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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Community Development Committee 1994-05-05BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS y Community Development Committee May 5, 1994 Committee: Attending: Also Attending: Chairman Doylen, Trustees Dekker and Pauley All Absent: Trustee Marshall, Tovm Administrator Klaphake, Community Development Director Stamey, Advertising Manager Marsh, Conference Services Coordinator Thomas, Museum Director Kilsdonk, Clerk O'Connor None Chairman Doylen called the meeting to order at 8:00 A.M. 1994 ADVERTISING REPORT. Manager Marsh reported that as of the end of April, 39,543 packets have been mailed. This figure is greater than all previous years, and 7.5% above 1993 for this same period. Telephone calls are also well ahead of all previous years, and 21.5% ahead of 1993, having responded to 13,223 calls as of the end of March. National editorial coverage samples were presented: Midwest Motorist article on The Stanley Hotel; Michigan Living article entitled "Mountain Meander" featuring RMNP; Better Homes & Gardens article on "soft adventure" in the Rockies, featuring RMNP; National Geographic Traveler featured the Wool Market in its May calendar; Golf Digest highlighted playing golf through an elk herd; Outdoor Photographer included RMNP as a "favorite location ; Colorado Daily, identifying Boulder's "Best Of" contest which listed RMNP as Best two-hour getaway—Estes Park was ^lso mentioned, and the "Students Choice of Best" two-hour getaway where Estes Park was listed first, followed by Vail, then RMNP. Copies of the May insert were presented. A total of 182,000 copies will be inserted in the daily newspapers in Boulder, Loi^ont, Loveland, Greeley, Fort Collins, Cheyenne and Estes Park this coming weekend. The new Colorado Vacation Guide was circulated, 350,000 copies will be distributed in 1994. This version is very condensed and is now funded by private advertising. The Chafer of commerce purchased one ad for $7,000, and individual Pr°P^jties along Fall River purchased and participated in the regional lis . MnSEUM REPORT. Director Kilsdonk presented the Museum Report for May: a total of 306 hours were contributed by 42 volunteers, and 964 citizens were touched through Outreach Programs. Anoroximatelv 100 persons were in attendance April 15th for the Onenina Reception celebrating exhibit renovations. Trustees w®^e tH p^dvate reception May 26th from 4:00-6:00 P-M- The preview will include the renovations and new Women s Clothing Exhibit. The Community Opening Reception is Friday, MaJ . 5:00-7:00 P.M. The Friends of the Museum are sponsoring all exhibits and openings for 1994. In addition to the receptions, a workshop en^i'T5:;Le^ Memories" was held educating how to care for and ^ i->Vir>-i-ocfT-aohs The workshop was sold-out with 12 participants and $6o!oo was raised for the Museum. "Remembering MoGraw a free program presented by Ruth McGraw and Jay and ' llliallJi 60 persons. The outreach Program for May ^^'Beadsand Feathers" which will be presented by Linda Carlson/CSU this BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development Committee - May 5# 1994 - Page 2 program is in conjunction with the Women's Clothing Exhibit. May 28-29, the Museum will host "John Dillon Days", featuring automobiles from Mr. Dillon's collection, plus autos from the EPHTU^TS Car Club. The Parade of Years Group will depart Loveland and proceed to Estes Park. A welcoming banner was purchased by private donation and it will be displayed in the Municipal Building Parking Lot on poles assigned for this purpose. The Advisory and Friends Boards held a joint retreat April 29th at the Museum. Members got better acquainted, developed a brief values statement noting why these boards exist, and re-drafted the Museum's Mission Statement. Curator John Carr will receive intensive training in the care of Museum objects at the Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies in Mt. Carroll, Illinois May 9-21. John received a partial scholarship of $400 from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Director Kilsdonk will serve on two program panels at the Colorado- Wyoming Assn, of Museums Annual Meeting May 12-15 in Sheridan. The Friends were unsuccessful in obtaining a grant from Hewlett- Packard for a laptop computer as the firm has elected to concentrate on K-12 education and human service agencies. The Museum has applied for seven grants or scholarships, received 3 (US West, MacGregor Ranch, and National Endowment for the Humanities) and anticipate a decision in May from the Institute of Museum Services General Operating Support application. WATCHABLE WILDLIFE/ELK CENTER - PROPOSAL. Administrator Klaphake reported on meetings held with the Chamber of Commerce on a number of strategic planning issues where a "Watchable Wildlife Program" that includes promotion of a National Elk Center designation were discussed. In these discussions, it was believed that this interpretative center was in character with Estes Park; a 10-acre site located at the northeast corner of Stanley Park was selected as it could enhance the multipurpose use of Stanley Park which is referred to in the Stanley Park Master Plan. Staff commented on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation which is a large and powerful organization. It is anticipated that the Elk Center would generally be similarly operated as the Big Horn Sheep Center located is DuBois, Wyoming. To facilitate private funding, staff requested; (1) authorization for the Strategic Planning Committee to include approximately 10 acres of Stanley Park land along Highway 36 as a contribution to this effort, and (2) that such authorization remain in effect for 2 years. The Strategic Planning Committee may, during their deliberations, determine that an alternate site is preferable. Frank Hix commented on the historic precedence found near MacGregor Ranch where F. O. Stanley originally introduced an elk herd to the Estes Valley. The Committee recommends staff's requests be approved as presented above. TELECOMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS - REFERRAL FROM LIGHT S POWER COMMITTEE. At their meeting April 21, 1994, the Light & Power Committee received the Executive Summary of the Telecommunications Task Force. Trustee Dekker briefed the Committee on the Task Force where Chairman A1 Wasson and his Committee established parameters, all of which were completed within their established time-frame. Recommendations of the Task Force were: 1. Attract telecommunications-based businesses to the Estes BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development Committee - Hay 5, 1994 - Page 3 2. Valley. Financing be provided Department funds. from Community Development 3. Effective date be January 1, 1995. 4. Finance economic diversification plans through grant applications. 5. Include this program in the Comprehensive Plan. Trustee Dekker confirmed that such telecommunications-based businesses are generally sole proprietors with no additional employees. It is anticipated that US West construction plans will be completed by the mid/end of 1995. The Committee: (1) commended Chairman Wasson and Members G. Hix, R. Widmer, R. Matzhe, E. Blackhurst, and D. Webb for their valuable service on this project; (2) suggested US West Marketing Representatives be contacted to obtain their suggestions for implementation; and (3) the Town include this funding request in 1995 Budget discussions. REPORTS: Conference Center. Conference Services Coordinator Thomas presented the First Quarter Report which compares four user types: room nights, conference, non-profit, and day meetings for January through April, 1993 and 1994. Staff is meeting their goal of converting day meeting users to room night users. The Center has experienced a slight decline the first quarter of 1994, and staff has implemented promotion improvements to increase use during the first quarter of 1995. However, year-to-date numbers (through April) for room nights and conferees are ahead of 1993. Staff organized a "Meetings Express" Program whereby leads are passed on to all program subscribers for groups of under 150. The accommodation subscriber list contains 25 members and additional subscribers can join at any time. Conference groups are surveyed following their departure and the Holiday Inn is proving to be an "excellent partner"; staff is very pleased with the Holiday Inn's recruiting/training measures for their employees. Better Earth Committee. LeeAnn Wehr/Member reported that the Committee was successful in providing recycling curricul\im for grades K-5. Six different packets, books, and games were utilized and received prior to Earth Week. The Committee established a contest designed to increase and document environmentally sound practices and to date, the contest contains 40 participants. A celebration of Earth Day activities is scheduled September 24th at Stanley Park which will include naming contest winners and present awards. Ms. Wehr announced that her Committee applied for three State grants totalling $28,073, and all have been approved: 1) $6,978.00 to purchase ten recycling containers for distribution in the central business district and Stanley Park. The containers will be used for the collection of glass, aluminum and plastic. Product collection is included in the grant for one year, and following that period, the Town will own and be responsible for collection services; 2) $7,095 to purchase a roll-off container with two compartments, one for office paper, one for magazines and catalogs. Funding to transport these items to the recycling center will be provided for one year. Following collection, these items are processed into new products; 3) $14,000.00 to prepare a Resource Guide. Approximately 25,000 guides will be distributed and it will provide environmental tips, the "how, where, and why" BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development committee - May 5, 1994 - Page 4 to purchase recycled products. The Committee anticipates establishing Estes Park as a nationally recognized center for Eco- Tourism, which may be the first of its kind in the State. All three projects will be initiated as soon as formal approval is issued by the State and equipment ordered and received. Ms. Wehr is hopeful that these program are in place for the 1994 tourist season, and she expressed her appreciation to the Community Development Committee for their current and future support. Discussion followed on citizen education to assist in avoiding abuse of the collection bins (the entire recycled-product load can be contaminated with uncyclable products) . The Committee commended Ms. Wehr and the Better Earth Committee for a job well done, recommending further discussion on Grant for the collection contract following the one-year grant period be referred to the Public Works Committee. Citizen Input. Odd Lyngholm stated that the manner in which the Chamber of Commerce operates is not responsible to those businesses located inside Town Limits versus those outside Town Limits. Businesses inside the limits have no choice but to collect the 4% local sales tax, while businesses outside obtain identical service and contribute zero to the Town. Mr. Lyngholm suggested the Town institute a Chamber User Fee which would be collected by the Chamber and used for advertising. Chairaan Doylen advised that a panel is currently working on this issue, and they will be submitting suggestion(s) to seriously address concerns of this nature and provide a level playing field for all. Mr. Lyngholm also suggested the Chamber be separated from the Tourist Information Center. Director Stamey called attention to a Newsletter article from the Resort and Tourism Division of APA entitled "Community Appearance and Tourism: What's the Link?" The article listed standards and recommendations the tourist industry should adhere to, to preserve and enhance those characteristics that make a community interesting, memorable, and attractive. There being no further business. Chairman Doylen adjourned the meeting at 9:01 A.M. Vickie O'Connor, CMC, Town Clerk fapprovedI [ MAY 10 1994 V i o-/.Vi Ur c 1. j f BOARD or T:U;RO0s /