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
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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.
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