HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Community Development Committee 1997-08-07BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development Committee
August 7, 1997
Committee:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chairman Doylen, Trustees Barker and Marshall
All
Ass't. Town Administrator Widmer, Directors
Hinze, Kilsdonk, Stamey, Conference Center
Director Pickering, Advertising Manager
Marsh, Clerk O'Connor
None
Chairman Doylen called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
1997 Advertising Report. Overall requests for Visitors
Guides are up 3.56%; pure magazine advertising responses are
up 11.47%. Incoming 800 calls are down 9%. The Virtual
Visitors Guide initial accesses were 50,590, all pages were
170,110, and e-mailed requests for hardcopy guides were
1,728. Manager Marsh reported on the changes to the
Fulfillment Program which include reorganization of the
fulfillment process and modifications to the Incoming 800
system. The current UPS strike has caused an
increase/packet of 14through the postal service.
A program performance comparison with Grand Junction was
reviewed. Grand Junction's budget is similar to the Town's,
and they are funded by a lodging tax. Estes Park's visitor
counts are higher, and, in staff's opinion, this information
confirms the value of the National Park. Their economy is
tracking similar to Estes Park, as is most of the west.
Conference Center director Pickering added that Grand
Junction's occupancy level was down prior to the fire storms
last summer.
Conference Center Report. The Holiday Inn has completed
their renovation project, resulting in 155 newly renovated
guest rooms, including public and meeting space. The
exterior facades were constructed to match the Center.
Their final cost to comply with the Town's partnership
agreement was $4.3 Million. The 1998 Bookings were
reviewed: there are 24 confirmed conferences and there are
more pending. The spring and Fall seasons are extremely
strong. Director Pickering commended Fire Chief Dorman and
the Colorado Mountain School for their assistance in booking
the Wilderness Medical Conference June 9-12. There are nine
such conferences held throughout the world, and they are
searching for a headquarters. There will be 500 doctors
attending this annual event; their relocation to Estes Park
was based on the quality of the Center, accommodations. Fire
Hall, and swimming pool. This conference will open a new
market to the Center. Chief Dorman was also instrumental in
booking the 1999 State Firefighters Convention. Local use
of the Center is excellent. The recent renovation at The
Stanley Hotel is beginning to have a positive impact in the
market as well. The Estes Park Conference Center is meeting
its goal to create an improved economy, which benefits the
entire community. The Center has a good reputation based on
the facility and service; repeat bookings are high.
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Community Development Committee - August 7, 1997 - Page 2
Concerning other communities, Pueblo has opened their new
facility, however, they have not been successful in
securing a partnership with a hotel. They did open with
four conference bookings, including the Annual CML
Conference in 2000. CML's greatest concern in booking their
conference in Estes Park is accommodations. Their
conference is held in June, and with over 1,000 conferees,
Estes Park cannot house them.
Director Pickering conducted a room count in 1990, and some
new properties have been added to the count.
Revision of Phase III Contract with Clarion Associates -
Estes Valley Development Code (Comp Plan). In March, 1997,
the Board of Trustees authorized a contract, in the amount
of $109,442, with Clarion to prepare a new Unified
Development Code for the Estes Valley. Based on additional
discussions with Larimer County and the Consultant, and a
revised work program, the contract has increased by $3,093
for a total of $112,535. Staff clarified the summary of
tasks which propose a completion of the draft code for the
adoption process scheduled for June, 1998. The Committee
recommends approval of the budget amendment in the amount of
$3,093 and proceed with contract.
MUSEUM.
Personnel. Michael Lacome, Curator, terminated his
employment effective July 25. He is joining the NPS
Interpretive Design Center at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.
Director Kilsdonk expects to select a candidate within the
next few weeks. The Friends have hired Kristy Vlasic as
their assistant; she will manage the Museum Gift Shop, work
with the membership chairman and treasurer, and help
coordinate volunteers.
Current Activities. The Riverside Dance was held July 26th,
and approximately $3,000 was raised for the Friends. The
Friends held a successful reception July 12t for the
Kenneth Kendal King Foundation for their recent grant award
for History Camp (the theme changes every year). Both
sessions were filled this year, and staff will discuss the
possibility of adding a third session next year with
MacGregor Ranch.
Education Intern Virginia Lee is at work developing one or
more in-school history trunks targeted for the Estes Park
Third Grade. The history trunks will be correlated with
current state and local district educational standards and
the needs of our Third Grade Estes Park Teachers.
Larry Carpenter, Friends Board Member, is setting up a
volunteer crew to paint the NPS Headquarters Building; the
Friends will fund supplies. This project is at the top of
the Needs Prioritization list developed by the Friends and
Advisory Board Members and staff.
Upcoming Event. The Museum will host 60± front range museum
volunteers affiliated with the Association of Northern Front
Range Museums on August 18th.
Director Kilsdonk also reported on web-site comments and
research questions—they are receiving more and more
responses.
BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development Committee - August 7, 1997 - Page 3
SPECIAL EVENTS.
Director Hinze requested approval of the Surprise^ Sale Days
event scheduled October 11 and 12, 1997; this will be the
sixth year for this event. The Committee recommends
approval of the Event as presented.
A critique of the events beginning in May was offered:
Jazz Fest/Art Walk Weekend (7th Year) - Barlow's, Mama
Rose's and Poppy's sponsor this event which provides
high-quality bands. Max Wagner directs the event, and
attendance was lower due to inclement weather.
Participating galleries were pleased with attendance
for the Art Walk.
Duck Race (4th Year) - This has always been a
successful event; the Rotary elected to eliminate some
of the extra events this year. Their focus was on the
race itself, wine and cheese party, and entertainment
during the day in the Riverside Plaza area. They
raised $68,000 for local non-profit organizations.
Big Horn Challenge (2nd Year) - Organizers plan to
change the route next year to increase ^ safety for
participants. A new start/finish location is also
being reviewed. Organizers were cooperative and the
Police Dept, is enthusiastic with their response to
changes.
Wool Market (7th Year) - Commercial vendors and llama
participation were at maximum; there is a need for
fiber education and a place for breeders to promote
their animals in our area. Llama and Alpaca attendance
increased, and Estes Park should be the largest Llama
and Alpaca Show in the world. Workshops held at The
Stanley Hotel and they will be returning in 1998.
Vendors were pleased with sales. sheep participation
was lower, and organizers hope to specifically promote
sheep in 1998.
Colorful Quarter Horse Show (12th Year) - Grown from a
2—day show to a 4—day show by adding Buckskin and
Palomino Horses. They signed a one-year contract for
1997, and staff will request a 2-3 year contract in the
future. Return is uncertain.
Miniature Horse Show (13^^ Year) - Down approximately
60 horses due to a Miniature Show in Oklahoma during
the same time period; this show will change their dates
for 1998—June 24-28. signed a 2-year contract in
1996.
Arabian Horse Show (49^^ Year) — Increased to 90
horses; they signed a 2-year contract through 1998.
Staff anticipates a significant promotion for their
50th year show in Estes Park.
Rooftop Rodeo (71st Year) - Rodeo was excellent; the
Rooftop Rodeo Committee worked well and hard to provide
this year's rodeo activities. Attendance was^ down
slightly, and larger area rodeos have also experienced
a slight decline. This year's revenue was $72,000. The
agreement for the stock contractor has been re
negotiated and the agreement will be presented in the
future. Director Hinze expressed her appreciation to
BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development Committee - August 7, 1997 - Page 4
the Rooftop Rodeo Committee and volunteers; the Parade
will be moved to the first day of the Rodeo in 1998.
This was the third year for Western Heritage, and as
the attendance was poor, the Rooftop Committee has
elected to end this particular support event. It was
an excellent event, however, the Committee will take a
new direction.
Copper Penny Hunter-Jumper Show (2nd Year) - Show
management has reserved dates for 1998; they work well
with the Silver Dollar hunter-Jumper Management.
Silver Dollar Hunter-Jumper Show (15th Year) - All
Hunter-Jumper shows have increased across the country.
Every stall, 538 of them, were sold for two weeks with
a waiting list. This well-managed show added a Grand
Prix on each Saturday, each with a $15,000 prize.
Attendance on Saturday night was 500 people. This
group signed a 3-year contract.
Upcoming Events: The Westernaires, August 8 and 9, and the
COBRA Barrel Racing Event scheduled for August 16 and 17.
This event is free of charge and all were invited to attend.
Director Hinze and her staff were commended.
There being no further business. Chairman Doylen adjourned the
meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Vickie O'Connor, CMC/AAE, Town Clerk
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AUG 1 2 1997
Town OF ESTtS
BOARD OF 7RUS?*i£SBOA!
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