At their regular meeting on March 3, the Fraser Board of Trustees reviewed Resolution 2021-03-01, the Grand Park Drive Improvement Agreement. The Agreement, between the town and the developer, Cornerstone Winter Park Holdings LLC, facilitates the developer’s construction of a portion of Grand Park Drive and incorporates 100% construction plans for Grand Park Drive, Old Victory Road and the Railroad Underpass. Per the agreement, construction of the Grand Park Drive connector would be completed by June 30, 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. The trustees approved the Resolution unanimously.

New EDAC members

In an effort to fill two vacancies on the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), Marketing and Economic Development Manager Sarah Wieck had received several applications from Fraser residents to fill the seats. The trustees approved appointment of Autumn Bishop and Kelsey Young to the EDAC in a 7:0 and 5:2 vote respectively.

Trustee Replacement Timeline

Town Clerk Antoinette McVeigh presented a draft of a timeline to be utilized when a Trustee has submitted a letter of resignation. The timeline outlines next steps in the process of filling the vacancy. Town Staff will work on a memo to define the dates of the process to coincide with the date of the resignation and the effective date of the resignation. This would then be emailed to the Board and include the application and questions to be reviewed.

Funding requests

Dennis Moynihan from KFFR presented a request for $20,000 in funding needed to aid the nonprofit local radio station with baseline operations and for design and permitting of a permanent radio tower. Previously, the radio station had received a grant from the town for $8,830 in 2019, just prior to their move into their new location, and $1,500 to use for their exterior sign. Since no funds had been budgeted in 2021, the trustees directed staff to work with Moynihan to define the need and scope of the request. 

High Country Stampede Rodeo had submitted a request to the town for sponsorship of their 2021 Rodeo season. The trustees unanimously approved sponsorship at the Banner level at a cost of $300. The town will receive recognition during the rodeo by the announcer, space for a 3’ x 5’ banner, inclusion of logo and link to the town’s website on the High Country Stampede Rodeo’s website and six complimentary rodeo tickets.

Colorado Main Street Program

At their meeting on March 17, Wieck brought the team from DOLA’s Colorado Main Street program to present an overview of the benefits to the town in becoming a participant in their program. Main Street Coordinator Gayle Langley and Specialist Traci Stoffel gave the trustees a presentation on the program. Langley explained that is is part of the national Main Street program established in 1980. 51 Colorado communities, including the Town of Granby, currently participate.

The trustees made note of the benefits of participation which included the impact by creating a sense of ownership, place, vitality and activity for the Town and unanimously authorized the mayor to sign a letter of support with the intent to join the Colorado Main Street Community.

Town Manager Search

Interim Town Manager Wesley LaVanchy and Jon Stavney of NWCCOG presented the trustees with a draft Job Description to utilize in the search for a new town manager. The trustees discussed the desired qualifications of the candidate and residence location (within Grand County). 

The packet noted the Town Manager would be employed by means of an annual contract, as provided for in the Fraser Town Code. The salary range is $119,000-$178,534, dependent on experience and qualifications. Relocation expenses would be subject to negotiation. 

With regard to benefits, Mayor Pro Tem Eileen Waldow wanted clarification on whether the position would receive the same benefit package that all town employees receive.

Stavney stated the contract basis would dictate final negotiations, which include severance, etc. He suggested they discuss again when the town is ready to move forward with a candidate.

LaVanchy told the trustees the intent was to post the position with Colorado Municipal League (CML), International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Colorado City & County Management Association (CCCMA), all of which hold large audiences of potential candidates.

Grand County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Fraser Winter Park Police Chief Glen Trainor presented the trustees with the County’s recently approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The document was created by Joel Cochran, Grand County Office of Emergency Management and was designed to address natural disasters occurring within the county. The trustees unanimously approved adoption of the 2020 Grand County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.  

Grants and Funding

Wieck told the trustees she’d like to apply for a CDOT grant, up to $150k (requiring 10% town match), to use for the design of a “pop-up” park in the future location of the Creative Arts Center. The park amenities could be moved in the future, when construction begins on the Center. The trustees encouraged her to pursue the application process.

Town Planner Catherine Trotter told the trustees the Board of County Commissioners approved transfer of $75K in previously approved Conservation Trust Fund dollars to the upcoming DOLA project at Cozens Ranch Open Space which includes utility extension and installation of a restroom. RFPs and Invitation to Bids are going out and the project is hoped to be completed by fall 2021.

The Fraser Board of Trustees meet the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 pm. The meetings are open to the public. To learn more, visit frasercolorado.com.