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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Retreat Study Session 2014-06-26 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 26, 2014 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 Museum Meeting Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 26th day of June, 2014. Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig, Trustees Ericson, Holcomb, Koenig, Norris and Phipps Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Directors Bergsten, Chilcott, Kufeld, McFarland, and Winslow, Interim Public Works Director Ash and Town Clerk Williamson Absent: None Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. STRATEGIC PLANNING – 2015 BOARD GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. Review of 2014 Strategic Plan Town Administrator Lancaster reviewed the 2014 outcome areas Robust Economy, Infrastructure, Exceptional Guest Services, Public Safety, Health and Environment, Outstanding Customer Services, Governmental Services and Internal Support, and Transportation. He questioned if housing should be elevated from a Community Service outcome area to an individual outcome area. Board discussion followed and concern was raised on making housing an outcome area as it could be perceived as a Town priority before the issue has been fully vetted. It was suggested the Town provided leadership on housing, move transportation under infrastructure, and governmental services should include relations with local business and how the Town can support them. All other outcome areas should remain the same. Outcome Areas Robust Economy Funding allocated to rewrite the sign code was utilized for floodplain management after the September flood. Director Chilcott questioned if the revision process should include an extensive public comment process. Mayor Pro Tem Koenig stated the code should be revised for clarity and without an extensive public comment process. She requested the creative sign code should be excluded from the code and make the code less restrictive and simpler to understand. Staff continues to review the Comprehensive Plan and would recommended completing the update prior to assessing changes to the Development Code. Director Chilcott stated key areas of the valley could be assessed for development/redevelopment and review the codes to determine how they may hinder development. Administrator Lancaster commented Larimer County plans to review the county’s Comprehensive Plan and have not indicated if the review would include the Estes Valley. Mayor Pro Tem Koenig reemphasized the need to make the Town codes user friendly for potential businesses and current businesses. The Economic Development Council (EDC) created a subcommittee to review fiber in the valley. A specific recommendation would be brought forward to the Town Board. The EDC has applied for a grant to develop a fiber plan and implementation of the plan. A goal would be added to coordinate with the EDC on the selection of a consultant and Town Board Study Session – June 26, 2014– Page 2 implementation of a fiber plan to provide increased broadband access throughout the valley. Staff continues to participate in local, regional, and state economic development efforts by participating in the local EDC and the Northern Colorado Economic Corporation. The Town should consider the recommendations from the ULI resiliency study and the DCI study results. The objective is ongoing and not a short-term objective. After discussion the Board requested a 2015 goal to explore with the public and downtown businesses partners options for downtown improvements and redevelopment through the creation of a Business Improvement District, Downtown Development Authority, or Urban Renewal Authority. Goals 5-7 Years  We will work to make Town codes and regulations more user friendly and easier to understand and use, while ensuring they are effective and enforceable and support reasonable development. We encourage the new Board of Appeals to look at our regulations and codes and give suggestions.  The Town encourages events, activities and development that enhance a year round economy.  The Town participates as a partner in local, regional, and state economic development efforts.  We will encourage optimal use of the PRPA/Town fiber infrastructure.  We will review the potential redevelopment of areas affected by the FLAP grant. 2015 Objectives  Revise the sign code to be simpler and easier to understand but retaining the basic intent.  Explore with the public and downtown business partners, options for downtown improvements and redevelopment (BID, DDA, URA, Etc.)  Coordinate with the EDC on the selection and implementation of options to provide increased broadband access within the Estes Valley.  Continue to participate in local, regional, and state economic development. Infrastructure Discussion was heard related to potential 2015 projects to improve the Town’s infrastructure. Staff would begin planning for the use of the 1% sales tax dollars allocated for trails, Larimer County Open Space funds and leverage flood recovery funds available for trails in 2015. Discussed a need to explore paid parking downtown to aid in controlling congestion and encourage the use of the new parking structure and transportation hub. The Board requested staff engage the public and businesses to understand the pros and cons of paid parking. Utilities has identified Franchetti as the company to complete a new Water Master Plan that would help identify what improvements/replacement for the Glacier Creek Water Treatment Plant; therefore, specific recommendations would be forthcoming in 2015. The Town would develop a sustainable funding plan for facilities maintenance. Goals 5-7 Years  We will continue to address parking options throughout the Town.  We will continue to pursue grants and utilize available open space funding to develop connectivity of trails in the Estes Valley in partnership with other local entities as described in the Estes Valley Trails Master Plan.  We will provide safe access for users to the trail system.  We will upgrade the Glacier Creek Water Treatment plant to maintain redundant water treatment. 2015 Objectives  Complete the construction of the Multi Purpose Events Center and Stall Barn. Town Board Study Session – June 26, 2014– Page 3  Complete the environmental studies required for the extension of the Fall River Trail using the Paul Sarbanes grant.  Repair trails damaged during the flood, utilizing Larimer County open space funds for our match portion of the funding.  Start planning for the use of the trail sales tax dollars  Explore with the public and business partners and the Transportation Advisory Committee, the option of paid parking in some areas.  Start construction of the Visitor Center parking structure.  Make specific implementation decisions for the improvement or replacement of the Glacier Creek Treatment plant.  Develop a sustainable funding plan for facility maintenance.  Complete repairs to utilities due to flood damage. EXCEPTIONAL GUEST SERVICES The Event Center and Pavilion would be removed for 2015 as both buildings are to be completed in 2014. Staff would continue the implementation of the operating and marketing plan for the fairgrounds in 2015; however, it would be removed as a Board goal. The Board requested staff continue to identify the process for completing the stall barn replacement, and plan on the future upgrades and expansion of the Conference Center and reroof the center in 2015. Goals 5-7 Years  The Events Center Complex meets the 2013 CH Johnson pro-forma financial projections.  Complete stall replacements at the fairgrounds.  Plan for future upgrades and expansion of the Conference Center. 2015 Objectives  Implement the newly adopted strategy for evaluating, recruiting and retaining special events in the Town, including a strategy for events.  Repair the roof at the Conference Center. PUBLIC SAFETY HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT Staff continues to pursue an emergency public advisory radio service and would utilize the 1% sales tax funds. Additional projects for 2015 include the continuation of the bear resistant trash and recycling receptacles; complete the mitigation of Elm Road landfill; consider adopting the Dangerous Building and Building Maintenance portion of the International Building Code; and continue to implement projects and policies that improve sustainability and quality of the environment. The Town would investigate alternative technology for recycling with Waste Management as a five-seven year goal. Goals 5-7 Years  We will maintain safe and healthy environments on Town owned properties.  We will implement projects and policies which promote sustainability, to improve the quality of the environment.  We will investigate alternative technologies for recycling and waste management. 2015 Objectives  Work to restore the streams damaged by the flood and to redefine the floodplains within Town boundaries.  Complete the mitigation work at the Elm Road landfill.  Continue the program to provide bear resistant trash and recycling receptacles.  Consider adopting the dangerous buildings and building maintenance sections of the International Building Code. OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES The Town would continue to coordinate with the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District to move the Community Recreation Center forward. The Board requested the Town Board Study Session – June 26, 2014– Page 4 addition of a five-seven year goal to address the Museum’s need for additional artifact storage. The Town would form a centennial celebration committee in 2015 to begin planning the 100th anniversary of the Town. The Board and staff discussed the current staffing levels at the fairgrounds as it relates to event coordination. The current staff does not have the ability to take on additional coordination of new events such as Winterfest. Director Winslow stated facilities that include an event complex tend to contract out event coordination. He would recommend outsourcing coordination rather than adding a new staff member. Staff would like to research the issue further and come back to the Board at an upcoming study session and consider budget implication. The Board discussed the Town’s role in addressing the community housing issue and the discussion has been summarized: the Town’s role as a catalyst; review what other Colorado Association of Ski Town (CAST) communities have done to address housing; hold a summit meeting with other communities to identify what has worked and not worked for each; need for additional information to understand the issue, and therefore, understand the solutions; provide funding to update the 2008 housing study; as housing is a regional concern perhaps grant funding could be identified to address it; start discussions at the regional level and then discuss locally; and form a local housing committee to study the local issues. The five-seven year goal would be updated to identify the Town as a catalyst to the development of available housing solutions for all segments of the community: i.e. workforces housing, seasonal housing, long-term housing, etc. Administrator Lancaster stated the Town has the opportunity to double the size of the ice rink this year or have multiple sites. Discussion followed on whether or not the ice rink increased visitation and spending downtown. The Board requested staff discuss the issue with Visit Estes Park and the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District and come back during budget to discuss further. Goals 5-7 Years  We will plan and implement the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Town.  We will increase the capacity of the Senior Center, considering the recommendations of the Museum and Senior Center Master Plan in coordination with the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District Community Recreation Center.  We will increase the capacity of the Museum, considering the recommendations of the Museum and Senior Center Master Plan including addressing the need for artifact storage facilitates.  We will serve as a catalyst to develop available housing solutions for all segments of our community. 2015 Objectives  Update the comprehensive plan.  Revise the sign code to be simpler and easy to understand but retaining the basic intent.  Define the housing needs and identify potential plans for action. o Complete an updated housing needs study of the Estes Valley. o Form a local housing committee to study the local issue. o Convene a housing summit of other CAST communities (fall of 2014).  Develop and adopt a policy for accepting public art, memorials and donations.  Continue to work with the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District and the other partners in the Community Recreation Center, to develop and build the Community Recreation Center, including the Senior Center.  Participate with Rocky Mountain National Park in their 100th Anniversary in 2015.  Form a Centennial Celebration Committee. Town Board Study Session – June 26, 2014– Page 5 GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES AND INTERNAL SUPPORT Goals 5-7 Years  We will ensure town finances are strong with adequate fund balances and sustainable reserves.  We will maintain a well trained and educated town staff.  We will implement an enterprise wide document management system.  We will conduct a citizen survey biennially to measure our performance and citizen preferences. 2015 Objectives  Implement the capital planning process.  Complete the revision and updating of Board and Administrative Town policies. TRANSPORTATION Staff would develop a plan to repair and replace roads utilizing the new 1% sales tax for street improvements; complete the reconstruction of Dry Gulch Road in 2015; consider the inclusion of bike lanes when repairing roads; consider the inclusion of sidewalks/pedestrian lanes for areas along roadways in which school children travel or wait for the bus; complete flood repairs; and complete flood damage repairs to the Fish Creek corridor. Goals 5-7 Years  We will continue to address downtown traffic issues.  All of our Town streets will be classified at a fair condition (~70%) or above. 2015 Objectives  Evaluate and prioritize implementation of Transportation Visioning Committee signage recommendations.  Complete the flood damage repairs to the Fish Creek corridor.  Complete the flood damage repairs to other Town roads.  Complete preventative maintenance activities on Town roads, as adequate funds become available.  Adopt a plan for utilization of the new sales tax funds for street improvements.  Include bike/ped lanes wherever possible along with the street improvements.  Complete the reconstruction of Dry Gulch.  Begin the FLAP project, starting with the NEPA process and public outreach. There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 4:26 p.m. Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk