HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2013-05-23 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 23, 2013
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 23rd day of May,
2013.
Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst, Trustees Elrod,
Ericson, Koenig, Norris and Phipps
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Assistant Town
Administrator Richardson, Town Attorney White and Town
Clerk Williamson
Absent: None.
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
STRATEGIC PLANNING – REVIEW OF CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK.
Administrator Lancaster presented an overview of the information received at the recent
visioning meetings held with the community to determine trends, outcome areas and
priorities to be discussed at the Town Board’s upcoming retreat. He also presented
information from the 2017 committee work and the 2011 citizen survey.
2017 Study
The previous 2017 study determined key sections including community character,
economic sustainability, natural environment, recreation resource, housing,
transportation and parking, and cultural resources, and strategies including encouraging
public investment, affordable housing and childcare, understanding and managing the
economic composition of retail sales activities, extend the URA, capture local leakage,
extend visitor’s stay, evaluate and manage downtown parking, focus marketing efforts
on the 29-40 segment as well as the baby boomers, encourage increased participation
in Estes Park activities by the new residents and retirees, and encourage opportunities
to diversify the economy.
2011 Citizen Survey
The citizen survey asked specific service level questions related to Town services to
identify the key services the Town should provide. It was noted the timing of when the
survey is conducted can dictate which items are important, i.e. wildfires. The survey
may not address items that must be done annually, so called maintainers that may not
seem important to the citizenry at the time of the survey; however, other items may
surface through the process. Major issues the Town was below average included traffic
flow, public parking, economic sustainability and development, and public trust. Key
services areas identified were the maintenance and repair of streets, open space and
affordable housing and economic development. The survey asked citizens to rank
projects in order of importance: improve drainage, alternative types of transportation,
parking improvements, MPEC, performing art theater, community center, new horse
stalls, indoor arena, expand senior center and new police building.
Community Visioning Results
The focus groups were asked to look at the community as a whole as it related to
services or amenities for the community. Many of the items identified during the
visioning would be forwarded to other entities as they are not within the scope of the
Town’s responsibility. The results of the visioning process consisted of approximately
200 self selecting individuals that either attended the meetings or completed a survey
Town Board Study Session – May 23, 2013 – Page 2
online. There was no effort made to identify the sample group to determine if one or
more groups (business, retirees, families, etc.) were more prevalent. Town
Administrator Lancaster stated the Community Center and Senior Center issues
appeared to have gained interest with the community. Trails and their interconnectivity
were also items identified as important. Other items of significant importance included
hiking, quality of dining opportunities, pedestrian mall downtown, performing arts,
performing art center, and education opportunities. The visioning process also
identified parking in the cores as important, arts, good health care options locally, and
local events such as festivals, events, and cultural arts. The young families stated
frustration with the lack of retail and recreational activities, which drives them to the
communities down valley and increases the sales tax leakage. The retirees have
moved to Estes for the character and do not want additional retail or big box stores.
Trail improvements ranked high. The Town should continue discussions with Rocky
Mountain National Park on interconnectivity; address easements needed to complete
trails such as along Big Thompson; and identify grant opportunities to complete trails
such as Paul Sarbanes or GOCO grants.
Retreat Process
Administrator Lancaster introduced the process of mind mapping as a method for
identifying key outcome areas, establishing goals, and outlining objectives for the next
budget year. The process would also fall in line with outcome base budgeting in which
he would recommend the Town move towards for future budgets. The Mission and
Vision of the Town would be reviewed at the retreat.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk