HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-16 Town Council MinutesMINUTES
VAI.L TOWN COUNCIL EVENING MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 1997
A regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held on Tuesday, December 16, 1997, in the
Council Chambers of the Vail Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro -Tern
Kevin Foley
Sybill Navas
Michael Jewett
Bob Armour
Mike Arnett
Rob Ford, Mayor
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
• The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation, Paul Johnston, former Town of Vail
Councilmember, congratulated the newly elected members and expressed his views regarding
the process of electing a new mayor, stating he felt the decision should have more public input,
with interested current Councilmembers as well as those in the candidate race who are also
interested in the mayoral position, stating that position prior to the election as opposed to the
closed door voting that presently exists.
Dan Telleen, owner of Karats jewelry store next to the remodel of Austria Haus, expressed his
concern regarding the signage around the construction site and the lack of proper lighting
around the site. The Council and Town Manager Bob McLaurin agreed with his concerns and
agreed to follow up on the matter.
Ginger Margolin, attorney for a client interested in opening a liquor store at the Vail Commons
site, asked for the town's clarification regarding City Market's previous statements that it would
not lease retail space for a liquor store operation. She presented the Council with a list of points
regarding the circumstances regarding the zoning issues and asked the Council to clarify in
writing its position on the zoning issue.
Paul Rondeau, Vail golf course resident, expressed his concern with the removal of the Golf
•Course bus shelter after the completion of the Golden Peak ski base. He stated the loss of the
shelter was detrimental to the users, as there was confusion as to where the bus stop was
located because of inadequate lighting and signs. Town Manager McLaurin stated the bus
shelter was scheduled to be reinstalled. Mr. Rondeau also suggested eliminating the golf
course bus in the summer and extending the in -town bus to include the soccer field, eliminating
the low ridership on the buses during the summer months. He also suggested the increased use
of local volunteers, many of whom are refired, in the community.
The second item on the agenda was the consent agenda of A) Ordinance No. 22, Series of
1997, second reading of an Ordinance amending Sections 18.54.050(J)1-5 and 18.28.040 of the
Municipal Code of the Town of Vail to exempt outdoor lighting which is 18" or less above grade
and is either a full cutoff fixture or has maximum source lumens of 250 (equivalent to a 25-watt
bulb) from the total number of lights permitted per residential lot, and to permit accessory uses to
be conducted outside in the Commercial Service Center (CSC) Zone District, subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit, pursuant to Chapter 18.60.; Bj No. 23, Series of 1997,
second reading of the second amendment to the Town of Vail Police and Fire Employees' Pen
sion Fund.; C) Ordinance No. 24, Series of 1997, second reading of the second amendment to
the Town of Vail Employees' Pension Fund; and D) Ordinance No. 26, Series of 1997, second
reading of an Ordinance Adopting the Town Code of Vail, Colorado. Steve Thompson, Finance
Director, stated that Ordinances No. 23 and 24, Series of 1997, needed to be removed from the
agenda and placed on the January 6, 1998, agenda as modifications to the ordinances needed to
•be made on second reading. A motion was made by Councilmember Navas to remove
Ordinances 22 and 26, Series of 1997, from the consent agenda, and approve Ordinances 23
and 24, Series of 1997, on second reading. Councilmember Armour seconded the motion. A
vote was taken the and motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
,
The third item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance No. 25, Series of 1997, an
ordinance making supplemental appropriations from the Town of Vail General Fund, Heavy
'Equipment Fund, and Booth Creek Debt Service Fund, of the 1997 Budget and the Financial
Plan for the Town of Vail, appropriating $448,276 supplemental funds to the 1997 budget. After
some discussion, Councilmember Armour made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 25, Series
of 1997, on second reading. Councilmember Arnett seconded the motion. Councilmember
Jewett stated that he would vote against the motion as he had done on first reading, stating he
could not support the measure because it contained a $5000 appropriation for noise mitigation at
Vail Commons, which he felt should be borne by City Market, as it was an expense incurred by
their construction of the building. Councilmember Armour stated he felt $5000 was a very small
portion of the Town's $29 million budget and did not feel this was a concern. A vote was taken
and the motion passed 5-1, Jewitt opposing.
The fourth item on the agenda was the update on the Lionshead Master Plan Stage Three.
Susan Connelly presented the update to the Council, along with Ethan Moore from Design
Workshop. Among ideas discussed were public view corridors and public gathering places,
employee housing sites, and additional parking. A lengthy discussion followed, reviewing the 14
framework elements presented to the Council. There was much discussion regarding the
possibility of a transportation system being built to run through the middle of Lionshead, parallel
to the Frontage Road. Also discussion was held regarding view corridors, zoning regulations,
loading and delivery areas, land use issues, real estate opportunities, and financial concerns
regarding consequences of the renovation and financing options. Property owners from the
Landmark expressed their concern regarding the central corridor system, stating they felt this
•would ruin the ambiance of Lionshead. Property owners in the Lionshead area expressed their
concerns of losing their privacy and views by having public transportation run through the
corridor. The Council members had expressed interest in creating an expanded outreach
program to reach property owners who will be here for the holidays. Susan Connelly announced
that two public sessions would be held during the Holidays to include second homeowners to
give their comments and suggestion regarding the redevelopment. The Council expressed their
approval of the plans so far, and stated that nothing being presented at this evening's meeting
would be set in stone; rather, the Council was willing to give the design team a "go ahead' sign
to continue their work in the Lionshead area. Jim Lamont, representing the East Village
Homeowner's Association, discussed concerns from the Association. Dave Corbin, from Vail
Associates, addressed the Council, giving their support of the master plan, stating that it was a
guide and that many discussions and meetings would be held before any decisions would be
made. Bob Armour stated he felt the 14 guidelines were on target for what was to be
accomplished. The Council was polled and were all in favor of what progress had been made
thus far. Councilmember Navas was in favor of pursuing the streamwalk concept in Lionshead.
After much discussion, Councilmember Armour made a motion to accept the direction of the 14
elements of the Lionshead Master Plan framework and Councilmember Arnett seconded the
motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. Town Manager Bob
McLaurin stated the second homeowner open houses would be held between Christmas and
New Year's and the dates would be publicized as soon as possible.
•The fifth item on the agenda was the Town Manager Report. Town Manager stated he had
nothing further to add to the report. He stated the next CAST meeting would be held in Frisco,
Colorado, on January 22 and 23, 1998. McLaurin also stated the LOAA (Land Ownership
Adjustment Agreement would be finalized with a closing on the real estate exchange this Friday,
December 19th.
Councilmember Foley inquired about parking maps to distribute to visitors. He also expressed
the thoughts of the Council to Rob Ford and his family on Rob's mother's recent surgery.
Councilmember Armour made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember Arnett
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was
adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
ATTEST:
elei onaldson,
Minutes taken by Mary A. Caster
Town Clerk
Respectfully submitted,
Z�L,��7 �4 ,
Ludwig Ku#, Mayor Pro-Tem
�ttdd t wl OP l u 17 7
• During the 1995 Vail Commons approval process, City Market, in
response to an inquiry from the Town, made a promise not to lease
space in Vail Commons to a retail liquor store.
• Upon final project approval, the Town never memorialized the
promise nor has the Town issued any rules or guidelines to enforce
the promise. In fact, contrary to the promise, zoning for Vail
Commons does not prohibit a retail liquor store use.
• City Market is, nevertheless, honoring its promise.
• City Market has entered into a lease with my client because the
zoning does not prohibit a retail liquor store use.
• City Market has requested that my client get written clarification of
the fact that the promise is contrary to the zoning prior to pursuing a
liquor license application.
• • The effect of the promise is to protect certain retailers from free
market competition while not protecting others allowed by zoning.
For example, why protect retail liquor store owners but not protect
the dry cleaner or video store owner with a promise as well?
• This selective promise enforcement usurps the Liquor Board's
responsibility and the community's right to speak at the Liquor
Board's public hearing process.
• We ask that you clarify this contradictory situation:
1. If this Council wants the promise to be kept please indicate so
in writing by making the zoning or some other documentation
reflect the promise.
2. If this Council wants otherwise please indicate so in writing.
. • Either way, we think this issue should be clarified in writing in order
to prevent further confusion.
ASPEN:00220 t 8.O t
�h
TOWN OF PAIL
7 Frontage Road
V6'.uth
Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
December 17, 1997
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR DECEMBER 16
Work Session Briefs
Councilmembers present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Employee Anniversaries
The Council recognized both Dick Duran, fire chief, and Mike McGee, fire marshal, for 20 years
of service to the town. Each received a check for $2,000 in appreciation of their contributions.
--Presentation of Investment Report
Chris Anderson, finance and budget manager, presented the town's investment report and
explained the format of the report. The Council briefly discussed the relationship of the Tabor
Amendment to the town's investments (no relationship) and the strategy of the town's long-term
investments.
--Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan
In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council reviewed 14 master plan framework
elements as part of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan. Please see evening meeting
briefs for details.
--Information Update
Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer asked Councilmembers to leave voice mail
messages regarding various maintenance and other items that need attention from the town to
help expedite the process. The items will then be added to a tracking sheet distributed weekly to
Council.
--Council Reports
Kevin Foley attended a meeting of the Eagle County Transportation Authority in which a service
agreement was signed with the Town of Avon.
0 Sybill Navas attended a meeting of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments for a
discussion on tax -based equity and regionalism; also, there was a state legislative roundtable.
--Other
Kevin Foley and Sybill Navas noted a successful reception at the Colorado Ski Museum to
recognize representatives involved in a sister cities exchange arranged through the local Vail
Valley Exchange with representatives from Mt. Buller, Australia. In inquiring about the status of
a request for a bus stop in West Vail, Foley challenged the town staff to find an acceptable
solution. He also questioned the town's judgement in removing a bus shelter near Golden Peak.
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ClRECYCLEDPAPER
TOV Council Highlights/Add 1
Ludwig Kurz complimented organizers of the town's holiday party. Sybili Navas inquired about a
date for the Town Council retreat. Michael Jewett asked that his issue regarding recreational
vehicles be discussed at the retreat. Bob Armour asked for a copy of a 1989 fire study, reported
a problem with a split rail fence at the west end of North Frontage Road, inquired about a staff
response regarding use of speed bumps, and asked if the town should require lobbyists to
register themselves with the town similar to state policies.
Evening Session Briefs
Councilmembers present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
Paul Johnston, a former councilmember, congratulated the newly elected members and shared
an idea regarding future selection of the mayor. He asked that a process (not a formal charter
amendment) be structured that would create public dialogue from those seeking the mayoral
seat to provide an opportunity for the mayoral candidates to talk about their vision for Vail before
being selected by Council. He said the current selection process (which happens largely behind
the scenes) is cryptic.
Next, Dan Teleen, owner of Karats, a jewelry store next to the Austria Haus construction site,
asked for the Council's help in restoring informational and directional signs as well as proper
lighting at the construction site. Town Manager Bob McLaurin agreed to follow up.
Ginger Margolin, an attorney representing a client who's interested in opening a liquor store at
the Vail Commons site, asked for the town's clarification regarding City Market's previous
statements that it would not lease retail space for a liquor store operation. Margolin said the
position taken by City Market contradicts the town's zoning code and puts a restraint on free
market competition. She asked the town to clarify its position in writing.
Paul Rondeau, a resident of the Golf Course neighborhood, questioned the rationale behind
removal of the Golf Course bus shelter upon completion of the Golden Peak ski base. He said
the change has caused considerable confusion among riders who can no longer find the bus
stop because of its bleak identification and lack of lighting. Town Manager Bob McLaurin said
the shelter would be'reinstalled. Also, Rondeau shared his concept for a modification of
summer bus service. His proposal includes elimination of the Golf Course route, extending the
in -town shuttle to the soccer field turnaround and adding a stop at the Golf Course Clubhouse
on the East Vail route. He said the concept would be more effective and would eliminate the
perception of empty buses. Rondeau, a retiree, encouraged the Council to tap the brainpower of
he and others in the community who have time to volunteer for focus groups and other methods
to improve the town's services.
--Consent Agenda
The Council voted 6-0 to approve two items on the consent agenda. One was second reading
of an ordinance that amends two sections of the Municipal Code.
The first exempts low level (18 inches or less) outdoor lighting for steps and walkways from the
total number of lights permitted on a residential lot. The second amendment is a housekeeping
measure that allows accessory uses to be conducted outside of a building in the Commercial
Service Center Zone District subject to approval of a conditional use permit. The second item
on the consent agenda was second reading of an ordinance adopting a recodified municipal
code following two years of work. Two other items on the consent agenda, second reading of
ordinances amending the town's pension funds, were removed and will be rescheduled Jan. 6.
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TOV Council Highlights/Add 2
--Supplemental Appropriation
The Council voted 5-1 (Jewett against) to approve second reading of a $448,276 supplemental
appropriation to the 1997 budget. In voting against the ordinance (as he did during first reading),
Councilman Michael Jewett, said he couldn't support the measure because it contains a $5,000
appropriation for noise mitigation at Vail Commons. Jewett has called the mitigation an
in expenditure by the town. Rather than refer the issue to a public vote, Jewett says
his constituents will now write to officials from City Market to ask them to return the $5,000 to the
town. Councilman Bob Armour, who supports the town's involvement in the Vail Commons
noise mitigation, noted the $5,000 expense represents a tiny fraction of the town's $29 million
budget.
--Lionshead Master Plan Stage 3
The Council voted 6-0 to accept the direction of the 14 framework elements presented to
Council by the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan team. The vote followed three hours of
review and discussion by the Council, the master plan team and members of the audience. At
the crux of the discussion yesterday was a recommendation to retain a concept to create a
stronger connection between the east and west ends of Lionshead either by reserving right-of-
way for a central corridor in the event that future conditions and improved technology warrant
implementation of the concept, or by running a transit line parallel to the Frontage Road, or by
some other means that would accomplish the connection. Two property owners from the
Landmark, along with their property manager, urged the Council to eliminate the central corridor
concept, saying it would ruin the ambiance of Lionshead. Instead, Councilmembers--noting
there's no intent to allow the current fleet of diesel buses to run through the middle of
Lionshead--said they were comfortable leaving all options open for additional study. In making a
motion to accept the 14 concepts, which include ideas for gateways, corridors and public
gathering places, along with employee housing sites, additional parking, and other
improvements, Councilman Bob Armour said the elements are "on target" with the town's six
community policy objectives adopted by the town a year ago. Armour said the Council's
acceptance of the 14 framework elements simply allows for continued study of the various
opportunities rather than casting decisions in stone. Ludwig Kurz, who presided over the
meeting in Rob Ford's absence, emphasized the importance of the comprehensive nature of the
master plan, especially since future redevelopment in Lionshead is a given. Councilmember
Sybill Navas indicated an interest in pursuing extension of the streamwalk as part of the master
plan's efforts to improve connections between the Village and Lionshead. Also yesterday, the
Council accepted a proposal by the master plan team to host two open houses during the
holidays as an extension of the Lionshead master plan outreach program to provide an update
on the process. For a full recap of yesterday's discussion, watch the meeting in its entirety on
Channel 5 (call 949-5657 for a replay schedule). The master plan process will now focus on
height and density issues in the context of the 14 framework elements, moving toward
completion of stage three of the five -stage process. For more information, contact Susan
Connelly in the Community Development Department at 479-2140.
-Town Manager's Report
In his town manger's report, Bob McLaurin announced the next meeting of the Colorado
Association of Ski Towns on Jan. 22-23 in Frisco and said that a long-awaited closing date of
Dec. 19 had been scheduled for the Land Ownership Adjustment Agreement (land trades)
between the Town of Vail and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information on LOAA, contact
Russell Forrest in the Community Development Department at 479-2146.
--Other
Kevin Foley wished everyone happy holidays and extended his thoughts to Rob Ford who was
out of town tending to a family illness.
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TOV Council Highlights/Add 3
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
Dec. 23 Work Session i
No Meeting
Dec. 30 Work Session
No Meeting
Jan. 6 Work Session
Overview of Solid Waste Plan
Discussion of Slifer Plaza Project
Jan. 6 Evening Meeting
CARTS Presentation
Second Reading, Pension Amendments
Jan. 13 Work Session
PEC/DRB Review
Executive Session, Personnel Issues
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