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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. Page 2 0- W • 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 Page 3 A • W 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. S Seer tar �, Ir1