HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2008-06-10 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 10, 2008
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION of
the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town
Hall in Rooms 201/202/203 in said Town of Estes Park on the 10th day of
June, 2008.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Trustees Blackhurst, Eisenlauer, Ericson,
Homeier, Levine and Miller
Attending: Mayor Pinkham, Trustees Blackhurst, Eisenlauer, Ericson,
Homeier and Miller.
Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator
Richardson, Town Attorney White and Town Clerk
Williamson
Absent: Trustee Levine
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
REVIEW PETITION PROCESS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS),
WHAT WAS PRESENTED TO BUSINESSES.
Administrator Halburnt reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that were
presented to the petitioners and approved by the Community Development Committee
in December 2007. After review of the questions, Attorney White has stated they are
not legally binding. FAQ #8 states the Town would continue to fund the salaries of the
CVB staff if the LMD is passed. Administrator Halburnt would like to discuss the issue
further with the Board and determine whether or not there would be a point in time the
LMD would take over compensation for staff.
Trustee Eisenlauer and Blackhurst stated the money raised by the LMD should be used
for the cost of marketing and advertising, and was never intended to supplant salaries of
the CVB staff. The LMD should increase the Town’s advertising budget and General
Fund money saved should be used for capital improvements. Trustee Miller agreed the
Town should continue to pay for staff salaries for the initial five year term of the
proposed Intergovernmental Agreement and then reevaluate.
Discussion followed regarding the staffing of the LMD and whether or not the CVB staff
would work for the Town or for the LMD. It was suggested the LMD could hire the CVB
staff to perform the necessary work related to marketing and advertising. Questions
were raised as to who would have oversight of the CVB staff; what happens if the staff
does not perform to the satisfaction of the LMD; and how would it be addressed.
Administrator Halburnt expressed concern the LMD would have money but no staff to
operate, and if the CVB staff answers to more than one board the lines of authority
could be unclear.
Attorney White stated the draft IGA was written in July of 2007 at the beginning of the
process and envisioned a seven member board with three members appointed by the
Town, three appointed by the County and one appointed jointly by the Town and the
County. However, it is estimated that 80% of the revenue would come from properties
within town limits, and the number of board appointments from the Town could be
increased. In addition, a Town Trustee could be appointed to the board.
Trustee Ericson questioned if the Department of Revenue had been contacted to
include the LMD on forms for 2009 if passed. Attorney White would contact the
Department. He also questioned how the LMD would be promoted to the community.
Attorney White informed the Board that once the ballot questions are certified no public
Town Board Study Session – June 10, 2008 – Page 2
money can be used to promote the issue. However, the Board members can promote
the issue as long as public money is not used. Staff would prepare a plan and talking
points to promote the LMD that would stress the difference between a lodging tax and
sales tax. Staff would also prepare a timeline for the LMD election.
Trustee Homeier stated in order to sell the LMD to the community a project or two
should be chosen to earmark the money supplanted by the lodging tax. This strategy
would aid in gaining local support for the issue.
Discussion followed regarding the timing and content of the LMD Operating Plan. The
plan must be completed and approved by the Town and the County prior to the levying
of any tax. The LMD plan could include the ability to hire staff/consultants to complete
the marketing and advertising. The Town Board could require the LMD to hire the CVB
staff. Trustee Miller suggested a separate IGA be drafted between the Town, County
and the LMD as to how the LMD will operate and include the use of the CVB staff.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
Administrator Halburnt reviewed the draft IGA.
Election - The cost of the election has been estimated at $20,000 and the entities
responsible for the cost have not been determined. The Town anticipates paying
for the election and being reimbursed by the LMD if passed.
Board of Directors – Discussion was heard regarding the number of terms a
Board member should serve and the make up of the Board. The draft IGA limits
the term to one term of four years. It was proposed the IGA should be changed
to two terms. Trustee Blackhurst expressed a concern with term limits. It was
proposed that 80% of the Board be Town appointments and 20% from the
County. It was also suggested the split could be determined by the number of
rooms in the Town versus the County and the anticipated lodging tax that would
be collected by each. Staff will research the issue further. The Chair and the
Vice Chair should be selected by the Board for a one year term, with the potential
for re-election for no more than 2 consecutive terms, and can not be re-elected to
the same position for two years after serving 2 consecutive terms.
The order of sections VII and VIII should be switched.
Distribution – The division of assets should be done proportionally based on
revenues.
Term – There could be conflicts with the termination of the agreement in the
middle of the final year due to previous advertising commitments. It was
suggested the following sentence be removed: However, the District shall not
enter into any contracts or agreements which extend beyond December 31 of the
calendar year in which a notice of termination has been given.
Other Provisions:
o Transition – The Board questioned who would be the administrator for the
LMD during the first year. Other issues that need to be addressed
included what would happen to the CVB staff and who would pay for the
Town attorney’s time.
o Amendment – Any amendments would be addressed by the Town and the
County and would not need to be voted on by the electorate.
MISCELLANEOUS
Deputy Administrator Richardson advised the Board the addition of a gas bus to the
campground route will add $9,000 to $10,000 to the shuttle costs for 2008. The Board
expressed the bus would create less noise, smell and be cheaper to operate, and
therefore, the Town should move forward.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk