HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-01-16 Town Council MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
TOWN COU NCI L OF THE TOWN OF VA I L
JANUARY 16, 1973
A regular, meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Vail was convened at
_1W 7:40 p.m., January 16, 1973, in the Council Room of the Vaii Municipal
Building.
Mayor John A. Dobson and the following Councilmen were present:
John Donovan
Joseph Langmaid
Josef Staufer
Tom Steinberg
Gerry White
Also present were:
Terry Minger, Town Manager
Larry Robinson, Town Attorney
Councilman Donovan introduced Ordinance No. 1 (Series of 1973); AN
ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS--OF-
WAY, THE SAME BEING LOCATED WITHIN VAIL VILLAGE, SEVENTH
FILING, WITHIN THE TOWN OF VAIL. The Mayor read the title in full
and advised the members of the audience present that copies or the ordi-
nance were available. Mr. Minger explained that the deed to this property
has been executed by Vail Associates. The Board was polled as to whether
they had read and understood the ordinance. Councilman Steinberg moved
Ordinance No. 1 be approved and published for public hearing at the meeting
of February 6, 1973; Councilman Donovan seconded; Councilmen Donovan,
Langmaid, Staufer, Steinberg, White and Dobson voted in favor.. The. Mayor
noted that the motion carried and the Town Clerk was instructed to publish
the ordinance and notice or hearing.
Councilman White introduced Ordinance No. 2 (Series of 1973); AN ORDINANCE
PROVIDING FOR THE REVIEW OF ALL APPLICATIONS FOR BUILDING
PERMITS FOR CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE TOWN OF VAIL. The Mayor
read the title in full and advised the members of the audience present that
copies of the ordinance were available. Mr. Robinson explained the changes
. that have been made from the first draft: environmental considerations have
been added; a review fee of $75.00 was added; the fact that the review period
or 30 days was in addition to those periods specified in the building code was
clarified. The Mayor noted that another basic change was that the ordinance
is not going to be presented as an emergency ordinance. Mr. Minger explained
that following the public meeting on possible growth restrictions and consulta-
tions with individuals experienced in the matter, the decision has been made
to have the Council review each application. In this manner, the Council can
comment on the possible effect of the new zoning ordinance on each proposed
project.
Mayor Dobson indicated that the developer should be present when the plans
were reviewed. Mr. Hibberd asked if complete plans and specifications were
required before review. A[though the complete plans are required before a
permit is issued and before final Council approval is given,'the Council would
be willing to do a preliminary review on incomplete plans, if it were desired.
Mr. Hibberd asked what would happen to phased projects; often the developer
has made commitments for future buildings to financial institutions or potential
buyers. Councilman Steinberg responded that he would, in that case, like to
see proof of these commitments and proceed from that point; he emphasized
that the Council is attempting to avoid predetermined approaches. Mr. Hibberd
was of the opinion that some of the criteria for review were too vague. There
was some discussion of whether a $300 fine was enough; Mr. Robinson suggested
that, as in the case of a violation the individual would also be violating the
building code and be subject to the penalities it contains, the penalty seemed
adequate,, It was noted that, under the new ordinance, the town may become
more involved in architectural control.
There being no further discussion, the Mayor polled the Board as to whether
they had read and understood the ordinance, Councilmen White, Langmaid, ,
Staufer, Steinberg and Donovan each indicated that he had read and under-
stood. Councilman Steinberg moved that Ordinance No. 2 be approved and
published for public hearing at the meeting of February 6, 1973; Council-
man Staufer seconded; Councilmen White, Langna id, Staufer, Steinberg,
Donovan and Dobson voted in favor. The Mayor declared that the motion
carried and instructed the Town Clerk to publish same..
The minutes of the meetings of December 19 and December 26 had been
previously submitted to the Council. Councilman StauFer moved they be
approved; Councilman Donovan seconded; approval was unanimous.
Mr. Minger presented several informational items; 1 , the Rocky Mountain
Soccer Camp will be held in Vail on July 8 to 13 and July 15 to 20; 2, figures
have been compiled which show an increase in use of the shuttle bus.,over.the
last year; the amount of evening use indicates that perhaps the service should
be expanded next year; the Ginkelvan will arrive around the first of February;
3. a report from the information center and traffic gate is available showing
the most frequently asked questions; the requirement of a time ticket on any
car going through the gate is proving successful in eliminating some traffic
in the area. As many questions have been asked regarding the use of heli-
copters in the Vail area, a report had been prepared on the subject. In.
essence, Vail Associates has an agreement with Helicopters Unlimited. for
landing and storage space for a helicopter to be used for mountain evacuation,
some passenger service, and the corporate needs of Vail Associates. No
official landing has been designated by the FAA; they suggest that the Town
address itself to this question. Councilman Staufer suggested that in a nar-
row valley there actually is no way to minimize noise and disturbance. Council-
man Langmald pointed out that such a landing site is against the Town ordinances.
Councilman Steinberg pointed out that the clinic is considering an increased
use of helicopters for routine ambulance cases; however, this could be arranged
with the landing at Meadow Mountain. It was suggested that a meeting be held
with Mr. Almond and Mr. Kasdorf. There was general agreement with the
suggestion. Prior to the meeting, the helicopter service will be requested to
land outside the corporate limits of the town, except for emergency cases.
Andre De Lucinges presented the Board with the question whether there is any-
thing that can be done about the employee housing situation in Vail. He suggested
that this was also tied to a transportation problem if employees live in outlying
areas. Mayor Dobson agreed that this is a very real problem; however, he did
not think that it is suitable for the taxpayers, per se, to be asked to address
themselves to it. Rather, it is a problem for the individual businessmen and
their groups. Mr. De Lucinges noted that the problem of employees seems to
be getting worse. He also asked if the Town is planning to build a gymnasium
on •the Antholz property. Mayor Dobson noted that the Council is hoping to get
citizen input as -to what kinds of things the Town should be doing. As the Town
does not at present own the property, there have been no plans made. In regard
to the lack of pub I i c,transportation, it is possible, that private individuals will
develop such a system in the Future. Also, it is possible that the Town might
individually run the system within Town and Vail Associates provide service
in the larger valley.
Stan Hawes of the Vail Villager asked the Council's response to the interpreta-
tion of Dale McCall that they are not. in favor of further promotion of Vail. The
general consensus was that no one thinks promotion should be curtailed, as the
response to the current concern over growth. Rather, the Mayor suggested that
the question of where and how promoted should be investigated. Also, the Board
was in general agreement that the Town should not fund this promotion.
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Mr. Minger introduced Mr. Mike Blair, the new County Planner, and
welcomed him to the area. Mr. Blair made a short statement to 'the effect
that it is his hope to get people involved in the county affairs.
As there was no further business, Councilman Donovan moved 'the meeting
adjourn at 8:45 p. m.; Councilman Steinberg seconded; approval was unanimous.
Town Clerk
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MINUTES
JOINT MEETING
TOWN COUNCIL, OF THE TOWN OF VAI L
AND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS/VAIL METROPOLITAN RECREATION DISTRICT
A joint meeting of the Town Council with the Board of Directors of the Vail
Metropolitan Recreation District was convened at 8:45 p. m. , January 16,
1973, in the Council Room of the Vail Municipal Building.
Mayor John A. Dobson and the following Councilmen were present:
John Donovan
Joseph Langmaid
Josef Staufer -
Tom Steinberg
Gerry White
Chairman Rod Slifer and the following members were present:
Dave Garton
Ted Kindel
Gerry White
Also present were:
Terry Minger, Town Manager
Larry Robinson, Town Attorney
Discussion first centered on the proposed golf and tennis rates for 1973. Some
of the major changes over the 1972 rates were: 1 . the establishment of off-
season and on -season golf rates; 2. an increase in the rate for a golf season
pass for non -taxpayers to the Recreation District; 3. the establishment of
an hour playing period for tennis as well as the hour and a half period; 4. the
elimination of the charge based on number of people playing tennis; 5. the
eliminaticn of the difference between week -day and week -end hourly rates;
6. an increase in the season tennis pass rate for non -taxpayers to the district.
Mr. Slifer noted that there is not a group discount for golf, the feeling being
that such a rate is unfair to the tourist who is not with.a group.
Councilman Donovan inquired how long a person with a, season pass could play
tennis. Mr. Garton noted that the pro has in the past limited play to once a
day for an hour and a half. Mr. White added that in the coming season there
will probably be only 3 courts available for hour and a half play; perhaps at
peak times, all the courts will be for an hour only. Councilman Staufer sug-
gested that it is still very difficult for an outside person to be able to use the
courts. Also, he felt that the break for the taxpayer was not great enough and
the rate for the season pass too low. Mr. Garton noted that the Board has tried
to find ways to enable the tourist to make reservations in advance. Councilman
Steinberg suggested that season pass holders should be limited to play once or
twice a week; if they care to play more, they must pay the regular rate. There
was some discussion of whether such an arrangement would be desirable and
equ itab le .
Mayor Dobson suggested that the framework for discussion of these problems
should be set by a consideration of the dual role the district is attempting to
fulfill. On the one hand they are attempting to produce a viable resort for the
summer and on the other, to provide municipal facilities for local citizens.
In regard to a survey taken last August, season pass holders use the courts
60 to 70% of the time. Mr. McLaughlin stated his opinion that in regard to
golf, the exact opposite situation exists; the tourist use preempts much local
use. Mr. Slifer explained that the Board had considered the construction of
additional courts in the Golden Peak area. However, as this would not be the
most desirable location if other land was available, the Board postponed any
940,
new construction until the land question is settled. At that time a bond issue
would be necessary.
Further discussion of the tourist -use, local -use question brought out the
suggestions that some courts could be set aside for tourists or the pro.could
encourage program nights, such as men's night, which allow a great many
people to play.in a relatively short time. The installation of Lights on the
courts has not appeared to be a viable program because of the nuisance to
neighbors and economic considerations.
One reason for the over -taxed conditions on the courts is the fact that they are
serving the entire valley. There is a plan for four courts of a private nature
in East Vail and also Vail Associates is doing to build 4 to 6 courts in Lions -
head. Mr. Slifer stated that the Board has been considering an expansion of the
boundaries of the District beyond the boundaries of the Town. If this were done,
they could build courts at the ends of the valley. Pending a development of .
this type, Councilman Steinberg suggested that three categories of season pass
holders be established; taxpayers, certified employees of taxpayers, and non -
taxpayers. Discussion of this suggestion centered on whether there would. be
many people in the third category and also on the nature of the obligation to
the second category. An attempt will be made to arrive at the size of each
group represented in last year's season pass holders. Councilman Steinberg
suggested that the refinishing of the tennis courts at Mailoit Park was one
item that should be encouraged by whatever means available. Councilman
Staufer suggested that rather than sell three categories of season passes,
these passes should only be sold to taxpayers or their employees. In addition,
he felt no seven-day passes should be sold. Councilman Donovan agreed,
especially as this might give residents of these areas the impetus to annex
to the Recreation District. In regard to the suggestion made earlier that
some courts be set aside for tourists, a member of the audience suggested
that the various lodges should not be allowed to advertise that these courts
are reserved for their needs.
In regard to golf, it was suggested that an off -hours pass be offered. In regard
to the problem of how to handle the golf groups, it was suggested that loopholes
be enforced in their starting times. It was suggested that the rates For the
golf course are too high; however, Mr. Slifer noted that it is necessary for the
golf course to make money in order to finance improvements, pay the land
rent, and operate on the very short season.
Mr. Slifer noted that it is necessary to get an operator for the clubhouse facility
for next summer. Mr. Purcell and Mr. Donovan have again shown an interest
• and the Board was impressed by their previous operation. As the liquor license
is in the name of the Recreation District, no problem is created in that regard.
It was the opinion of the Board that it is impractical to re -bid the operation.
Such a re -bid is not a legal requirement. Mr. Kindel moved that Mr. Donovan
and Mr. Purcell be hired to operate the golf clubhouse for the 1973 season;
Mr. White seconded; approval was unanimous.
Mr. Slifer noted that Mr. Muth is no longer eligible to serve on the Board as
he has moved outside the District boundaries. A successor will be appointed
by the Board. He encouraged all interested parties to submit their, name to
Linda Hall at the Town Office by February 1. The remaining term is approxi-
mately 3.5 years.
A bill to increase the maximum mill levy of recreation districts from 4 to 6
mills has been brought before the State House of Representatives. Mr. Kindel move
that.the Recreation District support this bill; Mr. White seconded; approval was
unanimous.
As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
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