HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2023-03-14
March 14, 2023
6:10 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Board Room
5:50 p.m. Dinner
No public comment will be heard
This study session will be streamed live and available on the
Town YouTube page at www.estes.org/videos
6:10 p.m. Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and
Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
(Deputy Town Administrator Damweber)
6:35 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions.
6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
(Board Discussion)
6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting.
Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this
meeting at approximately 5:40 p.m.
AGENDA
TOWN BOARD
STUDY SESSION
Page 1
Page 2
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE Report
To: Honorable Mayor Koenig
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator
Date: March 14, 2023
RE: Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and Environmental
Sustainability Manager Position
Purpose of Study Session Item:
The purpose of this Study Session is to provide the Town Board with an opportunity to
discuss its interest in creating an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and
Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Staff requests direction from the Town Board on potential next steps regarding the
creation of a new advisory board and/or position focused on environmental
sustainability.
Present Situation:
The Town Board created the ad-hoc Environmental Sustainability Task Force (ESTF) in
June 2021. The stated purpose of the ESTF was to develop recommendations for the
Town Board regarding the Town’s role in initiatives, strategies, and tactics to advance
environmental sustainability. A report with the Task Force’s recommendations was
presented to the Town Board in February 2022. The Town Board subsequently held a
study session to discuss the recommendations and next steps. At the conclusion of their
discussion the Board directed staff to review the recommendations – considering
feasibility, human and financial resources required for implementation, and responsible
agencies – and bring back recommended/priority items for the Town Board’s
consideration during its strategic planning process for 2023.
Town staff created a list of “action items” (attached) which was discussed by the Town
Board at a June 2022 Study Session and ultimately included the Town’s 2023 Strategic
Plan. While many of the action items have impacts on budget and staff time, they are
being implemented or otherwise carried out by existing staff.
Two of the recommendations included in the ESTF report that were not included in the
Strategic Plan were to:
Page 3
1. Create a permanent Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board
o According to the report, such a Board would “provide community guidance and
recommendations to the Town, as requested by the Town Board or the Town
Administrator, regarding climate action policies, sustainability policies and
programs, annual Strategic Plan recommendations, and environmental
sustainability recommendations to the Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee.”
2. Create an Environmental Sustainability Manager Position
o According to the report, “Many Colorado communities, including the mountain
destination towns that can serve as models for Estes Park, have established a
position of sustainability coordinator or manager to direct their sustainability
programs, engage and support their community sustainability council/advisory
board, and coordinate programs across their town government. The sustainability
manager role is considered essential for accomplishing the Town's sustainability
goals.”
If the Town Board decides to move forward with the creation of an Environmental
Sustainability Advisory Board, a new position will also need to be created in order to
support it. The Town Board acknowledged this during their Strategic Planning
discussions as evidenced by another item included in the 2023 Strategic Plan: “Gather
information necessary to consider the addition of a full-time Environmental Sustainability
Manager including a draft job description and financial impact.” Consistent with the
ESTF report’s recommendations and existing job descriptions for positions of this
nature, suggested responsibilities for this position would include:
• Creation, implementation, and management of environmental sustainability programs
and initiatives.
• Serving as liaison to the Town's Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board, providing
support for the board's meetings.
• Coordination and outreach with Town departments concerning sustainability policies,
programs, and new initiatives; organizing and supporting staff training in sustainability
principles.
• Collaboration with Town departments in development of sustainability performance
measures and baseline inventories. Participation in program performance reviews
related to sustainability measures.
• Identifying funding opportunities to support sustainability initiatives.
• Serving as liaison to other taxing districts, levels of government, and community
organizations regarding sustainability and managed destination programs.
• Serving as a staff resource regarding sustainability principles and practices for the Town
Board's annual Strategic Plan.
• Preparation of annual sustainability progress reports.
Page 4
It may be worth noting that, as a member of the Platte River Power Authority, the Town
has existing sustainability resources and support in the electrical generation and
distribution arena. Attached to this memorandum (Attachment #3) is a list of current
customer offerings, services, and information available in Estes Park.
Although a formal job description would need to be created in order to determine exactly
where it would fall within the Town’s pay scale, given the management level
responsibilities required, the pay range for the position would likely fall somewhere
between $85,000-$110,000 annually. Additional costs would include benefits (typically
about 40% of salary), overhead costs (creation of new office space, computer, phone,
etc.), and an operating budget necessary to create, implement, and manage programs
and initiatives.
Proposal:
Discuss interest in creating an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and a new
Environmental Sustainability Manager position. Provide direction to staff on next steps.
Advantages:
Creation of an advisory board and an associated position focused on environmental
sustainability would enable the Town to be more proactive on environmental
sustainability initiatives.
Disadvantages:
Costs/resources required.
Financial/Resource Impact:
To be determined. In addition to costs associated with the creation of a new position
and operating budget, there will likely be additional costs associated with development
of a strategic plan (such as a “Climate Action Plan”) and other sustainability programs
(for example, incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements to residential
dwellings).
Level of Public Interest:
High
Attachment:
1) Environmental Sustainability Task Force Action Items / Next Steps (included in
2023 Strategic Plan)
2) Memo from Trustee MacAlpine: “Environmental Sustainability Managers and
Advisory Boards in Colorado Cities and Towns”
3) Platte River Power Authority Sustainable Services List
Page 5
Environmental Sustainability Task Force
Action Items / Next Steps
Overview
The Town Board created the ad-hoc Environmental Sustainability Task Force (ESTF) through
Resolution 55-21 on June 22, 2021. The charge of the ESTF was to develop recommendations
for the Town Board regarding the Town’s role in initiatives, strategies and tactics to advance
environmental sustainability. A report with the Task Force’s recommendations was presented to
the Town Board on February 8, 2022. The Town Board held a study session at their subsequent
meeting on February 22 to discuss the recommendations and next steps. At the conclusion of
their discussion the Board directed staff to review the recommendations – considering
feasibility, human and financial resources required for implementation, and responsible
agencies (several recommendations would be more appropriately addressed by organizations
other than the Town) – and bring back recommended/priority items for the Town Board’s
consideration during its strategic planning process for 2023.
Following up on the Town Board’s direction, the Executive Leadership Team and other staff
reviewed the ESTF’s recommendations and subrecommendations in light of the considerations
noted above and developed a list of recommended next steps and action items, below. Because
many of the recommendations and subrecommentations overlap, and because some
subrecommendations were deemed feasible while others associated with the same
recommendation were not, the list focuses on action items rather than the exact ESTF language
in the numbered recommendations.
Staff Action Items for 2023 (in no particular order) include:
●As a component of Development Code, Municipal Code and Building Code review
and updates, consider new regulations and/or incentives associated with:
○Wind generators
○Solar power generation
○Energy-efficient homes (low flow toilets and showers, appliances, etc.)
○Reduction in gas hook-ups
○Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure (for all residential and commercial building
types)
○Requirement for lodging facilities, including short-term rentals, to provide
recycling bins
●Incorporate sustainability and resiliency as key themes of the Comprehensive Plan
(this is actually a requirement of the Department of Local Affairs grant used to fund
the Comprehensive Plan process).
●Evaluate and implement reduced year-round residential electricity rates for off-peak
usage (this will be a multi-year effort in collaboration with Platte River Power Authority).
●Organize and invest in distributed energy generation and storage (this will be a multi-
year effort in collaboration with Platte River Power Authority).
Attachment 1
Page 6
● Consider creation of parking incentives for EVs.
● Advocate for the installation of additional EV chargers around Town.
● Plan for implementation of the Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, which
among other things will prohibit stores and retail food establishments from providing
single-use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale.
● Assist with educational efforts associated with recycling, home energy-saving, and
other sustainable practices (such as promoting the use of reusable bags, straws,
water bottles, etc.), including sharing information from the County on recycling
practices and composting.
● Encourage and support sustainability efforts of the Estes Park Schools and Estes
Valley Library.
● Prepare an effectiveness report as outlined in the Complete Streets Policy (which
would include the number of projects completed, number of projects incorporating
complete streets infrastructure, actual infrastructure added, number of transit and
non-motorized users, and community attitudes and perceptions).
● Discontinue purchasing of bottled water using Town funds.
● Provide more recycling bins in Town facilities, especially where there are larger
gatherings of the public (such as the Visitor Center and Event Center).
● Create zero-waste guidelines for event organizers holding an event on Town
property, and work with private groups and event venues to implement zero-waste
practices into their own activities.
● Continue to work with partners (Fire District, Larimer County, Boulder County) to
promote yard debris and slash removal and management that does not involve the
landfill.
● Monitor the old Estes Park landfill at Moraine Avenue and Elm Road for methane
emission and research the feasibility of capturing methane gas for energy use.
● Install additional water refill stations in Town facilities.
● Continue staff participation and involvement in Climate Smart Larimer County efforts.
● Consider “green fleet and equipment” policy, where internal combustion engine
vehicles and equipment are replaced with “greener” options as they are replaced.
● Revisit ESTF recommendations each year as part of the Town Board strategic
planning process.
Major Town Board Policy Decisions
The following items will require additional consideration and discussion by the Town Board.
They are higher level recommendations that would require new staff positions, significant
financial resources, and/or reprioritization of services currently provided. None of these are
feasible with current staffing and workload/assignments.
● Create a permanent Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board.
● Create a Sustainability Office and Sustainability Manager position.
● Create a Climate Action Policy.
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Environmental Sustainability Managers and Advisory Boards in Colorado Cities and Towns
Compiled by Barbara MacAlpine, January 17, 2023
As the Town Board examines replacing the Parks Advisory Board with an Environmental Sustainability
Advisory Board and also, per the 2023 Strategic Plan (Public Safety, Health, and Environment, 1.E.1),
considers the addition of a full-time Environmental Sustainability Manager, I found it useful to review
part of the Environmental Sustainability Task Force (ESTF) Final Report (see below). Following that
material is a selective list of Colorado cities and towns that have environmental sustainability managers
or departments and/or relevant advisory boards.
*************************************************************************************
From the ESTF Final Report, January 31, 2022
Models for Estes Park
Other mountain towns and county governments in Colorado have seen the importance of
sustainability as the core of their planning and development frameworks. Many premier mountain
destination communities have had sustainability plans and programs for more than a decade. These
include Aspen and Pitkin County, Breckenridge and Summit County, Durango, Steamboat Springs and
Routt County, and Vail and Eagle County.
These towns and counties have detailed sustainability plans, climate action policies, permanent
community sustainability advisory boards, staff managers for their sustainability plans, and the towns
have (or are pursuing) Sustainable Destination certifications. Their institutional policies and extensive
program experience provide a rich resource for Estes Park to rapidly construct its own frameworks for
sustainability.
Recommendation #44: Create a permanent Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board.
Recommended timeline: 2022-2023.
An Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board would provide community guidance and
recommendations to the Town, as requested by the Town Board or the Town Administrator, regarding
climate action policies, sustainability policies and programs, and annual Strategic Plan
recommendations.
Recommendation #48: Create an Environmental Sustainability Manager position.
Recommended timeline: 2022-2023.
Many Colorado communities, including the mountain destination towns that can serve as models for
Estes Park, have established a position of sustainability coordinator or manager to direct their
sustainability programs, engage and support their community sustainability council/advisory board,
and coordinate programs across their town government. The sustainability manager role is considered
essential for accomplishing the Town's sustainability goals.
Suggested responsibilities for an Environmental Sustainability Manager position include:
• Serving as liaison to the Town's Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board; provide support for the
board's meetings.
Attachment 2
Page 8
• Coordination and outreach with Town departments concerning sustainability policies, programs, and
new initiatives; organize and support staff training in sustainability principles.
• Collaboration with the Town's grant development manager in identifying and formulating
sustainability initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Liaison to Visit Estes Park, Estes Park Chamber of Commerce, and other community organizations
regarding sustainability and managed destination programs.
• Liaison to sustainability offices/programs of Estes Valley schools and special districts, Larimer County,
state offices, and other governmental jurisdictions.
• Collaboration with Town departments in development of sustainability performance measures and
baseline inventories. Participation in program performance reviews related to sustainability measures.
• Serve as a staff resource regarding sustainability principles and practices for the Town Board's annual
Strategic Plan.
• Preparation of annual sustainability progress report.
The Sustainability Manager's extensive management responsibilities, ongoing interdepartmental
functions, and high-profile community engagements recommend a manager-level position that is
located centrally in the administration.
************************************************************************************
In researching the governing activities of other Colorado cities and towns, I was primarily interested in
finding out which ones had an environmental sustainability manager (or department) and/or citizens’
advisory board. Additional information is included for some locations, and websites are provided for
further research.
PRPA cities:
Fort Collins www.fcgov.com “The Environmental Services Department, part of the Sustainability
Services Area, supports our community's values and adopted policy goals by offering programs and
services that improve indoor and outdoor air quality, implement climate action planning and reporting,
increase recycling and waste diversion, coordinate municipal sustainability activities, and undertake
environmental data management.” Four advisory boards cover different aspects of environmental
sustainability: Air Quality, Energy, Natural Resources, and Transportation. Fort Collins has been
designated a SolSmart Gold city by the U.S. Department of Energy, which recognizes communities
nationwide that have taken steps to reduce barriers to going solar for residents and businesses. Other
initiatives include the Fort Collins Climate Action Plan and the Green Building Program.
Longmont www.longmontcolorado.gov The Environment Department’s responsibilities include air
quality, energy conservation, sustainability, trash, recycling & composting, water conservation, and
water quality. The duties of the city’s Sustainability Advisory Board are to identify topics related to
environmental quality and sustainability, such as air and water quality, pollution prevention, solid waste
disposal and recycling, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building, and to advise the City
Council on plans, policies, and actions related to those topics. Longmont is also a SolSmart Gold city.
Loveland www.lovgov.org/city-government While Loveland does not have a formalized conservation or
sustainability policy, nor an environmental sustainability manager or advisory board, sustainability is one
of the eight focus areas in its strategic plan. The City of Loveland continues to be the state-wide leader
in residential recycling.
Page 9
Neighboring towns:
Lyons www.townoflyons.com The Sustainability Coordinator position is currently unfilled. Lyons’
relevant advisory board is the Sustainable Futures Commission, whose purpose is “to advise the Board
of Trustees on matters relating to sustainable practices and policy and to support and improve the
environmental stewardship of the Town and its citizens.” The Lyons Environmental Sustainability Action
Plan was approved in 2014 and updated in 2019.
Nederland https://townofnederland.colorado.gov/ This small town has a Sustainability Coordinator and
a Sustainability Advisory Board. Might still have a frozen dead guy too.
Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) Towns:
Of the 27 cities and towns making up CAST, 11 have environmental sustainability departments,
managers, and/or advisory boards.
Aspen www.aspenpitkin.com Environmental Health and Sustainability Department. Programs include
air quality, climate action, consumer protection, and waste & recycling. Reports to the City Manager.
No relevant advisory board that I could find.
Avon www.avon.org Sustainability Coordinator. Responsibilities include the climate action plan,
recycling, electric vehicle chargers, PuRE plan (purchasing renewable energy), and energy rebates. See
Climate Action | Avon, CO - Official Website. Reports to (probably) the Town Manager. Avon is a
member of the Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA).
Basalt www.basalt.net The town has a committee called the Basalt Green Team, appointed by the
Town Council. Its purpose is to advocate for a more resilient and sustainable Basalt. The Green Team
sponsors projects throughout Basalt that promote waste reduction, improve energy efficiency, decrease
greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability. See The Basalt Green Team | Basalt, CO - Official
Website.
Breckenridge www.townofbreckenridge.com Environmental sustainability is supported by the
Community Development/Sustainability/Green Team in partnership with the Breckenridge Tourism
Office. The SustainableBreckPlan “is intended to be a blueprint for how the town can sustain itself in
the year 2030 and beyond.” Town Council and Community Goal #4: “Establish Breckenridge at the
leading edge in mountain environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.”
Durango https://www.durangogov.org Sustainability Program Manager. The Sustainability Division is
part of the Community Development Department. One of its core functions is to “implement and
update the City of Durango Sustainability Plan.” No relevant advisory board that I could find.
Fraser www.frasercolorado.com Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator or advisory board.
However, there has been a town sustainability plan since at least 2016.
Frisco www.friscogov.com Environmental Programs Coordinator; reports to the Community
Development Director. In April 2019, Frisco Town Council adopted the 2019 Summit Community
Climate Action Plan. No relevant advisory board that I could find.
Page 10
Glenwood Springs www.ci.glenwood-springs.co.us Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator
or advisory board at this time; formerly there was an Energy Committee. “As of June 1, 2019, Glenwood
Springs became the seventh city in the United States and the second city in Colorado to use 100%
renewable electricity,” offered through its electric utility. This was the result of an Energy and Climate
Action Plan completed by a city ad hoc committee in 2009.
Gunnison www.gunnisonco.gov Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator or advisory board.
In 2022 the City Manager’s Office published “GUNNI CARES”, the city’s roadmap to 2030 for climate
action, resiliency, & environmental sustainability.
Mt. Crested Butte www.mtcrestedbuttecolorado.us Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator
or advisory board. “The Community Development Department facilitates the long-range planning,
development review, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability needs of the community.”
Mountain Village www.townofmaoutainvillage.com Economic Development & Sustainability Director;
reports to the town manager. Green Team Advisory Board “encourages the community to appreciate
and preserve the natural world and to facilitate conservation efforts, share knowledge and resources
and to advise the Mountain Village Town Council on matters related to environmental quality.”
Salida https://cityofsalida.com/ Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator. The Sustainability
Committee “is focused on improving the City's carbon footprint through thoughtful analysis of the
community's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, updating and advancing local guidelines and codes to
lower energy consumption, and improvement of waste diversion and recycling to keep our landfill
viable.” The city has a Climate Action Plan.
Snowmass Village www.tosv.com Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator.
“The Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) is the town’s primary resource for environmental
sustainability issues and efforts in Snowmass Village.” The town has a Sustainability Plan that is
implemented and periodically reviewed by the EAB.
Steamboat Springs www.steamboatsprings.net Doesn’t appear to have a sustainability coordinator or
advisory board. The city utilizes the Sustainability Tools for Assessing & Rating Communities (STAR)
System as the framework for sustainability. A climate action plan was adopted by the City Council in
2021. In addition, the city offers significant solar information and support (see
www.steamboatsprings.net/1147/Solar) and is participating in SolSmart.
Telluride www.telluride-co.gov Environmental and Engineering Division Manager, within the Public
Works Department. Telluride has an Ecology Commission, which “shall address human-wildlife
interactions of concern, as identified by the Town Council.”
Vail www.vailgov.com Environmental Sustainability Department, which reports to the Town Manager.
There is also a Planning and Environmental Commission, which is a volunteer board; its responsibilities
include to review and comment on programs and studies, and to conduct research and appropriate
studies, of environmental issues for the town and the Gore Valley, as well as to make recommendations
to the town council for the control of pollution and the protection of the environment (see Planning and
Environmental Commission (PEC) | Vail, CO (vailgov.com).
Page 11
Platte River Power Authority sustainable services
Current customer facing offerings, services and information available in Estes Park. These
offerings are currently provided by a team of 11 Platte River staff members and growing to 13 in
2023 working in collaboration with Estes Park Power & Communications staff as well as staff
from Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications and Loveland Water and Power.
Residential sustainable offerings
Residential energy efficiency advising and assessments
Rebates for efficiency retrofit updates to homes
o Includes low and no-cost options for income qualified customers
Refrigerator and freezer recycling (customers receive $35 rebate)
In-store discounts for efficient/LED lighting
Rebates for in-store or online purchases of energy- and water-efficient products,
including smart thermostats, air purifiers, lighting, toilets, faucet aerators and more
Efficiency Works Store – an online platform with instant rebates on energy- and water-
saving products
Participate in the Shift Consortium, helping shift costs of high efficiency appliances to
entry level price points
Provides information and education via the Efficiency Works website, an electric vehicle
calculator website (EV.EfficiencyWorks.org), and energy education curriculum provided
to 4th grade students throughout Platte River’s service territories
Commercial sustainable offerings
Free energy advising and assessments for any commercial property
Rebates for upgrades and retrofits that save energy or water
o Includes a Community Efficiency Grant that offers 1.5x the normal rebate for
businesses that serve the income qualified community
Multifamily – energy advising, assessments and free direct install of efficient products for
multifamily properties
Midstream cooling – work with HVAC distributors to offer high efficiency HVAC systems
for lower cost
Retrocommissioning – enhanced maintenance of HVAC systems on medium to large
businesses
Platte River’s clean energy transition
Attachment 3
Page 12
Platte River is committed to transitioning towards a more sustainable and low-carbon energy
future, while maintaining affordability and reliability for its customers.
The Resource Diversification Policy (RDP) was passed unanimously by Platte River’s Board of
Directors in 2018. The policy provided a roadmap to work proactively toward the goal of
reaching a 100% non-carbon resource mix by the year 2030, while ensuring that Platte River
remains committed to its three pillars of providing reliable, environmentally responsible and
financially sustainable electricity and services.
Since its implementation, Platte River has made significant progress towards its goal. The
company has added 1.1 million MWh of renewable generation through projects such as the 225
MW Roundhouse wind farm and the 22 MW Rawhide Prairie Solar project with a 2 MWh
battery, as well as executing a 150 MW Black Hollow Solar purchase power agreement in 2019.
Platte River maintains in-house staff, supported by expert consultants to perform the following
analyses:
Clean energy resource planning models to determine optimal resource portfolio
Developing third iteration of Integrated Resource Plan for 2024 to integrate clean energy
resources
Detailed reliability modeling to stress test to serve load reliably
Use weather models to predict extreme weather events to serve our load with renewable
resources
Load growth modeling to predict future customer behavior and energy consumption
Stochastic modeling analysis to determine SPP market price volatility for financial risk
management hedging activities
Distributed Energy Resources planning, forecasting and system implementations
Page 13
Fwd: Town Meeting March 14 Sun, Mar 12, 2023 at 10:20 AM
Dear Trustees and Administrators:
I urge the Town to hire an Environmental Sustainability Manager and support the creation of an Advisory Board as
soon as possible. Other Colorado towns appear to be way ahead of us in doing all they can to protect the
environment in light of accelerating climate change.
Having read through the Comp Plan, I can see there are many opportunities for us to factor in environmental
safeguards into the plan. If we don't do that now, then we will miss our opportunity. In fact, we could designate our
city as an Ecotourist destination, educating our visitors and residents as to what that means regarding environmental
responsibility.
I am on the board of the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition and also serve on the Climate Smart and Future Ready
project in Larimer County. Our county is taking action, and so should the four cities encompassed within it. One huge
impediment to moving forward as a sustainable county is the PRPA. I cannot understand why we are not embracing
renewable energy wholeheartedly, and the PRPA is even discussing the possibility of building another fossil fuel
installation. From my roles on these two boards, I find this thinking counter-productive and rather unconscionable.
Celeste Fraser
Fwd: environmental sustainability Sun, Mar 12, 2023 at 10:21 AM
I'm writing in support of the formation of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and an Environmental
Sustainability Manager.
Estes Park is behind the times in sustainability actions, and creating such a board and position would help us catch
up. With our reliance on our natural resources for maintaining our tourism economy, we need to show more attention
to sustainably maintaining our environment.
The town of Jackson, Wyoming, a National Park gateway town like Estes Park, lists Sustainability as one of the four
main menu items on its "About Jackson" web page. The sustainability web
page, https://www.jacksonwy.gov/631/Sustainability, highlights some of their projects.
The city of Moab, Utah, another National Park gateway town, lists Sustainability as one of its
departments, https://moabcity.org/478/Sustainability.
Sustainability has many facets, including wildlife, dark skies, transportation, energy sources, water conservation, air
pollution and more. We need an advisory board and an Environmental Sustainability Manager who can address all
these issues.
Thank you. Susan Harris
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board (ESAB)
Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 9:06 AM
> Dear Trustees,
> I am writing to encourage you to consider the formation of the ESAB. It would be a very progressive step for our
community. Although, I’m an old man; I hope that something can be done to improve our planet and especially our
small corner of it.
Thank you for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Randy Maharry MD
Public Comment received by 2023-03-13
Page 14
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and Environmental
Sustainability Manager Position Sun, Mar 12, 2023 at 10:24 AM
Hi All,
I see that the March 14, 2023 study session includes discussion of the interest in creating an Environmental
Sustainability Advisory Board and Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
I strongly urge you to create both.
I've had two recent experiences that have emphasized the need for a Sustainability Manager for Estes Park that I
would like to describe to you.
First, I am a co-coordinator for Estes Recycle Day, which is organized by the League of Women Voters, Estes Park,
Community Recycling Committee (CRC). This year we are working to include more Hard to Recycle items than we
have collected at past events. To do this, I have reached out to Superior, Lafayette and Louisville to understand how
their Hard to Recycle collection events are organized. The one day events for all three of these towns are
coordinated through the town's Sustainability Coordinator, or a staff person in a similar position, and the cost is
supplemented by their towns. In addition to Hard to Recycle items, their one day events include collection of
hazardous waste items. For comparison purposes, the number of vehicles at Superior's one day event last year was
264. The number of vehicles at the 2022 Estes Recycle Day was 274 and in 2021 we had 340 vehicles. The
numbers for Estes Recycle Day show that there is a strong need and interest for proper solid waste management,
even more so than in Superior. I hope that you will support the creation of a Sustainability Manager for the town so
that proper disposal for both Hard to Recycle and Hazardous Waste items can be done on a larger scale and in a way
that is affordable for all residents. I believe the CRC will continue to coordinate these events, but it is a large task that
is handled by the town with collaboration with volunteers at the other locations listed above.
Second, I am a representative for Estes Park on the Larimer County Solid Waste Policy Advisory Council
(PAC). Wendy Koenig is the other Estes Park representative on this council. We attended an in-person meeting on
March 9 which included both the PAC and the Larimer County Solid Waste Technical Advisory Council
(TAC). Attendees included representatives from Wellington, Fort Collins, Loveland, Larimer County and Estes Park. I
think I was the only citizen representative present and one town had their Sustainability Manager as a member of
either the TAC or PAC. I believe a Sustainability Manager for Estes Park on this committee would be more effective
at advocating and implementing solid waste improvements for Estes Park than me! Improvements require
collaboration between the town and Larimer County Solid Waste Division and it is difficult to keep momentum moving
on this issue as a citizen. Examples of tasks that would likely be more efficiently and effectively implemented by a
Sustainability Manager include the pilot battery collection program that Laimer County is proposing and influencing the
contract between Larimer County and a waste hauler for operation of the Estes Park transfer station, so that more
hard to recycle or hazardous material items can be collected at our transfer station.
These are just two examples demonstrating the need for a Sustainability Manager. Additionally, members of the CRC
have been meeting with Visit Estes Park to coordinate efforts to make Estes Park a sustainable community to
visit. Certainly, a dedicated Sustainability Manager from the town would add value to these efforts.
Thanks for your time and consideration on this issue.
Marina Connors
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability Manager
Sun, Mar 12, 2023 at 10:24 AM
Hello Town of Estes Park Board Members,
I would very much support a decision to have an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board, and a staff position for
a Environmental Sustainability Manager for Estes Park.
Page 15
I think these positions would help guide Estes Park to be a "Green" mountain town.
Thank You, Carly Lober,
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and Environmental
Sustainability Manager Position Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 9:07 AM
Dear Mayor Wendy, Trustees, Travis, and Jason,
I noticed that the March 14 study session includes discussion of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory
Board and Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
I strongly support both the Advisory Board and the Sustainability Manager Position.
1) Have you ever gone to a town and been impressed by how clean it is and how environmentally
responsible? You see attractive, clearly labeled recycling and trash bins; the restaurants use
sustainable products; events are clearly organized to be sustainable.
I’d like Estes Park to be that town. I’d like visitors to be impressed with our sustainability
practices. I would like people to come here and get ideas they would like to implement when they
go back home.
More than a wish, there is an economic reason to move in this direction. More and more people
are expecting/ seeking green vacations. Towns use green awards in their bid to attract visitors. If
we fall behind in this, people will choose other places to vacation.
2) I work with a group that engages in recycling and environmental projects in the Estes Valley
area. In every project I’ve brought forward I’ve met with support and encouragement from the
mayor, trustees, and town employees. However, other job pressures often get in the way of
bringing an idea through to completion. Having an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board
and Environmental Sustainability Manager would help in the prioritization, coordination, and
implementation of projects such as: Improving the appearance and labeling of the town
recycle/trash bins, scheduling a hazardous waste collection day, and providing opportunities to
recycle hard to recycle materials.
I believe that creating an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and the Sustainability Manager
Position is something that, while it may look costly in the short term, would pay huge dividends for the
residents, town economy, town, and environment.
Sincerely,
Cathy Alper
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Fwd: March 14 Study Session - Sustainability Manager and Board Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 9:07 AM
Dear Mayor and Trustees,
I would wholeheartedly support the creation of an Environmental Sustainability
Advisory Board and especially a town Environmental Sustainability Manager position.
I believe that a manager position would be of immense benefit both to the town and its residents -- socially,
economically and environmentally.
With the number of visitors Estes Park welcomes each year we have a huge opportunity to demonstrate our
commitment to sustainability, and to develop and showcase best practices in town and at our many large events
throughout the year.
Sustainability touches on a wide range of areas within the town administration and the community. Creating a
dedicated manager position would help prioritize communication and collaboration internally on topics of
sustainability, as well as with the County and the State. It would promote awareness and inspire action for
sustainability initiatives that would ultimately benefit everyone.
I urge you to create both the Board and the Manager appointments. Thank you for your consideration.
Liz Spalding
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability in Estes Park Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 9:08 AM
Dear Estes Park Town Trustees, Mr. Machalek, and Mr. Damweber,
I am writing in regards to the March 14 Study Session regarding the possible creation of a permanent Environmental
Sustainability Advisory Board and creation of an Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
I strongly support both the creation of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and the creation of an
Environmental Sustainability Manager Position, particularly since they were both included in the Environmental
Sustainability Task Force (ESTF) report.
As the ESTF report concluded:
• According to the report, such a Board would “provide community guidance and recommendations to the
Town, as requested by the Town Board or the Town Administrator, regarding climate action policies,
sustainability policies and programs, annual Strategic Plan recommendations, and environmental
sustainability recommendations to the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.”
• According to the report, “Many Colorado communities, including the mountain destination towns that can
serve as models for Estes Park, have established a position of sustainability coordinator or manager to direct
their sustainability programs, engage and support their community sustainability council/advisory board, and
coordinate programs across their town government. The sustainability manager role is considered
essential for accomplishing the Town's sustainability goals.”
Since these 2 issues were clearly considered important to our Town’s ability to be sustainable, we should ensure
these recommendations are fulfilled. Funding would need to be determined, and the need for support for this activity
(such as a assigned staff member) would be essential.
Having the Board to support the sustainability in our Town and the Strategic Plan recommendations is important to
our Town residents and visitors. Having a coordinator/manager to ensure the activities recommended by the Board
and other guidance (such as from the ESTF report) are carried out would be the key to success. Often, these types of
activities are taken up by staff who have additional duties, and the prioritization moves sustainability issues down the
list (they are not immediate life/safety issues). However, sustainability issues are the future of our Town, from working
towards renewable energy to creating electric vehicle charging infrastructure to ensuring water conservation, among
other things. Living sustainable, such as the requirement in the Strategic Plan to discontinue purchasing bottled water
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using Town funds and working to conserve water and energy/use renewable energy, may actually save dollars along
with progress toward a Green Town. Having a Green Town can attract visitors, helping with the economics of the
plans for our Town.
Thank-you for your consideration of these important elements for our Town and making Estes Park the
best place to live and play.
Yvonne Salfinger
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and Environmental
Sustainability Manager Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Good morning Mayor Wendy, Trustees, Travis, and Jason,
I noted with interest that the March 14 study session includes discussion of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory
Board and Environmental Sustainability Manager position.
I whole-heartedly support both of these proposals as a means of creating Town capacity for any number of new
initiatives. Examples of these could include:
• The Town can assist local residents and businesses take advantage of new tax breaks and grants,
achieve compliance with new sustainability initiatives, as well as avoid penalties, by providing
timely information on new state and federal requirements and opportunities. Only the most recent
example here in Colorado is the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, CRS 25-17-Part 5.
• The Town can improve its own operations to become more sustainable, save money, and set a
positive example.
• The Town can offer green community grants and recognition to developers and businesses that
embrace sustainable development in their way of doing business.
• The Town can earn a reputation as a green community, like a number of other mountain and
Front Range towns and cities in Colorado and elsewhere.
• The Town can help meet the needs of local residents and businesses seeking information and
expertise on sustainability projects of their own.
• The Town can honor the work of the Environmental Sustainability Task Force, supported by a
sizable segment of the community.
The future mandate for our towns and cities is clearly to become more environmentally sustainable. The only
question, then, is whether Estes Park will be in the (relative) vanguard or bring up the rear. As the gateway
community to one of our premier National Parks, Estes Park is well-positioned to become a model city for
environmental sustainability. These two initiatives can be a start.
Thank you for your consideration on this issue.
Fwd: Please create an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Dear Mayor and Trustees
We are very much in favor of your creation of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and the
appointment of a Manager for the Board.
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We feel that the Town of Estes Park is in a great position to take concrete actions to ameliorate global
warming. The effects of global warming are evident in increased severity and number of weather
related catastrophes. We are reminded of these every night on the evening news. The fires in and around our
beautiful valley in recent years makes it very important to do what we can as soon as we can.
Best regards,
Don and Barbara Sellers
Fwd: Trustee Study Session March 14 Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 3:54 PM
Dear Trustees and Town Officials,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the work that you will be doing on the plans for Environmental
Sustainability
at your work session tomorrow. I was grateful for the time that Trustee Barbara McAlpine and Trustee and
Mayor Pro tem Scott Webermeir spent with Community Members last month.
The sentiments of that meeting regarding Environmental Sustainability in Estes Park were very important,
and it became very clear that in order to address the issues we face in becoming an environmentally
sustainable Town, we must have the structure and personnel to study, plan and address our environmental
challenges. Therefore, I wholeheartedly support the appointment of a Town Environmental Sustainable
Advisory Board staffed by a full time Sustainability Manager.
Other nearby local communities have taken this route and I believe that we must do likewise. I do not need
to reiterate all the issues that need addressing, but with all the interrelated steps that need to be taken in
order to be on a path toward sustainability, I know that if we do not have the structure to research, design,
support, and plan for sustainability we will not accomplish the goal of working toward a sustainable
community. Living in this beautiful place, adjacent to incredible Rocky Mountain National Park, and not
caring for it in a deliberative and totally committed way is not acceptable.
Thank you for your attention to this critical part of our future.
Sincerely yours,
Donna Shavlik
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Fwd: support Environ. Sus Adv. Bd AND Env. Sus. Manager position Tue, Mar 14, 2023 at 8:34 AM
To Estes Park Trustees
There is no doubt that climate changes are upon us, with catastrophic results, as I write, most obvious in current
news reports of historic snows and floods resulting from multiple atmospheric rivers over California and other western
states, as well as across the country and into the Northeast and even southern states.
Please follow the advice of the Sustainability Committee to:
1)create a permanent Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board
2)Create an Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
Thank you for your work for Estes Park, and for taking these initiatives.
Sincerely,
Carol Dreselly
Fwd: Environmental Sustainability Issues Tue, Mar 14, 2023 at 8:39 AM
Dear Estes Park Trustees and Administrators,
I am writing this evening as a resident of Estes Park to express my strong support for the establishment of an
Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and Environmental Sustainability Manager Position. I have been very
concerned about the many serious ways that climate change and other related environmental issues have been
negatively impacting our community over the last number of years that will likely continue unless major steps are
taken to make changes to address them. I think the establishment of an advisory board, as well as a staff position
would be very effective ways to address and improve these critical issues!
Thanks for your work on these important concerns!
Judy
Fwd: Please support the recommendations of the Environmental Sustainability
Task Force
Tue, Mar 14, 2023 at 8:40 AM
Dear Trustees of Estes Park:
I strongly encourage you to support the formation of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and consider the
appointment of an Environmental Sustainability Manager. Both of these measures were strongly recommended in the
Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report. The future of our environment is in our hands. Thank you each in
advance.
Sincerely, Dr. Stephen Thomas
Public Comment Received by noon on 2023-03-14
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Consideration for Estes Park: a Sustainability Director or Manager and a
Sustainability Advisory Board
patti Donahue <pdinep@yahoo.com> Tue, Mar 14, 2023 at 12:14 PM
Good morning Trustees, Mary Koenig, Jason Damweber, and Travis Machalek,
My name is Patti Donahue and I would like to express my support for a Sustainability Director/Manager position and
consideration for a Sustainability Advisory Board in the future for Estes Park.
I am a long time permanent resident of Estes Park.
I want to thank you all for your support of Environmental Sustainability in Estes Park thus far and that you are
considering these very important steps for our community. I noticed that today, March 14th, your study session
includes discussion of an Environmental Sustainability Manager Position.
I think that an Environmental Sustainability Manager would be a great asset in accomplishing the Town's
Environmental Sustainability goals. I think an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board could help the Manager
and together, with all of you, great things can happen.
I just wanted to mention that so many towns in Colorado have hired Sustainability Directors/Managers and/or created
Environmental Sustainability Advisory Boards/Committees, or a have a combination of both. We should join them to
make Colorado the most Environmentally Sustainable state in the country!
This is a list of just a few I found today on an internet search:
Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Frisco, Nederland, Ridgeway, Durango, Telluride, Denver, Boulder, Loveland, Fort Collins,
Superior, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, Englewood, Erie, Louisville, Lyons, and many of our Colorado Ski Resorts
have Environmental Sustainability Managers as well.
Thank you for considering these two very important items on your agenda today.
Respectfully,
with kind regards,
Patricia Donahue
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Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and Sustainability Manager
Bob Leavitt <bob@bobleavitt.com> Tue, Mar 14, 2023 at 1:13 PM
Dear Mayor and Town Board:
I strongly support the establishment of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board and the Sustainability Manager
position. Many objectives have been placed in the Town's Strategic Plan and in the valley-wide Comprehensive Plan
to address our environment. They tend to have lower priority than other pressing needs of Estes Park that seem to
need more immediate attention. However, sustaining and protecting our environment, and fostering clean energy
solutions are just as important. And as time goes by they will become even more important. I am asking you to
establish the ESA Board and hire a Sustainability Manager. If you decide not to fund the Sustainability Manager this
year you can still establish the ESA Board. Given its importance, you should make room for this board among the
other boards and committees for which you have liaison responsibilities.
Thanks,
Bob
Fwd: Tonight's Work Study session Tue, Mar 14, 2023 at 3:18 PM
Considering wht I write each week, I am certain that you already know my position on the necessity of hiring an
Environmental Manager and reintalling a citizen's Advisory Committee for the same purpose. However this subject is
so important that it is worth bit of repetition / expansion before tonight's meeting.
1) It is, of course, vitall to the sustainabiility of the world that all communities pay attention to the ecological effects of
greenhouse gases and do all that they reasonably can accomplish toward resolving the issues created the adherence
of humans to convenience at the expense of health. However, an "Enviornmental" Advisory and Manager can go
farther, protecting the quaint atmosphere so important to Estes as we grow in ppopulation.
2) As ecological tourism gains ground and travelers expect certain services, along with the "look and feel" of a clean,
enviormental atmosphere, it becomes economically necessary for Estes Park to offer the accomodations the visitors
are seeking. It is MUCH easier and cheaper to do so as a Town, than it is for each separate tourism entity to pursue
similar structure individually.
3) An Environmental Manaer can offer significant assistance in adhering to the national and state mandates as they
apppear. He or she can be a "goto" for businesses and individuals needing to know what is the new level of
requirements as the new laws "kick-in" one level at a time. There are 3 Statee laws on the books now that will activate
by degrees over the next 7 years. Others are waiting in the wings. Incentives now built into the federal and state tax
systems. It is a waste of time and effort for each entiity to research these separately. If we can address such things
collectively, the time saved cn be better spent elsewhere.
Just my thoughts. See you tonight.
Judi
Public Comment Received by 5pm on 2023-03-14
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March 28, 2023
• 2023 Street Improvement Program
Overview
• Energy Code Discussion
• International Property Maintenance
Code
April 11, 2023
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and
Readiness Update
Items Approved – Unscheduled:
• Governing Policies Updates
• Stanley Park Master Plan
Implementation
• Downtown Loop Updates as Necessary
Items for Town Board Consideration:
• Business/Vacation Home Rental License
Renewal Annual Report – April 11, 2023
Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items
March 14, 2023
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