Media Relations Contact Information

The Town of Estes Park's Public Relations Officer is Jacqueline Halburnt, Town Administrator. If you need information specific to Town functions, services, emergencies, accomplishments, etc., Jacquie is the person to contact. She is available by phone at 970-577-3705, or by e-mail at jhalburnt@estes.org

Since our primary industry is tourism, we also have a communications program oriented to travel information, travel writers and other media contacts. So, if you are a travel writer, would like a media kit, or have any other questions having to do with travel, contact our Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Communications Coordinator Suzy Blackhurst. Suzy can be reached by phone at 970-577-9900, ext. 224, or by e-mail at sblackhurst@estes.org The Estes Park CVB  web site can be seen at www.estesparkcvb.com

News Releases

Town and County Now Accepting Applications for Advisory Board Members for Local Marketing District

The Town of Estes Park and the Larimer County Board of Commissioners are accepting applications from people who are interested in serving in an advisory capacity to the Estes Park Local Marketing District.  To serve, you must live within the defined Local Marketing District (LMD) boundaries, which are the same as Recreation District Boundaries within Larimer County.  The boundaries include the Town, County surrounding Estes Park down Hwy 7 to Boulder County and Glen Haven.

The Town Board will appoint five people and the Board of County Commissioners will appoint two people, all of whom will be chosen as long as they reside within the district boundaries.  The interview panel will consist of representatives from the Town, County, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Estes Area Lodging Association.  The interviews will take place in September and appointments will be made the same month. 

In order to be considered for the advisory board, you must have lived in the LMD defined district for at least 12 continuous months and continue to live within the district boundaries during your entire term as a Director.  Experience in one or more of the following areas will be strongly considered:  business, marketing, finances, economic development, tourism development, print and/or electronic media, special events, and conference activities.   You must also be willing to devote the time required to do the job.

The advisory board appointments are considered temporary and eventual appointments to the LMD Board are contingent upon the passing of the two ballot questions, one to create the LMD and one to levy a 2% marketing and promotion tax (lodging tax).  The duties of advisory board members appointed in September will be to help promote the Local Marketing District and the two ballot questions which will be before the voters in November.

If the ballot questions are passed, the duties of the LMD board will include creating an operations plan and administering the Local Marketing District.  The LMD board would receive the money collected from the 2% marketing and promotion tax and operate as a separate public entity from the Town and County.

A Local Marketing District is allowed under state statutes only after a vote of the registered electors within the defined district.   The steps already taken to place this issue on the November ballot include:  petitions signed by at least 50% of the owners of the assessed value of commercial property within district; two public hearing were held June 5 and June 26 and an Intergovernmental agreement between the Town and the County was signed.

Money collected from the 2% marketing and promotion tax can be used by the LMD for only the following purposes: Organize, promote, market and manage public events; Activities in support of business recruitment, management and development; and Coordination of tourism promotion activities.

The 2% marketing and promotion tax would be paid only by visitors for nightly rentals of 30 days or fewer at accommodations establishments, including vacation and short-term rentals, within the district.  The 2% tax WILL NOT be paid anywhere else like grocery stores, retail, restaurants, amusement, or any other businesses that collects sales tax.

If the Local Marketing District passes in November, the final appointments to the LMD Board will take place following the election for four (4) year terms.  The terms shall be staggered so that two (2) members are appointed each year and one (1) member in the fourth year.

For an application, contact Town Clerk Jackie Williamson at 577-3702, or go to Estes Park’s website at www. estes.org   A completed application and current resume must be received by Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5 p.m. in order to be considered.

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August 18, 2008 - Public Hearing to Discuss Potential Changes to the Estes Valley Development Code - Accessory Dwelling Units

The Estes Valley Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss potential changes to the Estes Valley Development Code as it pertains to accessory dwelling units (for example, mother-in-law apartments or guest cabins) on Tuesday September 16, 2008. (Note: this is a correction to the date that was published in the recent Town Bugle). The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue. Public comment on the proposed changes will be taken at this meeting.

Changes to the regulations governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are proposed for several reasons, among them: multiple requests from homeowners and changing population demographics. These changes would allow ADUs in most residential areas in order to provide flexibility for homeowners. For example, the changes would allow “mother-in-law” apartments, caretaker quarters, guest suites, and housing for employees. A three-month lease would be required for rentals; no short-term “vacation rentals” would be allowed. Design standards would apply.

A draft of the contemplated changes to the Code language is available at http://www.estesnet.com/ComDev/EVDCChanges.aspx or from the Town of Estes Park Community Development Department, room 210, Town Hall.

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August 15, 2008 - Community Service Grant Applications Available

The Town of Estes Park has supported various community services by providing grant-type funding to local organizations.  Currently, the Town is in the process of setting its 2009 budget and is accepting requests for funding from organizations that provide services in the Estes Park area. 

Traditionally, organizations have been funded under five general categories:  Human Services, Arts, Education, Youth, and Housing.  In 2008, the Town provided $362,297 to local service organizations through tax revenue in the General Fund budget. 

 To apply for funding, please submit a grant application by Monday, September 15, 2008.  Applications are available in the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue, Room 150; on the Town’s website (click here for an application), or by contacting the Town Clerk’s Office at 970-577-3703.

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June 27, 2008 - Dead Trees to be Removed from Bond Park Friday

Three dead trees will be removed from Bond Park on Friday in response to safety concerns for the residents, visitors and elk of Estes Park.  Town Administrator Jacquie Halburnt said, “We thought we’d have to cut the trees down last year, but were able to revive them with steroid shots.”  The steroids proved to be a temporary fix and the trees turned completely brown this year.

The town will begin work on a Master Plan for Bond Park next month, so replacement trees will not be planted now.    When staff thought the trees would come down last year, additional trees were planted along the Riverwalk to help offset the anticipated loss.

The dead trees are being cut down to eliminate the risk of them blowing over and injuring someone.

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June 24, 2008 - Rebates Offered for Installing Small Wind Turbines

Up to $5,000 per customer is offered in incentive funding for installing a small wind turbine on the customer’s site through an innovative new program offered by Estes Park Light & Power (EPL&P). 

In partnership with Colorado’s Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), EPL&P has established a new program designed to off-set the costs of installation of the turbines on residential and commercial properties in the Estes Valley. Rebate awards of $2/Watt up to $5,000 each will be offered through the Small Wind Incentive Pilot Program (SWIPP); a total of $50,000 –$25,000 contributed by the GEO and $25,000 contributed by ELP&P – is available through this program which will be concluded when these funds are committed.

“This is an exciting program,” said Mike Mangelsen, Assistant to the Utilities Director in EPL&P, “we are pleased to partner with the GEO to promote the new energy economy in the interest of sustainability and preserving our natural environment.”

In addition to the rebate, customers who take advantage of this opportunity will be enrolled in EPL&P’s “net metering” program; excess energy generated by the small wind turbine and fed back through the grid will be credited back to the customer on a 1kWh to 1kWh basis and over a year’s time, any net excess will be refunded at EPL&P’s avoided cost. 

According to the American Wind Energy Association the purchase and installation of a small wind energy system costs about $3,000-$5,000 per kilowatt for a grid-connected system.  AWEA states the length of the payback period (when the system “breaks even”) depends on many factors including wind resources.  “Small wind owners with strong average wind speeds who can take advantage of rebate programs can usually recoup their investments within six to 15 years.” (source, www.awea.org)

SWIPP funds are eligible to EPL&P customers who are participating or are willing to participate in the Agreement for Interconnection and Parallel Operation of a Customer Generated System (the “net-metering” agreement) and install an approved small wind energy turbine with a five-year manufacturer's warrantee that is capable of producing no more than 10kW for a residential site or 25 kW for a commercial site.  All applicable building and zoning ordinances and codes will apply.

The Town of Estes Park’s Light & Power Department encourages all interested parties to research available small wind turbines and submit all required paperwork before purchasing and installing; each SWIPP application will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis.  There is no guarantee that small wind turbines will operate effectively during violent winds; by participating in this program, the customer understands there is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, offered by the Town of Estes Park on the system or the efficacy of the wind generation in this area.

For more information, please contact Mike Mangelsen, Assistant to the Utilities Director, at 577-3583.

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June 17, 2008 - Net-Metering For Renewable Energy Offered by Estes Park Light & Power

Credit Issued for Excess Energy Generated by Customer-Generators

A new agreement offered by Estes Park Light & Power will allow customers who - through solar, wind or other approved renewable energy systems – create more energy than they need to feed net excess energy back through the grid and be credited for it. 

Credit at 1 kWh for 1 kWh for excess energy generated at a customer’s site, through the use of an approved Customer-Generator (CG) System, will be applied toward the customer’s utility account through the new Agreement for Interconnection and Parallel Operation of Small CG System. 

The customer would continue to be billed the monthly customer charge; however, energy generated in excess of consumption would be credited to the following month’s bill.  Within 60 days of the conclusion of the annual period, or within sixty days of termination of the service, EPL&P will account for any excess generation, expressed in kilowatt-hours, accrued by the CG and the customer shall be paid for this excess at EPL&P’s avoided cost.

This policy has been in development for many months in anticipation of the passage of Colorado House Bill 08-1160: Concerning Net Metering for Customer-Generators of Electric Utilities.  This bill was signed into law by Governor Bill Ritter on March 26, 2008.  All Colorado municipalities having more than 5,000 utility customers are now required to adopt a “net-metering” agreement within 90 days of the final adjournment of the general assembly.

In accordance with this state law, the CG system for residential properties eligible for this program can be capable of generating no more than 10kW and a commercial CG system, no more than 25 kW.

Specifics of the EPL&P utility connection agreement include specifications on the CG system – the system must be UL listed and the customer must provide documentation on manufacturer’s data, the recommended maintenance schedule and a wiring diagram which depicts the CG system connection to the utility service.  In addition, the installation of the system must follow all building and zoning codes and ordinances.

The customer must build, install, and maintain the system as is specified by the manufacturer.  No warrantee is expressed or implied by the EPL&P utility’s approval for connection; the system itself is not guaranteed by the Town of Estes Park. Care must be taken to select a Renewable Energy CG system that will operate effectively in the Estes Valley, especially under violent wind conditions.

For more a complete copy of the agreement and more information on this policy, please contact Mike Mangelsen at 577-3583 or follow the net metering link at http://www.estesnet.com/LightPower/lightandpower.aspx  under the “Fees” section.

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June 3, 2008 - Town Hall Being Re-Lamped for Energy Efficiency

“Lighten Up” program provides matching funds to replace lighting

In two of three phases completed in 2007 and 2008, 169 light fixtures have been replaced to increase energy efficiency in Town Hall offices.  The project, with its aim to have all light fixtures updated in Town Hall by the end of the third phase (an additional 150 fixtures in 2009), is funded through a partnership with Estes Park Light and Power, Public Works and the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA)’s Lighten Up! program.

Lighting in offices in the Engineering, Administration and Community Development departments – with office hours of nine hours per weekday – have been replaced to date with matching funds through the PRPA’s Lighten Up! program, which provided approximately 50% of the funding; the cost to the Estes Park Light & Power was close to $10,700 for these two phases.

With these upgrades, the building’s electrical usage has been reduced by 42,900 kWh per year, which will reduce Town Hall’s electric bill by close to $3,700 annually. 

Public Works Project Manager Greg Sievers has been coordinating efforts to upgrade to more efficient lighting by guiding recent Town Hall renovations and installing more than 110 additional lighting ballasts and bulbs over the past four years in Town Hall’s Finance Department, board room, hallways and stairs.  Motion-sensors in place of light switches have also been replaced in many offices, restrooms and meeting rooms.

The building that currently houses Town Hall was reconstructed in 1973 when it was sold to local government by the school district. The existing 277-volt florescent office light fixtures were suspended in the drop-ceiling grid and operated using oil-based ballasts and T-12 lamps.

These ballast and bulbs have been replaced as they failed, but are now deemed obsolete.  The old lighting fixtures were disassembled and the bulbs, ballasts, and metal housings all recycled as the new lighting project was completed.  Also recycled were the cardboard shipping boxed the new fixtures arrived in.

For more information on the PRPA’s Lighten Up! program, please refer to: www.prpa.org/productservices/lightenup.htm

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May 20, 2008 - Town Seeks EPURA Commissioner

The Town is seeking to fill one position on the Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority Board.  This position will be appointed immediately to fulfill the current term of newly elected Trustee John Ericson, ending in 2012. 

EPURA Commissioners provide policy guidance in improving the Estes Park community.  The primary purpose of the Authority is to make physical improvements that benefit the community and enhance the economy.  Past accomplishments include Elkhorn Avenue streetscape, the Riverwalk, Performance Park, parking improvements, redevelopment of Bob’s Amoco as Riverspointe Downtown and preservation of the Knoll.

EPURA Commissioners are appointed by Mayor Bill Pinkham with the approval of the Town Board of Trustees.  Town residency is not a requirement and there is no compensation for serving.  The board meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m. in the town board room.

If you are interested in serving our community as an EPURA Commissioner, please submit a statement of interest to:  The Town of Estes Park Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 1200, Estes Park, CO 80517 or e-mail Debbie Parrack at dparrack@estes.org or Wil Smith at wsmith@estes.org.  Please respond by June 6, 2008.

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May 14, 2008 - Transformers removed from Mary's Lake Substation

Two transformers, recently sold to the City of Loveland for $70,000, were removed Thursday, May 15 from Mary's Lake substation. The removal is part of substation upgrades approved by the Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees in February 2007 to ensure electrical system redundancy and reliability.

The transformers, weighing more than 22,000 pounds each, were transported via two tractor-trailer vehicles; the oil and the electrical bushings were removed from each prior to transport.

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May 14, 2008 - 2008 Estes Park Pride Award Recipients Announced

The 2008 Estes Park Pride Awards honoring individuals who generously give back to our community, were presented at the Town of Estes Park’s Volunteer Luncheon on April 22, 2008, which honored the town government’s 550 volunteers.  Mayor Pro-tem Chuck Levine acknowledged Volunteers of the Year Harriet Burgess and Carly Bowles, Business Person of the Year Paula Steige, and Teacher of the Year Tom Frasier.  Recipients were selected from nominations submitted to the Estes Park Pride Awards Committee and chosen based on their commitment and dedication to community service in the Estes Valley. 

On May 14, 2008, at Estes Park High School’s Award Ceremony, Kellsie Purdy was awarded the Estes Park High School Student Pride Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.  Ms. Purdy was the 2007 Rooftop Rodeo Queen and has represented Estes Park at numerous local and regional civic events and rodeos.  In addition to her participation in the Rodeo Royalty Program, she has volunteered her time with organizations such as the Therapeutic Riding Program, Meals-on-Wheels, and 4-H.  Ms. Purdy is planning to attend Colorado State University this fall. 

Mayor Pro-tem Levine said, “Volunteers are the most important resource a community has.  The willingness of these people to work for the betterment of our valley is immeasurable.”

The Estes Park Pride Awards were started in 2005 by Mayor Pro-tem Levine to compliment the Estes Park volunteer recognition program.  The town budget includes $5,000 for this program. 

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May 12, 2008 - Lighting with a Twist - CFL Recycling

Successful program goes year-round and offers free, safe CFL recycling

ESTES PARK, COLO  - Platte River Power Authority and Estes Park Light & Power have brought back last year’s successful Lighting With A Twist with a couple of new twists. Customers of Light & Power can now save money year-round.

The second twist this year is that Platte River has teamed up with Estes Park Ace Hardware and Mercury Technologies to provide a free, safe location to recycle old or broken compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)

Last year, from September 15 through December 15, Platte River and Light & Power teamed up to provide customers of Ace Hardware of Estes Park and Estes True Value & Radio Shack money off at the cash register when purchasing energy-saving CFLs. The 3,000-plus bulbs that were purchased over the three months will save approximately 61,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) annually—enough electricity to power about eight Estes Park homes for a year and save 43 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

“We have gone to a year-round offer based on the success of last year’s efforts,” said Adam Perry, energy services specialist at Platte River. “Our in-store educational events were popular and we will be having more of them during the year.”

Results of a survey conducted by Platte River show that the percentage of area residents who have heard of CFLs increased from 78 percent to 90 percent as a result last fall’s Lighting With a Twist campaign, and the average number of CFLs installed in a home increased from seven to 10. According to survey respondents, the top three reasons for purchasing CFLs were to save/conserve energy, to reduce electricity bills and to take advantage of their longer life.

“Lighting With A Twist is a great program for Light & Power customers. With the new twist this year on CFL recycling, we have taken a great program and made it extraordinary,” said Mike Mangelsen, assistant Utilities Director of Estes Park Light & Power.

A partnership between Platte River, Ace Hardware of Estes Park, Mercury Technologies and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment now provides Estes Park residents a safe location where they can recycle used and broken CFLs without charge. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than typical incandescent light bulbs. However, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury – about as much as the period at the end of this sentence – that must be recycled appropriately.

According to Mercury Technologies, the recycling company contracted to handle the spent bulbs, their no landfill policy means they recycle each piece of the CFL, including the glass, mercury, metal, circuit board, plastic, and lead.

Special prices on CFLs are valid only while supplies last. Product selection, pricing and purchase limits vary from store to store. The recycling and lighting offers are funded by Platte River and similar programs can also be found through Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications and Loveland Water & Power.

More information can be found at www.lightingwithatwist.com

About Platte River Power Authority

Platte River generates and delivers reliable, low-cost and environmentally responsible electricity to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado, where it is distributed by each municipal utility to residents and businesses. For more information, please visit, www.prpa.org.

Participating retailers and recycling locations
• Estes True Value & Radio Shack (no recycling)
• Ace Hardware of Estes Park (includes recycling)

How to clean up a broken CFL
1.  gently sweep up pieces
2.  put into a sealable plastic bag
3.  take to an approved disposal site

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May 2, 2008 - Town Seeks Tree Board Members - Letters of Interest Being Accepted

The Town of Estes Park is accepting letters of interest for two members of the Tree Board.  This is a volunteer position with a four-year term.  The Tree Board’s responsibilities are to study, investigate, develop and administer a plan for the care, preservation, planting, replanting and removal of trees and shrubs in parks, along public streets and rights-of-way, and in other public areas of the Town.  The Tree Board, when requested by the Town Board, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend on any matter referred to it by the Board of Trustees.

Board meetings are held the first Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m., Administrative Conference Room, Town Hall.  Letters of interest should be addressed to Mayor Bill Pinkham, P.O. Box 1200, Estes Park, CO 80517 or email to jwilliamson@estes.org by May 23, 2008.  Inquires may be directed to Tree Board Chairman Russ Franklin at 577-3781. 

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May 2, 2008 - Valley-Wide Wildlife Habitat Study To Begin

This May the Town of Estes Park will begin work on a valley-wide habitat study.

The study will be performed by EDAW, a national environmental planning firm with offices in Fort Collins. The study will create an inventory of wildlife habitats using existing aerial photography, available resource mapping, and field reconnaissance.  EDAW will draw upon the best available local and regional scientific research to identify important habitat areas. This information will then be used to prioritize the relative importance of these areas, considering factors such as species diversity, uniqueness, and species at risk.  Prioritization will be established in consultation with wildlife biologists from both the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Rocky Mountain National Park. 

One of the primary objectives of this analysis is to identify and map the highest-value or most sensitive habitats in the Estes Valley. The map will be used to identify specific lands within the Estes Valley that will be subject to a higher level of site-specific wildlife or habitat analysis and mitigation of impacts as land is developed.

Public comment and contributions on the valley-wide habitat study will be managed by the Town of Estes Park Community Development Department.  Interested land owners, residents, and visitors can contact Department Director Bob Joseph (phone: 970-577-3725 or email: bjoseph@estes.org) for more information about this study. 

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April 29, 2008 - Development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Estes Park, CO: At the April 8, 2008 Town Board meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the Public Safety Committee’s recommendation to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.  A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a written agreement that identifies community issues and risks regarding wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness and structure protection. The process of the CWPP can also assist a community in clarifying and refining its priorities for the protection of life, property and critical infrastructure in the wildland urban interface (WUI).

Sue Pinkham has returned for her fourth season as Wildland Urban Fire Education Coordinator. She will be working with members of the Town staff and community members acquiring the necessary information to develop this plan, in addition to her other duties. Throughout the process, public meetings will offer opportunities for input by the community at large. Pinkham will also receive assistance from Colorado State Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service representatives, and the Larimer County Wildfire Specialist. The process of developing a CWPP can be expected to take from six to twelve months.

The Interagency Fire Education /Wildland Urban Fire Education position has been funded for six years through a grant that Rocky Mountain National Park obtained from the Community Assistance component of the National Fire Plan funds. One of the intended duties of this position is to assist communities in our area in developing CWPPs.

One of Pinkham’s first responsibilities is to help property owners understand the need for protecting their homes from wildfire then expand that concern to neighbors and develop a plan (CWPP) and work together to complete neighborhood fire mitigation projects. Several communities in the Estes Valley already have a CWPP, Windcliff, Thunder Mountain and the YMCA of the Rockies have combined to form the East Portal CWPP. Glen Haven has finalized their plan. Pinewood Springs and Allenspark are in the process of developing CWPPs.

“We want to protect our pristine forests for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. Also, this area is a prime tourist destination and our economy is heavily dependent upon the tourist dollar, we need to make sure that our scenic landscapes are protected as well as our infrastructure,” stated, Chief Scott Dorman at the Public Safety Committee meeting in March.

“For the last four years, the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department (EPVFD) has been able to acquire fire mitigation grants for slash collection and disposal. These grants are from the National Fire Plan’s Community Assistance program. Many more grants are available for fire mitigation efforts but are dependent upon communities developing a CWPP”, stated Chief Dorman.

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April 28, 2008 - Estes Park Celebrates Arbor Day

The public is invited to the Estes Park Tree Board’s annual Arbor Day celebration at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2008.  The celebration and tree planting will held at the Intermediate School on 1505 Brodie Avenue. 

The first Arbor Day was celebrated April 10, 1872.  Today, National Arbor Day celebrations are observed the last Friday in April.  Due to Estes Park’s frozen soil, however, the local Tree Board delays its festivities until later in May.

In addition to observing Arbor Day and its other annual activities, the Estes Park Tree Board is also responsible for the Town’s Tree City status and sponsors a Tree Memorial Program. Trees can be donated in memory of a family member, friend, or someone else important to the donor.  There is a bronze plaque in the Town Hall bearing the names of those honored with tree memorials.  Individuals interested in learning more about tree memorials are asked to contact the Town’s Parks Department at 577-3781 for guidelines and more information about the program.

Members of Estes Park’s Tree Board are Wendell Amos, Russ Franklin, Bruce Kane, Chuck Levine, Scott Roederer, and Bob Seifert.

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April 21, 2008 - Identifying Beetle-Killed Trees Key to Stopping Spread

This year’s annual Tree Symposium to be held on May 7 coincides with the time landowners must identify and remove beetle-killed trees before adult beetles fly from them to attack other trees.

July 1 has long been considered the start of the beetle flight, but recent studies show that it is occurring earlier. Global climate change and localized weather patterns may be factors that affect flight times. The Town of Estes Park Tree Board recommends that landowners identify, cut down, and remove infected trees before June 15.

It’s in your self-interest to cut and remove beetle-killed trees to prevent the spread of beetles. Beetles fly to the nearest susceptible trees, often ones weakened by drought, poor soil conditions, mistletoe, or disease. Your trees and those of your neighbors are the most likely targets, although beetles have been known to fly as far as five miles. State and county laws require beetle-killed trees to be cut and removed or treated. A similar municipal law is under consideration.

The Tree Board recommends that you inspect every pine, not just ponderosas, for pitch tubes, a sure sign of a beetle attack. Pitch tubes are reddish globs of tree resin that protrude from the bark where beetles have entered. They resemble wads of bubblegum. Trees produce sap in an attempt to expel invading beetles.

Trees are sometimes successful in warding off an attack, so the discovery of pitch tubes is only the first step in deciding if a tree should be cut. By May, trees that are hosting beetles and will die from the attack often display a yellowing of needles over the entire tree.

If a pine with pitch tubes is not showing signs of yellowing, it should still be checked for live beetles under the bark. This requires removing a section of bark with a hatchet or chisel near pitch tubes and looking first for tunnels burrowed by beetles and for the blue stain that results from a fungus carried by beetles. Live adult beetles or beetle larvae indicate the tree needs to be removed.

The Tree Board recently hosted a workshop to train a group of local volunteers and town employees in determining whether a tree harbors live beetles. Call the Town of Estes Park Public Works Department at 577-3588 to request an inspection of trees with pitch tubes. Because of the small number of initial volunteers, it is not possible for them to check entire properties. Out-of-town owners should contact a neighbor or a local tree service for help in checking their properties.

If a tree is infected, the best option this late in the beetle life cycle is to cut the tree and dispose of it. Beetles remain in downed trees until they fly. If you use a tree service, they will take care of disposal. The Town of Estes Park is considering the purchase of an air curtain burner to facilitate the disposal of beetle-killed trees for residents of the Estes Valley. Watch the newspaper for further information.

Using the traditional method of covering beetle-killed logs with plastic is only about 70% effective, according to current studies. The only completely effective way to save beetle-killed trees for firewood is to debark infected areas using a drawknife or chain saw attachment. Exposure to the elements kills the beetles.

Preventative spraying to protect valuable trees on a property needs to be completed before the beetles fly, but it should not be done too early, since its effectiveness wears off. Spraying is typically done from late May through the end of June. The Tree Board encourages landowners to use state-licensed sprayers and to arrange for spraying as soon as possible.

Information on all facets of mountain pine beetles will be available at the annual Tree Symposium on May 7 beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the Town Hall Board Room.

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April 21, 2008 - Tree Symposium To Be Held

Mountain pine beetles, managing the trees on your property, and fire mitigation will be featured programs at the second annual Tree Symposium to be held Wednesday morning, May 7 in the Town Hall Board Room. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.

Keynote speaker Dave Leatherman will present a program on “Mountain Pine Beetles and the Estes Valley” beginning at 8:30. He will discuss beetle biology, prevention, and treatment options for beetle-killed trees, all in the context of forest management.

Leatherman was the Forest Entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service from 1974 to 2005. He is widely recognized as a leading authority on pine beetles. He traveled over 1,000,000 miles in Colorado in his 31 years of service, studying and tracking pine beetles, western spruce budworms, and other forest pests.

At 9:45, Larimer County Forester Dave Lentz will discuss aspects of the law as it relates to beetle-killed trees. The law requires removal of infected trees before the beetles fly to attack other trees. Lentz will cover enforcement of the law and his experiences in dealing with people to achieve compliance.

At 10:30, Diana Selby, Forester with the Colorado State Forest Service, will present a program on “Managing Trees on Your Property.” Her program will focus on how to apply established forestry practices to your own property to keep trees healthy. She will also discuss planting for diversity as a way to protect landscape and property values.

At 11:15, Sue Pinkham, Interagency Fire Education Coordinator for the Estes Valley, will conclude the Symposium with a discussion of the ways private landowners can protect their homes and their trees from wildfire. Her program will emphasize creating a defensible space.

In addition to the formal presentations, informational displays will be set up in the Board Room foyer, and speakers will be available between programs to answer questions. Recent beetle-killed trees will be on display outside the building to help landowners recognize when trees on their properties have been infected.

The Tree Symposium is sponsored by the Town of Estes Park Tree Board. The first Tree Symposium in 2007 was spearheaded by Tree Board member Sue Doylen, who hoped it would help Estes Park avoid the kind of devastation caused by mountain pine beetles in the towns of Grand Lake and Granby. Over 100 people attended the first Symposium.

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March 21, 2008 - Reduce Salt on Roads/Save Dollars During Snow Plowing Operations

The town of Estes Park will soon reduce the amount of salt used to maintain roadways during snowplow operations.  If you have been near the waste transfer station on Elm Road recently you may have noticed a new fabric building.  This building was authorized last fall by the Town Board as a result of  a  recommendation from the Public Works Department to save annual tax dollars and improve environmental impacts of the sand and salt  application on the streets. The building will soon house a salt and sand mixture used to maintain streets in the winter.

The Town currently uses a 20% salt to 80% sand mixture from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as a long standing cooperative agreement between the agencies.  The CDOT ratio has been increasing state wide as a reaction to the increased level of service demanded by the users of the state highway system.  

The local roads in Estes Park do not require these ratios of salt.  Lower ratios of 8% salt have been determined as sufficient.  Reduction of these ratios will save the Town approximately $20,000 annually and reduce calcium levels reaching the rivers and lakes in our area.  The new structure will allow the Town to recycle sand already applied on the streets then add smaller amounts of new sand and the 8% salt.  These materials will then be blended and stored in the new building for use during plowing operations.

The environment is important to Estes Park officials and this is another step the town has taken to be more environmentally friendly.

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March 21, 2008 - Estes Park Bridges Pass Inspection

All eleven of Estes Park’s bridges were recently rated in good to very good condition during a 2007 inspection report performed by Kirkham Michael Consulting Engineers. 

Often tragedy brings to light the things that are forgotten in our infrastructure. Infrastructure will be a significant challenge in our future as we all watched the bridge collapse last year in Minneapolis and the water main break on I-25 in Denver recently.  The loss of life in Minneapolis and associated tax dollars being spent to deal with and replace a once seemingly dependable element of infrastructure rattles the community.  Certainly during these times the questions begin to infiltrate the town staff including, how are our bridges? 

All of the Town of Estes Park bridges were built in the 70’s and 80’s. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) through your tax dollars inspects all spans qualifying as bridges every two years within the State.  All of our bridges are various configurations of reinforced concrete. Our concrete structures are unlike the steel truss and composite structures that can have catastrophic structural failures such as the Minneapolis structural collapse.  Reinforced concrete structures seldom have catastrophic failures but instead show their problems slowly with time. 

Public Works Director Scott Zurn said, “The inspection report also recommended guardrail upgrades and minor repairs totaling $192,000.00.  These improvements are generally considered minor, but I am happy to report your bridge structures are doing well.”

The town board considers infrastructure a top priority in Estes Park and improvements are considered during the annual budgeting process.

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March 4, 2008 - Elkhorn Lodge Re-Development Work Session To Be Held

A Town Board work session is scheduled for Friday, March 7 to discuss the annexation and development agreement associated with the proposed Elkhorn Lodge Redevelopment project.  The Town Board will specifically be discussing the necessity, location and cost of the proposed bypass road, which would connect from Elm Road to Elkhorn Drive.  The board will also be discussing how to connect traffic to Highway 34 once it leaves the development.

The session will begin with a site tour at 9 a.m.  to explore off-site road connection options.  The tour will include stops on James Drive, Far View Drive, Elkhorn/Hwy 34 intersection and Donut Haus/Riverside Drive.

The Town Board will convene in the board room at 10 a.m. to discuss traffic generation from the development and proposed bypass road.  Representatives from Felsburg, Holt and Ullerig, who wrote the Estes Valley Transportation Alternative Study and representatives from Delich Associates, who prepared the Elkhorn Lodge Property Traffic Study will be present to discuss traffic generation.  Representatives from CDOT will discuss preferred road connections and required road improvements to CDOT rights-of-way.

The Town Board will also be discussing financing options for the bypass road as well as phasing of the development.  Representatives from Rock Castle Development Co., the developers for the project, will also be on hand to answer questions from the Board.

The property consists of four parcels totaling approximately 63 acres. The concept plan envisions a mixed-use development including single-family homes on the upper portion of the property, and multi-family, accommodations, and retail/commercial development on the lower portion, connected with open areas and trails. Renovation of the historic main lodge is planned along with construction of a new hotel wing. Construction of a western bypass road connecting Highway 36 (Moraine Avenue) to Highway 34 (West Elkhorn Avenue) is also proposed. Copies of the concept plan are available for review on the Town website at www.estesnet.com/COMDev/CurrentRequests.aspx.

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February 20, 2008 - Knox Box Requirement

What are Knox boxes and why do we need them?  Ordinance goes into effect June 2008.

By the end of June, 2008 certain businesses and residential properties will be required to install a Knox Box on their property. A Knox Box is part of the Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System and was specifically developed for fire departments in order to gain access to a property in an emergency. With one master key, the fire department is able to gain access to certain commercial, industrial, and residential properties. More than 9,000 fire departments nationwide currently use the Knox-Box® key system.

Knox boxes are special vault like lock boxes that are purchased and installed near the entrance of a building by the property owner. Each Knox Box® purchased by the property owner is keyed to a single master key, controlled by the Fire Department. With the Knox System, there is no waiting for a property owner to unlock the door in the middle of the night, and no forcing the door open to gain entry. The Knox Rapid Entry System reduces response time, property damage and the liability for lost keys.

The Estes Park Fire Department has also installed in its apparatus, pin-code secured access to the master key, allowing secure immediate access to the key when on scene.  This pin-code Key-Secure Box® also allows the fire department to track when the master key was used and by whom, giving greater security to the resident, property or business owner.

In April of 2007, the Public Safety Committee recommended to the Town board the initiation of an ordinance requiring certain commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties to install a lock box on their property. This ordinance was passed by the Town Board at the May 22, 2007 board meeting and requires certain properties to install a fire department approved lock box within one year from the date of the ordinance. The ordinance in section 8.04.091 of the Municipal Code includes all commercial and industrial properties that have an automatic fire suppression or alarm system, and multi-family residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units. Failure to install a lock box could lead to a municipal code violation and fine. The only Estes Park Fire Department approved lock box at this time is the Knox® lock box. A Knox Box can be ordered online at www.knoxbox.com. If you have any questions concerning the Knox Box system or if you are unsure if your property is required to have one, please contact the Estes Park Fire Department during normal business hours at (970) 577-0900.

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February 20, 2008 - Signing of HB 1015

February 12, 2008 - Town Receives Government Finance Officers' Association Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Town of Estes Park by the Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Estes Park’s Finance Department, headed by Finance Officer Steve McFarland, is designated as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.   The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

McFarland said, “We’re proud to maintain our high level of competency in government financial reporting as evidenced by this award.  We have a great staff who works hard every year to make this happen.”

The CAFR, which is a complete accounting of a government’s financial condition, can be read on-line at http://estesnet.com/finance/.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 16,000 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C.

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January 21, 2008 - Estes Park Meeting to Address Land Planning Issues

Larimer County, Colorado – The Board of Larimer County Commissioners will meet with the Estes Park Town Board and the Estes Valley Planning Commission on January 29th,  from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. Saint Vrain, to discuss planning issues in the Estes Valley.

The Estes Valley is unique in Colorado in that the Town and County jointly adopted the Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan in 1996. This plan established goals to guide future development and recommended revisions to zoning and subdivision regulations to accomplish these goals. Colorado’s norm is for citizens within a town limits to follow town code and for citizens in unincorporated areas to follow county code. The unique opportunity in the Estes Valley to combine land use efforts was made possible through extensive community-wide input preceding legislative action.  

Following adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the Town and County began work to develop joint zoning and subdivision regulations for the Estes Valley, again with public input. That effort produced the Estes Valley Development Code, a unified code establishing both zoning and subdivision regulations for the Estes Valley, and jointly adopted by the Commissioners and Board of Trustees in 1999 and becoming effective in 2000. Revisions to the code are considered and adopted through a public hearing process that is held before the respective elected boards, with each acting independently.

The two entities share a joint, appointed, Estes Valley Planning Commission, for the Town and surrounding unincorporated area to advise the Town Board and Commissioners on land use matters.

Recent land use decisions in the valley have shown a growing concern by residents of the Valley about future growth and the current land use plan.  The Board of County Commissioners, Town Board and Planning Commission meeting on January 29th will be an opportunity for the three boards to discuss these concerns and to develop a framework for future public involvement and participation to address citizens concerns.

Although the public is welcome to attend the January 29th meeting, public comment will not be taken at that time but at a later date to be set after the three boards share information and ideas for future public participation on the 29th. Citizens can submit written comments on the 29th and are also encouraged to forward their ideas and concerns to the Commissioners and Town Trustees online at: BOCC@larimer.org and http://216.17.209.196/TownClerk/MayorTrustees/.

For further information on the Comprehensive Plan and Code, please visit:
Estes Valley Development Code - http://www.estesnet.com/ComDev/devcode/
Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan - http://www.estesnet.com/ComDev/ComprehensivePlan.aspx 

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January 14, 2008 - Lowell Richardson Named New Deputy Town Administrator

Lowell Richardson has been selected as Estes Park’s new Deputy Town Administrator.  Richardson has been the Police Chief since 2001 and has over 28 years of municipal government experience. 

Town Administrator Jacquie Halburnt said, “Lowell’s primary role will be to assist me with the day-to-day operations of the town and he will eventually supervise some departments.  Lowell is a professional who’s had lots of leadership and management training and the town is fortunate to have someone of his caliber in this role.”

Richardson came to Estes Park from Fruita, where he served as police chief for 3 years.  Prior to Fruita, he spent 19 years with the Brighton Police Department as an officer, detective and sergeant.    He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management, both from the University of Phoenix.

Richardson has over 2,000 hours of professional training including specialized training in executive management/leadership and as a professional standards assessor/trainer. 

When asked what his thoughts were about the town and its future direction, Richardson said, “I am very optimistic about the future outlook of the town and the entire community. The Town Board has made it a priority to ensure that the anticipated development and redevelopment in Estes Park is done well.  Estes Park is changing and I’m excited to be a part of administrative team as we move forward.”

Richardson is very active in the community and currently serves at the Sunrise Rotary President.  He serves on the Estes Valley Victim Advocates board, Larimer Telephone Authority Board (911), Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police Profession Standards Committee Chair, Colorado Regional Community Policing Board, Estes Valley Restorative Justice Board, and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention committee.

Halburnt concluded, “Lowell brings a nice set of skills to the demands of this position and I feel comfortable he will apply them to the best interests of the Town of Estes Park.”

Richardson lives in Estes Park with his wife Diana.  He has four children Josh, David, Tim and Angela.  In his free time he enjoys golfing and restoring his 1958 Thunderbird.

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January 8, 2008 - Fire Service Charges Outside Town Limits - Public Input Sought

As the town continues to contemplate charging residents outside the town boundaries for fire services, public input is crucial to the process.  The town will once again seek public input on Tuesday, January 15 in the town board room beginning at 6 p.m.

The Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department services an area roughly six times the size of town limits.   The Fire Department budget comes from the town’s general fund with additional money raised by the non-profit Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Town staff has researched several methods to offset the cost of providing fire service to areas outside the town including an optional flat fee and even trying two separate elections for form a fire district.

Town Administrator Jacquie Halburnt said, “If we charge for fire services outside town limits, 100% of the money collected will be used toward the fire department budget.  The department’s 2008 budget is $921,027, with just $16,600 projected in grant revenues.  This budget is independent of money raised by the volunteer organization.”

The last public meeting held by the town yielded much interest in alternative methods to charge for fire services.  The town is holding this meeting to seek input on those alternative methods to recoup costs.

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January 3, 2008 - 2007 Citizens' Information Academy

Just a few spaces remain for the sixth annual Town of Estes Park’s Citizens' Information Academy (CIA). The Academy is a five-week free program designed to familiarize citizens with local government. It takes place on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, with one lunch session beginning at noon. Class will be based at the Town of Estes Park Board Room, 170 MacGregor Avenue. Participants will meet with Town trustees and staff, visit Town facilities, and expand their knowledge of overall Town operations. The course receives rave reviews from participants each year. Those who live beyond Town limits are eligible; however, priority is given to in-Town residents. Applicants must be 18 or older. The one-page application is available at the Town Hall administrative office, 577-3700, or at www.estesnet.com. For more information, contact Tracy Feagans at 577-3700. The application deadline is Friday, January 11 at 5:00 PM.

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January 2, 2008 - Estes Park Town Board to Hear Wapiti Crossing Appeal

On January 8, 2008, the Estes Park Board of Trustees will hear an appeal of the denial of the Wapiti Crossing Development Plan at its regular board meeting beginning at 7 p.m. 

The public is allowed to comment during the appeal and anyone who would like to do so is encouraged to attend the meeting. 

On November 20, 2007, the Estes Valley Planning Commission voted 4-1 to deny the development plan for Wapiti Crossing, located at 1041 S. St. Vrain Avenue based on the significant impact to wildlife.   The proposal is for the development of one 24-unit building, one duplex, two triplexes, ten detached units, and the use of the existing cabin as a community room.

The decision-making authority for development plans rests with the Estes Valley Planning Commission; however, the development code allows for an appeals process of the commission’s decisions.  The final decision-making authority for proposals on appeal located inside the town limits rests with the Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees.

On December 6, 2007, the commission’s decision was appealed by the applicant, Mr. Jim Loftus. 

The Estes Valley Planning Commission is a joint Town/County commission that reviews development proposals and subdivision proposals within the Estes Valley, both inside and outside the Town of Estes Park.

The commission consists of seven volunteer appointed members. Four members are appointed by the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners; three members are selected by the Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees.

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