Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-07-12 Town Council MinutesMINUTES SPECIAL MEETING TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VAI L J U LY 12, 1973 is A special meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Vail was convened at 7:40 p.m. , July 12, 1973, in the Council Room of the Vail Municipal Building. Mayor John Dobson and the following Councilmen were present: Richard Bailey John Donovan Joseph Langmaid Josef Staufer Tom Steinberg Gerry White Also present were: Terry Minger, Town Manager Stan Bernstein, Finance Director The meeting had been called and advertised in order to present the proposed Town of Vail Master Plan. Prior to conducting any business, it was announced that the Council would meet for a work session at 10:00 a.m. on July 13. A statement was read by the Mayor setting forth the need for such a plan. He noted that the firms involved are Livingston & Blaney and Royston, Hanamoto, Beck & Abiey. Mr. Ream has been hired as the architect for the transportation center. Mr. Minger commented on the parking inventory analysis. The figures of needed parking were arrived at by three separate studies; by Beardsley -Davis, Royston et at, and the Town Staff. The proposed parking structure had been reduced from 1500 to 1000 cars as these studies indicated that there was some danger of over -building the structure. However, expan- sion to 1500 cars in the future is possible. Until that time, the eastern portion of the land could be used for a park or recreational facilities. • EJ Mr. Beck noted some of the tasks they had been given: 1 . . develop a policy for growth; 2. develop a long-range open space, green belt and park program; 3. develop a recreation system plan; 4. study transportation and parking problems; 5. consider an environmental study of the valley. Mr. Beck explained three maps: the landscaping development plan; the transportation analysis and the development phasing process. Mr. Ream explained his plans for the parking structure and transportation terminal. The cost of the proposals was given by Mr. Bernstein. The transportation terminal and 1000 space parking lot would cost approximately 4.3 million dollars; the landscaping and mall areas, etc. associated with this would be $600,000. The annual debt service on the project would be $440,000, with $203,000 a year coming from revenues and $237,000 from sales tax. In regard to the rate structure, there would be a ski season rate and summer rate, the main difference being that, in the latter case, the first three hours would be free. There would also be two season passes; one for the ski season and one for the entire year. It was emphasized that the rates have not yet been finalized, but have been developed in order to make approximate calculations. Mr. Minger noted that the workability of the rate structure was dependent on a good, free, mass transit system. Mr. Dan Herrington explained the mechanics of a bond issue. For Vail, he recommended a general obligation bond supported by revenues from the project and sales tax revenues. An 8 million dollars bond issue would require a 1 cent increase in sales tax. Three questions will appear on the ballot; the one cent sales tax increase, the issuance of a bond for the purchase of the Antholz property; and the issuance of a bond for 4.9 million for the parking structure/transportation terminal. Mr. Herrington noted that the people eligible to vote were those over 18 who are registered and residents of Vail. A short break was taken at 9.30 p.m. and the meeting resumed with 'questions from the audience at 9:50 p.m. Mayor Dobson noted that Mr. Ream has been giving some attention to the pos- sible use of some of the area under the berm for a meeting room. However, it was his opinion that the idea needs further study.. Mr. Hyder noted that, if construction was begun on October 1, 1973, the parking could be available by November 15, 1974. Some of the work on the transportation terminal portions would not be completed until 1973. Mr. Nott noted that in the plan for the Antholz property, he saw no provision • for a community school. In his opinion, this would be a better location than the Vail Associates land in Sandstone. Mayor Dobson agreed that such a facility should be considered. Mr. Whitelaw inquired what percentage of the total sales tax is paid by the tourist. Mr. Bernstein responded that he thinks the figure is probably 80%. He also noted that Aspen has a 7% sales tax. In regard to the ownership of the land for the parking structure, Mayor Dobson noted that Vail Associates is willing to deed the land to the Town in fee simple. A member of the audience inquired if additional revenues could be gained by annexing outlying areas; Mr. Minger indicated that for the first five years, a deficit would be incurred by the Town in regard to residential areas annexed. In response to a question regarding the cost of a transit system, Mr. Minger noted that for next year, Vail Associates and the Town will sponsor a 6-bus system; however, a regional transit authority would be the answer to funding service outside of the municipal limits. Mr. Bernstein. noted that the funds for the municipal bus service come from the general fund revenues. He also noted that 40 riders per hour would be needed to support a regional system on the schedule he had used in his calculations. A member of the audience, inquired about alternative rYethods of financing. Mr. Herrington responded that the impact of an 8 million dollar bond issue supported by property tax would be 40 mills, In addition, at this point in time, bond counsel would not approve a bond issue supported by a bed tax. Mr. Bernstein added that if a person spends $3,000 a year in Vail, the amount of tax paid as, a result of the additional cent tax would be $30.00.. Mr. Westby asked for a cost comparison of putting parking on the Antholz as opposed to building the proposed structure. Mayor Dobson suggested that it would be more expensive onthe Antholz as the land cost would be great while the current site is free. In addition, he did not view parking lots as the best use for the Antholz. Mr. Westby suggested that 40-50 car lots, well landscaped, would be acceptable and avoid a structure. Mr. Mingersuggested that to attempt to park one thousand cars on the Antholz would cover half the property. A member of the audience suggested that a structure be built in Lionshead. Mayor Dobson noted that that might be necessary in the future; but, it would not solve the problem in the core area. Mr. Minger added that the intent is to keep•the old core and the Uonshead core balanced and viable. Returning to the question of use of the Antholz for parking, Mr. Beck added that the location would add a burden.on the transit system and eliminate walking to and from the cars. In addition, if a structure • were built on the Antholz, the change, of grades on the present lot.would be lost and a great deal of excavation required. In response to a question, Mr. Beck noted that the proposed bus routes are two-way. Mayor Dobson noted that the use of the berm area by the VRA would require the addition of another skylight. However, this plan would not be finalized until more specific proposals were received from the VRA . A member of the audience inquired if there were any other major projects to be accomplished within the next two or three years. Mr. Herrington noted that. there were all of the master plan proposals .suggested for later phases; however, 8 million dollars would not saturate the capacity of the Town; the limit is probably. 10 million dollars. If sales tax revenues were to increase, more flexibility would be gained. Mr. Westby inquired if there were any federal funds available for Landscaping along the highway. Mr. Minger ,.indicated .that no funds will be avail- able until 1975 but that the Tpwm is making application: .In addition, it Is hoped to obtain five thousand trees from the Vail :'Pass right-of-way over, the next two and a half years. Mr. Hofferinquired about a possible chair lift on the Antholz property. Mayor Dobson indicated that no decision has :been reached In this regard. In response to a question, he noted that the proposed bridge for the Manor Vail Road .would be a pedestrian bridge. 6t= Mr. McLaughlin inquired about the operation of the snow melting equipment on the proposed parking structure. Mr. Ream noted that a purification filter- ing system will operate in such a fashion that the water can be returned to the stream at 1 ° higher in temperature than the water in the stream. Mr. Minger stated that, in regard to the effect of an efficient transportation system on vehicular traffic, it is hoped that the number of local automobiles can be reduced by 50%. Mr. McLaughlin inquired how many locals are using the main • lot at the present time. Mr. Bernstein noted that, on a design day last year, 1/2 of the cars in the main lot were YM plates or local; 150 out of 180 in the ski school lot were local. A member of the audience inquired what the proce- dure would be if people wanted to park their car in the structure For a week; Mayor Dobson indicated that they would be charged. Mr. Hofler inquired why an "inclined wagon" had been incorporated in the structure. Mayor Dobson suggested that it fits the configuration of the berm area. Mr. Ream added that it is more expensive than an elevator and less expensive than an escalator, especially when it is considered that 3 separate escalators would have to be used. An elevator would deposit the passenger 70 'feet from the street. The "inclined wagon" would connect levels 2, 3, and 4; level 1 is only three feet below grade. In addition, stairs have been included. The importance to the project of the land where the Cornice Building is located was asked. Mr. Ream noted that it is important to the east end road and Mayor Dobson added that a fair price for it will be determined. Mr. Klug inquired about the effect on traffic patterns. Mr. Minger suggested that the intent is not to generate more traffic in the core but to accommodate the cars which are already there and are illegally or illogically parked. He did suggest that the local might change his traffic pattern somewhat. Mr. Rodgers inquired if it were possible to build additional tennis courts prior to Phase III. Mayor Dobson suggested that the Recreation District might undertake such a project, especially if the land were available to them. In addition, the land at the eastern end of the parking lot might allow 3 or 4 courts. In response to a question, Mr. Ream indicated that the landscaping would be carried around the east end of the structure. A member of the audience asked how important the Antholz property is to the parking structure. Mayor Dobson stated that they basically accomplish two different goals; that one does not follow from the other. Mr. Kruse inquired how supplies would be received if the core was closed. This closure would not be affected at the present time. Over a longer period of time, a system For the delivery of supplies might evolve. Mr. Beck indicated that a better regulation of the time of delivery might adequately solve the congestion problem. If not, an electric cart system is a remote possibility, A member of the audience inquired what would happen if there were any unforeseen construction delays. Mr. Hyder indicated that if the construction were not complete . they would still have 450 spaces. While under ,;e6nstruct1on, there will be some problems, but Mayor Dobson indicated that the bus system would be relied upon heavily to bring people from outlying parking areas. In addition, Mr. Minger indicated that portions of the streets could be opened to parking for that sum- mer only. Mr. Rodgers suggested that if the electric cart system were develop- ed, it might require major changes in the parking structure. The Mayor indicated that such a system would perhaps be centered in the undeveloped eastern end of the lot. It was clarified that there would not be parking provided for overnight campers; these would continue to park in the outlying lots at Lionshead. Mayor Dobson asked the Council For their comments. Councilman Staufer emphasized that the parking structure would not look like a big city parking lot, although this would cost a little more. In regard to the Antholz property, he emphasized that the acquisition of land upon which facilities can be built in the Future is a top priority. He Felt that the master plan should include children's play areas in Sandstone. Mayor Dobson noted that a playground has been discussed. Councilmen Bailey and Steinberg emphasized that they were pleased and asked for citizen input. Councilman Donovan clarified that one reason an ice rink has been more discussed than other amenities is that it can serve many functions. Also, an ice rink and performing arts center might. be able to pay for themselves. He noted that there appears to be some confusion over the condemnation process and that "condemnation" is not favorably viewed. -3- �J • • However, if the owners settled on an acceptable price, it could be purchased immediately. The Council could not spend extra money just to avoid the process. Councilman White emphasized that the parking structure is not intended to bring in extra cars but to centralize those already present in the core. Councilman Langmaid stated that he felt the plan would improve the. Town. Mr. Klug inquired if any land in the Lionshead area could be used for tennis courts. Mayor Dobson replied that they are continuing to study that and there possibly should be some courts located there. As a final note, he emphasized that further meetings will be held and publicized. The meeting adjourned at 11 :30 p.m. Town Clerk