HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-02-20 Town Council MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VAIL
FEBRUARY 20, 1973
A regular meeting of the Town Council or the Town of Vail was convened
at 7:45 p.m., February 20, 1973, in the Council Room of the Vail Municipal
Building.
Mayor John A. 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
Larry Robinson, Town Attorney
First to be discussed was the question of the Bighorn annexation. Given
that property annexed must be 1/6 contiguous to the present Town boundaries,
Mr. Minger explained a map which showed the two-step procedure which
would be used to gain this contiguousy. Some non -developable lands would
not be included in these annexations; they could be annexed at a later date.
A fact sheet on the pros and cons of annexation was then discussed. Mr.
Minger noted that the Fire District is not included in this assessment as the
Board of Directors of that District has not, yet been contacted to ascertain
their attitudes toward such a plan. Councilman Langmaid noted that as the
Bighorn area has its own fire district at present, this district would have to
be disbanded or in some way incorporated into the Vail District. At present,
the Bighorn District has a contract for fire protection with the Vail District.
In regard to a consolidation of water districts, the Bighorn area would bring
their water rights with them in such a case. Councilman Langmaid inquired
what facilities would produce the estimated $7,000 additional sales tax. Mr..
Minger indicated that this would come from the lodging facilities plus the
areas covenanted commercial. In response to further questions, Mr. Minger
• noted that the estimates of the cost of services in the area are debatable; however,
there are other possible revenues not yet calculated such as funds from the
Road and Bridge Fund. In those areas no't yet paved, a special assessment
district would be formed to fund the paving. Any newconstruction would be
paved as required in the Subdivision Regulations.
The separate operations of the Town and the Districts were explained; this
makes impossible the transfer of funds from one to another. In regard to the
methods by which land for public purposes would be obtained, the stream
tract would be obtained in the annexation procedure; open space and land for
recreational amenities could be obtained in the zoning procedure. Currently,
a negotiated 8 percent of a development is provided for recreational lands.
In addition, if a development fee were charged, these monies would be placed
in a special amenities fund. A partial list .of the developers in the area and
inventory or lands available has been compiled. There are probably 250 to
300 acres still undeveloped.
A member of the audience suggested that the figures being used to determine
the increased taxes on the Bighorn homeowner are too low. He also suggested
that the Town of Vail is not yet meeting its obligations within its own boundaries;
his interest was in how the Town is going to finance the improvements it still
needs. Mr. Minger noted that, in relative terms, the mill Levy is inconse-
quential to the financing of the Town. The largest part of the town's revenues
come from the sales tax. The projected amount of money which will be required
to finance parking improvements, cultural amenities, sewer and water improve-
ments, park lands and other improvements is 10 to 12 million dollars. Cur-
rently, the Town could pay for about 4 million dollars. An additional revenue
source, most likely an additional sales tax, will be needed. In any case, such
an amount of money could not be obtained from the property tax.
A member of the audience noted that one important consideration is the for-
mation of a viable community. It is difficult to have a viable community when
large population centers are not included. There was general agreement with
this statement. Mr. Riley, a developer and resident of the Bighorn area,
endorsed this statement and added that, although there are some disadvantages
to annexation, it is necessary to insure proper controls in the area.. Some
proposed projects in the area are substandard; in order to ensure the quality
of surrounding developments, it is to the developer's advantage to support
annexation.
Mayor Dobson noted that the general purpose of the, meeting was philosophical,
to obtain a sense of the Council's attitude toward the proposal. Councilman
White was of the opinion that the annexation should proceed as soon as possible,
whatever planning tools are implemented within the present boundaries are
made less effective if not implemented outside of these boundaries. Councilman
Langmaid was favorable to the proposal, but would like to know how the people
of the present town view the proposal. Councilman Staufer likewise was in
favor and added that he felt the people of Bighorn need representation in the
Town government. Councilmen Donovan, Steinberg and Bailey were also in
favor, adding the comments that the Town might have to assume some extra
costs for the first few years and that it will be difficult to begin negotiations
until the revised zoning ordinance is completed. Mayor Dobson noted that
this ordinance should be completed in 90 to 120. days. Discussion ended with
the comment that the Bighorn residents have received a clear concensus that
the Council is in favor of the annexation.
Ted Kindel, representing the committee on unauthorized' parking on private
property, reported that they would ask the Council for an ordinance permitting
the Police Department to ticket cars parking on private property in violation of
specified time periods and date periods. An attempt will be made to install
uniform signs. The burden of everything but the actual writing of the ticket
should rest with the property owner. The program will be evaluated after a
few months of operation. An ordinance will be drafted for the next meeting.
Mr. Dave Gorsuch had submitted his resignation from the Planning Commission.
Councilman Donovan moved this resignation be accepted; Councilman Bailey
seconded, approval was unanimous and the resignation accepted with regret.
. The vacancy will be advertised.
Mr. Minger reported on: 1. the goals and objectives statement which the .
Police Department has formulated with the assistance of Dr. Robert Emrich;
2. the proposed open house at the police department; 3. the fact that the
VRA has a presentation it would like to make before the allocation of "dona-
tions to organizations" is made; hence, an informal session will be held with
the VRA and Colorado Rivers Council following the presentation; 4. the
environmental impact study of Vail to be done by the Institue of Arctic and
Alpine Research this summer.
The minutes of the meetings of February 6 and. February 5 had been previously
submitted to the Council. Councilman Donovan moved they be accepted;
Councilman White seconded; approval was unanimous.
Councilman White moved the Town Council be adjourned at 9:00 P.m.; Council-
man Bailey seconded; approval.of:adjourn men t was unanimous.
The Local Liquor Licensing Authority was convened at 9:05 p.m. Mr. White .
moved the license for. Henschel Lyon, Ltd. be approved; Mr..Donovan seconded.
Mr. Bailey, Mr. Donovan, Mr. Staufer and Mr.. White voted' in favor; Mr.
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Langmatd and Mr. Steinberg voted against. Chairman Dobson declared
that the motion carried and the license was approved.
Mr. Donovan moved the Local Liquor Licensing Authority adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
Mr. Steinberg seconded; approval of adjournment was unanimous.
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Town Clerk