HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2011-03-22 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 22, 2011
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 22nd day of
February, 2011.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Levine, Trustees
Blackhurst, Elrod, Ericson, Koenig and Miller
Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Deputy Town Administrator
Richardson, Town Attorney White, Finance Officer
McFarland, Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FUND.
Trustee Ericson requested staff prepare an overview of the Community Reinvestment
fund (CRF) in an effort to provide the Board with current balances, projects and
potential future revenue. He stated the Board should keep the fund balance in mind as
it continues to review potential projects. Finance Officer McFarland commented the
transfer of $800,000 to the CRF would draw down the General fund balance below the
30% reserves in the future. The Board discussed the competing demands including the
MPEC, streets, performing arts theater, and Elkhorn Adventure park.
TOWN OWNED PROPERTY
Town Administrator Halburnt stated a review of the current Town owned parcels was
developed by staff to begin discussions on use of the properties and whether the
property should be held by the Town, should the Town be landlords, should air space
be sold above existing parking lots for development, and should property be sold and
returned to the property rolls. Discussions followed and are summarized: a large
percentage of the property is held for government purposes; selling parcels of land
would not be advisable during the current economy; questioned the use of the word
open space and suggested the use of the word vacant; property descriptions should be
reviewed for accuracy; questioned owning employee housing; requested additional
information on lot size and zoning for each property; and questioned if Town owned
property could be sold to pay for upcoming projects.
Attorney White reviewed the state statutes as they relate to the sale of Town owned
property, stating property used for public utilities, parks, buildings or any other
governmental purpose would need to go to a vote in order to sell the property. Other
items such as parking lots would not need to go to a vote. There are a number of
properties acquired by the Town for utility uses that have been abandoned, such as the
fish hatchery property; therefore, it is unclear if the property could be sold without a
vote. Conservation easements can only be transferred to a quasi-judicial entity and
deed restricted land cannot be transferred or sold.
Town Administrator Halburnt commented employee housing is an important recruiting
tool in a resort community. Trustee Miller agreed and stated the Town sets an example
to other entities in town by providing needed housing for employees.
After further discussion the Board requested staff provide a list of the properties that
would have the highest use and value for the further review at an upcoming study
session.
Town Board Study Session – March 22, 2011 – Page 2
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.
Town Administrator Halburnt stated Kathay Rennels continues to work on setting up a
meeting with the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce. A draft policy has been
completed for the volunteer background checks and could be ready for review by the
next study session. The Boards last opportunity to review the regional tourism
application (Elkhorn Adventure) would be the second meeting in April.
Trustee Blackhurst voiced concern that the Elkhorn group understands the Town’s
position on the purchase of land and the development of a performing arts complex.
Administrator Halburnt stated staff and Attorney White have a meeting arranged to
further discuss the issues.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk