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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-02-07 Town Council Minutesn MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF VAI L FEBRUARY 8, 1972 A special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Vail was formally convened at 2:25 p. m. , February 8, 1972, in the Board Room in the Town Offices. Mayor John A. Dobson and the following trustees were present- C. P. Tod Anderson Richard Bailey Dr. Thomas I. Steinberg Albert G . White Also present were: Terrell Minger, Town Manager Larry Robinson, Town Attorney Andy Gerard, County Judge Tam Scott, Executive Director, Eagle Piney Association Michi Blake, Administrative Assistant, Eagle Piney Association While awaiting the arrival of Mr. Scott, Mr. Minger, the Town Manager, explained, in regard to the Manor Vail Corporation annexation, that Rio Grande only had an option on the property. If the question were not resolved by April 1, they would be withdrawing from the proposition. As Mr. Scott arrived at this juncture, this topic was postponed until later in the meeting. Mr. Scott began his presentation by stating that 1/4 of the monies of Eagle Piney came from private individuals donating to Trout, Unlimited. Since October 1, the Eagle Piney group has raised approximately $15,000. Trustee Bailey asked for a run-down of their efforts to date. Mr. Scott replied that 50% of their money had gone for salaries. Another $2,000 to $3,000 has gone to Summit Films to keep them from bankruptcy. Their arrangement to sell their film has not worked out; eventually, Eagle Piney could be forced to assume the debt for this film of approximately $25,000. In addition, there are expenses for the mailings sent out by Eagle Piney. Michi Blake stated that they have spent $1,500 for mailing thus far. Trustee Bailey asked with what groups and individuals they were meeting. Mostly conserva- tion groups in Denver and on the Western Slope was the reply. It was further acknowledged that these groups probably will not t)rovide financial support. Mr. Scott went on to say that much of the support given was in the nature of assistance in the preparation of legislative action, particularly a constitutional amendment to be presented that would protect the water rights of the Western Slope. At this point, Judge Gerard arrived; the discussion with Eagle Piney was discontinued, to be taken up later in the meeting. Mayor Dobson opened the conversation by stating that the Board would like to discuss the possibility of moving the County Court from Minturn to Vail; they would like to have the Judge's estimate of the chances for this move. The Judge stated that this move could be made; the County Commissioners did not figure greatly in the decision on location; but, that the people of Minturn might protest. Earlier when the Court was moved, they had petitioned to have it return. However, the Judge felt that Vail was the place to have the court because the police and the Deputy District Attorney are here. He stressed that this move could not be accomplished overnight. Larry Robinson, the Town Attorney, interjected that the judicial administrator for the courts was in our favor. He suggested that the Board make an appointment with this administrator for the Supreme Court. In the matter of the days the Court would sit in Vail, it was first determined that there were no fixed days in Eagle. Rather, the Judge was there most of the time and tried to schedule things so they were convenient for the officers. Mr. Robinson suggested that if there were no conflict, Tuesday would be good for us as most of our difficulties arise over the week- end. The Judge affirmed that his schedule was easily changed; Monday afternoon or Tuesday afternoon would be fine for him. Mr. Robinson added the thought that conceivably, if the people of Minturn feel very strongly, Court could still be held there every other week. Further discussion brought out the points that there would be a fixed day every week for arraignments; that a trial, if necessary, would be held in Vail; and that the Judge would also be the Municipal Judge. There was some discussion of court procedures, the main point of interest being that, at present, the secretaries in the Police Office act as clerk of the court. The Judge asked if we could work his clerk into the Municipal Court if the County Court moved. That having a permanent and experienced clerk would add something to the system was acknowledged by Mr. Robinson. The Judge added that he had found it much too hard to operate wi.thout a clerk. In the matter of a room to be used, the library was suggested until school is over for the year, when the court can be moved to the actual court- room. Mr. Minger, the Town Manager, added that they were hoping the school could find another room for next year. Judge Gerard inquired if we kept records of our Municipal Court; also, if we would find this necessary when we go Home Rule. Mr. Minger, recognizing that this would be neces- sary, said we were fortunate in this regard as we now have a complete recording system for the Courtroom. Mayor Dobson suggested we discuss compensation. The Judge stated that he would ask $175.00 to $200.00 a month to come up here at least a half - day a week or more if it were necessary to accomplish the work. If we employed his clerk for the Municipal Court, that would cost another $25.00 to $35.00 a month. Of course, the option was still there for us to use a police clerk. However, the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Attorney were all of the opinion that it would be better to employ his clerk. The Mayor then inquired if the County would be expected to pay the Town rent for the room used. Judge Gerard informed the Board that they would have to if we decided to ask for rent for the time the room was used as County Court. Mayor Dobson then stated that the Board would have to discuss this option and also determine a method of allocating the time for County and Munici- pal Courts. Judge Gerard was asked when he could begin the Municipal • Court duties. He responded that he could begin immediately. Mayor Dobson thanked the Judge for coming and stated that after the Board has made a decision, they will be in touch with him. After the Judge had left, Trustee Steinberg stated that the savings in time for the police and Town Attorney would make up the expense. Mayor Dobson noted that we had not discussed mileage. Trustee White suggested that we pay him 10 cents a mile or approximately $6.00 a trip. Trustee Anderson moved that we hire Judge Gerard at the salary outlined. Mayor Dobson indicated this would be $175.00 plus mileage. In regard to Francis Brofos, technically he would need to be reappointed following the election in April. Mr. Minger suggested the matter be put to him in the light that the situation is changing, Home Rule will require more time of a judge, we would like to have the County Court here and consequently it makes sense for us to hire Judge Gerard as Municipal Judge. Trustee Anderson inquired to whom a judge was technically responsible. The Town Manager stated the responsi- bility was to the Board of Trustees. Although the Mayor was interested in finding out from the Police Chief exactly what the situation has been in regard to the Municipal Court, the Town Manager voiced the opinion that he would like the decision to come from the Board. Mayor Dobson then proposed they present the matter to Judge Brofos in the manner suggested by the Town -2- Manager and also prepare an honorary for him. Trustee White seconded the motion made earlier. The effective date was decided to be March 1, if possible, as this would be both fair and give time for turning over records, etc. The Mayor put the motion to terminate Judge Brofos as of March I . and hire Judge Gerard to a vote; its approval was unanimous. It was decided a resolution would be framed thanking Judge Brofos which would be presented at the next meeting. The Town Manager, Mr. Minger, then mentioned the fact that a landscaping group was here that he would like to hire. They had some slides and pictures to show the Board. Trustee White inquired what he would like to have done. Mr. Manger said he would like to replace the playground with equipment both in better shape and more imaginative. He was also interested in landscaping around the pond and installing bicycle racks. In the past, we have basically done most of this work ourselves. This group would like to make a start in Colorado and so would be willing to give the Town a special rate. The Board agreed to see the slides after the meeting. Returning to the discussion of the Antholz situation with which the meeting began, the Town Manager stated that it was essential that the property be in the town before summer. Rio Grande is nervous about the strip of property owned by Vail Associates and fear they will have no access to the village. They want a letter guaranteeing them access to the Town. The method by which this access would be guaranteed them is up to the Board. If the case were extreme, we could condemn the land. Mr. Robinson, the Town Attorney, recalled that the type of bridge and access was a matter of dispute. There was some disagreement as to what had been the decision on this matter; however, Trustee Anderson suggested we specify pedestrian bridge at least at first and then we can compromise on this point if necessary. Mayor Dobson suggested we tell them that we will let them in somewhere but cannot specify how or where until the matter is approved by the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees. Care will need to be exercised in this matter so as not to influence other annexa- tions. Mr. Minger emphasized that this did not change the requirement for them to agree to the seven points previously discussed with them. Trustee White suggested that we would need a road to this property for police and fire whether it were open or not. It was proposed by the Mayor that a letter be prepared; however, Mr. Minger preferred to call Mr. Tarler and inform him that if they met the restrictions they would be given access but there would be no guarantee as yet as to where. However, the frontage road alone would not be considered access. Mayor Dobson requested that a follow-up letter be sent in that case. This course of action was agreed to by the Board. Mr. Minger then provided the point of information that the Pulis property wants to annex to the Town and is going to go before the Planning Commis- sion. He plans no commercial development. It was also reported by Mr. Minger that he had met with George Thurston of Holy Cross Electric and that they would like to present their study to the Board of Trustees and Electric Study Committee. It was agreed to hear, this report at the next public meeting, February 15, 1972. Mr. Minger provided some further information regarding the possible agree- ment with the University of Colorado. They will sponsor a Vail Institute starting this summer; it will be an eight -week graduate level program with a full-time director. They will also cosponsor the symposium. It is pos- sible that they will be able to offer other courses after their second year of operation. Mr. Minger noted that his report was only informational; the University will be coming before a Board meeting in the near future. In regard to the propoB ed parking structure, Mr. Minger and Trustee Bailey will be meeting with George Beardsley and reporting back to the Board. Trustee Anderson asked how we would pay for the structure. The Town Manager replied that operating costs would be covered by charging to park. The rest would come out of the sales tax. Trustee Anderson objected to using too large a portion of sales tax revenues to build the structure; he requested some estimates on this matter which the Town Manager agreed to bring before the Board. An additional point of information was that the State is going to pay up to $21,000 for a full-time county planner for Eagle County. Trustee White asked if the Board was going to meet with the County Commissioners. The Town Manager agreed this was a good idea. The order of business returned to the proposed Eagle Piney donation. It was agreed to give them $1,000 a month for five months and to specify that it should be used for the secretary's salary or some comparable item. Mr. Scott returned to the meeting and was informed of this decision. Trustee Steinberg requested, in connection with the contribution from the Town, that they receive a monthly voucher for paying secretarial expense. Mr. Scott agreed to provide this and also asked if the Board were getting • enough information from them. Mr. Minger stated that he had all of the back-up information if it were needed. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:15. 1h • • / mill IS QC