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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session Budget Meeting 10-22-2004 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, October 22, 2004 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TOWN BOARD BUDGET STUDY SESSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 22nd day of October, 2004. Committee: Mayor Baudek, Trustees Doylen, Habecker, Jeffrey-Clark, Levine, Newsom (delayed) and Pinkham Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Repola, Clerk O’Connor Absent: None Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. 2005-2006 BUDGET PRESENTATION – RELATED FUNDS, ENTERPRISE FUNDS, AND OTHER FUNDS. C.V.B. SPECIAL REVENUE FUND. Bus. Dev. Dir. Pickering reviewed the following accounts:  Economic Development. PRPA;s economic contributions, historically between $9-12,000, have been expended on housing, studies, and the like. These funds are not a yearly entitlement; however, should funding be received in 2005, staff is interested in conducting an Intercept Study.  CVB. Staff anticipates replacing the carpet at the Conference Center in either 2005 or 06. The current carpet is fifteen years old (original).  Communications. Comm. Dir. Marsh reviewed major changes that were initiated with creation of the CVB.  Visitors Center. Dir. Marsh reviewed this new line item and specific line item dollar amount may be amended due to the newness of this department. Staff assured the Board that budget estimates have addressed anticipated needs and sufficient funding levels are being proposed.  Group Sales. This area has been expanded to market not only the conference center, but the entire community as well. Table-top and stand-alone advertising displays will be presented to the Community Development Committee.  Special Events. Discussion was heard on:  Chamber of Commerce not sponsoring the “Celebrate Estes” weekend this year and how the CVB could assist other groups to fill the void;  Annual July 4th Fireworks Display .  Rooftop Rodeo Prize Money Funding – potential mandatory increase issued to all PRCA rodeos  Elkfest  New event potential at the new Visitors Center parking lots.  Vehicle replacement methodology.  Taking an active role in filming of the Rooftop, Scottish Festival and Christmas Parades to build a film inventory. Dir. Pickering confirmed that the CVB’s role is to facilitate businesses and/or groups find a solution if/when they have other interests, ie, the Chamber of Commerce has opted not to sponsor the Celebrate Estes Town Board Budget Study Session – October 22, 2004 – Page 2 Weekend in December this year. Should a group be interested in assuming responsibility for this event, the CVB would facilitate discussion and work toward finding a solution. COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT. Public Works Director Linnane reviewed the budget comments for this Town- wide fund; highlights include:  Stanley Park storm drainage, new facilities, and remodeling of the grandstands  Visitors Center building and parking. Consensus was reached to increase the budget estimate to $870,000, and discussion followed on funding estimates for the north and south parking lots and the possibility of funding assistance from EPURA.  Fall River Picnic Grounds improvements (2 phases; future improvements could include an open-air shelter, trail connection, vault toilet and access). The site would be available for community usage via a permit with associated modest fee.  Streets. This fund was lowered to fund the above-referenced building construction projects. The Public Works Committee will consider amending the “Pavement Index” standard. Discussion was heard on the E. Elkhorn mid-block crosswalk (at the corner of MacGregor Ave. and E. Elkhorn Ave.) and consensus was reached to retain the project’s budget estimate that will be refined during a Public Works Committee meeting.  Miscellaneous. Spillway at the Scott Ave. ponds (State-required maintenance), Post Office Parking Lot Rehab Project, and Communications Tower (budgeted in the Light and Power and Water budgets). Staff was directed to include phasing numbers in the budget, i.e., Phase I of IV. LARIMER COUNTY OPEN SPACE FUND. Larimer County remits funding from their ¼% sales tax to this fund and it is utilized for walkways and trails. Staff anticipates completion of the Fish Creek Trail to Hwy. 7 in 2006. Director Kilsdonk will confirm whether plans are underway for preservation of the “ruins” located at the Knoll-Willows area. CONSERVATION TRUST FUND. The fund balance is being maintained for the possibility of a future soccer field, etc. Mayor Baudek announced a recess at 9:54 a.m.. Mayor Baudek reconvened the meeting at 10:07 a.m. WATER FUND. Dir. Linnane reviewed budget comments, and highlights include:  The 2004 Financial Plan recommended 2.9% annual rate increases in years 2005 through 2008.  Marys Lake Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project (financing options—bonding or funding in-house).  Communication Tower, $150,000. BOR/Homeland Security has directed the Town to remove their facilities from the federal tower. The site is leased from the Heron Family.  MIOX Technology System (chlorine gas).  Water Pipe Replacement Projects. Town Board Budget Study Session – October 22, 2004 – Page 3  Emergency Power Generators (donated by the Trail Ridge Store; will be retrofitted on a truck and used for emergency power at the water plants). LIGHT & POWER FUND. Director Linnane reviewed the fund, noting the following budget highlights:  Rate Increase Study = 3.9% increase, effective 1/1/05 through 2008.  Financial Plan modified.  Buell Porter Christmas Display Refurbishing Project  Cash Flow Analysis  Vehicle Replacement Policy. Staff was commended for the detail provided to the Town Board. MUSEUM SPECIAL REVENUE FUND. Dir. Kilsdonk noted that Light and Power Subsidies were deleted in the 2005 budget; personnel levels were increased pursuant to a grant; and a typical year is expected. The fund balance target is being reduced to 5%. The Town Board authorized the elimination of admission fees; however, the Dept. is retaining the donation box. The Friends contributed toward expansion upgrades and they have committed funding through 2006. Staff continues to promote visitation with the Senior Center. SENIOR CENTER SPECIAL REVENUE FUND. Mgr. Mitchell reviewed the fund, County funding assistance, and candidate search for a part-time assistant. Senior Center, Inc. has validated their 2005-06 funding contributions under their control. As previously requested, Finance Officer Brandjord distributed copies of employee level trends and fuel cost histories. MISCELLANEOUS. Pledge of Allegiance Recital at Town Board Meetings. Mayor Baudek requested this item be discussed to ascertain Trustee opinions on whether recital should or should not be continued. Board members expressed their opinions, and consensus was reached to continue reciting the Pledge of Allegiance until further notification by the Mayor. The next Budget Study Session is scheduled October 29th, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. There being no further business, Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 11:52 a.m. Vickie O’Connor, CMC, Town Clerk