Audit Presentation for the 2022 Fiscal Year

Town of Frisco Finance Department staff and staff from McMahan and Associates, L.L.C. presented the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and yearly audit. Due to the Town Council’s ongoing conservative fiscal policy and staff diligence around the budget, expenditures were $.8 million less than anticipated and revenues were $3 million higher than expected in 2022. The Town also continues to maintain a seven-month reserve to cover operational expenses.

McMahan and Associates emphasized that the Town goes above and beyond in its financial reporting, as reflected in the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), which the Town has received for over 10 years. McMahon and Associates also reported to Council that the Town of Frisco received an unmodified “clean” rating in their annual audit of the Town for 2022. The auditor affirmed in their auditor letter to Town Council that the Town’s accounting practices are conservative, consistent, and compliant. They also noted the strong fund balances and that the Town’s positive financial results are positioning the Town well for the current economic uncertainties.

The audit presentation is available for review.

Request to Use Public Property for Workforce Housing

The right-of-way applicants, Andy Richmond and Lauren Echevarria, submitted materials for their right-of-way vacation request to the Town of Frisco requesting that the Town vacate a portion of a public right-of-way (public/Town property) consisting of a 10,500 sq. ft. (0.24 acres) tract on S. 6th Avenue. In exchange for this vacation, the applicants are proposing that they would build 4 deed restricted units on this section of right-of-way and the adjacent lots.

At the May 18, 2023 Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commissioners discussed this proposal and considered if the proposal provided benefits that were greater than the public interest served by keeping this piece of public property. The Commission concluded that the application request, as presented, did not override public interest in this right-of-way and subsequently suggested conditions around building timelines and deed restrictions.  

After hearing from the applicants and Town staff, Town Council voiced general support for this project and the vacation, as they believe this project may override public interest in this Town right-of-way and as this may be a promising and affordable way to create four workforce housing units. Subsequently, Council directed staff to return with more information and potential code amendments that could make this type of development possible.

Senator Roberts and Speaker McCluskie Chat with Council

State Senator Dylan Roberts and State House Speaker Julie McCluskie presented a State of Colorado legislative update. House Speaker McCluskie reported that 477 bills were passed overall. Both Senator Roberts and House Speaker McCluskie worked on housing and short-term rental bills. Both also worked on water issues, especially issues around the Colorado River, as well as bills around increased public-school funding, support of local businesses, and establishing a “fair insurance” program for homeowners unable to secure affordable home insurance. Speaker McCluskie also spoke about a bill she put forth and ushered through the legislature regarding making Colorado Mountain College free for those pursuing careers in high need areas, such as early childhood education and construction.

When asked by Senator Roberts and House Speaker McCluskie about future possible legislation that would assist the Town in meeting its own strategic goals for residents and businesses, Town Council members brought up making State owned land easier and more affordable to transfer to municipalities, “de-Brucing” so that an additional residential real estate transfer tax could be allowed to fund more housing and the required infrastructure, incentivizing sustainable building training and careers, making grant processes easier with allowances for project timing, finding a way to better manage issues around short term rentals, and looking at how to deal with steeply increasing property taxes.

The next State of Colorado legislative session starts in January 2024. The full recording of this presentation and conversation with Town Council, Senator Roberts, and House Speaker McCluskie is available now. 

Staff Update: Roundabout and Median Completion on Highway 9

Frisco Public Works Director Jeff Goble updated Council on upcoming road construction on Highway 9 to complete the roundabouts and medians that were part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Gap Project. This median and roundabout work is the responsibility of the Town of Frisco and was not part of CDOT’s scope of work. The project will include plantings with low irrigation needs, stamped concrete, a Frisco entry sign, and in future years, the installation of solar powered lighting. This project will start on Monday, July 17 on Highway 9 between Granite Street and Peak One Drive, and this phase of the project is expected to be completed in late October or earlier. The closure distances will be short and will only be in left-hand lanes. Lane closures and any construction will start at 7:00am on Mondays and end at noon on Fridays. The staff roundabout and median presentation/update, which includes concept drawings, is available for viewing.

New Frisco Community Housing Development Authority

For the past few months, staff have been considering multiple affordable rental housing projects, part of which includes an application for low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). One major advantage to having a housing authority as a partner in a housing project is the property tax and sales tax exemptions for the project, which can be a critical component for investors. The Town will potentially pursue multiple housing projects in the future, where this new housing authority could be a valuable tool. The subject of a housing authority, requirements, and benefits to the Town of Frisco were discussed at the April 25, 2023 Town Council work session when Council directed staff to move forward with the creation of a housing authority, which will not duplicate or in any way fulfill the role of the already existing Summit Combined Housing Authority.

Town Council approved Resolution 23-22 to establish the Frisco Community Housing Development Authority.

New Hotel and Liquor License Application

On May 27, 2023, Michal Ulehla and Joyce De La Torre, owners/operators of Doma located at 842 Summit Boulevard Unit #38, sought approval of his application for a Hotel & Restaurant liquor license.

Staff recommended that Council approve the application based on the findings of the investigation, as listed in this staff report. The location has held a liquor license in the past (under different ownership and management), approved previously by Frisco Town Council. The applicant owns three restaurants in the Town of Frisco, two of which already hold liquor licenses in good standing. Town Council approved the liquor license application for Luka2 LLC dba Doma.

Ordinance Updating the Town’s Construction Code

The purpose of Ordinance 23-13 is to update the Town’s construction codes to the latest published edition of NFPA 70 National Electric Code, and the Town is not making any amendments to this proposed code.

NFPA updates the National Electric Code every three years, which is then adopted by the Colorado State Electrical Board. Colorado Revised Statutes requires all jurisdictions with their own code enforcement departments, to enforce the latest edition of State Electrical Code, as adopted by the State Electrical Board. Adoption of Ordinance 23-13 enables the Town to remain in compliance with CRS.

Town Council approved the adoption of Ordinance 23-13 on the first reading.

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.