Estes Park

Speakers discuss voting, tobacco rules and police plans

October 14, 2026·Estes Park·Larimer County

From the Estes Park Town Board meeting of October 13, 2026

Several speakers raised tobacco policy, a proposed police station, election information and the fire tax.

A representative of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said the latest Healthy Kids Colorado survey found youth tobacco-use rates had risen 20% statewide and nearly 20% in Larimer County, particularly for vaping products and oral nicotine pouches. The representative said 95% of young people who vape and 88% of those using oral nicotine pouches used flavored products, and about a third of young cigarette smokers used menthol. The representative cited more than 420 municipalities nationwide, including 15 in Colorado, that had ended flavored tobacco sales, and said Estes Park had not licensed tobacco retailers while dozens of Colorado communities had. Mayor Gary Hall said the town would wait to see what Larimer County’s health department developed on tobacco policies before reviewing them.

An Estes Park resident argued that population growth did not justify a proposed $34 million police station and offered an $8 million alternative he said would save $25 million. He proposed a decentralized network of patrol hubs that could be set up or taken down for high season, with a $4.5 million secure communications annex, a $2 million Town Hall retrofit and a $1.5 million hub. He argued that an east-end station could face gridlock that hindered access to the west end and urged the town to support police through a smarter approach.

An Estes Park resident who represented the League of Women Voters for Estes Park encouraged eligible voters to vote and be informed, and said Oct. 26 was the deadline to register by mail or online to receive a mailed ballot. The representative said the polling center in the recreation center’s lower level would open Oct. 26, operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sunday until Election Day, and be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. The representative recommended voting in person or using drop boxes, advised mailing ballots by Oct. 24, and said the library had extra Blue Books and vote411.org offered candidate information and registration checks. Hall urged people to vote and said he would support the fire tax, which he said would allow the fire department to become independent of other funding sources and operate as its own entity.

More from this meeting

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.
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.
Item Consent Agenda.5Estes Park approves $100,000 more for Prospect Mountain water consultant
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.