HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2010-09-28 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 28,
2010
Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD of the Town
of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town Hall in
Rooms 202 & 203 in said Town of Estes Park on the 28th day of
September, 2010.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Levine, Trustees
Blackhurst, Elrod, Ericson and Koenig
Also Attending: Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Town Attorney
White, Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: Trustee Miller and Town Administrator Halburnt
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
SUPPORTERS OF THE PERFORMING ARTS (SOPA).
Stan Black/SOPA member reviewed a presentation on the Supporters of the Performing
Arts (SOPA) efforts during the summer season. He stated the AMS study showed the
theater had the potential economic impact of at least $2.2 million and up to $8 million.
In 2009, SOPA formed a Publicity Committee, focused on large donors, implementing a
high quality website and hired a professional grant writer to help raise funds. The group
saw small contributions, income offset by expenses and grant commitments expire.
Total fund balance at the end of 2009, including Town site prep and FOSH funds, was
$2.2 million. The 2010 goals for SOPA included re-igniting local enthusiasm, add
$800,000 to the building fund and reaffirm and clarify Town support. As of August,
SOPA has gained a net total of $42,097, improved and expanded the website, continue
donor solicitations, initiated meeting with LMD, confirmed approach with consultants,
identified hurdles and established there are no Rainmakers. SOPA intends to complete
a 2011 business plan by December 1, 2010, expand Board and committees, expand
and filter potential donor list, receive coaching on donor psychology, use available
technologies, invite greater participation by the Town and others, work more with the
LMD, forge new or improve relationships with financial advisers, Northern Colorado
Community Foundation, School District and the Town officials and staff, create
endowments for local performers and theater maintenance and the creation of an
Executive Director position.
SOPA stated the Town could help by rewriting the MOU agreement with stronger
language and extend termination period to annually, show public support by attending
functions and providing quotes in the media, and transfer FOSH funds to SOPA.
Discussion followed on what would happen to the funds raised to date if SOPA does not
raise the necessary funds to build the theater as designed; the Town Board can not
commit to more than one fiscal year; the Town has set aside two years worth of
operating funds for the theater; a private entity would have built a theater in Estes if it
were as lucrative as stated; become self sustaining through an endowment program
could help raise funds; and government involvement in the project seems to be
hampering fundraising efforts.
SOPA representatives stated a smaller version of the theater may be built if funds
cannot be raised to build the current design. Town government involvement in the
project continues to be important in order to make the facility available to local groups.
A solely private venture would be built and used by groups from the front range, and
would not be available to the local groups or for education.
Town Board Study Session – September 28, 2010 – Page 2
After further discussion, the Board consensus was to retain the FOSH funds as outlined
in the agreement with the Friends of Stanley Hall. The Board requested SOPA present
the business plan once complete.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE.
The Board discussed the combining of four committees (Community Development,
Public Safety, Utilities and Public Works) into two committees (Community
Development/Community Services and Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works – PUP).
Trustee Blackhurst expressed concern with the length of the meetings and the amount
of time staff spends in the meetings. The Board consensus was to continue through
2010 and reevaluate after the first of the year.
Trustee Ericson proposed a Finance Committee be formed to address asset analysis,
review how monthly financial reports are created and work with groups like SOPA. He
suggested they meet on an as needed bases. Mayor Pinkham requested Trustee
Ericson write a formal statement on the need and benefits of forming the committee.
RETREAT.
Mayor Pinkham stated the bi-annual retreat was not held after the 2010 Municipal
election because it was determined a retreat would be more effective after the newly
elected were in office for a period of time. He suggested the Board consider a retreat in
November facilitated by an outside source to discuss communication and how the
Board could function more efficiently. After discussion, the Board consensus was to
have a retreat to discuss the Mission, Vision and Goals of the Town in addition to
communication. Mayor Pinkham requested the item be added to the next study session
agenda to confirm the process and the date of the retreat.
BUY AMERICAN.
Trustee Ericson proposed adding a buy American statement to the Town’s purchasing
policy. After discussion by the Board, the consensus was not to add a statement that
would make purchasing goods more difficult and cumbersome.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk