HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Community Development & Community Services Committee 2011-06-23RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 23, 2011
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT /
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer
County, Colorado. Meeting held in Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on
the 23rd day of June, 2011.
Committee:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chair Levine, Trustees Elrod and Miller
Chair Levine and Trustee Elrod
Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Directors Kilsdonk
and Chilcott, Manager Mitchell, Foreman Lindeman, CBO
Birchfield, and Deputy Town Clerk Deats
Trustee Miller and Town Administrator Halburnt
Chair Levine called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
Christy Crosser, Director of the Non-Profit Resource Center, provided the Committee
with an update of the Center’s activities, which included training workshops related to
finances, social media, and event planning. She said fundraising is a concern for non
profits and said that some local groups are considering dissolving due to lack of funds.
She said a fundraising workshop is being planned for this fall, and thanked the Town for
its support of local non-profits and acknowledging the important role non-profits play in
the community.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
• Fairgrounds and Events Quarterly Report - Foreman Lindeman commended the
Fairgrounds staff and volunteers for the team work shown in making repairs,
landscaping, and preparing for events at the facility. She noted that the
Westernaires are returning to the facility this year; and added that inclement
weather contributed to lower attendance numbers at the Jazz Fest and Memorial
Day Art Market events.
• Senior Center Quarterly Report - Manager Mitchell invited the community to
attend fundraising breakfasts planned for this summer by the Estes Park Senior
Citizens Center, Inc. Monies raised support capital projects at the Senior Center.
She noted that participation in the Meals on Wheels program has increased, and
response to educational programs continues to be positive.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL
BUILDING CODE.
In April 2011, the 2009 International Building Codes with local amendments were
approved by the Town Board, effective July 1, 2011. Staff was authorized by the Board
to have conversations with stakeholders about additional proposed amendments
specific to sprinkler requirements and is recommending five amendments for
consideration. The amendments are summarized:
1. Requires all new construction in the CD zoning district to be sprinkled with an
NFPA 13 system. The amendment allows existing buildings to be protected in
phases by requiring 10% of the value of significant improvements to be dedicated
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development / Community Services - June 23, 2011 - Page 2
to automatic sprinklers. The amendment would increase fire protection in the CD
zoning district and is more restrictive than the codes because it requires the use
of the NFPA 13 system.
2. Changes of occupancy in all non-residential zoning districts shall comply with the
requirements of the codes for automatic sprinkler systems except changes to
residential uses in fire areas that contain no more than two residential units shall
require the property owner to spend up to but not more than 25% of the value of
the improvements on automatic sprinkler systems. This amendment is less
restrictive than the codes which require full sprinkler systems.
3. New construction and/or significant improvements in all non-residential zoning
districts that create fire areas greater than 5000 square feet require approved
automatic sprinkler systems and shall be protected with NFPA 13 compliant
automatic sprinkler system. This amendment is more restrictive by requiring the
NFPA 13 system.
4. Future buildings containing residential uses which are part of development plans
approved prior to the adoption of the amendment shall be exempt from new
requirements for automatic sprinkler systems when conditions in Section
9023.2.13.3 are met.
5. Raises the threshold for requiring automatic sprinkler systems when there is a
change of occupancy to a Group A-2 occupancy (restaurant, bar, tavern,
nightclub) when certain conditions are met. This amendment is less restrictive
than the adopted codes.
The Committee suggested including definitions when posting the amendments on the
website to provide the public with the information they need to understand the
amendments and approved of the process staff followed to engage the community and
acquire input. The Committee recommends approval of the automatic sprinkler
system amendments to the 2009 International Building Code to be included as an
action item at the July 26, 2011, Town Board meeting.
EXPIRED BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS.
In April 2010, the Town Board approved a temporary policy extending application and
building permit expiration dates until January 1, 2011, due to the downturn in the
economy. Staff is requesting that the deadline be extended through the end of 2011,
with no additional fees being assessed, as local construction has not improved as
anticipated. The Committee discussed the benefits and drawbacks of extending the
expiration through 2012, and recommends extending the expiration date through
the end of 2011, with the option to reassess the economic situation at the end of
the year to determine if the deadline should be extended through 2012 as well.
The policy will be included as an action item at the July 26, 2011, Town Board
meeting.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
• Monthly Building Division Report - The number of building permits issued
through May 2011 doubled from last year, with the valuation and fees remaining
the same. Management and prioritization of code compliance issues is being
addressed.
• Monthly Planning Division Report - Staff is reviewing minor modifications to a
previously approved project at Stonebridge, and the Stanley Technical Review
Committee met in June to review plans for Phase I of a project to restore the
Carriage House. A creative sign program application is expected to be submitted
for review in the next few weeks.
• Insurance Services Office. Inc.. (ISO) Building Code Enforcement Evaluation
Report - CBO Birchfield summarized the report noting that the Town received a
numerical rating of 3 for both commercial and residential properties, which is
above the national average. A scale of 1 to 10 is used by the ISO, with a rating
of 1 representing an exemplary commitment to building code enforcement. The
ISO provides advisory insurance underwriting and rating information to insurers.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development / Community Services - June 23, 2011 - Page 3
There being no further business, Chair Levine adjourned the meeting at 9:29 a.m.
IUj
CynthiarDeats, Deputy Town Clerk
APPROVED
JUL 1 2 2011
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES