustibles. In the Fuel Gas Code and the Mechanical Code, gypsum board IS considered combustible. However, in the International Building Code, gypsum board is NOT considered combustible. There has always been confusion in this area. CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) Piping Systems. All have to be installed in accordance with their listing and per the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The Division of Building Safety will have the authority to inspect and enforce that code. Prohibited Devices. This change concerns excess flow valves. This has not been an issue in Estes Park, as we typically have medium pressure. If the gas piping system has been sized to accommodate a fitting or devise placed in the gas piping system, the fitting or device is allowed to be installed. Excess Flow Valves. These valves are now required to be listed, and must also be sized and installed per the manufacturer’s instruction. Estes Park typically does not need to use these. Prohibited Sources. Return air may be taken from a garage provided with a dedicated forced-air system. If you have equipment heating the garage, you can pull return air from the garage. You cannot heat a garage with a forced-air furnace that is also heating the house. End of 2012 Sig Changes 2015 Significant Changes to the IFGC CBO Birchfield stated if the changes were made in the IFGC, those changes are also in the IRC. Condensate Pumps. If you have a condensate pump where it is not visible (crawl space, attic, etc.) you have to interconnect it to the appliance so if the condensate pump fails, the equipment shuts off. Member Schiaffo stated the issue is whether you want to have damage from the condensate or damage from frozen pipes. With so many homes that do not have full-time residents, and many of them with condensing boilers and water heaters, he is not sure the solution is to hook up the switch and possibly freeze all the pipes. The other alternative is concern about a faulty pump. Options could include an indicator light to the pump, or some type of alarm system, which seems to be a better option when people are not living there year-round. Member Klein stated he could understand using the shut-off switch on an air conditioning system, but would be hesitant to use it with heating. If a switch was required, he would recommend some type of alarm that would actually alert someone if the house was unoccupied. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 3 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall There was discussion about how much condensate a boiler created in cold weather. Comments included by were not limited to: humidity is a factor; there could be at least one gallon per day coming off as condensation; should there be a concern about the appliance that could take on water if the condensate pump fails; the county says tankless water heaters or small condensing boilers in crawl spaces are no longer acceptable; if appliances are in the crawl spaces, you will have to protect the floor joists; if there is no equipment in the crawl space you will not have to protect the floor joists; suggested that condensating equipment not be allowed in crawl spaces, which would not be possible in some areas; new construction only. There was general consensus to table this item and revisit it later to allow time to come up with an appropriate amendment. Secondary containment will need to be looked at. Electrical Bonding of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST). This change is specific to CSST piping. After research and testing, it has been determined the bonds can be run up to 75 feet with a certain size cable. Not too many long bonds in Estes Park. Maximum Gas Demand for Pipe Sizing. There used to be a table that said we could assume certain BTUs when sizing a gas pipe. Now you are required to know the sizes. Not an issue in Estes because the Division of Building Safety already requires a sizing diagram with gas line as-builts. Plastic Pipe, Tubing and Fittings. PVC and CPVC are expressly prohibited for supplying fuel gas. Drilled and Tapped Metallic Pipe Fittings. CBO Birchfield stated he has never seen this done in Estes Park. He recommends amending the code stating that tapping gas lines is prohibited unless done by the gas supplier. Fittings in Concealed Locations. The IFGC now tells you what you can conceal instead of what you cannot conceal. Bushings and unions cannot be concealed. It is not considered concealed if it is behind a cabinet door or ceiling tile, but if it behind permanent construction, it’s concealed. Protection of Concealed Piping against Physical Damage. This has been rewritten with detailed specifics as to how it must be done. Protection has to be installed down the entire run of the joist. “To avoid having protection plates run parallel with a member, the installer could simply place the pipe or tube on ‘standoffs’ such that the pipe/tube is not less than 1 ½ inches from the nearest edge of the face of the member.” Pipe Cleaning. Prohibits using fuel gas from as a medium for flushing foreign matter and debris from fuel-supply piping. Medium-Pressure Regulators. CBO Birchfield stated you now have to have a union on each end so you can service the regulator. He stated this is not an issue here because it has been standard practice. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 4 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall Connecting Portable Outdoor Appliances. There is now a standard, ANSI Z21.54, and portable gas appliances must comply with that standard. Typically used with fire pits and natural gas grills with an outlet attached to the gas line to the house. The ICC does not want people using flex hoses that can crack and leak. Connectors for Commercial Cooking Appliances. Specific installation requirements for safe installation of ANSI Z21.69 connectors for commercial cooking appliances. The options to connect the cooking appliance with semi-rigid tubing or rigid pipe have been removed. “Movement of appliances with casters shall be limited by a restraining device installed in accordance with the connector and appliance manufacturer’s instructions.” Door Clearance to Vent Terminals. There is now a provision requiring the termination of the vent for a gas fired appliance be a certain distance from doors. Doors cannot swing within 12 inches horizontally of the vent terminal. CBO Birchfield stated the concern is heat exposure up against the door. Member Klein stated there could be some manufacturers that have designed the vent terminals to be installed with minimal clearance. Member Klein and CBO Birchfield may want additional discussion on this change. Plastic Piping for Appliance Vents. Approval of plastic pipe for venting appliances is no longer a responsibility of the CBO. Instead, the responsibility lies with the appliance manufacturer and the appliance listing agency. This is an important life safety issue. Sizing of Plastic Pipe Vents. This modification that says the code is no longer silent on the sizing of vents that do not fall under the definition of “vent”. For category II, III and IV appliances, the sizing shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Venting System Termination Location. If there is a side wall termination, it has to be at least 10 feet from the opening to a building. Residential applications are required to be at least 10 feet between buildings. You cannot side-wall terminate on a zero lot line (commercial building). CBO Birchfield stated he was not sure if there are any buildings in Estes that would be affected by this. Dryer Exhaust Duct Power Ventilators (DEDPV). The changes state you can have booster fans that are approved for installation on dryer ducts. These are used when the duct is too long for the appliance. DEDPVs are required to be equipped with features such as interlocks, limit controls, monitoring controls and enunciator devices. Prohibited Location of Commercial Cooking Appliances. Modification to clarify the code to not inadvertently prohibit the installation of cooking appliances that are listed as both commercial and domestic appliances. There is a current local amendment that states you can have commercial appliances in a residential building as long as the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. Appliances now have to be listed for both domestic and commercial, not just commercial. It was agreed to keep the local amendment for commercial cooking appliances. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 5 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall CBO Birchfield stated the changes have also been made in the residential code. This will also take place with the other codes, such as the energy code, plumbing code, etc. PROPOSED LOCAL AMENDMENTS CBO Birchfield stated the current amendments to the IFGC would be reviewed to see if they needed to be amended. Each time the new codes are adopted, the amendments also need to be readopted, and changes proposed, if that is the desire of the Board. CBO Birchfield stated the following local amendments will be reviewed: Condensate pumps; dryer exhaust duct power ventilators; direct vent terminals; and commercial appliances in residential applications. The proposed amendments apply specifically to the IFGC, and if it also applies to the IRC, CBO Birchfield will indicate such. Provisions in Chapter 1 of the 2015 IBC will be applicable to the IFGC. This will include fees, re- inspection fees, inspections, day-to-day operations, etc. Board of Appeals. CBO Birchfield stated it is staff’s recommendation to delete the appeals process from each of the individual codes, and use the appeals process from the IBC. Appeals processes in each individual code differs, and it will be less confusing to have one appeals process. Temporary Equipment, Systems, and Uses. The current amendment states you cannot use permanent equipment in the construction process unless the manufacturer says you can. Construction dust and fumes gum up the internal works in the equipment and decreases the life expectancy of the appliance. Member comments included but were not limited to: duct systems have to be cleaned after construction; you are basically selling your customers a used piece of equipment if you use it during construction; if the manufacturer says you can, we can’t say no. Prohibited locations. The current amendment prohibits the use of unvented gas appliances. The altitude of Estes Park means limited oxygen, and with tighter buildings, it can be a life safety issue to have unvented gas appliances. There was consensus among the board to retain the local amendment to prohibit unvented gas appliances. Interconnections. CBO Birchfield stated this amendment will assist emergency responders in identifying which meter goes with which building. He stated this is a conflict with the residential code, specifically townhouses. The fuel gas provisions say you cannot run gas lines for one unit through another townhouse unit. If meter banks are in the same place, we could be running gas lines around the entire building. We could either delete the local amendment, or state that is doesn’t apply to townhouses where the gas lines cannot run through other units. Member comments included, but were not limited to: the gas lines could be run underground; it is convenient to have meter banks in a central location; there will be some areas where it’s hard to comply; amend with townhouses being a separate option; maybe do something where natural gas meters are required to be numbered and RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 6 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall listed when installed; meter identification is not a standard practice in Estes Park. This could be a good reason for a property maintenance code. CBO Birchfield stated the amendments to the IFGC would apply to new construction. If the original construction was permitted and approved, all the owner needs to do is maintain that the property in a safe condition to the code it was built under. Comments included but were not limited to: if a gas line needs to be changed it must be brought up to current code; it is very difficult to install a replacement to meet code, especially if there is a meter bank; downtown buildings have a lot of issues with existing conditions; it is a life safety issue. CBO Birchfield stated the building department has a fundamental policy that whatever we do, we cannot make it worse. We require it to be safer than it was before, and as close to current code as is reasonable. There was general consensus of the Board to have additional discussion on this local amendment, for both commercial and residential properties. It only applies to real property lines where there are multiple property owners. The meter bank provision is now at odds with existing property lines. Above-ground outdoor piping. CBO Birchfield stated the code now says above-ground outdoor piping must be elevated three inches, not six. He amended to code to require the full six inches above grade elevation because foundations also have to be six inches above grade. After brief discussion, it was agreed to keep the amendment at six inches. Minimum burial depth. CBO Birchfield stated the code was changed to a 12-inch minimum burial depth. There was general consensus among to Board to keep the local amendment requiring an 18- inch minimum burial depth. Individual outside appliances. There was general consensus among to Board to keep the local amendment requiring an 18-inch minimum burial depth. Outlet closures. The local amendment states gas outlets and fittings which allow for future gas line expansion and do not connect to appliances shall be provided with approved gas shutoff valves with the ends plugged or capped gas tight. CBO Birchfield stated you will be required to do both, a valve and plug or cap. There is an exception for drip/dirt legs which are installed at the floor level of appliances. Test pressure. Member Klein stated typical gas pressure in Estes Park is three or four ounces. Medium pressure is considered two to five pounds. CBO Birchfield stated if the normal pressure is three pounds, we need to test for a higher level of pressure for safety. There was general consensus of the Board to require a pressure of 10 pounds for testing gas lines. Venting of regulators. Pressure regulators shall be designed to prevent entry of insects, water, and foreign objects. Excel Energy does not want vents to terminate less than three feet of openings into the building. If there is a gas leak in the line coming in to the building, this will prevent the leak from going into the building. Protection from damage. Connectors and tubing shall not be installed through the sidewall of the appliances served. CBO Birchfield stated these need to be hard piped, as it has to do with the vibration RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 7 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall of the appliance and the wearing down of the connectors and tubing. He stated there should be an exception for gas log fireplaces, because those appliances do not vibrate. Appliances not required to be vented. The local amendment states electric ranges do not require venting. Built-in domestic cooking units listed and labeled for optional venting do not require venting if installed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Type I clothes dryers are ventless gas appliances (these are not vents, bit ducts). Refrigerators and counter appliances would not require venting. Items deleted in the local amendment include single booster-type automatic instantaneous water heaters, room heaters listed for unvented use, direct-fired makeup air heaters, and other appliances listed for unvented use and not provided with flue collars. Member Schiaffo requested additional discussion concerning direct-fired makeup air heaters. There was brief discussion about how appliances are categorized (I, II, III, etc.). Well-ventilated spaces. Deleting this subsection. CBO Birchfield stated the town does not have large warehouses where this code could apply. Log lighters. A log lighter is a piece of gas pipe hooked on the end of the gas lighter, lit with a match. The problem is there is no safety valve to shut off the gas if the fire goes out. These are not listed as an approved appliance, and the CBO does not want to be responsible for them. The current local amendment prohibits them, and it is recommended this local amendment remain in the code. This was fully supported by the Board. Installation. Dryer exhaust duct termination shall not be located within 3 feet of openings into the building. CBO Birchfield stated this is not a vent, but it can still carry combustible materials and moisture that needs to stay out of the building. Unvented Room Heaters. The current amendment deletes the provision for unvented room heaters. This is a life safety issue. The Board fully supported the prohibition of using unvented fuel gas room heaters in Estes Park. Prohibited location. The current local amendment has an exception that allows commercial appliances to be installed in residential applications, when installed with all the requirements of the product’s listing and the manufacturer’s instructions. The code states you cannot put commercial appliances in a residence. This exception will allow it, if the manufacturer has approved it for residential use. Domestic appliances. The current local amendment states cooking appliances installed within dwelling units and areas where domestic cooking occurs shall be installed per the manufacturer’s listing in regards to clearance to combustibles. This amendment was supported by the Board. Residential kitchens. Residential kitchens with gas ranges shall be supplied with an exhaust system vented to the outside. They shall not terminate in an attic or crawl space or areas inside the building and shall not induce or create a negative pressure. After a brief discussion concerning life safety, the RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Park Board of Appeals 8 May 7, 2015 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall Board agreed this local amendment needed to remain in the IFGC. This vent requirement would apply to any type of conversion from electric to gas. Appendix A. Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping. The appendices are not included in the code unless specifically adopted. This appendix provides design guidance, useful facts and data and multiple examples of how to apply the sizing tables and sizing methodologies in the IFGC Chapter 4. Appendix B. Sizing of Venting Systems Serving appliances Equipped with Draft Hoods, Category I appliances, and Appliances Listed for Use with Type B Vents. This appendix contains multiple examples of how to apply the vent and chimney tables and methodologies of IFGC Chapter 5. Appendix C. Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Venting Systems. This appendix consists of a figure and notes that visually depict code requirements from Chapter 5 for vent terminals in relationship to openings in the exterior walls of buildings. CBO Birchfield stated most of the time the contractor will refer back to the manufacturer, but sometimes there are some unusual existing conditions. The appendices offer alternatives. After brief discussion, the Board supported keeping all the current appendices in the local amendments to allow for flexibility in the codes. CBO Birchfield stated he will research the issues that were addressed by the Board at today’s meeting and will report back to the Board at a future date. Public Comment None. There was discussion as to the lack of attendance by stakeholders. One member’s thought was that the stakeholders had confidence in the professionals that make up the Board of Appeals, and would rely on them to make good decisions. It was suggested to have conversations with stakeholders when you see them in the field, and encourage them to attend meetings or provide written comments. CBO Birchfield stated the June meeting will deal with the International Mechanical Code, which will include electrical appliances. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:41 p.m. ___________________________________ John Spooner, Chair ___________________________________ Karen Thompson, Recording Secretary RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Regular Meeting of the Estes Valley Board of Adjustment April 7, 2015 9:00 a.m. Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall Board: Chair Pete Smith, Vice-Chair Don Darling, John Lynch, Jeff Moreau, Wayne Newsom Attending: Vice-Chair Darling, Members Lynch, Moreau, Newsom, Also Attending: Senior Planner Shirk, Planner Kleisler, Recording Secretary Thompson Absent: Chair Smith Vice-Chair Darling called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. There was a quorum in attendance. He introduced the Board members and staff. The following minutes reflect the order of the agenda and not necessarily the chronological sequence. There were two people in attendance. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 2. CONSENT Approval of minutes of the March 3, 2015 meeting. It was moved and seconded (Newsom/Moreau) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and the motion passed unanimously, with one absent. 3. LOT 6, LONE PINE ACRES ADDITION, 1851 North Lake Avenue, Backbone Adventure Rentals Planner Kleisler reviewed the staff report. The application is for a variance from Estes Valley Development Code (EVDC) Section 5.1.R.1, which prohibits vehicle displays in the front setback area; the applicant proposes to use an existing vehicle display pad that is located in the setback area. Also, a variance from EVDC Section 5.1.R.4, which allows up to one (1) vehicle display pad per 100 feet of street frontage; the applicant desires to have two (2) outdoor vehicle displays within 100 feet of street frontage. Planner Kleisler stated the Town Board recently approved a Special Review use of Backbone Adventure Rentals. The applicant’s vehicle rental building will be located at 1851 North Lake Avenue. The applicant desires to display vehicles on pads located within the front setback area. The requested display areas are not beyond the scope of the Special Review approval, as the locations were labeled on the development plan as RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 2 April 7, 2015 potential outdoor display areas. The property is zoned CO–Commercial Outlying. The property borders a parking lot to the east, a vacant commercial building to the west, and single-family homes to the north. There are two buildings on the site, each approximately 3,100 square feet. Planner Kleisler stated the building was constructed in 1960, and is right up against the south property line. Per the EVDC, there will be some improvements to the site. If approved, a display pad would be built on the south east corner of the property, facing east. Parking spaces will be added on the east side of the building. Planner Kleisler stated the application was routed to all affected agencies and adjacent property owners. No concerns were expressed during the review period. After the staff report was written, one neighbor called the Community Development Department. After explaining the project, there were no concerns. Staff Findings 1. Special circumstances or conditions exist: Staff finds that special circumstances and conditions exist relating to the location of the southern building. The building, constructed in 1960 was built up to the front property line. The location of the building leaves any suitable display area towards the rear of the lot. Furthermore, the building screens the easterly display area from westbound traffic, and the westerly area from eastbound traffic. 2. Practical difficulty: A. The business use is approved and may continue. B. Staff finds the variance is not substantial. C. The essential character of the neighborhood would not be substantially altered with the approval of this variance. The westerly display pad was previously used to display vehicles. D. Affected agencies expressed no concerns relating to public services for this variance. E. The applicant knew of this limitation when entering a lease with the property owner. F. The only other display areas on the site would be towards the rear of the lot and screened from public view from buildings. Therefore, it appears that this variance request is the only method by which to have functional vehicle display locations. G. The conditions as submitted in this variance petition are not general and recurrent in nature. The building location is unique relative to other sites in the area. H. Staff is unaware of another alternative to permit vehicle displays. I. The use, classified as Equipment/Vehicle Sales and Rentals, was approved through a Special Review application on February 24, 2015. Planner Kleisler stated staff recommended approval of the variance requests. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 3 April 7, 2015 Staff and Member Discussion None. Public Comment Jes Reetz/applicant representative stated an island was requested by the Public Works Department as a way to delineate the entrance to the business. The area will be concrete curb and gutter, with cobble placed inside the area. The light pole will remain outside of the display area, as it is in the public right-of-way. Conditions of Approval None. The applicant had conditions of approval associated with the Special Review process, so no conditions were necessary for this application. It was moved and seconded (Newsom/Lynch) to approve the variance requests with the findings recommended by staff and the motion passed unanimously with one absent. 4. LOT 9, BLOCK 2, 2ND AMENDED PLAT, TOWN OF ESTES PARK, 143 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Earthwood Collections Planner Shirk reviewed the staff report. The applicant requests a variance from EVDC Section 4.4.D.1.a, which requires “all retail sales, displays and activities and all other uses, storage and activity shall be wholly contained within the interior of a building or permanent structure.” The purpose of the request is to use a small private alley as a display area for merchandise (outdoor art). The property is located downtown, in an alleyway immediately east of Earthwood Collections. The overall neighborhood is all retail businesses. The alleyway is not typical for the area. The applicant, Ron Wilcocks, purchased the building in 2013. Previous owners found it difficult to attract customers to the area. The application was reviewed per EVDC Section. It was routed to applicable affected agencies and adjacent property owners. There was one written comment supporting the variance. This proposed variance would not impede pedestrian traffic on Elkhorn Avenue. Fire Marshall Marc Robinson had no concerns as long as the displays are shifted to one side and allow for pedestrian movement through the alleyway. Planner Shirk stated the outdoor display will be limited to products designed for permanent outdoor display such as statues, and shall be limited to product for sale by the property owner or lessee. If approved, the variance stays with the property, and this type of display would be allowed with other owners of the property. The Estes Valley Board of Adjustment is the decision-making body for this request. There are no other land use applications associated with this request. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 4 April 7, 2015 Staff Findings 1. The request generally satisfies the requirements of Section 3.6.C variance “Standards for Review.” 2. Special circumstances or conditions exist that are not common to other areas or buildings similarly situated and practical difficulty would result from strict compliance with development code standards. 3. Approval of the requested variance will not nullify or impair the intent and purposes of either the specific standard, the development code, or the Comprehensive Plan. 4. The variance is not substantial. 5. The essential character of the neighborhood would not be substantially altered nor would adjoining properties suffer a substantial detriment as a result of the variance. 6. The variance would not adversely affect the delivery of public services such as water and sewer or affect pedestrian movement. 7. The recommended conditions of approval will substantially secure the objectives of the varied standard. 8. The Board of Adjustment is the decision-making body for this variance request. Planner Shirk stated staff recommended approval of the variance request, with the conditions of approval listed below. Member Moreau asked for and received confirmation that the conditions of approval would allow only items for permanent outdoor display. He was concerned a future business owner would want to display t-shirts or other retail items in the area. There was brief discussion concerning the location of the property line. Conditions of Approval 1. Outdoor display area shall be limited to outdoor art or furniture such as statues and chairs for sale by the property owner or lessee. 2. Outdoor display shall be set back at least five feet from the front of adjacent buildings. Public Comment Ron Wilcocks/applicant stated he has been a downtown business owner for 15 years. They sell handmade art and will continue with this tradition. They strive for high quality artwork. The retail space in the rear of the building is difficult to see, which has been an issue with tenants. With the ability to display outdoor art, he plans to expand Earthwood Collections into the underutilized rear building. The outdoor display or art will have no effect on the public sidewalk, since it is all on private land. He stated the approval of the variance is consistent with the Town’s goal of re-vitalizing downtown, and it will directly help support this goal. Jon Nicholas/Economic Development Corporation commended Mr. Wilcocks on his creativity on a difficult downtown space. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 5 April 7, 2015 Jerry Godby/new business owner supported the variance request, hoping other businesses could be creative in ways to attract customers. Members Newsom and Lynch stated they were supportive of the request. It was moved and seconded (Moreau/Lynch) to approve the variance request with the findings and conditions recommended by staff and the motion passed unanimously with one absent. 5. REPORTS A. Senior Planner Shirk reported the Barrel Beer Garden has been approved for their liquor license and the applicant has applied for a building permit. B. Senior Planner Shirk reported the Town applied for and received a grant for an overall Downtown Neighborhood Plan, and will be starting the Request for Proposal (RFP) process in the near future. The plan will most likely consider, among other items, infrastructure analysis and upgrades, and aspects of the EVDC that may be a hindrance to the success of the downtown area. C. Senior Planner Shirk stated Member Lynch’s term expires June 30, 2015. He has submitted a letter to the county Commissioners expressing his interest in continuing for another three-year term. D. Senior Planner Shirk reported there will not be a meeting in May, 2015. E. Senior Planner Shirk reported the recent amendments to the BOA Bylaws were approved by the Town Board and the County Commission and will be placed in the member notebooks. F. Senior Planner Shirk stated a Special Town Board meeting will be held Wednesday, April 15th to accept public comment on the FLAP application. There being no other business before Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 a.m. ___________________________________ Don Darling, Vice-Chair __________________________________ Karen Thompson, Recording Secretary Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 21, 2015 Minutes of a meeting of the AUDIT COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 21st day of May, 2015. Committee: Mayor Bill Pinkham, Committee Chairman/Trustee John Ericson, Town Administrator Frank Lancaster, Finance Officer Steve McFarland Attending: Committee: Mayor Pinkham, Trustee Ericson, Town Administrator Lancaster, and Finance Officer McFarland Non-Committee: Mary Donovan of Cutwater Asset Management (investment advisor for Town). Absent: None. Chairman Ericson called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. NEW BUSINESS 1. Cutwater Asset Management (CAM) provided a handout, divided into 3 sections. These 3 sections covered the following: a. Market Environments and Strategies Approximately 10 pages of charts and graphs communicated the message that, with interest rates likely to rise sometime in 2015, sound portfolio strategy involves positions of short‐term duration of 2 years or less. b. Portfolio Activity and Performance Review Approximately 1/3 (~$8.7m as of April 30, 2015) of the Town portfolio is invested with, and managed by, CAM. This includes ~$3.1m in US Treasuries and $5.6m in US Instrumentalities. The remaining 2/3 (~$16.0m) of the portfolio is housed in municipal money market pools, primarily ColoTrust. The managed portion of the portfolio is currently yielding 0.80%, whereas the money market portion is yielding 0.12%. The Town has been reluctant to “tie up” more cash because of the uncertainty of the cash flow needs of flood‐related expenditures and associated reimbursements. Audit Committee – May 21, 2015 – Page 2 c. Investment Policy Review The Town’s Investment Policy was last updated May 8, 2001. A “redlined” copy of the Policy, along with a copy of the appropriate State Statutes, was provided. Proposed updates involve the following sections: i. Authorized Financial Dealers and Institutions ii. Suitable and Authorized investments iii. Investment Parameters iv. Policy considerations Proposed policy changes were accepted by the Committee and are to be forwarded to Town Board at the June 9th, 2015, Board Meeting for consideration/adoption. d. Discussion of contract extension CAM and the Town recently completed a 5‐year agreement for investment services. CAM has provided investment services to the Town since 2002, with both parties being satisfied with the relationship. At present, the Town and CAM are operating on a month‐to‐month agreement, with no change to the 2011‐15 contract (10 basis points). The annual fees are ~ $9,000. The Town is currently revising its purchasing policy, which currently no longer requires an RFP for investment services. Meanwhile, CAM was purchased / absorbed by BNY – Mellon towards the end of 2014. CAM is currently in the process of evaluating their client base. Both CAM and the Town have continued to operate on a month–to‐month basis until such time as the Town’s purchasing policy is revised, and at such time that CAM has determined their client base needs under BNY – Mellon direction. The Committee agreed with this strategy. 2. Update on CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report)/Single Audit CliftonLarsenAllen, the Town’s auditors, have completed their field audit, but continue to work with Finance Staff to collect data necessary to complete the CAFR. The CAFR is slated for delivery to Town Board at the June 23rd, 2015 Board meeting. The Audit Committee has asked that CliftonLarsonAllen meet with the Audit Committee the week prior (preferably Monday June 15th, 2015) to review the audit findings. The CAFR Audit Committee – May 21, 2015 – Page 3 is now still in preliminary stages of completion, but Staff believes that the auditors currently do not have any major concerns with the CAFR material. As is the case with last year, the Single Audit will not be completed at the same time as the rest of the CAFR. The Single Audit reports on grant‐ related activities when a Municipality exceeds $500,000 in Federal expenditures in a calendar year. The Single Audit will be filed with appropriate authorities at the Federal and State levels by September 30, 2015. The results of the Single Audit will be presented to the Town Board separately at a date prior to the September 30, 2015, due date. 3. Update on GASB 67/68 ‐ PERA/OPEB The Town was directed this past winter by PERA to complete an audit on PERA activities for the purpose of determining PERA liability. This is a Nation‐wide effort on PERA’s behalf to assess financial shortfalls in the PERA system, and to have participating entities acknowledge those liabilities. CliftonLarsonAllen has recently completed their audit. PERA is expected to announce findings sometime this summer, with participating entities incorporating the shortfalls into their financial reports in 2015. OTHER NEW BUSINESS There was no other new business. There being no further business, Chairman Ericson adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m. Steve McFarland, Finance Officer late August.May 2015 vistas rocky mountain national park Courtesy Photos by Ann Schonlau & Chelsea Hernandez Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder Rocky ofﬁ cially turned 100 on January 26, the date 100 years ago when President Wilson signed the legislation creating the national park. We’ve been celebrating since last September with many events yet to come. The celebration will culminate on September 3 and 4 of this year, when we re-dedicate the park for the next 100 years. Please check out our website for details. As we celebrate the foresight of those Coloradoans who100 years ago actively worked to get this national park established, we are “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Inspiring the Future.” One of our outstanding volunteers (one of many!), Bob Stack, wrote the following letter to his granddaughter that very eloquently summarizes the reason for the celebration: When it became a National Park it was protected. That protection meant that there would be no hunting, no building of apartments, stores, or housing developments... that there would be no cutting down of the forests, or digging up plants or polluting the streams... it meant taking care of our environment, even if it was just in one place in the Rocky Mountains... ...that protection of Rocky started 100 years ago ... so that 100 years later- now- a young girl might come to the park, look and say 'Wow." She could see all kinds of beautiful ﬂ owers, of trees that reach to the sky, of snowy mountain peaks, of all kinds of critters that might make her curious, cautious and even chuckle, of little streams that she might sit beside and quietly think or stand on a mountain top and see the wonderful world below her... ...and the park is there so that girls and boys or moms and dads or grandparents or people from all over the country and from all over the world could come to this park and just look and be dazzled by its beauty, its strength, its wonder and even to say 'Wow." That young girl and many children like her belong to the park and the park belongs to each of them. She and others are now caretakers of the park, so that, 100 years from now, another young girl might come to the park, look and say 'Wow." Well said! 2 Page 2 • Remaining Fee Free Days in the Park for 2015 • Top Ten Visitation Days for 2014 • Visitation Through April • Follow us on Social Media Page 3 • Old Fall River Road is Expected to Open to Vehicles This Fourth of July Weekend • Happy Birthday Rocky! From...space!Page 4• Rocky Mountain National Park's Centennial Year Programs Continue Page 6 • My Rocky Mountain Experience ~ An Intern's Story • Protection of High Value Trees and Hazard Mitigation Projects Continue at Rocky Page 7 • Eagle Rock Students Paint Mural in the Alpine Hotshot Dorm at Rocky Mountain National Park Page 8 • 2015 Shuttle Schedule Page 9 • Prestigious National Park Service Valor Award Presented to Current and Former Rocky Employees Page 10 • Changes in Backcountry Camping Fees at Rocky Page 11 • National Park Tourism in Colorado Creates $552.1 Million in Economic Beneﬁ t • Foundation DocumentPage 12 • Two Stewardship Awards and Rocky's First Citizen Science Award Presented for 2014Page 13 • Reroutes and Repairs to Flood Damaged TrailsPage 14 • Update on Multi-Use Trail ProjectsPage 15 • “Life in the Cold” A Teacher Workshop held at Rocky Mountain National ParkPage 16 • Grant Supports Alternative Transportation at Rocky Follow us on Social Media.... @Rockynps #rmnp Park Website www.nps.gov/romo General Park Information 970-586-1206 Trail Ridge Road Recorded Status Line 970-586-1222 In this issue... * August 25 National Park Founders' Day * September 26 National Public Lands Day * November 11 Veterans Day Remaining Fee Free Days in the Park for 2015 Top Ten Visitation Days for 2014 1. September 27 13,295 Vehicles (National Public Lands Day) 2. September 20 10,289 Vehicles 3. July 6 9,355 Vehicles 4. July 5 9,253 Vehicles 5. July 20 9,139 Vehicles 6. September 28 8,668 Vehicles 7. August 16 8,634 Vehicles 8. July 27 8,492 Vehicles 9. June 2 8,248 Vehicles 10. September 26 8,152 Vehicles At the end of April RMNP has seen a 20.5% increase in visitation over this time last year and the park is up just over 24% year-to-date. Other park's celebrating milestones, such as centennials, have seen increases in visitation as well. A mild winter has also contributed to this increase. Visitation Through April Photo by Peter Biddle 3 Old Fall River Road is Expected to Open to Vehicles This Fourth of July Weekend Old Fall River Road suffered extensive damages during the 2013 ﬂ ood. Repair work was completed last year on Old Fall River Road as well as on the section of road near the Alluvial Fan. The Federal Highways Administration funded this project through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program. Old Fall River Road is a historic dirt road built between 1913 and 1920. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route is one-way. It follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. It expected to open to vehicles by fourth of July weekend. Marking the 100th anniversary on Jan. 26, 2015, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry Virts posted this photograph, taken from the International Space Station, to Twitter! Virts wrote, "Majestic peaks and trails! Happy 100th anniversary @RockyNPS So much beauty to behold in our @ NatlParkService." Happy Birthday Rocky! From... space! Photo Credit: NASA/Terry Virts Installing gabions on Old Fall River Road. NPS Photo New pavement at West Alluvial parking lot. NPS Photo 4 Rocky Mountain National Park's Centennial Year Programs Continue Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder. Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Inspire the Future. From September 3, 2014, through September 4, 2015, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), along with local and national communities, is celebrating the park's 100th Anniversary. Speakers, special activities, and community events are being coordinated to commemorate our Centennial. Whether you're a regular visitor, a national park traveler, or a virtual explorer, RMNP hopes that our 100th Anniversary will inspire you to experience and connect with this park that has inspired 100 years of protection and that will continue to enchant and delight visitors and stewards for another 100 years! For more details on all the events, programs and activities, pay a visit to RMNP's 2015 Centennial Calendar of Events on the park's website at www.nps.gov/romo and look for the Centennial logo. Don't forget that ranger- led programs and Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute Classes celebrate the park all year long! Here is a taste of some of the fun events going on this summer: • We Love Rocky Mountain National Park (through September 4) This special Centennial exhibit at History Colorado in Denver explores the many ways that people have connected with the landscape of RMNP over time. Come see how your experiences ﬁ t into history of people in the park! • Celebrate with the Colorado Mountain Club (through September 4). The Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) was instrumental in the formation of RMNP 100 years ago. To celebrate, the public is invited to join the CMC in a special 'hikes and climbs of 100 of the 125 named peaks in the park,' wildﬂ ower hikes led by Colorado Native Plant Masters, and other special hikes. Visit www.cmc.org for more information. • Climb On! - an exhibit (through October 4, 2015) Join the Estes Park Museum (200 Fourth Street, Estes Park) and experience the vertical side of Estes Park, home to some of the nation's most spectacular rock climbing. Granite boulders, sub-alpine crags, and high mountain walls make the Estes Valley and surrounding high peaks a world class training ground for elite and amateur climbers alike. Learn about ascending rocky terrain and how individuals pioneered local routes that pushed the limits of gravity. 10am - 5pm daily. Free admission. • Across the Divide Geo-Tour, A Centennial Geo-Adventure (Year-round) Come experience this free family fun GPS treasure hunt! Fifty Geocaches in Estes Park, Grand Lake, and RMNP relating to the Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder, and RMNP’s Centennial history take you from town to town and across the Continental Divide (when Trail Ridge Road is open). In order to follow Leave No Trace principles, traditional caches are not allowed in Rocky. Instead, virtual and Earthcaches bring you to meaningful locations, spots with a great view, or spots with geological signiﬁ cance in the park. Whether you are new to geo-caching or are a geo-caching expert, this tour is a fun and challenging adventure for the whole family. Find out more at the Estes Park and Grand Lake Visitor Centers or visit the Across the Divide GeoTour Facebook page. • Kauffman House Museum Centennial Exhibit (May 23 – September 4) This exhibit highlights the history of the development of the west side of RMNP and the related changes in Grand Lake. Come browse historic narratives, memoirs, photographs, and artifacts that will take you back up to 100 years! Kauffman House Museum, 407 Pitkin St., Grand Lake. (Continued on next page...) 5 • May 30: Centennial Speaker Series: Dr. Jill Baron – “Stories from Loch Vale” Join us in Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium in RMNP at 7:30pm for this special presentation. As RMNP celebrates its ﬁ rst 100 years, Dr. Baron will address the importance of long-term ecosystem science in understanding the natural dynamics of mountain catchments, the effects of human activities, and how scientiﬁ c knowledge will be essential to the protecting of mountain ecosystems for the next 100 years. • Saturday Night in the Park Centennial Speaker Series (Saturdays June 20 – September 5) Join a special speaker in the Kawuneeche Visitor Center Auditorium in RMNP every Saturday night to hear a new perspective on the 100th Anniversary of RMNP’s wilderness, wildlife, and wonder. • July 11: Centennial Speaker Series: Jim Disney Join us in Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium in RMNP at 7:30pm for this special presentation. A native Coloradoan, avid mountaineer, and proliﬁ c artist, Jim Disney has the perspective of how landscapes inform and inspire art, and in turn, those who view the creativity of artists. He has twice served as the Artist in Residence in RMNP, and has additionally served as the Open Lands visual artists for Larimer County. This presentation will explore the history of art and artists in RMNP. • August 6: Centennial Speaker Series: Dr. Patty Limerick Join us for this special presentation at History Colorado at 7pm. Dr. Patty Limerick in the Faculty Director and Chair of the Board of the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado where she is also a Professor of History. Limerick has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between academics and the general public and to demonstrating the beneﬁ ts of applying historical perspective to contemporary dilemmas and conﬂ icts. In celebration of RMNP’s 100th Anniversary, Dr. Limerick will apply her unique perspective to the celebration of 100 years of history and the implications this history has for the future. • September 3: Re-Dedication Celebration - 11am to 1pm Come join us at the Holzwarth Historic Site in RMNP for music and family fun as we ring in the next 100 years of Rocky Mountain National Park! Check the Centennial website for more details as this event gets closer. • September 4: Centennial Re-Dedication Ceremony - 11am - 1pm Join us in Glacier Basin Campground in RMNP for spectacular views, special speakers, music, and family activities as we dedicate Rocky Mountain National Park for the next 100 years. Check the Centennial website for more details as this event gets closer. Check the park website for details on these and many more exciting Centennial events, and follow us on social media @Rockynps for updates on 100th Anniversary events and programs! 1915 Dedication; Enos Mills & F.O. Stanley NPS Photo My Rocky Mountain Experience ~ An Intern's Story 6 Gazing out the window of my car I watched as the strange “clouds” in the distance slowly transformed into the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. It was 2009 and this was the ﬁ rst time I had ever seen mountains; it was a transcendent experience. Growing up in southern Wisconsin I was accustomed to a relatively ﬂ at landscape and the massive landforms in front of me were a foreign sight. It wasn’t long before I passed through an entrance gate into Rocky Mountain National Park. The two days I spent exploring the park were short lived but memorable. The park’s beauty was enchanting and I knew I would be back again to visit this magical place. Five years later and newly graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I accepted a position as an Environmental Education intern with Rocky Mountain National Park. My last semester of college was fairly intense but extremely worthwhile. I had the unique opportunity to student teach at two amazing places: Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point, WI and the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station in Amherst Junction, WI. Both places helped me gain practical teaching experience and prepared me to take on future endeavors, such as teaching in Rocky Mountain National Park. Being offered an internship in the park was a dream come true, and my experience thus far has been amazing. My internship is funded by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy through the Next Generation Fund, which supports youth programming. As an education intern I’ve had the opportunity to work with elementary through college aged students, and help guide them in personal discoveries. Programs we offer such as Winter Mountain Safety and Survival allow students to explore the natural environment, think critically, and also have fun. I’ve always possessed a deep appreciation of our environment, and as I aged, this appreciation evolved to envelop environmental education as well. Environmental education is an invaluable asset. It exposes people to the wonders of the natural world through direct interactions and fosters lifelong learning experiences. My dream is to continue working in the Environmental Education ﬁ eld, wherever it may take me, so I may inspire others to become environmentally conscious citizens. As Baba Dioum so eloquently put it, “In the end we will only conserve what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” Samantha Roberts NPS Photo Protection of High Value Trees and Hazard Mitigation Projects Continue at Rocky Bark beetles continue to be active in conifer trees within Rocky Mountain National Park. The park’s priorities for mitigation of the effects of beetles are focused on removing hazard trees and hazard fuels related to the protection of life and property. For several years, Rocky Mountain National Park has had a proactive bark beetle management program. In recent years, bark beetles have been considered at outbreak levels throughout the park. In 2015, the park will continue its mitigation efforts, including applying insecticide, removing hazard trees, prescribed burns, utilizing an air curtain burner, pheromone treatments and implementing temporary closures in a variety of park locations. Starting in mid-April and ending by Memorial Day weekend, the park is planning to apply a Carbaryl® based insecticide to up to 2,750 high-value trees to protect them from bark beetles. Treatment will occur in the following developed areas of the park: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Headquarters, Moraine Park (Continued on next page...) 7 Eagle Rock Students Paint Mural in the Alpine Hotshot Dorm at Rocky Mountain National Park Continuing our partnership with the Eagle Rock School (ER), students of Cynthia Elkins and Dayan Safferstein’s art class spent 5 weeks this past winter painting this mural in the Alpine Interagency Hotshot Dorm at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Building on the success of the ER Internship and Citizen Science Classes (Fire & Dragonﬂ y), students learned how to work with clients, adopt and expand their vision, work on a team with varied work styles, and ﬁ nish an original work of art under a deadline. The project was a new way to involve ER students and to connect with new audiences and students that may have never thought about doing anything with the National Parks. The mural provides a way for youth to leave their mark on RMNP and show other students they too can get involved and leave a lasting impression. The class was the idea of Paul Cerda (Alpine Hotshots), Ben Baldwin (RMNP) and Jon Anderson (ER). “We have worked together on several internships, classes, and opportunities and thought this would be an interesting idea,” said Ben Baldwin. With mural are, from left, students Elias Aguirre, Alysha Dan and Zoe Johansen, Eagle Rock School art teachers Cindy Elkins and Dayna Safferstein and student Barbara Gutierrez (NPS photo) Discovery Center, Aspenglen Campground, Moraine Park Campground, Bighorn Ranger Station, McGraw Ranch, and the east side park service housing areas. Last year, more than 6,000 trees were treated and nearly all of these trees were protected from attack by bark beetles. Treatment sites have been reduced on the east side of the park as infestation rates decrease in forests adjacent to high value trees. Insecticide will be applied from the ground and sprayed onto individual trees to repel beetle attacks. Temporary closures to the public and employees will be in effect during spraying operations. The park is also treating up to 300 high value limber pine trees with verbenone pheromone packets to minimize infestation from bark beetles. Limber pine trees in the park are currently at risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and infection from white pine blister rust, a lethal non-native invasive disease. Research is being conducted to identify if any limber pine trees within the park are resistant to white pine blister rust. Park staff will conduct hazard tree mitigation through tree removal throughout the year. Small scale selective hazard tree removals should be anticipated at trailheads, parking areas, picnic areas, roadside pullouts, road corridors, campgrounds, ranger stations, stables, and visitor centers. Temporary site closures may occur at smaller sites to facilitate safe and efﬁ cient operations. More detailed information will be provided on upcoming tree removal projects along Trail Ridge Road. Material disposal will involve piles for future burning and consolidation at designated sites for future use including ﬁ rewood collection permits. More information on wood utilization will be available in late summer. Bear Lake and Moraine Routes: Shuttle Service starts on the Bear Lake and Moraine Park routes on Memorial Day Weekend May 23, 24, and 25, 2015, and runs in 'weekend only' service the next two weekends; May 30 & 31, June 6 & 7. Daily Service for Bear Lake and Moraine Park routes starts Saturday June 13, 2015, and runs through Monday October 12, 2015. The ﬁ rst buses leave Park and Ride at 7:00 a.m. for both routes, last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and the Fern Lake trailhead stop at 7:00 p.m. Bear Lake shuttles run every 15 minutes or less and Moraine Park shuttles run every 30 minutes. The Sprague Lake/Glacier Creek Livery stop is on the Moraine Park route. Hiker Shuttle: Daily Hiker Shuttle service begins Saturday June 27 and runs through Sunday September 13, 2015. Followed by fall weekend service (Saturday and Sunday); September 19 & 20, 26 & 27 and October 3 & 4, 10 & 11. The ﬁ rst Hiker Shuttle leaves Estes Park Visitor Center at 7:30 a.m. and the last shuttle leaves Park and Ride at 8:00 p.m. bound for Estes Park. Hiker shuttles run on a 30 minute schedule during the peak of the day (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and on a 60 minute schedule the rest of the day. 2015 Shuttle Schedule Beaver Meadows Entrance N TOWN OF ESTES PARK LAK E EST S Estes Park V CenterBeaver Meadows V Center Trail Ridge Road Park & Ride isitor isitor C Loop Fern Lake Bus Stop Moraine Park Campground Moraine Park Discovery Center Tuxedo Park Hollowell Park Glacier BasinCampground Bierstadt Lake Trailhead Bear Lake Glacier Gorge Trailhead Horseshoe Park Sprague Lake Glacier Creek Livery Cub Lake Trailhead Bear Lake Road Bear Lake Road Bear Lake Route Moraine Park Route Shuttle Bus Stop Hiker Shuttle Express Route Stops at Park & Ride, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and the Estes Park Visitor Center only 7 3434 Sprague Lake La k e Es t e s 36 36 34 8 9 Members of the Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team, Stephen A. Baxter, Michael L. Lukens, Joshua K. McCoy, Larry V. Roberts, and Kevin A. Sturmer receive Valor Awards presented by DOI Secretary Sally Jewell. DOI photo by Tami Heilemann. Prestigious National Park Service Valor Award Presented to Current and Former Rocky Employees Five members of the Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team were honored for acts of bravery for a 2013 technical rescue and life saved on the east face of Longs Peak (14,259 ft.). Stephen Baxter, Michael Lukens, Joshua McCoy, Larry (Van) Roberts, and Kevin Sturmer planned and executed a complex and hazardous rescue mission of a climber who sustained multiple injuries after a 50-foot fall attempting to scale the summit of the peak. The Rocky employees were 5 out of 15 National Park Service employees honored at the 70th Honor Awards Convocation in Washington, D.C. Thursday, May 7. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis was quoted at the ceremony as saying, "On any given day, National Park Service employees set the standard for superior public service. From the maintenance workers to park rangers, we are forever grateful to these individuals for their bravery in the face of incredible danger; even death.” "Please join me as we extend our congratulations to our ﬁ ve colleagues, as well as the entire team of Rocky employees and volunteers who successfully saved another life", Superintendent Vaughn Baker. NPS Photo 10 Effective for the 2015 summer season, the cost of obtaining a permit for backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park will increase from $20 to $26 per trip. This administrative permit fee, established in 1995 and last increased to $20 in 2004, is necessary to recover the administrative costs associated with managing the program, including costs of a computerized permit and reservation system. Permits for backcountry camping are an integral part of a program that rations and distributes use throughout the park’s backcountry, intended to minimize impacts to resources, help provide a quality experience, and ensure that sites are available for those able to plan ahead and reserve a permit in advance. While an overnight permit is required for backcountry camping year-round, the fee for obtaining the permit only applies for camping that occurs during the months of May through October when demand typically exceeds availability in many areas of the park’s backcountry. The six dollar increase for the non-refundable permit became effective March 1, 2015. Different from an entrance fee or fee for camping in a developed campground, the backcountry permit is based on cost recovery and all funds are applied directly to the costs of administering the program. This past October, the park proposed a change in its current recreational use fees for entrance and developed campgrounds. A public comment period followed and the proposal is still under review. A decision on those recreational use fees is expected shortly. According to Superintendent Vaughn Baker, “Rocky Mountain National Park retains one hundred percent of the administrative fees charged for backcountry camping permits. In addition to providing the opportunity to reserve and secure campsites in advance, funds recovered through the permit fee allow for staff to provide trip planning advice and information for a safe and enjoyable trip into the wilderness. Requirements for food storage necessary to protect bears and other wildlife, mountain weather, hazards, and Leave No Trace ethics are among the information received during the permitting process. Fees that we charge enable us to provide these services.” Changes in Backcountry Camping Fees at Rocky It's calving season. During this time, female elk and deer become irritable and highly protective of their young calves. Though they may look harmless, they are extremely dangerous duing this time. Please use extreme caution and give them extra space. Photo by Walt Kaesler 11 A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that the 6,031,876 visitors to national parks in Colorado in 2014 spent $374.4 million in the state. That spending supported 5,811 jobs and had a cumulative beneﬁ t to the state economy of $552.1 million. Of that total, 3.4 million visitors came to Rocky Mountain National Park, spent $217 million, supported 3,382 jobs and had a cumulative beneﬁ t to the economy of $329 million. “From Dinosaur National Monument to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, the national parks of Colorado draw more than 6 million visitors a year from across the country and around the world,” said Sue Masica, director of the NPS Intermountain Region, which includes Colorado and seven other states. “Whether they are out for an afternoon, on a school ﬁ eld trip or crossing America on a family vacation, park visitors come for a great experience — and they end up spending a little money along the way. This new report conﬁ rms that national park tourism is a signiﬁ cant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 America invests in the National Park Service. This reality makes national parks tourism a big factor in Colorado’s economy, too. It’s a result we all can support.” Colorado’s 12 national parks include: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountain national parks; Colorado, Dinosaur, Florissant Fossil Beds, Hovenweep and Yucca House national monuments; Bent’s Old Fort and Sand Creek Massacre national historic sites, and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and NPS economist Lynne Koontz. Nationally, the report shows that a record 292.8 million park visitors directly spent $15.7 billion in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 277,000 jobs, 235,600 of them in those “gateway” communities near the parks. The cumulative beneﬁ t to the U.S. economy was $29.7 billion. National Park Tourism in Colorado Creates $552.1 Million in Economic Beneﬁ t Every unit of the national park system needs a formal statement of its core mission to provide basic guidance for all planning and management decisions: a foundation for planning and management. It is imperative that stakeholders and park staff understand the park’s purpose, signiﬁ cance, interpretive themes, fundamental resources and values, and special mandates and administrative commitments, as well as legal and policy requirements for administration and resource protection. The document reﬂ ects the laws establishing and governing the management of the park including the Establishment Act of 1915, the National Park Service Act of 1916, and the Wilderness Designation Act of 2009. The foundation document can be used in all aspects of park management to ensure that the most important management objectives are accomplished before addressing other items that are also important but not directly critical to achieving the park purpose and maintaining its signiﬁ cance. An overview of the Foundation Document is available on line at http://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/management-plans. htm. A full copy of the document can be requested by contacting the Superintendent’s ofﬁ ce at ROMO_Superintendent@nps.gov or 970-586-1201. Foundation Document 12 Two Stewardship Awards and Rocky's First Citizen Science Award Presented for 2014 Tena & Fred Engelman ~ Citizen Science Award Tena and Fred, volunteer ornithologists, have provided more than 18,000 hours of their time to conduct a 10 year study of hummingbirds at Rocky Mountain National Park. As chief scientists on the project, they successfully developed the skills and knowledge to safely band these birds and document species diversity, movements, timing, demographics, nesting success and plumage characteristics. Through their efforts they have provided an extensive data collection on these avian wonders which has supported numerous presentations and publications. The Engelmans collaborated with other hummingbird scientists throughout Western North America to track the migrations of these tiny dynamos. Tena and Fred also collaborated with USGS scientists to discover more about the genetic diversity of these fascinating birds. To further public involvement, they have also provided popular hummingbird seminars for the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. David Cooper ~ Stewardship Award As Senior Research Scientist at Colorado State University, David has supported the park in some of the most signiﬁ cant restoration projects of the last 20 years including the removal and restoration of Fan Lake and assistance in determining data needs and developing design concepts for the former Glacier Creek Livery and the abandoned Hidden Valley Ski Area. He produced key science products that helped guide park managers during the development of Elk and Vegetation Plan and the Grand Ditch breach court case. He is currently providing support in the restoration of the Lulu City wetlands and other areas impacted by the breach. Dr. Cooper has offered countless personal and professional hours to Rocky Mountain National Park in order to protect its natural resources to ensure they persist for future generations to enjoy. Kathy Tonnessen ~ Stewardship Award Kathy began work for the NPS Intermountain Region in 1991 as the ﬁ rst agency liaison to the newly created Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (RM-CESU). In that position, Kathy assumed a leadership role by setting standard practices and procedures and developing a scientiﬁ c network to provide national park managers with access to science based data and information. This information enabled those managers to preserve and steward natural and cultural resources in the national parks. As a result of her efforts, the RM-CESU became a service model for how Department of Interior CESU liaisons could best connect land and resource managers with the scientiﬁ c community. During this time, Kathy also served as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana. In this dual role she was able to provide a connection between the Rocky Mountain Region National Parks with the scientiﬁ c community and students, tomorrow’s scientists. Fred & Tena Engelman, Kathy Tonnessen, David Cooper Reroutes and Repairs to Flood Damaged Trails The ﬂ ood recovery work in 2014 focused mostly on the repair of many of the park’s backcountry bridges, repairs to the Sprague Lake Picnic Areas, repairs to the tread at Lily Lake, and the replacement of the Ouzel Falls Bridge. This season we will ﬁ nish up the Ouzel Falls Bridge and Lightning Bridge as helicopter operations are tentatively scheduled for mid June. Trail crews will work to reestablish the trail corridor on the North Longs Peak Trail that was washed away in the Boulder Brook location as well as work to repair the damage on that trail above treeline. As soon as the Ouzel Falls Bridge is complete, crews will turn their focus on repairing the trail along the ﬁ rst two miles of the Fern Lake Trail. Crews have also been tasked with repairing ﬂ ood damage in the Wild Basin District on the main access trail and the Allenspark Trail. Our volunteer program is focused on repairing several of the livery trails including Meeker Park and Cow Creek. Rocky Mountain National Park is considering reroutes and repairs to several trails that were heavily damaged or lost during the September 2013 ﬂ ood. Flooding not only washed away the travel surface in some locations, but also structures such as culverts, water bars, and bridges. Saturated soils on hillsides failed, causing landslides that destroyed entire trail segments. Trails that received the most substantial damage require extensive repairs or rerouting. The purpose of this proposed project is to identify potential travel routes while protecting natural and cultural resources and preserving wilderness character. Damaged trails proposed for reroutes or repairs include: Alluvial Fan, Lawn Lake, Ypsilon Lake, Twin Sisters, and Aspen Brook. All of these trails currently remain open to the public, but portions of the trails and bridges have been washed out by ﬂ ooding and landslides or are badly damaged. Social trails have developed in some locations around the damaged or missing trail segments, which can lead to soil erosion and vegetation damage over time. The park is considering several options for each trail, including constructing short detours around damaged or missing trail segments or constructing longer trails. Also under consideration is allowing continued use of social trails and implementing minor improvements. Restoration of existing trails is not always feasible at (Continued on next page...) Damage to the Twin Sisters Trail from the September 2013 Flood NPS Photo 13 East Shore Trail Bicycle Use The wilderness legislation for Rocky Mountain National Park set aside the East Shore Trail area on the west side of the park for consideration of whether to allow bicycle use. The East Shore Trail area was not included in designated wilderness. In 2014, Rocky Mountain National Park completed an environmental assessment and gathered public input in order to answer the question of whether to allow bicycle use on a two mile section of the East Shore Trail that extends north from Shadow Mountain Dam to the park boundary just south of Grand Lake. In February 2015, the initial decision was made to allow bike use on the two mile section of trail, with minor modiﬁ cations to the trail for safety, resource protection, and trail sustainability. A 1/4 –mile section of the trail requires rerouting. Because this section is considered a new trail under the National Park Service Bicycle Rule (36 CFR 4.30), rulemaking, with an additional opportunity for public input, is required before the trail can be modiﬁ ed and before bicycle use can be permitted. We anticipate that the rulemaking process will be completed sometime in 2016. East Side Multiuse Trail In 2009, Rocky Mountain National Park completed a feasibility study to determine if a multiuse trail could be developed on the east side of the park that would roughly parallel the existing roadways. The study concluded that it would be feasible to develop up to 15.5 miles of trail that would link the Fall River Entrance and the Beaver Meadows Entrance to a trail along Bear Lake Road and ultimately to Sprague Lake. The proposed trail could tie into trails that are being planned within the Estes Valley, and could provide access to visitor centers, campgrounds, and the shuttle bus system within the park. With funding provided by the Federal Highway Administration, the park is now working with a consultant to put the ﬁ nishing touches on an environmental assessment that evaluates the positive and negative consequences of developing the proposed multiuse trail. We anticipate that the environmental assessment will be available for public review and comment sometime this summer. If the plan is approved, no funding has been identiﬁ ed for construction, and the park may choose to build none, some, or all of the potential 15.5 miles of trail. Update on Multi-Use Trail Projects 14 some locations. Complete trail closure is also an option that may be considered for some trails. Trail segments abandoned due to reroutes or closure would be restored to natural conditions through active replanting or natural revegetation. An environmental assessment is being prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide a decision-making framework that analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, evaluates issues and impacts on park resources and values, and identiﬁ es mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts. We anticipate that the environmental assessment will be available for public review and comment sometime in 2015. If you have questions about the project, please call the park’s Information Ofﬁ ce at (970) 586-1206. 15 Where do dragonﬂ ies go when the snow falls? What keeps wood frogs from croaking in winter? To answer these questions, Rocky Mountain National Park in partnership with the YMCA of the Rockies, Larimer County Natural Resources, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife hosted a Winter Ecology teacher workshop February 20-22. Despite the weekend forecast, classroom teachers and nonformal educators donned snowshoes and cold weather gear to explore “Below Zero” an educational curriculum designed to promote understanding of wildlife under winter conditions. The 22 participants explored the winter world through content sessions, snowshoe hikes, digging snow pits, hands-on activities, and educational games. Guest speakers included Scott Rashid, local bird expert; Steve Johnson, Estes Park Middle School teacher; Paul McLaughlin, Park Ecologist; Kevin Sturmer, Park Climbing Ranger; Heather Young, Larimer County Education Program Coordinator; and Mary McCormac, Northeast Regional Education Coordinator with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Formal classroom teachers came away with an arsenal of activities to bring back to their classrooms, while nonformal educators gained conﬁ dence and activities for taking students outside in the cold at their own outdoor sites. Participants enjoyed the “knowledgeable instructors,” “variety of experiences,” and “the unique way to experience Colorado winter.” “Life in the Cold” A Teacher Workshop held at Rocky Mountain National Park Mount Lady Washington, Longs Peak, and Storm Peak. Photo taken by Climbing Ranger, Mike Lukens, on Monday, May 11, 2015. Grant Supports Alternative Transportation at Rocky 16 The National Park Service proudly recognizes the National Park Foundation as its ofﬁ cial charitable partner. Rocky Mountain National Park proudly recognizes the Rocky Mountain Conservancy as its ofﬁ cial charitable partner. Rocky Mountain National Park staff recently assembled with partners from the Northern Colorado Clean Cities Coalition and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the substantial completion of a grant funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities National Parks Initiative. This grant was awarded to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2013, for $167,500. The National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities National Parks Initiative supports alternative transportation projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and educating park visitors about the environmental beneﬁ ts of reducing our dependence on petroleum. This initiative complements the NPS Climate Friendly Parks program by demonstrating the environmental beneﬁ ts of cutting petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions. Through this unique partnership opportunity, the park has purchased two electric sedans and one hybrid pickup truck, installed two electric charging stations, launched an idle reduction campaign and enhanced the parks education and outreach efforts toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sustainable operations. Find out more about Clean Cities and transportation at: www1.eere.energy.gov/ cleancities/index.html Photo caption: Shebles McConnellogue, Executive Director of Northern Colorado Clean Cities Coalition, and Andrew Hudgins, Project Leader, Clean Cities, at the National Renewable Energy Lab with Danny Basch, Facility Manager of Operations at Rocky Mountain National Park and two of the three vehicles purchased through the grant. Page 1 To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham Board of Trustees Town Administrator Lancaster From: Jackie Williamson Date: June 9, 2015 RE: Liquor Licensing: Transfer of Ownership from Deer Ridge, Inc., dba THE OTHER SIDE RESTAURANT, to Two 16, Inc., dba OTHER SIDE OF ESTES, 900 Moraine Avenue, Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License. Objective: Transfer an existing liquor license located at 900 Moraine Avenue to the applicant, Two 16, Inc. Present Situation: A Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License is currently held at the location referenced above by Deer Ridge, Inc., dba THE OTHER SIDE RESTAURANT. The applicant is requesting a transfer of the license and submitted a complete application to the Town Clerk’s office on May 18, 2015. A temporary permit was issued on May 21, 2015. The temporary permit authorizes the transferee to continue the sale of alcohol beverages as permitted under the permanent license while the application to transfer ownership of the license is pending. The applicant has submitted all necessary paperwork and fees and is aware of the TIPS training requirement. Proposal: Town Board review and consideration of the application to transfer the existing license to Two 16, Inc., dba OTHER SIDE OF ESTES. Advantages: The transfer of the license provides the business owner with the opportunity to continue operating an existing, liquor-licensed establishment without an interruption of service to its clientele. Disadvantages: The business owner is denied the opportunity to continue operating an existing liquor- licensed business during the licensing process. Town Clerk’s Office Memo Page 2 Action Recommended: Approval to transfer the existing Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License to Two 16, Inc. Budget: The fee paid to the Town of Estes Park for a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License transfer is $1319. The fee covers the administrative costs related to processing the application, background checks, and business licensing. In addition, the renewal fee payable to the Town for a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License is $869 per year. Level of Public Interest: Low Sample Motion: I move to approve/deny the Transfer Application for a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License filed by Two 16, Inc., dba OTHER SIDE OF ESTES. Attachments: 1. Procedure for Transfer of Liquor License April 2003 PROCEDURE FOR TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE TOWN CLERK. Will present the application and confirm the following:  The application was filed May 18, 2015 .  The Town has received all necessary fees and hearing costs.  The applicant is filing as a Corporation .  There is a police report with regard to the investigation of the applicants.  Status of T.I.P.S. Training: X Unscheduled Completed Pending Confirmation MOTION: I move the Transfer Application filed by Two 16, Inc., doing business as Other Side of Estes for a Hotel and Restaurant License be approved/denied. Page 1 To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham Board of Trustees Town Administrator Lancaster From: Jackie Williamson Date: June 9, 2015 RE: Liquor Licensing: Transfer of Ownership from The View, Inc., dba THE VIEW RESTAURANT, to High Country Cuisine Estes LLC, dba THE VIEW, 300 Riverside Drive, Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License. Objective: Transfer an existing liquor license located at 300 Riverside Drive to the applicant, High Country Cuisine Estes LLC. Present Situation: A Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License is currently held at the location referenced above by The View, Inc., dba THE VIEW RESTAURANT. The applicant is requesting a transfer of the license and submitted a complete application to the Town Clerk’s office on May 1, 2015. A temporary permit was issued on June 1, 2015. The temporary permit authorizes the transferee to continue the sale of alcohol beverages as permitted under the permanent license while the application to transfer ownership of the license is pending. The applicant has submitted all necessary paperwork and fees and is aware of the TIPS training requirement. Proposal: Town Board review and consideration of the application to transfer the existing license to High Country Cuisine Estes LLC dba THE VIEW. Advantages: The transfer of the license provides the business owner with the opportunity to continue operating an existing, liquor-licensed establishment without an interruption of service to its clientele. Disadvantages: The business owner is denied the opportunity to continue operating an existing liquor- licensed business during the licensing process. Town Clerk’s Office Memo Page 2 Action Recommended: Approval to transfer the existing Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License to High Country Cuisine Estes LLC. Budget: The fee paid to the Town of Estes Park for a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License transfer is $1319. The fee covers the administrative costs related to processing the application, background checks, and business licensing. In addition, the renewal fee payable to the Town for a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License is $869 per year. Level of Public Interest: Low Sample Motion: I move to approve/deny the Transfer Application for a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License filed by High Country Cuisine Estes LLC dba THE VIEW. Attachments: 1. Procedure for Transfer of Liquor License April 2003 PROCEDURE FOR TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE TOWN CLERK. Will present the application and confirm the following:  The application was filed May 1, 2015 .  The Town has received all necessary fees and hearing costs.  The applicant is filing as an LLC .  There is a police report with regard to the investigation of the applicants.  Status of T.I.P.S. Training: X Unscheduled Completed Pending Confirmation MOTION: I move the Transfer Application filed by High Country Cuisine Estes LLC doing business as The View for a Hotel and Restaurant License be approved/denied. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Memo To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham Board of Trustees Town Administrator Lancaster From: Steve McFarland, Finance Officer Date: June 9, 2015 RE: Investment Policy Objective: The objective of this memo is to gain approval of the update of the Town’s Investment Policy (last update: May 2001). Present Situation: The Town’s current Investment Policy was last updated in May 2001. The Audit Committee met with the Town’s Investment Advisor, Cutwater Asset Management (CAM) on May 21, 2015 to review recent investment performance, discuss proposed amendments to the current Investment Policy, and to consider extending the working relationship between the Town and CAM (please see attached Minutes for details on each topic). Proposal: The proposed changes to the Investment Policy will allow the Town to take advantage of investments allowed under current State Statutes (Statute is attached with Audit Committee Minutes). The primary change to the existing Policy is that the Town will now be permitted to invest a minority portion of its portfolio in commercial paper and corporate bonds when said investments are of appropriate investment grade. The updated Policy also acknowledges and re-affirms the Town’s commitment to (in priority order) safety, liquidity and yield when investing public funds. Further, the Policy will ensure that the Town works only with properly credentialed asset managers and brokers. Advantages: The proposed changes to the Policy will allow a wider range of investment options, in accordance with State Statute, while not compromising the Town’s commitment to its investment goals (safety, liquidity, yield). Disadvantages: The Audit Committee did not see any material disadvantages to updating the Investment Policy. Action Recommended: The Audit Committee recommends approval of the update of the Town’s Investment Policy. Budget: No budget implications accompany this request. Level of Public Interest Low. Sample Motion: I move for the approval/denial of the proposed Town’s Investment Policy update. Attachments:  Audit Committee minutes dated May 21, 2015 (in Consent Agenda Section).  Investment Policy w applicable Statutes. Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 1 of 13 Effective Period: Review Schedule: Annual Effective Date: References: Policy governance documents 3.3.8, 3.4.3. 3.5.7 FINANCE 6XX Investment Policy 1. PURPOSE The Investment Policy of the Town of Estes Park addresses the methods, procedures and practices which must be exercised to ensure effective and judicious fiscal and investment management of the Town’s funds. This policy applies to the investment activities of the Town with regard to all funds except for employees' investment retirement funds and proceeds from certain bond issues. 2. POLICY The Town administers and safeguards its investments on behalf of the citizens of Estes Park. The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and yield. The remainder of this document describes the Town’s investment universe. 3. PROCEDURE A. General Objectives The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and yield: 1. Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program. Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of capital in the overall portfolio. The objective will be to mitigate credit risk and interest rate risk. a. Credit Risk. The Town of Estes Park will minimize credit risk, the risk of loss due to the failure of the security issuer or backer, by:  Limiting investments to the safest types of securities  Pre-qualifying the financial institutions, broker/dealers, intermediaries, and advisers with which the Town of Estes Park will do business Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 2 of 13  Diversifying the investment portfolio so that potential losses on individual securities will be minimized. b. Interest Rate Risk. The Town of Estes Park will minimize the risk that the market value of securities in the portfolio will fall due to changes in general interest rates, by:  Structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet cash requirements for ongoing operations, thereby avoiding the need to sell securities on the open market prior to maturity  Investing operating funds primarily in shorter-term securities, and local government investment pools. 2. Liquidity. The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by structuring the portfolio so that securities mature concurrent with cash needs to meet anticipated demands (static liquidity). Furthermore, since all possible cash demands cannot be anticipated, the portfolio should consist largely of securities with active secondary or resale markets (dynamic liquidity). A portion of the portfolio also may be placed in money market funds or local government investment pools which offer same-day liquidity for short-term funds. 3. Yield. The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a market rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles, taking into account the investment risk constraints and liquidity needs. Return on investment is of secondary importance compared to the safety and liquidity objectives described above. The core of investments are limited to relatively low risk securities in anticipation of earning a fair return relative to the risk being assumed. B. Standards of Care 1. Prudence. The standard of prudence to be used by investment officials shall be the "prudent person" standard and shall be applied in the context of managing an overall portfolio. Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be derived. 2. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest. Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper execution and management of the investment program, or that could impair their ability to make impartial decisions. Employees and investment officials shall disclose any material interests in financial institutions with which they conduct business. They shall further disclose any personal financial/investment positions that could be related to the performance of the investment portfolio. Employees and officers shall refrain from Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 3 of 13 undertaking personal investment transactions with the same individual with whom business is conducted on behalf of the Town of Estes Park. 3. Delegation of Authority. Authority to manage the investment program is granted to the Finance Officer, and derived from Section 24-75-601, C.R.S. Responsibility for the operation of the investment program is hereby delegated to the Finance Officer, who shall act in accordance with established written procedures and internal controls for the operation of the investment program consistent with this investment policy. Procedures should include references to: safekeeping, delivery vs. payment, investment accounting, wire transfer agreements, and collateral/depository agreements. No person may engage in an investment transaction except as provided under the terms of this policy and the procedures established by the Finance Officer. The Finance Officer shall be responsible for all transactions undertaken and shall establish a system of controls to regulate the activities of subordinate officials. C. Safekeeping and Custody 1. Authorized Financial Dealers and Institutions The Finance Officer shall maintain a list of authorized broker/dealers approved for investment purposes, and it shall be the policy of the Town to purchase securities only from those authorized firms. To be eligible, a firm must meet at least one of the following criteria: a) Be recognized as a Primary Dealer by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, b) Report voluntarily to Federal Reserve Bank of New York, c) Qualify under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 15c3-1 (Uniform Net Capital Rule). The Town may engage the services of investment advisory firms to assist in the management of the portfolio and investment advisors may utilize their own list of approved broker/dealers. Such broker/dealers will comply with the selection criteria above and the list of approved firms shall be provided to the Town on an annual basis or upon request. In the event that an external investment advisor is not engaged by the Town, all financial institutions and broker/dealers who desire to become qualified for investment transactions must supply the following as appropriate: a) Audited financial statements b) Proof of National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) certification c) Proof of state registration d) Certification of having read and understood and agreeing to comply with the Town of Estes Park’s investment policy. Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 4 of 13 An annual review of the financial condition and registration of qualified financial institutions and broker/dealers will be conducted by the Finance Officer. 2. Internal Controls. The Finance Officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining an internal control structure designed to ensure that the assets of the Town of Estes Park are protected from loss, theft or misuse. The internal control structure shall be designed to provide reasonable assurance that these objectives are met. The concept of reasonable assurance recognizes that (1) the cost of a control should not exceed the benefits likely to be derived and (2) the valuation of costs and benefits requires estimates and judgments by management. Accordingly, the Finance Officer shall establish a process for an annual independent review by an external auditor to assure compliance with policies and procedures. The internal controls shall address the following points: a) Control of collusion b) Separation of transaction authority from accounting and recordkeeping c) Custodial safekeeping d) Clear delegation of authority to subordinate staff members 3. Delivery vs. Payment. All trades where applicable will be executed by delivery vs. payment (DVP) to ensure that securities are deposited in an eligible financial institution prior to the release of funds. Securities will be held by a third-party custodian as evidenced by safekeeping receipts. D. Suitable and Authorized Investments 1. Investment Types Consistent with Section 24-75-601, C.R.S, the following investments will be permitted by this policy: a) U.S. Treasury Obligations: Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, Treasury Bonds and Treasury Strips (separate trading of interest or principal) with maturities not exceeding five years from the date of trade settlement. b) Federal Instrumentality Obligations: Debentures, discount notes, callable securities, step-up securities and stripped principal or coupons with defined maturities not exceeding five years from the date of trade settlement. Subordinated debt, mortgage-backed securities and other derivatives shall not be purchased Corporate Debt: Bonds issued by any corporation or bank organized and operating within the United States with maturities not exceeding three years from the date of trade settlement. The debt must be rated at least AA- or the equivalent at the time of purchase by two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSRO). No more than 25% of the Town’s total portfolio may be invested in the combination of commercial paper and corporate bonds, with no more than 5% held in the debt of any one issuer. c) Commercial Paper: Commercial paper with an original maturity of 270 days or less that is rated at least A-1, or the equivalent at the time of purchase by at least two Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 5 of 13 NRSROs. If the commercial paper issuer has senior debt outstanding, the senior debt must be rated at least AA- or the equivalent at the time of purchase by at least two NRSROs. No more than 25% of the Town’s total portfolio may be invested in the combination of commercial paper and corporate bonds, with no more than 5% held in the debt of any one issuer. d) Certificates of Deposit: Certificates of deposit with a maturity not exceeding five years in any state bank, national bank, or state or federal savings bank located in Colorado that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is a state approved depository per CRS 24-75-603. Certificates of deposit that exceed FDIC insurance limits shall be collateralized as required by the Public Deposit Protection Act (CRS 11-10.5-101 et. seq.) Preference will be given to local financial institutions when investing in certificates of deposit. ; e) Municipal Debt: General obligations and revenue obligations of state or local governments with a maturity not exceeding five years from the date of trade settlement. General obligations and revenue obligations of this state or any political subdivision of this state must be rated at the time of purchase at least A or the equivalent by at least two NRSROs. General obligations and revenue obligations of any other state or political subdivision of any other state must be rated at the time of purchase at least AA or the equivalent by at least two NRSROs. No more than 20% of the Town’s portfolio may be invested in municipal debt, with no more than 5% of the portfolio held in any one issuer. f) Local government investment pools: that are “no-load: (i.e. no commission or fee shall be charged on purchases or sales of shares); have a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share; limit assets of the fund to securities authorized by state statute; have a maximum stated maturity and weighted average maturity in accordance with Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and have a rating of AAAm or the equivalent by each NRSRO that rates the pool. Securities that have been downgraded below minimum ratings described herein may be sold or held at the Town’s discretion. The portfolio will be brought back into compliance with Investment Policy guidelines as soon as is practical. 2. Collateralization. Where allowed by state law (11-10.5-106,107 through 110, C.R.S.), full collateralization will be required on certificates of deposit and other excess deposits in financial institutions. E. Investment Parameters 1. Diversification. Investments shall be diversified by: a) Limiting investments to avoid overconcentration in securities from a specific issuer or business sector (excluding U.S. Treasury securities), b) Limiting investment in securities that have higher credit risks, c) Investing in securities with varying maturities, and Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 6 of 13 d) Continuously investing a portion of the portfolio in readily available funds such as local government investment pools (LGIPs), and/or money market funds to ensure liquidity. 2. Maximum Maturities. To the extent possible, the Town of Estes Park shall attempt to match its investments with anticipated cash flow requirements. Investments shall be limited to maturities not exceeding five years from the date of purchase unless otherwise approved in writing by the Town Board for special circumstances. F. Reporting 1. Methods. The Finance Officer shall prepare an investment report on a regular basis and provide it to the Town Administrator, including a management summary that provides an analysis of the status of the current investment portfolio and transactions made. This management summary will be prepared in a manner which will allow the Town Administrator to ascertain whether investment activities during the reporting period have conformed to the investment policy. The report will include the following: a) Listing of individual securities held at the end of the reporting period. b) Listing of investment by maturity date. c) Percentage of the total portfolio which each type of investment represents. 2. Performance Standards. The investment portfolio will be managed in accordance with the parameters specified within this policy. The portfolio should obtain a market average rate of return during a market/economic environment of stable interest rates. G. Policy Considerations 1. Approval. This policy shall be reviewed on an annual basis by the Finance Officer and amended as conditions warrant. Any changes must be approved by the Town Board. This Investment Policy was adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Estes Park on ________, 2015. It replaces any previous Investment Policy or investment procedures of the Town. Approved: _____________________________ Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator _____________ Date Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 7 of 13 APPENDIX 1 - FORMS a. C.R.S. 24-75-601.1 (2014) – Legal Investment of Public Funds COLORADO REVISED STATUTES * This document reflects changes current through all laws passed at the Second Regular Session of the Sixty‐Ninth General Assembly of the State of Colorado (2014) and changes approved by the electorate at the November 2014 election * TITLE 24. GOVERNMENT ‐ STATE STATE FUNDS ARTICLE 75.STATE FUNDS PART 6. FUNDS ‐ LEGAL INVESTMENTS C.R.S. 24‐75‐601.1 (2014) 24‐75‐601.1. Legal investments of public funds (1) It is lawful to invest public funds in any of the following securities: (a) Any security issued by, fully guaranteed by, or for which the full credit of the United States treasury is pledged for payment and, notwithstanding paragraph (a) of subsection (1.3) of this section, inflation indexed securities issued by the United States treasury. The period from the date of settlement of this type of security to its maturity date shall be no more than five years unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes investment for a period in excess of five years. (b) (I) Any security issued by, fully guaranteed by, or for which the full credit of the following is pledged for payment: The federal farm credit bank, the federal land bank, a federal home loan bank, the federal home loan mortgage corporation, the federal national mortgage association, the export‐import bank, the Tennessee valley authority, the government national mortgage association, the world bank, or an entity or organization that is not listed in this paragraph (b) but that is created by, or the creation of which is authorized by, legislation enacted by the United States congress and that is subject to control by the federal government that is at least as extensive as that which governs an entity or organization listed in this paragraph (b). The period from the date of settlement of this type of security to its maturity date shall be no more than five years unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes investment for a period in excess of five years. (II) No subordinated security may be purchased pursuant to this paragraph (b). Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 8 of 13 (c) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 552, § 3, effective August 7, 2006.) (d) (I) Any security that is a general obligation of any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any territorial possession of the United States or of any political subdivision, institution, department, agency, instrumentality, or authority of any of such governmental entities. (II) No security may be purchased pursuant to this paragraph (d) unless: (A) At the time of purchase, the security carries at least two credit ratings at or above "A" or its equivalent from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations if it is a general obligation of this state or of any political subdivision, institution, department, agency, instrumentality, or authority of this state or carries at least two credit ratings at or above "AA" or its equivalent from such organizations if it is a general obligation of any other governmental entity listed in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (d); (B) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 552, § 3, effective August 7, 2006.) (C) The period from the date of settlement of this type of security to its maturity date or date of optional redemption that has been exercised as of the date the security is purchased is no more than five years unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes investment for a period in excess of five years. (e) (I) Any security that is a revenue obligation of any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any territorial possession of the United States or of any political subdivision, institution, department, agency, instrumentality, or authority of any of such governmental entities. (II) No security may be purchased pursuant to this paragraph (e) unless, at the time of purchase, the security carries at least two credit ratings at or above "A" or its equivalent from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations if it is a revenue obligation of this state or of any political subdivision, institution, department, agency, instrumentality, or authority of this state or carries at least two credit ratings at or above "AA" or its equivalent from such organizations if it is a revenue obligation of any other governmental entity listed in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (e). (III) The period from the date of settlement of this type of security to its maturity date or date of optional redemption that has been exercised as of the date the security is purchased shall be no more than five years. (f) and (g) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 552, § 3, effective August 7, 2006.) (h) Any security of the investing public entity or any certificate of participation or other security evidencing rights in payments to be made by the investing public entity under a lease, lease‐ purchase agreement, or similar arrangement; (h.5) Any certificate of participation or other security evidencing rights in payments to be made by Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 9 of 13 a school district under a lease, lease‐purchase agreement, or similar arrangement if the security, at the time of purchase, carries at least two credit ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and is rated at or above "A" or its equivalent by all such organizations that have provided a rating; (i) Any interest in any local government investment pool organized pursuant to part 7 of this article; (j) The purchase of any repurchase agreement concerning any securities referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection (1) that can otherwise be purchased under this section if all of the conditions of subparagraphs (I) to (VI) of this paragraph (j) are met: (I) The securities subject to the repurchase agreement must be marketable. (II) The title to or a perfected security interest in such securities along with any necessary transfer documents must be transferred to the investing public entity or to a custodian acting on behalf of the investing public entity. (III) Such securities must be actually delivered versus payment to the public entity's custodian or to a third‐party custodian or third‐party trustee for safekeeping on behalf of the public entity. (IV) The collateral securities of the repurchase agreement must be collateralized at no less than one hundred two percent and marked to market no less frequently than weekly. (V) The securities subject to the repurchase agreement may have a maturity in excess of five years. (VI) The period from the date of settlement of a repurchase agreement to its maturity date shall be no more than five years unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes investment for a period in excess of five years. (j.5) Any reverse repurchase agreement concerning any securities referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection (1) that can otherwise be purchased under this section if all of the conditions of subparagraphs (I) to (VII) of this paragraph (j.5) are met: (I) Any necessary transfer documents must be transferred to the investing public entity. (II) Cash must be received by the investing public entity or a custodian acting on behalf of the investing public entity in a deliver versus payment settlement. (III) The cash received from a reverse repurchase agreement must be collateralized at no more than one hundred and five percent and marked to market no less frequently than weekly. (IV) The repurchase agreement is not greater than ninety days in maturity from the date of settlement unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes investment for a period in excess of ninety days. Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 10 of 13 (V) The counter‐party meets the credit conditions of an issuer that would qualify under paragraph (m) of this subsection (1). (VI) The value of all securities reversed under this paragraph (j.5) does not exceed eighty percent of the total deposits and investments of the public entity. (VII) No securities are purchased with the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement that are greater in maturity than the term of the reverse repurchase agreement. (j.7) A securities lending agreement in which the public entity lends securities in exchange for securities authorized for investment in this section, if all of the following conditions are met: (I) Any necessary transfer documents must be transferred to the investing public entity. (II) Securities must be received by the investing public entity or a custodian acting on behalf of the investing public entity in a simultaneous settlement. (III) The securities received in the securities lending agreement must be no less than one hundred two percent of the value of the securities lent and marked to market no less frequently than weekly. (IV) The counter‐party meets the conditions of an issuer specified in paragraph (m) of this subsection (1). (V) In the case of a local government, the securities lending agreement shall be approved and designated by written resolution adopted by a majority vote of the governing body of the local government, which resolutions shall be recorded in its minutes. (k) Any money market fund that is registered as an investment company under the federal "Investment Company Act of 1940", as amended, if, at the time the investing public entity invests in such fund: (I) The investment policies of the fund include seeking to maintain a constant share price; (II) No sales or load fee is added to the purchase price or deducted from the redemption price of the investments in the fund and no fee may be charged unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes such a fee at the time of the initial purchase; (III) The investments of the fund consist only of securities with a maximum remaining maturity as specified in rule 2a‐7 under the federal "Investment Company Act of 1940", as amended, or any successor regulation under such act regulating money market funds, so long as such rule 2a‐7 is not amended to, or such successor regulation does not, increase the maximum remaining maturity of such securities to a period that is greater than three years, and if the fund has assets of one billion dollars or more, or has the highest current credit rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 11 of 13 (IV) The dollar‐weighted average portfolio maturity of the fund meets the requirements specified in rule 2a‐7 under the federal "Investment Company Act of 1940", as amended, or any successor regulation under such act regulating money market funds, so long as such rule 2a‐7 is not amended to increase the dollar‐weighted average portfolio maturity of a fund to a period greater than one hundred eighty days. (l) (I) Any guaranteed investment contract, guaranteed interest contract, annuity contract, or funding agreement if, at the time the contract or agreement is entered into, the long‐term credit rating, financial obligations rating, claims paying ability rating, or financial strength rating of the party, or of the guarantor of the party, with whom the public entity enters the contract or agreement is, at the time of issuance, rated in one of the two highest rating categories by two or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. (II) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2004, p. 950, 7, effective May 21, 2004.) (III) (A) Except as provided in sub‐subparagraph (B) of this subparagraph (III), the contracts or agreements purchased under this paragraph (l) shall not have a maturity period greater than three years. (B) Contracts or agreements with a maturity period greater than three years shall only be purchased with proceeds of the sale of securities of a public entity and proceeds of certificates of participation or other securities evidencing rights in payments to be made by a public entity under a lease, lease‐purchase agreement, or other similar arrangement or if purchased by revenues pledged to the payment of such securities or certificates; except that no contract or agreement may be purchased pursuant to this paragraph (l) with the proceeds of any of the foregoing that are held in an escrow or otherwise for the purpose of refunding bonds or other obligations of a public entity. (m) (I) Any corporate or bank security that is denominated in United States dollars, that matures within three years from the date of settlement, that at the time of purchase carries at least two credit ratings from any of the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations, and that is not rated below: (A) "A1, P1, or F1" or their equivalents by either rating used to fulfill the requirements of this subparagraph (I) if the security is a money market instrument such as commercial paper or bankers' acceptance; or (B) "AA‐ or Aa3" or their equivalents by either rating used to fulfill the requirements of this subparagraph (I) if the security is any other kind of security. (II) At no time shall the book value of a public entity's investment in notes evidencing a debt pursuant to this paragraph (m) exceed the following: (A) Fifty percent of the book value of the public entity's investment portfolio unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes a greater percent of such book value; or Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 12 of 13 (B) Five percent of the book value of the public entity's investment portfolio if the notes are issued by a single corporation or bank unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes a greater percent of such book value. (III) No subordinated security may be purchased pursuant to this paragraph (m). No security issued by a corporation or bank that is not organized and operated within the United States may be purchased pursuant to this paragraph (m) unless the governing body of the public entity authorizes investment in such securities. (n) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 552, § 3, effective August 7, 2006.) (1.3) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (1.3), public funds shall not be invested in any security on which the coupon rate is not fixed, or a schedule of specific fixed coupon rates is not established, from the time the security is settled until its maturity date, other than shares in qualified money market mutual funds, unless the coupon rate is: (I) Established by reference to the rate on a United States treasury security with a maturity of one year or less or to the United States dollar London interbank offer rate of one year or less maturity, or to the cost of funds index or the prime rate as published by the federal reserve; and (II) Expressed as a positive value of the referenced index plus or minus a fixed number of basis points. (b) A municipal index may be used for the investment of bond or note accounts from issues with coupons linked to the same index. (c) For purposes of this section, "maturity date" means the last possible date, barring default, that principal can be repaid to the purchaser. (1.5) Any firm that sells any financial instrument that fails to comply with the provisions of this section to any public entity in the state of Colorado shall, upon demand of the public entity through the state treasurer, repurchase such instruments for the greater of the original purchase principal amount or the original face value, plus any and all accrued interest, within one business day of the demand. (2) Investments made pursuant to this section shall be made in conformance with the standard set forth in section 15‐1‐304, C.R.S. (2.3) Public entities shall adopt criteria designating eligible broker‐dealers for the purchase of term securities, except for bond proceed investments, under this section. (2.5) (a) If a public entity invests public moneys through an investment firm offering for sale corporate stocks, bonds, notes, debentures, or a mutual fund that contains corporate securities, the investment firm shall disclose, in any research or other disclosure documents provided in support of the securities being offered, to the public entity whether the investment firm has an Investment Policy Draft 1 6/5/15 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Finance Page 13 of 13 agreement with a for‐profit corporation that is not a government‐sponsored enterprise, whose securities are being offered for sale to the public entity and because of such agreement the investment firm: (I) Had received compensation for investment banking services within the most recent twelve months; or (II) May receive compensation for investment banking services within the next three consecutive months. (b) For the purposes of this subsection (2.5), "investment firm" means a bank, brokerage firm, or other financial services firm conducting business within this state, or any agent thereof. (3) Nothing in this section is intended to limit: (a) The power of any public entity to invest any public funds in any security or other investment permitted to such public entities under any other valid law of the state; or (b) The power of any home rule city, city and county, town, or county to invest any public funds in any security or other investment permitted under the charter or ordinance of such home rule city, city and county, town, or county; or (c) The authority of the state board of regents to invest any funds available to the board in any security or other investment otherwise provided by law. (3.5) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 552, § 3, effective August 7, 2006.) (4) Nothing in this section is intended to apply to public funds held or invested as part of any pension plan, full or supplemental retirement plan, or deferred compensation plan. Administrative Services Memo To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham Board of Trustees Town Administrator Lancaster From: Jackie Williamson, Director Date: June 5, 2015 RE: Insurance Broker Contract Objective: To consider termination of the Town’s current contract with Gallagher Benefit Services and enter into a new contract with Hays to provide consulting services for employee benefits. Present Situation: The Town currently contracts with Gallagher Benefits Services to provide insurance brokerage services, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. The Town entered into an agreement on January 1, 2012 for a five year agreement pending budget appropriations. The agreement outlines each party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice. In 2015, the Town made a significant change to the medical benefits offered to the employees with the removal of spousal coverage from the plan. The change has begun to impact the hiring process, as applicants are not accepting job offers due to the lack of coverage. The loss of spousal coverage has made it clear the Town needs a strong strategic partner to review the benefits offered to the employees to ensure it remains a competitive employer. Administrative Services and the Insurance Committee discussed the option of reviewing the Town’s brokerage service in April. The consensus was to develop an RFP and seek responses from interested companies. The Town received seven proposals that were reviewed by a subcommittee of the Insurance Committee. The subcommittee selected a top two and interviews with each company were held. Hays was unanimously selected as the top company due to their presentation, communication, and ability to understand the Town’s issues and concerns. Reference checks were completed with positive recommendations from similarly sized and resort oriented entities. Proposal: Administrative Services proposes sending a termination notice to Gallagher Benefit Services and contract with Hays to provide insurance brokerage services at a cost of $29,000 annually for five years conditional on appropriations. Advantages:  To engage a broker that will work closely with the Insurance Committee.  Develop a strategic plan for benefits to ensure the Town remains competitive with the market.  To review Town benefits with a new approach and seek other alternatives not presented to the Town by the current broker.  Increase communications with Town representatives and the employees. Disadvantages:  Bringing on a new broker will require staff time to educate them on the current plans and challenges the Town faces with benefits. Action Recommended: Staff recommends terminating the contract with Gallagher Benefit Services and contracting with Hays for insurance brokerage services. Budget: Budget neutral as the new contract would be $1,000 less than the current contract with Gallagher. Sample Motion: I move to approve/deny a contract with Hays for employee benefit services at a cost of $29,000 annually for 5 years. Attachment None.