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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Town Board 2004-08-10Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado,August 10,2004 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado.Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the l0t1 day of August,2004. Meeting called to order by Mayor John Baudek. Present:Susan L.Doylen,Mayor ProTem Trustees Lori Jeffrey-Clark Chuck Levine Wayne Newsom Bill Pinkham Also Present:Rich Widmer,Town Administrator Vickie O’Connor,Town Clerk Gregory A.White,Town Attorney Absent:John Baudek,Mayor,David Habecker,Trustee Mayor ProTem Doylen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.and all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT None. TOWN BOARD COMMENTS None. 1.CONSENTAGENDA (Approval of): 1.Town Board Minutes dated July 27,2004. 2.Bills. 3.Committee Minutes: A.Community Development,August 5,2004. 4.Estes Park Housing Authority,(acknowledgment only). 5.Appointment of Hearing Officer. It was moved and seconded (Newsom/Pinkham)the Consent Agenda be approved,and it passed unanimously. 2.ACTION ITEMS: 1.FEMA WELLNESS GRANT AND STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT — REPORT.Fire Chief Dorman appeared before the Board to comment and clarify recent negative media articles pertaining to the Department’s grants.In summary, during the past 18 months,the EPVFD applied for and received two different grants from two different sources for two different purposes: FEMA “Assistance to Firefighters”Program for a weilness program and fitness room;the 90/10 matching grant applied for directly to FEMA in April, 2002. Board of Trustees —August 10,2004 —Page 2 State Homeland Security Grant for a decontamination traller grant applied for directly to their county emergency service contacts and then coordinate their requests within one of the nine statewide regions. Appreciation was expressed to the Town Board,staff,and citizens who offered their support during this trying time.Trustee Pinkham commented on the unfortunate stance the media chose to take;the public tends to read sensational articles and not research the facts;however,the EPVFD was commended and the Town is fortunate to have such an outstanding voluntary force. Trustee Newsom praised Chief Dorman in responding to the media so promptly;and Chief Dorman commended the Trail Gazette and Estes Park News for their fair reporting on this issue. Mayor ProTem Doylen expressed the Board’s appreciation to Fire Chief Dorman for his clarification,noting the gross injustice,concluding with a statement that the EPVFD grants were appropriately sought and funds were properly expended. Citizen comments were heard from Jim Esterbrook who reported that Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge has stated these grant funds were appropriately expended;however,Senator Allard’s comments were not favorable. 2.ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK -UPDATE ON TRAIL RIDGE ROAD CONSTRUCTION.ENTRANCE FEES,ETC.RMNP Superintendent Baker gave an update on the following projects,and noted the Park’s appreciation to the Fire Dept. and recent MOU extension: •Wilderness Anniversary.Acknowledging the 40th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act (1964-2004),a framed John Fielder poster was presented to the Town.Special programs acknowledging this anniversary are being planned. •July visitation stats are 1.5%for the year through the end of July most likely due to inclement weather. •Secretary of the Interior Norton recently visited the Park and a tour of the Bear Lake Road and Hidden Valley construction projects was included; both projects are on schedule,and a ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned in October. •Depending on funding,Trail Ridge Rd.has been scheduled for construction in 2005-2006.As in the current construction projects, significant public notice will take place. •2005 Entrance Fee Increase approval —the entrance fee of $15.00 for 7 days will be increased to $20.00.RMNP is the last remaining Park in the Intermountain Region of its size and visitation to increase the fee,and the additional revenue will benefit the Fee Demonstration Program and Transportation projects in the Park. •Transportation Planning —working with the Town on this project,and a test run shuttle system (pickup/drop-off site to be determined)will be scheduled.This test run will be conducted prior to any major decisions/investments being authorized. •Ozone —When the EPA issued “ozone alerts”,RMNP must follow suit, and the Park is taking precautions. •Nitrogen Deposition.For 20 years,the Park has been monitoring “acid rain”in the Loch Vale area neat Longs Peak.The State has asked the Park to enter into discussions (scientists to scientists)to address this issue.Should the Town Board so desire,the Park would attend a Town Board Study Session to discuss air-quality issues. •Elk and Vegetation Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement — the Plan/Impact Statement is now ready for public inspection,and it contains a summary of public scooping comments and the development of draft management alternatives. Board of Trustees —August 10,2004—Page 3 Following discussion and/or clarification,the Board commented Supt.Baker for the updates and resultant favorable communication. 3.PRESENTATION —2003 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT.Finance Officer Brandjord introduced Wendy SwanhorsUSwanhorst &Cutler,LLC who conducted the annual independent audit of its financial statements.The Town’s Audit Committee has reviewed and accepted the Audit Report and the Finance Dept.was commended on the quality of the 2003 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Ms.Swanhorst commented that pursuant to this review,it is clear that the Town Board and staff share a strong sense of fiscal responsibility to ensure continued economic well being of the Town.The Town is in a strong financial position and actually improved from 2002.Trustee Pinkham praised Ms.Swanhorst and the Finance Dept.staff for their impressive work,which has resulted in a complete and easy to review document. 4.TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT. A.None. 5.MISCELLANEOUS. Town Attorney White briefed the Board on the August 2nd hearing on the formation of the Fire Protection District.The Judge approved the petition and ordered an election on 11/2/04.Chief Dorman was designated as the Election Official,and if passed,5 Directors will be elected.Nomination forms are available at the Fire Station,and submittal deadline is 8/31.The ballot question language is as follows: “Shall the Estes Park Fire Protection District taxes be increased $843,500 annually in the first full fiscal year and by whatever additional amounts are raised annually in each subsequent year by the imposition of a mill levy not to exceed three and one-half (3.5)mills upon taxable real and personal property within the District,commencing with the tax collection year 2005,and continuing thereafter;and shall the District be authorized to collect,keep and spend all revenues received in 2005 and each year thereafter without regard to any spending,revenue,or other limitation in Article X,Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or other statutory laws of the State of Colorado;and shall the Estes Park Fire Protection District be organized as a Special District pursuant to Article I of Title 32 C.R.S.and pursuant to its Service Plan?” Colorado registered electors who either reside or own property within the proposed District are eligible to vote on this question. Following conclusion of all agenda items,Mayor ProTem Doylen adjourned the meeting at 7:45p.m. Susan L.Doylen,Mayor Pro1,m Vickie O’Connor,Town Clerk