Last week the towns of Winter Park and Fraser held Candidate forums for upcoming elections.  Winter Park Town Council has 7 people running for 4 seats. The Fraser Board of Trustees has 5 people running for 3 seats.  The elections for both towns are scheduled for April 3rd, 2018.

Both events were attended by 25-30 citizens and questions were submitted anonymously at the event or in advance by email.  The candidates each had 3 minutes for open remarks and then the following questions were posed by a moderator in a random order with time limits for each question.

After the event, we sent the questions from the event out to the candidates for written response.  We included the questions and responses we received from each of the candidates in the next few pages of the paper. These responses are only a small portion of the actual event responses.  We encourage you to contact the candidates if you would like further explanations or clarification.

Winter Park Times recorded the Fraser Board of Trustees forum Live on our Facebook Page however we were not able to record the Winter Park event, if you want to watch the Fraser event goto Facebook/WinterParkTimes.

Charles Banks

A large number of homeowners asked for additional time to review the ROAM Development Proposal.  Suggesting a new council and Town Manager would have additional thoughts and Ideas. The current council voted for and unanimously passed the ROAM Annexation agreement against the advice of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a retired biologist and the constituents who were concerned that the agreement did not protect the wetlands and river.  How do you justify your ROAM vote, do you feel you represented your constituents and what have you done during your tenure to protect the river and environment?

The ROAM annexation and development agreement took almost two years of work by the Council’s annexation committee, the developers and Town professional planning staff, the Winter Park Planning Commission with public hearings, and finally the Town Council with two more public hearings. Winter Park has wanted the Beavers property to be part of the Town since incorporation in 1979 when the previous owners declined to be included in the Town boundaries. We were fortunate when the property was purchased by new owners that have shown a commitment  to protecting the environment as seen at Devils thumb, and the new Headwaters Event and ecological center. These new owners wanted to be a part of Winter Park, and could have at anytime proceeded with development as unincorporated Grand County. There are always compromises in any agreement, and I feel like this agreement was a win for the Town, wetlands, Fraser River, as well as the future residents and businesses in ROAM.


The Kings crossing subject came up in several questions. Understandable that litigation may limit incumbent remarks.   Are you willing to close Kings Crossing RR crossing and have only 1 access point to homes west of the tracks?

As a current member of the council I cannot comment at this time.

Should we rename the Grand Park Community Recreation Center?

While I think that Fraser Valley Rec Center would be the more appropriate name for this fantastic facility, I see no compelling reason to try to change the name at this point.

This is a critical time for growth and planning.  How do you see Winter Park maintaining a strong position with the mega resort operation of WP?   

The Resort and Town had a good relationship when Intrawest was the owner of the Resort, and now that we’ve met the principals of Altera, I’m confident we’ll have a great relationship. Altera has already shown their commitment with the announcement of $28,000,000 in capital expenditures in their first year of ownership, and contribute $300,000 annually for capital investment in the Town’s transit system. Increasing the destination market is good for the Town and actually forall business in the Valley. We know that the Mountain is at capacity on the week-ends, and the only way to increase revenues that will let the Town and Resort expand services is by filling in the mid week numbers. The discontinuance of the senior pass hits me in the pocketbook too, but compared to other ski resorts, Winter Park has the best value for the skiing dollar in Colorado.

What will you do to protect Winter Park from the encroachment of Grand Park?

I’m not concerned about Grand Park encroaching on the Town of Winter Park. I would like to see Fraser and Grand Park try to include some affordable housing in their development the way Winter Park has done.

How do see the process for selection of New Town Manager?

We’ve started on the task of finding a new Town Manager by first hiring the very competent, recently retired Vail Town Manager, Stan Zelmer, to be interim Town Manager. Our experienced department heads will be able to carry on the necessary town functions while Stan can work with the Council in the search for a new Town Manager. Because Winter Park has been so successful in projects such as the new stage, affordable housing apartments, Headwaters Event Center, grocery store, and all of the other new development you see up and down Main Street, we’re seeing great interest in the position of Winter Park Town Manager.

Do you think that we need an Assistant Town Manager?

I will let the new Town Manager decide if the Town needs an Assistant Town Manager or maybe just an assistant to the Town Manager.

Why do you think you would be a good choice for Winter Park Town Council?

I’ve had experience on the Winter Park planning commission. I’ve been a member of the Town Council for the last four years, am a director of Winter Park Water and Sanitation District,have been president of the Lakota Owners Association for the last ten years, am the Town’s representative on the Transit Advisory Committee, member of the affordable housing commission, and built and then sold a successful business before moving full time to Winter Park 14 years ago.

If you are happy with the progress the Town has made, such as new affordable housing, permanent stage, Headwaters Event and Ecological Center, grocery store, return of the Ski Train, and well planned development from one end of town to the other, and want that to continue, I think I shouldbe your candidate of choice.

Art Ferrari

The WP Town Council just approved an annexation agreement with the developers of ROAM (Beavers Project).  Had you been on the Town Council for the annexation vote, how would you have voted and why?

I would have voted for the annexation agreement.  I believe the agreement strikes a good balance between private property rights and public benefit.  The open space, parks and Fraser River Trail extension are great benefits for our community. I also believe growth will be good for Winter Park for many reasons including more year around work opportunities as well as more tax revenue that can be used to create even more public benefits including affordable housing and better transportation.

The Kings crossing subject came up in several questions. Understandable that litigation may limit incumbent remarks.   Are you willing to close Kings Crossing RR crossing and have only 1 access point to homes west of the tracks?

No.  If an underpass in Grand Park causes the Kings Crossing RR crossing to close then we should build a road extension across to the Grand Park underpass. I would love to see an extension between Kings Crossing and the new Underpass.  Any additional ways to keep local traffic off US 40 is good.

What is being done to reconcile the differences between the Town of Fraser and the Developer assuming this is about the dispute between Winter Park and Grand Park concerning the expense of the Underpass, I have not yet attempted to dig into the legal questions between Winter Park and the Developer. This would definitely be one of the first things I would look into if I get elected.

How do we protect residents who would be impacted negatively if the Kings Crossing RR crossover is closed?

We do everything in our power to get a connection to the underpass.

Do you think the Rec Center should revert it’s name to: Fraser Valley Rec Center?

Unless there was a time limit on the naming rights in the original contract then no.

This is a critical time for growth and planning.  How do you see Winter Park maintaining a strong position with the mega resort operation of WP?  

POINT NOTED: Recently reported in the Skyhi News, “NO More Senior Passes and Only interested in destination skiers”

What will you do to protect Winter Park from the encroachment of Grand Park?

Grand Park is private property and is located in the Town of Fraser.  Unless there are actual damages to Winter Park property then I don’t see what role Winter Park Town Council has.

How do see the process for selection of New Town Manager?

I think a selection committee should do a national search and narrow down the choice to a few candidates and then have Town Council decide.

Do you think that we need an Assistant Town Manager?

I would have to dig in to the details of the Town Staffing levels in order to determine that.

Why do you think you would be a good choice for Winter Park Town Council?

I am a 25 year long resident of Winter Park.  I have worked on the front lines at Winter Park Resort in the Lift Department and as an Information Technology Business Analyst.  Currently I am self employed as a Freelance Photographer. I was also an Accountant and IT Consultant prior to moving to Winter Park.  I am also very active in our community as the Treasurer of the Grand County Blues Society, the Chairman of Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 (downtown Winter Park) and a Board member and past President of the 2nd largest Home Owners Association in Winter Park, Hi Country Haus.  I have often successfully negotiated or dealt with Developers and Town Government and many local Non-Profit organizations in my capacity on these Boards. I believe my diverse background and my current commitment to the community will help me represent our very diverse group of residents.

 

Heather Green

The WP Town Council just approved an annexation agreement with the developers of ROAM (Beavers Project).  Had you been on the Town Council for the annexation vote, how would you have voted and why?

I would not have voted for the ROAM annexation agreement in its current form.  I think the twenty year vesting period granted by the agreement is too long. I favored a ten year vesting with an administrative review and option for another ten years depending on developer performance.  I also would have liked to see staff work more with CPW, Trout Unlimited and Grand County Water and Sanitation to ensure healthy stream flows and wildlife corridors to and from the Fraser River. Staff mentioned in the public hearing that they were discussing water restrictions similar to the Leland Creek neighborhood restrictions, but these are not written into the annexation agreement.  I feel they should have been part of the agreement.

Are you willing to close Kings Crossing RR crossing and have only 1 access point to homes west of the tracks? What is your position on opening the Railroad Underpass to Winter Park Residents?

Since I am not a current council member, I am free to comment on the Kings Crossing RR Crossing issue.  I think the Town of Winter Park absolutely should have stood by its agreement with the developer and Union Pacific Railroad to build the underpass and connect a through street to the underpass and into Fraser.  This is a safety issue for the town. At least once per year a train of sufficient length to block both Kings Crossing and Vasquez Road is stopped on the tracks. Growth within our communities means increasing traffic volumes; the town council needs to work more cooperatively with the Town of Fraser, Union Pacific the PUC and the developer to increase the number of alternative routes into, out of and through town.  If the PUC or Union Pacific forces the closure of the crossing, the only viable option for the town council is to agree to connect to the underpass.

Do you think the Rec Center should revert it’s name to: Fraser Valley Rec Center?

Cornerstone Development donated the land for the community recreation center to the Fraser Valley Recreation District.  The name was part of the donation agreement. The Rec District is an independent special taxing district overseen by its own board of directors who make decisions on behalf of the district.  The job of the Winter Park Town Council is to work with that board of directors to insure the district is meeting the needs of the residents of Winter Park.

What will you do to protect Winter Park from the encroachment of Grand Park?

 There has always been some tension between the Town of Winter Park and Winter Park Resort.  As the resort works towards welcoming more destination visitors, this could prove beneficial to the town, smoothing some of the peaks and valleys of weekend only visitors.  The real challenge and focus of the council should be to maintain the character of the town as livable for residents, not just as an attractive destination for tourists. Focus on parking, traffic calming, connections with the town of Fraser, trail and recreation access as well as town planning and platting will all be hugely important in the next few years.  As far as “protecting Winter Park from encroachment of Grand Park”, I think working on a better relationship with the developer and improving our relationship with Fraser will prove beneficial. The development lies entirely within the Fraser town limits and as such, the Winter Park Town Council does not have any direct say over that development.

How do see the process for selection of New Town Manager? Do you think that we need an Assistant Town Manager?

I would like to see a very open process for selection of the new Town Manager, with published search criteria and even a meet and greet for the final few candidates selected to interview.  Again, this is a critical time of growth and development for the town and we need to insure council is getting advice from experienced and thoughtful staff. As far as an Assistant Town Manager, I’m not sure it would be meaningful.  If the Assistant Town Manager does not operate independently from the Town Manager, then all we’ve done is create another management layer.

Why do you think you would be a good choice for Winter Park Town Council?

I would be a good choice for Winter Park Town Council because I will take a thoughtful approach to growth and development.  I will take into account the needs and desires of the residents and business owners of Winter Park when making decisions. My husband and I have chosen to raise our family here in Winter Park and I would like to see it retain an atmosphere of livability, small town friendliness and unparalleled access to some of the best recreational opportunities in the Rocky Mountains.

Stewart Goldenberg

The WP Town Council just approved an annexation agreement with the developers of ROAM (Beavers Project).  Had you been on the Town Council for the annexation vote, how would you have voted and why?

I have attended town council meetings and most of the community concern is protecting the river and wetlands.  I am on board with this. According to the FEMA flood plain rules, the set backs are from the base flood elevation.  Given this, any construction well be 100 feet from the river and about 145 feet from the wetlands. I am good with this.  The town will also receive long term sustainable income from the ROAM project. Given who the developers are and the great job they have done at Devils Thumb and the Sitzmark property, I have confidence they will do a great job at ROAM as well.  I would have voted for the projects approval

 

Are you willing to close Kings Crossing RR crossing and have only 1 access point to homes west of the tracks?

Absolutely not, in fact, I found out after the townhall meeting that the train was stopped this morning around 5:30 AM at the Kings Crossing RR crossing.  We no longer risk the safety of residents who live on the west side of the tracks.

What is your position on opening the Railroad Underpass to Winter Park Residents?

We absolutely should complete the connecting road.  The town council signed an annexation agreement 15 years ago and we should honor this agreement.  The town of Winter Park has been collecting property tax revenue all these years to pay our portion of the agreement.  We were supposed to keep them in an escrow account. The connecting road is the most cost-effective way to avoid a tragedy in the event of a medical or fire emergency and the train is stopped closing both access points.

What is being done to reconcile the differences between the Town of Fraser and the Developer

I cannot tell you.  The town council only says we cannot talk about it because of pending litigation.

How do we protect residents who would be impacted negatively if the Kings Crossing RR crossover is closed?

We must complete the connecting road as planned in the annexation agreement.

Do you think the Rec Center should revert it’s name to: Fraser Valley Rec Center?

 The Rec Center is a success regardless of the name.  In fact, if you ask most people they just say the Rec Center.  I am fine with the name as is

GROWTH AND VISION

Currently we are more of a front range seasonal resort.  The town is packed on the weekends and fairly quiet during the week.  I believe it is important we attract the destination skier to support our businesses during the week.  I also believe we need to attract small high-tech companies to our town. We have high speed internet in town (need to expand it more) are there is vacant commercial space available.  We should work with the Chamber and the resort to attract companies that will support our economy year round.

What will you do to protect Winter Park from the encroachment of Grand Park?

Given the need for assisted housing I believe the boundary between Winter Park and Grand Park is a place we can work together to meet this need.   Winter Park cannot afford to take on this task alone. We should work with the town of Fraser and Cornerstone to develop some assisted housing at this location.  By doing this we will have a say in what is developed at this location.

How do see the process for selection of New Town Manager?

We should not rush the process.  We have a temporary Town Manager now with a lot of experience.  We should take his advice as to narrowing down the field and then have the Town Council get involved in the final decision.

Do you think that we need an Assistant Town Manager?

With all that is going on, if the Town Manager feels they need an assistant and can provide a good argument as to why, we should hire one.

Why do you think you would be a good choice for Winter Park Town Council?

As a business owner for 26 years and a resident and property owner for 20 years, I feel very fortunate to live and work in the wonderful town of Winter Park. I deeply understand the challenges that the residents and business owners of Winter Park face as I have personally seen the town change and grow right in front of me. This is why I am passionate in helping push the community forward and progress the town as a vibrant destination for tourists and second home owners, but more importantly a community where families of full time residents and small businesses thrive.  

I currently serve on the non-profit boards for the Winter Park Fraser Valley Rotary Club and the Winter Park Ski Education Foundation and have been an active volunteer for over a decade. It will be a great privilege to serve my community on a new level. Should I get elected to Town Council, I will focus on:

  • Working with Alterra and our local developers to enhance Winer Park with the goal of creating a community based on planned development that is focused on sustainable growth
  • Supporting the affordable housing initiative to create the opportunity for the seasonal employees to live and work in Winter Park
  • Backing our business community — I believe one of our goals should be to attract small high-tech companies that will create a year-round diverse economy
  • Bridging the gap between Winter Park and Fraser to gain mutually beneficial goals — we each have our own unique identity, but we work and play in the same valley

In being a thoughtful leader and business owner, I always try to find a better way to complete a task that is either more timely or more cost efficient while thinking people first. We live in an amazing community full of talented and educated people who also share a deep appreciation for Winter Park. I am confident I can speak on their behalf to make Winter Park a thriving area for residents and seasonal tourists.

If you want someone who will work to bring dedication, leadership and positivity to the board, then vote for Stewart Goldenberg. I will work hard to build trust, transparency, and financial stewardship between the Town Council and the residents of Winter Park.

We live in a great city! Let’s work together to make it an even better place to live, work and play!

Kyle Jenkins

At the time of printing we had not received response from Kyle.  You can read his ‘About Me’ Bio in the Skyhi News edition March 16th.  

In the Candidate forum.  Kyle stated his concern that the Sales Tax rate for the town would have a long term economic impact and put a strain on business, especially in the off season.  A high tax rate will force businesses to chose alternate locations to set up operations and hurt the economy.

He also felt the town should put aside differences and work toward a strong future fo the Fraser Valley. The underpass can be viewed as a safety risk isssue and needs healthy discussions and solutions.

Nick Kutrumbos

1) ROAM DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Yes, I feel that I have represented my constituents well.  Despite the negative concerns at the last few meetings, I have received overwhelming support from the majority of residents in favor of the agreement.  It’s important to remember that the process took two years, the Town staff did an excellent job vetting the deal. We feel comfortable with the principles as they are invested in the area and have been long-time community members.  Until Hideaway Station we had not seen a new commercial building raised in almost 17 years. The condition of Beavers Lodge is poor, the property badly needed TLC (beetle kill and downed trees). If the property was not annexed into town the developer has the means to move foreword with the County.  The annexation of the Beavers property had been a goal of the Council for as long as I can remember.

In response to the second part of the question.  I firmly believe that everyone who lives in this community has a little “environmentalist” in their hart.  I live here because I enjoy the outdoors and respect the lifestyle it provides. As a long time member of the business community, Deno’s has donated to many nonprofits since the 1970’s.  Our philosophy is “Never Say No” when the community is in need.

One pivotal project that we recently pushed for was the completion of the water treatment facility by Union Pacific Railroad.  It was needed to mitigate the discharge of pollutants from the Moffat Tunnel into the Fraser River. This project was in collaboration with Grand County and Winter Park water and sanitation, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The Kings crossing subject came up in several questions. Understandable that litigation may limit incumbent remarks.   Are you willing to close Kings Crossing RR crossing and have only 1 access point to homes west of the tracks?

As a current member of the council I cannot comment at this time.

Do you think the Rec Center should revert it’s name to: Fraser Valley Rec Center?

The Community Center was paid for by the residents; it should be called whatever the residents want it to be called.

GROWTH AND VISION

I’m in favor of having a healthy relationship with the resort.  Honestly, its never been better. The Town of Winter Park and Winter Park Resort share the same challenges in navigating a seasonal and substantial weekend economy.  Everyone knows that we are maxed out on weekends. The recent improvements to the Town and the upcoming capital improvements to the Resort will help to attract those crucial weekday visitors.  Currently, we are working together on projects like the Dimmit 2 attainable housing project, continued development of the Winter Park Housing Assistance Fund; they invest $300,000.00 annually to the public transit system in addition to their sales tax contribution.  They have spent money in improving HWY 40, helped to pay for the GASEX (avalanche mitigation system) on Berthoud pass….The list goes on and on.

What will you do to protect Winter Park from the encroachment of Grand Park?

As a Council member, I rely on our staff to manage contentious situations like encroachment.  Hopefully one day we can work with Grand Park and Fraser on issues like attainable housing, schools, and medical facilities.

How do see the process for selection of New Town Manager?

The Mayor and I worked together in interviewing interested parties for the interim Town Manager position.  We quickly learned that with all the exciting things happening, there would be a lot of interest in the permanent position.  We choose to bring in Stan Zemler, the previous tenured Town Manager of Vail whom will assist with the hiring process for the permanent position.  He has experience and will be able to guide us through the process.

Do you think that we need an Assistant Town Manager?

Yes, and any other position needed in handling a growing community.

Why do you think you would be a good choice for Winter Park Town Council?

I love this community and feel passionate that the Town grows in a way that preserves our identity.  As a voter, I would look for experience on the Council during this crucial time. We are researching and investing in many badly needed projects like maintenance and transit facilities, attainable housing projects and infrastructure improvements.  It’s vital that the vision of the Council remains consistent so that we continue to move forward in a cohesive responsible manner.

Chris Seemann

How I justify my Roam (Beavers) Vote;

The Roam annexation agreement was a negotiation that the town had been working on for 2 years. We had an excellent staff and legal team working on the annexation agreement to assure The Town would be getting the best agreement possible for our community.  I have faith in our staff and attorney and the partnership to do the right thing.

Annexation Environmental Points;

Stream Management Plan and implementation at Developers expense – will significantly enhance the Fraser River throughout the Beaver’s property.

A minimum 60’ water quality setback from the River throughout the development. (WP town code requires a 30’ water quality setback)

The developers have 24 Acre river corridor identified.  Public trail easements along the river corridor and through the development. The Corp of Engineers will review all Final Platte’s as they are submitted to the town for approval .

River enhancements during my tenure (Town & Grand 1);

We have done a lot of good work. We have a great staff and I wanted to highlight a few key points that we considered during the process.

Roam annexation – Stream Management plan, future enhancement to a mile plus of Fraser River.

Supported the Colorado River Cooperative from Both The town of Winter Park and

Grand One W&S (Fraser River enhancement projects already underway as part of the

mitigation and enhancement plan) The Cooperative also includes the release of water up stream during dry river periods.

Supported the Consolidated waste water treatment plant (JFOC took 10+ years to create) this consolidated treatment plant is much more efficient and returns much cleaner water back to the river.

Voted in support to reclaim the old Grand 1 treatment ponds into freshwater storage, adding badly needed water storage in the upper part of the Valley that could be released during dry periods on the river.

Supported the Confluence Park River enhancement Project

Supported the Fraser River Enhancement Project in coordination with WP, Fraser,GOCO and Grand One W&S

Supported Sediment Control projects in coordination with WP, CDOT, WP Resort and Winter Park Water & San.

Supported the installation of sediment control devices in many Town projects

Both the Town and Grand One have purchased large numbers of Vail Ditch Water Shares. Grand One is still working with other shareholders to get wet water delivered Upstream

Supported the aggressive action against Union Pacific regarding its discharge from the tunnel into the Fraser River. Resulting in UP creating a treatment plant for the Tunnel Discharge

Supported a self imposed SFE (Water Tap) maximum for WP Development. This Maximum assures minimum stream flows will be met at the build out of Winter Park.

Additional Thought.

You all should have attended the candidate open forum, I think there was great discussion on the above topics. As a 22 year member of the WP Town Council, you must be able to state your opinions and positions in Public. I must say though, I was quite disappointed that there was no discussion at the candidate forum regarding thoughts and opinions on the difficult issues related to Mental Health and addiction that people in our community are struggling with. Instead we “debated” about the name of the Rec Center…..Pretty sad…

Why elect Chris Seeman?

As I stated in the Candidate Forum, If you like the direction the town of Winter Park has gone for the past 22 years, then vote for me for 4 more years. I feel I have a lot of newideas that will make our community a better place to live in…