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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2014-02-11 Tuesday, February 11, 2014 TOWN BOARD 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION Rooms 202/203 4:45 p.m. Dinner Available 5:00 p.m. Trustee Comments & Questions. 5:05 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items. (Board Discussion) 5:15 p.m. Platte River Power Authority Strategic Plan. (General Manager Jackie Sargent) 6:00 p.m. 2014 Citizen Survey. (Public Information Officer Rusch) 6:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourn. “Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 4:30 p.m.” AGENDA     Estes Park Board of Trustees Presentation        MEETING DATE: 2/11/2014  PRESENTER:    Jackie Sargent, Platte River Power Authority       TITLE:   Platte River Power Authority Overview and 2014 Strategic Plan      SUMMARY:  Over the past year, Platte River Power Authority (Platte River) has been engaged in a number of  strategic planning activities supporting the development of a 2014 Strategic Plan (Plan) that was  approved by the Platte River Board in December 2013. The Plan presents updated Vision, Mission, and  Values Statements. It also provides a set of Strategic Initiatives and Objectives, along with high‐level  goals for each. New initiatives have been added in the areas of: Improved Collaboration and  Communications, Diversified Resource Supply Portfolio, and Technological Innovation and Sustainability.  Long‐standing objectives have been updated and expanded in the areas of: Safety, Exceptional  Customer Service, Operational Excellence, Compliance Assurance, Financial Stability, and Employee  Engagement. These nine areas of focus form the foundation of Platte River’s continued planning efforts  in 2014.        BACKGROUND:  The Plan incorporates several prior plan documents including the Risk Management Plan, the Strategic  Financial Plan, and the Annual Load Forecast as appendices. Information previously provided in a  separate Operating Plan and Transmission Plan has been incorporated into the Plan document, along  with Legislative Policies and a summary of the Municipalities’ Planning Efforts. The Climate Action Plan  and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will remain separate documents for now, but will be incorporated  into the overall Strategic Plan next year, as a new IRP is completed. Detailed ten‐year term financial  information, including a capital plan and wholesale rate forecast, will also be provided in next year’s  Strategic Plan—after analysis has been completed and decisions have been made regarding resource  diversification and other factors that may impact Platte River’s financial planning.      LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:  1. 2014 Platte River Strategic Plan (eDocument)  2. PowerPoint Presentation  Executive Profile  Platte River Power Authority (970) 226‐4000            Platte River Power Authority is a not- for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider that delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and competitively priced energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado for delivery to their utility customers. Platte River’s Headquarters is located in Fort Collins and its generation and transmission facilities are located along Colorado’s Front Range, in northwestern Colorado and near Cheyenne and Medicine Bow, Wyoming.                                 Jackie Sargent  General Manager & CEO    Jacqueline Sargent (Jackie) became General Manager of Platte River Power  Authority in August of 2012. Ms. Sargent brings over twenty‐five years of  experience in the energy industry including electric and gas utility operations,  power generation, energy marketing, rates and regulatory affairs, strategic  planning, acquisitions and mergers, and project development. Platte River  Power Authority is a not‐for‐profit joint action agency that provides  wholesale transmission and generation service to its four owner communities  of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland, Colorado.    Prior to joining Platte River, Ms. Sargent was the Senior Vice President of  Power Supply and Market Operations for Austin Energy located in Austin,  Texas. In this position, she was responsible for the oversight of Austin  Energy’s power generation facilities, management of wind, solar and biomass  power purchase agreements, market operations, resource planning and  engineering services. Previously, Ms. Sargent served as the Vice President of  Power Supply and Renewables Integration at Black Hills Corporation. Ms.  Sargent began her career as an engineering intern with Black Hills Power and  Light Company, a subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, and held various  positions with increasing levels of responsibility.      Ms. Sargent holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a  Master of Science degree in technology management, both from the South  Dakota School of Mines and Technology. She is a registered professional  engineer in the state of South Dakota. Ms. Sargent serves on the RMEL Board  of Directors and is actively involved with the Large Public Power Council  (LPPC) and the American Public Power Association (APPA).                            Platte River Power Authority 2000 E Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Tel: 970.226.4000 or 888.748.5113  May 2013  2/7/2014 1 Jackie Sargent, General Manager/CEO Estes Park Town Board Study Session February 11, 2014 Overview and 2014 Strategic Plan Our Customers Estes Park Longmont Fort Collins Loveland 2 2/7/2014 2 Local Decision Making Estes Park Fort Collins Longmont Loveland Mayor Bill Pinkham Mr. Reuben Bergsten Mayor Karen Weitkunat Mr. Gerry Horak  Mayor Dennis Coombs ``` Mr. Tom  Roiniotis Mayor Cecil Gutierrez Mr. Steve Adams Platte River Board of Directors 3 Management Team General Manager Jackie Sargent General Counsel Joseph Wilson Board of Directors Financial Services Dave Smalley Operations Jason Frisbie Environmental   Services /   Compliance  Deb Schaneman  Strategic Planning &  Customer Service John Bleem  Corporate Services Karin Hollohan  Government &  External Affairs Barb Ateshzar  4 2/7/2014 3 Residential Small Business Large Business DistributionTransmissionGeneration Customers Estes Park Fort Collins Longmont Loveland Platte River Power Authority •Sole electricity supplier •Not for profit •Local governance •Joint Ownership Local Electric System Partnership 5 Platte River Focus: Balance Reliability Environmental Responsibility Competitive  Price Safety 6 Innovation & Sustainability 2/7/2014 4 Rawhide Unit 1 Craig Units 1 and 2 Federal Hydro Power Rawhide Combustion Turbines Total  – 977 MW of Installed Capacity Wind  Current Resources 8 2/7/2014 5 Energy Resource Portfolio – 2013 9 Based on sales to Municipalities 100  200  300  400  500  600  700  Surplus Sales Peaking & Purchases Craig Rawhide Western Resource Utilization Megawatts (MW)Highest Load Lowest Load Municipal Loads Wind Surplus sales offset revenue  requirements from  the municipalities 10 2/7/2014 6 NOx & SO2 emissions – U.S. Coal Units 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 lb/MWhRawhide Craig 1 & 2 Nearly 500 Individual Plants Gas Units 11 Benchmarking Wholesale Rates CO2 Emissions Resources not Emitting CO2 sales 12 2/7/2014 7 •Legislative & regulatory risks: –CO2 emissions (climate change) –SO2, NOX, Hg, VOC, air toxics (health) –Coal ash, cooling water, etc. (environment) •Financial risks: –Greenhouse gas charges –Emission control costs –Waste / water management costs –Credit rating downgrade •Constrained resource optimization: –High base & peaking / no intermediate resource –Limited ability to integrate renewables –Less flexible resource operations •Community values: –Customer preferences vs. current resources Resource Portfolio Considerations 13 Approved by Board of Directors December 12, 2013 2014 Strategic Plan 14 2/7/2014 8 Planning Process Timeline Gap Analysis: •Strengths •Weaknesses •Opportunities •Threats Stakeholder  Meetings Board of Directors  Strategic Planning  Retreat Board &  Management Interviews Gas Resource Modeling (Ventyx) Management  Team  Retreat Board Approval of Vision, Mission & Values Review Board Resolutions and Policies Municipal Survey DSM / DG Study (Nexant) Draft Plan Final Plan Expanded Collaboration  with City Staffs Finalized SWOT Analysis Finalize New Wind  Purchase Gather Input & Integrate Updates Strategic Planning Budget . . . Updated Risk Plan 15 2014 Strategic Plan Development 16 2/7/2014 9 Excellent Operations Financial Strength Peaking (Gas) Baseload (Coal) Hydropower & Wind High Quality Transmission & Infrastructure Environmental Stewardship & Compliance Strong Historical Foundation Strategic Direction 17 Build on Strengths  To  A More Sustainable   Future Business Model Excellent Operations Financial Strength Environmental Stewardship & Compliance New Resource Evaluation –Diversification Collaborative Planning, Programs & Services Peaking (Gas) Baseload (Coal) Hydropower & Wind High Quality Transmission & Infrastructure New Technology & Innovation Strategic Direction 18 2/7/2014 10 Initiatives, Objectives & Goals Improved Collaboration & Communications Diversified Energy  Supply Portfolio Safety  Compliance Assurance Operational  Excellence Financial  Stability Exceptional  Customer Service Technological Innovation  & Sustainability Employee  EngagementGoals for Each All Departments All Employees 19 Factors Influencing Direction Lowest Rates Least Environmental Impact New markets Renewable Energy StandardsTechnology trends & timing Customer interests Economic development Municipal planning & community goals Regional partnerships Transportation Aging infrastructure Water Resource integration Fuel trends Waste 20 Risk Management 2/7/2014 11 Preliminary Planning Schedule ACTIVITIES Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Staffing, Tools & Support Staff selection / integration Load & test software / data sets Retain consultants Gas Generation Site Evaluation Site options identification Transmission system studies Water supply evaluation Gas delivery / pipeline / firming studies Real estate cost estimates Site environmental impact evaluation Air and land use permitting studies Right of way studies Conceptual plant design / configuration Resource Diversification Modeling Combined cycle gas central station Utility scale renewable energy Distributed generation Demand side management Resource integration Carbon reduction analysis Cost & rates evaluations Public / Stakeholder Process Extended / coordinated municipal surveys Detailed resource preference surveys Additional listening sessions Collaborative Program Expansion Joint planning team expansion Demand response pilots Joint solar garden program Other new programs 2014 Integrated Resource Plan Approval 2015 Strategic Plan Approval 21 •The Town of Estes Park and Platte River Power Authority Team to Help Local Business with Energy Efficiency following the September flooding –The Town and Platte River have helped local business recover from economic losses –$247,000 in energy efficiency project funding for local business will lower energy bills –Estes Park and Platte River joined together to increase rebates and assist businesses Recent Activities 22 2/7/2014 12 •Medicine Bow Wind Project Life Extension / Upgrade: –New retrofit technology (first application in U.S.) –Increased generation output –Increase plant life from 20 years to 30+ years •New Programs & Services: –Record participation and energy savings in 2013 for Energy Efficiency programs –New regional brand for efficiency services (“Efficiency Works”) –Beginning a system-wide Demand Response program (distributed load control) –Evaluating other services (initial focus on distributed solar and electric vehicles) Recent Activities 23 •Adding new staff to enhance resource risk analysis capabilities: –Planning manager, system planner / analyst, resource engineer & admin. support •Adding new modeling & analysis tools: –Resource diversification (wholesale and distributed) –Cost and rate impacts for various future resource scenarios –Carbon and new market risk mitigation •Planning started for 2014 Integrated Resource Plan Development 24 Recent Activities 2/7/2014 13 THANK YOU ADMINISTRATION Memo To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham Board of Trustees Town Administrator Lancaster From: Kate Rusch, Public Information Officer Date: February 6, 2014 RE: 2014 Citizen Survey Objective: In preparation to administer the 2014 Citizen Survey, staff are seeking input from the Town Board on the survey instrument. Present Situation: In noted in the Town Board’s 2014 Strategic Plan, the Town will conduct a Citizen Survey of Estes Park citizens using the National Citizen Survey (NCS) model. This survey was conducted in 2011 with a 54% response rate. The NCS provides a statistically valid survey of resident opinions about community and services provided by local government. Survey results are useful to the Town Board, staff and other stakeholders for community planning and resource allocation, program improvement, policy-making and tracking changes in residents’ opinions about government performance. The benefit of the NCS is the balance of customization with a uniform survey tool used by more than 300 communities in 45 states. This allows internal benchmarking with future survey results as well as benchmarking with other communities to assess local satisfaction with government services. Improvements to the NCS template since 2011: • The 2014 survey instrument has been updated from the 2011 survey to improve the value of the data and meet the needs of communities. • Changes are detailed in the first attached document Comprehensive Changes to The National Citizen Survey Instrument. Survey Methods: • All survey materials will be finalized by May, 2014. • The survey will be administered by mail to a random sample of 1,200 households within Town limits beginning approximately late June of 2014. • These households will be contacted with a pre-survey postcard and two mailings of the survey instrument with introductory cover letters signed by Mayor Pinkham and Town Administrator Lancaster. • The survey will be translated in Spanish at no additional cost to the Town. Town staff will take requests for translated surveys and mail the preprinted surveys to those who request them. • Following this scientific sampling period, in August, the survey will be posted to the Town’s website and promoted to the general population for voluntary participation. Web survey results will be reported separately from the scientific sample results. • Staff expects to present all results to the Town Board in October, 2014. • The scientific sample results will include an executive summary, statistical results, comparisons with the Town of Estes Park’s 2011 Citizen Survey results, and benchmark comparisons with other jurisdictions using the NRC. Proposal: • Staff is seeking the Board’s feedback on the attached, annotated draft survey instrument, in particular custom questions # 14 through #17. Question #14 is replicated from 2011. Questions #15-17 were drafted with input from Department Heads as well as community members. • Staff is also seeking the Board’s feedback on including an additional custom question (#18) on household recycling habits, as provided on page 6 of the draft survey. Collection of this data has been requested by the League of Women Voters and Community Recycling Committee. The data could also be useful to the Town as it relates to public recycling containers and for use in grant applications. Addition of this question would require adding another page to the survey at an approximate cost of $1,700 (within budget). Addition of this question would also increase the survey length and completion time for respondents, which is generally not recommended by the NRC. Advantages: N/A Disadvantages: N/A Action Recommended: Staff requests that the Board provide feedback on the draft survey instrument as well as a recommendation on the addition of custom question #18 so staff can proceed with preparation for administering the survey. Budget: $15,000 funded from 101-1300-413.22-98 Level of Public Interest As seen in 2011, staff expects a high level of public interest in the 2014 Citizen Survey from the perspective of respondent participation, as well as the resulting data, how it can be utilized by the Town, and how it can be utilized by the community. Sample Motion: N/A Attachments: 1. Comprehensive Changes to the National Citizen Survey Instrument 2. The Town of Estes Park 2014 Citizen Survey (Draft 2/6/14) The National Citizen Survey™ Revised 09/30/2013 1 Comprehensive Changes to The National Citizen Survey™ Instrument The table below details the nature of the changes made to The NCS as of September 2013. Revised items (e.g., minor changes to question wording and/or response scale) often will have their trend lines maintained. However, some revisions were significant enough to warrant the establishment of a new trend line in future administrations. In these cases, such items have been noted as having been “replaced” and the trend line having been dropped. Common reasons for removal or replacement of a survey item include high percentages of “don’t know” responses once the data came in and numerous requests by participating communities to remove an item. Some items were removed based on feedback from The NCS community; participants did not find the item useful. New question set Old question set Current wording Nature of change q1 ABC as a place to visit New q2 Overall feeling of safety in ABC New q2 Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit New q2 Overall “built environment” of ABC (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) New q2 Health and wellness opportunities in ABC New q2 Overall opportunities for education and enrichment New q2 Overall economic health of ABC New q5 Ease of public parking New q5 q2 Ease of travel by public transportation in ABC Changed from “Ease of rail or subway travel in ABC” q5 Public places where people want to spend time New q5 Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.) New q5 Availability of affordable quality mental health care New q6 q2 Availability of affordable quality child care/preschool Added "preschool" q6 q11 K-12 education Changed from "Public schools" and removed from City services question q6 Adult educational opportunities New q6 Cost of living in ABC New q6 Vibrant downtown/commercial area New The National Citizen Survey™ Revised 09/30/2013 2 New question set Old question set Current wording Nature of change q7 Made efforts to conserve water New q7 Made efforts to make your home more energy efficient New q7 Observed a code violation or other hazard in ABC New q7 Reported a crime to the police New q7 Stocked supplies in preparation for an emergency New q7 Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate New q7 q13 Contacted ABC (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information Changed from “Have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with an employee of the XYZ of ABC within the last 12 months (including police, receptionists, planners or any others)?” q7 Contacted ABC elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion New q8 q9 Used ABC recreation centers or their services Added "or their services"; response scale changed q8 q9 Visited a neighborhood park or XYZ park Response scale changed q8 q9 Used ABC public libraries or their services Response scale changed q8 q9 Participated in religious or spiritual activities in ABC Response scale changed q8 Attended a XYZ-sponsored event New q8 Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving New q8 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone New q8 Walked or biked instead of driving New q8 q9 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in ABC Response scale changed q8 q9 Participated in a club Removed “or civic group”; response scale changed q8 q10 Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors Reworded from “About how often, if at all, do you talk to or visit with your immediate neighbors (people who live in the 10 or 20 households that are closest to you)?”; response scale changed q8 q9 Done a favor for a neighbor Reworded from “Provided help to a friend or neighbor”; response scale changed q9 q9 Attended a local public meeting Question stem revised to include more types of public meetings; response scale changed q9 q9 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting Question stem revised to include more types of public meetings; response scale changed q10 Utility billing New q10 XYZ-sponsored special events New q10 q14 Overall customer service by ABC employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) Reworded from "Overall impression" in employee question set; asked of all respondents, not just those who had contacted employees q12 Overall confidence in ABC government New The National Citizen Survey™ Revised 09/30/2013 3 New question set Old question set Current wording Nature of change q12 Generally acting in the best interest of the community New q12 Being honest New q12 Treating all residents fairly New d1 q9 Recycled at home Reworded from "Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home"; response scale changed d1 Purchase goods or services from a business located in ABC New d1 Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day New d1 Participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity New d1 Read or watch local news (via television, paper, computer, etc.) New d1 d15 Voted in local elections Reworded from "Many people don’t have time to vote in elections. Did you vote in the last general election?"; response scale changed d2 Would you say that in general your health is: New d5 Do you work inside the boundaries of ABC? New d4 d4 What is your employment status? Response scale changed d7 d7 Which best describes the building you live in? Response scale changed d8 d8 Is this house, apartment or mobile home... Response scale changed d17 d18 Do you consider a cell phone or landline your primary telephone number? Reworded from "If you have both a cell phone and a land line, which do you consider your primary telephone number?" -- q2 Educational opportunities Replaced by “Adult educational opportunities”; trend dropped -- q2 Ease of bus travel in ABC Replaced by “Ease of travel by public transportation in ABC” -- q2 Amount of public parking Replaced by "Ease of public parking"; trend dropped -- q3 Population growth Removed from survey -- q3 Retail growth (stores, restaurants, etc.) Removed from survey -- q3 Jobs growth Removed from survey -- q4 To what degree, if at all, are run down buildings, weed lots or junk vehicles a problem in ABC? Removed from survey -- q5 Violent crime (e.g., rape, assault, robbery) Removed from survey -- q5 Property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft) Removed from survey -- q5 Environmental hazards, including toxic waste Removed from survey -- q6 In your neighborhood after dark Removed from survey -- q6 In ABCs downtown area after dark Removed from survey -- q7 Reported a crime to the police Now asked of all respondents, not just those who had been the victim of a crime; trend dropped -- q8 If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? Removed from survey The National Citizen Survey™ Revised 09/30/2013 4 New question set Old question set Current wording Nature of change -- q9 Participated in a recreation program or activity Replaced by “Used ABC recreation centers or their services” -- q9 Ridden a local bus within ABC Replaced by “Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving”; new trend established -- q9 Read ABC Newsletter Removed from survey -- q9 Visited the XYZ of ABC Web site (at xx.com) Removed from survey -- q11 Municipal courts Removed from survey -- q11 Services to seniors Removed from survey -- q11 Services to youth Removed from survey -- q11 Services to low-income people Removed from survey -- q12 The State Government Removed from survey -- q12 CCC County Government Removed from survey -- q14 [Employee] Knowledge Removed from survey -- q14 [Employee] Responsiveness Removed from survey -- q14 [Employee] Courtesy Removed from survey -- d2a Motorized vehicle (e.g., car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc.) by myself Removed from survey -- d2b Motorized vehicle (e.g., car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc.) with other children or adults Replaced by “Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone”; new trend established -- d2c Bus, rail, subway or other public transportation Replaced by “Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving” ; new trend established -- d2d Walk Replaced by “Walked or biked instead of driving” ; new trend established -- d2e Bicycle Replaced by “Walked or biked instead of driving” ; new trend established -- d2f Work at home Removed from survey -- d2g Other Removed from survey -- d14 Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? Removed from survey -- d16 Do you have a cell phone? Removed from survey -- d17 Do you have a land line at home? Removed from survey The Town of Estes Park 2014 Citizen Survey Page 1 of 5 Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s year of birth does not matter. Please select the response (by circling the number or checking the box) that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only. 1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Estes Park: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Estes Park as a place to live ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park as a place to raise children ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park as a place to work ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park as a place to visit ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park as a place to retire ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Estes Park .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Estes Park as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Overall feeling of safety in Estes Park ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit ............................ 1 2 3 4 5 Quality of overall natural environment in Estes Park ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall “built environment” of Estes Park (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Health and wellness opportunities in Estes Park ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall opportunities for education and enrichment ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall economic health of Estes Park .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of community ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Estes Park ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know Recommend living in Estes Park to someone who asks .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Estes Park for the next five years ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 4. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know In your neighborhood during the day................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 In Estes Park’s downtown/commercial area during the day 1 2 3 4 5 6 5. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Estes Park as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Traffic flow on major streets .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of public parking ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by car in Estes Park ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Estes Park ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Estes Park ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Estes Park ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of paths and walking trails .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Air quality .......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Estes Park .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Estes Park ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Public places where people want to spend time ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of housing options ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality housing .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.) .......... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreational opportunities ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality food ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality health care ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of preventive health services ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality mental health care ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2014 National Research Center, Inc. Page 2 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ 6. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Estes Park as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Availability of affordable quality child care/preschool ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 K-12 education .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Adult educational opportunities ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in religious or spiritual events and activities ......... 1 2 3 4 5 Employment opportunities ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping opportunities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cost of living in Estes Park ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of business and service establishments in Estes Park ................. 1 2 3 4 5 Vibrant downtown/commercial area ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of new development in Estes Park ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities ................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to volunteer ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in community matters .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Neighborliness of residents in Estes Park ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 7. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. No Yes Made efforts to conserve water ................................................................................................................................1 2 Made efforts to make your home more energy efficient ..........................................................................................1 2 Observed a code violation or other hazard in Estes Park (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) .................................1 2 Household member was a victim of a crime in Estes Park ......................................................................................1 2 Reported a crime to the police in Estes Park ...........................................................................................................1 2 Stocked supplies in preparation for an emergency ..................................................................................................1 2 Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate ....................................................................................1 2 Contacted the Town of Estes Park (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information ................................1 2 Contacted Estes Park elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion ...........................1 2 8. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Estes Park? 2 times a 2-4 times Once a month Not week or more a month or less at all Visited a neighborhood park or Town park ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Attended a Town-sponsored event .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Used bus or other public transportation instead of driving ................................................ 1 2 3 4 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone ...................................... 1 2 3 4 Walked or biked instead of driving .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Estes Park ............................................ 1 2 3 4 Participated in a club ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Done a favor for a neighbor ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 9. Thinking about local public meetings (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.), i n the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members attended or watched a local public meeting? 2 times a 2-4 times Once a month Not week or more a month or less at all Attended a local public meeting ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting ................................................... 1 2 3 4 The Town of Estes Park 2014 Citizen Survey Page 3 of 5 10. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Estes Park: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Police services .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fire prevention and education ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic enforcement ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street repair ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street cleaning ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Snow removal .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sidewalk maintenance ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Bus or transit services ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Storm drainage .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Drinking water ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Power (electric and/or gas) utility ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Utility billing ...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Town parks ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs or classes .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation centers or facilities ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Land use, planning and zoning .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Domestic animal control .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Economic development ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Public information services ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park open space ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Town-sponsored special events .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall customer service by Estes Park employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park Museum ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park Senior Center ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park Visitor Center ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fairgrounds and special events .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Estes Park Conference Center ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 11. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the fo llowing? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The Town of Estes Park..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 12. Please rate the following categories of Estes Park government performance: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The value of services for the taxes paid to Estes Park ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Estes Park is taking ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The job Estes Park government does at welcoming citizen involvement ........... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Estes Park government ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Generally acting in the best interest of the community ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being honest ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Treating all residents fairly ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2014 National Research Center, Inc. Page 4 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ 13. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Estes Park community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: Very Somewhat Not at all Essential important important important Overall feeling of safety in Estes Park ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit ............................................ 1 2 3 4 Quality of overall natural environment in Estes Park ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall “built environment” of Estes Park (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Health and wellness opportunities in Estes Park ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall opportunities for education and enrichment ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall economic health of Estes Park .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Sense of community ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 14. If a budget shortfall makes it necessary to reduce Town services to balance the budget, to what extent do you support or oppose reductions in the following Town services? Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Don’t support support oppose oppose know Municipal/development code enforcement ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Street repairs ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Parks maintenance .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Snow plowing.......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Police services ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Special events (i.e., Elk Fest, Catch the Glow Parade, etc.) .................... 1 2 3 4 5 Museum services ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Senior Center services ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 General government services .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Community development (planning/building) ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fairgrounds ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Conference Center .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Visitor Center ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 15. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to use each of the following existing methods to access Town information: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know Town website (www.estes.org) ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Mailed newsletter from the Town ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Email news from the Town ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Town of Estes Park social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook page) ............ 1 2 3 4 5 Watch public meetings online at estes.org/videos .................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Baja Channel 12 (government access) ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Baja Channel 8 ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Network television news .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Local newspapers (e.g., Estes Park News, Estes Park Trail Gazette) .............. 1 2 3 4 5 Word of mouth ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 16. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to use each of the following potential methods to access Town information: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know Electronic message board in a central location ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Text messages from the Town ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Electronic newsletter from the Town ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Emergency radio station ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 17. Please indicate if your household has done any of the following to prepare for an emergency such as a wildfire or flood in the last 12 months: Yes Somewhat No Signed up at LETA911.org for emergency notifications on cell phone and email ............ 1 2 3 Stocked food, water and other emergency household provisions for three days ................ 1 2 3 Prepared an essentials kit for evacuations .......................................................................... 1 2 3 Created backup storage of critical documents ................................................................... 1 2 3 Created a list of emergency information sources ............................................................... 1 2 3 Conducted wildfire mitigation efforts including removal of beetle infested trees ............... 1 2 3 Had an alternate power and heating source ...................................................................... 1 2 3 The Town of Estes Park 2014 Citizen Survey Page 5 of 5 Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only. D1. How often, if at all, do you do each of the following, considering all of the times you co uld? Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always Recycle at home ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Purchase goods or services from a business located in Estes Park .................. 1 2 3 4 5 Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Read or watch local news (via television, paper, computer, etc.) ................... 1 2 3 4 5 Vote in local elections ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 D2. Would you say that in general your health is:  Excellent  Very good  Good  Fair  Poor D3. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:  Very positive  Somewhat positive  Neutral  Somewhat negative  Very negative D4. What is your employment status?  Working full time for pay  Working part time for pay  Unemployed, looking for paid work  Unemployed, not looking for paid work  Fully retired D5. Do you work inside the boundaries of Estes Park?  Yes, outside the home  Yes, from home  No D6. How many years have you lived in Estes Park?  Less than 2 years  11-20 years  2-5 years  More than 20 years  6-10 years D7. Which best describes the building you live in?  One family house detached from any other houses  Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium)  Mobile home  Other D8. Is this house, apartment or mobile home...  Rented  Owned D9. About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?  Less than $300 per month  $300 to $599 per month  $600 to $999 per month  $1,000 to $1,499 per month  $1,500 to $2,499 per month  $2,500 or more per month D10. Do any children 17 or under live in your household?  No  Yes D11. Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?  No  Yes D12. How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)  Less than $25,000  $25,000 to $49,999  $50,000 to $99,999  $100,000 to $149,999  $150,000 or more Please respond to both questions D13 and D14: D13. Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?  No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino  Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino D14. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)  American Indian or Alaskan Native  Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander  Black or African American  White  Other D15. In which category is your age?  18-24 years  55-64 years  25-34 years  65-74 years  35-44 years  75 years or older  45-54 years D16. What is your sex?  Female  Male D17. Do you consider a cell phone or land line your primary telephone number?  Cell  Land line  Both Thank you for completing this survey. Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to: National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502