HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2017-05-23Tuesday, May 23, 2017
TOWN BOARD 4:30 p.m. – 6:40 p.m.
STUDY SESSION Rooms 202/203
The Town Hall elevator is undergoing repairs. Access to the second floor is available by stairs only.
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 give 24 hour notice by calling (970) 577-4777.
4:30 p.m. Discussion and Review of Fish Hatchery RFP.
(Manager Landkamer)
5:00 p.m. Dinner.
5:10 p.m. Review Service Proposal List for 2017 Budget.
(Town Administrator Lancaster)
5:50 p.m. Key Outcome Discussion – Public Safety, Health and
Environment. (Assistant Town Administrator Machalek)
6:10 p.m. Key Outcome Discussion – Outstanding Community Service.
(Assistant Town Administrator Machalek)
6:30 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions.
6:35 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
(Board Discussion)
6:40 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting.
Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this
meeting at approximately 4:15 p.m.
AGENDA
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PUBLIC WORKS Report
To: Honorable Mayor Jirsa
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Jon Landkamer, Facilities Manager
Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director
Date: May 23, 2017
RE: Workforce Housing RFP Fish Hatchery Property
Objective:
This report is intended to update the Mayor and Board of Trustees on the 2017 Estes
Valley Workforce Housing Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding the development of
workforce housing at the Fish Hatchery property. The RFP is ready for release and will
promote this initiative as a Collaborative Community Effort (CCE).
Present Situation:
The Fish Hatchery property is approximately 75 acres at the end of Fish Hatchery Road,
and is zoned A1. The Town operates two Museum buildings, four employee rental units,
the O’Connor Pavilion and restroom, several storage buildings, and a retired water
treatment facility on this land. The flood of 2013 had some impact on the property, and
we anticipate some of the property, immediately adjacent to Fall River, to be restricted
from future development by the anticipated new floodplain boundaries.
The attached RFP has been developed and reviewed by a small committee consisting
of Town employees (Jon, Frank, Randy, Tina) and Estes Park Housing Authority
representatives (Rita, Matthew Heiser, Eric Blackhurst). The community need for
workforce housing has been identified through several area housing needs studies
dating back to 1990. The most recent study, completed in January 2016, shows the
workforce housing shortage is worsening. This project is intended to initiate the
development of the Fish Hatchery Property for workforce housing, as identified in a
Strategic Planning goal for Outstanding Community Services.
Proposal:
Highlights/discussion points of the RFP:
•Collaborative Community Effort (CCE)
•Rezoning of the property to RM and maximizing density
•Explore a new contracting process for an Exclusive Right to Negotiate contract
with the Developer
3
•Target market of 60 to 150% AMI (not intended for low income and/or seasonal
housing)
•Deed restrictions to insure residents work in the Estes Valley Workforce area
Actions needed from the Town Board to advance this project include:
•Support the release of the RFP and initiation of the project
•Support staff participation early to help guide and develop the project design
concepts and direction
•Support the project by funding a contracted Project Manager for the early stages
of the project
•Prioritize and support development code revisions that will enhance this project
by maximizing land use
•Work closely with the Estes Park Housing Authority to establish direction and
funding for short-term project design and construction management and long
range management of the project and property
Advantages:
•Participation in the CCE will set a strongly visible example of creative solutions to
assist in meeting a real community need
•Utilizes a property that the Town is not likely to develop independently
•Donation of the property would help to keep costs down for the project and the
associated future housing units.
•The project may assist with recruitment and retention of Town staff though
improved housing options.
•Brings together the large area employers and engages them in the solution
•Leadership/role modeling with this project could encourage others in the Estes
Valley to create similar opportunities.
•We could potentially add over 200 dwelling units to the area inventory, thus
making a significant impact in a relatively short amount of time.
Disadvantages:
•There are many unknowns that will come up, and it will take staff commitment
and financial resources to address them.
•This project in not budgeted in 2017, and will require funding for a Project
Manager.
•Increased density and traffic in this quiet neighborhood.
Action Recommended:
•Assign a Town Board Trustee as a liaison for this project
•Make a unified commitment for the disposition of the Fish Hatchery Property
•Approve a solution for funding, hiring, and overseeing a Project Manager for the
developer solicitation phase of this project.
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Budget:
No budget has been established for this project. There are three phases of project
management that need to be further defined and funded: developer solicitation, design
& construction, project operation and maintenance. A consultant Project Manager with
appropriate work experience in engineering, architecture, land development, or
construction management is expect to cost about $100 to $175/hr. Assuming 20
billable hours per week for 6 months, the cost is estimated at $72,000 to manage the
developer solicitation phase of this project. A Town employee of similar qualifications
could be hired for approximately one-third of this amount.
Level of Public Interest
High: The need for workforce housing in the community has been an issue for a great
deal of time, and should be expected to generate both positive and negative public
comments. There was moderate interest at the recent forum sponsored by the EDC.
Attachments:
Draft RFP Workforce Housing
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2017 Estes Valley
Workforce Housing
Request for Proposal
Public Works Department
Facilities Division
May 17, 2017
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
Table of Contents
SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE
1.0 Introduction 2
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Goals
1.3 Coverage and Participation
2.0 General Information 3
2.1 Original RFP Document
2.2 Potential Building Site
2.3 Phased Proposal Process
2.4 Schedule of Events
2.5 Town Contact Person
3.0 Scope of Work 5
3.1 Project Overview
3.2 Coordination
3.3 Design Considerations
4.0 Proposal Preparation Instructions 5
4.1 Proposal Submission
4.2 Rejection of Proposal
4.3 Submission Address
4.4 Use of Subcontractors
4.5 Award of Contract
4.6 Insurance Requirement for Contractors
4.7 Response Material Ownership
4.8 Reference Documents
4.9 Term of Contract
5.0 Information Required from Contractor 7
5.1 Required Proposal Elements
5.2 Response to the RFP
5.3 Personnel
6.0 Evaluation/Selection Information 7
6.1 Evaluation/Selection Method
6.2 Interview of Three Finalists
6.3 Exclusive Right to Negotiate
7.0 Questions 8
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
1.0 Introduction: A diverse workforce, composed of individuals who live in the community where they work, is a
fundamental cornerstone of the Estes Park area community. The Town of Estes Park (TOEP) is committed to
supporting workforce housing because it supports a stable, year-round economy. The gap between the free
market home prices and rents in the Estes Park area, and the income opportunities for local workers, continues
to widen. Many local workers are not able to live in the community where they work because they cannot afford
to pay the prices of the free market homes or the rents applied to housing. Availability of long-term rentals
continues to shrink, as vacation rentals surge. Planning for the development of workforce housing is necessary to
divert the loss of workforce housing in the free market, but to also offset the effects of job growth and the
retirement-age workforce as well.
Through the use of a Collaborative Community Effort (CCE) to develop workforce housing, the Town of Estes Park
expects to achieve benefits for the community, such as better value and more efficient project delivery with a
high level of certainty and minimized public subsidies. It is important that any workforce housing proposed is
compatible with the workforce housing need at the time and fits the fabric of the neighborhood. Workforce
housing should also address: respect for the environment, transportation impacts, site-specific considerations,
and impacts on public resources. The workforce housing project will also need to be sensitive to the historical
nature of the site and the Estes Park area community. The criteria established in this request for proposals (RFP)
document shall be used to guide the development of proposals for development of new, attainable, workforce
housing in Estes Park.
1.1 Purpose: The Town of Estes Park is seeking a qualified Developer to partner with local organizations, to
evaluate, plan, and implement the development of the Fish Hatchery Property for attainable workforce
housing. The current vision is a Planned Unit Development that could have a mix of for-sale and rental
units, and the potential for selective site amenities, to attract and retain workers in the Estes Valley area.
1.2 Goals: The intent of this project is to make a significant impact in the number of available units for sale,
and/or for rent, to workers in the Estes Valley. The Estes Valley Workforce area would be the same
geographical area as the Estes Park School District R-3 boundaries. The project may include, but is not
necessarily limited to; planning, development, financing, management, operation, and maintenance of
attainable rental housing.
●Develop a collaborative relationship with local agencies, including, but not limited to:
o Town of Estes Park (TOEP)
o Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA)
o Estes Park Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
o Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
o Estes Valley Land Trust (EVLT)
o Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD)
●Large employers in the Estes Valley Workforce area:
o Estes Park Medical Center (EPMC)
o Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
o Estes Park School District R-3 (EPSDR3)
o Town of Estes Park (TOEP)
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
o The Harmony Foundation (also a neighbor to the project property)
o YMCA of the Rockies (YMCA)
●TOEP is interested in deed/rental restrictions that require residents of the project to work in the Estes
Valley Workforce area
●Rezone the property to increase density potential
●Target market for the future residents is 60% to 150%, Area Median Income, (AMI)
●Focus on year-round workforce housing, not seasonal housing
●Possibilities of Master Lease agreements, for a portion of the rental units, with Estes Valley Workforce
area, large employers
●Provide options for “neighborhood appropriate” amenities to attract workers and provide services,
such as, but not limited to:
o Daycare facilities
o Trail connection to Fall River Trail
o Outdoor/Park/Open space
o Transportation facilities
1.3 Coverage and Participation: Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall be for providing all
professional services necessary for site development through project delivery, and address the potential
for future management of the project.
2.0 General Information:
2.1 Original RFP Document: TOEP shall retain the submittals, and all related terms and conditions, exhibits
and other attachments, in original form in an archival copy. Any modification of these, in the contractor’s
submission, is grounds for immediate disqualification.
2.2 Potential Building Site: The following is a listing of TOEP owned property that is being considered for this
project.
Fish Hatchery Property
●Approximately 75 acres, currently zoned A-1
●Fall River Hydroplant Museum area and adjacent buildings will need to remain in operation for their
current functions
●Current floodplain maps are available, however floodplain boundaries are currently being remapped,
with a draft boundary being available in fall of 2017
●There are designated wetlands delineated on the property, and current wetland delineation maps are
available
●Existing single family residences will need to be replaced by new units, TOEP is open to ideas on how
this transition can happen
●There are several buildings that are used for storage, and a retired water treatment plant, that are
negotiable in the planning process
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
●The west and south boundary of the property borders Rocky Mountain National Park, with the
Aspenglen Campground directly across the river, and the project will need to consider impacts to the
campers
2.3 Phased Proposal Process: The responses to the RFP will be reviewed by committee and the field narrowed
to three Developers. The expectation from the three finalists, is to add more detail to their proposal, and
take the next step towards conceptual design. This could include items like building elevations,
landscaping concepts, and the layout of the site. There will be approximately one month between
announcement of the finalists and the presentation. The format of the interview/presentation will be
specified with the notification of finalist status. See the schedule of events in section 2.4 for the proposed
schedule.
2.4 Schedule of Events: The following is a tentative schedule that will apply to this RFP, but may change in
accordance with the TOEP needs, or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be communicated by email
to all participating proposers.
Activity Date Comments
Request for Proposal Available May 26, 2017
Mandatory Site Visit June 16, 2017 10:00 AM
RFP Questions Due June 30, 2017 5:00 PM
RFP Submission Deadline/Bid Opening July 14, 2017 2:00 PM
Committee decision to top three Developers July 21, 2017 5:00PM
Interview top three Developers August 22, 2017 All Day
Developer Recommendation to the Board August 24, 2017 5:00 PM
Town Board Approval TBD
Notice of Award TBD ERN
Notice to Proceed* TBD ERN
*Pending Contractor's submission of Contract, Certificate of Insurance, and Business license.
2.5 Town Contact Person: Please direct inquiries concerning the nature of this RFP to the following Project
Manager:
Town of Estes Park
Public Works Department
Attn: Jon Landkamer, Facilities Manager
P.O. Box 1200
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970)577-3576
jlandkamer@estes.org
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
3.0 Scope of Work:
3.1 Project Overview: This RFP contains the instructions governing the proposals to be submitted. It is the
intent of the TOEP to coordinate with the Developer to utilize the TOEP owned Fish Hatchery property for
workforce housing.
3.2 Coordination: The selected Developer is to work in conjunction with the TOEP, Facilities Division, and
other designated community representatives, to create a collaborative environment for design and
project delivery. The expectation for the project is a very transparent and open dialogue surrounding the
workforce housing concept. As the project moves forward, the Town will likely look for a Construction
Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) type of project delivery method to keep the momentum of the
project at a high level.
3.3 Design Considerations:
●Study the existing documentation of need in reference materials provided with this RFP
●Maximize land use by possible subdivision and rezoning the property or portions of the property,
multiple parcels would be preferable
●Design within the consideration of the Fall River Hydrology Study (Wright Water Report) and the
potential changes in the designated floodplain
●Harmonize design with the surrounding neighborhood
●Consider a phased approach to expedite occupancy and build interest in the project
●Assess existing conditions and include improvements to bring utilities and access, including
emergency access, up to current code
●Design to maximize efficiency and sustainability of site orientation and building design
●Where applicable, utilize LEED guidelines for design and construction (LEED certification will not be
pursued, unless it has no effect on the cost of the project)
●Pursue alternatives for funding to keep costs reasonable to be passed on to future residents
●Plan for inclusion of local workforce as much as possible through the entire construction project
●Proposed timeline to contract and construct the project
●Consider the integration of the Fall River Hydroplant Museum and associated area into the overall
plan
4.0 Proposal Preparation Instructions:
4.1 Proposal Submission: Five (5) hard copies of the proposal, and an electronic version on a USB drive, must
be received on, or before, 2:00 P.M., July 14, 2017. Proposals and the electronic copy must be in a sealed
envelope. Developers mailing their proposals must allow sufficient mail delivery time to ensure receipt of
their proposals by the time specified.
4.2 Rejection of Proposal: The Town of Estes Park, Public Works Department reserves the right to reject any
or all proposals and to waive formalities and minor irregularities in proposals received if deemed in the
best interest of the Town to do so. If, in the judgment of the Town, the bids or proposals are substantially
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
equal, the Town Board may grant the contract to companies located in the Estes Valley or Larimer County.
The total cost of proposal preparation and submission shall be by the Developer.
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR CONSIDERED.
4.3 Submission Address: The proposal envelope shall be delivered or sent by mail to:
Town of Estes Park
Mr. Jon Landkamer
Public Works Facilities Manager
P.O. Box 1200
Estes Park, CO 80517
Envelopes should be clearly marked: 2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
Hand delivered proposals should be delivered to:
Town of Estes Park
Mr. Jon Landkamer
Public Works Facilities Manager
170 MacGregor Avenue, Room 100
Estes Park, CO 80517
4.4 Use of Subcontractors: The proposing Developer shall indicate in the proposal any work intended to be
performed by subcontractors or persons outside of their firm. The bidding Developer shall name the
partner firms, if known, at the time of proposal submittal. Partners and subcontractors shall be bound to
meeting the same quality standards and schedules. They will also provide the same level of
documentation (insurance & business licenses). See item 4.7 below.
4.5 Award of Contract: A formal contract will be awarded to that responsible proposing Developer whose
proposal, conforming to the RFP, will be most advantageous to the TOEP, with these design and selection
factors considered. The executed contract will be an Exclusive Right to Negotiate (ERN) type and the
TOEP will generate an agreement to this effect.
4.6 Insurance Requirements for Developers: (Insurance Certificates are not required with the proposal.): The
Town must approve the successful Developer’s insurance prior to execution of the contract by the Board
of Trustees. The successful Developer shall acquire a Town Business License prior to signing the contract.
4.7 Response Material Ownership: All material submitted regarding this RFP becomes the property of the
Town and will only be returned to the Contractor at the Town’s option. The Town of Estes Park has the
right to use any or all ideas presented in reply to this RFP. Disqualification of the proposer does not
eliminate this right.
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
4.8 Reference Documents: The following documents are available for reference:
●Estes Valley Housing Needs Assessment
o March 2008
o Prepared for Estes Park Housing Authority
●Estes Park Area Housing Needs Assessment
o January 22, 2016
o Prepared for Estes Park Housing Authority
●Hydrologic Analysis of Fall River, Upper Big Thompson River, Black Canyon Creek & Dry Gulch, Estes
Park, Colorado
o January, 2017
o Prepared for Town of Estes Park
o Wright Water Engineers Fall River Hydrology Report
●Larimer County Assessor Property Information
●Wetland Delineation Maps
●Current Floodplain Maps
4.9 Term of Contract: The Town will generate the Contract Agreement in accordance with Town policy.
5.0 Information Required from Contractor:
5.1 Required Proposal Elements: The Developer must provide the following information and statements
within the proposal:
●Executive summary of the proposal
●The Developer’s qualifications and experience in providing professional services in property
development and management
●Statement of understanding, showing familiarity with the Scope of Work, including schedule
●Provide a preliminary concept plan description of the proposed project that includes the portion of
the property to be developed, estimated unit count and square footage, and preliminary building
footprints
●Experience with complex transactions involving integrated planning, multiple financial sources and
approaches to implementation of proposals, cost estimating, project administration and quality
control
●Partnerships established with architecture and engineering firms for design
●Three references of past or current clients, with similar projects
●Name of the person who will act as primary contact person for the Developer’s work, including;
phone, cell phone, and email contact information.
5.2 Response to the RFP: The proposer must address each item of Section 5.1, in the order presented and
meet the mandatory requirements of Section 3.0 through Section 5.0. Proposals should be concise, and
generally should not exceed fifteen pages, excluding project experience and development history. Any
requested restrictions for the use or inspection of material contained within the submittal shall be clearly
stated. Confidential commercial, financial, and/or proprietary information must be clearly identified and
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2017 Estes Valley Workforce Housing
separately packaged from the rest of the submittal. If so identified, the Town will protect those items from
disclosure to the extent permitted by law.
5.3 Personnel: The successful proposer must be capable of providing adequate, knowledgeable personnel to
fulfill the requirements of the proposed agreement.
6.0 Evaluation/Selection Information:
6.1 Evaluation/Selection Method: An Evaluation/Selection Committee will be appointed by the Town of Estes
Park. The objective of the Evaluation/Selection Committee will be to evaluate proposals against the
criteria set forth herein. The Evaluation/Selection personnel will evaluate proposals relative to the
following criteria:
●Quality of the proposed plan
●Attainability, and projected price points
●Mix of land uses, design quality and amenities, including pedestrian, landscaping and proposed
amenities
●Management qualifications and company capability. Qualifications of the Contractor in terms of its
ability, experience, and reliability in performing and managing work within a schedule and budget
●Long-term viability of the proposed project
●References should be provided for three recent clients for whom the Contractor has performed similar
projects and partnerships
6.2 Interview of Three Finalists: The field will be narrowed to the top three proposers and they will be invited
to present their expanded and more detailed development proposal to the Evaluation/Selection
committee in person, in a to-be-defined format. The finalists will have approximately one month to
prepare their presentation for the committee.
6.3 Exclusive Right to Negotiate: The Selection Committee will recommend action for approval of an ERN
agreement between the Developer and the local partnership agencies. The ERN will have a duration of
180 days with the opportunity to extend based on commitment to the project and progress. The outcome
of the negotiation would be a development agreement for consideration by the Town of Estes Park, Board
of Trustees.
7.0 Questions: Please direct all questions in writing to Jon Landkamer, by email, at; jlandkamer@estes.org.
Disclaimer: Any development agreement, including the Exclusive Right to Negotiate agreement, is subject to the
review and approval of the Town of Estes Park, Board of Trustees.
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TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Memo
To:
From:
Honorable Mayor Jirsa
Board of Trustees
Frank Lancaster, Town Administrator
Date: May 23, 2017
RE: Review Service Proposal List for 2017 Budget
Objective:
To review service proposal items that were not funded in the original 2017 adopted
budget and new items for consideration in a budget revision as requested by the Town
Board last fall.
Present Situation:
At the time the 2017 budget was adopted, there were several items that were requested
but not funded. Due to the uncertainties of the financial effects of US 34 being closed
for the winter, projections were very conservative. The Board directed staff to come
back after the 1st quarter of 2017 to reconsider items that were not funded, based on
actual revenues.
Two major items were previously addressed by the Board in a budget amendment:
Funding for a personnel settlement cost and ongoing groundwater monitoring for the
landfill. Additionally, the Board took formal action committing funds to the Child Care
Needs Assessment.
There are two major outstanding issues that continue to add some uncertainty to the
budget, however both should come to some resolution in the next couple of months.
The first is the liability for the police retirement program relating to the transition from
ICMA to PERA, as required by state statute. This is a complicated issue that,
depending on the decisions made by the affected employees, will result in the Town
being required to contribute funds to PERA. The amount is unknown until the affected
employees decide what option they wish to pursue. This should be completed by the
end of June. The worst-case scenario for the Town would be a $450,000 liability. We
don’t believe the final number will be anywhere near this number.
The second issue is ongoing claims from Osmun Construction, a contractor we used
during the 2013 flood recovery. We had several issues with the company, ultimately
resulting in the Town cutting all ties with the firm and replacing them on several active
projects. The actions of Osmun had an impact on our reimbursements from the Federal
funders, due to their lack of appropriate documentation. 15
Two high priority issues to consider are funding for an owner’s representative to assist
with the Fish Hatchery housing RFP and additional assistance for Engineering
Development Review. These are both areas where current staff does not have
adequate bandwidth to perform these functions adequately. In the case of the
development engineer, this has the potential to become a major bottle neck in
processing development applications.
Proposal (including budget if applicable):
Attached is a prioritized list of recommended budget amendments. At this point in time,
I am proposing that we proceed with the items indicated in yellow, but hold off on any
other budget modifications until there is more certainty about the PERA and Osmun
issues. Depending on the outcome of these two major issues, the Board could move
forward deeper into the recommended list, as shown.
Advantages:
•Addresses current critical needs
•Provides an option for moving forward as more information becomes available
•Provide direction to staff
Disadvantages:
•Some items remain unfunded
•Should the worst-case scenarios for the PERA and Osmun issue become reality,
it could impact the fund balance beyond the set minimum
•Uncertainty in funding remains in some proposed area.
Requested Action and Sample Motion:
n/a – discussion only
Level of Public Interest
High
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TOWN OF ESTES PARK
LISTING OF 2017 PROPOSED GENERAL FUND BUDGET CHANGES FOR RECONSIDERATION
Fund Balance Floor 21%4,415,815.95
priorities Status Dept Description of change
Current
Amount in
Budget
Revised
Funding
Amount
Amount
Increase
(Decrease)
Projected Fund
Balance
Projected
Fund
Balance %
NA Projected Fund Balance prior to changes 4796943.00
1 Amendment CommDev Settlement costs to free up Senior Planner position - 175,000.00 - 4,796,943.00 22.8%
1 Amendment Public Works Ongoing monitoring for landfill - 18,000.00 - 4,796,943.00 22.8%
1 Committed Outside Agency Contribution for Childcare Needs Assessment - 5,000.00 5,000.00 4,791,943.00 22.8%
1 Committed Police PERA Liability - 450,000.00 450,000.00 4,341,943.00 20.6%
1 Osmun Liability - unknown - 4,341,943.00 20.6%
2 Public Works
Development Engineer (Starting in August in house or
contract)- 47,000.00 47,000.00 4,294,943.00 20.4%
3 Facilities Fish Hatchery RFP project manager (Temp)- 40,000.00 40,000.00 4,254,943.00 20.2%
4 Police Police Department awards banquet - 5,000.00 5,000.00 4,249,943.00 20.2%
5 Police Priority 1 Equipment Needs - 27,600.00 27,600.00 4,222,343.00 20.1%
6 IT AV for Study Session -rebroadcast only $1,500 - 1,500.00 1,500.00 4,220,843.00 20.1%
7 Transportation Electric Trolley (covered by parking garage savings) *- 80,000.00 - 4,220,843.00 20.1%
8 Public Works
Restore Asphalt Paving Conference and Snow & Ice
Conference to training budget 3,000.00 5,850.00 2,850.00 4,217,993.00 20.1%
9 Police Priority 2 Equipment Needs - 17,700.00 17,700.00 4,200,293.00 20.0%
10 Mayor's contingency request
Funding for misc request previously in Mayor's Contingency
(Plein Air, Duck Race, National Philanthropy Day, Running of
the Bulls, Art Center Competition, Senior Pro Rodeo - 5,500.00 5,500.00 4,194,793.00 19.9%
10 Comm Serv Grants Gun Club - 500.00 500.00 4,194,293.00 19.9%
10 Comm Serv Grants EP Nonprofit Resource Center 4,000.00 7,000.00 3,000.00 4,191,293.00 19.9%
10 Comm Serv Grants Partners Mentoring Youth 2,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 4,189,293.00 19.9%
10 Comm Serv Grants EP School District Band Program - 1,000.00 1,000.00 4,188,293.00 19.9%
10 Comm Serv Grants Ballet Renaissance - 1,000.00 1,000.00 4,187,293.00 19.9%
* Funded from Parking Structure Savings
17
Transportation Division
Brian Wells
Transit Program Manager
May 23, 2017
Town Board Study Session
Town of Estes Park
Re: Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) Lo-No Emissions Grant opportunity
The FTA is offering a grant opportunity for the purchase of low to no emissions transit vehicles.
Electric, Compressed Natural Gas and Propane are alternative fuel vehicles that quality for federal
grant funding. The FTA covers up to 85% of the capital purchase with matching funds equaling 15%
of the capital expense. The FTA also covers 90% of the infrastructure cost of the purchase of an
electric charging station for use by Lo-No approved vehicles, leaving only a 10% match by the grant
applicant.
Working with the Public Works Department, the Transportation Division (shuttles) would like to
purchase two fully electric powered trolleys to operate on the Gold & Green Routes over two grant
cycles and application processes.
Fully electric powered trolleys are available from the FTA approved vendor, Hometown Trolley, in
Crandon, Wisconsin. We are working with this vendor to gather detailed information about a vehicle
purchase with Home Town Trolley (lead time for ordering an electric trolley, warranty info, basic
maintenance, etc).
Financial breakdown (early estimates): Purchase price for one 26 passenger trolley with ADA chair
lift is $475,000; an electric charging station is $25,000. The Public Works Department and the
Transportation Division are requesting two fully electric trolleys for use on our highest congestion
traffic routes as a means for reducing emissions and the number of cars accessing the downtown
Estes Park area.
FTA grant award for an electric trolley is $403,750, the Town match would be $71,250.
FTA grant award for an electric charging station is $25,000, with a Town match of $2,500.
The cost of leasing an equivalent gasoline powered cutaway bus is $4,500 monthly and for the three
month shuttle season: $13,500; over 10 years (expected FTA usable life of the vehicle) is $135,000
without inflation. We are working on fuel savings estimates as compared to electric charging.
(continued)
970-577-3963
bwells@estes.org
estes.org/shuttles
ESTES PARK, CO 80517 www.estes.org 500 BIG THOMPSON AVE. P.O. BOX 1200
Transportation Division
Brian Wells
Transit Program Manager
(continued)
We would keep the Elkhorn Express trolley for use on the Blue Route, eliminating another leased
vehicle at the monthly rate of $1,700 or $5,100 annually, and over ten years $51,000.
The Transportation Division may have as much as $11,000 of budgeted funds available for the 2017
matching funds with a minimum of $3,000 due to additional sponsorship funds acquired over the
budgeted amount. Public Works is looking at options for fund the balance of the matching funds.
Staff is ready to prepare the Lo-No Grant application which is due on June 28, 2017 for award in the
4th quarter of 2017 and implementation of the first electric trolley for the 2018 shuttle season. The
second electric trolley would be funded with a 2018 grant under the same FTA stipulations.
970-577-3963
bwells@estes.org
estes.org/shuttles
ESTES PARK, CO 80517 www.estes.org 500 BIG THOMPSON AVE. P.O. BOX 1200
18
*Outcome areas, Goals and Objectives are not listed in any priority orderKEY OUTCOME AREASGOALS (5-7 YEARS) 2017 BOARD OBJECTIVES (1 year time frame)Town of Estes Park 2017 Strategic Plan: Vision, Mission and Goals* VISION: The Town of Estes Park will enhance our position as a premier mountain community.MISSION: The 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.a. The Events Complex meets the 2013 CH Johnson pro-forma financialprojections.1. Re examine the findings and assumptions in the Johnson pro-forma projectionsb. We will explore options for the future ownership and operation of the Conference center2. Develop policy on the support and subsidy for special events4a. We will improve the quality of the environment.1.Participate as a partner in the County's regional wasteshed planning.b. We will implement projects and policies which promote sustainability.2. We will prioritize and pursue projects and funding to reduce flood risk and flood insurance costs for the property owners and businesses of the Estes ValleyPublic Safety, Health and Environment - Estes Park is a safe place to live, work, and visit within our extraordinary natural environmentExceptional Guest Services - We are a preferred Colorado mountain destination providing an exceptional guest experience. 319
*Outcome areas, Goals and Objectives are not listed in any priority orderKEY OUTCOME AREASGOALS (5-7 YEARS) 2017 BOARD OBJECTIVES (1 year time frame)Town of Estes Park 2017 Strategic Plan: Vision, Mission and Goals* VISION: The Town of Estes Park will enhance our position as a premier mountain community.MISSION: The 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.c. We will maintain safe and healthy environments on Town-ownedproperties. 3. Work to restore the streams damaged by the flood and redefine the floodplains within Town boundaries. d. We will investigate alternative technologies for recycling and waste management.e. We will work in partnership with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, to restore stream corridors damaged by the 2013 flood and to implement resiliency projects to protect streams and property from future flooding. a. We will serve as a catalyst to develop available housing solutions for underserved segments of our community1. We will work with the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District to integrate the Senior Center into the new Community Center b. We will continue to work with the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District and the other partners, to develop and build the multi-generational Community Center, including the Senior Center.2. We will plan and implement the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Town.c. We will work to make Town codes and regulations more user-friendly and easier to understand, while ensuring they are effective, enforceable and support reasonable development. 2. Define housing needs and identify potential plans for action. Develop a strategy for addressing seasonal workforce housing demands.3. Develop and adopt appropriate code changes to encourage housing development4.Revise the sign code to be simpler and easier to understand while retaining the basic intent.5. Request that the Board of Appeals complete a review and make recommendations on procedures for processing permits and operations of the building department6. Develop philosophy and policy on funding support to outside entitiesOutstanding Community Services - Estes Park is an exceptionally vibrant, diverse, inclusive and active mountain community in which to live, work and play, with housing available for all segments in our community. 520
*Outcome areas, Goals and Objectives are not listed in any priority orderKEY OUTCOME AREASGOALS (5-7 YEARS) 2017 BOARD OBJECTIVES (1 year time frame)Town of Estes Park 2017 Strategic Plan: Vision, Mission and Goals* VISION: The Town of Estes Park will enhance our position as a premier mountain community.MISSION: The 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.7. Explore the formation of a Family Advisory Board1. Implement an enterprise wide document management systema. We will maintain a well-trained and educated town staff.b. We will provide adequate funding for staffing needed to provide the appropriate level of services to our citizens and guests.c. We will conduct a citizen survey biennially to measure our performance and citizen preferences.a. We will continue to manage traffic congestion throughout the Town. 1. Develop a 2040 multi-modal Transportation Master Plan2. Create prioritized lists of sidewalk, bike lanes and trail connectivity projects3. Continue preventative maintenance activities on Town roads, as adequate funds become available. 4.Include bike/pedestrian lanes wherever possible along with the street improvements.5.Investigate the costs and opportunities of expanding transit services year round.6.Develop a wayfinding signage plan for the downtown neigborhood, coordinated with the Downtown Neighborhood Plan.Transportation - We have safe, efficient and well maintained multi-modal transportation systems for pedestrians, vehicles and transit.7b. The street rehabilitation efforts will result in an average pavement condition index of 70 or above for the Town street network by 2024.Governmental Services and Internal Support - We will provide high-quality, reliable basic municipal services for the benefit of our citizens, guests, and employees, while being good stewards of public resources621
22
ADMINISTRATION Memo
To: Honorable Mayor Jirsa
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Travis Machalek, Assistant Town Administrator
Date: May 23, 2017
RE: Key Outcome Discussion – Outstanding Community Services
Objective:
To review the Town Board’s strategic plan “Outstanding Community Services” Key
Outcome Area.
Present Situation:
The Town Board adopted the current strategic plan in the fall of 2016. Each year in
June, the Board reviews their strategic plan, including the Key Outcome Areas, Goals,
and Objectives. Prior to this year’s meeting, the Board and staff are reviewing all of the
Key Outcome Areas and their associated goals and objectives.
In the current strategic plan, the Board identified the following 5-year goal:
We will serve as a catalyst to develop available housing solutions for
underserved segments of our community.
In 2016, The Estes Park Housing Authority completed a Housing Needs Assessment.
Included in this assessment are eleven implementation strategies intended to aid in the
achievement of the recommendations made by the consultant.
The purpose of this study session is two-fold:
1. Review the goals within the Key Outcome Area – Outstanding Community
Services; and
2. Review the recommendations from the 2016 Housing Needs Assessment and
discuss how the recommendations fit with the Board’s strategic plan.
Proposal:
Discussion only.
Advantages:
Coordination of housing efforts between the Town and various other
organizations in Town.
23
Clearly articulate the Town’s role in addressing the recommendations made in
the 2016 Housing Needs Assessment.
Disadvantages:
None
Budget:
NA
Level of Public Interest
Moderate to High.
Attachments:
2016 Housing Needs Assessment Recommendations
Chart of Town Involvement in Implementation Strategies
EPHA Initial Thoughts on Implementation Strategies
24
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
Recommendations!
!
The!following!recommendations!provide!guidance!on!what!should!be!done.!How!the!
recommendations!are!to!be!accomplished!is!covered!later!in!this!section!under!
“Implementation!Strategies.”!
!
•Allocate!the!resources!needed!to!make!workforce!housing!a!priority!with!a!
commitment!to!figure!out!“how”!to!build!homes,!not!“if”!workforce!housing!
should!be!built.!
!
•Immediately!initiate!work!on!the!development!of!additional!rental!units!that!are!
scattered!throughout!neighborhoods!in!the!community!(accessory!units),!on!site!
as!part!of!commercial/institutional!developments,!and!in!apartment!complexes.!
Create!diversity!in!the!rental!inventory!in!unit!type,!location!and!income!
targeting.!
!
•Pursue!the!development!of!additional!ownership!housing!immediately,!though!
only!consider!condominiums!in!unique!situations!like!the!downtown!area!and!
provided!that!mortgage!financing!is!approved!for!the!units.!Townhomes,!
duplexes!and!singleZfamily!homes!in!neighborhoods!with!the!amenities!desirable!
by!families!should!be!a!high!priority.!
!
•Create!opportunities!to!effectively!use!limited!land!and!financial!resources!for!
workforce!housing.!Do!not!let!opposition!by!the!vocal!minority!and!unfounded!
fears!unnecessarily!reduce!the!opportunities!that!exist.!!
!
•Develop!deed!restrictions!that!can!be!applied!uniformly!to!ownership!housing!
for!the!workforce!and!that!include!employment!requirements.!ProjectZbyZproject!
rules!would!be!time!consuming!and!expensive!to!oversee.!The!restrictions!
should!make!affordability!permanent.!
!
•Engage!the!community,!build!momentum!and!develop!capacity!to!implement!
strategies!over!the!long!term.!Short!of!another!deep,!multiZyear!recession,!
workforce!housing!availability!is!not!going!to!significantly!improve.!All!efforts!
cannot!be!the!responsibility!of!the!Estes!Park!Housing!Authority!(EPHA).!The!
Town!of!Estes!Park,!Larimer!County,!large!and!small!employers,!private!builders,!
economic!development!groups!and!concerned!citizens!all!need!to!be!part!of!a!
multiZfaceted!work!plan.!!!
!
•Learn!from!other!communities:!
o Organize!site!visits!by!elected!officials!and!community!stakeholders!to!
wellZdeveloped! higher! density! housing! projects! to! educate! them! that!
higher!densities!can!be!attractive!and!effective!in!mountain!communities.!
25
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
!!!
o Attainable!housing!fees,!incentives!to!build!affordable!housing,!
employment!restrictions!on!workforce!housing,!attainable!housing!
guidelines!and!housing!development!regulations!have!been!implemented!
by!peer!mountain!communities.!!There!is!no!need!to!reinvent!the!wheel.!
!
Implementation!Strategies!
!
The!Estes!Park!area!needs!a!comprehensive!array!of!strategies!to!effectively!address!
existing!needs!and!create!housing!for!the!workforce!as!the!community!grows!and!
diversifies.!There!is!no!“silver!bullet.”!Key!points!to!note!about!implementation!
strategies:!!
!
•Specific!strategies!typically!address!only!part!of!the!need.!For!example,!Federal!
and!State!subsidies!can!only!be!used!to!house!lowZincome!households.!
!
•Local!funding!sources!typically!address!the!housing!needs!of!moderate/middle!
income!families!who!cannot!afford!homes!provided!by!the!private!sector.!
!
•Some!strategies!may!only!produce!a!few!units!but,!in!combination!with!other!
efforts,!are!key!for!a!diversified!inventory!of!workforce!housing!that!meets!the!
wide!spectrum!of!needs.!
!
•Strategies!include!both!“carrots!and!sticks.”!There!are!no!examples!in!highZcost!
mountain!towns!where!incentives!and!public!funding!alone!have!been!sufficient.!
Sharing!the!responsibility!for!producing!workforce!housing!with!new!commercial!
and!residential!development!that!creates!jobs!is!typically!a!key!strategy.!
!
•Commuting!is!not!the!solution.!Housing!costs!in!Loveland,!Fort!Collins!and!other!
areas!of!the!northern!Front!Range!have!been!rapidly!increasing,!and!availability!
has!become!limited.!InZcommuters!from!these!areas!have!the!same!or!higher!
monthly!housing!payments,!on!average,!than!those!living!in!the!Estes!Park!area.!
Strong!job!growth!has!contributed!to!one!of!the!“hottest”!real!estate!markets!in!
the!country.!If!Estes!Park!employees!are!able!to!find!housing!there,!they!often!
find!a!new!job!near!their!home!shortly!thereafter.!!Furthermore,!the!cost!of!
commuting!adds!significantly!to!monthly!expenses!–!it!can!be!more!affordable!to!
pay!50%!more!for!housing!near!work!than!commute!40!miles!each!way.!
!
Recent!research!on!five!mountain!towns!(Aspen,!Breckenridge,!Jackson,!Telluride!and!
Vail)!found!that!each!town!uses!between!12!and!20!strategies!to!produce!workforce!
housing.!While!the!Estes!Park!area!is!unique!from!these!towns!in!some!respects,!it!faces!
many!of!the!same!challenges!–!seasonal!fluctuations!in!the!economy,!lowZwage!tourismZ
related!jobs,!high!housing!costs!driven!upward!by!second!home!buyers,!limited!land!
26
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
availability,!high!development!costs!and!the!requirement!that!housing!development!be!
attractive!and!compatible!with!the!community.!
!
The!11!specific!strategies!recommended!for!the!Estes!Park!area!are!as!follows:!
!
1.#Develop#Strategic#Plan#
!
The!community!should!develop!a!strategic!housing!plan!to!create!policies,!set!realistic!
objectives!and!agree!on!a!course!of!action!that!has!sufficient!community!support!to!
effect!the!changes!needed!for!housing!to!be!developed.!This!report!can!be!used!to!
support!and!inform!this!process!by!providing!key!information!on!the!needs!and!demand!
for!housing!and!why!the!housing!problem!needs!to!be!addressed.!!Key!elements!that!
the!Strategic!Plan!should!include!are:!!
!
•A!vision,!goals!and!objectives!for!workforce!housing.!
!
•Assignment!and!acceptance!of!roles!and!responsibilities!that!shares!
responsibilities!among!all!involved!organizations.!
!
•Actionable!tasks!with!realistic!priorities.!
!
•A!public!outreach/education!component!necessary!to!obtain!and!sustain!political!
commitment,!address!neighborhood!concerns,!and!achieve!widespread!
acceptance!of!the!realities!associated!with!housing!the!community’s!workforce.!!
!
•A!process!for!periodically!evaluating,!modifying!and!updating!the!plan.!
!
To!be!successful,!all!organizations!and!the!Town!need!to!work!together!to!implement!an!
important!recommendation!from!the!economic!strategic!plan!–!which!equally!relates!to!
addressing!workforce!housing:!
!
“To! successfully! accomplish! the! Estes! Valley’s! economic! development!
vision!and!goals!will!require!an!unprecedented!level!of!cooperation!and!
communication.!Setting!aside!differences!and!working!together!toward!
greater!goals!is!essential.”2!
!
As!the!EPHA,!EDC,!Town!and!other!organizations!move!forward,!information!from!this!
Housing!Needs!Assessment,!the!economic!strategy!work!of!Avalanche!Consulting,!Inc.,!
and!the!“Summary!of!Estes!Park!Site!Visit:!!Affordable!and!Workforce!Housing!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2!“Estes!Valley!Economic!Development!Strategy,”!Nov.!2015,!Avalanche!Consulting,!p.!16.!
27
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
Observations!(January!19,!2015)”3!should!all!be!used!to!help!define!respective!roles!and!
achieve!collaboration!on!the!common!goal!of!affordable!workforce!housing!in!the!Estes!
Park!area.!
2.#Hire#Housing#Coordinator#
!
To!implement!the!strategies!agreed!upon!through!the!strategic!planning!process,!
additional!capacity!and!expertise!will!be!needed.!Tasks!that!must!be!performed!in!the!
future!if!the!recommended!strategies!are!to!be!successfully!implemented!include:!
!
•Providing!technical!assistance!to!employers!to!help!them!provide!additional!
housing!for!their!employees.!
!
•Managing!the!Housing!Fund.!
!
•Establishing!guidelines!that!pertain!to!a!diverse!inventory!of!workforce!housing!
produced!through!a!variety!of!strategies.!
!
•Continuous!communication!with!community!groups!and!public!officials!about!
who!resides!in!workforce!housing!and!the!many!economic!and!community!
benefits!of!workforce!housing!to!dispel!community!misperceptions.!
!
•Coordinating!among!the!agencies!responsible!for!implementing!strategies!(this!
assumes!the!Housing!Authority!is!not!saddled!with!full!responsibility!for!
implementing!the!Strategic!Plan).!!
!
•Working!with!private!developers!to!incorporate!workforce!housing!in!their!
projects.!
!
•Initiating!ownership!projects!that!target!moderate/middle!income!households.!
!
•Acquiring!sites!for!future!housing!development.!
!
•Coordinating!management!of!developerZconstructed!affordable!units.!This!can!
either!be!done!inZhouse!or!contracted!with!another!entity,!such!as!EPHA,!for!
example.!
!
!#
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3!Tim!Gagen!(Town!of!Breckenridge),!Laurie!Best!(Town!of!Breckenridge),!Wendy!Sullivan!(WSW!
Consulting),!“Summary!of!Estes!Park!Site!Visit:!!Affordable!and!Workforce!Housing!Observations,”!January!
19,!2015.!!Result!of!a!site!visit!by!a!team!of!housing!practitioners!to!Estes!Park!that!was!organized!by!the!
Colorado!Association!of!Ski!Towns!in!January!2015.!!!
28
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
3.#Guarantee#that#New#Development#Provides#New#Workforce#Housing#
!
Insure!that!new!development!partially!addresses!the!demand!for!workforce!housing!
that!the!development!generates.!Building!commercial!space,!institutional!buildings!and!
residential!units!generates!shortZterm!construction!jobs!and,!most!importantly!from!a!
workforce!housing!perspective,!permanent!positions.!Employees!needed!to!fill!these!
jobs!need!housing,!and!many!Colorado!mountain!towns!(as!well!as!cities!across!the!
country)!share!the!responsibility!for!providing!new!workforce!housing!with!developers,!
typically!through!a!combination!of!requirements!and!incentives.!Given!the!wave!of!new!
development!now!being!considered!for!Estes!Park,!near!term!priorities!should!be:!
!
•Implementing!a!commercial!linkage!program!through!which!housing!would!be!
developed!onZ!or!offZsite,!land!would!be!provided,!or!inZlieu!fees!would!be!
collected.!This!requirement!could!also!be!used!in!combination!with!incentives!
and!act!as!a!catalyst!for!public/private!partnerships.!Commercial!linkage!
programs!in!other!mountain!towns!could!be!used!as!examples.!
!
•Implementing!a!residential!linkage!program/impact!fee,!or!an!inclusionary!
zoning!program!to!require!housing!developers!to!include!homes!that!are!
affordable!and!specifically!restricted!for!workforce!households.!Evaluation!of!the!
potential!effectiveness!of!each!approach!should!be!part!of!the!strategic!planning!
process.!Research!on!these!types!of!programs!in!comparable!communities!
should!be!done!to!understand!tradeoffs.!A!study!that!documents!job!generation!
rates!is!usually!done!when!designing!linkage!programs.!
!
•Adopting!annexation!policies!that!impose!workforce!housing!requirements!as!a!
condition!of!annexation!though!agreements!that!specify!number!of!units,!price,!
type,!owner/renter!mix,!employment!conditions,!etc.!
!
Requirements!can!be!combined!with!incentives!to!lessen!their!impact!on!developer!
profits.!Density!bonuses!to!accommodate!workforce!units!without!reducing!the!number!
of!market!rate!units!and!development!fee!waivers!for!the!workforce!housing!are!
common!incentives.!Incentives!for!workforce!housing!should!be!included!as!part!of!the!
scope!for!the!evaluation!of!the!Town’s!code!by!Logan!Simpson.!
!
!#
29
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
4.#Adopt#Accessory#Dwelling#Unit#Regulations#for#Workforce#Rentals##
!
Accessory!dwelling!units!(ADUs)!are!often!allowed!and!incentivized!in!mountain!towns!
where!land!is!limited!and!preserving!community!character!is!important.!!These!units:!
!
•Typically!provide!longZterm!rental!housing!for!moderate/middle!income!families.!
!
•Rent!for!rates!higher!than!charged!by!apartment!projects,!since!private!rents!
cannot!be!controlled!in!Colorado,!and!the!attractiveness/location!of!the!units!
enables!them!to!command!higher!rents.!
!
•Contribute!to!the!affordability!of!the!primary!residence!by!providing!a!source!of!
income.!!In!other!words,!one!accessary!dwelling!unit!enhances!the!
affordability/availability!of!two!units.!
!
•Fit!well!within!existing!neighborhoods!in!terms!of!architecture!and!scale,!often!
only!need!one!parking!space!given!their!small!size!and!location,!and!can!be!
designed!to!be!compatible!with!various!neighborhood!configurations!through!
attached!and!detached!designs.!
!
•Add!to!attainable!housing!at!no!cost!to!the!Town;!however,!Town!incentives!
increase!effectiveness.!
!
5.#Create#Workforce#Housing#Fund#with#Dedicated#Revenue#Source#
!
As!called!for!in!the!November!2015!Estes#Valley#Economic#Development#Strategy,!local!
funding!is!necessary!to!address!the!broad!spectrum!of!workforce!housing!needs!in!the!
Estes!Park!area.!With!lowZincome!limits!imposed!on!Federal!and!State!grant/loan!
programs,!local!funds!are!needed!to!bridge!the!gap!between!those!limits!(60%!Z!80%!
AMI)!and!where!the!free!market!serves!(near!150%!AMI!for!ownership).!Sources!of!
dedicated!revenue!in!Colorado!mountain!towns!include:!!
•Property!taxes!
•Sales!taxes!
•Real!estate!transfer!taxes.!New!taxes!cannot!be!levied,!but!real!estate!transfer!
assessments!(RETA)!can!be!negotiated!at!annexation!or!subdivision.!
•Development!excise!taxes!
•Impact/linkage!fees!
!
All!taxes!in!Colorado!must!now!be!approved!by!voters.!Almost!all!of!the!taxes!dedicated!
to!housing!were!approved!prior!to!this!requirement.!Summit!County!is!the!exception,!
where!72%!of!voters!reZauthorized!a!housing!sales!tax!and!development!impact!fee!in!
November!that!was!originally!approved!in!2006.!
!
30
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
Fees!can!only!be!assessed!when!there!is!a!direct!link!between!the!fee!and!the!use!to!
which!it!is!applied.!!A!white!paper!summarizing!workforce!housing!taxes!and!fees!and!
explaining!the!issues!associated!with!each!type!can!be!downloaded!at!
http://reesconsultinginc.com/examplesdownloads/.!
!
Several!Colorado!communities!are!now!considering!charging!fees!on!shortZterm!
vacation!home!rentals!to!help!address!workforce!housing!problems.!Estes!Park!should!
join!forces!with!other!communities!and!potentially!seek!State!legislation!authorizing!the!
assessment!of!these!fees.!!
6.#Amend#Town#Code#to#Allow#and#Encourage#Workforce#Housing#
!
The!municipal!code!of!Estes!Park!deters!the!development!of!workforce!housing!through!
provisions!that!make!them!cost!prohibitive!and!lead!to!underZutilization!of!scarce!land.!
Logan!Simpson,!a!planning!firm!based!on!Fort!Collins,!has!been!hired!to!evaluate!the!
code!and!recommend!revisions.!The!revised!code!should:!
!
•Increase!density!on!multiZfamily!sites!from!the!current!8!units!per!acre!to!12!
units!or!more!per!acre!by!right,!with!higher!densities!permitted!in!PUDs.!
!
•Implement!more!flexible!PUD!standards!to!make!the!most!of!hard!to!develop!
lots!and!improve!the!ability!to!integrate!workforce!housing.!!
!
•Revise!the!Estes!Valley!Development!Code!Attainable!Housing!Density!Bonus!to!
allow!more!than!a!50%!increase!in!permitted!density!to!incentivize!an!increase!in!
private!developer!contributions!to!workforce!housing.!!The!density!bonus!should!
be!permitted!by!right!when!the!developer!meets!specified!affordability!
requirements!to!provide!certainty!to!the!developer!and!the!community.!
!
•Allow!accessory!dwelling!units!in!all!residential!zones!provided!that!they!are!
rented!long!term!to!employees.!
!
•As!part!of!the!downtown!neighborhood!zoning!review,!raise!height!limits!
downtown.!This!can!help!increase!densities,!focus!more!housing!downtown!to!
reduce!sprawl!and,!in!light!of!the!recent!flood!and!pending!FEMA!floodplain!
remapping,!can!help!businesses!replace!potentially!unusable!basements!and!
address!insurance!concerns.!
!
•Implement!noZnetZloss!(or!limited!loss)!provisions!that!require!residential!units!
occupied!by!local!residents!to!be!replaced!if!lost!to!redevelopment.!Similarly!
priced!units!should!be!replaced!on!site!or!another!site,!or!a!feeZinZlieu!of!
replacement!could!be!allowed!under!some!circumstances.!.!
31
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
7.#Utilize#TownNOwned#Land#for#Workforce#Housing#
!
Preliminary!discussions!regarding!the!Fish!Hatchery!property!are!occurring.!Develop!a!
plan!for!this!75Zacre!property!in!conjunction!with!the!Housing!Authority!that!
accommodates!needed!workforce!housing!development!in!balance!with!protecting!
natural!areas!and!trail!access.!The!property!provides!a!unique!opportunity!to!provide!
moderateZ!and!middleZincome!ownership!and!rental!housing!and!is!large!enough!to!
develop!a!mix!of!units!and!densities!to!meet!a!variety!of!needs.!!
8.#Encourage#Downtown#Housing#
!
Employee!housing!should!be!developed!in!Estes!Park’s!downtown!area!to:!!!
!
•Respond!to!preferences!of!younger!employees!(e.g.,!Millennials)!to!live!in!
walkable!urban!centers!with!convenient!access!to!shopping,!entertainment,!
activities!and!recreation.!
!
•Provide!high!density,!lower!cost!housing!options!in!an!area!where!it!is!
appropriate!and!reduce!sprawl.!
!
•Add!vibrancy!to!downtown!and!create!yearZround!business!for!restaurants!and!
retailers.!
!
•Be!convenient!to!public!transit.!
!
•Reduce!employee!impacts!on!scarce!parking!downtown.!!Workers!living!within!
walking!distance!of!their!jobs!can!leave!their!cars!at!home.!
9.#Support#and#Expand#Employer#Assisted#Housing#(EAH)#Efforts#
!
As!is!done!already!by!29%!of!employers!in!Estes!Park,!employers!could!share!
responsibility!for!workforce!housing!since!they!directly!generate!housing!demand,!
benefit!from!a!reliable!workforce,!have!resources!to!leverage!and!have!expertise!in!their!
employees’!needs.!Multiple!approaches!feasible!for!both!small!and!larger!employers!
should!be!provided!including:!!
!
•An!outreach!program,!particularly!for!employees!of!municipal,!county,!special!
district,!emergency!and!medical!service!providers,!the!school!district!and!
suppliers!of!other!essential!services.!
!
•An!education!program!or!outreach!to!employers!to!explain!how!a!master!lease!
program!could!operate.!Some!employers!welcome!the!opportunity!to!master!
lease!units,!whereas!others!do!not!have!a!good!understanding!for!how!the!
32
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
program!works.!Education!could!invite!more!participation.!A!master!lease!
package!could:!
!
o Identify!free!market!units!suitable!for!employees!and!their!pets;!multiple!
units!in!a!single!projects!work!well!since!employees!can!rideshare!
to/from!work!and!to!conduct!errands;!
o Leverage!longZterm!apartment!financing!with!master!lease!agreements;!
o Provide!up!front!development/construction!funding;!
o Allocate!responsibilities!to!property!managers!(not!employers);!
o Build!partnerships,!communication!and!unit!tradeZoffs!among!those!who!
need!summer!housing!for!employees!and!others!that!need!winter!
housing;!
o Provide!sample!lease!and!management!agreements.!!
!
•Technical!assistance!to!employers!that!have!land,!underZutilized!space!or!other!
resources!for!the!development!for!employee!housing.!
!
•Incentives!to!employers!who!provide!housing!for!employees,!particularly!on!site.!
Allow!employers!to!construct!onZsite!units!not!only!for!their!employees,!but!for!
others!in!the!community.!
10.#Continue#Apartment#Development#and#Redevelopment#
!
Market!conditions!(low!vacancies!and!rising!rents)!indicate!additional!rental!units!are!
needed.!Construction!of!Falcon!Ridge!will!only!partially!address!existing!needs.!!
Continued!growth!in!lowZwage!jobs!will!add!to!the!demand,!yet!it!takes!a!minimum!of!
two!to!three!years!to!design/finance/build!an!apartment!property.!As!such,!planning!for!
additional!rental!development!should!start!soon.!!
!
•Identify!sites!where!densities!of!12!to!15!units!per!acre!can!be!achieved.!
!
•Provide!a!range!of!units!priced!under!60%!AMI!up!to!the!needed!80%!AMI,!which!
will!require!funding!other!than!just!Low!Income!Housing!Tax!Credits.!!
!
•Monitor!rental!vacancies!and!rent!rates!to!help!inform!development!and!
financing!decisions.!Learn!from!Falcon!Ridge!when!it!leases.!
!
•Encourage!the!rehabilitation!or!redevelopment!of!the!32!units!at!Park!Ridge!
Apartments!which!were!built!in!1985.!Additional!units!at!this!site!might!be!
feasible.!
!!
33
Estes!Park!Housing!Needs!Assessment,!January!2016!
Rees!Consulting,!Inc.;!WSW!Consulting!!
11.#Draft#and#Adopt#Workforce#Housing#Guidelines#
!
Guidelines!should!define:!
!
•Housing!goals!and!objectives.!
!
•Explain!the!Town’s!regulations!in!plain!language.!
!
•Specify!unit!types,!sizes,!ownership!price!points!and!incomes!levels.!
!
•Explain!procedures!and!qualifications!for!persons!interesting!in!owning!or!
renting!workforce!housing.!
!
!
!!
34
Town Lead Town Support No Involvement More Information/DiscussionDevelop Strategic PlanHire Housing CoordinatorGuarantee that New Development Provides New Workforce HousingAdopt Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations for Workforce RentalsCreate Workforce Housing Fund with Dedicated Revenue SourceAmend Town Code to Allow and Encourage Workforce HousingUtilize Town‐Owned Land for Workforce HousingEncourage Downtown HousingSupport and Expand Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) EffortsContinue Apartment Development and RedevelopmentDraft and Adopt Workforce Housing Guidelines35
EPHA Initial Thoughts on Implementation StrategiesTown Lead Town Support No Involvement More Information/DiscussionDevelop Strategic PlanXHire Housing CoordinatorXGuarantee that New Development Provides New Workforce Housing XAdopt Accessory Dwelling Unit Regualtions for Workforce RentalsCreate Workforce Housing Fund with Dedicated Revenue SourceX XAmend Town Code to Allow and Encourage Workforce HousingXUtilize Town‐Owned Land for Workforce HousingXEncourage Downtown HousingXSupport and Expand Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) EffortsXContinue Apartment Development and RedevelopmentXDraft and Adopt Workforce Housing GuidelinesX36
June 13, 2017
•Key Outcome Discussion –
Government Services and Internal
Support.
•Discussion of Rural Transportation
Authority.
June 27, 2017
•Short update on the Downtown
Neighborhood Plan.
•Discussion of process and procedures
for funding outside agencies (including
Community Service Grants)
July 11, 2017
•Review of Governance Policies.
•Presentation on Boys and Girls Facility
at Stanley
July 25, 2017
•Review of Policy Governance Policies.
September 12, 2017
•Making Board e-mails available to the
public – follow up.
December 12, 2017
•Final Review of 2017 Strategic Plan
Items Approved – Unscheduled:
•Discussion of Housing Needs Report
recommendation for a Town Housing
Coordinator
Study Session Items for Board
Consideration:
•Alternative for Time-Limited
‘Placeholder’ Vacation Home
Registration
•Discussion of possible housing
partnership
Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items
May 23, 2017
37