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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE TOWN OF VAIL
DECEMBER 4, 1973
The regular meeting of the Town Council for the Town of Vail was convened
at 7:40 PM, December 4, 1973, in the Council Room of the Vail Municipal
Building.
Mayor John Dobson and the following councilmembers were present:
John F. Donovan
Josef Staufer
Joseph Langmaid
Gerry White
Kathy Klug
Tom Steinberg
Ordinance No. 22, A SUPPLEMENTAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
EXPENDITURES OF FUNDS BY THE TOWN OF VAIL IN EXCESS OF THE
TOWN BUDGET FOR 1973, AND SETTING FORTH MATTERS AND DETAILS
IN RELATION THERETO, was introduced for second reading. The title was
read in full by the Mayor and the audience advised that copies of the ordinance
were available. Councilman Donovan moved that'Ordinan6i-No-: 22 be approved
as read; Councilman Steinberg seconded the motion; Councilmembers Staufer,
Langmaid, White, Donovan, Steinberg, Klug and Dobson voted in favor; the
motion carried and the ordinance was approved on second reading.
Ordinance No. 24, A SUPPLEMENTAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE,.
EXPENDITURES OF FUNDS BY THE TOWN OF VAIL IN EXCESS OF THE
TOWN BUDGET FOR 1973, AND SETTING FORTH MATTERS AND DETAILS
IN RELATION THERETO, was introduced for second reading. The title was
read in full by the Mayor and the audience advised that copies of the ordinance
were available. Councilman Staufer moved that Ordinance No. 24 be approved
as read; Councilman White seconded the motion; Councilmembers Donovan,
Steinberg, Langmaid, Staufer, White, Klug and Dobson voted in favor; the
motion carried and the ordinance was approved on second reading.
Ordinance No. 25, ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE: ADOPTING A
BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFRAY EXPENSES
X` AND LIABILITIES OF THE TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO, FOR THE TOWN'S
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY I., 1974, AND ENDING ON THE LAST
DAY OF DECEMBER,.1974, was introduced by Councilman Steinberg. The
title was read in full by the Mayor and the audience advised that copies were
available. Mr. Minger explained that various revisions have been made to
the budget regarding certain contingency items listed therein as a result of the
energy crisis. These would include withholding the purchase of new equipment,
hiring of personnel and not proceeding with planned projects. Councilman
Langmaid moved that Ordinance No. 25 be approved on first reading; Council—
man Donovan seconded; Councilmembers Donovan, Langmaid., White, Steinberg,
Klug and Dobson voted in favor; Councilman Staufer voted against; the motion
carried and the Town Clerk was instructed to publish same for public hearing'.
Mayor Dobson commented that a meetingwas held this date with representatives
from Vail Associates, Vail Restart Association and the Town of Vail present
at which time the Vail Community Committee was formed. The committee
members include: Dale McCall, Dick Elias, Warren Klug, Paul Johnson,
Chuck Johnsos, Dick Peterson, Terrell J. Minger, John Dobson, and Bill
Pierce. The purpose of this group is the mobilization of whatever programs or
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December 4, 1973
Page 2
activities are needed to meet the needs of the community as a result of
the energy crisis. The committee is involved in raising funds to maintain
i the operation of the information center at Stapleton Airport in Denver, has
guaranteed the addition of extra Trailways buses to their schedule for Vail,
has made arrangements to aid stranded visitors, and is providing 24-hour
telephone service for the visitor through the V.R.A.
Mayor Dobson commented on revisions to the design of the Transportation
Center and directed the audience to the most recent plans from the architect.
He indicated that certain changes had been made with economics in mind,.
The Town Council has signed a contract with Hyder Construction Company`
for the purchase of the pre -stress concrete. He explained that there is
flexibility in the matter, and the Town has the freedom not to proceed with
the parking structure as late as March 1, 1974.
With regard to the Continental Trailways bus terminal Facilities, the Mayor,
noted that preparations are underway for terminal to be located in the
west end of the Lions Head parking lot in the very near future. Shuttle bus
service will be extended to the bus station in order to meet late arrivals.
The reason for moving the terminal to another location is the difficulty
experienced by the buses in entering and exiting the present east Lions Head
parking lot during the winter months.
Resolution No. 35, RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH GUIDELINES AND
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY`BY TOWN OF VAI L
EMPLOYEES AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, was introduced and
read by the Mayor. A discussion ensued regarding .the consumption of
energy for swimming pools in the town. , Mr. McCall was asked his opinion
and replied that V.P.A. has not yet taken a stand, but he has found that
most hotel owners are in favor of closing the pool. Councilman Staufer
commented that the heated pool is the single greatest waste in town. Mr.
Shapiro questioned whether an emergency ordinance could be passed to
shut all the pools in the town. Mayor Dobson noted that there is no legal
counsel for the meeting. Mr. McCall then suggested that the resolution be
amended to include members of the community at large in the recommendation
for the use of car pools, in addition to town employees. Councilman Donovan
moved that Resolution No. 35 be adopted as amended; seconded by Councilman
White; Councilmembers Donovan, Staufer, KLug, Steinberg, L_angmaid, White
and Dobson voted in favor; the motion carried and the energy conservation
resolution was adopted.
Judy Leman, Director of the Rumplestiltskin Nursery, thanked the Town of
Vail and its staff for being very helpful in providing a location for the nursery
and giving assistance where there was really a need.
John Carmody, Director of the winter ice skating program, reported on the
status of the ice rink and thanked the townspeople for having him back For
another year. He announced the following events: 1) December 26 -- special
holiday event program; 2) December 29 -- benefit by World Skating Team;
3) January 19 -- invitational ice dancing weekend; 4) February 16 and 17 --
carnival of ice skating; 5) special programs for Battle Mountain High School
students and Avon children to use the ice during the day From [2 - 2 pm;
6) hockey program -- last year's program was very successful with three
junior hockey teams. Dave Sage reported that fifty 5 - 13 year old children
played their first hockey game earlier in the evening. Men's games will
take place on Saturday mornings. Mr. Carmody noted that the rink will be
open for public skating until 5 PM for the convenience of the school children.
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December 4, 1973
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Mr. Jay Peterson, the attorney representing Dr. Peter A. Wells, a new
16 dentist in the area, presented to the Council details of a request for a parking
variance in CCI. Dr. Wells is converting two rental units in the Pension
Isabel/Schober Building to office space thus changing the use from one type
of commercial use to another. He stated that Dr. Wells has already applied
for both a variance and an exemption in order to meet the parking requirements.
After a discussion with the former town attorney, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Peterson
advised Dr. Wells to apply solely for an exemption, based upon previous
determinations by the Council, in particular the granting of an exemption to
The Slope. He urged the Council to make a similar determination. Mr. Sage
re --stated the opinion of the Planning Commission which is opposed to granting
the variance. Mr. Schober, owner of the building, stressed the difference
between applying for a 'change of use' and applying for a building permit, the
issuance of which is subject to the fulfillment of the parking requirements.
Councilman White asked for the reasons for turning down the variance and
Mr. Sage replied that increased traffic to the area due to the presence of
the office (doctor, secretary and patients), would constitute a hazard to the
health, safety and welfare of the community. Mr. Peterson tried to impress
upon the Council the similarity of this request to that of the Slope and that if a
parking variance were granted for that establishment, then Dr. Wells should
also be granted a variance. Mr. Lapin commented that the planning commission
r_ is attempting to lessen the density by eliminating the need for traffic in the
core area. In agreeing with Mr. Peterson that these are important problems,
Mayor Dobson stated that the Council and the Planning Commission should
meet as soon as possible to decide how the whole situation should be handled
immediately. Mr. Peterson suggested that the Council seek legal advice.
Mr. Warren Klug and Mr. Jinn Cunningham presented their request for a
parking variance for Lionsquare Lodge. They requested a change from
parking space to meeting space in an area of approximately 3,000 square
feet due to the inadequacy of their present meeting facilities. Mr. Klug
presented petitions from residents of the LionsHead area in favor of the
additional meeting space. Mr. Cunningham commented that the present
contractual agreement with the Vail Associates LionsHead Terminal Building
is not adequate, and that the additional meeting space would be a benefit
to the whole LionsHead area. The present contract with V. A. is rather
ineffectual, according to Mr. Cunningham, since the school is located in
the same building, and in the summer the Vail Institute uses it. Mr.
Cunningham disagreed with the Planning Commission's recommendation
that the granting of this variance would generate more parking spaces, but
emphasized its benefit to the Town. He asked that his situation.be regarded
individually and stated that his problem causes a hardship. Mr. Jack Fritzlen,
of the Planning Commission, stated that the Council is actually rehearing,the
presentation made to the Planning Commission and that they are getting the
wrong opinion since Mr. Cunningham is making a different proposal than the
one the Planning Commission heard. On Councilman Steinberg's request,
Mr. Cunningham agreed to sign an agreement stating that he would buy or
reassign the area in question to parking if needed. Mr. Bud Benedict, from
Antlers Condominium, reemphasized the necessity of having convention space
in the area for the benefit of LionsHead. Without convention facilities, it is
felt that summer business cannot survive... Mr. Schober commented that his
understanding was that the Planning Commission'is an advisory board; he
cannot see how this board could make recommendations that have no legal
basis at all. Discussion ensued regarding the necessity of having this space
available in LionsHead. Mr. Fritzlen noted that need was not considered, but
felt that the precedent would be set if this variance were granted. The following
options were discussed; 1) purchase of parking spaces in a transportation center
built in Lionshead; 2) purchase of parking spaces in a transportation center in
Vail Village; or 3) to take out the convention space if the parking spaces are
needed at a later date.
December 4, 1973
Page 4
Councilman Steinberg asked if Mr. Cunningham would be willing to
add eleven spaces without the consideration of financial handicap.
Mr. Cunningham replied that this would be physically possible.
Mayor Dobson stated that he would like to proceed with this variance
request in the same manner as Dr. Wells' request and meet with the
Planning Commission on the issue. He stressed the function of the
commission as being advisory in nature, thus being unable to make
such decisions as need be made by the Council.
Mr. Minger appointed Rosalie Jeffrey as the new Town Clerk according
to Section 6.5 of the Home Rule Charter.
Mr. Minger then gave the following statistics for winter parking facilities:
total spaces - 1 ,495; Antholz - 1 , 000, on -street parking - 125. Parking
approval is pending for use of the Frontage Road during the winter months.
Approval will be granted by the State Highway Engineer's Office on a
temporary basis. Mr. Benedict requested better shuttle bus service to
the west end of the Lions Head parking lot. Mayor Dobson replied that
the Town will provide a bus stop at a point near Antlers on the road to
the Continental Terminal.
A member of the audience asked why the area near the Crossroad Shopping
Center will nd: be pedestrianized this winter. Mr. Minger replied that
while he is in favor of pedestrianizing this area, complete details have
not yet been worked out. Mr. Staufer suggested that the area be used
as a pedestrian area on a temporary basis, and changed to permit vehicular
use during a snow storm.
A proposal was brought before the Council with regard to the use of Vail
facilities again next summer, by the Rocky Mountain Soccer Camp. The
Council gave its unanimous approval to the proposal, with Councilman
Donovan's comment that it is a very worthwhile project and was well -
handled this previous summer.
Mr. Ben Frank commented on the 'Golden Eagle' Bus Service and
recommended that there be an employee weekly ticket voucher to en-
courage bus usage.
Mayor Dobson reported that he and Mr. Minger had a meeting with Mr.
Bill Brazeal and John Malone of CATV. The T.V. franchise will be made
available to other companies with the condition that a new franchise would
commence after the purchase. Several cable systems have shown interest
in the franchise. Mr. Minger commented that the service will impi�Ove and
be provided at a lower cost.
Mr. Donovan queried the delay in presenting the monthly voucher lists.
Mr. Bernstein replied that there will not be a time lag with future voucher
lists.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
Rosalie Jeff
Town Clerk
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December 4, 1973
Page 5
Local Liquor Licensing Authority
The Council then convened as the local liquor licensing authority to
consider a request for permission to expand the premises of the Red
Lion Inn, Inc. Mr. Langmaid moved to approve the addition; Mr.
White seconded the motion; Messrs. Donovan, Staufer, Klug, Dobson,
Steinberg, Langmaid and White voted in favor; the motion carried and
the request was granted.
The Authority then considered a request for a change of partnership
from The Wine and Liquor Shop at Crossroads, from Harald Westbye
to Westbye-Hickox, a partnership. Mr. Donovan moved that the change
of partnership be approved; Mr. Steinberg seconded the motion; all
members voted in favor; the motion carried and the request was granted.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10.40 P.M.
Rosalie Jeffre
Town Clerk
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