Non-Profit Support & Partnership

The Town of Frisco financially supports non-profit organizations in Summit County. During the work session on April 8, 2025, Town Council heard from staff from four of these non-profit organizations, whose Town grants are largely funded through the Town’s nicotine tax. Each non-profit provided Council with an overview of the services and programs that they offer to Summit County and an explanation of how Frisco funds are utilized. The four non-profit organizations are:

• Early Childhood Options (ECO): ECO has been the local hub for early childhood services since 1991. Through a unique blend of direct services and planning expertise, ECO works to ensure that all young children, families, and early childhood professionals in Summit County are valued, healthy, and thriving. Over the years, ECO has grown in size, scope, and impact in acknowledgement of the increased need and that every $1 of investment in early childhood education results in return of $17. The Town contributed $347,522 for childcare tuition assistance in 2024 through the nicotine tax.
• Building Hope: Building Hope is a grassroots organization whose mission is to create a more coordinated, effective, and responsive mental health care system that promotes emotional health, reduces stigma, and improves access to care and support to everyone in Summit County. Building Hope has seen an increase in self-reported mental health issues, which they attribute to the growing willingness to acknowledge mental health issues due to the destigmatization of mental health concerns. The Town contributed $71,310 for mental health care and projects in 2024 through the nicotine tax and the Frisco Community Impact grant.
• Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC): Today, FIRC remains the community’s one stop shop for meeting basic needs. If FIRC doesn’t offer the resource someone needs, the organization connects the individuals to those who do. More than a third of Summit County residents utilize FIRC’s financial empowerment, food access, community health, peer support, and referral services. One of the most impactful and well used services that FIRC provides is their community food markets, which have a significant focus on providing fresh foods. The Town contributed $75,815 in 2024 through the nicotine tax and Concerts in the Park partnership.
• Elevated Community Health, previously known as the Summit County Care Clinic, is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Elevated Community Health is a safety net care provider that offers a full range of integrated medical, dental and behavioral health services in Summit, Lake and Park Counties. The clinic changed their name recently to Elevated Community Health to reflect that they have been serving neighboring communities outside of Summit County. The clinic provided care to 955 Frisco residents in 2024, and 52% of all their patients are uninsured. The Town contributed $182,120 to the clinic in 2024 from the nicotine tax, Town of Frisco grants, and Concerts in the Park partnership.

These four non-profit organizations receive annual funding from Frisco through the nicotine tax dollars that voters passed in 2019. The amounts allocated to each organization are set by countywide memorandums of understanding (MOU).

Town Council Trainings

With two new members on Frisco Town Council, Robyn Goldstein and Zach Ryan, two trainings were presented to Council during the April 8 worksession. Frisco Town Attorney, Thad Renaud, provided training on quasi-judicial decision making and ex parte communications. This training is presented to the whole Council whenever there are new members elected to provide an introduction for new members and a refresher for current members.

Energy Performance Contract

The Town of Frisco is participating in Colorado’s Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program to improve energy efficiency across Town of Frisco owned buildings. In June 2023, the Town enrolled and contracted McKinstry to conduct an Investment Grade Audit (IGA), which has been completed.

EPCs allow municipalities to fund energy upgrades with minimal upfront costs, using energy savings to repay financing. Proposed upgrades include LED lighting, solar power, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. The project, with a net cost of $250,000 to the Town, is supported by $1.5 million in grants and is expected to generate approximately $425,000 in energy savings over 18 years.

Steps to Complete

1. Energy Audit and Proposal – Completed
   • The process began with an energy audit, where a professional energy services company (ESCO) evaluates the energy usage of a building or facility.
   • Based on the audit, the ESCO proposed energy-saving measures (e.g., lighting upgrades, HVAC system improvements, insulation, etc.) and estimates of expected energy savings.
2. Performance Contracting Agreement – Presenting to Town Council in May 2025
   • A formal Energy Performance Contract (EPC) is established between the ESCO and the building owner.
   • The EPC outlines the scope of the work, the expected energy savings, and the timeline for implementation.One key feature of EPCs is the guarantee: the ESCO guarantees that the energy savings will be sufficient to cover the cost of the upgrades, including financing.
   • April 2025: Finalize project pricing, financing RFP and present construction contract to Town of Frisco
3. Financing Agreement – RFP May 2025; Contract to Town Council June 2025
   • Energy Savings as Repayment: The money used to repay the financing comes from the energy savings generated by the upgrades.
   • Legal and Financial Considerations: The RFP will clearly outline the legal requirements and expectations for the financing proposal. This will detail the expected energy savings and the expected repayment term of 18 to 20 years. Responses will be evaluated on experience and qualifications of the financier, fees and rates, and other proposed terms and conditions.
4. Implementation – May 2025 through end of 2025
   • Contractor: McKinstry has successfully completed the Energy Audit and been instrumental in securing grants, calculating energy savings, and pricing subcontractors. Town staff recommends that McKinstry continue as the Energy Savings company/general contractor for the Energy Performance Contract.
   • Oversight: McKinstry will oversee the day-to-day construction of the Energy Performance Contract in coordination with Addison Canino, Capital Projects Manager, and Joseph Schleifer, Facilities Supervisor.
   • Timeline:
     • May 2025: Complete permit drawings, submit applications for permits, and finalize equipment submittals
     • June 2025: Mobilize for construction
     • Summer/Fall 2025: Construction phase
     • Fall 2025: Construction close-out and commissioning
     • Winter 2025/Spring 2026: Begin 3-year measurement and verification Period

At the April 8 Town Council meeting, McKinstry staff and Town of Frisco staff sought feedback from Town Council regarding proceeding with the EPC and moving forward with financing. Council directed staff to proceed with the EPC and issue a request for proposal for financing energy savings.

Interstate Parking Contract

The Town began working with Interstate Parking during the summer of 2022 to manage paid parking at the Frisco Bay Marina and to enforce year-round parking time limits on Main Street. Enforcement now includes side street enforcement, meaning Main Street to Granite Street and Main Street to Galena Street, as well as alley and right of way enforcement.

The initial goals of the parking management program included:

• Encourage turnover
• Create a safe and accessible environment
• Minimize overcrowding
• Support staff

Interstate Parking has been receptive to feedback and has customized a parking management program that works for Frisco. By working collaboratively, the Town and Interstate Parking have implemented a season pass product at the Marina, adjusted rates and hours, and expanded downtown enforcement.

Staff presented a new Interstate Parking agreement to Town Council for review and approval. This new contract keeps the Marina rates and hours the same. Town Council gave staff direction to look at changing and possibly expanding the dates in the spring and fall when the three-hour parking limit is not enforced on Main Street. Town Council subsequently asked staff to bring Resolution 25-19 approving the contract back during the April 22, 2025 Town Council meeting for approval on the consent agenda.

Marijuana Licensing Fees

Pursuant to the Town’s Home Rule Authority and C.R.S. §§ 12-43.3-301 and 12-43.4-301, the Town possesses the authority to regulate the time, place, manner, and licensing requirements for the operation of medical and retail marijuana businesses within the Town. Town Clerk, Stacey Nell, identified a need to more clearly establish consistency in the fees charged by the Town for marijuana licenses.

Currently, for renewals of retail marijuana licenses, licensees are being charged $3,000.00. Ordinance 25-06 proposes a reduction in fees to be more consistent with the actual staff time involved with processing a renewal application and to reduce the fee to $1,500.00. This is also in line with the renewal fee for medical marijuana licenses, which requires the same amount of Town staff time for processing. In compliance with Tabor, fees should align with the resources needed to complete the task or process that the fee is being charged for.

Town Council approved Ordinance 25-06 on the first reading. The second reading is scheduled for April 22, 2025.

Updated Financial Policies

In February 2023, the Town Council adopted the Town’s first comprehensive financial policy, consolidating existing formal and informal policies, including those for investment, budgeting, and cash handling. This policy was updated in January 2024 with minor revisions to the cash handling policy and the grants policy.

Staff continually reviews the policies in practice, addressing conflicts and making revisions as needed to balance internal controls with real-world practicalities. The proposed updates to the financial policies reflect this balance.

Proposed changes to the prior version of the Town’s financial policies include:

1. Capital Improvement Definition: The proposed changes stem from feedback received from both the Town Council and staff. Currently, the $5,000 threshold for capital improvements is somewhat arbitrary and has not been adjusted for inflation. While this threshold remains generally accepted within financial best practices, many other municipalities have raised their thresholds to between $10,000 and $50,000. Staff recommend increasing the threshold to $25,000, which would still encompass significant equipment such as vehicles. At the January 8 Town Council retreat, Council voiced support for this change, which is why this revision was presented.
2. Update to Gender Neutral Terms: Any instances of “his or her” have been updated to “their” to reflect gender-neutral language.
3. General Housekeeping: Several grammar corrections and the removal of redundancies have been made for clarity and readability.

Town Council approved Resolution 25-17.

10-Year Capital Improvement Plan

On January 8, 2025, the Frisco Town Council gathered for a retreat where they discussed and prioritized capital projects to be completed over the next 10 years. Staff noted the following direction and feedback from Town Council:

1. Council understood and agreed that there are certain annual line items in the capital plan that they would like to budget for each year because they are annual and core priorities. Examples of recurring priorities include environmental sustainability, trail enhancements, walkability improvements, technology purchases, vehicle and equipment replacements, police vehicle upgrades, and building facility improvements.
2. Council agreed with the list of “Critical Unfunded Projects” that staff identified as needed and critical for operational success over the next 10 years. This list is in addition to the projects already identified in the approved five-year capital plan and prioritizes maintaining Town infrastructure and avoiding deferred maintenance. This list includes:
   • Frisco Backyard work- fire mitigation and trails
   • Island Grill/Lund House and Marina bathroom improvements
   • Parking improvements and minimal pavement in the “Eye of the Needle” parking lot at the Adventure Park, located next to the skate park and below the bike park
   • Lighting improvements at the Adventure Park tubing area
   • Marina Park playground replacement
   • Recapitalization (remodel or reimagine) of the Community Center at 3rd and Granite
   • Recapitalization (remodel or relocation) of Town Hall
3. During the retreat, Council also gave direction regarding the “Unfunded Projects – Need Direction” list that included the following:
   • Support for improving the “boneyard” area at the Adventure Park, which is currently used for maintenance and snow storage needs. This area is crucial to the Town’s annual operations and not open at this time for alternative planning efforts.
   • Council gave direction to possibly use the historic structures currently in storage by disassembling the structures and using parts of those buildings as appropriate in new construction projects.
   • A total of $3,000,000 will be recommended in the Housing Fund for future potential property purchases.
   • The Town will continue to collaborate with Summit County on a countywide solution for micro-transit.
4. The Council expressed their support of financing the Complete Streets project on Granite Street to improve vehicular, pedestrian, and bike experiences and safety.
5. The Council expressed their support for exploring a tax increase to support the funding of capital projects and/or ongoing operational expenses. This question is being posed to Council to address the ability to fund and accelerate future capital projects and feedback will be sought from the community before proposing any funding changes or questions.
6. Council supported changing the threshold of a “capital expenditure” from $5,000 to $25,000, which Council approved during the April 8, 2025 Town Council meeting.
7. The presentations also included a list of unfunded projects that are not part of the 10 year capital plan that need to be acknowledged, remembered, considered, and re-evaluated going forward.

Staff also recommends adding the following projects to the 10-year Capital Improvement Program:

• Ten Mile Drive improvements
• Historic Park land use plan and implementation
• Burying overhead lines with Xcel
• Adventure Park maintenance shed and fuel system
• Adventure Park restrooms and shade structure
• PRA ballfield parking lot lighting

Section 8-4 of the Town’s Home Rule Charter requires a five-year Capital Improvement Plan to be submitted to the Town Council at the same time as the submission of the proposed budget and to adopt the plan by resolution. During the October 22, 2024 Town Council meeting, the five-year Capital Improvement Plan was adopted, noting that the plan can be updated at any point in time by Town Council. To accurately plan for future projects, staff requested that Council review and prioritize capital projects for the next 10 years, rather than just the five years as required. Doing so would ensure proper financing strategies are established to account for project priorities over the next 10 years. Staff will present a resolution adopting the updated Capital Improvement Program during spring 2025. Adoption of this plan will guide future budget discussions, financing decisions, and project priorities.

Staff recommended the adoption of the 10-year Capital Improvement Program as presented in Resolution 25-12, which Town Council subsequently approved.

602 Galena Workforce Housing Project Financing & Timeline

Background

In August 2022, the Town of Frisco and Summit County Government entered into an intergovernmental agreement to purchase the property known as the Colorado Workforce Center, located at 602 Galena Street, to be developed into 54 affordable workforce rental housing units. The Town then approved a long-term ground lease in May 2023, with the NHP Foundation, a not-for-profit real estate organization with experience in preserving and creating affordable, multifamily housing for low- and moderate-income families.

In April 2024, The Town of Frisco was awarded a Strong Communities grant for $4,000,000 by Colorado Department of Housing (DOH) for the construction of project infrastructure related to affordable housing projects located at 101 West Main Street and 602 Galena Street. Additionally, in July 2024 the Town of Frisco was awarded a More Housing Now grant for $375,898 by Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for the construction of Town owned infrastructure related to the affordable housing project located at 602 Galena Street.

After significant negotiation between NHP Foundation and the Town, it was decided that NHP Foundation would lead the financing process for this project, have ownership of the project, and be responsible for the operations and tenant services for this project.

Development Agreement

During the March 25, 2025 worksession, the NHP Foundation staff walked Council through this project and where it currently stands from a financing, funding contribution, and permitting and construction timeline standpoint. Staff also discussed the evolution of the 602 Galena Development Agreement and presented the amended and restated Development Agreement during the regular meeting. Modifications to the agreement included:

• Financial modeling has evolved this site to now be higher AMIs (120% AMI), although rents are financially modeled at 100% AMI.
• 101 West Main Street has evolved to now be the sole Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) project, pending approval.

Additionally, during the March 25 meeting, NHP presented an overview of the project and the project background to lay the foundation for discussing the following amendments that NHP proposed for Town Council consideration:

• NHP proposed 22 studio or small one-bedroom units, 20 one-bedroom units, and 12 two-bedroom units with a maximum 120% AMI.
• There was still a need for additional funds for this project, and therefore, Town Council agreed to fill this gap with Town Housing Fund dollars to keep this project on schedule if no other funding sources are found.
• All conditions agreed to with the State of Colorado regarding the purchase of the property were deemed satisfied.
• Any changes to the number of units or affordability requirements in the dwelling units shall require the prior written consent of the Town.
• Obligations agreed to with Summit County regarding the affordability of the project and timeline for demolition and construction are all currently being met.

The development services agreement, with associated ground lease and loan documents, would solidify the Town’s relationship with the NHP Foundation as this project moves forward quickly through bond financing and construction. Town Council approved an amended Ordinance 25-05 on second reading, which included the Town committing to the full funding request from NHP, including the most recent $4.9 million dollar request from NHP, bringing the Town’s total funding commitment for this project to $8.1 million, which is a forgivable loan at 30 years. In addition, a completion guarantee has also been added to this updated development agreement.

Frisco Town Council Meetings: Ways to Participate

Frisco Town Council meetings are available to view via Zoom and YouTube, and are also held in person to make Town Council meetings easier to access for everyone.

The public can provide comment during meetings via Zoom or in person (not YouTube), and a public comment period will be available at 7:00pm; during the consideration of ordinances; and at the discretion of Town Council during work session items, which are discussions that don’t require a formal vote by Town Council and do not require public comment. Again, this hybrid approach is intended to make Town Council meetings more accessible, and meeting recordings will typically also be made available the day after a meeting in the meeting archive with agenda topics bookmarked to the discussions in the video.