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