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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-08 Town Council Minutesi j South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-479-2157 TM MEDIA ADVISORY September 9, 1998 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL_ HIGHLIGHTS FOR SEPTEMBER 8 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Site Visit Regarding Model Traffic Code Councilmembers boarded a bus and toured several neighborhood streets to experience new speed limits proposed in the Model Traffic Code. The Police and Public Works departments have recommended decreasing the speed limit from the Model Traffic Code on numerous residential streets, based on results of a traffic study. The Model Traffic Code, revised by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 1995, provides a residential speed limit of 30 mph. To lower the 30 mph speed limit requirement, the Code requires that speed studies be conducted to justify reduced speed limits. Traffic studies reflect what 85% of those surveyed travel at on selected roadways within the town (as opposed to the actual "posted" speed). Yesterday's site visit included the Frontage Roads (currently under the auspices of the Colorado Department of Transportation), West Gore Drive in Matterhorn (posted at 15 mph/with 85% driving 20 mph), Chamonix (posted at 25'mph with a reduction to 15 mph on the down side of Arosa with 85% driving 26 mph); Main Gore Drive in East Vail (posted at 15 mph with 85% driving between 23 and 24 mph); and Meadow Drive (posted at 15 mph with 85% driving at 26 mph). Additionally', "stop signs, trees and foliage on town right-of-way that obscures pedestrians and other traffic, among other items, were discussed. The Town of Minturn's "clear sight ordinance" was discussed, although the town would have the ability to remove vegetation where necessary through adoption of the newest Model Traffic Code. (See following page for additional details). --Site Visit and Appeal of a Design Review Board Decision Denying a Request to Construct a Detached Accessory Storage Unit Adjacent to a Duplex at 5064 Black Gore Creek Drive In preparation for the appeal noted above, the Council toured the site and later voted 6-0 to table the issue to the Sept. 22 meeting at the request of the applicant. --DRB Review Questions from the recent Design Review Board meeting included a clarification on the Vail Interfaith Chapel's application for a new building addition. Because the proposal encroaches on the town's streamtract, the Town Council will be required to vote on the development plan. That action is scheduled for Sept. 15. The Council aiso inquired about conditional approval of a new entry addition to the Vail Village Club, which requires additional screening of existing mechanical equipment. (more) RECYCLED PAPER Add 1/TOV Council Highlights/9-8-98 --1998-1999 Parking Program Discussion The Council voted 5-1 (Jewett against) to approve the following parking policies for the 1998-99 ski season: • Daily parking rates will be increased incrementally by $1 beginning at the 3-hour mark with a fee of $15 for a 24-hour period, up from $14 last season. Daily parking rates haven't been raised in four or five years. The estimated $150,000 in increased revenue will be used to offset other parking subsidy programs. • "Park Free after Three" will continue for another season. • Prices for the Gold ($1,100), Blue ($525) and Debit ($5 per enter/exit) cards will remain unchanged. Parking in the Village structure for Blue and Debit card holders will be restricted from. approximately Jan. 4 to Feb. 15 due to use of the parking structure's top deck for the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. Card holders will have unlimited access to the Lionshead parking structure all season long. • Valet parking at the Golden Peak base area will continue to be operated by a private vendor. During discussion yesterday, Ludwig Kurz and Rob Ford each expressed disappointment at the lack of promotion of the "Free After 3" program by the business community last season. They encouraged merchants and restaurants to increase those efforts this season. Bob Armour reiterated his opposition to the "free after 3" parking program, noting that sales tax collections in the commercial core areas last season didn't cover the free parking losses. Instead, Armour said he would support a "Drive After 5" concept. Sybill Navas countered Armour's reaction, saying she considered an increase in parking transactions to be a success for the town. Navas also suggested consideration of allowing debit card holders to park inside the Village parking structure (rather than on the top deck) during the Ski Championships. Michael Jewett said he couldn't support the parking policies, saying the $1 increase in the daily fees beyond the three hour mark went too far. Also yesterday, Jack Curtin of Curtin Hill Sports asked for additional flexibility during the proposed six -week closure of the top deck of the Village parking structure. For more information, contact"Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, at 479-2173. --Discussion of Model Traffic Code In a continuing discussion of the Model Traffic Code (see site visit description above), councilmembers approved the following schedule: a list of residential streets whose speed limits would change as a result of the town's recent traffic study will be prepared and disseminated to the neighborhoods this month, as well as copies of the traffic studies; the council will then invite affected neighborhoods to discuss the proposed changes at its Oct. 6 work session. Ludwig Kurz suggested clarifying information about the Frontage Roads, which would require review and action by'the Colorado Department of Transportation rather than the Town of Vail, due to jurisdiction issues. Bob Armour clarified that Vail's proposed version of the Model Traffic Code should continue to allow rollerblades, bicycles and other wheeled vehicles on Vail's streets and roads. For more information, contact Greg Hall, town engineer, at 479-2160. --Wheeled Vehicles in Village and Lionshead Pedestrian Areas After a brief discussion, the Council directed Police Chief Greg Morrison to explore the concept of dismount zones within the commercial core areas of Vail Village and Lionshead. At issue is who might be regulated (bicyclists, rollerbladers and/or skateboarders); what geographic areas are to be considered; and what businesses would be impacted. Michael Arnett cautioned that such a policy would require a balance in not only making the villages safe for pedestrians, but also allowing viability and accessibility to the shops that rent bicycles and rollerblades. Sybill Navas asked that Morrison evaluate the possibility of banning wheeled vehicles from stairwells, while Ludwig Kurz said it will be important to evaluate the impacts of potentially shifting problems to other geographic areas. Bob Armour, who serves as president of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, has been gathering information from other areas. He said Steamboat Springs, (more) Add 2/TOV Council Highlights/9-8-98 Telluride, Aspen and Beaver Creek all have dismount zones. Although not a new topic, the issue was resurrected recently when several merchants expressed concerns about possible abuses by skateboarders at the newly constructed Seibert Circle. Morrison said he'd bring the topic back to Council for discussion at the Oct. 27 work session. For more information, contact Morrison at 479-2209. --Council Reports Sybill Navas, who just returned from a town -sponsored Sister Cities trip to Mt. Buller, Australia, said she would present a detailed report at an upcoming meeting. Michael Jewett inquired about the Council voice -mail system and confirmed that an option to deliver constituent messages to all seven council members at once is now in place (although seamless to the public, there is a delay in delivery of these messages as they are being forwarded by a staff member until the town upgrades its phone system). Also, Jewett shared a consistent request to set aside several parking spaces in the town -owned lot near the hospital to be used for short-term parking for those accessing the hospital's drug store. The lot is currently designated for use by employees of the library. Council has previously asked staff to review parking requirements and other agreements surrounding the hospital complex. In addition, Jewett suggested finding an alternate meeting space for the Sept. 15 discussion on Common Ground, noting that as many as 150 people are expected to attend the evening Council meeting. The occupancy load for the Vail Council Chambers is 220. Ludwig Kurz, who represents the town on the Channel 5 Board of Directors, invited fellow Councilmembers to tour the Channel 5 facilities. A tour date will be arranged. --Other Sybill Navas echoed Kevin Foley's earlier comment about the need to replace the tot lot in Lionshead. On behalf of a constituent, Michael Jewett clarified that Town of Vail sales taxes apply to residents who lease vehicles. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS September 15 Work Session Joint TC/VRD Work Session PEC Review Discussion of Dotsero-to-Vail Bus Route Multi -Family GRFA Discussion Second Quarter Financial Report Review of Approved Plan for Vail Chapel September 15 Evening Meeting First Reading, Supplemental Budget Ordinance Common Ground Presentation, RE: Alternative Housing Suggestions Rails and Trails in the Eagle and Vail Valley by M.K. Centennial September 22 Work Session DRB Review Demonstration of New Web Site Link for Second Homeowners Contribution Requests Along with Discussion of Business License Fee Presentation by Community for Our Kids Future Site Visit and Appeal of PEC Decision/G. Amsden, Timber Falls Checkpoint Charlie Design Update WORK SESSION MINUTES • Tuesday, September 8, 1998 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 September 8, 1998. All members were present with the exception of Kevin Foley. 1. Item No. 4, 1998 and 1999 parking program discussion. Council was asked to review recommendations proposed during the previous June 16, 1998, Town Council work session to update successes and not -so -successful programs from 97-98 ski season parking. That report found that: 1) parking transactions were up; 2) sales tax revenue was up; 3) parking revenue was down; 4) the parking revenue that needed to be subsidized was approximately $300,000; and 5) the decision was made to defer discussion of summer parking rates. The staff recommendation which included 1) improve the $1.00 increase in the parking rate schedule; 2) approve "Free After Three" program; 3) approve valet parking program; 4) approve the Gold, Blue and Value Pass program with restricted dates for the pass program excluding the Gold Pass are effective from January 4, 1999, to February 15, 1999; and 5) defer discussion of summer parking rates. Motion was made . by Ludwig Kurz, with a second from Sybill Navas to approve staff recommendations. A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-1, with Mike Jewett voting in opposition. E TOWN OF VAIL [y �75 South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-479-2157 TM MEDIA ADVISORY September 9, 1998 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR SEPTEMBER 8 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Site Visit Regarding Model Traffic Code Councilmembers boarded a bus and toured several neighborhood streets to experience new speed limits proposed in the Model Traffic Code. The Police and Public Works departments have recommended decreasing the speed limit from the Model Traffic Code on numerous residential streets, based on results of a traffic study. The Model Traffic Code, revised by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 1995, provides a residential speed limit of 30 mph. • To lower the 30 mph speed limit requirement, the Code requires that speed studies be conducted to justify reduced speed limits. Traffic studies reflect what 85% of those surveyed travel at on selected roadways within the town (as opposed to the actual "posted" speed). Yesterday's site visit included the Frontage Roads (currently under the auspices of the Colorado Department of Transportation), West Gore Drive in Matterhorn (posted at 15 mph/with 85% driving 20 mph), Chamonix (posted at 25 mph with a reduction to 15 mph on the down side of Arosa with 85% driving 26 mph); Main Gore Drive in East Vail (posted at 15 mph with 85% driving between 23 and 24 mph); and Meadow Drive (posted at 15 mph with 85% driving at 26 mph). Additionally, stop signs, trees and foliage on town right-of-way that obscures pedestrians and other traffic,, among other items, were discussed. The Town of Minturn's "clear sight ordinance" was discussed, although the town would have the ability to remove vegetation where necessary through adoption of the newest Model Traffic Code. (See following page for additional details). --Site Visit and Appeal of a Design Review Board Decision Denying a Request to Construct a Detached Accessory Storage Unit Adjacent to a Duplex at 5064 Black Gore Creek Drive In preparation for the appeal noted above, the Council toured the site and later voted 6-0 to table the issue to the Sept. 22 meeting at the request of the applicant. --DRB Review Questions from the recent Design Review Board meeting included a clarification on the Vail Interfaith Chapel's application for a new building addition. Because the proposal encroaches on the town's streamtract, the Town Council will be required to vote on the development plan. That action is scheduled for Sept. 15. The Council also inquired about conditional approval of a new entry addition to the Vail Village Club, which requires additional screening of existing mechanical equipment. (more) ��� RECYCLED PAPER Add 1/TOV Council Highlights/9-8-98 - 1998-1999 Parking Program Discussion The Council voted 5-1 (Jewett against) to approve the following parking policies for the 1998-99 ski season: • Daily parking rates will be increased incrementally by $1 beginning at the 3-hour mark with a fee of $15 for a 24-hour period, up from $14 last season. Daily parking rates haven't been raised in four or five years. The estimated $150,000 in increased revenue will be used to offset other parking subsidy programs. • "Park Free after Three" will continue for another season. Prices for the Gold ($1,100), Blue ($525) and Debit ($5 per enter/exit) cards will remain unchanged. Parking in the Village structure for Blue and Debit card holders will be restricted from approximately Jan. 4 to Feb. 15 due to use of the parking structure's top deck for the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. Card holders will have unlimited access to the Lionshead parking structure all season long. • Valet parking at the Golden Peak base area will continue to be operated by a private vendor. During discussion yesterday, Ludwig Kurz and Rob Ford each expressed disappointment at the lack of promotion of the "Free After 3" program by the business community last season. They encouraged merchants and restaurants to increase those efforts this season. Bob Armour reiterated his opposition to the "free after 3" parking program, noting that sales tax collections in the commercial core areas last season didn't cover the free parking losses. Instead, Armour said he would support a "Drive After 5" concept. Sybill Navas countered Armour's reaction, saying she considered an increase in parking transactions to be a success for the town. Navas also suggested consideration of allowing debit card holders to park inside the Village parking structure (rather than on the top deck) during the Ski Championships. Michael Jewett said he couldn't support the parking policies, saying the $1 increase in the daily fees beyond the three hour mark went too far. Also yesterday, Jack Curtin of Curtin Hill Sports asked for additional flexibility during the proposed six -week closure of the top deck of the Village parking structure. For more information, contact Larry Grafei, public works/transportation director, at 479-2173. --Discussion of Model Traffic Code In a continuing discussion of the Model Traffic Code (see site visit description above), councilmembers approved the following schedule: a list of residential streets whose speed limits would change as a result of the town's recent traffic study will be prepared and disseminated to the neighborhoods this month, as well as copies of the traffic studies; the council will then invite affected neighborhoods to discuss the proposed changes at its Oct. 6 work session. Ludwig Kurz suggested clarifying information about the Frontage Roads, which would require review' and action by the Colorado Department of Transportation rather than the Town of Vail, due to jurisdiction issues. Bob Armour clarified that Vail's proposed version of the Model Traffic Code should continue to allow rollerblades, bicycles and other wheeled vehicles on Vail's streets and roads. For more information, contact Greg Hall, town engineer, at 479-2160. --Wheeled Vehicles in Village and Lionshead Pedestrian Areas After a brief discussion, the Council directed Police Chief Greg Morrison to explore the concept of dismount zones within the commercial core areas of Vail Village and Lionshead. At issue is who might be regulated (bicyclists, rollerbladers and/or skateboarders); what geographic areas are to be considered; and what businesses would be impacted. Michael Arnett cautioned that such a policy would require a balance in not only making the villages safe for pedestrians, but also allowing viability and accessibility to the shops that rent bicycles and rollerblades. Sybill Navas asked that Morrison evaluate the possibility of banning wheeled vehicles from stairwells, while Ludwig Kurz said it will be important to evaluate the impacts of potentially shifting problems to other geographic areas. Bob Armour, who serves as president of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, has been gathering information from other areas. He said Steamboat Springs, (more) Add 2/TOV Council Highlights/9-8-98 . Telluride, Aspen and Beaver Creek all have dismount zones. Although not a new topic, the issue was resurrected recently when several merchants expressed concerns about possible abuses by skateboarders at the newly constructed Seibert Circle. Morrison said he'd bring the topic back to Council for discussion at the Oct. 27 work session. For more information, contact Morrison at 479-2209. --Council Reports Sybill Navas, who just returned from a town -sponsored Sister Cities trip to Mt. Buller, Australia, said she would present a detailed report at an upcoming meeting. Michael Jewett inquired about the Council voice -mail system and confirmed that an option to deliver constituent messages to all seven council members at once is now in place (although seamless to the public, there is a delay in delivery of these messages as they are being forwarded by a staff member until the town upgrades its phone system). Also, Jewett shared a consistent request to set aside several parking spaces in the town -owned lot near the hospital to be used for short-term parking for those accessing the hospital's drug store. The lot is currently designated for use by employees of the library. Council has previously asked staff to review parking requirements and other agreements surrounding the hospital complex. In addition, Jewett suggested finding an alternate meeting space for the Sept. 15 discussion on Common Ground, noting that as many as 150 people are expected to attend the evening Council meeting. The occupancy load for the Vail Council Chambers is 220. Ludwig Kurz, who represents the town on the Channel 5 Board of Directors, invited fellow Councilmembers to tour the Channel 5 facilities. A tour date will be arranged. --Other Sybill Navas echoed Kevin Foley's earlier comment about the need to replace the tot lot in Lionshead. On behalf of a constituent, Michael Jewett clarified that Town of Vail sales taxes apply to residents who lease vehicles. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS September 15 Work Session Joint TC/VRD Work Session PEC Review Discussion of Dotsero-to-Vail Bus Route Multi -Family GRFA Discussion Second Quarter Financial Report Review of Approved Plan for Vail Chapel September 15 Evening Meeting First Reading, Supplemental Budget Ordinance Common Ground Presentation, RE: Alternative Housing Suggestions Rails and Trails in the Eagle and Vail Valley by M.K. Centennial September 22 Work Session DRB Review Demonstration of New Web Site Link for Second Homeowners Contribution Requests Along with Discussion of Business License Fee Presentation by Community for Our Kids Future Site Visit and Appeal of PEC Decision/G. Amsden, Timber Falls Checkpoint Charlie Design Update