HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-19 Town Council MinutesMINUTES
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
August19,1997
7:30 P.M.
A regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held on Tuesday, August 19, 1997, in the Council Chambers of the
V*unicipal Building. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert W. Armour, Mayor
Sybill Navas, Mayor Pro-tem
Kevin Foley
Rob Ford
Michael Jewett
Paul Johnston
Ludwig Kurz
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT: Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation.
Joe Macy of Vail Associates addressed the Council to encourage community participation in the second annual Eagle
River Clean -Up on September 6th. This event is sponsored by the Vail Recreation District, Trout Unlimited and Vail
Associates. It was noted by Councilman Foley that this was the same day as the Dowd Junction Bike Path Dedication.
S d on the agenda was consideration of the Council of the final proposal for Seibert Circle presented by the Arts
inKlic Places Board. Nancy Sweeney, AIPP director, addressed the Council, stating that the Board had reached
an agreement between Peter Seibert and artist Jesus Morales to collaborate on a sculpture of Pete facing the mountain
(commissioned by a sculptor from Boulder) and an alpine -inspired rock formation as a gathering place in the plaza.
Councilman Jewett questioned Nancy Sweeney about the additional funds that would be required to place two art
objects in the Circle. Ms. Sweeney stated that additional fund raising would be required to proceed with the project.
She also stated that the Board was looking for a commitment only from the Council at this time to move forward with
the contract for the design with Design Workshop. Councilman Rob Ford made a motion to commit to moving forward
with this project with Design Workshop and the AIPP Board. Councilmember Sybill Navas seconded the motion.
Third item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No. 15, Series of 1997, an ordinance amending Sections
18.24.060, 18.26.040 and 18.60.060 of the Vail Municipal Code to add definitions for "commercial ski storage", "outdoor
commercial ski storage" and "ski racks"; add outdoor commercial ski storage as a conditional use in the Commercial
Core I (Vail Village) and Commercial Core II (Lionshead) zone districts; and add additional condition use permit review
criteria for outdoor commercial ski storage. Lauren Waterton, Planner for the Community Development department,
presented the ordinance to the Council, stating that this change to the current ordinance was initiated by Vail
Associates to allow the use of outdoor ski storage, similar to the ski barns outside of Vail Associates' buildings. The
outdoor ski racks installed during the ski season were said to be "grandfathered' into the Town, as they were present
before the current ordinance had been written. She stated that the current code requires commercial ski storage in
basement levels only. Joe Macy, manager of government affairs for Vail Associates, spoke to the Council, stating
the need for outdoor ski storage. He stated the storage was needed to provide a necessary and convenient way for
skiSto store their skis in order to shop or dine in the Vail/Lionshead area, as well as improve the town's bus
ope ons. He also agreed that the ski storage barns would be a profit -making proposition for Vail Associates, as well
as other entrepreneurs in the area. Jim Mandel, also representing Vail Associates, was also present, and stated that
overnight ski storage guaranteed that guests would ski at Vail the next day. Several ski shop owners in the Village
and Lionshead spoke in opposition to the ordinance, stating that Vail Associates had an unfair advantage over the
small shop owner in installing these ski barns, as it would take away from their business; as well as the additional
revenues they would receive for ski tuning and the purchase of ski related merchandise as a result of skiers storing
their equipment in these small businesses. Several business owners in the Vail Village and Lionshead areas spoke
in favor of leaving the ordinance as is, stating that it would result in an unfair advantage of Vail Associates. After
further discussion regarding the proposed change to the ordinance, Councilman Rob Ford made a motion to deny
Ordinance No. 15, Series of 1997, on first reading. Councilman Kevin Foley seconded the motion. After further
discussion, a vote was taken and the motion was approved 4-3 with Councilmembers Navas, Armour and Johnston
voting against, and the ordinance was defeated.
The fourth item on the agenda was the reading of Resolution No. 15, Series of 1997, a resolution approving a contract
between the Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Transportation for reimbursement costs associated with
the completion of the West Vail roundabout project. Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney, presented the resolution to the
Council, stating the Colorado Department of Transportation had agreed to reimburse the Town of Vail for the
roundabout construction in an amount not to exceed $3 million to be paid between the years 2002 to 2005. Due to the
Tabor Amendment, the contract is subject to the availability and budgeting of funds by the Transportation Commission.
Couril&nember Paul Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution #15, Series of 1997, and Councilmember
Mic4WJewett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
The fifth item on the agenda was the discussion of the proposed lodging tax being put on the November 18, 1997
ballot. Frank Johnson, president of the Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau, appeared before the Council and
as�to withdraw further consideration of a lodging tax ballot issue for the upcoming election. Johnson said results
of blic opinion poll indicate it would be premature to place the issue on the November 97 ballot. Instead, Johnson
said the Business Alliance Group will use the data to develop a strategy to help frame the issue for a future election.
Currently, Johnson said the results indicate there's no passion surrounding the need to generate more business during
the non -peak months. Johnson said the group will also work on a parallel track with Eagle County in discussing the
possibility of a business improvement district from Wolcott to Vail. Frank thanked the Council for their support and
willingness to move forward on a tentative basis until a decision can be reached.
Item six on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Town Manager Bob Mcl_aurin stated he had nothing to add
to the written report at this time. Mayor Bob Armour stated that the Frontage Road paving project was scheduled to
begin September 2nd. As work had already begun in West Vail, he inquired if the Town was ahead of schedule on
paving. It was decided that the work being done was more than likely subgrade repair. Councilmember Navas stated
a major problem existed in front of the Vail Mountain School as well. Councilmember Navas also addressed the Green
Star Program, stating that she would like to know more about it, and Town Manager McLaurin stated he would make
arrangements for a presentation on this. Mary Caster asked the Council for an early reading on their Council schedule
for December, stating that December 30th was the fifth Tuesday in the month and Tuesday, December 23rd, being
just before the Christmas Holiday. The Council agreed that no meeting would be held on the 30th of December, but
a work session should be tentatively scheduled for the 23rd, and if there were no pressing issues, could be cancelled.
Councilman Kevin Foley expressed the Town Council's condolences to Pam Brandmeyer and her family for the loss
of her father earlier this week.
ThO being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:40
p.m.
Respe Ily submitted
Robert W. Armour, Mayor
ATTEST:
�� . �
M ry A aster, Deputy Town Clerk
Minutes prepared by Mary A. Caster
('Names of certain individuals who gave public input maybe inaccurate.)
0
TOWN OF VAIL
T ,uth Frontage Road
Ya , Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
August 20, 1997
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR AUGUST 19
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Johnston, Kurz, Navas
--Council Retreat
Summary of actions and discussion points:
• After reviewing examples of policies and procedures from other communities,
Councilmembers agreed to review for possible adoption a Code of Conduct for
• themselves that would serve as a framework until a new Council is seated in November
(four seats are up for election in November 97). Following the November elections, the
new Council could then decide if it wished to adopt a similar approach and, if so, to what
extent. For a copy of the working draft, contact the Community Information Office at 479-
2115.
• Next, the Council reviewed the town's critical strategies and work plans in the following
areas:
Communitv Collaboration
► Councilmembers acknowledged the need for maximum community involvement
as part of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Planning Process.
► Ideas from the Vail Tomorrow Building Community team will be sought regarding
additional opportunities for Councilmembers, board members and other elected
officials to interact more with the community, such as breakfast forums, coffees,
walkabouts and other appearances outside the Council Chambers.
Local Housino
► Councilmembers asked for stepped -up enforcement to ensure occupancy of the
deed -restricted employee housing units which fall under the town code's
occupancy requirements.
► Town Manager Bob McLaurin said the town may need to add staff to address the
town's overall enforcement needs which include code compliance and animal
. control.
► Rob Ford suggested exploring the concept of building commercial storefront
space alongside the town's parking structures with locals housing on top. He
also suggested building housing atop the parking structures. (Both concepts are
being evaluated as part of the Lionshead Master Planning process).
• Sybill Navas advocated working with Eagle County to approve an inclusionary
zoning provision countywide and within each municipality, a Vail Tomorrow action
request, and exploring the possibility of buying existing units.
• Councilmembers will review a staff proposal containing recommendations for a
comprehensive housing strategy in the next four to six weeks. The strategy will
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TDV Council Highlights/Add 1
enable the Council to set a timetable to review permanent funding sources for housing
and to set a goal for the creation of a specified number of new units each year, a goal
.
advocated yesterday by Rob Ford.
► Local housing projects for next season include: construction of the Red
Sandstone development in partnership with the water district; development of the
Town Manager's lots in West Vail; redevelopment of the town -owned A -frame site
on Arosa Drive; completion of the 24-unit seasonal housing project at the Public
Works shop site; and retention of locals housing on the 198-unit Timber Ridge
site.
► Rob Ford suggested locating potential housing sites in East Vail, as well.
Transportation
► Six federally -funded buses will be delivered next year through an innovative
partnership with Taos, N.M. The buses will be shared with Taos during the
summer.
► Preparing for the transportation needs associated with the Vail 99 Championships
and addressing loading and delivery issues in Vail Village and Lionshead are
priorities within the work plan.
► Rob Ford suggested the need for a long-term parking strategy to address the
town's increased debt payments which begin in the year 2000, along with the
need for increased community education.
► Kevin Foley expressed the need to improve the delivery of Vail's transit services,
especially frequency of the in -town route.
► Councilmembers agreed to move forward in considering an ordinance to increase
the penalty for parking tickets in Vail Village and Lionshead.
Economic Sta lity
► Paul ohnston suggested strengthening the work plan to include a strategy to
plan a New Year's Eve 2,000 event that would attract international attention.
► Rob Ford suggested increasing the town's relationship with the private sector by
exploring opportunities for special improvement districts and zoning changes that
would address the community's economic issues. He said the town needs to
work to bring a "community flavor" to the commercial core areas with more "mom
and pop -type" operations. Ford also suggested creation of an information
campaign to persuade merchants and their customers to consider the merits of
paying sales tax to support town services rather than shipping merchandise out of
town (sales tax is exempt under those circumstances).
► Councilmembers said they wouldn't be interested in pursuing state legislation to
add sales tax to items shipped out of town.
► Sybill Navas said the work plan should include efforts to solve the permanent
funding issue for marketing to help free up use of the business license tax.
Navas also said the plan should include a strategy to make Vail an exciting place
were people would want to be. She cited construction of a performance and
conference center as an example.
► Paul Johnston said a snowmelt system on Bridge Street would help improve
Vail's economic stability.
Infrastructure
► The topic of special improvement districts was again discussed as a possible
mechanism to pay for the town's growing list of capital projects which includes
multi -million dollar street reconstruction projects, streetscape improvements and
the possibility of heated streets in Vail
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TQV Council Highlights/Add 2-
Village
• The Council agreed to continue exploring the possibility of heated streets in Vail
Village in partnership with adjacent property owners. Bob McLaurin will begin a
dialogue with affected property owners soon.
► A plan to snowmelt the top deck of the Transportation Center and the central.
stairs leading to Slifer Plaza and the Covered Bridge will be pursued within the
town's capital budget as the first of what could be three phases in a larger
snowmelt plan. The system will be designed to accommodate a full-scale
snowmelt plan for the future.
► Rob Ford expressed the importance of continuing to provide desired amenities,
such as a performing arts center, that will bring people into the community. Ford
also expressed a desire and a need to strengthen the delivery of basic services
within the town.
► Paul Johnston shared feedback from a constituent: 1) users of the parking
structure have a difficult time finding the elevator and 2) improved signage is
needed at the entrances to the parking structures touting free summer parking.
► Ludwig Kurz, noting the difficulty of construction within Vail Village, said the
snowmelt contractor at Beaver Creek Resort was able to maintain access to all
business during construction there.
► Michael Jewett said he was uncomfortable proceeding with discussions regarding
future capital improvements without additional public input.
Evening Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Johnston, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
Joe Macy of Vail Associates appeared before the Council to encourage community participation
in the second annual Eagle River Clean-up on Sept. 6. The annual clean up of Gore Creek and
the Eagle River is sponsored by the Vail Recreation District, Trout Unlimited and Vail
Associates. For more information, contact 479-2291. Councilman Kevin Foley noted the
dedication of the Dowd Junction Recreation Path also is scheduled for Sept. 6.
--Seibert Circle Final Approval
After hearing a proposal from the Art In Public Places Board (AIPP), the Council voted 5-2
(Jewett, Johnston opposed) to proceed with a new approach in creating an art piece for Seibert
Circle. The Council authorized its commitment to negotiate a contract to hire the team of Jesus
Moroles, Design Workshop and Susan Raymond (a Boulder -based sculptor retained by Pete
Seibert) for redevelopment of the circle. As proposed, the expanded project will include an
interactive granite amphitheater with an alpine -inspired rock formation in the central gathering
place and a selected representational bronze statue of Pete Seibert overlooking the plaza and
gesturing toward the mountains. Nancy Sweeney, AIPP director, said the new approach was
•developed with unanimous support from the AIPP board and collaboration by Pete Seibert and
his team. When questioned by Councilman Michael Jewett about the cost of the expanded
effort, Sweeney said the group preferred to raise additional funds, if needed, to keep the
collaborative project in tact. She also said the public would have an opportunity to comment on
the new design concept proposed by the expanded team. Councilman Paul Johnston called the
proposal "unconscionable," saying he couldn't support the effort because he feared the design
would impede emergency access. In response, Councilman Ludwig Kurz said he'd favor moving
forward with a final design, sensing a new spirit of cooperation in the community. He said he'd
defer to the emergency services providers to determine critical access issues. Also expressing
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TOV Council Highlights/Add 3
support were Councilmembers Kevin Foley, Sybill Navas and Bob Armour. For more isinformation, contact Nancy Sweeney at 479-2344.
--Outdoor Commercial Ski Storage
The Council voted 4-3 (Johnston, Armour, Navas against) to deny first reading of an ordinance
that would have allowed outdoor commercial ski storage as a conditional use in Vail Village and
Lionshead. The ordinance had been requested by Vail Associates to address compliance
issues associated with VA's placement two years ago of outdoor ski barns next to the Gondola
Building in Lionshead. The barns, which replaced wire ski racks, were found to be out of
compliance by the town due to location changes and expanded use issues. The town's current
code requires commercial ski storage in basement levels only. Other outdoor ski racks which
are currently being utilized during the ski season pre -date the present code requirement. Last
night, Joe Macy, manager of government affairs for Vail Associates, said the ordinance would
enable any entrepreneur, including Vail Associates, to provide a convenient and necessary
customer service. Macy said the storage would allow skiers to do more shopping and dining in
the commercial areas, as well as improve the efficiency and capacity of the town's bus
operations. During public comment, the Council heard from five ski locker operators who said
the proposed ordinance would unfairly allow Vail Associates to capture a larger share of the
market, making it difficult for the other ski shop storage services to survive. Instead, the
operators recommended that Vail Associates comply with the existing codes by installing
commercial ski storage underground. For more information, contact Lauren Waterton in the
Community Development Department at 479-2454. .
--Resolution Approving the CDOT West Vail Contract
The Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution approving a contract between the Town of Vail
and the Colorado Department of Transportation for reimbursement of costs associated with
completion of the West Vail roundabout project. The contract calls for reimbursement by CDOT
in an amount not to exceed $3 million to be paid between the years 2002 to 2005. Due to the
Tabor Amendment, Vail Town Attorney Tom Moorhead said the contract is subject to the
availability and budgeting of funds by the Transportation Commission. For more information,
contact Moorhead at 479-2107.
--Discussion of Lodging Tax
Frank Johnson, president of the Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau, appeared before the
Council and asked to withdraw further consideration of a lodging tax ballot issue for the
upcoming election. Johnson said results of a public opinion poll indicate it would be premature
to place the issue on the November 97 ballot. Instead, Johnson said the Business Alliance
Group will use the data to develop a strategy to help frame the issue for a future election.
Currently, Johnson said the results indicate there's no passion surrounding the need to generate
more business during the non -peak months. Johnson said the group will also work on a parallel
track with Eagle County in discussion the possibility of a business improvement district from
Wolcott to Vail. For more information, contact Johnson at 476-1000, ext. 3008. .
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
August 26 Work Session
Kurt Mulson 20 Year Anniversary
Site Visit and Discussion of Pine Beetle Infestation by the U.S. Forest Service
PEC/DRB Review
Report from Staff re: Vail Tomorrow Implementation
Lionshead Update
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u
1
TOWN OF VAIL
WCouth Frontage Road
1 Colorado 81657
976-479-2100 MEDIA ADVISORY
FAX 970-479-2157
August 27, 1997
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Comunity Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR AUGUST 26
Work Session Briefs
Council Members present: Armour, Navas, Johnston, Kurz and Jewett. Absent: Ford
and Foley.
KURT MOLSON 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Sergeant Kurt Molson was honored for 20 years of service in the Vail Police
Department.
• OVERVIEW OF PINE BEETLE PROBLEM IN THE VAIL VALLEY
Roy Mask, USFS Entomologist and Loren Kroenke, Acting District Ranger, gave the
Town Council an introduction to the Pine Beetle Problem before a site visit to areas in
the Valley that have been affected by the infestation. The Mountain Pine Beetle is a
common problem in lodgepole pine forests. The pine beetle bores into lodgepole pine
trees carrying a fungus with it that spreads in the tree and blocks the flow of water.
This results in a Lodgepole turning a rust color and dying. An assessment of pine
beetle activity in the Vail Valley which included an aerial infrared survey was jointly
funded between the Town of Vail and the U.S. Forest Service. This assessment
describes the beetle activity in the Valley, estimates potential future impacts from this
infestation, and identifies actions to help reduce the problem.
Mask explained that 98% of the inventoried lodgepole pine stands are at moderate to
high risk for pine beetle. In 1996 the number of trees affected was approximately 819
and an update to the assessment completed within the last two weeks indicates that the
number now stands at 10,217 trees. Mask concluded that Mountain Pine Beetle
caused mortality could be substantial in coming years and the rate of infestation will
• increase. Loren Kroenke told the Town Council that the USFS will be developing a site
specific action plan and will have to complete an environmental assessment. Possible
actions that could be considered include 1) Controlled Burns, 2) Timber Cutting, 3)
Pheromones 4) and/or Chemical Applications.
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TM
TOV Council Highlights/Adds
Todd Oppenheimer, TOV park superintendent, stated that the Town has used
Pheromone Baits to limit Pine Beetle activity in the Town of Vail. However, the number
of beetles in the Valley is now too numerous for this to be an effective control on its i
own. Russ Forrest, TOV environmental planner recommended developing an
educational program for residents and working with the Colorado State Forest Service
to aggressively deal with in -town problem areas. Mayor Armour also asked staff to
develop a list of companies that can provide assistance to local residents with pine
beetle problems. The Council also offered to provide a'letter of support to the Forest
Service for requesting funding for developing a specific action plan.
In the next several months, the USFS will be requesting financial support from the
USFS Headquarters office and will be developing a specific action plan which will be
presented along with an environmental assessment at future public meetings. For
more information on what you can do to protect your property from pine beetles call
Todd Oppenheimer (479-2161) or Russ Forrest (479-2146). The USFS point of
contact is Dave Van Norman at 827-5715.
PEQ AND DRB REVIEW
In response to questions from Council about two items on the August 25 Planning and
Environmental Commission agenda, planning staff clarified that the addition approved •
for the Gasthof Gramshammer would allow eight accommodation units and one
condominium, and that the conditional use approval for a wireless communications
antenna at Solar Vail would be the third such antenna facility located in a third fake
chimney on the property. For additional information, call Mike Mollica in the
Community Development Department at 479-2144.
ACTION ON REQUESTED VAIL TOMORROW ACTIONS
With some two dozen Vail Tomorrow team participants in the audience, the Town
Council took action on 48 items relating to affordable housing, regional cooperation,
natural and built environment, building community, world -class resort and youth. The
48 actions had been requested of the Town of Vail by six Vail Tomorrow teams on
August 5. Council approved or called for additional information on 44 of the 48 items
and declined to implement four items, citing other organizations better suited to act on
those four items. The specific actions endorsed by Council can be accessed through
the Community Development Department, 479-2139.
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TOV Council Highlights/Add2
1998 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS PROCESS,
Town Manager Bob McLaurin and Finance Director Steve Thompson distributed a
. schedule for Council review of proposed modifications to the 1998 Town budget, which
is the second year of the TOV's first biennial (i.e., two-year) budget. The 1997 and
1998 Town budgets were adopted at the same time last year, based on a 10-year
forecast of revenues and expenditures. Certain modifications to the 1998 budget are
proposed at this time to reflect anticipated or proposed changes in operations. The
proposed modifications include changes to the operating budgets for the Police
Department, to reflect the assumption of dispatching service for western Eagle County,
and the Public Works Department, to reflect a proposed conversion of certain seasonal
positions to full-time positions. Council is scheduled to review the proposed Capital
Projects workplan/budget and RETT workplan/budget on September 2 and 9. Sales tax
and other revenue forecasts initially made last Fall will be reviewed on September 9.
The contributions budget will be determined on September 16. The proposed
modifications to departmental operating budgets will be discussed on September 23
and the 1998 budget will be adopted on first reading October 21. For further
information, call Steve Thompson at 479-2116.
INFORMATION UPDATE
Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer distributed the Town of Vail election
.schedule. The election for four seats on the Town Council will be Tuesday, November
18. September 29 is the first day for candidates for Town Council to circulate
nomination petitions and October 17 is the last day. October 17 also is the last day a
person can move into a municipal election district and become a resident for purposes
of voting in the election. Walk-in absentee balloting begins on November 6 and ends
November 14. For further information, call Lori Aker, Acting Town Clerk at 479-2136.
Town Manager Bob McLaurin announced that the Town Council will be hosting the
Town Council of Whistler, B.C., Canada at a luncheon on September 16 in Vail. The
meeting will be an opportunity for the governing bodies of the top two ski resort
communities to exchange ideas and solutions to common problems. For further
information, call Bob McLaurin at 479-2105.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Sybil[ Navas reported that the Business Alliance Group will not pursue a lodging tax
question to fund marketing efforts on the November ballot, but will approach Eagle
County about creating a business improvement district in the eastern part of Eagle
County, from Wolcott east.
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TOV Council Highlights/Add3
Bob Armour reported on a recent meeting of the Eagle Valley Leadership Coalition, the
Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, meeting the new U.S. Forest Service District
Supervisor Martha Kettelle, the success of the recent Rescue Rangers event at Ford
Park (with a commendation to Police Sergeant Al Brown for his work organizing the .
event), and TOV employee Anne Wright's open house at her new Vail Commons unit,
OTHER
Mayor Bob Armour expressed a desire for additional data regarding the availability of
ski storage in Lionshead. Paul Johnston previously had made that request during
discussion of a proposed zoning ordinance change to allow ski storage in locations
other than below -grade in buildings. Town Manager Bob McLaurin agreed to gather
and provide such information to Council.
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
September 2 Work Session
School District Bond Election Update
Capital Projects - Budget •
RETT - Budget
September 2 Town Council
Proclamation #3, re: Mike Kloser
TCi Presentation
IGA re: seasonal housing w/school district
September 9 Work Session
PEC/DRB review
Parking Discussion
September 16 Work Session
Contribution requests
budget workshop
Vail Commons noise from mechanical vents
September 16, 1997 Town Council
Parking public hearing