HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2019-03-26RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado March 26,2019
Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD of the Town of
Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado.Meeting held at Town Hall in
Rooms 202/203 in said Town of Estes Park on the 26111 day of March,2019.
Board:Mayor Jirsa,Mayor Pro Tern Walker,Trustees Bangs,
Cenac,Martchink,Norris and Zornes
Attending:Mayor Jirsa,Mayor Pro Tern Walker,Trustees Bangs,
Martchink,Norris and Zornes
Also Attending:Town Administrator Lancaster,Assistant Town Administrator
Machalek,Town Attorney White,Town Clerk Williamson and
Recording Secretary Beers.
Absent:Trustee Marie Cenac.
Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO WATER RATES STUDY PROCESS.Director Bergsten stated
every three years a rate study is conducted to ensure adequate funding for safe,
reliable,well maintained and efficient water system.He introduced Shawn Gaddie,
General Manager with AE2S Nexus to provide a review of the water rate study,focus
areas and process.The presentation included a review of current and future revenue
requirements of the utility and provided recommendations for the water systems
financial planning and cost of service-based ratemaking.He stated the primary objective
of the study would be to develop a financial plan to fund major capital replacements
including ongoing distribution system renewal needs and an anticipated replacement of
the Glacier Creek Water Treatment Plant Expansion project.He reviewed the four-step
process which would include:revenue requirements determination,cost of service
analysis (COSA),rate design;and revenue adequacy or financial plan.The future
revenue requirement considerations are ranked on a 10-year basis.He stated the
replacement of the Glacier site in 2024-2025 is estimated at $35 million dollars and is
mandated by the state.Staff anticipates 20%in grant funding to offset the expense of
the Glacier site.A review of the current rates was provided.Key consideration would be
to balance fixed versus variable revenue to determine stable revenue generation.
Objectives of the plan included;establish funding for reoccurring operations and
maintenance expenses;develop and maintain adequate working capital and required
reserves;annual capital costs;monitoring debt service coverage;and determine the
adequacy of existing rates and identify needs for future rate increases.Additional
research would be conducted to determine emergency reserves.The primary objective
for earlier and more often rate increases would offset the costs incurred for the Glacier
site and avoid rate shock.Staff would begin public outreach through bill inserts,social
media,and notification in local newspapers.The next step includes finalizing revenue
requirernents and cost of service and provide updates at the April 23,2019 regular
Town Board meeting.
Board comments have been summarized:what consequences the Town may face if
regulatory requirements mandated by the state are not met,whether other
municipalities are similar to Estes and do not have a backup water treatment facility
given the unique location of the Town,and if studies have determined the projected
growth of permanent residents and visitors.
“OPEN SPACE”DESIGNATIONS ON PREVIOUS ZONING MAPS.At the August 14,
2018 Town Board Study Session staff recommended to the Board a re-adoption of the
Official Zoning Map.Director Hunt stated the symbols showing open space on
approximately 80 properties are incorrectly labeled.He stated staff became aware of
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town Board Study Session —March 26,2019 —Page 2
the zoning map mislabeling during the Dry Gulch property development discussions.
Dry Gulch is the most developable property for workforce housing and meets the needs
for more intensive development.Attorney White stated the Board made no formal
motion to adopt the zoning maps with the open space overlay.He recommended the
Board readopt the official zoning map without the cross hatching indicating open space
and rely on the underlying zoning to correct the error.The Board was in agreement to
bring the re-adoption of the zoning map by staff to a future Town Board meeting.
REMOVING 500 FOOT LIMIT FOR LIQUOR LICENSES.Director Williamson
requested the Board consider an ordinance to remove the limitation of liquor
establishments located within 500 feet of schools.Ordinance 05-18 was passed in 2018
and later approved by the County Commissioners revising the Estes Valley
Development Code to allow schools in in all zoning districts as a permitted use or with a
special review dependent on the type of school.The Town has over 70 liquor licenses
with the majority located in the downtown corridor,which is surrounded by residential
properties.Currently the limit would prevent new liquor licenses from establishing in the
downtown or other areas of town if a school established a presence in the
neighborhood.The change would not take away the Boards ability to review liquor
licenses as the licensing authority.She requested consideration of an ordinance to
remove the 500-foot limit for liquor license establishments and welcomed Board
changes to the draft ordinance.Staff would work with Attorney White to address
significant changes required for the Municipal Code related to liquor and bring forward
an update to the liquor code and definitions.The Board requested outreach be
established with the local school district and Estes Park Option school for feedback on
the proposed ordinance.
TRUSTEE &ADMINSTRATOR COMMENTS &QUESTIONS.
None.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS.
Town Administrator Lancaster requested a discussion of Revisions to Stormwater
Regulations at the June 11,2019 study session in response to a non-compliance letter
received by the Town from the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Trustee Zornes requested a review on annexations.The Board agreed to add a review
of annexations and consideration of a policy at a future study session.
There being no further business,Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
B ee rs ,Re co r ing S ec re ta