HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-06-14 Town Council MinutesMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN .OF VAI L
JUNE `P4, 1972
• A special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Vail was convened
at 2:15 p.m., June 14; 1972, in the Conference Room of the Vail Municipal
Building.
Mayor John A. Dobson and the following Trustees were present:
Richard Bailey John Donovan
C. E. Ted Kindel Joseph Langmaid
Josef Staufer Gerry White
Also present were:
Terrell Minger, Town Manager
Lawrence B. Robinson, Town Attorney
Mayor Dobson informed the Board of Trustees of the background information
leading to the request for a clarification of the definition of "floor area" found
in the Zoning Ordinance, and the request by Mr. Fitzhugh Scott on behalf of
Mrs. Nancy Rich for a floor area ratio variance.
Mayor Dobson explained that the design for the proposed building at Three
Willow Place started some time in 1970 and that plans were first submitted
early in 1971. This first design had an F,A,R. of 1.50:1..00 For which, Mr.
Scott wanted a variance. This variance was denied on March 18, 1971. Mr.
Scott then redesigned the building with an F.A.R. of 1 .00:1 .00 which met the
zoning requirement; however, the Architectural Control:Board disapproved
this design as it was not alpine in character. The building was redesigned a
third time and plans were submitted and approved by Architectural Control in .
August 1971 and preliminary plans were submitted to the Building Department
and I.C. B.O. in February, 1972. Final plans for the third design (the one in
question) were submitted to the Building Department on May 15, 1972. The
contractor applied for a building permit on June 7, 1072, and was informed
that there were problems with both setbacks and floor area ratio. Hyder Con-
struction, the contractor, appeared for a preliminary hearing before the. Board
of Zoning, Appeals and Examiners on June 8.1 They were informed that the
Board could not grant an F.A.R, variance and that this could be done only by
IV the Board of Trustees. Mr. Scott, Mrs. Rich and Gordon Pierce then met
with Mayor Dobson and Larry Robinson to discuss the problems and to seek
solutions. Mayor Dobson then called a special meeting to determine the facts.
Calculations were presented by the Building Department which indicated that
the F.A.R. was approximately 1 .45:1 .00.
Mr. Scott and Mr. Pierce then asked that the Board of Trustees be advised of
the problem and that a clarification be made of the definition of Floor area.
Scott's office had calculated it with the interpretation of "habitable space." (See
minutes of special meeting of June 12, 1972.)
After a brief discussion, Trustee White made a motion that the Board of Trustees
accept the Building Department's interpretation and calculations for floor area
ratio; that the building as designed be declared unacceptable under the Zoning
Ordinance; and that a building permit be denied. The motion was seconded by .
Trustee Kindel and approved unanimously by the Board.
The next item on the agenda was the necessity of determining conceptually how to
proceed in solving the parking. problem. Discussions with Vail Associates ,have
produced the information that some additional: parking' is being built at:Lionshead
but that there is no further land available frcm this source. Contact has been
made with the owners of the Antholz property (Manor Vail Co.) and. they are willing
• to lease or sell land but must be informed of a decision soon. An approximate
figure would be 3 million dollars For the entire property. This would be about
15 to 20 usable acres. Trustee Staufer presented some aerial photos and
letter suggested various alternative approaches. His opinion was that acquiring
the land was more important than providing parking spaces. Trustee White
• concurred that buying land was in the best interests of the Town but that it will
not solve the parking problems. Mayor Dobson cautioned that Were parking
provided in that area, the possibility exists that a major lift complex might be
constructed. It is debatable whether the taxpayers should pay for day -skier
parking. In regard to Mr. Bisenius' calculations that 700 cars could be,parked
in the main lot, these figures are in error. In order to accommodate more than
400 to 450, it would be necessary to do away with the green mall and cut into the
bank. Some parking For the forthcoming winter might be available in the area
behind the Bank site. A discussion of whether the Antholz property is too. far away
and whether running buses would solve the problem ensued. One suggestion was
that the entire area south of Gore Creek would heed to be blocked off; in this way
the traffic congestion resulting From people taking a chance on finding a space
would be avoided. Mayor Dobson suggested negotiations be opened with Manor
Vail Co.. For a one-year lease; that the lease -term Figures and expenses neces-
sary be determined. As an aside, it was noted that it is not desirable for indi-
vidual board members to enter into negotiations. More detail on purchasing was
desired by Trustee Bailey. Also, it might be possible to include an option to buy
if the arrangement were satisfactory. In view of the Pact that Vail Associates
might go ahead with lift,development if parking were available, Trustee Donovan
suggested that a joint purchase be recommended. A Further question would be
whether additional lifts and trails are of benefit to the Town.
Trustee Donovan suggested: 1. Kaiser Morcus be contacted about his lots; 2.
Mr. Hibberd be contacted about the unused portions of the area where the bus
station was formerly located; 3, overnight parking by guests .of the Mountain
Haus, Wedel Inn, Poor Richards, etc. be eliminated, especially as many of
these cars are rental vehicles; 4. if overnight parking must be provided, locate
it in the Antholz property; and 5. negotiate for the acre owned by Mr. Miller
next to the Antholz property. Mr. Minger suggested there are many problems
being dealt with as one; there is the core area parking. problem; the out -lying
area parking problem; the potential problem of another lift, the problem of
providing green belts. In some ways, it is not a viable alternative to have peo-
ple using the downtown area bused; the day -skier, for example,. can be shuttled
only to a certain point at which Vail becomes not worth the trouble. Trustee
Staufer suggested that lodges be required to pay for spaces in the main parking
lot; the remainder of the parking would be available on a two-hour basis, except
for spaces reserved for the day skier. The questions of how much of the main
lot should be paid parking, what types of individuals should be encouraged to
park where, were next discussed. From this discussion, it seemed even more
apparent that the first public meeting should be devoted to a definition of the
problem. Mr. Minger expanded this to mean that the problem is less factual
than philosophical. The things to be done are: 1 . to get Firm information 'from
the Manor Vail Co.; 2. to consider the suggestions Mr. Donovan brought forward;
3. to set up a meeting and synthesize the figures. A fourth item proposed was to
set up a meeting with Vail Associates. Developments outside of the Town of Vail
must also be considered as it will be necessary to decide how access to the core
will be provided for these people. It was noted that unless access were provided
Fringe and strip shopping areas are a likely result. Of course, perhaps it is not
desirable for business in the core area to increase. Trustee White clarified that
the proposals now being discussed are not designed to increase the number of cars
in the core but rather to provide adequate parking for those already there. The
discussion ended with a reiteration of the thought that open space and buying land
are different questions from that of parking, but that both could be accomplished
if it were so decided. Such a move would not necessarily bring in more people
but perhaps improve the quality of lire For the current Vail population. The
Board will be kept posted on any developments.
Page 2
Mr. Minger distributed to the Board copies of a thank you letter from Francis
Brofos and also copies of Stewart Udall's book, 1976: Agenda for Tomorrow.
He reported that Mr. McGuire, head of the Forest Service, would hopefully
make statements indicating the future policies of the Forest Service when he
is in Vail for the Symposium. An additional matter on which the Board should
be informed is a proposed bus line covering the valley and Minturn/Redcliff
area. The application has been submitted to the PUC by Hans Weibel and Stu
Brown and the hearing will be in Vail.on June 23. The PUC has requested a
statement from the Town. Trustee White contributed that once a license has
been issued for a territory, the only way another can be acquired is to show.
that a need exists which is not being fulfilled. Trustee White moved the. Board
make a favorable statement; Trustee Staufer, seconded; this was agreed upon. '
Mr. Minger suggested it was necessary to make a decision as to whether to
proceed with the tot lot and landscaping project. He explained that the wood
is treated to avoid splintering and decay and also that the equipment currently
at the site will be scattered about Town: Trustee Kindel inquired about the
obstacle course currently located there, it could be moved to Golden Peak.
Trustee White moved the project be undertaken with funds allocated of $10, 000;
Trustee Bailey seconded; approval was unanimous.
It was reported by Mr. Minger that he is in the process of hiring an engineer.
His duties and salary will be divided between the Town. and the 3 special districts.
He will be in charge of the public works, builging and sewer departments. Mr.
Minger's question was whether the Board has any objections. or feelings on the
matter. Trustee Staufer asked if this man.would replace Ken Richards. On
day-to-day matters, totally; of course; there will still be work to be done on
contract. The Board was in favor of this idea, A second personnel matter is
the hiring of an assistant for Mr. Bernstein, the finance director, Mr. Minger
indicated this would be done.
In regard to landscaping, Seibert Circle will be done far in advance of the Tenth
Mountain meeting. Additional projects Mr. Minger would like to undertake are
the Manfred Schober Plaza and the stream tract there; both of these are now
Town property. However, he is hoping for contributions from the people involved.
The Trustees had some suggestions for areas that should be done. These included:
1 . the alley between the Copper Bar and the Casino, the possibility exists that
Vail Associates could force, as a result of a contractural agreement, Cramerus
Associates to provide a heated sidewalk in this alley; 2. the bank behind the
main parking lot; 3. the stream tract from the Blue Cow to Lionshead, Mr.
Minger indicated that some work is planned for this along with the installation
of two picnic areas and possible bicycle and foot paths; 4. the stream tract
between the Red Lion and the Mill Creek court building; 5. the walk -way between
the Tivoli and the Kindel residence, this could be asphalted. and. is wide enough to
be plowed in the winter; 6. Poor Richards and the Short Swing; however, the
only possible entity that could require them to landscape would be architectural
control. Mr. Minger indicated that the Town is going to topsoil all of the bad
shoulders and seed them. As Mr. Hoffman has left, a man has been .hired to
supervise the crew, who is in turn supervised by Mr. Burnett. Mr. Benway
is doing the technical planning; however, Mr. Minger would talk to possible job
applicants. The Town has been in touch with Mr. Prosence, the Highway Depart -
meet district engineer regarding the interstate scars.
Mr. Minger, reported that at Lionshead some of the developers are against the
greenbelt and equipment is damaging it,. Mr. St ruble has been instructed to
require the developers to erect fences to protect the area. A more long-term
solution would be to amend the zoning ordinance to require a 25-foot.setback
from the greenbelt. It was also suggested that those involved in Apollo Park
be required to dig out the trees along the stream.
Trustee Kindel inquired about posting Gore Creek for 'fly --fishing only. Trustee
White reported that the Recreation District has ordered some signs as well as
Trout Unlimited.
Page 3
Mr. Minger reported that Andre would like to erect a chestnut and ice cream
stand. The architectural control committee has denied his request. Thus,
he wants to put it on Town property. There was general agreement that it
cannot be placed on Town property.
In regard to the liquor license transfer for Ichiban, Mr. Minger explained that
as it is only a transfer on a license the Town has been instructed to award there
are no grounds on which to deny it. Trustee Bailey moved the license for
Ichiban at Vail be granted; Trustee Langmaid seconded. Trustees Staufer,
Bailey and Langmaid voted for approval; Trustees Kindel and White abstained
as they were absent at the presentation; and Trustee Donovan abstained for
technical reasons.
Trustee Donovan reported that he is thinking of meeting with George Thurston
to ask him to bury the electric lines in advance of a decision on the franchise.
There was some discussion of the political advisability of Mr. Donovan retaking
the request; it was agreed that he should be very careful to impress upon Mr.
..a
y Thurston that he is not speaking as a Trustee.
rJ
-7, Trustee Langmaid inquired regarding the TV committee to which he and Mayor
Dobson were appointed. Mr. Minger explained that the franchise requires
zj review of the rates in about 6 months. At that time, many matters can be
brought before Cable TV. Trustee White suggested that a notice be put in the
paper stating that complaints can be sent to the committee.
_,
As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p. m.
•
Town ler
lh
Page 4