HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority 2007-02-21RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, February 21, 2007
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the ESTES PARK URBAN RENEWAL
AUTHORITY of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado.
Meeting held at Rocky Mountain Nature Association Conference Center
on the 21st day of February, 2007.
Commissioners:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chairman Swank, Commissioners Cope, Ericson, Little,
Repola, Steige, and Wilcocks
Chairman Swank, Commissioners Cope, Ericson, Little,
Repola, Steige, and Wilcocks
EPURA Director Smith, Broker Blackhurst, Terry Ware, Jim
Windholz, Steve McFarland, Jerry Grandt, Deputy Town
Clerk Deats
None
2.
Chairman Swank called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Real Estate Broker Eric Blackhurst reported that the buyer’s leasing agent for
Riverspointe Condominium Unit E has a verbal commitment for the lease of 2500
square feet of retail space and another appointment later in the week to show space to
an interested party. Broker Blackhurst also stated that he has received calls of interest
regarding purchase of the property and that he would encourage a back-up offer on the
property if a buyer displays true interest.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS.
None
MINUTES.
The minutes of the regular meeting held January 17, 2007 were approved.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1. mest Project - Director Smith introduced Jerry Grandt, Heath Construction
Superintendent, to report on progress related to the Wiest Project
Eolary Community Project - Director Smith stated that he is the chairman of the
Rotary Cornmunity Projects Committee for the Rotary Club of Estes Park and
that the Club would like EPURA to consider the addition of a gazebo-like
structure to be added to the Riverwalk along Wiest Drive. Roger Thorpe has
completed a preliminary conceptual drawing of a small gathering place, focal
point along Wiest that would include a seating area and possibly heaters in order
o make the area usable year ‘round. Current plans for the Wiest Project include
landscaping and some seating along the Riverwalk and the Rotary Club would
pay the additional costs associated with building the structure that would be
Identified as a Rotary Club project. Dir. Smith stated that the Estes Valley
Sunrise Rotary has also shown an interest in donating to the project and that if
approved. Design Studios West would draw up the final design. It was moved
and seconded (Wilcocks/Cope) to approve the Rotary Club donation of a
structure to be built on the Riverwalk along Wiest Drive and it passed
unanimously.
Letter of Support - Dir. Smith informed the board that Mayor John Baudek had
written a letter on behalf of himself and the Board of Trustees in support of the
continuation of EPURA. The letter directed the EPURA Board to move forward
and complete the necessary steps for the extension.
PROGRESS REPORT AND WORK SCHEDULE FOR WIEST PLAZA.
3.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority - February 21, 2007 - Page 2
Jerry Grandt, Construction Superintendent for Heath Construction, reported that Phase
One and Two of the Wiest Project will address deteriorating walls within the river to be
replaced with tiered walls and that the work will be completed before the Duck Race on
May 5, 2007. He stated that he is maintaining an open line of communication with the
merchants in the area to ensure the least possible disruption to their businesses.
Phase Three will encompass burying utilities; grading: street, curb, and gutter paving: all
to be completed before Memorial Day. Heath Construction, in conjunction with the
Colorado Department of Transportation and Traffic Masters, will be placing signage in
the area for automobile and pedestrian traffic where needed. He suggested EPURA
analyze the impact continuing the project through the tourist season would have on the
Town and merchants in the area. Mr. Grandt indicated that the project is moving ahead
on an accelerated schedule and that Heath Construction will place signs around the
project so that the local community and tourists will have information about the ongoing
Wiest Plaza upgrades and encouraged the Board to watch the progress on the webcam
that has been installed on the site.
CLARIFICATION OF FINANCIAL ITEMS.
Finance Officer Steve McFarland analyzed EPURA’s financial situation by taking a look
at the sub funds: the capital fund, the general fund, and the debt service. He reported
that there is a surplus of cash in the debt service fund of up to $1.8 million dollars, which
would translate to two year’s worth of bond payments. The funds are part of bond
covenants that require monies be held in escrow at the outset so that the reserve can
make the final debt payment. EPURA Attorney Jim Windholz said that this money can
be spent on current projects, such as Wiest Plaza, or projects that are identified at the
time EPURA expires. Finance Officer McFarland will analyze the EPURA financial
situation several times per year and report his findings to the Committee.
CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS ON VIRGINIA DRIVE.
Postponed until later date.
Whereupon, Chairman Swank adjourned the regular meeting at 8:51 a.m.
Deputy Town Clerk