The NoCo Herald

Larimer and Weld counties, Colorado

Estes Park

Estes Park approves $100,000 more for Prospect Mountain water consultant

From the Estes Park Town Board meeting of

The amendment pays JVA to guide the town through a resolution with the contractor, beyond its base contract. The leaking tank remains unresolved as discussions continue.

The Estes Park Town Board approved a $100,000 amendment to consultant JVA, Inc.'s Prospect Mountain Water Project contract, which a speaker said would help the town resolve a leaking tank.

“I noticed that the $100,000 was in contingency, and it will further reduce the contingency,” Trustee Chris Eshelman said. Eshelman asked whether contractor delays and issues were primarily responsible and whether a bond or surety company would cover the cost. A speaker said the project remained within its total budget and the amendment would not push it over.

A reasonable solution for the tank leakage has been identified but not implemented, the speaker said. Discussions with the contractor, its legal counsel and technical experts are continuing, and the amendment would pay JVA to guide the town beyond its base contract through a resolution with the contractor, the speaker said. Not all the steps to resolve the broader project issues have been identified, but a path forward has been mapped with the contractor; the next step is to carry it out and assess progress, the speaker said.

More from this meeting

  1. Estes Park Town Board, Oct. 13, 2026

    Estes Park reports power utility inventory buys above $30,000 lacked required bids; Estes Park approves $100,000 more for Prospect Mountain water consultant; Estes Park board postpones decision on proposed rezoning criteria; 3 consent items adopted.

  2. Town Administrator ReportEstes Park reports power utility inventory buys above $30,000 lacked required bids

    While purchasing policies are revised, the town plans to seek a quote through SourceWell, which uses public bids, but may buy elsewhere if that quote is higher. Staff plan to report both issues at the regular Policy 3.4 review in March 2027.

  3. Item 1.AEstes Park board postpones decision on proposed rezoning criteria

    The proposed tests cover consistency with the future land use plan, neighborhood compatibility and public facilities, with exceptions for changed conditions or technical errors. The language remains open to changes before it returns to an agenda.

  4. Item 1.BEstes Park requires neighborhood meetings for most development applications, retains weekends

    The community development director may require more meetings for complex projects, potential adverse impacts or unresolved issues. Applicants must submit a summary of questions raised and intended responses with the application; staff will make it public.

  5. Item Action Items.1Estes Park approves development fee waivers for child care facilities

    The waivers apply to qualifying projects that establish, expand or preserve local child care capacity. Water tap fees remain in place, and building-permit relief is limited to the portion the town retains.

  6. Item Action Items.2Estes Park trustees consider parks plan without funding commitment

    The Estes Park Town Board took up a motion Oct. 13 to adopt a Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan. Trustee Mark Igel said it should guide future development without guaranteeing funding for its proposals.

  7. Item Action Items.3Estes Park adds $35,000 for EVICS childcare tuition aid

    The funding covers school-age assistance provided during the year and the gap between the existing award and projected program needs. Tuition assistance is expected back for discussion in 2027.

  8. Item Action Items.4Estes Park board considers plan to expand options, preserve workforce housing

    The proposal would explore pre-approved accessory dwelling unit designs and streamlined approvals, while coordinating housing investments with utilities, transportation and community services. If approved, it must go to the state within 60 days.

  9. Item Action Items.5Estes Park board considers Hostetler for Visit Estes Park seat

    The Estes Park Town Board took up a motion to appoint Susan Hostetler to the Visit Estes Park board. The four-year term would begin Jan. 1, 2027.

  10. Item Reports and Discussion Items.1Estes Park weighs partial refund for 440 Valley Road

    The municipal code has no refund mechanism, and any reimbursement would need a documented public purpose. No action was taken; a decision would have to be scheduled for a future board meeting.