HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 01-29-2007 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 29, 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 29th day of
January, 2007.
Committee: Mayor Baudek, Trustees Blackhurst, Eisenlauer, Homeier,
Levine, Newsom and Pinkham
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Attorney White, Administrator Repola, Utilities Director
Goehring, Project Manager Mangelsen and Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
UTILITIES FINANCIAL PLAN
Sara Clark/HDR reviewed the current plant conditions at Glacier Creek and Mary’s Lake
Water treatment facilities and the options for retrofitting and expanding the capacity of
the Mary’s Lake facility to meet new regulations. Trustee Blackhurst questioned the use
of 20+ year old demand data and requested a new demand study be conducted prior to
making any decisions. Further discussion was heard regarding water rights, the current
state of the Glacier Creek facility, co-op with YMCA for use of their facility as a back up,
use of mothballed Fall River Plant (not a viable option due to high turbidity), the design
and construction schedule, implications of only running one plant with no redundancy in
the system.
Water Financials
Cil Pierce/HDR reviewed the current town financial and rate-setting policies, present
financial plans, findings, and results, and reviewed rate recommendations. HDR is
recommending rates increase by 5.6%/year through 2013; however, it is recommended
that the utility look at a rate study in 2010 after the new water treatment facility is built
and operated for 1 year. This could provide information on future rates to meet
depreciation.
Discussion followed regarding rates as compared to demand, review capital
improvements, review water tap fees and reclassify as capital, Phase I is mandatory to
meet new regulations, review water rights and determine if rights should be sold, and
lease unused water rights. Administrator Repola stated a review of the comprehensive
plan could establish the potential growth of the community and potential future demands
on the utilities.
Dir. Goehring stated this plan is conservative and takes into account the worst case
scenario. The proposal for tap fee increases and a proposed method for informing the
public of the project and the phasing will be presented at the Utilities Committee.
Design and construction management will be presented at the March Utilities
Committee.
Light and Power Financials
Cil Pierce/HDR discussed a proposed rate change from 2.0% to 2.5% through 2013 that
would generate working capital of 30%; however, a fund balance of 90 days O&M would
not yet be established. It was agreed to move this item to the Utilities Committee for
approval of the 2.5% change with a note to provide information to the citizens that the
upgrades will provide a reliable system with built in redundancy.
Town Board Study Session – January 29, 2007 – Page 2
General Fund & Community Reinvestment Fund
Cil Pierce/HDR reported the fund balance will decline from $1.032 million in 2007 to
$651,000 in 2013, and the fund balance would dip below 500,000 in 2012 with planned
expenditures at the Stanley Park fairground. HDR proposes the Town consider outside
funds for the completion of the Stanley Park Master Plan or defer capital projects,
increase revenue or reduce operating expenses.
FIRE DISTRICT
Attorney White reported that he and Chief Dorman have discussed options the Town
may want to consider due to the defeat of the Fire Protection District at the General
Election this past fall. Fire protection in the Other Protection Area (OPA) is the
responsibility of the County and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. Therefore, Attorney
White recommends the Town enter into discussions with the County to discuss future
protection in the OPA. It was agreed that Administrator Repola, Attorney White and
Mayor Baudek would meet with County Administrator Lancaster to discuss the future
protection of the OPA and possible funding scenarios.
MARKETING DISTRICT
Administrator Repola provided an update on the status of the bill in the legislature. This
bill would allow a statutory town to exceed the state sales tax cap. If approved,
statutory towns will be allowed to impose a sales tax on lodging of up to 2% subject to
voter approval.
There being no further business, Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk