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PACKET Town Board 2007-06-12
File t Prepared 6/4/07 *Revised 49, C '. 1. I ' Ull TOWN Of B T{$ PARK >4 The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to plan and provide reliable, high-value services for our citizens, visitors, and employees. We take great pride ensuring and enhancing the quality of life in our community by being good stewards of public resources and natural setting. BOARD OF TRUSTEES - TOWN OF ESTES PARK Tuesday, June 12, 2007 7:00 p.m. AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (BOY SCOUT COLOR GUARD), PRIDE AWARD - COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP (TRUSTEE LEVINE). PUBLIC COMMENT (Please state your name and address). TOWN BOARD COMMENTS 1. CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of): 1. Town Board Minutes dated May 22,2007 and Study Session minutes dated May 23,2007. 2. Bills. 3. Committee Minutes: A. Public Safety, May 24,2007: 1. Coolest Car Show - Street Closure of MacGregor Ave. from Bus Turnout to Park Ln., July 4,2007. B. Community Development, June 7,2007: CVB: 1. Standard Horse Show Contracts: • Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Club, June 20 - 24,2007 • Colorado Arabian Horse Club, June 30 - July 4,2007 • Team Penning July 7 - 8,2007. 2. Heritage Festival - Street Closure of MacGregor Ave. from the Bus Turnout to Park Ln. Community Development: 1. Chamber of Commerce Sign Permit Fee Waiver. I 1 r lA. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA (Approval of): Mayor Baudek: Open the Public Hearing for all Consent Agenda Items. If the Applicant, Public or Town Board wish to speak to any of these consent items, they will be moved to the "Action Item" Section. 1. CONSENT ITEMS: A. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDOMINIUM MAPS 1. The Promontory at Kiowa Ridge Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #1, Units 508, 528, 539 and 543 Promontory Dr., Lot 6, Mary's Lake Replat, Rock Castle Development Corp./Applicant. 2. Solitude 11 Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #6, Unit 7, Lot 2, Solitude Subdivision, Crystal Creek Development, LLC/Applicant. 3. Shops at Riverwalk East Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #1, Unit 12, Shops at Riverwalk East Condominiums, Michael Figgs & Nancy Lederer/Applicant. 2. ACTION ITEMS: 1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - UPDATE. Superintendent Baker. 2. RESOLUTION # 7-07 - ESTES PAAK HOUSING AUTHORITY APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT. 3. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. 4. ADJOURN. NOTE: The Town Board reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared. r, hp LaserJet 3015 HP LASERJET FAX inv Jun-8-2007 10:30AM Fax Call Report Job Date Time Type Identification Duration Pages Result 264 6/ 8/2007 10:22:21AM Send 6672527 1:01 2 OK 265 6/ 8/2007 10:23:27AM Send 5869561 0:58 2 OK 266 6/ 8/2007 10:24:31AM Send 5869532 0:57 2 OK 267 6/ 8/2007 10:25:33AM Send 5866336 0:58 2 OK 268 6/ 8/2007 10:26:36AM Send 5861691 1:12 2 OK 269 6/ 8/2007 10:27:53AM Send 6353677 0:58 2 OK 270 6/ 8/2007 10:28:58AM Send 2247899 0:44 2 OK 271 6/ 8/2007 10:29:49AM Send 5771590 1:04 2 OK Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 22,2007 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 22nd day of May, 2007. Meeting called to order by Mayor Baudek. Present: John Baudek, Mayor Trustees Eric Blackhurst Dorla Eisenlauer Richard Homeier Chuck Levine Wayne Newsom Also Present: Town Attorney White Randy Repola, Town Administrator Jacquie Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk Absent: Bill Pinkham, Mayor ProTem 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. Tom Ewing/1082 Fall River Court reviewed his concerns with Bed & Breakfasts within residential neighborhoods including: the limited effectiveness and authority of the Town's code enforcement officer; addressing the issue with clear terminology, definitions, rules, regulations and restrictions; should not be permitted in residential zones; require a minimum stay. TOWN BOARD COMMENTS. Trustee Blackhurst reminded the public that the Public Safety Committee would meet Thursday at 8:00 a.m. in the Town Board Room. CALL REASSURANCE PROGRAM (CARE) - UPDATE. Sergeant Pass provided an overview of the Database Systems Corp. software system that automatically calls a household at a selected time of day to check on the residents to ensure they are okay. This service can re-dial the same number several times looking for a response, and if none is received, a message can be provided to family members or a monitoring center. Several tests have been run with no major issues. The Police Dept. will place ads in the local papers, present to SALT at the Senior Center and notify the hospital and doctor offices. Currently the program is available to citizens within Town limits; however, the Police Dept. will contact the Sheriffs Dept. to see if they will respond to county calls. 1. CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of): 1. Town Board Minutes dated May 8,2007. 2. Bills. 3. Committee Minutes: A. Public Works, May 10, 2007. 1. Large Loader Bi-Annual Exchange, Colorado Machinery - $15,279.00 Budgeted. B. Utilities, May 17, 2007. Board of Trustees - May 22,2007 - Page 2 4. Estes Valley Planning Commission, April 17, 2007 (acknowledgement only). 5. Estes Valley Board of Adjustment, May 1, 2007 (acknowledgement only). 6. Suri-Llama Contract. Mgr. Winslow. It was moved and seconded (Levine/Homeier) the Consent Agenda be approved, and it passed unanimously. l A. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA (Approval of): Mayor Baudek opened the Public Hearing for the following Consent Agenda Items: 1. CONSENT ITEMS:. A. AMENDED CONDOMINIUM MAP 1. Stone Brook Resort Condominiums, Amended Condominium Map, John Tucker/Applicant. B. SPECIAL REVIEW 1. Fun City Special Review 07-01, Lot lA, Amended Plat of Lots 1 & 2, Lee & Alps Addition, and Lot 9A & Outlot A of the Amended Plat of Lots 5A & 9A, Prospect Village Subdivision, Slides, Inc. dba Fun City/Applicant. 2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Concession Special Review 07-02, Downtown Estes Park, Hearts & Tails Carriage Company/Applicant. As there were no comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing and it was moved and seconded (Newsom/Eisenlauer) the Consent Agenda be approved with Staff conditions of approval, and it passed unanimously. 2. ACTION ITEM: A. AMENDED CONDOMINIUM MAP Lazy-R Cottages Condominiums West, 895 Moraine Avenue, requests amendment to the map to remove building envelopes, accurately reflect development and · remove development constraints that the prior property owner placed on the property. The declaration will be revised to correct errors in the original declaration and to reserve the right to build m6re units on the property. Adjacent property owners have expressed concern regarding the development on the property without permits and the impact to the surrounding neighborhood; therefore, they have objected to revisions to the approved condominium map. Staff supports the application to correct the existing map errors. This revision does not waive or modify the existing development plan approval. The developer must comply with the approved development plan and the Estes Valley Development Code regulations. Any changes to the development plan would require Town review and approval. If the developer does not resolve all issues within 60 days of Town Board approval the condominium map application will become null and void. Discussion followed regarding the timing of permits, limits of disturbance, if variances had been granted for the current development plan, construction that has taken place without proper permits, discussion on mitigating trespass on neighboring private Board of Trustees - May 22,2007 - Page 3 property, staff level review of the development plan, and the previous landowner restricting building envelopes not required by the development code. Lindsay Lamson/Owner stated the requested changes to the condominium map allow for decks and patios that the current map with the narrowly defined building envelopes do not. The current envelopes also leave little flexibility to fit a building into a building envelop due to trees, rock outcroppings or neighborhood concerns. He reviewed the current activity that has occurred on the property and the trespass concerns. Permits will be issued, but final inspection will not be approved until the map is recorded. Mr. Lamson stated he has discussed a split rail fence, signage and/or additional foliage to create a boundary to alleviate trespassing. Trustees Blackhurst and Levine stated their concerns regarding the trespassing and requested Mr. Lamson discuss the issue and resolution with the neighbors. Neighborhood comments were heard from Pat Aitken/740 Pine Meadow Circle and Judy Cary/1281 High Drive. Ms. Aitken is willing to work with Mr. Lamson on the trespassing issue. She did request the parking at unit 15 be reconstructed to the original 2002 Development Plan and that 5 trees near the southern pin marker be restored to the original 2002 plan. Ms. Cary expressed concerns that a rock wall may be on her property and would also like to address the trespassing issue without constructing a fence. Planner Chilcott stated the rock wall was proposed 12 feet from the property line. There has been discussion on moving the wall out of a utility easement. It was moved and seconded (Homeier/Newsom) the amended condominium map be approved with Staff conditions of approval, and it passed unanimously. Trustee Blackhurst requested Mr. Lamson work with the neighbors to address the trespassing concerns, discuss the rock wall with staff to determine whether or not it needs to be moved and resolve all permit and violation issues prior to recording the map. 2. ACTION ITEMS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING: NEW TAVERN LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION FILED BY NOTCHTOP BAKERY AND CAFE, INC. dba Notchtop Baker, and Cafd Inc., 459 E. WONDERVIEW #4. Mayor Baudek opened the Public Hearing and reviewed procedure. Town Clerk Williamson presented the Application and confirmed the Town has not received any communications or evidence in support or opposition to the application, and required T.I.P.S. has been scheduled. Comments were heard from Cavewol Shadows/Applicant, who provided personal background and stated they would like to have a license to include beverage service with lunch and dinner. Trustee Levine encouraged the Applicants to be vigilant when serving and that the Board takes very seriously the operation of liquor licenses and the Liquor Code and the applicant is a steward of the law. There being no further testimony, Mayor Baudek closed the Public Hearing. Stating the Board of Trustees finds that the reasonable requirements of the neighborhood are not met by the present liquor outlets in the neighborhood and that the desires of the adult inhabitants are for the granting of this liquor license, it was moved and seconded (Levine/Homeier) the New Tavern Liquor License application Board of Trustees - May 22,2007 - Page 4 filed by Notchtop Bakery & Cafd Inc. dba Notchtop Bakery & Caf@, Inc. be approved, and it passed unanimously. 2. ORDINANCE #13-07 - LOCK BOX. Fire Chief Dorman reviewed the lock box system that provides the Fire Department rapid access to a building during an emergency after hours. The Department has encouraged property owners to voluntarily install the key lock boxes on their property with a computer cut key that can not be duplicated. Public Safety Committee recommended approval of the ordinance with the addition that property owners have an option to allow the Police Department access as well. Attorney White does not recommend amending the ordinance to include an optional provision within an drdinance that is mandatory. The Fire Department will contact businesses in Town limits within 60 days to inform them of the new requirement and explain the option to add the Police Department. Chief Dorman demonstrdited the lock box system. Attorney White read the Ordinance and after further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Newsom/Eisenlauer) to approve Ordinance 13-07, and it passed unanimously. 3. 1ST QUARTER SALES TAX REPORT. Finance Officer McFarland reported first quarter sales tax as a percent of tothl annual revenues is predictable with a range of 12- 15%. However, March sales tax numbers were lower by 15% due to a lack of sales tax being reported to the Department of Revenue. Therefore, sales tax is down 3% for the first quarter and 6% when factoring CPI. On an annual moving average, sales tax revenues are increasing at a pace of 4.3%. If revenues continue to lag, larger capital projects can be suspended. 4. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. • Post Office parking lot paving should be complete pending the weather. Additional projects such as landscaping will be completed after Memorial Day. • Confluence Park - All trees removed from the park were cottonwoods that were planted by EPURA. The root systems of the trees were damaging the plaza and intruding into the utilities causing insurance claims. Many of the trees were infested with core rot and would have been lost in the near future. Shrubs will replace the trees in those areas were utilities are buried. Patmore ash trees will be planted and will be less destructive. Whereupon Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. John Baudek, Mayor Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 23,2007 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Museum Meeting Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 23rd day of May, 2007. Committee: Mayor Baudek, Trustees Blackhurst, Eisenlauer, Homeier, Levine, Newsom and Pinkham Attending: All Also Attending: Town Attorney White, Administrator Repola, Chief Dorman, Director Pickering, Director Joseph, Deputy Clerk Deats Absent None Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT UPDATE. Dir. Pickering has been conducting meetings with community members to provide information regarding the creation of a local marketing district, including the lodging association, the Chamber, the Newcomers group, and senior citizens, who have provided feedback on the topic. Attorney White outlined the following steps to be taken towards the creation of the marketing district: • Development of a draft IGA between the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County containing marketing district organizational information. • Signed petitions to the Town and County, and public hearings to support the creation of the marketing district. • Certification of a ballot issue to address funding the district by means of a sales tax on the short-term rental of accommodations. • Ballot issue - November 2008. Discussion followed regarding the structure of the marketing district's governing body/board, an operating plan for the district, funding of the district until tax monies become available, and actions to be considered if the ballot issue related to funding the district should fail. Dir. Pickering will continue to be involved in providing educational materials and information to the electorate related to the marketing district. FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICES UPDATE. Meetings have been conducted with the Larimer County Sheriff in regard to fire protection services provided to properties outside of the Town limits and the dissolution of the current automatic response agreement. A new agreement would be implemented enabling the Town to recover costs associated with emergency calls outside Town limits. Consideration is being given to the creation of contractual agreements between homeowners associations and the Town of Estes Park that would allow for the availability of emergency services at a prescribed rate per homeowner. Guidelines available through the State of Colorado would be used to determine fees related to emergency calls based on the operating costs of the type of equipment dispatched to the scene. Chief Dorman reported that members of the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department stated that they do not want their volunteer time to be included in charges to property owners. Billing would be through the Town of Estes Park and monies charged for emergency responses would not recover all costs, but help to offset expenses. Staff is working on the context of agreements for fire services with relevant RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Study Session - May 23,2007 - Page 2 agencies. BED & BREAKFAST DISCUSSION. A need to address the operation of Bed & Breakfast Inns and establish consistency between the Municipal Code and the Estes Valley Development Code as to the operation of such, prompted the Trustees to discuss points that characterize aB&B establishment. The following points were identified as characteristics to include in a definition of a Bed & Breakfast: • Owner/Manager occupied, single-family, detached dwelling unit. • Lodging for no more than eight persons (who may be unrelated) including the resident managers/owners, further limited to two persons per bedroom plus two. • Meals may be offered to overnight guests only. • No more than three cars parked outside of the garage area, and no on-street parking. • Accessory buildings shall not be used for guest quarters or amenities beyond a gazebo or similar outdoor room. Discussion took place regarding zoning districts in which aB&B would be considered an allowable use. In addition to properties zoned Commercial and Accommodation where a B&Bis currently an allowed use, the Trustees identified residential districts R- 2 and RM as permitted use areas, without special review. An ordinance will be written reflecting the proposed changes to the Municipal Code. The same changes to the Estes Valley Development Code will,be proposed to create consistency, and will be reviewed by the Estes Valley Planning Commission. BOND PARK USAGE. Certain events held last year caused damage to improvements to' Bond Park. In particular, displaying cars in the Park during the Coolest Car Show held on July 4t; caused considerable damage to turf and sprinkler heads within the Park. The damage was attributed to newly planted sod and wet, rainy weather that occurred during the event. Foot traffic during arts and crafts shows, as well as the need to turn off the irrigation system during these events, creates additional stress on the turf. The Trustees discussed different types of events that might be suitable for Bond Park and others that could move to Performance Park, or to the fairgrounds when improvements are completed. The Trustees stated that Bond Park should be a multi-purpose event venue and complement downtown businesses. The perception that events in Bond Park compete with downtown businesses was also discussed, as well as transient vendor licensing, and sales tax collection. Currently, capital improvements are being made to the Stanley Park Fairgrounds area. Discussion ensued about researching construction costs related to improvements that can be made to Bond Park to create a balance between a park-like setting and its functionality as a venue for performances and events. Staff suggested evaluating Bond Park construction in 2009 or 2010. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND INCENTIVES. A growing trend among municipalities is to offer incentives to companies to attract business and/or developments to their towns. Incentives are often in the form of tax rebates, access to tax increment financing, and rebates on infrastructure costs. The incentives are offered with the idea that the development will bring in new tax revenues. The Trustees discussed whether the Town of Estes Park would be interested in offering these types of incentives to attract development to the area. Discussion included how EPURA could play a role in providing incentives, how incentives would not be offered to new businesses that would be in competition with existing Estes Park businesses, and RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Study Session - May 23,2007 - Page 3 the possibility of businesses leaving the area when incentives run out. The Trustees stated that incentives are sometimes key in making a project successful by providing a more attractive rate of return for investors, and that when a project would be considered a benefit to the community, the concept of incentives might be considered. There being no further business, Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Cynthia Deats, Deputy Town Clerk RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 24,2007 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 24~h day of May, 2007. Committee: Chairman Newsom, Trustees Blackhurst and Eisenlauer Attending: Trustees Eisenlauer and Blackhurst Also Attending: Chief Dorman, Chief Richardson, Deputy Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Clerk Deats Absent Chairman Newsom Trustee Eisenlauer called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None FIRE DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. 1. 100 Anniversary Statue Update - Chief Dorman informed members of the Volunteer Fire Department about the purchase of a statue to commemorate the 1 oom anniversary of the EPVFD at a dinner held last week. The contract has been signed and the artist has begun work on the piece. Mayor Baudek pledged monies from the Mayor's contingency fund to pay for the remaining balance on the statue, which will be completed in approximately four months. 2. Wildland Urban Interface - Sue Pinkham has been hired by the Town of Estes Park as a part-time seasonal employee to continue her work as the Wildland Urban Interface coordinator. The State Forest Service is unable to fund the position this year, although grant monies are still available through Rocky Mountain National Park. Mrs. Pinkham will attend the Public Safety meeting in June to provide an update to the Committee. POLICE DEPARTMENT. PARKING LOT CLOSURE - REQUEST APPROVAL. The annual July 4~h Coolest Car Show is the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation's major fundraiser. Started in 1999, the Car Show now nets $8,000 or more each year, most of the revenue coming from walk-in traffic. The show has been held in the Power Plant parking Lot, the former Visitor Center lot on Highway 34, and most recently in Bond Park with additional parking along MacGregor Avenue and Park Lane. Last year's wet weather and muddy conditions, along with narrow tires on some of the vehicles displayed during the show, caused damage to the landscaping in Bond Park, and resulted in the need for a review of events held in the Park. At the November 2006 CDC meeting, Special Events Manager Wright presented a street closure request from the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation for July 4, 2007 to include MacGregor Avenue from the bus pullout on Elkhom Avenue to Park Lane. The Committee recommended approval of the street closure as presented. At that time, the event organizers were requested to use the street parking area, rather than Bond Park, for those vehicles with narrow tires. At the April CDC meeting, CVB Dir. Pickering reviewed the policy regarding use of Bond Park for public events. At that time, concern was again expressed by the Trustees RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - May 24,2007 - Page 2 regarding the Coolest Car Show. Subsequently, Administrator Repola directed Supt. Mahany and Dir. Kilsdonk to discuss three alternate venues for the show with the event organizers. The alternatives included closure of MacGregor Avenue and Park Lane; use of the Town Hall/Library lot; and use of the south CVB lot. Of the three alternatives suggested, the Town Hall/Library lot is preferred by the event organizers. This location would provide good public exposure and could be fenced off to control access to the area by people without tickets. Staff recommends closing a portion of the Town Hall/Library lot for the Coolest Car Show on July 4,2007 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This area would include everything on the east side of the lot beginning at the main Library entrance, running from MacGregor Avenue on the south, to the river on the north, and US Bank to the east. It would include closing the roadway in that section and would not include any portion of the lot west of the Library door. The Committee expressed concern that utilizing the Town Hall/Library parking lot on one of the busiest days of the summer, would not be in the best interest of downtown merchants, and questioned Norm Carver and Dick Brown, representatives of the Car Show, about the possibility of creating a runner system to drive and park the cars on in „ Bond Park in order to protect the grass. Chief Richardson stated that the number of parking spots lost to the event (approximately 220) would be about the same whether held in the Town Hall/Library lot or along MacGregor and Park Lane. The Trustees indicated that their preferred location for the event is Bond Park, rather than to close off the Town Hall/Library parking lot on July 4th, and with the approval of the Car Show representatives, recommended the Coolest Car Show be held in Bond Park and along MacGregor Avenue and Park Lane, and to extend parking up MacGregor to the Bypass if inclement weather renders Bond Park unusable for displaying the cars. REPORTS. 1. Municipal Court Fines - Municipal Court Judge Brown enlisted the services of Officers Meyer and Allen to assist in gathering information to be utilized to update the current court fine schedule. After conducting a comparative study of nine communities, the Officers recommended changes to the fee schedule, primarily in the area of traffic offenses. Judge Brown has the authority to adopt the new fine schedule under a Municipal Court Order, and will do so now that this information has been provided to the Public Safety Committee. Judge Brown has requested that police department staff assist the court every two years to review the fine schedule for updates and/or revisions as needed. 2. Park R-3 School District MOU - The Police Department is in the process of renewing the Memorandum of Understanding with Park School District R-3 as it relates to the School Resource Officer (SRO). The School District is requesting that, in addition to his regular school day hours, SRO Jesse Reeves be available to attend evening and weekend activities, and to conduct training sessions for staff resulting in overtime pay costs of approximately $5,000 per year. The Town is requesting help with this overtime expense and Supt. of Schools Linda Chapman has included $5,000 in next year's School District draft budget to cover these overtime costs. Officer Reeves provided the Committee with a brief overview of duties he performs as SRO including law enforcement respbnsibilities, teaching classes K-12, and counseling students and referring them to appropriate agencies. There being no further business, Trustee Eisenlauer adjourned the meeting at 8:47 a.m. Cynthia Deals, Deputy Town Clerk RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town o f Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 7,2007 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 7th day of June 2007. Committee: Chairman Pinkham, Trustees Eisenlauer and Levine Attending: All Also Attending: Deputy Town Administrator Halburnt, Directors Pickering, Kilsdonk, Mitchell, Joseph and McFarland, Managers Marsh, and Winslow, Clerk Williamson, and Deputy Clerk Deats Absent None Chairman Pinkham called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU. HORSE SHOW CONTRACTS - REQUEST APPROVAL. The Special Events Department is requesting approval of agreements with the following organizations to host events at Stanley Park Fairgrounds: • Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Club Show - June 20 through June 24 • Team Penning (Top Hands Organization fundraising event) - July 7 and July 8 • Colorado Arabian Horse Club Show - June 30 through July 4 These events have all been held at the Fairgrounds in the past and will be conducted as in previous years. The Committee recommends approval of the agreements with the above mentioned organizations as presented. HERITAGE FESTIVAL STREET CLOSURE - REQUEST APPROVAL. The Heritage Festival is scheduled to be held on August 25 and August 26, 2007. Festival organizers are requesting the closure of MacGregor Avenue from Elkhorn Avenue (just past the bus turnout) to Park Lane from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on August 25th and from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. on August 26th. In addition, wagon rides will be conducted from MacGregor Avenue to Wonderview Avenue, down Elkhorn Avenue and back to MacGregor Avenue. Staff is requesting approval of the road closure and the operation of wagon rides during this event. Trustee Levine commented that if Bond Park is being used, care should be taken by event organizers to protect the turf and sprinkler heads from damage. Manager Winslow will speak to event organizers about this issue. Deputy Administrator Halburnt suggested damage deposits be considered for the use of Bond Park in the future. The Committee recommends approval of the road closure and operation of wagon rides during the Heritage Festival as outlined above. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. • CVB Marketing Committee • Public Relations • Stakeholder Services • Group Sales RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development - June 7,2007 - Page 2 MUSEUM/SENIOR CENTER SERVICES DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. • Museum Monthly Report • Senior Center General Report The Committee thanked Director Kilsdonk for coordinating and planning events during the visit by representatives from the Town's Sister City, Monteverde, Costa Rica. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. SIGN PERMIT FEE WAIVER - REQUEST APPROVAL. Department Policy provides an opportunity for any non-profit organization that supplies an important community service and/or fulfills a critical need, to request a fee waiver. The Estes Park Chamber of Commerce has requested a waiver of a $75.00 sign permit fee. Past examples of organizations receiving fee waivers include Habitat for Humanity (housing need) the Medical Center and Salud (health care). In this case, the need served is business promotion and support. While this is no doubt an important function, it does not appear on its face to fulfill a critical need. Thotigh staff does not recommend a waiver in this circumstance, it is within the authority of the Committee to waive the fee. Staff is unaware of any past waivers under similar circumstances. The Committee recomniends the $75.00 sign permit fee be waived for the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce, located at 140 Moraine Avenue. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION REQUEST APPROVAL. The Estes Park Housing Authority is applying for funding to the State Division of Housing through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for the purpose of conducting a Community Wide Housing Needs Assessment. The nature of CDBG funding requires the actual applicant to be a municipality, in this case, the Town of Estes Park, and the sub-applicant and administrator, the Estes Park Housing Authority. The Town will be required to pass a resolution for this application. The proposed Housing Needs Assessment will be a comprehensive study of'the housing situation in the Estes Park area, including the Park R-3 School District. A sample of items to be included' are: statistical analysis of housing costs, employer and employee surveys, current housing stock/availability, vacancy rates, housing problems and suggested solutions. The completed report will be a document available to all entities and to the public. Jack Dinsmoor, a member of the Estes Park Housing Authority Board, reiterated the need for this assessment stating that the last assessment was completed in 1996. The Committee concurs, and will recommend a resolution from the Town Board authorizing and supporting the Community Development Block Grant application. REPORTS. Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings. • Community Development Financial Report • Monthly Building Permit Summary Finance Director McFarland stated the financial report format had been changed to match reports that are being submitted to the Utilities Committee, and that upon approval, the report will be presented in this manner in the future. The Committee requested a change of wording on the report to identify "in-town services" and "out of RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development - June 7,2007 - Page 3 town services." Director Joseph stated that he has contacted three planning consultants who will be available on an outsource basis during Planner Chilcott's maternity leave. Applicants will have the option to pay for the outsourcing or submit applications upon Planner Chilcott's return. ADMINISTRATION. SPECIAL EVENT VENDOR LICENSING DISCUSSION. At the request of the Community Development Committee, Bo Winslow, Laurie Button, Jacquie Halburnt and Jackie Williamson met on April 19th to discuss special event vendor licensing. As a result of this meeting and research on the subject, the following is being proposed: * Definition: Special Event Vendor means any business, whether local or not, that sells or offers to sell to consumers any goods, wares or merchandise, in conjunction with a special event. * Special event organizer would obtain a General business license for the event ($200.00). * Fee Structure for Vendors Only: 1 day $ 10.00 2 days $ 15.00 3 days $ 20.00 4-7 days $ 25.00 8-30 days $ 50.00 +30 days $200.00 * Fee would be collected by the special event organizer and submitted to the Town Clerk's office with the fee deposited into the General Fund. Sales tax information for each vendor would be collected by the event organizer and submitted with the payment. + A license would be issued by the Clerk's office to be displayed at the booth/tent. The organizer would be responsible for delivering the licenses to the individual vendors and ensuring the license is displayed. There are approximately 16 special events held at the Fairgrounds, Bond Park and the Brewery parking lot with 536 vendors. Revenue is estimated at approximately $9,825.00, with a minimal cost associated with collecting and issuing the licenses once the associated database is in place, of $100.00 in materials per year. The Town Clerk's office requests consideration of the proposed special event vendor licensing proposal and fee schedule with specific code language to be adopted and in force prior to the 2008 season. Trustee Levine thanked those involved in creating the special event vendor fee schedule, calling it an equitable way to level the playing field between permanent business owners and transient vendors. The Committee approves of the fee structure and recommends staff develop the specific language to be reviewed at the August Committee meeting. Paul Fishman, owner of 14ers CaM, 116 E. Elkhorn Avenue, thanked the Committee for pursuing the licensing of special event vendors. There being no further business, Chairman Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 8:48 a.no. Cynthia Deats, Deputy Town Clerk TOWN Of [STES PARK Community Development Department Memo To: Honorable Mayor Baudek Board of Trustees Town Administrator Repola From: Alison Chilcott, Planner 11, and Bob Joseph, Community Development Director Date: June 7,2007 Re: The Promontory at Kiowa Ridge Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #1, Units 508,528,539 and 543 Promontory Dr., Lot 6, Mary's Lake Replat, Rock Castle Development Corp./Applicant Background. The applicant has submitted a supplemental condominium map application for The Promontory at Kiowa Ridge Condominiums. The property is located on Lot 6 of the Mary's Lake Replat and is zoned "A" Accommodations Highway Corridor. A total of twenty-two detached accommodations/residential units are proposed on the 8.6-acre lot. A final condominium map application was approved at the July 25, 2006 Town Board meeting to condominiumize the first three units. This map condominiumizes four additional units; fifteen remain to be condominiumized. Budget. of Lef, 2 I. $ I Quuot .4 Of Pri|li,ililif~y W·!19 Ad·, R•:Pt,1 1 ui-y s Lon, 5·2xdttinon None. 1 / r./. 4 file• P..k. C•unt' i..A a Po,tion W Sic#.04 2 Tow,wA* i A i·*14 Ranee 73 »c,0 of LA, Ch 3 0/ '•ark-. 9.I ./ C.e~d' i. i Action. . .ed• 9 . F / 73<0 I Approval of the final condominium .. m.0 -* Bf 34'. \34, map application with the following RV--=.- .Al/4/047$.t:\1£- conditions: .11>0\ 9 69 ..1 =L...Al 1. The applicant shall determine . .--- re<-r whether or not to show the Lot 4 ~ L.. ..=1 Klowl Or. concrete entryway to Unit 1 as an 1 LCE. , i .Ingle-Family 1 M M :M: h Kiowi Ridge Subd)vision 2. The applicant shall review the lienholder's statement for First National Bank. The reference to "Larimer County" in this statement may need to be revised to 'Weld County." ·9.2/19 Ulll TOWN j ESTES PARK Community Development Department Memo To: Honorable Mayor Baudek Board of Trustees Town Administrator Repola From: Alison Chilcott, Planner 11, and Bob Joseph, Community Development Director Date: June 7,2007 Re: Solitude 11 Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #6, Unit 7, Lot 2, Solitude Subdivision, Crystal Creek Development, Inc./Applicant Background. The applicant, Crystal Creek Development, Inc., has submitted a supplemental condominium map application for Solitude 11 Condominiums. This consists of one unit, Unit 7 on Lot 2, Solitude Subdivision, addressed 1880 Sketch Box Lane. The lot is zoned "A" Accommodations/Highway Corridor. The Town Board approved supplemental map #5 at the January 9,2007 Town Board meeting. Budget. None. - *) <. ESTES Action. 10 Approval of the supplemental \,21 STANLEY FISH V CREEK I _ 1 \ I. / / ZAa condominium map. 1»44 MANFORD AVE 1 - INLET L- /~1/,Lot 2 SCHOOLS t RANCH 8/01>E AVE SOLITUDE SUB. 18 HOLE GOLF 24 1 COURSE . VICINITY MAP /4 1 1" = 1,000' +/- TOWN Of ESTES PARK Community Development Department Memo To: Honorable Mayor Baudek Board of Trustees Town Administrator Repola From: Alison Chilcott, Planner It and Bob Joseph, Community Development Director Date: June 7,2007 Re: Shops at Riverwalk East Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #1, Unit 12, Shops at Riverwalk East Condominiums, Michael Figgs and Nancy Lederer/Applicant Background. This is a supplemental condominium map application to subdivide Unit 12, located on the second floor of the building, into two units, Unit 12A and 12B. The property is located at 356 East Elkhorn Avenue (US Highway 34) and is zoned "CD" Commercial Downtown. This application was routed to the Building Department for review and Will Birchfield, Chief Building Official, noted in his May 30,2007 memo, "There are existing building code violations of a life-safety nature. All such violations shall be abated prior to final approval of the Condominium Map." If the violations are not addressed within 60 days of Town Board approval of this application, the application shall become null and void and the map will not be recorded with the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder's Office. - 1 ......1 -t 1 i --,8020. /.i. 01 Budget. r :.1 0., None. v - - ) C *.r of, 84.4 4. 3 77.045 Action. 11-P...+Cl,H.ti..........1 2 1 Approval of the application *' 3 \ \89 vel====-22/-- 4 le 40 11, 4 -11 5---- e with the following ~1-- 3,\956-=•Af =il • SITE' ---*--t.Iiflgi"37\.. C \ conditions: \---©I--<Ti-rll i 1 -44- -- *0' F' 3 F,# 4 +0 8.1.,4 160·8.4 ii.,i,~iiiciR \~Ie,~.,J 1 J# ,* 4 ~r- 4 \ 1. Compliance with Will .6,1 4,\ jjuff>-1 -~er----16.1 2, \ \ ,0·r , £,77£~ PROSPEC,4,00·- pT e- -# 1. 0% 104 Birchfield's memo to ft i'*--0*11 -*- 1\.,0-Eslf- 5 *. 3.~~~ ~~~~ ~f s·*M,k.~,/ 6=144.#2 ~>»,I. --0Al• ~'' Alison Chilcott dated /5 ilzl__ 1 \ \ ' --- --- pIGzar'-,-s~~*N May 30,2007. ~ep,nee'.16 2. Compliance with Greg Sievers' email to Alison Chilcott dated May 29,2007. 3. Compliance with Mike Mangelsen's memo to Bob Goehring dated May 25,2007. 4. The vicinity map shall be to-scale at a scale of 1 inch = 1,200 feet or less. 5. The most current legal description for the property immediately to the east shall be provided on the condominium map (East Riverwalk Center Condominiums). 6. A 1/8th-inch hatching shall be provided around the perimeter of the lot. 7. East Elkhorn Avenue shall also be labeled as US Highway 34. 8. The dedication statement shall be consistent with the standard format in the Estes Valley Development Code and shall reference the recorded condominium map and declaration reception numbers. 9. The name of the condominium map shall be consistent in the title, the dedication statement, and the Surveyor's Certificate. 10. The distances and bearings shall be clarified. Note #2 states that "all bearings and distances shown hereon are actual and as platted." However, in a number of other locations on the map different actual verses piatted distances and bearings are provided. • Page 2 Rocky Mountain National Park Fact Sheet June 2007 Title: Wilderness Recommendation for Rocky Mountain National Park Status/Background: • In 1964, Congress designated Rocky Mountain National Park as a wilderness study area. In 1974, President Nixon recommended to Congress 239,835 acres for immediate designation and 5,169 acres for potential designation as wilderness in the park. Congress has not acted on that proposal. • Per National Park Service policy, all parklands that have been formally recommended for wilderness will be managed to preserve wilderness A-, 11 3 6 - 16* - - 1- 1 resources and character until the legislative process of wilderness *-3 421't- - ' 17 £,. 1 designation has been completed. lilli-1.3 --/2.!1. --1,4*L~i • Present road, water, and utility corridors, and all developed areas, are 1.- 4. 1...4 > 1 , 1-4.E .31. excluded from recommended wilderness. Wilderness designation would &4 44~- - j, - -40-~2141• not alter any current visitor activities or access within Rocky Mountain t_ - Ul - 1 National Park, and would allow visitors to utilize the park in the same ~' ' 1~ -4 1 %4 0 '94 17 1-19* /02 ways and locations that they presently enjoy. 1 ~ 4;' - :£41,0 11 • Federal reserved water rights for park purposes are not an issue related to L 4 4-1 d -4-81 wilderness designation. Water rights for the park have been adjudicated r 7 - through the State of Colorado water courts. Consequently, no water rights claims for wilderness purposes are needed or desired by the National Park Service. • The gateway communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake, and the three Colorado counties that encompass the park (Larimer, Grand, and Boulder) have endorsed wilderness designation for Rocky Mountain National Park. - f 7. r • In the 109th Congress, the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing in r April 2006 on S. 1510, introduced by U. S. Senator Ken Salazar. The Department of .:+ the Interior supported S. 1510 if amended to reflect the proposals made by local communities for boundary modifications in the Grand Lake area. S.1510 did not pass in the 109th Congress. €1~ 20 0 In May 2007, S.1380 and H.R.2334, - , b.*;.. 5.t ~Or i,raff legislation to designate as wilderness , 44.~~e~~ 1.24§1,~ iii~ i:i ::: certain land within Rocky Mountain bzu. * 4 ' ad.-'- ~ 4 1 4 1 National Park and to adjust the boundaries ofthe Indian ir -34-I *P 0 A 1- 1 1. -7 ket %- Peaks Wilderness and the Arapaho National Recreation •4, Area of the Arapaho National Forest, were introduced by ~~~4~'Z' ~~I„ Il, Senator Ken Salazar, with Senator Wayne Allard as 1#.99 1 1 cosponsor, and by Representative Mark Udall, with -! Representatives Marilyn Musgrave, Ed Perlmutter and - --/ b- ...~111 4 John Salazar as cosponsors. The proposed legislation li--9/t would include approximately 249,339 acres within Rocky _..11 #53:= 2,"65,3 ~01 0 Mountain National Park in the National Wilderness Preservation System. • The proposed legislation includes provisions about liability and operation of the Grand River Ditch. As drafted, it would require an agreement between the National Park Service and the dtich's owners on operations and maintenance of the ditch, and specify that the strict liability standard of the Park Resources Protection Act (which now applies to any damage to f ., pi/MI park resources) would not apply so long as the ditch was operated and maintained in Z~;ht~,~ accordance with the agreement. The owners of the ditch would remain liable for damage to park resources caused by negligence or intentional acts. The bill would not affect any liability for damage to park resources occuring before the bill's enactment.. The bill would not restrict any activity relating to monitoring, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, or use of the ditch that was authorized or approved by the National Park Service as of the date of the bill's enactment. Use of water carried by the ditch for a purpose other than irrigation would not adversely affect the ditch's right-of-way. ~ • The proposed legislation would require the National Park Service to identify an ~~4"61£4~0** alignment for a bicycle trail within the East Shore Trail Area that would be excluded from the wilderness. The NPS would decide whether to authorize construction of the trail following its normal planning process. In the interim, lands in the East Shore Trail Area would continue to be managed to maintain the option of its being designated as wilderness in the future. • The proposed legislation would adjust the boundaries of the ,- Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Arapaho National 4/ 211.· Jrptu Recreation Area so as to reduce the recreation area by about k Z f..,ZIE#6 54*EBNW"51IM4M 1,000 acres and increase the wilderness area by about 1,000 ~~J.-,6-d.&~~~~-~1~~~~ acres. :9.2.Mil-=-1~I • The proposed legislation would allow the National Park ~501§1~/ Service to lease the Leiffer tract, a parcel of federal land -~~ located outside the park boundary but managed by the 2.1*Q:-:Li~ 6-=~ National Park Service that includes an historic cabin and several other buildings. Any lease would be under an Leiffer cabin existing law that requires leased property to be used for activities consistent with the purposes of the park and compatible with National Park Service programs. Rocky Mountain National Park . Fact Sheet May 2007 Title: Bark Beetles in the Genus Dendroctonus and Ips Bark beetles are native insects that have shaped the forests of North America for thousands of years. The effects of bark beetles are especially evident in recent years in and around Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) with a severe epidemic of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) occurring in Grand County. Over the last eight years, mountain pine beetles have killed most of the large diameter lodgepole pine trees in outbreak areas within Grand County. In some areas, mountain pine beetles have attacked trees as small as three inches in diameter. Additionally, beetle-caused mortality on the east side of the park within Larimer and Boulder counties appears to be on the increase. ./ t.' Natural History i , JlFa6@ell. t- • Bark beetles range from Canada to Mexico and can be found at elevations from sea * ~ level to 11,000 feet. i.all"A • There are 17 native species of bark beetles in the family Dendroctonus and Ips known to occur in RMNP that have evolved with the local forest ecosystem. 4M1Mit Periodic outbreaks o f native bark beetles have occurred throughout the history o f the J -F ·, park. Though bark beetles cause a substantial loss of trees, they are recognized as part of "natural conditions." Preservation of natural conditions is specifically The adult Mountain Pine Beetle, mentioned within the park's enabling legislation. In the park's backcountry, which Dendroctonus comprises about 95% of the park, bark beetle populations are allowed to fluctuate ponderosae, \s under natural processes. In addition, there is no effective means of controlling a about the size of a large beetle outbreak in such a vast area. In the remaining 5% of the park, which grain of rice. Its includes areas such as roadways, campgrounds, visitor centers, employee housing, strong jaws can picnic areas and historic sites, bark beetles are actively managed to protect high- chew through bark. USDA Forest Sexvice Region 4 Archives, USDA Forest service. value trees. High-value trees are important for shade, visual screening, cultural significance, and outstanding visual quality. Also within this area, the park removes beetle-killed trees that could topple and pose a threat to public safety, employee safety or property. • Dendroctonus species bark beetles generally attack trees June through August but can attack trees starting in April all the way into September. Female bark beetles F seek live green trees and typically attack on the lower 30 feet o f the trunk. Females initiate a "mass attack" on a tree by means o f a pheromone (a message-bearing chemical) that attracts mates and other females. During an attack, the adult beetles fr- 121'll:,0//1 i will seek cracks and crevasses between bark plates where they bore through the bark to gain access to the phloem (or vascular system) of the tree. Once they've 11 -4 entered the tree, the beetles will bore tunnels (or galleries) within the phloem where they will lay their eggs. An individual female may lay in excess of 100 eggs. Following egg hatch, larvae feed in the phloem layer of the tree. Beetle eggs hatch <Ilf-~ 0 - in the fall and the larvae will spend approximately 8 months feeding within the 1,41111= , 11 tree before trans forming into pupae. Emergence of new adults can begin in mid- June, where they will once again repeat this process. Under normal circumstances, beetles attack large diameter trees, usually over eight inches, but in severe Ponderosa Pine with epidemics, trees as small as three inches maybe attacked. pitch tubes • An infected tree will have pitch tubes on its trunk and boring dust (frass) at the base ofthe tree. Sometimes the tree will be successful in repelling or "pitching out" beetles and beetles are occasionally found imbedded in a pitch out. Solely relying on pitch tubes to determine if a tree contains live beetles is not always reliable. Frass found at the base of a tree that contains pitch tubes indicates beetles were successful in entering the tree, and it is very likely the tree will succumb to the beetle attack. Removing a small piece o f bark at a pitch tube to check for live beetles or larvae in bore tunnels can be done to veri fy i f beetles are present. • A key part o f this cycle is the transmission of blue stain fungi (Ceratocystis). Spores of these fungi are carried from infested trees to healthy trees by the bark beetles. Fungi growing within the tree and the galleries constructed by the beetles interfere with the tree' s ability to transmit water and nutrients from the roots to the crown and contributes to tree mortality. Current Situation • The acreage of bark beetle infestations within RMNP has increased significantly in Grand County and is increasing in Larimer and Boulder counties. As of 2006,37,800 acres within the park have individual or large groups of dead trees 4 , i : ~. : p + ~ :10, 11 .. with some areas of old growth lodgepole pine showing almost a 1- ~-2-' -4- F J * - 1 114!F - f J:il 100% mortality rate. Drought conditions, mild winters, dwarf - IL - rt 1 1 1, mistletoe infestations, and dense late seral mature forest stands 0. 3 ' 1' 4 - tr~ t' I~ have contributed to the outbreak. . I L# i~% 1 1 . • Several species of bark beetles are presently killing lodgepole -I + pine, ponderosa pine, limber pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir and Colorado blue spruce. It is anticipated that large numbers 4tdiMbell"da of old growth trees in the park will succumb to bark beetles in the . - next decade. . '.1- - - -- I Beetle-killed lodgepole pine trees near • Bark beetles are part of the natural processes that occur within the Grand Lake national park and beetle-killed trees do provide benefits to the Pholooourteay/Debbie Mason ecosystem, including habitat for woodpeckers and other cavity nesting birds, and providing woody debris in aquatic habitats that benefit fish. • Although part of a natural process, beetle-killed trees can threaten the safety of the public and park employees and can cause property damage if weakened trees topple. Also, beetle-killed trees contribute to forest fuels that can modify wildland fire behavior. Management Approach • A Bark Beetle Management Plan for RMNP was approved in July 2005. The management plan allows bark beetles to continue their natural li fe cycle in backcountry areas o f the park. In developed areas o f the park, the following Integrated Pest Management Techniques are being used: 1. Sanitation: Removal of trees containing live beetles in high priority areas when populations of beetles are low, and destroying the beetle in alllife forms by burning. Burning techniques used in the park include pile burning or using an air curtain burner. 2. Insecticide: The goal of insecticide application is not to kill bark beetles but to repel them and prevent them from attacking healthy trees. Sevin® Brand XLR plus Carbaryl will be used as a repellant to protect high value trees in areas such as campgrounds, housing areas, picnic areas, historic sites and other public use areas. The insecticide is applied using a sprayer mounted on a truck or All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and is applied only to the trunks of individual high-value trees. 3. Hazard Tree Removal: Beetle-killed trees that pose a hazard will be removed to protect employee and visitor safety. Examples include tree removal at the Timber Creek, Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds. 4. Pheromone Packets: Anti-aggregation pheromones such as Verbenone may be effective where attacks are likely. However, a literature search and consultation with USDA Forest Service entomologists revealed that the pheromone is not effective in severe epidemics. No pheromone packets were used in 2006. 5. Education and outreach: RMNP will continue to work with park neighbors, both public and private, as the ~ outbreak continues and in the years ahead as we deal with the long term consequences. Work Accomplished in 2006 ~ RMNI? spent over $100,000 managing bark beetles in developed areas of the park. The following work was completed: • Sanitation: Approximately 600 trees containing live beetles were removed from the Colorado River District at the housing and utility area, around the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Green Mountain housing area, Timber Creek campground, and Holzwarth Ranch. Trees were hauled to the Pontiac Pit within the park and pile burned or burned in an air curtain / 7 -11 burner. The park uses an air curtain burner to reduce smoke emissions. A total of 50 beetle infested trees were removed from developed J i - IT 'ill 1 X q A 1 -lia: . I. areas on the east side o f the park and pile burned. -J,7 1 *-1 -44 1 1,1 6 41 • Insecticide: 1,000 high-value trees in the Colorado River District and ILM * 4 12 -8-+11-p -0 '' u,•,SC'~ 100 trees on the east side of the park were sprayed with Carbaryl in ~-- 1 - .. . =min- M May. Trees that were sprayed in 2006 were not attacked by bark ..../24*. -.9 4.0 47 beetles. - I - /!.2. i k .1 - - - 11-:63 glk= • Hazard Tree Removal: Approximately 200 hazard trees were huc _ 4% -. removed from developed areas ofthe park. Many of the trees were Air curtain burner previously killed by bark beetles. • Assessment: Aerial and ground surveys indicate that bark beetles in the Colorado River District are still at epidemic levels and are significantly increasing on the east side of the park. Work Plan for 2007 • RMNP's budget for bark beetle management in 2007 is $167,000. As in 2006, sanitation, spraying high-value trees with an insecticide, hazard tree removal and assessment work will continue but at a larger scale due to more areas of the park being impacted. For example, work is escalating in the backeountry of the park removing hazard trees from backeountry campsites and fallen bark beetle killed trees from trails. The park is also developing a seven year comprehensive strategic plan for bark beetle management for anticipated work through 2013. • High value trees around visitor centers, entrance stations, trailheads, historic sites, picnic areas, campgrounds and employee housing were selected by park staff for insecticide application. For continued protection, trees must be sprayed each year until the epidemic has subsided. Park staff consulted with entomologists from the USDA Forest Service Forest Health Management office in Lakewood, Colorado. That office will notify park staff when the epidemic has subsided to the point that insecticide spraying can be suspended. • Spraying in the Colorado River District and the east side o f the park has been completed. About 2,800 high- value trees in the Colorado River District and 1,800 trees on the east side o f the park were treated this year. Resources Management will monitor the bark beetle outbreak this summer to determine management strategies for the fall and into 2008. Areas that were treated are signed. • Hazard trees will continue to be removed from the above mentioned areas, as deemed necessary. As in 2006, hazard trees will be identified and removed by park employees. • Sanitation will continue at the Holzwarth Historic Site and within areas on the east side of the park. • The park has issued Special Use Permits to Mountain Parks Electric and Grand County to clear hazardous beetle-infested and beetle-killed trees along the power line rights-of-way and county roads that traverse the park near Grand Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park ~ Fact Sheet June 2007 Title: Proposed 2008 West Side Projects Status/Background: Two projects are proposed for the 2008 fiscal year along Trail Ridge Road on the west side ofRocky Mountain National Park. Primary Power Line Rehabilitation from Grand Lake Entrance to Timber Creek Campground An existing overhead power line traverses the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side o f Rocky Mountain National Park from the Grand Lake Entrance to the Timber Creek Campground. This power line is approximately 50 years old, in poor condition, and frequently requires repair. Repairs create inconvenient power outages to park and private residences served. · The overhead power line currently passes through ~ ' thick stands of lodgepole pine and meadows of tall, dense grasses. The danger of broken or arcing ..0 . i electrical lines is an immediate and serious fire and . ~ I. •..6- life safety threat to nearby private homes and *P. , 11+ i 1 14, ...h.-fl. residents, park visitors and staff, and to park natural 1 11. 1 -1-4.,1 . ...4-4.» 4 14111+11,14+1. -1,1,11 11 .'·'•3 - and cultural resources. · ~• · The existing overhead power line is a conspicuous intrusion on the viewshed in this beautiful valley . #/3 i b :b.440//4114, · f.w:, through which the Colorado River flows. ..1...w.1: ?.d~i/6.. li" Power lines in the Kawuneeche Valley • The proposed project would remove 6.6 miles of overhead power lines and poles from the park, reclaim and revegetate the vacated easement, and return it to its natural condition. The overhead power lines would be replaced with new underground primary electrical service installed within the Highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road) right-of-way to serve affected facilities. Conduit for the power line and telephone cables would be buried in the road shoulder, which would be smoothed and rehabilitated after trenching. • Completion of this project would nearly eliminate the threat of electrical line-caused wildland fire, significantly reduce power outages to staff and visitors, and restore the viewshed. · The project was screened for National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 compliance by an interdisciplinary team and found to have negligible effect on resources. • Work would take place in the road shoulder with minor road delays due to flagging around the trenching machine. This project would be coordinated with the resurfacing project (described below) to minimize delays. This project would be funded through the Line Item Construction Program, through which funds are directly appropriated from Congress and specified in the National Park Service budget. • This project would be done by contract in conjunction with Mountain Parks Electric and Qwest. Resurface Trail Ridge Road from West Park Boundary to Colorado River Trailhead • A routine mill, pulverize and overlay project has been proposed for ten miles of Trail Ridge Road from the west park boundary to the Colorado River Trailhead. • This project would include sub-excavation to repair the -..I.-0 t.w« failed road foundation and then resurface the road. , I :12<2~2>. 1 · This project is considered routine work and would not EKi#l -i' j' 2 1 1%44,tij - -f€, - E -aupt#'al include the extensive type of repair that is happening -B- it . .Prjubl on Trail Ridge Road during the summer of 2007. .ill#HZ, f Rtivt#f#.Il This project would be funded through the Federal Lands Highway Program. I'llihty- i l:~ , 3.,_ 26%:~1 Work would take place from June 1 through August FC:13*.. 64 *15.27€11 2008, and would be done by contractors. .4. 4. 7- • Minor road delays would be anticipated and the project would take place in conjunction with the power line Trail Ridge Road in the Kawuneeche Valley project described above. Rocky Mountain National Park Fact Sheet June 6,2007 Title: Elk and Vegetation Management Plan Current Status: • The Draft Elk and Vegetation Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Rocky Mountain National Park was released on April 24,2006. The plan identifies and assesses various management alternatives and related environmental impacts relative to managing elk and their habitat in the park. The plan, using adaptive management principles, will guide park management for the next 20 years. o Approximately 1300 substantive comments were submitted on the draft plan. Comments were received on all of the alternatives including lethal reduction, predator (wolf) reintroduction, fertility control, redistribution, and vegetation restoration. In addition, comments were received in support o f public hunting in the park, which was addressed as an alternative that was considered but eliminated from further consideration (see below). Concern was also expressed about the high cost of the alternatives, including the preferred alternative. • In July, 2006, the Colorado Wildlife Commission passed a resolution encouraging the National Park Service to consider using a public hunt to reduce the herd. • In February, 2007, Representative Mark Udall introduced H.R. 1179 which would allow the National Park Service (NPS) to use licensed hunters as volunteers or under contract to assist in implementation of the plan. Senator Allard introduced the Senate version of the bill (S. 917) on March 19, 2007. • Culling is the primary conservation tool that is being considered for lethal reduction of the herd. See below LA for discussion of culling vs. hunting. • The NPS is currently developing the final plan/EIS (FEIS) after evaluating public comment. Elements from all of the alternatives are still under consideration for inclusion in the final plan. • As part of the development o f the final plan, the costs of the various options are being recalculated to re fleet updated information. The focus o f public comment was on the cost o f the herd reduction activities (culling). In the final plan, the cost of implementing the alternatives including lethal reduction (culling) will be lower than in the DEIS. Other costs include vegetation restoration (fencing), redistribution of the herd, and monitoring to determine if objectives are being met. • The cost o f lethal reduction (culling) in the draft preferred alternative was estimated to be on average $478,000 per year over the 20 year life of the plan. This was because the park was proposing to remove as many as 700 animals per year for the first four years in order to reduce impacts on the winter range as quickly as possible. In addition, the costs in the draft plan were based on the work being done by contract rather than agency or tribal personnel. • Other alternatives in the DEIS proposed a slower rate of reduction and use of agency or tribal personnel. Revised cost estimates for the lethal reduction portion of the final plan are anticipated to range between $95,000 and $185.000 range per year over the life of the plan. It is anticipated that these costs can be covered within the existing fiscal capacity of the Service. • The number of animals removed and the costs will vary each year based on annual population surveys and hunter success outside the park. The level of management action that would be taken to control the population size would be adjusted annually based on the current population level estimates. Based on adaptive management, management actions to control the population would not be taken if the population size was within the range specified within the final plan. • The FEIS is currently scheduled for release in late summer or fall 2007 with a Record of Decision to follow. Background Information: • What is the difference between hunting and culling? Hunting can be used as a conservation tool, but also includes a recreational experience and the elements of fair chase and personal take of the meat. Hunters are licensed by the state fish and game agency. Hunting is administered by the state fish and game agency. Areas of the park would need to be closed to visitor use while hunting was taking place. The NPS would need to absorb the costs of managing hunters, visitors and the media during a hunt. Culling is used as a conservation tool to reduce populations that have exceeded the carrying capacity of their habitat. As opposed to hunting, culling is done under very controlled circumstances in order to minimize impacts on park operations, visitors, private inholdings and neighbors. Culling is also an efficient and humane way to reduce herds of animals that are habituated to the presence of humans. Culling is not recreation and does not incorporate the concept of fair chase. Culling is done by agency staff, tribal personnel, contractors and/or authorized agents of the managing agency. The personnel doing the shooting will be responsible for killing and processing several animals in any session. Meat from culling operations will be tested for chronic wasting disease and can be donated to eligible recipients pursuant to applicable public health guidelines. Short term road closures (a few hours most likely early in the morning) would be implemented while culling activity is ongoing. • Why was public hunting considered but dismissed as an alternative? Hunting is prohibited in the park by statute. In 1929, Congress prohibited hunting within the limits of Rocky Mountain National Park. Using public hunting within the park as a tool to manage the elk population raises several issues: 1) It would significantly change the visitor experience in the park. Visitors expect to be able to come to Rocky Mountain National Park and not encounter hunters. 2) It would require a change in the law that has been in place in the park since 1929. 3) It would significantly displace the existing recreational use o f park visitors and would compromise visitor safety. Park managers favor the use of specially trained park staff or other qualified agency/tribal personnel to reduce the elk herds under conditions that will minimize the impacts on park operations, visitors, private inholdings and neighbors. There is 90 years o f expectations that recreational activities can take place in Rocky Mountain National Park without interference from hunting. Rocky Mountain National Park receives 3 million visitors annually. Given its proximity to Denver and other Front Range communities, it is in many ways an "urban" park and receives visitation year round. Hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and skiing in the backcountry are very popular activities along with sightseeing and wildlife viewing along the park's roadways. The NPS recognizes that public hunting is an important wildlife management tool and recreational activity in Colorado. Currently, hunting is permitted on approximately 98% of the federal lands in Colorado, including lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S . Bureau of Land Management, and numerous national wildlife refuges throughout the state. Further, the NPS recognizes and supports the Colorado Division of Wildlife's management of wildlife in areas outside and adjacent to the park though hunting. • Can authorized agents (volunteers) be used in a culling operation? While the NPS has broad legal authority to use volunteers in a variety of capacities in national parks (including culling), we have not contemplated using volunteers in this manner in the past due to the high risk nature of the activity. All volunteers in parks are covered by workers' compensation should they be injured while volunteering. In addition, the federal government is liable for any injury or property damage caused by volunteers. Volunteers require supervision and coordination by park staff, so while they are not paid a salary, their services are not free to the sponsoring agency. This issue has implications for the entire National Park System; thus, a policy decision on whether it would ~ be appropriate to use authorized agents in a culling operation is being developed at the headquarters office in Washington, DC. • What public involvement has there been in the development of the plan? Over the last four years there has been extensive public involvement and media coverage concerning this issue. Throughout the development o f the plan, the National Park Service has extensively consulted with the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Grand County, the Town of Grand Lake, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. In 2002, a decade's worth of elk research findings were released through a variety of public presentations. In 2003 and 2004, public meetings occurred in Estes Park, Loveland, Boulder, and Grand Lake. In 2003, the public meetings discussed issues and concerns before beginning the planning process. In 2004, the public meetings focused on presenting draft management alternatives. In April of 2006, the DEIS was released detailing five alternatives, including one preferred alternative. The public was strongly encouraged to send their comments on the DEIS and the comment period lasted through July. • Is this just a park issue? No. It's a regional issue. During the winter (October to May) these elk are concentrated on the east side of the park and adjacent public and private land in and around the Town of Estes Park. Any action taken inside the park will affect adjoining lands and neighbors as will any action taken outside the park affect park lands. Cooperation among the park, local communities, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and U.S. Forest Service is thus essential in managing the herd. RESOLUTION NO. 7-07 WHEREAS, the Town of Estes Park, Colorado, recognizes the valuable services provided by the Estes Park Housing Authority within the community; and WHEREAS, the Town of Estes Park is a community that supports all of its residents, in all income brackets and is a community that strives to continually meet the changing needs of its citizens; and WHEREAS, we recognize the importance of housing for our year round workforce, our seasonal workforce, our young families and our senior citizens; and WHEREAS, a Housing Needs Assessment is needed for the Town to remain competitive in the resort community arena and to provide data to serve our current and future community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK, COLORADO that the Board of Trustees hereby supports the Estes Park Housing Authority in their application for a Community Development Block Grant for the funding of a community wide Housing Needs Assessment and herby authorizes the Mayor to execute grant application documents. INTRODUCED, READ, AND PASSED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK on this day of ,2007 TOWN OF ESTES PARK, COLORADO Mayor ATTEST: Town Clerk