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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-01-08 Town Council MinutesMINUTES REGULAR MEETING TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE TOWN OF VAIL 8 JANUARY 1974 The regular meeting of the Town Council for the Town of Vail was convened at 7:30 PM, January 8, 1974, in the Council Room of the Vail Municipal Building. Mayor John A. Dobson and the following councilmembers were present: Josef Staufer Kathy Klug Tom Steinberg Joseph Langmaid Gerry White John Donovan Also present were: Terrell J. Minger, Town Manager Gene A. Smith, Town Attorney Mr. Minger announced the first recipient of the newly -initiated Town of Vail Employee of the Month award. He explained that this award was created for the purpose of thanking employees whose work had been outstanding during the previous month. He then named Peter Burnett as the employee of the month for December, 1973. He noted that Pete and his crew had done a fine job of handling a 30" snowfall and keeping the, roads movable, had worked with the FBI in setting up and maintaining the vice President's communications system; during a gas outage in the town Pete had been the one to find an alternate gas supply; and that he had suggested the new location for the town bus terminal and gas & electric supply. Mr. Burnett praised the work of his crew and said that without their help he couldn't have done his work. Mr. Eldon Beck was present to discuss the new design of the parking terminal structure and illustrate locations of various buildings and the need to change the terminal location for economy and design purposes. Capacity of the structure will be 1,035. He noted that the 'wooden truss structure' would carry through the design of the existing covered bridge so that there would be a constancy of style, form and materials. His company has recommended the use of brick plazas to follow the present use of brick throughout the town. From nearly all directions the automobile will not be visible. He emphasized that the present design, materials and structure meet the budget and desires of the town. A member of the audience questioned the possible hazard on the stairs in the winter. Mr. Beck replied that there will be a main traffic area leading from the 4th to the main level. This traffic path would be heated. In response to another question, he commented that the restaurant facility would merely be a convenience to the public, those passing through the terminal. Mayor Dobson commented on the number of changes that have taken place since the inception of the idea so that the plaza area and the overall design has become an exciting area and remains within the budget. [I January 8, 1974 Page 2 Mr. Rod Slifer and Dick Peterson were present to discuss the use of the Antholz property for the coming summer season. The Recreation District has worked with Eldon Beck to design 14 tennis courts for the town. There are now 9 courts within the town. Representing the Recreation District, Mr. Slifer requested that the town give the land to them for this construction. They will then propose a bond election for the cost of construction. Mr. Beck commented that the courts would best be located on the east end of Antholz. The west side of the ski bridge has a 'bench' with an area that is well -suited to the courts. With regard to parking, he felt that people should be encouraged to use the bus system and to walk from Lionshead. There is actually no need for parking. The bicycle path follows through that area, and there would still be more than adequate space for the path to go around the courts. Mr. Slifer then requested approval to proceed with the bond election for the purpose of construction of 14 courts and resurfacing the existing courts at Golden Peak. Mayor Dobson asked for comments from the council. Council - members Staufer, Donovan, Klug were in favor of Slifer's proposal. Councilman Steinberg asked about a long-term lease and Mr. Slifer asked that the land be deeded to the Recreation District. Mr. Minger stated that the town would ask for a 49 year lease with an option to release at $1.00 per year. Councilman White noted the desire of the town to make this a 12-month resort. Mr. Slifer said this issue would include remodeling of the golf course club- house for a storage area and golf carts. Councilman Donovan moved that a lease be drawn up for use of the Antholz on a 49-year lease; Councilman Staufer seconded the motion; all members voted in favor of the motion with Councilman White abstaining due to his membership on the Recreation Board; the motion carried. Mr. Bernstein, Finance Director, noted that the full cost would be $175,000 - each court costing $10,000 - 11,000. Mr. James Slevin, of the Vail Institute, requested authorization of a temporary home for a tent to house the cultural center this summer. The tent might be located near the 2 existing structures on that property. The size of the tent would be to accomodate 400 people. There would have to be grading after the thaw, but it would be minimal. A pedestrian bridge is planned so that the parking available at Golden Peak could be used. Mr. Slevin advised the council that the Institute is funded by donations and that it has received its tax exempt status. Councilman Staufer moved that the Town of Vail lease the two existing buildings and the land for one summer for $1..00. After some discussion, he rephrased the motion to read 'grant permission' rather than 'lease'. Councilman Donovan seconded the motion; all members voted in favor and the motion carried. Ordinance No. 26, AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CONTROL OF DOGS, was introduced by Mr. Minger. The title was read in full by the Mayor and the audience advised that copies of the ordinance were available. Mr. Smith, the town attorney, explained that since the first reading of the ordinance -some minor changes had been made. Councilwoman Klug moved that Ordinance No. 26 be approved on second reading; Councilman Steinberg seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous in favor of approving the ordinance. With regard to the appointment of additional planning commission members, appointments were deferred until the Council can further deliberate on the selection. Regarding the presentation of voucher lists, Councilman Langmaid commented that the voucher list is a vague document. He remarked that the checks should be gone over by members of the council before they are sent out. Councilman Donovan disagreed with this, stating that this had been done in the past and was very tedious. He agreed with Mr. Bernstein regarding the use of voucher lists for other funds of the Town. Other members of the council were in agreement that the present voucher list is sufficient. January 8, 1974 Page 3 Councilman staufer criticized the over -expenditures of the Symposium. Mr. Minger noted that there will be no further expenditures in excess of the budget without the council's first approving them. Councilman Langmaid then requested an accounting of 1973 general administration expenses and who spent the money. He made a motion requesting Mr. Bernstein to make a report within 20 days. Councilman White protested the necessity of a motion in this matter. Councilman Staufer suggested tabling the motion, but Councilman Langmaid refused to do that. A vote was taken and Councilmembers Staufer, Klug and Langmaid were in favor of the motion. Councilmembers Donovan, Steinberg and White voted against; Mayor Dobson broke the tie by voting against the motion.. The Mayor then directed Mr. Bernstein to make a full financial report to the Council. Councilman White repeated that while he was not opposed to reporting on expenses, he did disagree with the manner in which it was presented. Concerning the presentation of council minutes for November 6, 14 and 21, 1973, Councilman Donovan moved to adopt them; all members voted in favor and the motion carried; the minutes were adopted. With regard to the Colorado Rivers Council presentation, it was delayed to the next council meeting since Mr. Garton was not present. Resolution No. 11 Series of 1974, a resolution for the purchase of two buses, was introduced by Mr. Minger. He commented on the need for this transaction to take place at the present time, due to an expected cost increase of $3,000.00 per bus in the very near future. The approximate cost for each bus will be $31,500.00. The buses should be available for delivery within the next few months. Councilman Donovan moved to approve Resolution No. 1; Councilwoman Klug seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried. Mr. Dick Elias, representing the Vail Community Committee, requested a donation from the town in order to carry out publicity and advertising to offset the negative results of the energy crisis. He stated that Vail Associates, Inc. has donated $5,000.00. Mayor Dobson asked for authorization of an expenditure by the Town of Vail for the fund. Councilman White moved to donate $5,000.00 to the Vail Community Committee; Councilman Donovan seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried. REPORTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER Mr. Minger announced that the architectural firm which designed the Pirate Ship playground here in Vail has won an award for that design from the Minnesota Association of Landscape Architects. A community questionnaire is being prepared by Town staff and will be put in post office boxes on Monday, January 14th. It will include various questions concerning town business and recreational activities. Mr. Minger asked for a motion of the Town Council to provide government assistance to the communities of Minturn and Redcliff so that a program designed by himself and Mr. Bob Manzanares, his administrative assistant, could be continued. He commented that he personally can spend no additional time on the program. He explained that this would be a totally new program, never before undertaken in the United States. He noted that the Colorado Council of Governments has given $3,000.00 to pay part of Mr. Manzanares' salary for a six-month period. Councilman January 8, 1974 Page 4 Steinberg moved to approve the program as outlined for these communities by Mr. Minger; Councilman Donovan seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried. Councilman Donovan commented that it should be read into the record that efforts should be made to do this work on their own time. Mr. Manzanares will be on a half-time basis with the Town for the six-month period. Mr. Minger reported that the new bus station facilities and rest rooms in the west Lionshead parking lot are ready, with water and sewer to be done this week so that operation may begin by Monday, January 14th. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Staufer remarked that the owner and contractor for the Conoco station had stated that the additions would be finished by this time. However, the construction cannot get underway until about April, 1974, when the ground thaws. Councilman Donovan commented that it would have even more im- portance with larger projects due to its being an eyesore and should be dealt with by the Town Council. Kent Rose commented that a building permit is valid for one year according to the UBC as adopted by the Town of Vail. Mr. Rose said that he will approach the owner to see if he will clean up the area. Mayor Dobson asked for a statement on the subject from Mr. Rose by the next council meeting. Councilman Staufer commented on the haphazard parking that is occurring in almost every area of town, with vehicles being parked on curbs and public rights -of -way. Councilman White brought up the matter of buying a tow truck for Town of Vail use, but questioned the destination of the towed vehicle. He commented that with the Transportation Center and stiffer parking violations there would be more use for a tow truck. The staff was asked for a report on prices for the next meeting. In answer to a request by Councilman Donovan, the staff is preparing a report on the conditional use question in the core area. Comments followed with criticism of people being allowed to go into the core area. Chief Wall said there will be a person acting as an enforcement officer and public relations person in the core in the near future. Councilman Langmaid questioned the status of the cable television situation. Mr. Minger remarked that CATV will sell their company to a company of the town's choice. He expects the mat- ter will be settled by the spring with a new company in operation by then. As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M. The Council then convened as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority to vote on two applications for licenses. Regarding the Dairy Depot, and their request for a 3.2% beer license, Mr. Donovan voted against approving the application since he does not feel the establishment meets the reasonable needs of the neighborhood requirement. Mr. Langmaid voted against the application. Mr. Staufer abstained since he is the owner of the building which would result in a conflict of interests. Mr. White, Dr. Steinberg, Mayor Dobson and Ms. Klug voted in favor of granting the license. The Town Clerk was then instructed to notify Mr. Daniel E. O'Brien in writing within 30 days that approval had been given to his request. January 8, 1974 Page 5 With regard to the request for a beer, wine and liquor license by the Tivoli Lodge.from Grand Prix, Inc., Messrs. Staufer and Donovan abstained from the vote. Messrs. White, Steinberg, Langmaid, Dobson and Ms. Klug voted in favor. The Town Clerk was instructed to notify Mr. Lazier in writing within 30 days that approval had been given to his application. Since:theie was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M. W