HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board 2004-11-09Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado,November 9,2004
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 9th day of November,2004.
Meeting called to order by Mayor John Baudek.
Present:John Baudek,Mayor
Susan L.Doylen,Mayor ProTem
Trustees David Habecker
Lori Jeffrey-Clark
Chuck Levine
Wayne Newsom
Bill Pinkham
Also Present:Randy Repola,Town Administrator
Vickie O’Connor,Town Clerk
Gregory A.White,Town Attorney
Absent:None
Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.and all desiring to do so,recited
the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
TOWN BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Doylen announced a Veteran’s Day Breakfast hosted by the American Legion
and encouraged all to attend.
Mayor Baudek congratulated the High School Bobcat Band in capturing the 2A State
Matching Band Title,and Gary and Kris Hazelton who are marking their 4th Anniversary
of the Estes Park News.
1.CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of):
1.Town Board Minutes dated October 26,2004,and Budget Study Sessions
dated October 22 and 29,2004.
2.Bills.
3.Committee Minutes:
A.Public Safety,October 28,2004:
Municipal Court:
1.Municipal Bond/Fine Schedule —Policy Manual.
Fire Dept.:
1.Dive/Rescue Truck Replacement (see Action Item #1 below).
Board of Trustees —November 9,2004 —Page 2
B.Community Development,November,2004:
Community Development Dept.:
1.2003 International Codes —Motion scheduling Public Heating on
December 14,2004 for adoption of the 2003 International Codes.
2.Vacation Home and Condominium Complex Business Licensing
(Ordinance consideration/adoption scheduled 11/23/04).
4.Estes Park Housing Authority,October 13,2004 (acknowledgment only).
5.Motion:Resolution #15-04 —Intent to Annex Brookside Addition,and schedule
public hearing on December 14,2004.
It was moved and seconded (Doylen/Habecker)the consent agenda be approved,
and it passed unanimously.
2.ACTION ITEMS:
1.DIVE/RESCUE TRUCK REPLACEMENT —FIRE DEPT.Fire Chief Dorman
reviewed his memorandum dated November 4,2004.The Public Safety
Committee considered the truck purchase and requested clarification of the
financing options for the 2005 Ford F-550 Dive/Rescue Truck for $110,743.
The purchase is a 50/50 cost share between the EPVFD and the Town.
Option one is a 4-yr.lease purchase with the first payment beginning in 2005;
Option two is to internally finance the truck from the Vehicle Replacement
Fund.Difference in bids was discussed as well as comparison of a truck
recently purchased by the Loveland Fire Dept.Town Administrator Repola
commented on cost comparisons and used vehicles relative to concerns with
transporting persons/safety;financing will be lower than anticipated pursuant
to the truck receipt expected in ten months,and staff desires the flexibility to
make a financing decision in 2005 as a cost savings of approximately $5-7,000
in interest could be realized.It was moved and seconded
(Pinkham/Newsom)the bid in the amount of $110,743 submitted by Front
Range Fire Apparatus/Pierce Fire Apparatus be accepted,with staff to
determine the selected funding option,disposing of the current truck at
the Annual Larimer County Auction or donating it to another Fire Dept.,
and it passed unanimously.Trustee Pinkham noted that although it may
appear items are quickly approved,prior to being presented and voted upon,
staff and the Trustee Committees first undertake an incredible amount of work.
2.PUBLIC HEARING —2005-2006 ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE —ADOPTION
OF ORDINANCE #6-04.Mayor Baudek opened the Public Hearing,and Public
Works Dir.Linnane reported that the proposed rate increase is based upon the
recently completed rate study,and a 3.9%average increase in electric sales
revenues in 2005 and 2006 will be achieved.John Gallagher/Black &Veatch
prepared a 5-Yr.Financial Plan,Cost of Service Analysis,and Designed the
Rates.Findings include:
>Existing rates are insufficient to meet annual revenue requirements
and maintain sufficient reserves throughout the 5-yr.study period
(2005-2009).Without rate adjustments,annual deficits would average
$500,000 through the study period and cash reserves should be
depleted by 2008.
>A 3.9%annual increase in 2005 and 2006 will allow revenues to meet
annual revenue requirements and provide a small annual surplus in
2006.
>Minimum reserves equal to 90 days operation and maintenance
expense ($2.3 Million),plus one year of depreciation expense
($700,000)is being recommended ($3 Million).
Board of Trustees —November 9,2004 —Page 3
>Additional tate adjustments for 2007 through 2009 are recommended
to meet annual revenue requirements,increase reserves to the
suggested minimum levels and finance capital improvements including
the Mary’s Lake Substation Project.
>Residential customers use an average of 500 kWh monthly,and the
monthly utility bills would increase $4.05 in 2005 and $2.47 in 2006.
A summary of Trustee questions and responses addressed:the significant
reserve and examples of negative impacts,casualty insurance,proposed
expansion (modernization)of the Mary’s Lake Plant,load factors,Platte River
Power Authority (PRPA),who has not raised their wholesale rates in 18 years,
fuel cost factors,and the wisdom of previous Town Board members in forming
PRPA for their municipalities.
Audience comments were heard from Joann Van Vliet,701 Wonderview Ave.
(who owns the Estes Park Power Plant ),and Jay Heineman,2650 Wildwood
Dr.(appreciated staff’s willingness to listen in amending the rates from those
originally proposed,noted his concern with the substantial increase for the
Residential Energy Time of Day Rate (heat storage)and percentage increase
crawl).
Trustee Doylen stated that the Board is aware that rate increases affect lots of
people in a variety of ways and the Board does not take rate increases lightly;
staff is held accountable,the storage heater policy is still reasonable,and
appreciation was noted to staff for the rates being proposed which are a result
of many discussions—the Board must support the electric utility as it is critical
to all residents.Mayor Baudek reported that hydropower is the most
reasonable power;however,should the draught continue,hydropower may not
be available.Comments were also heard on wind power.
Town Attorney White read Ordinance 6-04 and acknowledged the attachment
(proposed 2005 and 2006 Light and Power Rate Schedules).Trustee Newsom
reported he serves on the Utility Committee where the rate increase has been
discussed,and Mr.Gallagher/Black &Veatch maintains a positive track record
with their clients,including the Town,and he moved Ordinance 6-04 for the
2005-2006 Electric Rate Increase be approved.Trustee Levine seconded
the motion,and it passed unanimously.
Town Administrator Repola noted that continuing discussions to evaluate
components to enhance operations,and efficiencies to reduce cost and effect
on the system will be planned.
3.PUBLIC HEARING —2005 BUDGET —ADOPTION.Mayor Baudek opened
the Public Hearing,and Finance Officer Brandjord reviewed how the revenues
are proposed to be expended in the ensuing fiscal year for the Highway User’s
Trust Fund.The following Resolutions were also presented and read aloud by
Town Attorney White:
A.Resolution #16-04 -Setting the Mill Levy (1.822 mills for 2005).
There were no audience comments.
B.Resolution #17-04 -Adopting the 2005 Budget.Pam
McDonald/Radio Reading Service of the Rockies expressed her
appreciation to the Board for past support,and gave a thorough
overview of this non-profit volunteer based organization.Kay
Lawson/circle of Friends Montessori School and Kathy Brown,821
University Dr.noted their appreciation for the support of the School.
Town Administrator Repola reported that all funding levels discussed
Board of Trustees —November 9,2004 —Page 4
for Community Services Agencies 10/29/04 were included in the
2005 Budget.
C.Resolution #18-04 -Appropriating Sums of Money.Administrator
Repola noted that the Board would be adopting the 2005 Budget this
evening;the 2006 Budget is an approximation at this time.The
expenditure for each fund was systematically reviewed.
There being no further testimony,Mayor Baudek closed the Public Heating,
and it was moved and seconded (Doylen/Levine)the Highway Users Trust
Fund and Resolutions 16,17 and 18-04 be approved,and it passed
unanimously.
4.TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT.
A.CVB.Relocation for the Convention and Visitors Bureau began
late last week,and operations are continuing with significant
assistance from the Ambassadors.Staff anticipates that with
building repairs and cleaning,a friendly center will be provided
until the new building in available late 2005.
B.RMNP.In a news release,the Park advised that entrance fees
are being increased from $15 to $20/vehicle (1-week pass),and
from $30 to $35 for an Annual Pass effective January,2005.
Mayor Baudek noted that the Town Board meeting scheduled December 28,2004 has
been cancelled,and he adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
n Baudek,Mayor
Vickie O’Connor,Town Clerk