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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-02-12 Town Council MinutesMINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF TRUSTEES FEBRUARY 12, 1971 A special meeting of the Board of Trustees was held February 12, 1971, at 11:00 a.m., at Gasthof Gramshammer. The following trustees, constituting a quorum, were present: Mayor John Dobson Trustee Dr. Thomas Steinberg Trustee Clayton Freeman Trustee Gerry White Trustee Richard Bailey Trustee Tod Anderson Also present was Terrell J. Minger, Town Manager. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dobson, chairman. The decision for High Country, Inc., for a wine and beer license • was discussed. Trustee White stated that he felt that the Town of Vail, especially in the commercial core, had enough liquor outlets, of all kinds, and that there was no value being placed on these licenses. He and Trustee Steinberg agreed that applicants assume that their license will be granted, as the Local Licensing Authority has not turned down any applicants yet. White cited Jackson Hole as an example, and explained that they place such a high premium on liquor licenses, that there are no violations. Trustee Anderson asked why we couldn't be just as strict here, and Minger answered that the liquor establishments are patrolled approximately three times each every night, and that a report from the police depart- ment was being turned into the Town Office every month noting the minor violations. Any major violations were, of course, brought to the attention of the Town Office immediately. Minger then said that we could turn down this application on the basis that the Town core was saturated with liquor licenses, and we could encourage applicants to open establishments in the LionsHead or Crossroads area. White noted that there were other factors to consider in grant- ing liquor licenses, such as noise and congestion. It was also brought up that TophIs was an instant success, and that High Country, Inc., could not compete with Tophrs without a license; and even though this is not the consideration of the Local Liquor Licensing Authority, a granting of a liquor license in this case may encourage the success of a much needed restaurant. Mayor Dbbson then called for a vote. Trustee Bailey, Trustee Dr. Steinberg, Trustee Freeman, and Trustee Anderson were in favor; Trustee White was against; High Country, Inc., application for wine and beer license was approved. The liquor license study was discussed. Minger explained that he felt THK, a planning firm in Denver, should be hired to help with the survey. They are impartial experts; this would be a consideration if the Town was ever taken to court over a license denial based on this survey. It should not be made entirely by locals, although Stanley Switlick will do a lot of the footwork. THK estimates $1500 for the consultation and questionnaires, and they estimate May 1, 1971, as the date for completion. Trustee White pointed out that Duane Pottyjohn, in his outline for the study, grouped hotel rooms and condominiums together, and that he felt they shouldn't be. Trustee Anderson felt that anyone who is going to build in Vail should be aware that the Town will not approve any more licenses until the survey is complete. Trustee Bailey suggested that Bob Nott could mention this in his in- vestors' booklet he is preparing. Trustee Steinberg wondered if there were some way to obtain the total volume of liquor sold in each establish- ment each year, and if there weren't enough sold to warrant a license, take away the license. Mayor Dobson called for a vote; Trustee White motioned to sign the contract with THK; Trustee Steinberg seconded; and the vote for approval was unanimous. The Casino was discussed in regard to its noise and what can be done about it. A meeting had been scheduled but Steve Ruder did not 40 appear. The Town cannot sign a complaint against them, but the Local Liquor Licensing Authority could give the Casino a warning, based on Ruder's promise to control the noise. Pulis w i 11 sign a complaint. Minger asked if the trustees had heard anything either favorable or unfavorable about the sales tax. Everything they had heard was favorable. Mayor Dobson noted that none of the traditional argu- ments against an increase in sales tax had been presented, as Vail is unique in that there are no people on welfare or elderly on fixed incomes. Minger stated that he had written some articles for the Vail Trail explaining this tax, and further explaining that it would be spent for capital improvement and land acquisition; that it would be put into a special fund; that the Townspeople would know exactly where it went; and that it would be audited annually. After some discussion concerning George Knox's comments that the public was not being informed of the actions of the Board of Trustees, it was decided to submit a summary of each Town Meeting to the Vail Trail for publi- cation. • Building bids for the Municipal Complex w i 11 go out the 1 9th of February. There was some comment about a favorable bond market now, which Trustee Anderson suggested should make quite a difference in the bid results. • P There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 P.m. nn Town r -2-