RESOLUTION #03-15

ENDORSING THE ESTES PARK FEBRUARY 3, 2015 SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT ISSUE TO REESTABLISH THE TOWN'S RIGHT TO EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PROVIDE ALL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, INCLUDING BROADBAND INTERNET SERVICES, RESTRICTED SINCE 2005 BY TITLE 29, ARTICLE 27 OF THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES

WHEREAS The Estes Park Board of Trustees have unanimously referred to the voters of Estes Park, on February 3 2015, the Special Election Ballot Issue to reestablish the Town's right to either directly or indirectly provide all telecommunications services, including broadband internet services, restricted since 2005 by Title 29, Article 27 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and;

WHEREAS telecommunications services including broadband internet services, that are competitive in speed, cost, and reliability are essential for local businesses and citizens to successfully compete in today's globally competitive environment and;

WHEREAS the Town of Estes Park, through its participation in Platte River Power Authority (PRPA), has access to an existing fiber optic ring in Estes Park that could help make competitive telecommunications services available within our Town and immediate region and;

WHEREAS in 2005, Title 29, Article 27 of the Colorado Revised Statutes eliminated the Town of Estes Park's right to directly or indirectly provide telecommunications services, including broadband internet services, without a vote of the people to reestablish this right and;

WHEREAS reestablishing this right will allow the Town to leverage all community-owned fiber optic infrastructure for the benefit of its citizens and businesses;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK, COLORADO to support and endorse the Estes Park February 3, 2015 Special Election Ballot Issue to reestablish the Town's right to either directly or indirectly provide all telecommunications services, including broadband internet services, restricted since 2005 by Title 29, Article 27 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.