HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority 2008-04-16RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, April 16, 2008
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the ESTES PARK URBAN RENEWAL
AUTHORITY of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado.
Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on
the 16th day of April, 2008.
Commissioners:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chairman Swank, Commissioners Cope, Halburnt, Little,
Steige, and Wilcocks
Chairman Swank, Commissioners Cope, Halburnt, Little, and
Wilcocks
EPURA Dir. Smith, Finance Officer McFarland, Deputy Town
Clerk Deats
Commissioner Steige
Chairman Swank called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
COMMUNITY COMMENTS.
Sharon Seeley, owner of the Park Theater Mall, expressed concerns related to
EPURA’s work currently in progress on the north wall of the river adjacent to the Mall.
She stated that rocks and vegetation on the south bank of the river were disrupted by
the contractor in carrying out the improvements to the north river wall. She requested
the south bank be returned to the same, if not better condition, than it was found in
when construction began. She produced photographs of the area before work was
started and photographs taken on April 15, 2008, to document the condition of the area.
Ron Svoboda, Heath Construction, stated that rocks have been placed in the area and
masons will be using mortar to secure the rocks to help prevent erosion in the future.
He stated the area would be seeded in order to replenish the vegetation, and that he
would work with Ms. Seeley to ensure her satisfaction with the restoration.
Mike Richardson, acting president of the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District
(EVRPD) Board, stated that at a meeting held April 15, 2008, the EVRPD Board made a
decision to endorse the extension of EPURA. He voiced concern about lost tax revenue
related to residential areas of the proposed Elkhorn Lodge development, outlined
conceptual ideas being considered for the use of the elementary school building on
Community Drive, and stated that EVRPD is surveying residents and preparing for a
November election. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Richardson and the EVRPD
Board for their support and stated that the proposed residential area at Elkhorn Lodge is
not included within the new urban renewal boundaries.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS.
Chairman Swank stated he was pleased with the format and the outcome of the
informational meeting that was held on April 15th with the local taxing districts, calling it
productive and beneficial.
Commissioner Cope voiced his desire to engage in more public outreach and stated
that the informational session held on April 15Th helped the taxing districts recognize the
value of EPURA. He also voiced his desire for Dir. Smith to respond to comments
made by the Estes Valley Planning Commission related to its review of the new urban
renewal plan and the extension of EPURA, requested an update on progress with
Larimer County, and suggested a representative of EPURA offer to attend a meeting of
the Library Board to answer questions related to the extension of EPURA.
Commissioner Halburnt stated that the Town Board has until July 23, 2008, which is
120 days from the public hearing held on March 25, 2008, to decide if EPURA should
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority - April 16, 2008 - Page 2
3.
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be extended.
MINUTES.
The minutes of the regular meeting held March 19, 2008 were approved.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT.
1 ■ New EPURA Commissioner - The election of John Ericson to the Town of Estes
Park Board of Trustees has resulted in an opening on the EPURA Board. Dir.
Smith stated that a replacement will not be appointed until after a decision is
made by the Town Board related to the extension of EPURA, at which time a
public notice will be published to gather interest from the community and
interviews will be held to find a replacement.
2- Taxing District Meeting - Dir. Smith expressed that the meeting held on April 15th
went well and that a joint study session will be held with the Town Board from
9:00 a.m. till noon on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
financial Report — Finance Officer McFarland reviewed the financial report that
indicates a balance of $556,000 available for projects as of the end of March,
and added that up to 95% of the revenue for 2008 should be received by July.
He stated that to date, $21,000 has been spent on legal fees out of the $50,000
budgeted to cover costs related to the extension of EPURA. Dir. Smith stated
that he will deliver financial reports in advance of the meeting if the
Commissioners so desire.
^.lunteer Luncheon - Dir. Smith reminded the Commissioners of the recognition
luncheon that is being hosted by the Town of Estes Park on Tuesdav Aoril 22nd
attheYMCA.
gazebo at Wiest Plaza — Dir. Smith reported that a dedication ceremony is being
planned by the Rotary Club with a tentative date of June 12, 2008.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONTRACT.
Commissioner Wilcocks reported that he and Commissioner Little, who replaced
Comm'ss'oner Ericson on the performance review committee, had completed Dir
Smiths annu^ review Each commissioner was asked for their input and comments,
and to rate Dir. Smiths performance, which resulted in an above-average rating.
T^ere?[e-the committee recommended Dir. Smith be retained as EPURA Director and
^Sn?dpDnDaAthree rar contract- The contract contains a clause that states that in the
TKPU^ ,S n0? continued by the Town Board, the contract will become null and
n° d' comrnissl°ners reguested that the contract be reviewed by EPURA Attorney
Benedett! with any recommended changes to the contract made prior to its effective
date. It was moved and seconded (Cope/Wilcocks) to approve a three-vear
HE^URfAiD,r‘ fmlth t0 be .reviewed by EPURA Atty. Benedetti prior to
its effective date of June 1, 2008, and it passed unanimously.
^ISCUSSION OF EPURA WORK PROGRAM FOR REMAINDER OF 2008.
Dir. Smith reported that based on conversations with Atty. Benedetti, the monies
FPNRAy av^,lable t0 EPURA for projects can be utilized beyond the current life of
RA as long as they are designated for specific programs and projects. The
Commissioners discussed projects being considered for implementation including a
fagade improvement program; a recycling program; a beautification project- and a
signage project. Specific programs and projects will be discussed and details
considered after the joint meeting between the Town Board and EPURA
Commissioners scheduled for April 30, 2008.
Whereupon, Chairman Swank adjourned the regular meeting at 9:31 a.m.
Cynthiafpeats, Deputy Town Clerk