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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2014-09-23 Tuesday, September 23, 2014 TOWN BOARD 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION Rooms 202/203 4:00 p.m. Trustee Comments & Questions. 4:10 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items. (Board Discussion) 4:20 p.m. Consider a Liaison to Estes Park Housing Authority. (Administrator Lancaster) 4:40 p.m. Continue Board Communication Discussion. (Mayor Pinkham and Attorney White) 5:00 p.m. Break for Dinner 5:15 p.m. Review 2014 Objectives. (Administrator Lancaster) 5:45 p.m. Fish Hatchery Property Appraisal. (Administrator Lancaster) 6:15 Consider Hiring a Mountain Urban Planning Consultant. (Administrator Lancaster) 6:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourn. “Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 3:45 p.m.” AGENDA                    September 23, 2014 October 3, 2014  Budget Study Session October 10, 2014  Budget Study Session October 14, 2014  Follow Up Discussion of Issues Related to Seasonal Tour Businesses – Revisit in October; Concerning Pick Up/Drop Off, Use of Public Parking Lots, Temporary Ticket Sales Structures, Ticket Sales From Vehicles, Signage and Routes  Town Water Ownership Issues October 17, 2014  Budget Study Session October 24, 2014 (If Needed)  Budget Study Session October 28, 2014  Continuation of Discussion of Town’s Role in Housing Including the Possibility of a Study Committee November 11, 2014  Review Citizen’s Survey Results December 9, 2014  2014 Objectives – Review of Progress Items to be Scheduled (Items are not in order of priority)  Enforcement of Vacation Home Regulations Discussion – Recommendations From Staff Due by End of 2014  Parking Structure Design Revisions – Review After Bids are Received  Logo Discussion  Dangerous Buildings Code First Draft Review – First Step in Consideration. Draft will be Presented to the Board Prior to Taking Out to the Public and Stakeholders  Discussion of Town Owned Fish Hatchery Property  Discussion of Possible Election Related to SB 152  Dangerous Buildings Code Final Review – Final Draft to be Presented to the Board After Public Input has been Completed and Incorporated  Review of the Accelerated Development and Design Process Used for Parking Structure  Review of Draft Policy on Public Forums  Possibility of Joining the RTD   Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 1 Town Board of Estes Park Code of Conduct for Elected Town Officials PURPOSE As leaders of our community, it is important that the members of the Town Board hold themselves to the highest standard of conduct, setting an example for other Town officials and Town employees, and ensuring that the public has confidence in the integrity of its government and Town Officials. Adherence to these standards will protect and maintain the Town of Estes Park’s reputation and integrity. Accordingly, the Town of Estes Park has adopted this code to describe the standards of behavior to which its leaders should aspire. This policy should also serve as a standard for other Town officials, whether elected or appointed, paid or volunteer in their day-to-day service to the Town. CONDUCT WITH ONE ANOTHER The Board of Trustees is composed of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, values, opinions, and goals. Embracing this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public office in order to preserve and protect the present and the future of the community. In all cases, this common goal should be acknowledged even as Trustees may "agree to disagree" on contentious issues. IN PUBLIC MEETINGS Practice civility, professionalism and decorum in discussions and debate. Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information are legitimate elements of a free democracy in action. This does not, however, allow Trustees to make belligerent, personal, impertinent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. Trustees should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Demonstrate effective problem-solving approaches. Trustees have a public obligation to show how individuals with disparate points of view can find common ground and seek a compromise that benefits the community as a whole. Be punctual and keep comments relative to topics discussed. Trustees have made a commitment to attend meetings and partake in discussions. Therefore, it is important that Trustees be punctual and that meetings start on time. Be respectful of other people’s time. Prepare for meetings in advance, and be familiar with issues on the agenda. Stay focused and act efficiently during public meetings. It is equally important that discussions on issues be relative to the topic at hand to allow adequate time to fully discuss scheduled issues. Avoid expressing opinions during Public Hearings. Trustees should not express opinions during the public hearing portion of the meeting except to ask pertinent questions of the speaker or staff. "I think" and "I feel" comments by Trustees are not appropriate until after the close of the public hearing. Trustees should refrain from arguing or debating with the public during a public hearing and shall always show respect for different points of view. DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 2 Respect the role of the Mayor or Committee Chairpersons in maintaining order. It is the responsibility of the Mayor to keep the comments of Trustees on track during public meetings. Trustees should honor efforts by the Mayor to focus discussion on current agenda items. If there is disagreement about the agenda or the Mayor’s actions, those objections should be voiced politely and with reason. IN PRIVATE COMUNNICATIONS Continue respectful behavior in private. The same level of respect and consideration of differing points of view that is deemed appropriate for public discussions should be maintained in private conversations. Be aware of the insecurity of written notes, voicemail messages, and e-mail. Technology allows words written or said without much forethought to be distributed wide and far. Would you feel comfortable to have this note faxed to others? How would you feel if this voicemail message was played on a speakerphone in a full office? What would happen if this e-mail message was forwarded to others? Written notes, voicemail messages and e-mail should be treated as "public" communication. Even private conversations can have a public presence. Elected officials are always on display. People around them that they may not know monitor their actions, mannerisms, and language. Lunch table conversations will be eavesdropped upon, parking lot debates will be watched, and casual comments between individuals before and after public meetings noted. TRUSTEE CONDUCT WITH TOWN STAFF Board prioritization of Staff projects. It is the responsibility of the Town Board as a whole and not individual Trustees to identify and prioritize projects for the Town Staff. Individual Trustees shall refrain from instructing Staff as to the prioritization of projects identified by the Board. The Town Board, or the Mayor in the absence in Town Board action, shall prioritize Staff projects. Treat all staff as professionals. Clear, honest communication that respects the abilities, experience, and dignity of each individual is expected. Poor behavior towards staff is not acceptable. Limit contact with specific Town staff. Questions of Town staff and/or requests for additional background information should be directed to the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator should be copied on or informed of any request. Requests for follow-up or directions to staff should be made only through the Town Administrator or the Mayor when appropriate. When in doubt about what staff contact is appropriate, Trustees should ask the Town Administrator or Mayor for direction. Materials supplied to Trustees in response to a request will be made available to all Trustees, so that all have equal access to information. Do not disrupt Town staff from their jobs. Trustees should not disrupt Town staff while they are in meetings, on the phone, or engrossed in performing their job functions, in order to have their individual needs met. DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 3 Never publicly criticize an individual employee. Trustees should never express concerns about the performance of a Town employee in public, to the employee directly, or to the employee’s supervisor. Comments about staff performance should only be made to the Town Administrator through private correspondence or conversation. Do not get involved in administrative functions. Trustees must not attempt to influence Town staff on making appointments, selecting consultants, processing of development applications, or granting of Town licenses and permits unless the Trustee has been invited to participate in the process. Check with Town staff on correspondence before taking action. Before sending correspondence, Trustees should check with Town staff to see if an official Town response has already been sent or is in progress. Requests for staff support, should be made to the Town Administrator, who is responsible for allocating Town resources in order to maintain a professional, well-run Town government. Do not solicit political support from staff. Trustees should not solicit any type of political support (financial contributions, display of posters or lawn signs, name on support list, etc.) from Town staff. Town staff may, as private citizens with constitutional rights, support political candidates but all such activities must be done away from the workplace. TRUSTEES CONDUCT WITH THE PUBLIC IN PUBLIC MEETINGS Making the public feel welcome is an important part of the democratic process. No signs of partiality, prejudice or disrespect should be evident on the part of individual Trustees toward an individual participating in a public forum. Every effort should be made to be fair and impartial in listening to public testimony. Be welcoming to speakers and treat them with care and gentleness. Speaking in front of the Board can be a difficult experience for some people. Some issues the Board undertakes may affect people’s daily lives and homes. Some decisions are emotional. The way that the Trustees treat people during public hearings can do a lot to make them relax or to push their emotions to a higher level of intensity. Be fair and equitable in allocating public hearing time to individual speakers. The Mayor may determine and announce limits on speakers at the start of the public hearing process. If many speakers are anticipated, the Mayor may shorten the time limit and/or ask speakers to limit themselves to new information and points of view not already covered by previous speakers. No speaker will be turned away unless he or she exhibits inappropriate behavior. Each speaker may only speak once during the public hearing unless the Board requests additional clarification later in the process. After the close of the public hearing, no more public testimony will be accepted unless the Mayor reopens the public hearing for a limited and specific purpose. Give the appearance of active listening. It is disconcerting to speakers to have Trustees not look at them when they are speaking. It is fine to look down at documents or to make notes, but reading for a long period of time or gazing around the room gives the appearance of disinterest. DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 4 Be aware of facial expressions, especially those that could be interpreted as "smirking," disbelief, anger or boredom. Ask for clarification, but avoid debate and argument with the public. Only the Mayor – not individual Trustees -- can interrupt a speaker during a presentation. However, a Trustee can ask the Mayor for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic or exhibiting behavior or language the Trustee finds disturbing. If speakers become flustered or defensive by Trustees questions, it is the responsibility of the Mayor or Committee Chairperson to calm and focus the speaker and to maintain the order and decorum of the meeting. Questions by Trustees to members of the public testifying should seek to clarify or expand information. It is never appropriate to challenge or belittle the speaker. Trustees’ personal opinions or inclinations about upcoming votes should not be revealed until after the public hearing is closed. No personal attacks of any kind, under any circumstance. Trustees should be aware that their body language and tone of voice, as well as the words they use, could appear to be intimidating or aggressive. IN UNOFFICIAL SETTINGS Make no promises on behalf of the Board. Trustees will frequently be asked to explain a Board action or to give their opinion about an issue as they meet and talk with constituents in the community. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of Town policy and to refer to Town staff for further information. It is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly promise Board action, or to promise that Town staff will do something specific (fix a pothole, waive a fee, plant new flowers in the median, etc.). Make no personal comments about other Trustees. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is unacceptable to make derogatory comments about other Trustees, their opinions and actions. Remember that Estes Park is a small community at heart. The community is constantly observing Trustees every day that they serve in office. Their behaviors and comments serve as models for proper deportment in the Town of Estes Park. Honesty and respect for the dignity of each individual should be reflected in every word and action taken by Trustees, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a serious and continuous responsibility. BOARD CONDUCT WITH OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES Be clear about representing the Town or personal interests. If a Trustee appears before another governmental agency or organization to give a statement on an issue, the Trustee must clearly state: 1) if his or her statement reflects personal opinion or is the official stance of the Town; 2) whether this is the majority or minority opinion of the Board. Even if the Trustee is representing his or her own personal opinions, remember that this still may reflect upon the Town as an organization. If a Trustee serves in a decision making capacity for another organization and a matter which the Town has taken an official position is discussed by the organization, the Trustee should not maintain a position that significantly impacts or is detrimental to the Town’s official position. In DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 5 the event the Town has not taken an official position with regard to a matter, and in the Trustee’s judgment, the Trustee believes that the Town would take a position substantially different than that proposed to be taken by the organization, the Trustee should consult with the Mayor regarding the Town’s possible position. Correspondence should also be equally clear about representation. CORRESPONDENCE USING TOWN LETTERHEAD: The Town letterhead shall be used only to correspond and represent the Town’s official position on any matter. All official Town correspondence shall be signed by the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem unless a specific Trustee is authorized by the Town Board to individually respond to a matter and express the Town’s official position. A copy of official correspondence should be given to the Town Clerk to be filed as part of the permanent public record. TRUSTEE CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING TOWN MATTERS: Trustees may correspond with individuals or organizations on any matter involving the Town. In the event that the Trustee’s personal correspondence expresses a personal opinion that differs from the Town’s official position, the Trustee should make clear that the Trustee’s personal opinion differs from the Town’s official position. TOWN TRUSTEE CONDUCT WITH OTHER BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The Town has established several Boards and Commissions as a means of increasing community involvement in government and to serve as advisors to the Town Board. They are a valuable resource to the Town’s leadership and should be treated with appreciation and respect. If attending a Board or Commission meeting, be careful to only express personal opinions unless you are authorized to represent the Town Board. Trustees may attend any Board or Commission meeting open to the public, but should be sensitive to the way their participation – especially if it is on behalf of an individual, business or developer -- could be viewed as unfairly affecting the process. Any public comments by a Trustee at a Board or Commission meeting should be clearly made as individual opinion and not a representation of the opinion of the Town Board. Be respectful of diverse opinions. A primary role of the Board or Commission is to provide advice and make decisions based on a full spectrum of concerns and perspectives. Trustees must be fair and respectful of all citizens serving on Boards and Commissions. Inappropriate behavior can lead to removal. Inappropriate behavior by a Trustee should be noted to the Mayor, and the Mayor should counsel the offending member. If inappropriate behavior continues, the Mayor should bring the situation to the attention of the Town Board, and the individual may be subject to removal from the Board. CONDUCT WITH THE MEDIA Trustees may be contacted by the media for background information and quotes. All media contacts should be referred to the PIO. The Mayor is the official spokesperson for the Town Board of Trustees. The Mayor is the designated representative of the Board of Trustees to present and speak on the official Town DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 6 position. If the media contacts an individual Trustee, the Trustee should be clear about whether her/his comments represent the official Town position or a personal viewpoint. The best advice for dealing with the media is to never go "off the record." Most members of the media represent the highest levels of journalistic integrity and ethics, and can be trusted to keep their word. But one bad experience can be catastrophic. Words that are not said cannot be quoted. Choose words carefully and cautiously. Comments taken out of context can cause problems. Be especially cautious about humor, sarcasm, or word play. It is never appropriate to use personal slurs or swear words when talking with the media. CONFLICT OF INTEREST   Section 31-4-402 (2) C.R.S. addresses conflict of interest of members of the Board of Trustees as follows: Section 31-4-404 (2) C.R.S. “Any member of the governing body of any city or town who has a personal or private interest in any matter proposed or pending before the governing body shall disclose such interest to the governing body, shall not vote thereon, and shall refrain from the attempt to influence the decisions of the other members of the governing body in voting on the matter.” A personal or private interest for purposes of identifying a conflict of interest by a member of the Board of Trustees is defined as follows: Any substantial financial, property or commercial benefit of any Trustee or any parent, spouse, or child of the Trustee in any matter which will or potentially will require an official action of the Board of Trustees. A Trustee does not have a conflict of interest if the matter involves a similar benefit conferred upon or available to all persons or property similarly situated. Disclosure: A Trustee having a conflict of interest in any matter before the Town Board shall disclose the interest to the Town Board. The Trustee shall not vote or otherwise take any formal action concerning the matter, shall not participate in any executive session concerning the matter, and shall refrain from attempting to influence any other member of the Board of Trustees either in public or private discussion of the matter. Additional State Requirements: The provisions of this section shall be in addition to any applicable conflict of interest provisions of the State Statutes or State Constitution that are at least as restrictive as this section, and shall supersede any such conflict of interest provisions of the State Statutes and/or State Constitution that are less restrictive than this section. DDDRRRAAAFFFTTT 999///000999///222000111444 7 Exception: A member of the Board of Trustees may vote notwithstanding a conflict of interest if the Trustee’s participation is necessary to obtain a quorum or otherwise enable the Board to act if the Trustee complies with the volunteer disclosure provisions of Section 24-18-110 C.R.S. Sanction: Section 31-4-307 C.R.S. provides, by a majority vote of all members of the Board of Trustees, the Mayor and any member of the Board may be removed from office. A violation of this section may be considered by the Board of Trustees as grounds for removal from office pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 31-4-307 C.R.S. Appearance of Impropriety: A Trustee should consider, but is not required to, excuse themselves from those matters which due to the specific circumstances concerning the matter may appear to members of the public to be a potential conflict of interest thus avoiding the appearance of impropriety. SANCTIONS Inappropriate Staff Behavior. Trustees should refer to the Town Administrator any Town staff that does not follow proper conduct in their dealings with Trustees, other Town staff, or the public. These employees may be disciplined in accordance with standard Town procedures for such actions. Trustees Behavior and Conduct. Trustees who intentionally and repeatedly do not follow proper conduct may be reprimanded or formally censured by the Town Board. Serious infractions of the Code of Conduct could lead to other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Town Board, including removal from the Board pursuant to Section 31-04-307 CRS.  ___________________________ It all comes down to respect Respect for one another as individuals. . . Respect for the validity of different opinions. . . Respect for the democratic process. . . Respect for the community that we serve. 9/9/14 Board Communications  Response to resident or business concern o Resident calls with concern about behavior on adjoining rental property. o Resident emails Board regarding police issue. o Resident emails Board regarding frustration over potholes in his street  Concept for Board consideration o Board member on own initiative researches issue, and instructs Town Clerk to distribute document information to Board prior to discussion at Board meeting.  Financial report special requests o Board member wants special financial report. o Board member has suggestions for improving financial reports  Conversations outside of regular or study sessions between Trustees. o Board member discusses issue with other Board members either through conversation or email prior to discussing the issue at a Board meeting.        2014 Strategic Plan  Revised November 26th, 2013  Update report September 2014    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.    KEY OUTCOME AREAS     Robust Economy ‐  We have a diverse, healthy year round economy   Infrastructure‐ We have reliable, efficient and up to date infrastructure serving our residents,  businesses and guests   Exceptional Guest Services ‐ We are the preferred Colorado mountain destination providing an  exceptional guest experience.   Public Safety, Health and Environment ‐  Estes Park is a safe place to live, work, and visit within  our extraordinary natural environment   Outstanding 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.   Governmental Services and Internal Support ‐    We provide high‐quality, reliable basic  municipal services for the benefit of our citizens, guests, and employees, while being good  stewards of public resources   Transportation ‐ We have safe, efficient and well maintained multi‐modal transportation  systems for pedestrians, vehicles and transit.      2014 Board Objectives (1 year time frame)       Robust Economy   Begin revising regulations and codes, making them easier to understand and use, including  making it easier for citizens to find  all the codes, regulations and rules that are applicable to  their particular projects  REPORT:  On‐going, but this has been a lower priority due to flood recovery efforts.      Brewery, Winery and Distillery code changes completed    Board briefed on possible code changes to support redevelopment        Board briefed on possible code changes to address vacation home rentals    Board briefed on possible adoption of the Dangerous Properties portion of the IBC.   Continue to participate in local, regional, and state economic development.  REPORT ‐ Ongoing  Infrastructure   Finalize design of the visitor’s center parking structure.   REPORT ‐ Building is going out to bid in the next few weeks with multiple design options in an effort  to address the substantial cost increases in construction since last fall prior to the flood   Complete the construction of the Multi Purpose Events Center and Stall Barn.  REPORT ‐ Buildings are substantially complete and in operation   Complete the environmental studies required for the extension of the Fall River Trail using the  Paul Sarbanes Grant  REPORT ‐ On hold   Develop options for the improvements or replacement of Glacier Creek Water Treatment Plant  REPORT ‐ This objective will be completed as part of the Water Master Plan. The master plan has  been awarded to Frachetti Engineering.  The completion of that plan will be December of this year.    Develop a sustainable funding plan for facility maintenance   REPORT ‐ On hold   Identify best options for capitalizing on the PRPA fiber infrastructure for residents and  businesses  REPORT ‐ We are participating in the EDC Fiber committee and are investigating options.  Funding  for consultants to help with this effort has been secured through the EDA grant.  Staff is fully involved  in this ongoing effort.   Complete repairs to utilities due to flood damage.  REPORT ‐ In progress and progressing well.  With the exception of Fish Creek, most repairs should be  completed by the end of the year.    Exceptional Guest Services   Implement the operating and marketing plans for the MPEC  REPORT ‐ Marketing of the MPEC has been underway for several months and is going well   Develop a strategy for evaluating, retaining and recruiting special events in the Town, including  a strategy for events management.  REPORT ‐ Performance measurement critera have been developed and staff has been working with  stakeholders to evaluate and develop special events.  Board has authorized a new staff position to  develop and coordinate events.  Public Safety, Health and Environment   Finalize an agreement  with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on a  remediation plan for the Elm Road Landfill  REPORT ‐ Conceptual plan for mitigation has been accepted by CDPHE and engineering design work  is in progress.       Pursue emergency public advisory radio services  REPORT ‐ We are on track to have an AM public advisory radio installed and operational by the end  of the year, using funds from the new 1% community reinvestment tax   Evaluate and address potential required changes in radio frequencies  REPORT ‐ On hold   Work to restore the streams damaged by the flood and to redefine the flood plains within Town  boundaries.  REPORT ‐ Work is ongoing and continuing well on this effort.      Outstanding Community Services   Update the comprehensive plan  REPORT ‐ On hold as staff has been involved in flood recovery efforts   Define the Town’s role in community housing issues  REPORT ‐ Discussions have been held with the Board at a recent study session.  Work is ongoing, as  staff time allows.   Develop and adopt a policy for accepting public art, memorials and donations   REPORT ‐ With the restructuring of the Tree Board into the Parks Advisory Board, this objective has  been assigned to that citizens group.  The Board has appointed citizens to this board with an arts  background to help in the discussions.  This probably won't be finished and ready for adoption this  year, but should be coming to the Trustees fairly early in 2015   Consider the recommendations of the Community Recreation and Wellness Center Feasibility  Study  REPORT ‐ Staff continues to participate in the design discussions with the Rec District on the  Community Center.   The Rec District is taking the lead at this point in developing funding for the  project.   Participate with Rocky Mountain National Park in their 100th Anniversary in 2015   REPORT ‐ Ongoing    Governmental Services and Internal Support   Complete a Citizen Survey  REPORT ‐ Complete‐ Study session with the board is scheduled for later this fall   Increase compliance with business licenses/ permits of vacation home rentals, including tax  collection.  REPORT ‐ Ongoing ‐ progress is being made   Implement the capital planning process.  REPORT ‐ On hold       Present to the citizens a sales tax proposal on the April municipal election for funding specifically  to support streets, infrastructure and other community improvements.  REPORT ‐ complete   Complete the revision and updating of Board and Administrative town policies.  REPORT ‐ This has been ongoing, but progress has been slow due to competing priorities and staff  limitations.  Some revisions will be completed by the end of the year, but not all.  This project will go  into 2014.      Transportation   Evaluate and prioritize implementation of Transportation Visioning Committee signage  recommendations  REPORT ‐ No action has been taken as of this date   Take any steps required for the FLAP Grant project.  REPORT ‐ We have been participating in ongoing discussions with Federal Lands and CDOT.  Public  outreach meetings have been scheduled for early October.  This was somewhat delayed as the  Federal Lands staff was assigned to work on the repairs to the Glen Haven road.   Complete the flood damage repairs to the Fish Creek corridor.  REPORT ‐ Design work for utilities is close to complete.  Utilities repair will be the first step with a  goal for completing repairs before runoff next spring.  Road repairs will not start until late next  summer or fall.   Complete the flood damage repairs to other Town roads.  REPORT ‐ We are on track to have this completed by the end of the year   Complete preventative maintenance activities on Town roads, as adequate funds become  available.  REPORT ‐ Ongoing