HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-20 Town Council MinutesMINUTES
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
May 20, 1997
7:30 P.M.
A regular meeting of the Vail Town Council
was held on Tuesday, May 20, 1997, in the Council Chambers of the Vail
Mt0pal 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
Michael Jewett
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Rob Ford
Paul Johnston
Ludwig Kurz
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
Holly McCutcheon, Town Clerk
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation, of which there was none.
Second on the agenda was the Consent Agenda which consisted of the following items:
A. Approve the Minutes from the meetings of April 1 & 15, 1997,
SY*Navas moved to approve the Consent Agenda with changes as discussed earlier to include an attachment to the
April 1, 1997 minutes, Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was then taken, which passed unanimously 4-0.
Agenda item number three was Ordinance No. 11, Series of 1997, first reading of an ordinance Authorizing the
Conveyance of Fee Title to Condominium Unit B-3, Vail Commons, Town of Vail, Colorado to Mountain Valley
Development Services. Mayor Armour read the title in full. Town Attorney, Tom Moorhead, and Senior Housing Planner,
Andy Knudtsen presented the item and provided the following background:
The Town of Vail has been asked by the developer, Warner Development, Inc. and the ultimate purchaser, Mountain
Valley Developmental Services, to serve as an intermediary to convey title to Condominium Unit B-3, Vail Commons.
The residents will be persons with developmental disabilities, will work at businesses within Eagle County and pursuant
to State and Federal law quality as "owner/occupants." Pursuant to the funding agreements of Mountain Valley
Developmental Services the number of residents will be limited to no more than three residents at any time. This transfer
will take place in a three party closing where title will be vested in the Town of Vail and then immediately conveyed to
the Mountain Valley Developmental Services.
Andy informed council members the closing would take place within the next two months. He said that one three -bedroom
unit was still available and that 14 people had submitted applications for the unit.
Aft&rief discussion, Kevin Foley moved to approve Ordinance No. 11, Series of 1997 on first reading with a second
fro ike Jewett. A vote was then taken and passed unanimously, 4-0.
Agenda item number four was second reading of Ordinance No. 10, Series of 1997, an ordinance amending Ordinance
No. 7, Series of 1995; an ordinance amending Special Development District No. 5 to remove language requiring
recreational amenities to be tennis facilities. Mayor Armour read the title in full. Town Planner Dominic Mauriello
presented the item and provided the following background: The applicant is requesting to remove the language requiring
that the recreational amenities be tennis facilities so that other recreational uses, specifically ski simulators and training
facilities, can be substituted for the tennis courts.
The PEC, at its April 28, 1997 meeting, recommended approval (unanimously) of the proposed major amendment subject
to the following conditions:
1. That any proposed changes to non -enumerated "recreational uses" will be evaluated by the staff as a minor
amendment to the SDD and be subject to the 9 SDD review criteria.
2. That any future "recreational use" shall be available to the general public.
The above conditions had been incorporated in the proposed ordinance, and the Staff recommendation was for approval
of Ordinance No, 10, Series of 1997, on second reading.
Atoey Larry Eskwith was present with the applicant, Bill Fleischer, Operations Manager for Vail Run, Mr. Eskwith
explained that the applicant's main concern was in limiting the number of ski simulators that would be allowed on the
premises.
Dominic stated the need to evaluate the proposed use and numbers as it relates to building and fire code issues
Vail Town Councit Evening Meeting Minutes May 20, 1997
Sybill confirmed that future minor amendments to the SDD could be approved by staff, and that the PEC would have an
opportunity to call up the item if needed. If the approval was not granted, the applicant could appeal the staff decision
to the PEC, and PEC decisions could be appealed to Town Council.
Mayor Armour clarified that occupancy levels, ADA requirements, Fire Code and UBC matters should be taken into
consideration at the time the building permit is taken out.
S*avas then moved to approve Ordinance No. 10, Series of 1997 on second reading, with one change, on page
5, section D, adding Ski Simulator and Training Facilities, and deleting the last sentence. Kevin Foley seconded the
motion. A vote was taken which passed unanimously, 4-0.
Assistant Town Manager, Pam Brandmeyer made the following announcements:
Due to the lack of agenda items, Pam asked Council for consensus to cancel the May 27, 1997 work session,
and council members agreed.
Pete Seibert is in Houston, Texas, visiting the art studio of Jesus Morales in an effort to refine a concept for the
Seibert Circle art piece, sponsored by the Art In Public Places project.
Construction for the Vail Village Club and Lodge at Vail will occur indoors only throughout the holiday weekend.
Council Reports included:
Mayor Armour reported on the Vail Tomorrow All -Teams meeting on May 13, 1997 and a recent meeting of the Eagle
Valley Leadership Coalition. He also acknowledged appearances at the butterfly launch, town clean-up, presentation
of the youth recognition award and City Market ribbon cutting,
Other:
S*Navas asked about the status of the Wall Street building.
Kevin Foley encouraged participation at the upcoming Jeep Whitewater Festival and congratulated Susan Rodger,
Ludwig's wife who is receiving her masters degree.
Next on the agenda was a report from the Town Manager, Pam Brandmeyer, filing in for Bob McLaurin, indicated the
weekly meetings with the West Vail business community continue to be productive. The next meeting will take place on
Tuesday, may 27, 1997 from 5:15 - 6 p.m. at the West Vail Lodge.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Sybill and seconded by Kevin for adjournment. The meeting was
adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m.
Respect€ ly submitted,
Robert W. Armour, Mayor
ATTEST:
Holly McCutcheon, Town Clerk
Minutes taken by Holly McCutcheon
(*Names of certain individuals who gave public input may be inaccurate.)
A
Vail Town council Evening Meeting Minutes May 20, 1997
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TOWN OF SAIL
6>7` youth Frontage ,Road MEDIA ADVISORY
Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157 June 4, 1997
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR JUNE 3
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz
--Employee Recognition
The Council recognized Charlie Turnbull, heavy equipment operator Ii in the Public Works
Department and Mark Allen, a police officer, for 20 and 10 years of service, respectively.
--Liquor Board Interviews
The Council interviewed David Chapin for re -appointment to the Liquor Board. He, along
0 with Kathy Vieth and Mary Zarba, were reappointed to two year terms during the evening
meeting.
--Discussion of Existing Parking Pay -in -Lieu Fee System
After agreeing that "tweaking" of the current parking -pay -in -lieu system is in order, the
Council approved a suggestion offered by Town Manager Bob McLaurin to research the
timing, cost and implementation of a parking demand analysis that would help provide a
basis for possible modification of the program. While Council members said the current
fee, nearly $17,000 per space, inhibits redevelopment, no one at the meeting suggested
eliminating the program. Instead, several ideas were offered: Bob Armour. suggested
allowing a credit of six to 10 spaces (with a possible sunset provision) to "take something
off the front end to encourage redevelopment"; Ludwig Kurz suggested a modest review,
saying logistical changes for the 19-year-old requirement are in order, especially given the
difference between new development and redevelopment; Kevin Foley also suggested
"tweaking," calling the current system a burden for a minor redevelopment; Michael Jewett
said, he too, is in favor of modification, calling the current fees "too high"; while Rob Ford,
agreeing the present system isn't working, suggested moving forward with a traffic demand
study and called for eliminating properties which have street access from the current policy.
Public comments earlier in the discussion included:
• Frustration expressed by Chris Chantler, an owner of the Daily Grind, who said
removal of a 10 ft. x 10 ft. storage freezer that would allow for additional seating at
the coffee shop would require payment of between $16,000 and $50,000 into the
parking -pay -in -lieu fund. Although Chantler said it would be impossible to recover
the cost, he said he had a philosophical disagreement with the policy, itself,
because his clients aren't making special trips to the parking structure to access his
business.
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TOV Council Highlights/Addl
• !Numerous observations by David Corbin of Vail Resorts Development Co., who
called the pay -in -lieu fees "staggering." Corbin suggested a parking demand
analysis as the next step. Until we understand demand, he said, we don't know .
what to pursue. Corbin said if the study indicates the need for more parking stock,,
he said he'd prefer using those dollars to build more parking rather than to apply the
funds to debt service. Corbin also suggested revisiting assumptions of the 1978
ordinance, which may have relied more heavily on guests arriving by car than what
might be occurring today.
• Hermann Staufer who called the program a "disincentive." Staufer said it's the last
thing one tends to think about when lining up a redevelopment budget. Instead,
Staufer said the town should be creating an atmosphere to encourage the upgrade
of properties. He thanked the council for reviewing the issue.
• Kaye Ferry, co-owner of the Daily Grind, who suggested a two -tiered system that
would provide additional incentives for redevelopment, as opposed to new
development. Ferry also said Vail Associates should be bearing more of the brunt
of the public parking responsibility due to VA's continual growth of mountain
programming. Ferry also suggested the town annex Vail Mountain so it could
collect sales tax revenue.
• Ross Davis, representing Bart & Yetis, who said the system is a "deal -breaker"
which has caused the restaurant to abandon expansion plans.
• Jim Lamont of the Fast Village Homeowners Association, who suggested tweaking
in moderation, including a proposal to eliminate properties with street access from
the program.
For more information contact, Dominic Mauriello in the Community Development
Department at 479-2148.
--Report on the May 17th TOV Clean-up Day
The Council heard an overview of the recent Clean-up Day from staff members Russell
Forrest and Lydia Stinemeyer of the Community Development Department. Highlights
included; participation by 250 volunteers, 218 of whom designated $20 donations from the
town to the charity of their choice; collection of 12.5 tons of -trash, a record; food
contributions from 36 restaurants and organizations; and endorsement by Vail Tomorrow
as an event that generates greater community involvement. The annual clean-up program
has been an ongoing event in the town for approximately 25 years.
--Information Update
Susan Connelly, Community Development Department director, presented an update on
the Lienshead Master Planning process and encouraged Council members to attend a
guided tour this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. to review Lionshead public view corridor
possibilities. For more information, contact Connelly at 479-2140 or Dominic Mauriello at
479-2148.
Public Works Director Larry Grafel presented an overview of the town's participation in the
Colorado Department of Transportation's 1-70 West Major Investment Study. Grafel
expressed concern that traffic count estimates for the Vail Valley 1-70 corridor contained
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TOV Council Highlights/Add2
in the study are too low. Joe Macy of Vail Resorts, who also has been involved in the
study, suggested the town urge the state to install traffic counters within the Vail Valley for
• a more accurate accounting of traffic flows. Grafel said the state is encouraging
participation by local decision makers in selection and prioritization of improvements that
will be early components of the strategic project. For more information, contact Grafel at
479-2173.
Also yesterday, Grafel and Councilman Kevin Foley (who represents the Council on the
Trails Committee and the Regional Transportation Authority) received direction regarding
the Council's preferences on the rail abandonment issue in preparation for a meeting
Thursday in Avon. If the rail abandonment request is approved from Gypsum to Leadville,
Council members said they would favor a purchase by the State Parks Board along with
construction and operation of the trail by the state. Local officials are preparing a plan for
ownership, construction and operations in conjunction with a Go Co grant application. For
more information, contact Grafel at 479-2173.
In addition, Grafel gave a brief report on the West Vail Interchange project. He said traffic
backups and traffic control issues flared on Monday, causing those who attended the
regular Monday update meeting to compromise on a temporary plan to shut down the 1-70
underpass for three hours in the morning, and three hours in the afternoon to help relieve
congestion.
Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer said the Jeep Whitewater Festival was a
successful event over the Memorial Day Weekend, despite the weather. The event will be
broadcast by the program Outdoor Life, a satellite -accessible television station.
Brandmeyer also acknowledged distribution of the March sales tax newsletter and the April
estimates.
--Council .Reports
Mayor Bob Armour ,provided a list of recent appearances, including presentation of the
Youth Award at Battle Mountain High School and consultant interviews for a travel demand
study funded by a grant from the Colorado Association of Ski Towns.
--Other
In response to a constituent complaint about the presence of a motor home in front of a
residence in East Vail, Councilman Michael Jewett asked if fellow Councilmembers were
interested in creating legislation that would prevent such occurrences. Instead, the
majority of Councilmembers suggested the matter could be better handled by
neighborhood covenants and/or homeowner's associations.
Mayor Bob Armour inquired about the return of Police Chief Greg Morrison, who's been
attending the FBI Training Academy for the past nine weeks. Town Manager Bob
McLaurin said Morrison, whose tuition, travel and accommodations are being covered by
the school, will resume his duties in Vail in July. Lt. Jeff Layman has been serving as
interim chief in Morrison's absence. McLaurin said Morrison is the first representative from
VaiI's department to attend the prestigious academy in 17 years.
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TOV Council Highlights/Add3
In response to a second question by the mayor, McLaurin said a "go - no-go" discussion
on the Public Works Seasonal Housing development had been pushed back to the June .
17 work session.
Evening Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz
--Citizen Participation
There was no citizen participation.
--Consent Agenda
The Council approved the consent agenda by a vote of 5-0, which contained meeting
minutes and second reading of an ordinance authorizing conveyance of a Vail Commons
unit from the Town of Vail to Mountain Valley DeveInnmental Services.
--Resolution Adopting the Inter -County Mutual Aid Agreement
The Council voted 5-0 to approve an inter -county mutual aid agreement to assist during
emergencies such as the natural gas disaster in Steamboat Springs several years ago.
Municipalities and special districts within Eagle County, Garfield County, Grand County,
Lake County, Mesa County, Rio Blanco County, Routt County, Summit County and Pitkin
Council have agreed to a pact for mutual aid. For more information, contact Vail Fire Chief
Dick Duran at 479-2252.
--Liquor Board Appointments
The Council reappointed David Chapin, Kathy Vieth and Mary Zarba to the Liquor Board
for two-year terms.
--Town Manager's Report
In response to the town manager's written report regarding requests by the Rock Hard
Mining Company of Texas to explore the possibility of mining claims on Forest Service
property in East Vail, Mayor Bob Armour asked for additional clarification. Town Attorney
Torn Moorhead explained that mining claims are administered by the U.S. Forest Service
and that the company could be required to produce environmental reports. He said that
although the property is adjacent to Town of Vail lands, it is not within the town's
boundaries and there is no indication that town -owned property would be used to access
the Forest Service lands. However, Moorhead said the town is concerned the area may
be within the five -mile watershed, in which case the Town of Vail could request that the
Forest Service restrict activity that would be detrimental to the town's water supply (Gore
Creek). Moorhead said the Forest Service has had meetings with he and Russell Forrest
in the Community Development Department and the town will be advised of all plans
regarding the mining claim. Town Manager Bob McLaurin said a letter will be drafted for
the mayor's signature addressing the town's concerns.
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TOV Council Highlights/Add4
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
• June 10 Work Session
PEC/DRB Review
Amplified Sound, Site Visits
June 17 Work Session
First Quarter Financial Report
Booth Falls Rock Mediation
June 17 Evening Meeting
Audited Financial Statements
June 24 Work Session
PEC/DRB Review
Community Survey Results
Public Works Seasonal Housing
Lionshead Master Plan Update
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WORK SESSION MINUTES
Tuesday, May 20, 1997
2:00 P.M.
Town of Vail Council Chambers
What follows will reflect motions and actions taken by the Vail Town Council at their regular
work session on May 20, 1997. All members were present except Ludwig Kurz and Rob Ford.
Item No. 2. Information Kiosk Demonstration. Staff recommendation was to approve
the applicant to proceed through the process to locate two information kiosks, preferably
at the Lionshead bunker and at the Covered Bridge, for demonstration project. Paul
moved to approve, with a second coming from Kevin. The motion passed unanimously
5-0.
2. Item No. 4. Town Council discussion of providing funding and/or resources to the Vail
Alpine Garden Foundation for the construction of an underground parking structure on
the Ford Park soccer field parking lot site. The 100 space underground parking structure
is intended to be constructed in conjunction with the proposed Alpine Garden Education
Center.
Paul Johnston was absent for later discussion, however, he had previously supported Bob
Armour's recommendation for the Alpine Garden to proceed with design number one
which calls out 65 parking spaces remaining on surface level at the soccer field parking
lot and the construction of the education center adjacent to those spaces. Additionally, if
more spaces are required for the education center, they should be put underground the
education center facility. Third, if the public were to vote on a bond issue, it probably
would be unsuccessful. There is no willingness on Council's part to earmark RETT
funds or general fund money toward a parking structure at this point in time, and the
Town of Vail is not interested in funding an underground parking facility, based on
public comment gathered during the Ford Park Management Plan process and the further
constraint on Town resources. Although a vote was not taken, there was concurrence
from the remaining three Council members that this was the route to take. Those also in
attendance were Kevin Foley, Sybill Navas, and Mike Jewett.
In regard to Helen Fritch's suggestion that this become a public/private joint venture,
. Tom Moorhead indicated we were already involved from a public perspective in that the
Town Council is allowing for the construction of this facility on public space. Council
concurred with this opinion. Additionally, in gathering further information from Council,
Kevin Foley indicated at some time he would be interested in entertaining a proposal for
financing from other partners but he would not consider using RETT funds. Paul
. indicated he would consider partner funding but would not consider RETT funding. Bob
Armour make a very clear statement about not using either RETT or general fund money.
Sybill indicated we should not fund a parking structure and also suggested she doubted
whether a question on public financing would pass in this community. Mike Jewett
indicated he would be interested in pursuing partners at some point, looking into leases,
• or other viable options and because he has already indicated he is interested in separating
some monies from RETT for use of affordable housing. Mike would not be interested in
using RETT fund money for the construction in the parking facility. These are additional
notes.
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