HomeMy WebLinkAboutTBSS 08-22-17
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado August 22, 2017
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 the
Rooms 202/203 in said Town of Estes Park on the 22nd day of August, 2017.
Board: Mayor Jirsa, Mayor Pro Tem Koenig, Trustees Holcomb,
Martchink, Nelson, Norris and Walker
Attending: All
Also Attending: Assistant Town Administrator Machalek, Town Attorney White
and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: Town Administrator Lancaster
Mayor Jirsa called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
POSSIBLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP – AMERICA WEST.
Principle members of AmericaWest Housing Solutions, a nonprofit, and Prairie Fire
presented a proposal to develop an approximately 4-acre lot owned by the Town of Estes
Park adjacent to Crossroads Ministry into workforce housing. The project would be
owned and managed by the company, and built using local contractors. The project would
address the issues highlighted in the recent housing study completed by the Estes Park
Housing Authority, encompassing approximately 60 units, and would be rentals not
ownership. If the project was allowed to build three-story buildings, the project would
have less impact on the site. As a nonprofit, AmericaWest takes advantage of the federal
funding mechanisms such as CHFA, available for the development of workforce housing.
Crossroads has also shown an interest in the property due to their need to expand.
AmericaWest has met with Crossroads to discuss how the two can work together to
support the future residents of the project and meet the growing needs of the church. It
was proposed the project would be accessed through the Crossroad’s property rather
than the currently configured access through the adjoining neighborhood as platted. In
order to bring the project forward, AmericaWest would request the Town donate the land
for the project. The group has discussed the possibility of adding a childcare center to
the project.
Tim Mclemore/Crossroads Ministry stated they have requested the donation of the land
to expand their services because 1 out of 12 residents utilize the services provided
through the church. He commented a collaboration with AmericaWest would be important
to meet the needs of both projects, especially if the church gives up a portion of their land
for access.
Attorney White stated the Town would have to enter into negotiations for the transfer of
property if the Board would like to move forward with the proposal. The Board consensus
was to move forward with negotiations with AmericaWest for the possible development
of the property as a workforce housing development. Trustee Walker stated he would
have a conflict of interest because he owns the property adjacent to the proposed
development.
TRUSTEE & ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Koenig provided an update on the recent immigration meeting she and
Trustee Norris attended. The group’s intent is to work with the local legislators and work
with groups such as CML and NLC to address their concerns.
Town Board Study Session – August 22, 2017 – Page 2
Trustee Matchink questioned how the Town could have a meaningful impact on workforce
housing such as waiving property taxes for those that provide workforce housing.
Attorney White stated the Town could not waive the collect of property tax; however, the
Town could rebate the tax. Mayor Jirsa stated the topic could be discussed further during
the budget discussions.
Mayor Jirsa stated Mayor Pro Tem Koenig and Trustee Nelson would be the Board’s
representation on the Fish Hatchery RFP review committee.
Trustee Holcomb commented after further reviewing the staff proposal to take over the
CDOT striping maintenance of the local highways running through Town and
understanding the funds provided by CDOT would be annual funds, he would suggest the
Board reconsider the proposal. The annual funds would be a net positive to the Town.
Mayor Jirsa suggested the item be reviewed during the budget discussions.
FUTURE STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
The Board agreed to discuss the draft 2018 Strategic Plan at the September 12, 2017.
There being no further business, Mayor Jirsa adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk