HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Community Development & Community Services Committee 2012-11-15RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, November 15, 2012
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 15th day of November, 2012.
Committee:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chair Ericson, Trustees Elrod and Norris
Chair Ericson, Trustees Elrod and Norris
Town Administrator Lancaster, Assistant Town Administrator
Richardson, Director Chilcott, Coordinator Winslow,
Manager Salerno, and Deputy Town Clerk Deats
None
Chair Ericson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
None
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
• Visitor Center Quarterly Report - Mgr. Salerno reported that 30,000 fewer people
have utilized the Visitors Center during 2012, with 3rd quarter numbers down in
July and August and rebounding in September. She said this trend mirrors sales
tax, lodging numbers, and Rocky Mountain Nationai Park visitation during these
months, and noted that repeat visitors to the area and visitors from Front Range
communities may not be as likely to stop at the Visitors Center for information.
As technology changes, the number of telephone calls to the Visitors Center
continues to decline with 3rd quarter numbers being 27.5% iower than the same
period in 2011. The number of Ambassadors is currently down, however, four
new volunteers are scheduled to receive training.
• Verbal Updates -
o Community Services / Special Event Report - Staff is preparing for
seasonal events such as the Tree Lighting on November 17th, the Catch the
Glow Parade on November 23rd, and the Catch the Glow Fireworks on November
24th. No events are scheduled during the month of December 2012. Staff is
planning for 2013 activities including submitting a bid for the Pro Cycle Challenge
along with the cities of Loveland and Fort Collins. Museum staff toured the
Colorado History Museum and were provided with an inside look at the
operations of a larger museum facility. The Senior Center hosted a successful
Veteran’s Day lunch on November 12, 2012.
o Status of Event Financials - Staff is preparing a report to bring forward to
the Committee in February 2013. The report will contain a summary of event by
event costs, with detailed expenses available for review, as well. Coordinator
Winslow said that the online ticket sales process utilized for the Rooftop Rodeo
and Scottish Festival was a success, with the additional revenue received
covering the cost of the system software.
o Stall Barn Update - The contract for the civil site work and sewer
installation was approved at the Town Board meeting on November 13, 2012.
The Committee requested that staff maintain an open line of communication with
the Board during the project.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development / Community Services - November 15, 2012 - Page 2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
TEMPORARY POLICY TO EXTEND TIMEFRAMES FOR BUILDING PERMITS AND
APPLICATIONS.
In 2010 and 2011 due to the downturn in the economy, the Town Board approved a
temporary policy extending the expiration dates for applications and building permits to
December 31, 2012. Staff reported that currently there are 350 permits that remain
open and fall within the following categories: permits that have not been paid for;
permits paid for, but no work has begun; permits paid for with work unfinished; and
unpaid permits with work started or completed and incomplete inspections. Staff is
requesting an extension of the expiration date to March 31, 2013, to provide time to
work with contractors and property owners to determine the status of these permits and
get them finalized. Without the extension permits would expire and become violations
against contractor licenses. Application could be made for new permits resulting in
additional fees, or the expired permits would be officially non-approved and closed. In
addition, in cases of unpaid permits where the applicant chooses not to proceed with
the permitted work, staff recommends that the plan fees be waived. Discussion is
summarized: staff will prioritize the open permits and address those related to life
safety issues first; permits fall under the codes and regulations that were in place when
application was made; three months should be an adequate timeframe to complete this
project; and consider implementing a policy in the future that would require a deposit
when permit applications are submitted to cover plan review fees. The Committee
recommends the temporary policy to extend timeframes for building permits and
applications be brought before the full Town Board as an action item at the
November 27, 2012, Town Board meeting.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
• Community Development Monthly Report -
o Trends in building permits and building safety inspections continue in line
with previous months with 77 inspections completed by contracted
inspector Brice Miller during scheduled vacation time taken by staff, and a
one-stop process being implemented for building permits,
o Staff continues to work on resolving issues at the Courtyard Shops
property. The building has sold and the new owner is aware of the
requirements that need to be met. Town Attorney White will follow up with
additional steps if a change of use application for the property is not
submitted this week.
o Building Division staff is preparing for the regular community assistance
visit by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during
which a review of records for compliance with the FEMA National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) will be conducted. In addition
recommendations will be provided for participation in the NFIP Community
Rating System which can provide savings on flood insurance policies to
property owners.
o A community meeting entitled Enhancing Planning and Buiiding Services,
was held on November 12th, with a second meeting scheduled for
December 4th from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the museum meeting room,
o Nancy Hills was appointed to the Estes Valley Planning Commission to
complete the term of Commissioner Rex Poggenpohl.
o Staff will investigate anonymous complaints related to code compliance
issues both when a life safety issue is involved, and/or when determined
to have a significant community impact,
o Staff is working with local realtors to address concerns related to off-site
signage.
o Future reports on Economic Development will be provided by Assistant
Town Administrator Richardson.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Community Development / Community Services - November 15, 2012 - Page 3
ADMINISTRATION.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
• 2013 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Summary Report Compared to 2012 - As
reported at the November 13, 2012, Town Board meeting, the proposed FTE for
2013 is 112, down two from 2012’s FTE of 114.
• 2013 Budget Updates - The budget was presented at the public hearing during
the November 13, 2012, meeting of the Town Board.
• Status of Policy Development - Policies currently being addressed include: the
personnel/employee manual, capital improvement component of the CAMP;
comprehensive finance policy: and social media.
There being no further business. Chair Ericson adjourned the meeting at 9:41 a.m.
'jJky
Cynthia Beats, Deputy Town Clerk
APPROVED
NOV 2 7 2012
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES