The town wants to keep TIF funds the State will take it away.
The town wants more tax money to fund a fire department.
When will we have more non-profit organizations than businesses in Estes Park?
The Arts Council wants $4,000,000.00 of our tax money to build a theater for themselves.
The Parks District wants more tax money for something.
The school district will need more money from the tax payers to catch up on facilities deferred maintenance. (I believe they should get this money from the Rotary Club for obvious reasons.)
You have to pay for the hospital we voted to fund.
It’s tick season.
Your electric bill went sky high; rates are scheduled to go up again in 2007.
The town needs to sell tee shirts to fund the $2,000,000.00 Visitors Center that the community voted not to build, but the town built anyway.
Gasoline is over $3.00/gal.
Plein Air went to Vail driven out of Estes by the Arts Council.
The Interior Department plans to kill our elk with silenced high powered sniper rifles at night – but will take no pleasure in it.
The town is funding a $100,000.00 per summer shuttle system for RMNP, that is a $33,000.00 a month sales tax expenditure that produces - $ 0 - revenue. This is only a test - sure/ Shopper Shuttle my ass. (I project the town marketing department has already written the Headline for an October Trail article “Shopper Shuttle (my ass) a Great Success”)
Four town employees and a town attorney cost all of us over $500,000.00/year (not counting benefits) they produce - $0 - revenue.
There is a high plague danger this year.
The police department got $4500.00 Segways to play on all summer; equipped with lights and sirens?
The businesses need a parking structure.
Low income wants more housing; they got a $2,000,000.00 loan - $0 - revenue producer.
The mayor shaved his head bald.
The glass blower is fighting with the meat smoker.
The Chamber is suing the hell out of the town.
Highway 34 will be closed for the summer, funneling more traffic downtown.
Fire danger is already very high.
Businesses are leaving town by the bus load.
Thirtieth anniversary of the Big Thompson flood.
Did I forget something?
Have a nice day!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
West Coast Estes Park - Our True Sister City
The industrial city of Vernon is just a few miles south of downtown Los Angeles, but politically, it's a world apart. The city's government has long been controlled by just a couple of families, and at one time went more than 25 years without an election.
The reason? An estimated 44,000 people work there, but less than 100 people call it home. The city itself owns almost all the houses, and documents show the city rents them out mostly to city workers, some units for as little as $147 a month.
The current mayor, Leonis Malburg, is the grandson of one of Vernon's founders. He's been on the city council since the 1950s. And Vernon's top elections official, Bruce Malkenhorst Jr.,. is the son of the former city administrator.
Don Huff, a paper salesman who once lived in a converted industrial building within city limits, had the temerity to run for city office himself. He and his roommates decided to challenge three incumbents on the Vernon City Council.
In late January, he and his roommates were all evicted by the city because of alleged zoning and code violations. Huff now sleeps in his SUV and showers and shaves at the gym. He also says he is relentlessly tailed by private security.
A judge had to order Vernon to hold an election, but even that has been mired in controversy: When polls closed on April 11, Malkenhorst seized the ballots and declared there would be no vote-count due to pending litigation.
An attorney for Huff counters that the mayor of Vernon doesn't even live in his own city. Instead, Malburg lives in the upscale Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, dozens of miles away.
It may all add up to a tempest in a teapot, but it's a very wealthy teapot. The city reportedly controls a $100 million investment portfolio. So the battle for Vernon continues.
There are more lawsuits pending, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is looking into whether city officials misappropriated funds. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is also investigating the Vernon Police Department, and a state lawmaker is introducing legislation to revoke Vernon's right to oversee its own elections.
The reason? An estimated 44,000 people work there, but less than 100 people call it home. The city itself owns almost all the houses, and documents show the city rents them out mostly to city workers, some units for as little as $147 a month.
The current mayor, Leonis Malburg, is the grandson of one of Vernon's founders. He's been on the city council since the 1950s. And Vernon's top elections official, Bruce Malkenhorst Jr.,. is the son of the former city administrator.
Don Huff, a paper salesman who once lived in a converted industrial building within city limits, had the temerity to run for city office himself. He and his roommates decided to challenge three incumbents on the Vernon City Council.
In late January, he and his roommates were all evicted by the city because of alleged zoning and code violations. Huff now sleeps in his SUV and showers and shaves at the gym. He also says he is relentlessly tailed by private security.
A judge had to order Vernon to hold an election, but even that has been mired in controversy: When polls closed on April 11, Malkenhorst seized the ballots and declared there would be no vote-count due to pending litigation.
An attorney for Huff counters that the mayor of Vernon doesn't even live in his own city. Instead, Malburg lives in the upscale Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, dozens of miles away.
It may all add up to a tempest in a teapot, but it's a very wealthy teapot. The city reportedly controls a $100 million investment portfolio. So the battle for Vernon continues.
There are more lawsuits pending, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is looking into whether city officials misappropriated funds. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is also investigating the Vernon Police Department, and a state lawmaker is introducing legislation to revoke Vernon's right to oversee its own elections.
No means Yes?
As a Town we had better start exploring dramatically different options for our community, the myopic focus on local power politics is backing all of us into a corner as our collective economy slowly heads for the crapper. Can the few that benefit from the current political environment sustain our economy? The average citizen in Estes Park has become so flustered with the goof ball politics, town says one thing and does an other, out and out lies, or selectively enforces their own ordinances, that wehave thrown up our hands in frustration.
For years the political attitude has been fostered that going to the citizens of Estes Park for direction is not necessary and down right inconvenient. Do you know, for example, how many times the trustees declare an emergency and create an emergency ordinance expressly to avoid public input? Example: how can the renewal of the Convention Center lease be considered an emergency, how would selling water rights be an emergency? The bold arrogance of your town trustees is dramatically highlighted by their belief that if your money is spent in $500,000.00 increments no one seems to notice. The Community Reinvestment Fund, statutory town status, and Tax Increment Financing has created just enough money wiggle-room for the town to keep their private political sand box full, but not enough money to keep the community moving forward.
Senate Bill 06-169 is a necessary bit of legislation that will become law state wide, because of the abuse of “Blight” not just in Estes Park, but around Colorado.
Several Front Range communities that foresaw development annexed in the area of anticipated growth, by creating Urban Renewal Authorities and “Blighting” farm ground prior to development assuring a TIF windfall for years to come, a gross misuse of the laws intent. Arvada blighted a productive shopping area with the intent to condemn the property and “give” it to Wal-Mart, all in the name of economic development. Economic development and business nurturing programs are vastly different approaches than the sledge hammer condemnation practices of urban renewal. The alteration of the Urban Renewal laws in Colorado will have an incalculable political impact here in Estes Park.
It was only a couple years ago that EPURA attempted to condemn a large property downtown with the loose plan to convert it into non-profit space – a brainless – political plot. With the loss of EPURA, and the odds are stacking up against EPURA’s continued longevity, what then? We have an electorate that has been effectively eliminated from the equation, and no slum areas. To top all that off the downtown business district urban renewal plan that we all approved was never completed, in fact the surface of what was to be done was hardly scratched. The town staff politically opted for their own plan, like a Convention Center, new CVB Visitors Center, and sprawl. In 1999 the town went to the citizens of the community (ballot box) to ask permission to build a new visitors center and the voters said NO. What the voters did not say is “no do not borrow the money - go find a cheaper project and alternative source of financing” – the voters said very clearly “NO we do not want this project”. In the intervening six years, town staff using EPURA (professor Blight) hung the “blight” designation on the Visitor’s Center and then spent $2,000,000,000.00 + of our tax dollars to build the Visitors Center anyway. NO means NO – NO doesn’t mean yes. NO you cannot come through the front door - but - yes you can come through the back door if you walk in backwards. NO means NO – NO today – NO tomorrow – NO in six years – or until you reeducate the electorate and revisit the ballot box and the citizens approve it. Why was it necessary to go to the ballot six years ago, but it wasn’t necessary last year? Because you were duped, flimflammed, tricked, and deceived.
What your town staff doesn’t seem to understand is, just because a wad of money is available does not mean they can spend it anyway they personally see fit, like it was theirs, like they were a private corporation. Our money can be accumulated in a bundle – community reinvestment & TIF funds - but the authority to spend it on pet projects is a horse of another color. When elected officials and town staff spend public money inappropriately there are personal liabilities involved. It’s the citizens money not town staffs (counting EPURA and the trustees as town staff here). Too many people in this community are accustomed to political hand outs, “give me” hand out contracts from town staff for sitting on boards, looking the other way, making the appropriate recommendation etc.. When these funds are no longer available, things will get real goofy around here because who will be willing to serve on boards without the “perks”?
For years the political attitude has been fostered that going to the citizens of Estes Park for direction is not necessary and down right inconvenient. Do you know, for example, how many times the trustees declare an emergency and create an emergency ordinance expressly to avoid public input? Example: how can the renewal of the Convention Center lease be considered an emergency, how would selling water rights be an emergency? The bold arrogance of your town trustees is dramatically highlighted by their belief that if your money is spent in $500,000.00 increments no one seems to notice. The Community Reinvestment Fund, statutory town status, and Tax Increment Financing has created just enough money wiggle-room for the town to keep their private political sand box full, but not enough money to keep the community moving forward.
Senate Bill 06-169 is a necessary bit of legislation that will become law state wide, because of the abuse of “Blight” not just in Estes Park, but around Colorado.
Several Front Range communities that foresaw development annexed in the area of anticipated growth, by creating Urban Renewal Authorities and “Blighting” farm ground prior to development assuring a TIF windfall for years to come, a gross misuse of the laws intent. Arvada blighted a productive shopping area with the intent to condemn the property and “give” it to Wal-Mart, all in the name of economic development. Economic development and business nurturing programs are vastly different approaches than the sledge hammer condemnation practices of urban renewal. The alteration of the Urban Renewal laws in Colorado will have an incalculable political impact here in Estes Park.
It was only a couple years ago that EPURA attempted to condemn a large property downtown with the loose plan to convert it into non-profit space – a brainless – political plot. With the loss of EPURA, and the odds are stacking up against EPURA’s continued longevity, what then? We have an electorate that has been effectively eliminated from the equation, and no slum areas. To top all that off the downtown business district urban renewal plan that we all approved was never completed, in fact the surface of what was to be done was hardly scratched. The town staff politically opted for their own plan, like a Convention Center, new CVB Visitors Center, and sprawl. In 1999 the town went to the citizens of the community (ballot box) to ask permission to build a new visitors center and the voters said NO. What the voters did not say is “no do not borrow the money - go find a cheaper project and alternative source of financing” – the voters said very clearly “NO we do not want this project”. In the intervening six years, town staff using EPURA (professor Blight) hung the “blight” designation on the Visitor’s Center and then spent $2,000,000,000.00 + of our tax dollars to build the Visitors Center anyway. NO means NO – NO doesn’t mean yes. NO you cannot come through the front door - but - yes you can come through the back door if you walk in backwards. NO means NO – NO today – NO tomorrow – NO in six years – or until you reeducate the electorate and revisit the ballot box and the citizens approve it. Why was it necessary to go to the ballot six years ago, but it wasn’t necessary last year? Because you were duped, flimflammed, tricked, and deceived.
What your town staff doesn’t seem to understand is, just because a wad of money is available does not mean they can spend it anyway they personally see fit, like it was theirs, like they were a private corporation. Our money can be accumulated in a bundle – community reinvestment & TIF funds - but the authority to spend it on pet projects is a horse of another color. When elected officials and town staff spend public money inappropriately there are personal liabilities involved. It’s the citizens money not town staffs (counting EPURA and the trustees as town staff here). Too many people in this community are accustomed to political hand outs, “give me” hand out contracts from town staff for sitting on boards, looking the other way, making the appropriate recommendation etc.. When these funds are no longer available, things will get real goofy around here because who will be willing to serve on boards without the “perks”?
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Town Hall Meeting on Growth vs Resources
Growth vs. Resources: Collision course with the future?
League, Town hosting May 2 Estes Valley forum
On Tuesday, May 2 the League of Women Voters and the Town of Estes Park will sponsor a Forum on the Future that will examine the potential clash between growth and resources. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Town Board Room and will feature a distinguished panel of three experts. The forum is free and open to the public. No registration is required and questions from the audience will be welcome.
OK, the experts will be here. It’s time they were asked a few questions relevant to Estes Park and those who live here:
Home values in Estes Park have averaged an increase of 4.5% each of the past 6 years. Why haven’t we kept up with the rest of Colorado if our resources are indeed diminished?
Of the land mass surrounding us, between the National Forest, the National Park and the Estes Valley Land Trust (“protecting” over 5,000 formerly “usable acres” to “useless acres”) where will our growth come from?
Without adequate housing for middle income families, what is the long term prospect for the demographics of the Estes Valley? Will we end up seeing 50% service workers and 50% retirees? No schools (currently about 200 families home school).
Seeking sustainable tourism development and understanding the impact of tourism is an important thing to discuss. How does Estes Park differ from Summit County tourism towns and what plans and policies should Estes Park develop to grow our economy?
What is the tax base for the long range planning while we suffer losses in retail tax collections, restaurant tax collections and a burgeoning infrastructure increase in both town employees and their ridiculous salaries? How can we even continue at our current levels?
If we have a part time economy, doesn’t it make sense that we have a part time town government? Wouldn’t reducing government, not growing government, be a practical solution to decrease costs?
Go to this meeting and ask the questions. What we need is not theories, but solutions that apply to Estes Park. The experts will be here, ask them!
League, Town hosting May 2 Estes Valley forum
On Tuesday, May 2 the League of Women Voters and the Town of Estes Park will sponsor a Forum on the Future that will examine the potential clash between growth and resources. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Town Board Room and will feature a distinguished panel of three experts. The forum is free and open to the public. No registration is required and questions from the audience will be welcome.
OK, the experts will be here. It’s time they were asked a few questions relevant to Estes Park and those who live here:
Home values in Estes Park have averaged an increase of 4.5% each of the past 6 years. Why haven’t we kept up with the rest of Colorado if our resources are indeed diminished?
Of the land mass surrounding us, between the National Forest, the National Park and the Estes Valley Land Trust (“protecting” over 5,000 formerly “usable acres” to “useless acres”) where will our growth come from?
Without adequate housing for middle income families, what is the long term prospect for the demographics of the Estes Valley? Will we end up seeing 50% service workers and 50% retirees? No schools (currently about 200 families home school).
Seeking sustainable tourism development and understanding the impact of tourism is an important thing to discuss. How does Estes Park differ from Summit County tourism towns and what plans and policies should Estes Park develop to grow our economy?
What is the tax base for the long range planning while we suffer losses in retail tax collections, restaurant tax collections and a burgeoning infrastructure increase in both town employees and their ridiculous salaries? How can we even continue at our current levels?
If we have a part time economy, doesn’t it make sense that we have a part time town government? Wouldn’t reducing government, not growing government, be a practical solution to decrease costs?
Go to this meeting and ask the questions. What we need is not theories, but solutions that apply to Estes Park. The experts will be here, ask them!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
FEED ME BRUCE FEED ME
When you do not pay attention you will pay the price.
The Town of Estes Park will get the money to pay the Towns bills, Feed Me Bruce Feed Me. The Estes Parkian informs you we give you the facts and we do it way – way in advance.
As retail sales continue to fail, your utility costs and property taxes will continue to rise.
Feed Me Bruce Feed Me.
Food tax receipts and utilities tax receipts are up - the town raised your utility rates and it was a cold winter (second home owners were in Tucson) and your food is taxed. Locals, not visitors caring this load, its right here lodging way down, retail way down, but utilities way up food way up.
Wednesday April 19, 2006 Trail Gazette
Revenue review
Estes Park sales tax figures dip slightly
By Lisa Pogue
After welcoming the new year with record-breaking January revenues, Estes Park sales tax receipts fell slightly in February.
According to recently released figures, sales tax receipts dipped 1.3 percent to $275,966, compared to $279,811 during February 2005.
On the up side, year-to-date sales tax revenues, currently at $570,741, remain nearly seven percent ahead of last year, said Town finance officer Steve McFarland.
January and February are typically the slowest months for local sales tax receipts, according to Town records. The first two months historically comprise only about eight percent of annual sales tax revenue.
In year over year comparisons, utility sales tax receipts soared in February to $57,295 from $46,002 reported for the same month last year.
Food sales tax receipts led the 12 revenue categories with $97,743 in February sales tax — up from $95,977 in February 2005.
Local lodging establishments reported a February decline, at $40,427 compared to $44,251 for the same month in 2005. General merchandise sales tax also suffered a substantial drop, at $27,844 in February — down from $33,658 during February last year.
Feed Me Bruce Feed Me.
Enough said.
Yours Truely
The Estes Parkian
The Town of Estes Park will get the money to pay the Towns bills, Feed Me Bruce Feed Me. The Estes Parkian informs you we give you the facts and we do it way – way in advance.
As retail sales continue to fail, your utility costs and property taxes will continue to rise.
Feed Me Bruce Feed Me.
Food tax receipts and utilities tax receipts are up - the town raised your utility rates and it was a cold winter (second home owners were in Tucson) and your food is taxed. Locals, not visitors caring this load, its right here lodging way down, retail way down, but utilities way up food way up.
Wednesday April 19, 2006 Trail Gazette
Revenue review
Estes Park sales tax figures dip slightly
By Lisa Pogue
After welcoming the new year with record-breaking January revenues, Estes Park sales tax receipts fell slightly in February.
According to recently released figures, sales tax receipts dipped 1.3 percent to $275,966, compared to $279,811 during February 2005.
On the up side, year-to-date sales tax revenues, currently at $570,741, remain nearly seven percent ahead of last year, said Town finance officer Steve McFarland.
January and February are typically the slowest months for local sales tax receipts, according to Town records. The first two months historically comprise only about eight percent of annual sales tax revenue.
In year over year comparisons, utility sales tax receipts soared in February to $57,295 from $46,002 reported for the same month last year.
Food sales tax receipts led the 12 revenue categories with $97,743 in February sales tax — up from $95,977 in February 2005.
Local lodging establishments reported a February decline, at $40,427 compared to $44,251 for the same month in 2005. General merchandise sales tax also suffered a substantial drop, at $27,844 in February — down from $33,658 during February last year.
Feed Me Bruce Feed Me.
Enough said.
Yours Truely
The Estes Parkian
Saturday, April 22, 2006
RMNA - Are They Doing Their Job?
As most of you know, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association is the funding arm of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is useful to the park as they man the visitor center gift shops, hold seminars, support the Junior Ranger program as well as the RMNP Youth Conservation Corps. Certainly they provide other valuable services as well.
RMNA states that they are… “Committed to the fulfillment of National Park Service goals, especially in the preservation of the park’s wilderness character and the education of its visitors.” They also boast that… “Since 1986, the RMNA has completed over 40 projects valued at more than $10 million for the protection and improvement of Rocky Mountain National Park.” No one would question their dedication or their effort, indeed they should be congratulated. Curt Buchholtz, Executive Director has been an important part of the organization for a number of years and the RMNA is respected and busy in maintaining their role in service to RMNP.
Now, is it time that some changes are made? Is the RMNA doing all that they can for park preservation and answering the needs of future, not just current project and educational needs?
For years the RMNA has heralded the cry of raising money for single projects. Hey members, let’s raise money for a handicapped trail and campground at Sprague Lake. Let’s buy Lilly Lake so it won’t be drained. Let’s buy and preserve a few acres near a park entry to preserve that corridor. These are all worthy projects and successful ones. However, they are minor steps in a road that should lead to bigger ideas and long term success as the park and the nature association face future difficulties and needs.
Why hasn’t the RMNA begun a fund raising project to raise tens of millions of dollars for long term needs? Colorado is blessed with several successful corporations that have foundations supporting many different projects throughout the world. Are they adequately being tapped to build an annuity for Rocky’s future? Is there a longer term plan? Perhaps it is time to have a staff member dedicated strictly to a long range funding endeavor that is not dedicated to one or two smaller projects, but is dedicated to the future of RMNA and RMNP.
RMNA states that they are… “Committed to the fulfillment of National Park Service goals, especially in the preservation of the park’s wilderness character and the education of its visitors.” They also boast that… “Since 1986, the RMNA has completed over 40 projects valued at more than $10 million for the protection and improvement of Rocky Mountain National Park.” No one would question their dedication or their effort, indeed they should be congratulated. Curt Buchholtz, Executive Director has been an important part of the organization for a number of years and the RMNA is respected and busy in maintaining their role in service to RMNP.
Now, is it time that some changes are made? Is the RMNA doing all that they can for park preservation and answering the needs of future, not just current project and educational needs?
For years the RMNA has heralded the cry of raising money for single projects. Hey members, let’s raise money for a handicapped trail and campground at Sprague Lake. Let’s buy Lilly Lake so it won’t be drained. Let’s buy and preserve a few acres near a park entry to preserve that corridor. These are all worthy projects and successful ones. However, they are minor steps in a road that should lead to bigger ideas and long term success as the park and the nature association face future difficulties and needs.
Why hasn’t the RMNA begun a fund raising project to raise tens of millions of dollars for long term needs? Colorado is blessed with several successful corporations that have foundations supporting many different projects throughout the world. Are they adequately being tapped to build an annuity for Rocky’s future? Is there a longer term plan? Perhaps it is time to have a staff member dedicated strictly to a long range funding endeavor that is not dedicated to one or two smaller projects, but is dedicated to the future of RMNA and RMNP.
SENATE BILL 06-169
Second Regular Session
Sixty-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 06-0183.02 Bob Lackner SENATE BILL 06-169
CONCERNING URBAN RENEWAL, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH,
102 ELIMINATING BLIGHT AS A CONDITION PERMITTING THE
103 ESTABLISHMENT OF AN URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY OR THE
104 APPROVAL OF AN URBAN RENEWAL PLAN, RESTRICTING URBAN
105 RENEWAL ACTIVITY TO SLUM AREAS, AND PLACING
106 RESTRICTIONS ON THE ABILITY OF AN URBAN RENEWAL
107 AUTHORITY TO CONDEMN PROPERTY THROUGH EMINENT
108 DOMAIN.
Eliminates blight as a condition permitting the establishment of an
urban renewal authority or the approval of an urban renewal plan. Except
in limited circumstances, prohibits an urban renewal area from including
any property, or any portion of the property, that does not satisfy the
statutory definition of "slum". Eliminates considerations of the interests
of the public morals or welfare of the residents of the municipality, as
contrasted with considerations of public health and safety, in determining
whether to establish an urban renewal authority.
Within a specified time after the initial appointment of the urban
renewal authority, requires the governing body to review the authority's
powers, any existing urban renewal projects, and the current condition of
the urban renewal area, including any changes in the area since the initial
approval of the urban renewal plan, and to make a determination as to the
continued need for the authority.
In connection with property acquired by eminent domain by an
urban renewal authority for subsequent transfer to a private party:
Requires the governing body to make a determination only
that the property is located in a slum area or the property
itself is a slum.
Requires the urban renewal project for which the property
is being acquired to be commenced no later than a specified
number of years, instead of the 7 years currently specified
in law, from the date the slum determination is made.
Requires the determination of whether a particular area or
property is a slum area to be made on a parcel-by-parcel
basis, rather than on an area-wide basis.
In the case of any such property acquired through eminent
domain that is not used for the stated public use for which
the property was acquired within a specified time of the
date of the acquisition of the property through
condemnation, or, in the case of any property that ceases to
be used for the stated public use for which the property was
acquired within a specified time of the date of the
acquisition of the property through condemnation, gives the
former owner of the property or the owner's beneficiary the
right to reacquire the property for the amount by which the
owner was compensated or its fair market value, whichever
is less, before the property may be sold or transferred to a
subsequent party.
Specifies that only individual parcels of property satisfying
the definition of "slum" are to be included within a slum
area.
Requires the urban renewal authority, prior to making a
determination that property is located in a slum area or that a certain
parcel of real property constitutes a slum, to provide notice of the
-3- SB06-169
determination to the governing body of the county or municipality in
which the authority has been established and to all owners of property,
residents, and owners of business concerns located within the area
determined to be a slum area. Specifies that the presence of slum
conditions is to be determined without regard to the economic
performance of a parcel of property.
Except in limited circumstances, prohibits any urban renewal plan
from including any property, or any portion of property, that does not
satisfy the statutory definition of "slum".
In the case of a governing body of a municipality that designates
itself as an urban renewal authority, requires the authority, within a
specified time, to comply with statutory provisions addressing, among
other things, the number of authority commissioners that may be officials
of the municipality.
Repeals statutory provisions granting municipal rehabilitation
authorities the power of eminent domain.
Makes conforming amendments. Defines terms
The Estes Parkian statrted tracking this piece of legislation when it appeared in committee. We have attempted to educate the citzens of Estes Park by providing facts concerning the abuses that have occurred around Urban Renewal Authorities not only around the state but right here in Estes Park, that has prompted the changing of this law.
Professor Blight Jim Winholtz was introduced to you in previous articles.
EPURA has used tax money to pay a lobbyist to lobby against this peice of legislation.
Sixty-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 06-0183.02 Bob Lackner SENATE BILL 06-169
CONCERNING URBAN RENEWAL, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH,
102 ELIMINATING BLIGHT AS A CONDITION PERMITTING THE
103 ESTABLISHMENT OF AN URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY OR THE
104 APPROVAL OF AN URBAN RENEWAL PLAN, RESTRICTING URBAN
105 RENEWAL ACTIVITY TO SLUM AREAS, AND PLACING
106 RESTRICTIONS ON THE ABILITY OF AN URBAN RENEWAL
107 AUTHORITY TO CONDEMN PROPERTY THROUGH EMINENT
108 DOMAIN.
Eliminates blight as a condition permitting the establishment of an
urban renewal authority or the approval of an urban renewal plan. Except
in limited circumstances, prohibits an urban renewal area from including
any property, or any portion of the property, that does not satisfy the
statutory definition of "slum". Eliminates considerations of the interests
of the public morals or welfare of the residents of the municipality, as
contrasted with considerations of public health and safety, in determining
whether to establish an urban renewal authority.
Within a specified time after the initial appointment of the urban
renewal authority, requires the governing body to review the authority's
powers, any existing urban renewal projects, and the current condition of
the urban renewal area, including any changes in the area since the initial
approval of the urban renewal plan, and to make a determination as to the
continued need for the authority.
In connection with property acquired by eminent domain by an
urban renewal authority for subsequent transfer to a private party:
Requires the governing body to make a determination only
that the property is located in a slum area or the property
itself is a slum.
Requires the urban renewal project for which the property
is being acquired to be commenced no later than a specified
number of years, instead of the 7 years currently specified
in law, from the date the slum determination is made.
Requires the determination of whether a particular area or
property is a slum area to be made on a parcel-by-parcel
basis, rather than on an area-wide basis.
In the case of any such property acquired through eminent
domain that is not used for the stated public use for which
the property was acquired within a specified time of the
date of the acquisition of the property through
condemnation, or, in the case of any property that ceases to
be used for the stated public use for which the property was
acquired within a specified time of the date of the
acquisition of the property through condemnation, gives the
former owner of the property or the owner's beneficiary the
right to reacquire the property for the amount by which the
owner was compensated or its fair market value, whichever
is less, before the property may be sold or transferred to a
subsequent party.
Specifies that only individual parcels of property satisfying
the definition of "slum" are to be included within a slum
area.
Requires the urban renewal authority, prior to making a
determination that property is located in a slum area or that a certain
parcel of real property constitutes a slum, to provide notice of the
-3- SB06-169
determination to the governing body of the county or municipality in
which the authority has been established and to all owners of property,
residents, and owners of business concerns located within the area
determined to be a slum area. Specifies that the presence of slum
conditions is to be determined without regard to the economic
performance of a parcel of property.
Except in limited circumstances, prohibits any urban renewal plan
from including any property, or any portion of property, that does not
satisfy the statutory definition of "slum".
In the case of a governing body of a municipality that designates
itself as an urban renewal authority, requires the authority, within a
specified time, to comply with statutory provisions addressing, among
other things, the number of authority commissioners that may be officials
of the municipality.
Repeals statutory provisions granting municipal rehabilitation
authorities the power of eminent domain.
Makes conforming amendments. Defines terms
The Estes Parkian statrted tracking this piece of legislation when it appeared in committee. We have attempted to educate the citzens of Estes Park by providing facts concerning the abuses that have occurred around Urban Renewal Authorities not only around the state but right here in Estes Park, that has prompted the changing of this law.
Professor Blight Jim Winholtz was introduced to you in previous articles.
EPURA has used tax money to pay a lobbyist to lobby against this peice of legislation.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Worth Noting - Worth Nothing
Isn't it interesting how the jobs get divied up? What a shame that none of the Trustees, who are supposed to provide oversight to the Town, do so. Oversight as in, Repola, Joseph; the daily workings. Of course it wouldn't matter anyway, because they write their own ticket and sit as majority members of the important committees, so why would they want any input?
Following the recent municipal election, Estes Park Town Board Trustees were assigned various roles on community committees. The following is a rundown of the boards each trustee and the mayor serve on.
Source: Town of Estes Park
Bill Pinkham
Mayor Pro Tem
Chair, Community Development Committee
Advertising Committee liaison
Utilities Committee
Larimer County Citizens’ Criminal Justice Committee Representative
Audit Committee
Estes Park Housing Authority
Estes Park Land Trust
Larimer County Open Lands Board
Chuck Levine
Chair, Public Works Committee
Community Development Committee
Museum Advisory Board liaison
Senior Center liaison
Tree Board
Board of Adjustment
Restorative Justice
Estes Park CARES
Rotary Club
Wayne Newsom (not many assignments here as he's totally useless)
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Utilities Committee
Board of Adjustment
Richard Homeier
Chair, Utilities Committee
Estes Valley Planning Commission liaison
Public Works Committee
Rotary Club
Dorla Eisenlauer
Community Development Committee
Rooftop Rodeo Committee liaison (This is where the Town scams money from the rodeo)
Public Safety Committee
Ambassador
Eric Blackhurst
President, Estes Park Housing Authority
Public Works Committee
Public Safety Committee
Rotary Club (gosh, what committee is this? Pedophiles and school thiefs anonymous?)
Economic Advisory Council
Mayor John Baudek
Firemen’s Pension Board
Policemen’s Pension Board
Audit Committee (The reason the Town can't borrow money - mismanagement)
Platte River Power Authority Board of Directors
Sister City Committee (We really need a sister city. We can't even manage our own city. Do you suppose he wears his skirt to these important functions?)
Do you notice that there isn't a public transportation committee? You know, the gang that signed a deal with RMNP to run a shuttle service and to provide a downtown shopping shuttle. Of course since Estes Park has no authority as a statutory town to have a transportation system, why bother with a committee? Like most decisions, they are made through friends in the back room.
Following the recent municipal election, Estes Park Town Board Trustees were assigned various roles on community committees. The following is a rundown of the boards each trustee and the mayor serve on.
Source: Town of Estes Park
Bill Pinkham
Mayor Pro Tem
Chair, Community Development Committee
Advertising Committee liaison
Utilities Committee
Larimer County Citizens’ Criminal Justice Committee Representative
Audit Committee
Estes Park Housing Authority
Estes Park Land Trust
Larimer County Open Lands Board
Chuck Levine
Chair, Public Works Committee
Community Development Committee
Museum Advisory Board liaison
Senior Center liaison
Tree Board
Board of Adjustment
Restorative Justice
Estes Park CARES
Rotary Club
Wayne Newsom (not many assignments here as he's totally useless)
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Utilities Committee
Board of Adjustment
Richard Homeier
Chair, Utilities Committee
Estes Valley Planning Commission liaison
Public Works Committee
Rotary Club
Dorla Eisenlauer
Community Development Committee
Rooftop Rodeo Committee liaison (This is where the Town scams money from the rodeo)
Public Safety Committee
Ambassador
Eric Blackhurst
President, Estes Park Housing Authority
Public Works Committee
Public Safety Committee
Rotary Club (gosh, what committee is this? Pedophiles and school thiefs anonymous?)
Economic Advisory Council
Mayor John Baudek
Firemen’s Pension Board
Policemen’s Pension Board
Audit Committee (The reason the Town can't borrow money - mismanagement)
Platte River Power Authority Board of Directors
Sister City Committee (We really need a sister city. We can't even manage our own city. Do you suppose he wears his skirt to these important functions?)
Do you notice that there isn't a public transportation committee? You know, the gang that signed a deal with RMNP to run a shuttle service and to provide a downtown shopping shuttle. Of course since Estes Park has no authority as a statutory town to have a transportation system, why bother with a committee? Like most decisions, they are made through friends in the back room.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
LOCK AND LOAD
Apparently it won’t be long now until RMNP starts to shoot the excess elk they have. The announcement is soon coming that they will eliminate up to 1,000 elk, or more, over some unannounced time frame. The elk herd has been studied for years to determine what to do about it as huge populations of willows, aspen and other plants have been destroyed which changes whole mammalian populations as well, such as beaver, ground mammals, nesting bird populations and more.
They do know that for awhile at least the herd in Estes Park will increase as the hunted elk turn to the no hunt zone for protection. This might not be the year to plant flowers folks, there will be more elk competing for the same amount of food. Our lawn, trees, shrubs and gardens will have to make sacrifices.
They do know that for awhile at least the herd in Estes Park will increase as the hunted elk turn to the no hunt zone for protection. This might not be the year to plant flowers folks, there will be more elk competing for the same amount of food. Our lawn, trees, shrubs and gardens will have to make sacrifices.
Monday, April 17, 2006
DUMB AND DUMBER
Two proposals currently being considered by our little community are quizzical, actually dumb and demand that we really analyze the motivations and byproducts.
The first is the proposed 350 seat performing arts theater.
The second is the funding of additional low income housing for the retired.
Together these two projects total six million of our dollars.
More money will be wasted planning this nonsense project that will never see the light of day. The proposed theater will not generate enough money to pay for the operations of the facility, much like the Convention Center or the Visitors Center. Who wants their already high taxes burdens raised for one more folly that has no potential to be productive for the community? If we use public money to build a facility it should be a regional attraction intended to host the kind of Opera, Broadway plays, concerts, or comedians that will fill a 1500 to 3000 seat facility or more, not one or two odd amateur local productions a year, we already have facilities that service that need. The Arts Council should fund their own facility if they want a new fun little local community play house.
The proposed funding of additional low income housing for retired people is a project that makes me scream. What next, a mission for the homeless? This is the most out and out politically motivated bit of pandering that is driving this community right into the dumper. Ask you’re self why the local businesses stock their stores with tourist stuff – not retired people stuff. BECAUSE TOURISTS COME HERE AND SPEND MONEY, LOCAL RETIRED PEOPLE ON A LIMITED INCOME DO NOT! daaa
Who is going to keep supporting all this crap; your market share is shrinking, your season is shrinking, the number of businesses that pay the bills is shrinking. With two industries retirement and tourism, only one industry generates income - tourism - get a grip.
The first is the proposed 350 seat performing arts theater.
The second is the funding of additional low income housing for the retired.
Together these two projects total six million of our dollars.
More money will be wasted planning this nonsense project that will never see the light of day. The proposed theater will not generate enough money to pay for the operations of the facility, much like the Convention Center or the Visitors Center. Who wants their already high taxes burdens raised for one more folly that has no potential to be productive for the community? If we use public money to build a facility it should be a regional attraction intended to host the kind of Opera, Broadway plays, concerts, or comedians that will fill a 1500 to 3000 seat facility or more, not one or two odd amateur local productions a year, we already have facilities that service that need. The Arts Council should fund their own facility if they want a new fun little local community play house.
The proposed funding of additional low income housing for retired people is a project that makes me scream. What next, a mission for the homeless? This is the most out and out politically motivated bit of pandering that is driving this community right into the dumper. Ask you’re self why the local businesses stock their stores with tourist stuff – not retired people stuff. BECAUSE TOURISTS COME HERE AND SPEND MONEY, LOCAL RETIRED PEOPLE ON A LIMITED INCOME DO NOT! daaa
Who is going to keep supporting all this crap; your market share is shrinking, your season is shrinking, the number of businesses that pay the bills is shrinking. With two industries retirement and tourism, only one industry generates income - tourism - get a grip.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Parking Problem Finally Solved!
The long debated parking problem has been solved, though it certainly wasn’t intentional. The Town has long advocated that the problem with parking is that shopkeepers and their employees take up all of the parking downtown so it’s their fault there is a lack of parking.
Well, hark, the Town has nearly completed the monster parking lot at the east end of the new CVB. They have the intention of parking visitors in the lot as they shuttle them into RMNP. Of course the agreement they entered into with the Park is illegal since the Town has no transit authority, but that’s another story. What all shopkeepers and their employees should do is take the advice of the Town and park away from downtown. Park in the new lot created at the CVB. In addition to freeing up parking downtown, they will prevent park visitors from shopping in the CVB which is in direct competition with hardworking shopkeepers trying to make a living. This is an example of a win-win situation for business. Thank you Town Government for making it possible.
Well, hark, the Town has nearly completed the monster parking lot at the east end of the new CVB. They have the intention of parking visitors in the lot as they shuttle them into RMNP. Of course the agreement they entered into with the Park is illegal since the Town has no transit authority, but that’s another story. What all shopkeepers and their employees should do is take the advice of the Town and park away from downtown. Park in the new lot created at the CVB. In addition to freeing up parking downtown, they will prevent park visitors from shopping in the CVB which is in direct competition with hardworking shopkeepers trying to make a living. This is an example of a win-win situation for business. Thank you Town Government for making it possible.
Enos, Colorado
Our underground radar has uncovered rumblings ignored by those paid to know these things.
It seems that individuals are looking into incorporating a new community surrounding - land locking Estes Park. Preliminary numbers crunching by the Estes Parkian shows that it is possible if not probable, pretty good idea actually, given the fact that’s where growth will occur. A planned community could dominate the Valley’s future. The on going taxation without representation policies of Estes Park town hall will bring this about. We have become little more than the retirement colony for Loveland/Fort Collins anyway. Hey, if you need help we can outline the proceedure for you on how to get this done.
Enos, Colorado has a nice ring to it.
It seems that individuals are looking into incorporating a new community surrounding - land locking Estes Park. Preliminary numbers crunching by the Estes Parkian shows that it is possible if not probable, pretty good idea actually, given the fact that’s where growth will occur. A planned community could dominate the Valley’s future. The on going taxation without representation policies of Estes Park town hall will bring this about. We have become little more than the retirement colony for Loveland/Fort Collins anyway. Hey, if you need help we can outline the proceedure for you on how to get this done.
Enos, Colorado has a nice ring to it.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Walking Dead Among Us
Isn’t it interesting that the so called great leaders of business have chosen to live in Estes Park? We hear story after story about the former success of so-and-so who ran such-and-such. Back in Kansas, in the day, they were on every board; people looked up to them, they managed hundreds of employees, yada, yada. Or, maybe it was Nebraska, or Texas. Yup, I controlled this-and-that and what we did was this and that and we had them running. We know how to get things done.
Well, what the hell happened? Did they come to Estes Park and die? Are they so busy plucking duckies with duck poo up to their elbows that they can’t possibly do anything else?
Why don’t these Grand Poobas of business and industry try and put some of that skill and talent toward building the best community in Colorado? Why don’t they tell the Town that running our community into the ground ruins it for everyone?
Mark Igel has volunteered space for them to meet. Many a clarion call has gone out from this website and others. Any yet, nothing has happened. Put the flag at half mast – they all died.
Well, what the hell happened? Did they come to Estes Park and die? Are they so busy plucking duckies with duck poo up to their elbows that they can’t possibly do anything else?
Why don’t these Grand Poobas of business and industry try and put some of that skill and talent toward building the best community in Colorado? Why don’t they tell the Town that running our community into the ground ruins it for everyone?
Mark Igel has volunteered space for them to meet. Many a clarion call has gone out from this website and others. Any yet, nothing has happened. Put the flag at half mast – they all died.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Elephant On The Loose
Here is one more elephant in the living room (ignored by elected leadership and town paid staff – our “professionals”) that we need to contemplate.
Second home owners and the effect they have on our economy.
Are second home owners an asset to the town or are they a parasite on those that call this valley their full time home?
How well do they understand the needs of the community as a year around community of people? The people that cook that steak for you when you are here in the summer how does he/she feed their family for the next nine months until you come back demanding excellent service?
Do they support the local economy (tourism) or do they come here for the humming birds only?
Our research shows that second home resident will contribute approximately $1500- $2000 per annum to the local cash flow. A full time resident will contribute approximately $10,000 – $12,000 per annum.
If a second home owner is speculating on the real estate and sell the investment for the profits do those profits stay in Estes Park or does the speculative venture just drive up costs for everyone local as the equity goes to Omaha?
Do second home owners vote to support the local schools, do they contribute students?
What demand do the second home owners place on our infrastructure in the form of additional police, fire protection, water treatment, electric service peak demands, over all utility costs? If the community is maintaining capacity for the second home owner’s part time use doesn’t this drive the costs up for everyone? We must pay employees full time year around, finance and construct the additional capacities of facilities but electricity and water is not being consumed by the taps sold to second home owners a majority of the year, this is a loss of revenue. Same number of employees, capacities available - selling less product - not very productive.
The second home owner – parasite – or – contributor to our quality of life?
Second home owners and the effect they have on our economy.
Are second home owners an asset to the town or are they a parasite on those that call this valley their full time home?
How well do they understand the needs of the community as a year around community of people? The people that cook that steak for you when you are here in the summer how does he/she feed their family for the next nine months until you come back demanding excellent service?
Do they support the local economy (tourism) or do they come here for the humming birds only?
Our research shows that second home resident will contribute approximately $1500- $2000 per annum to the local cash flow. A full time resident will contribute approximately $10,000 – $12,000 per annum.
If a second home owner is speculating on the real estate and sell the investment for the profits do those profits stay in Estes Park or does the speculative venture just drive up costs for everyone local as the equity goes to Omaha?
Do second home owners vote to support the local schools, do they contribute students?
What demand do the second home owners place on our infrastructure in the form of additional police, fire protection, water treatment, electric service peak demands, over all utility costs? If the community is maintaining capacity for the second home owner’s part time use doesn’t this drive the costs up for everyone? We must pay employees full time year around, finance and construct the additional capacities of facilities but electricity and water is not being consumed by the taps sold to second home owners a majority of the year, this is a loss of revenue. Same number of employees, capacities available - selling less product - not very productive.
The second home owner – parasite – or – contributor to our quality of life?
Monday, April 10, 2006
Time to Grow up
Local issues keep piling up, no one seems interested in even looking at the problems. Solutions to these problems will require major change. Stop treading water and start swimming toward a destination or drown.
Estes Park is mired in the null; a local political mind set stuck looking backwards as to what was and not what needs to be accomplished to move forward. Times change, communities grow larger, and problems become ever more complex and more compounded. Past generations of trustees have ignored basic infrastructure issues, basic growth issues, avoided making the hard unpopular decisions, preferring to pass the tough issues on to the next generation. Estes Park keeps piling the dirty laundry in the back room where it only piles up, it doesn't go away. We have two police forces, two building oversight requirements, two fee structures, two sewer districts, and a host of agreements and arrangements no one understands. Pockets of uncontrolled development all around Estes Park have been dumped in the valley with inadequate infrastructure. In town - out of town, equalization, own a business in town and live out of town. Estes Park is a political cesspool.
TO DO LIST:
Home Rule Charter; create a document of limitations that will require our community to operate in a transparent manner. A slower but more accountable government of the people.
Outline a town government with districts and trustees elected from six separate districts.
Consolidate the two sewer districts into one town department.
Consolidate the parks and recreation district into the town's parks department.
Hire responsible and competent governmental legal guidance.
EPURA needs to expire.
Create strict zoning and land use policies that stop development sprawl and concentrate development in the present downtown business district. Create a pedestrian village downtown of mixed use - retail/residential, combining affordable housing and high end residence.
Annex in surrounding pockets of development; requiring upgrades in roads, utilities at the land/home owner expense, costs of up grades in infrastructure to be attached to property tax -until costs are recovered. Not voluntarily.
Remove the town control of advertising and marketing, which has evolved into the town's political/propaganda department. Advertising and marketing are a major function of business and not civic government. The town is awful at advertising and marketing anyway with a 25% annual occupancy rate, what's to loose? What we would gain is a town government that would concentrate on civic government's primary roll and fulfillment obligation; infrastructure maintenance.
Hire competent top shelf administrators/managers imported to attend to specific community needs. Example: we need a town administrator with experience in the Home Rule transformation process.
Tough Love, time to grow up Estes Park!
Estes Park is mired in the null; a local political mind set stuck looking backwards as to what was and not what needs to be accomplished to move forward. Times change, communities grow larger, and problems become ever more complex and more compounded. Past generations of trustees have ignored basic infrastructure issues, basic growth issues, avoided making the hard unpopular decisions, preferring to pass the tough issues on to the next generation. Estes Park keeps piling the dirty laundry in the back room where it only piles up, it doesn't go away. We have two police forces, two building oversight requirements, two fee structures, two sewer districts, and a host of agreements and arrangements no one understands. Pockets of uncontrolled development all around Estes Park have been dumped in the valley with inadequate infrastructure. In town - out of town, equalization, own a business in town and live out of town. Estes Park is a political cesspool.
TO DO LIST:
Home Rule Charter; create a document of limitations that will require our community to operate in a transparent manner. A slower but more accountable government of the people.
Outline a town government with districts and trustees elected from six separate districts.
Consolidate the two sewer districts into one town department.
Consolidate the parks and recreation district into the town's parks department.
Hire responsible and competent governmental legal guidance.
EPURA needs to expire.
Create strict zoning and land use policies that stop development sprawl and concentrate development in the present downtown business district. Create a pedestrian village downtown of mixed use - retail/residential, combining affordable housing and high end residence.
Annex in surrounding pockets of development; requiring upgrades in roads, utilities at the land/home owner expense, costs of up grades in infrastructure to be attached to property tax -until costs are recovered. Not voluntarily.
Remove the town control of advertising and marketing, which has evolved into the town's political/propaganda department. Advertising and marketing are a major function of business and not civic government. The town is awful at advertising and marketing anyway with a 25% annual occupancy rate, what's to loose? What we would gain is a town government that would concentrate on civic government's primary roll and fulfillment obligation; infrastructure maintenance.
Hire competent top shelf administrators/managers imported to attend to specific community needs. Example: we need a town administrator with experience in the Home Rule transformation process.
Tough Love, time to grow up Estes Park!
Friday, April 07, 2006
New Leadership
No matter what one personally thinks about the results of an election the democratic process allows for everyone to have an opportunity to have a voice.
850 votes cast
Richard Homeier - 437 - IN
Dorla Eisenlauer - 412 - IN
Eric Blackhurst - 410 - IN
John Ericson - 404
Dan Speedlin - 399
Dorethea Sloan – 205
The issues are not eliminated, they remain to be dealt with, and will your new leadership see them clearly.
It will be interesting to watch the Blackhurst dilemma, will Susan Blackhurst resign?
850 votes cast
Richard Homeier - 437 - IN
Dorla Eisenlauer - 412 - IN
Eric Blackhurst - 410 - IN
John Ericson - 404
Dan Speedlin - 399
Dorethea Sloan – 205
The issues are not eliminated, they remain to be dealt with, and will your new leadership see them clearly.
It will be interesting to watch the Blackhurst dilemma, will Susan Blackhurst resign?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
VOTE !
Local Estes Park residents head to the polls Tuesday
April 4, 2006 to decide on new leadership for Estes.
The Estesparkian urges everyone to vote.
Make this a record turn out!
April 4, 2006 to decide on new leadership for Estes.
The Estesparkian urges everyone to vote.
Make this a record turn out!