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BOT to dicuss Amendment 64 Requirements RE: Retail Marijuana

2/28/2014

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The BOT of Trustee's will address Amendment 64 requirements regarding retail marijuana at their March 5th Workshop. Below is my report to them regarding their options for addressing new laws in Colorado legalizing the licensing of four types retail marijuana businesses. I've also attached a synopsis of Colorado Retail Marijuana law written by Colorado Municipal League Attorney Rachel Allen and a memo to the Board from our own Town Attorney Kathryn Sellars. Public Health Director Tara Hardy and Sheriff Ron Bruce will also be present to address the BOT.  If you are interested in reviewing all the information that the BOT will review, please visit our Board page and download the packet for this workshop.

A draft was previously posted. This final version was posted March 3, 2014.

To:      Mayor Vierheller & Lake City Board of Trustees
From:             Leslie Klusmire, Town Manager

RE:  Options for addressing Amendment 64 Re: Licensing Retail Marijuana Businesses

Date:  March 5, 2014

Requested Action:

Direct the Town Manager and/or the Town Attorney to further investigate options, or prepare recommendations including a draft ordinance governing licensing of marijuana businesses and/or an ordinance for a ballot question in November 2014 as desired by the BOT.

Background:

The Town of Lake City has conducted the following elections and adopted the following ordinances related to marijuana in response to changing marijuana legislation:

In November of 2000, Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 (Article XVIII, Section 14) to the Colorado Constitution which allows the possession and use of limited quantities of marijuana by qualified persons.

Ordinance 5-2009 (December 30, 2009) which imposed a six month moratorium on the review of applications for medical marijuana dispensaries to allow time for a study to be made as to range of impacts and options for any BOT decision regarding medical marijuana.

Ordinance 2-2010 (June 16, 2010) extending the moratorium through June 30, 2011.

In June of 2010, the Governor signed into law House Bill 10-1284 (C.R.S. 12-43/3-101) which allowed municipalities to permit businesses to cultivate, produce and/or sell marijuana for medical purposes.

Ordinance 4-2010 (August 8, 2010) to submit to the voters a question of whether to allow medical marijuana centers, premises for cultivation operations and medical marijuana infused products manufacturers’ licenses with the town for the November 2, 2010 general election.

When the majority of voters voted to prohibit medical marijuana licensing, the BOT adopted Ordinance 1-2011 (January 5, 2011) prohibiting the establishment and operation of certain medical marijuana businesses with the town including cultivation, production of products or sales.

On November 6, 2012, Colorado voters passed Amendment 64 which allows persons of 21 years of age or older to legally consume or possess one ounce or less of marijuana, and for retail marijuana sales to be taxed and licensed. In response, the Colorado legislature passed House Bill 13-1317 establishing state regulations for retail marijuana sales.

Ordinance 3-2013 (August 21, 2013) establishing a temporary moratorium regarding the establishment of any retail marijuana business until December 4, 2014 to allow time for the BOT to study the impacts and options for retail marijuana sales.

This Board is now considering options for licensing the sale, cultivation, product manufacture, and/or testing facilities for retail marijuana within the Town of Lake City.

During your workshop, Sheriff Ron Bruce and Public Health Director Tara Hardy will be present at your workshop to present concerns from the perspective of law enforcement and public health.  Rachel Allen will be available from CML via phone to go through options and answer questions in the big picture such as what other jurisdictions have done and what the CML is learning about the issue from a statewide perspective. Kathryn Sellars, the Town’s attorney, will be available via phone to answer questions regarding application of marijuana laws to the Town. Ms. Sellars will also be available if needed during your regular meeting.

Issues:

The central issue is whether the Town will allow or prohibit retail marijuana businesses. If you elect to prohibit any or all of those businesses, you must do so by ordinance. If you want to consider how you might incorporate marijuana businesses into Lake City, the following are some staff recommended options for your consideration. 

I’m going to use Kathryn’s outline to present some staff recommended options that are specific to Lake City.

Types of Licenses:

A. Retail Marijuana Store

B. Retail Marijuana Cultivation Facility License

C. Retail Marijuana Products Manufacturing License

D. Retail Marijuana Testing Facility License

Staff Comment: The retail marijuana laws assume that those entities which elect to allow retail marijuana business licensing have already allowed medical marijuana businesses.  Lake City prohibits medical marijuana businesses. While you could elect to only allow retail marijuana businesses without medical marijuana sales, you also could elect to reconsider certain types of medical marijuana businesses. If you did decide to include medical marijuana businesses in your consideration, there is a choice for you to allow retail marijuana and medical marijuana businesses to coexist in the same location (they have to be kept at separate counters within a business) OR to only allow one or the other within any one business.

At this time, there are no retail businesses that don’t also sell medical marijuana because the statute doesn’t allow new applications for retail marijuana until October 1, 2014.  All of the retail marijuana licenses that have been issued are conversions from existing medical marijuana licenses.  (Rachel Allen, CML)

Options for additional regulations by ordinance for any or all of the above types of

licenses.

a. Time

Example: Hours and Days of Operation

b. Manner of Sale

Example: All sales must occur out of the view of the public or all marijuana must be secured and only accessible by employees or owners of the establishment.

c. Place

Example: Zoning Districts where activity is permitted (See Zoning Map of 1991)

The Central Business District (CBD) is approximately seven block core that extends from 1st to 4th Streets and between the alley to the west of Silver Street and Henson Street (narrower by about a ½ block between 1st and 2nd Streets).  Retail uses are allowed by right. Light industrial uses are allowed by conditional use if they meet the standards of subsection D (i.e.: might create a public or private nuisance). Should you wish to allow retail marijuana sales, this is an appropriate zone. It is conceivable that if you should also elect to allow marijuana cultivation, product manufacture and/or testing, they could be allowed in this zone with a conditional use permit.

The General Business District (GBD) is generally located at the north end of town – north of 8th Street and generally following on either side of SH149.  If you should elect to allow any or all of the four marijuana business options including retail sales, cultivation, and product manufacture and/or testing, they could be allowed in this zone by right. 

Those two districts are most appropriate for retail businesses. The GBD is most appropriate for cultivation, product manufacture and/or testing businesses. After consultation with our attorney, I would recommend that if you want to permit marijuana businesses you should not limit the location of a marijuana business within the district any more than you would limit the location of any other retail business. You can make any or all of the marijuana businesses conditional uses instead of uses by right, which allows you to set criteria by which the Town evaluates whether a use is appropriate to a particular site and therefore allows the Town more leeway in location.  

The Tourist Zone allows retail businesses of less than 600 sq. ft. by conditional use. This would be an option only for the retail sales type business and not for the other three. It would be my opinion that the retail use defined as small crafts sales or production business allowed by right would not include marijuana businesses of any type. To eliminate any possible challenge, you may want to outright prohibit marijuana businesses in this district.

The town allows home occupations as an accessory use in any dwelling unit regardless of zone as long as it meets certain standards.  It is conceivable that if you do not specifically prohibit any or all the types of marijuana businesses covered by Amendment 64 to be defined as home occupations, they could be conducted under the home occupation rules.

d. Number of Establishments

I would recommend you limit the number of establishments of any of the four types in certain zone districts. You may want to consider making each a conditional use with standards that have to be addressed in order to be licensed. I would not recommend that you allow any of the businesses in any zone except CBD and/or GBD.

e. Local Licensing requirements

We can develop recommendations for licensing requirements for any or all of these types of businesses within the confines of the law.

f. Fees.

A local jurisdiction is permitted to impose operating fees if the local jurisdiction has a local licensing requirement.  Our Attorney will have further information on how revenue from marijuana sales is available to towns and what revenue options there are.

We can develop recommendations for fees within the confines of the law.

You of course have the option of directing staff to draw up ordinances to:

1.      Allow any or all of the above types of businesses in certain zones with certain restrictions as previously described.

2.      Enact a prohibition by ordinance of any or all of the above types of licenses.

3.      Put the question of whether to allow or prohibit any or all of the above types of licenses in the November 2014 ballot. 

4.      Draft an ordinance considering the options for regulations listed above and put that before the voters for approval or rejection on the November 2014 ballot.

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Friends of the Armory - Be a part of our Beloved Town Center's Rejuvenation

2/26/2014

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On February 19th, the Trustees approved the staff recommendation to rejuvenate, remodel and add on to the Armory. Over the coming weeks, the community will have a chance to work with us on space planning and design. Meanwhile, Ben and i are looking for thoughtful and hardworking folks to help us organize the "Friends of the Armory" committee and to help us get this project done through next fall. Kids of all ages - 10 to 110 are invited to join. If you are interested in helping us with any or all of the following: identifying donors and securing donations for materials, furnishings and/or cash, planning for and securing public art, planning for and securing volunteers to help install outdoor patio, walkways, gardens, etc. planning for and installing decor, planning for and installing features that will help everyone enjoy the facility to the max, planning our grand opening, helping relocate activities through the summer to other facilities, and make our revitalized community center personalized for our community - then please email me at leslieklusmire@townoflakecity.us with your name and contact info and a list of your interests and expertise. We'll be setting up an initial meeting and sending out more information soon. 
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Town Election = April 1: Are you registered to vote? March 3rd is the deadline!

2/24/2014

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The 2014 election for the Board of Trustees of the Town of Lake City will be conducted on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in the Lake City Fire Station at 131 N. Henson Street in Lake City. The following terms will be filled at that time: 

Mayor - One 4 year term
Trustee - Three 4 year terms

The last day to register to vote for the April 1st election is March 3, 2014. You may register to vote with the Hinsdale County Clerk and Recorder. Applications for absentee ballots are now available and will be accepted until the end of business on Friday, March 28th.  Nomination petitions will be available for circulation beginning on February 10, 2014. Completed petitions must be submitted to the Town Clerk no later than the close of business on February 28, 2014. Candidates must obtain at least 10 signatures from registered voters within the Town of Lake City to be nominated. For all other questions, please contact Town Clerk Cindy Nelson at 944-2333 or lakecityclerk@centurytel.net.
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Final CIP by RPI Consulting to be received by BOT Feb 19

2/18/2014

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The final CIP document commissioned by the Town and funded with an Energy Impact Grant will be received by the Town Council at their February 19th meeting. The final copy is below for your review. Because of staff changes at Town Hall, the document was not completed to a working format. The grant contract has expired. Jodi Linsey, myself and our Department of Local Affairs representative are taking the information in this document, updating it and making a final 10 to 20 year capital improvements work plan with suggested scheduling, financing, work tasks and replacement schedules for Town assets. The CIP will be used as a budget planning tool to schedule priority projects with each successive budget year and will be updated as needed.
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Henry Woods Armory Presentation to the BOT for Feb 19

2/14/2014

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Henry Woods is a strong champion of the previous two story addition to the Armory including a full service elevator but not including improvements to the existing building or a kitchen.  Henry also argues that the weight room must remain in the Armory. The previous plan also assumed a weight room would be located on the second floor, requiring more reinforcement to handle the weight. He has submitted his justification for proceeding with his vision for the Armory, considered by previous Trustee Boards prior to the work of the Community Recreation Committee. The cost estimates Henry is using are current to 2012 and are less than the architect's estimate because he is proposing cost saving of $86,000 in site work that he wants done by city crews. This would require hiring additional temporary staff to complete as we do not have current staffing or expertise to complete that work. Henry's justification for the previous plan is attached below.
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Staff Recommendation to BOT for Armory -For February 19th meeting

2/12/2014

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To:      Mayor Vierheller & Lake City Board of Trustees

From:             Leslie Klusmire, Town Manager

RE:     Staff Recommendation for Addressing Armory ADA compliance, structural, weatherization/energy efficiency and utility upgrade needs, bathroom replacement and additional space to meet community needs for the next ten years.

Date:  February 19, 2014

 

Requested Action:

Vote to authorize the Town Manager to expend no more than $10,000 from funds set aside for Armory improvements for pre-construction drawing assessments including an overall program analysis and pre-design, architectural schematic for a new addition to include restrooms and changing facility, multi-purpose room, commercial-grade kitchen, electrical assessment and rehabilitation plan, structural assessment and weatherization plan, assessment and recommendation for site conditions, drainage and snow.

 

Background:

In the fall of 2009, the Town applied for a CDBG grant to fund a two story addition to the Armory estimated to cost $605,000 for an additional 2400 square feet (1200 sq. ft. per story without pre-construction preparation costs - typically about 10% of the construction budget).  That estimate – not including the costs of pre-construction work - breaks out to about $277 per square foot.  From what I can tell, this proposal did not include a kitchen and did not include improvements to the existing building including electrical, structural and energy efficiency.

The Board of Trustees approved an Armory expansion on May 18, 2011. Although no reference is made in the minutes to what the expansion entailed, it may have been based on construction plans drawn and submitted to the Town in February of 2010.  That plan was similar to the plan submitted for the CDBG grant of 2009.  By September 2012, that same addition now fleshed out in actual construction drawings was estimated to be $935,179.20 without pre-construction drawings.   That estimate – not including the costs of pre-construction work - breaks out to about $390 per square foot. The elevator alone, without factoring the cost of the support structures around it was approximately $95,000. The cost of the elevator itself (not the support structures for the elevator) to serve the only the square footage of the building’s second story not taken up by the elevator itself would be $42 per sq. foot or app 10% of the total construction cost of the building. A little over half of that space would have been a new weight room.

The addition appears to have stalled because of a lack of funding.

In the years following, a collaborative recreation planning committee (CRC) assessed the current needs of the community and has recommended that some of the uses planned for the Armory, specifically the weight and cardio room uses could work better as part of a joint use facility at the school. The school is planning to construct a gymnasium over the next year replacing the need to use the Armory as frequently as they do now.  Town staff believes a new, affordable and more historically respectful vision for the Armory is emerging that will serve the current community needs better than the previous plan. In addition, the Armory is in immediate need of utility upgrades, structural reinforcements and weatherization to prevent the considerable heat loss the buildings cracks and air spaces now create.

Staff has been meeting and discussing the recommendations of CRC, the past planning efforts of the Town and working through a recommendation for an immediate project to affordably address Town needs for Armory use and its need for some rehabilitation work.  DOLA has assisted us in identifying funding. We believe that if the Trustees agree with our recommendation and give us the go ahead tonight, it may be possible to secure 100% funding this spring, start construction in June of 2014 and complete improvements in the fall of 2014.

During the proposed construction period, we expect that the Armory itself may be out of commission for public use for a significant part of the summer. Alternative locations would have to be identified for those groups that usually use the Armory during the construction period. Staff has started to identify options for relocation of events and classes planned for this summer. It would be important to make sure the Armory is back in use for the start of school. We anticipate at least one more year of use by the school as they prepare for and construct their gymnasium.

The following is the staff proposal for improvements to the Armory:

1.      Construction of a 1500 sq.ft. one story addition off the south side of the building in an area that would not preclude an eventual two story addition similar to what was previously planned but not funded.  All improvements would have to comply with current building codes.

The one story addition would include:

a.       Restrooms for men and women

b.      A “family” restroom that would include a shower and changing area

c.       A full commercial kitchen

d.      A multi-purpose activity room of approximately 500 to 600 sq. ft.

e.       Storage and maintenance prep areas as needed

f.       A wide hallway leading from the Armory to the different use areas in the addition

 

2.      Entrance improvements to the current Town Hall that would keep snow off the entry way and include a small garden/ seating area. This improvement would be modest in cost because should the town grow and elect to proceed with a two story addition, this improvement would be demolished. It will most likely be combined with and entry area for the addition.

3.      Restoration of the former Fire House Garage into a Town meeting and multi-purpose classroom space.  The former firehouse garage has a bricked over wide garage entrance that could be removed and replaced with glass and doors that open on to a large public courtyard. We believe this would make a very attractive meeting room that could also house aerobic and exercise classes, other meetings and activities, and could also be rented out for parties and private events. Our vision includes a large courtyard off the south end of the building with landscaping, a community barbeque and fire pit. There is a likelihood that we will be building a pump house on Town property south  of the Armory at a future date. The pump house building could be integrated into the site plan and a garden could be maintained on the open areas remaining on the Town property.

4.      Storage areas. Staff recommends continuing to use the space north of the old firehouse garage as storage, adding a mezzanine and stairs to create more storage in that room. The second story of the existing Town Hall (now used as the weight rooms,) would be storage and offices for town staff as needed. No ADA access would be required as the space would not be for used by the general public.

5.      Replace the electrical system, repair any structural weaknesses and weatherize the building.  The Armory does need some restoration work. Besides sealing the cracks and air spaces in the building, it needs new wiring and some structural repair work. This initial assessment phase will help us determine the extent of the work needed.

6.      Accessibility and aesthetic improvements to the front/main entrance.  The snow-shedding on the north side of the building is a hard problem to solve. I am proposing creating a wide planter next the building to allow snow storage through the winter and shade-type perennials and annuals in the summer. We would construct a boardwalk similar to the others in downtown to the north of the open planning area and then create parallel parking along the boardwalk – most of which would be devoted to ADA parking. Because of the narrowness of this area, we don’t have a lot of other choices that don’t include more expensive heated sidewalks and/or drainage improvements.  We might also want to consider covered entries over the building doors on the north side of the building so that the roof would not send snow down on the ground in front of entries and entry walkways.

 

If and when the weight room facilities are relocated to a community recreation center at the school, we would recommend repurposing the downstairs cardio room to a lounge and TV room for teens. The second story of the old Town Hall would serve as storage for items used seasonally and for staff offices.  We also recommend that storage areas be better organized and concealed so the building appears more “cleaned up” and attractive. We anticipate as the weight room and school gymnasium uses are relocated to the school; and the new restrooms and kitchen is available - the Armory will be easier to keep clean and will be more desirable for community and private events.

It would be our objective to ensure these improvements would continue to serve the entire community for decades to come.

Financing: 

 

We are anticipating that the costs for this project will $650,000 to $800,000.  Here is an ballpark estimate to give you an idea. As we learn what the improvements the Armory actually needs, we’ll be able to be closer on the cost estimate

Pre-construction evaluation                                                                              $10,000

Construction and bid documents                                                                      $25,000

Construction one-story addition:

Full commercial kitchen, restrooms, shower

and changing area, 500 sq.ft. multi-purpose room,

ancillary space = app. 1500 sq. feet x $250                                                    $375,000

Building upgrades:

Rewiring, structural repair, storage upgrades,

remodeling,                                                                                                     $260,000

Entrance improvements and landscaping                                                         $40,000

            Pre-construction subtotal                                  $35,000

             Construction subtotal                                      $675,000

____________________________________________________________________

Estimated Total Cost                                                                                       $710,000

Contingency 10% of Construction                                                                   $67,500

____________________________________________________________________

Grand Total Cost Estimate                                                                                         $777,500

Financing Plan:

            Current Armory Fund:                                                                        $128,000

            Cash Donations:                                                                                $200,000

            In-kind donations (donated labor and materials)                                 $49,500        

            Energy Impact Funds:            (awarded June 2014)                           $400,000                    

Total Funding                                                                                                 $777,500

In-kind donations (donated labor and materials) can come from community-donated labor and materials for decorating, appliances, storage cabinet construction, landscaping, boardwalk construction, garden planting, etc.

2014 Time Line if plan is approved tonight:

1.      Staff will engage Ben White for preliminary engineering not to exceed $10,000 with an end of March deadline for reporting to BOT for workshop at their first meeting April 2 and final approval at their 2nd meeting in April. Financed out of existing Armory account.

2.      CRC begins cash donation campaign for construction.

3.      Trustees review staff recommendation for final design alternative and approve contract for preparation of construction and bid documents for June bidding process. Financed out of existing Armory account.

4.      Apply for Tier 2 Energy Impact grant for construction in the amount of $400,000 from DOLA in April. Continue to work with CRC to solicit matching funds to the full cost of improvements. 

5.      Plan on construction start in June to coincide with the award of Energy Impact Funds.  Begin to determine options for relocating summer uses to alternate facilities during Armory construction

6.      Phase project so that Armory can be open as much as possible during the summer, and can be mostly open (at least restrooms and gymnasium) by the start of the school year.

 

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Municipal Election Judges Needed

2/7/2014

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Three election judges and one alternate will be needed for the Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 7am-7pm. Please submit a letter of intent to the Town Clerk by 5:00pm on Monday, March 3, 2014. You may mail it to PO Box 544, Lake City, CO 81235, email it to lakecityclerk@centurytel.net or stop by Town Hall at 230 Bluff Street. All interested applicants must be 18 years of age and registered to vote within the Town of Lake City. Please call Town Clerk Cindy Nelson at 944-2333 with any questions.
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Town Priorities for 2014 Projects

2/5/2014

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Yesterday, the Board discussed their 2014 project priorities at a workshop. The following is what they agreed on for a vote of confirmation at a regular meeting.



Introduction:

The Board of Trustees met in a workshop on February 4th to discuss staff work task priorities over the next year.  This report summarizes the board’s consensus. We will use this information to complete our Capital Improvements Plan, which will also include projects to be completed for years beyond 2014.

I want to add one commitment that I did not discuss yesterday because I still had more information coming in. As to the T Mountain/Ball Flats drainage issue, I don’t see how the Town can fund the drainage improvements of that scope with its revenue stream in the near future. The problems are more complicated than some might have been led to believe and will require expert analysis before we embark on moving any ground and rerouting water. We don’t want to proceed without knowing we are doing the right thing. Drainage issues are tricky and can be complex to solve in areas with terrain variations.  We don’t want to do improvements that result in new problems for private property owners, I will commit to sending out notices to the affected parties this spring and meeting with them over the summer regarding options for remedies and planning how to move forward with a resolution. DOLA will assist us with financing options for the needed drainage remedies. That way, we may be able to bring at least the first phase of a worthy project forward for the 2015 Work Program.

I understand mosquitos are a problem because of standing water and wet soil and we can propose an affordable plan to treat that problem this summer.


 

2014 General Time Line

The Town/staff work tasks are listed as follows:

            Immediate:  3 months of this remaining term

            Transition:  within next 6 months

            2014 Year End: through to the next board work session in January 2015

These recommendations are in order of priority.

PRIORITY #1. Water and Wastewater Compliance in response to demands from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Water: The state has reclassified our existing wells from “groundwater” to “groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI)” a designation that carries a higher risk of contamination. The reclassification occurred because of a CDPHE decision to re-examine the construction parameters of existing well construction, such as distance from a surface water source.  They also reviewed a series of tests they asked us to conduct over the summer of 2012, which included temperature and conductivity testing of the well water and the water in Henson Creek. Here is the course of action we are currently pursuing:

Stage 1 – Simultaneously:

1. Look into and if feasible, propose upstream water monitoring as a way to gage environmental conditions that could influence water quality; and if found, be able to treat water in response to actual problems.

2. Retest next summer with an independent testing service to see if the problem identified previously (over only one summer) is really present.

3. After test wells have been completed (will be done this week), determine if there are well sites that can replace existing wells that do not qualify for the surface water influence designation.

Stage 2 - If 1, 2, and/or 3 aren't accepted by CDPHE as a resolution, we will have to look building a treatment plant. This option will be very expensive and very involved because we will have to size the plant to meet future high season demand. We now have several water sources that enter the water system in different locations and our delivery system will have to be reconfigured to deliver all water to the treatment plant location.

Timeline for Stage 1 Implementation:

January 2014 – Test well completed

February 2014

WELLS – Send water and soil samples from test wells to HRS Water Consultants, Inc. Their staff will analyze the results and give us recommendations as to possible replacement wells that will meet CDPHE’s new interpretation of groundwater wells. We anticipate this will take 4 to 6 weeks.

MONITORING – If the Trustee’s agree and CDPHE will consider monitoring as a resolution, staff will begin to pursue a feasibility, site location and cost study for upstream monitoring. We expect such as study to take four to six weeks.

March 2014

WELLS – If new wells would better address our compliance requirements, staff will develop an RFP for engineering services to complete bid-ready well facility plans including any distribution system modifications needed. If we are required to modify the distribution system in a certain area, we will consider the cost/benefit and feasibility of also upgrading other lines and improving drainage as we go.  Plan development may take 1 to 2 months.  If we need to acquire land and/or amend our water rights to develop the well, we would start that process.

MONITORING – We will discuss the results of the feasibility study with the Trustees and CDPHE and determine if such a system is worth pursuing. If so, we will prepare documents for bidding design and installation.

April 2014

            MONITORING – Prepare to bid out installation of monitoring system.

RETESTING – If the CDPHE will consider retesting as a resolution, staff will work with Lake Fork Valley Conservancy to retest water over the summer season.

May 2014 –

WELLS – Prepare bid documents and put construction out to bid.

MONITORING – Begin monitoring water quality upstream.

June 2014

WELLS – Receive bids and work with contractor to begin drilling and well facility construction.  Stage any distribution modification to make as many improvements as needed in the area and to minimize disruption to resident, tourist and business access.

August 2014

WELLS – Upon completion of wells and distribution system modifications, cap off existing wells.

September 2014

RETESTING – Complete retesting and discuss results with CDPHE.

Stage 2 - If 1, 2, and/or 3 of Stage I aren’t accepted by CDPHE as a resolution, we shift our attention to options for water treatment.

            November 2014

If none of these options resolve our issues with CDPHE, we will need to start looking at a treatment plant location, sizing, design and funding in the fall.

Sewer:  The town received a phone call from CDPHE notifying Public Works that the Town needed to address emerging violations of its wastewater treatment facility Discharge Permit.  The violation occurs due to intermittently high organic loading (waste material) during the spring months most likely due to sudden increase in use of the sewer system when seasonal residents return for the summer (e.g., flushing of RV tanks, opening of vacation homes, etc.).  We will commence with upgrades to the aeration system to better process the spring organic loading event.

2014 Time Line:

February 5 & 6 – County and Town sign application for modification to site plan application and staff distributes to CDPHE and appropriate entities.

February 2014 – State will issue a determination on acceptable alternatives to achieve compliance.

March 2014 – Staff will develop RFP for engineering services to modify the wastewater treatment plant to include an engineer’s recommendations for modifying our Discharge Permit to allow variable (seasonal) organic loading parameters for our plant.

June 2014 - Bid out construction. Begin to work with CDPHE on integrating variable organic loading parameters into our Discharge Permit. We expect to receive our approved site modification application by June. This will allow us to apply for the needed amendment to our Discharge Permit.

August & September 2014 – Anticipate late summer construction to modify our wastewater plant. 

Fall 2014 – CDPHE certifies compliance. We anticipate our Discharge Permit modification to be approved.

PRIORITY #2 - Water and Sewer Line Replacement in the Downtown Area

Downtown area water line leakage has been established at anywhere between 50%-88%[1] according to our Public Works Director.  A more accurate and specific leak detection investigation is a next step to repairing leaks. Excessive amounts of water leakage results in unnecessary operation and maintenance cost for potable water that never reaches a consumer and just leaks back into the ground. 

Sewer lines were constructed of asbestos concrete pipe and video monitoring shows offset joints, pipe sags, sediment deposits, cracked pipes and protruding services. 

Besides age – the system was installed in the 1960’s – the deterioration of the pipe system is significantly caused by drainage problems. Ponding water infiltrates the soil and that movement causes additional stress on pipes.

In order to solve the problem and prevent a possible failure of the system, we need to replace all the pipes and address the drainage issues simultaneously.  We will also plan for installation of culverts in advance of possibly restoring the town ditch system. The culverts will be relatively inexpensive to install during this process and cap off for future use. If we wait, we would have to rip up the streets again and install them at considerable expense. Implementing this project will cause disruption to town businesses and everyone’s ability to get around town. Staff will work with DIRT and the Chamber of Commerce to plan construction phasing so we maintain good access to businesses during the process and keep disruption of around town traffic to the absolute minimum.

2014 Time Line:

Immediate: 

1.      Staff will prepare a comprehensive work program with options for this project and bring it to the board for review and comments.

2.      Apply for April Tier 1 Energy Impact Grant for final construction engineering.

            Transition: 

3.      Working with professional advice, staff will secure cost estimates for the board’s preferred options.  Financing and phasing options will be identified and brought to the board for review and approval.

            2014 Year End:

4.      Based on the preferred implementation plan of the Board, staff will begin preparing financing applications and RFPs for final design in preparation for going out to bid for first phase improvements.

5.      Staff will work with DIRT and the Chamber of Commerce to begin to plan for business access and minimal impact of construction on summer seasonal events and tourism.

 

PRIORITY #3 – Replace the Generator at the Pump House

Our current pump house generator is too small to handle its mission of allowing pumping of water to the town to continue should we lose power.  We need to purchase an appropriately sized pump to allow us to provide water when longer power shortages occur.

2014 Time Line:

Immediate/Transition: 

1.      Determine costs of replacing generator.

2.      Identify and pursue funding options for generator.

3.      Purchase new generator and have it installed as soon as possible.

4.      Relocate present generator to another public purpose location appropriate for its size or store until needed for another purpose.

 

PRIORITY #4 - Master Recreation Plan

Staff will participate in and facilitate a community based process with the Community Recreation Committee (CRC) to hammer out the final details for the community’s vision so that we can collaboratively start seeking funding and build the facilities our community members and visitors can use and enjoy.  The CRC will sponsor the process and process the communities input for distribution to the agencies. Agencies will be asked to check in and comment through the process. The result will be community-based Master Recreation Plan.

2014 Time Line:

            Immediate: 

1.      Start community recreation plan process in conjunction with CRC in collaboration with other agencies.

2.      Apply for GOCO planning grant during the March cycle with the goal of using it to required fund geotechnical, engineering, and other studies; and to assist in funding construction drawings to prepare for a “shovel ready” GOGO Local Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grant in the August grant cycle.

            Transition: 

3.      Wind up community planning process.

4.      Town, County, School District and CRC work through operations, maintenance, staffing analysis and funding, capital funding plan.

5.      Work with collaborative agencies (County, School District and Town) to achieve consensus on community recommendations.

            2014 Year End:

6.      If funding is available (GOCO planning grant). Move ahead with project selected by Town though construction drawings.

7.      Apply for a “shovel ready” project during the August GOCO cycle.

 

PRIORITY #5 - Armory ADA[2] Compliance

The decades past have seen a number of options to address Armory ADA compliance as well as to expand the Armory to provide for other desires such as a kitchen, bigger weight room, a community meeting room and more staff. In 2011, the Trustees voted to approve an expansion plan for the Armory and there has been money put away each year to pay for any improvements that the Trustees elect to move forward on. 

With the evolving needs of the community, the CRC has revisited the needs and desires of the community through the lens of joint use opportunities between the County, School District and Town. The Armory’s role in that plan is under review to see how it fits in with current community vision, desires and needs.  However, there remains a current and acute need to address the existing Armory’s ADA compliance and facility upgrades.

2014 Time Line:

Immediate: 

1.      Staff pursues options and costs for constructing a one story addition off the back of the building to meet immediate needs for the bathrooms, a kitchen and also bring the electric system up to date, make structural improvements, improve the entrance to the Armory, and make very modest aesthetic improvements to the Town Hall Entry. All improvements would be made in such a way as to not preclude two-story expansion plans if they are desired and/or needed in the future. Present to BOT at February 19th meeting for approval.

2.      Trustees review staff recommendations and alternatives. Trustees choose a scenario that we can do this year and authorize staff to pursue construction drawings and bids.

3.      Apply for Tier 2 Energy Impact grant for construction from DOLA in April. Work with CRC to solicit matching funds to the full cost of improvements. 

            Transition: 

4.      Staff pursues project with the objective of commencing and completing construction so that the school can continue to use the Armory through this school year and next.

            2014 Year End:

5.      Complete ADA compliance and immediate needs for the Armory this year, preferably early summer for opening in July.  Depending on the amount requested, DOLA funds may require waiting until August for fall completion.

 

PRIORITY #6 - Covered Ice Rink /Multi-Purpose Outdoor Recreation and Event Pavilion

2014 Time Line:

Immediate: 

1.      Test CRC Pavilion proposal in community planning process facilitated by Town Manager and sponsored by CRC and the three collaborating agencies.

            Transition: 

2.      CRC does analysis of operations, maintenance, staffing analysis and funding, capital funding plan. Each entity reviews and comments.

            2014 Year End:

3.      Put agreements into place to ensure operations, maintenance, staffing costs are covered going forward.

4.      Move ahead on construction plans and permitting for community preferred/Trustee approved plan (assuming it will be on Town property.

5.      Apply for GOCO LPOR grant for partial construction costs.

6.      Community groups raise matching funds from private donors.

 

PRIORITY #7 - Bike Trails at Ski Hill

Bike trails were planned for the ski hill in October of 2013.  Staff will establish a meandering bike trail on the current ski hill property that uses existing terrain features and doesn’t impact winter activities.

2014 Time Line:

Immediate: 

1.      No  action

Transition: 

2.      Begin physical work of trail creation in the spring of 2014 using volunteer labor along with paid staff and youth corp.

            2014 Year End:

3.      Complete the entire project this year as time and volunteer availability allows.

 

PRIORITY #8 - Town Park Seating & Garden Improvements

2014 Time Line:

Immediate: 

1.      Ben will provide a scaled site plan of the area, Leslie will draw a plan for review and approval by the Board of Trustees.

            Transition: 

2.      Improvements will be installed as weather permits with volunteer labor and donated materials

            2014 Year End:

3.      Community members and guests enjoy the new space.

 

PRIORITY #9 - Improve breadth, depth and clarity of public information and engagement

2014 Time Line:

Immediate: 

1.      Begin more detailed agenda format, use multiple medias to publicize town news.

            Transition: 

2.      Begin to expand information on website.

            2014 Year End:

3.      Continue to respond to community and assist the public in their requests to Town government.

 

Backburner projects – to be completed as time, space, funding and volunteers allow

1.      Codification

2.      Resolution of Community Plan and Adoption of Land Use Code revisions

 

Projects to be completed in 2014

1.      Marijuana Sales Options and Trustee Decision – March 5 BOT Agenda

2.      Dust Control – March 19 BOT Agenda

3.      RFP’s for audit services – recommend for 2014 audit, secure services this fall.

 

Projects slated to be done in 2014 (FYI – no need to prioritize):

1.      Repair water leaks in 3 fire hydrants as soon as ground thaw permits.

2.      Make sure all meters are installed and operating, begin monitoring water use to determine possible private line leakage.

3.      Caselle account software conversion

4.      April Election

5.      Yield Signs in downtown at intersections with heavier pedestrian traffic.

6.      Stump disposal and tree spraying as funding permits.

7.      Install yield signs at 5th and Silver Streets.

8.      Ditch rehabilitation from the head gate to 2nd street.

9.      Town Manager to begin planning with T Mountain/Ball Flats neighborhood for drainage improvements.

 

 

Projects Reserved for 2015 and beyond – will be included and scheduled in the Final Capital Improvements Plan

1.      T Mountain/Ball Flats Drainage Improvements

2.      Replacement of water/sewer lines, road drainage improvements and surfacing outside of the downtown area

3.      Other recreation facilities identified in the Master Plan.

4.      Expansion of Round Top Mountain facilities.

5.      Replacement of existing facilities as needed.


[1] 88% was the determined leakage rate for the entire system in a report by Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. in September of 2012 in the Preliminary Engineering Report for 2011 Utility Reconstruction.


[2] Americans with Disabilities Act


2 Comments

February 3rd - Happy Birthday to Town Clerk Cindy Nelson and to my father Jacob Henry Halterman and Tribute

2/3/2014

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Happy Birthday to my dad Jacob Henry Halterman - Jake - who was born on this day in 1917. A WWII and Korean War vet, my dad grew up in an Ozarks family of 22 kids, with a father who ran with Jesse and Frank James and the Sheldon Boys of Chicago. He was raised from age 7 on in an IOOF orphanage when his father died from being pushed off a roof in a fight. He lied about his age to join the Navy at age 17. He dug towns out of the mud in the 1927 Missouri flood. He won the Lady Bird Johnson award for his work restoring and maintaining the freeway grounds through Balboa Park, and taught horticulture at Pierce College even though he never even graduated from high school. He was a botanist, a geologist, a rockhound, a jeweler, a gardener and landscape designer par extrodinaire and had four marriages and seven daughters and an only son, my brother James Luther Halterman. My dad taught me to love the earth, the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, plants, animals and rocks and the Tufa Towers of Mono Lake. He died at 86 and would have been 97 today.
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    Leslie Klusmire is the Town Manager of Lake City, Colorado in Hinsdale County.  

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Town of Lake City, P.O. Box 544, Lake City, CO 81235. Telephone: 970-944-2333