HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-27 Town Council Minutes1,
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1998
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers on
Tuesday, October 6, 1998. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Ford, Mayor
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro-Tem
Bob Armour
Michael Arnett
Kevin Foley
Michael Jewett
Sybil] Navas
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Tom Stone, a candidate for Eagle
County Commissioner, introduced himself to the Council and explained that he is running in this
November's election.
Council member Mike Jewett asked him what the hot topics on the agenda were for Eagle
County.
• Tom Stone stated the common thread and a hot topic is affordable housing. There are more
and more Eagle County workers living outside of Eagle County and last year more than 40
teachers left Eagle County schools due to lack of housing. He has been a real estate broker for
many years and feels his background allows him to understand growth issues.
Mayor Rob Ford thanked him for coming in and wished him good luck.
The second item on the agenda was the consent agenda approving the Minutes from the
meetings of September 1 and 15, 1998.
Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve the minutes from the meetings of
September 1 and 15, 1998, the motion was seconded by Council member Ludwig Kurz. A vote
was taken and passed with unanimous approval, 7-0.
The third item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 14, Series of 1998, Making
Supplemental Appropriations from the Town of Vail General Fund, Heavy Equipment Fund,
Parking Structure Fund, Housing Fund; Capital Projects Fund, Debt Service Fund, Booth Creek
Debt Service Fund, and Facility Maintenance Fund, of the 1998 Budget and the Financial Plan
for the Town of Vail, Colorado; and Authorizing the Expenditures of Said Appropriations as Set
Forth Herein, and Setting Forth Details in Regard Thereto.
1 Vail Council Meeting Minutes October B, 1998
Steve Thompson, Finance Director, explained there was one additional change to the
supplemental. The staff added an additional $5,000 to be taken out of the housing fund to
rectify the noise issue at Vail Commons and City Market.
Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on second reading, Ordinance No. 14,
Series of 1998, the motion was seconded by Council member Sybill Navas. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The fourth item on the agenda was Proclamation No. 8, Series of 1998, proclaiming October 4-
10, 1998, "Fire Prevention Week."
Dick Duran, Fire Chief, gave a brief explanation on how fire prevention week was started back
in 1871 when the great fire of Chicago broke out on October 8, 1871. The fire department staff
has done presentations in the local schools this week.
Mayor Rob Ford read the proclamation for fire prevention week.
Council member Sybill Navas made a motion to approve Proclamation No. 8, Series of 1998,
the motion was seconded by Council member Ludwig Kurz. A vote was taken and the motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
The fifth item on the agenda was a discussion of the Vail First Request Re: Business License
Fee.
Mayor Rob Ford explained that there have been several presentations to Council in the past
It few weeks regarding this issue and invited community members who haven't had a chance to
speak about this issue to do so at this time. He requested the speakers keep their discussion
to the current issue. He explained that Vail First has requested most of the Vail business
license fees currently collected and funded to the regional marketing efforts of the Vail Valley
Marketing Board (WMB) and the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau (VVTCB), be
transferred to the Vail First group for exclusive marketing of Vail only.
Mayor Ford expressed that there was a need to find a win -win solution to both sides of this
issue and that there needs to be a compromise to make this happen.
Jonathan Staufer handed out to Council and read out loud, a letter that his father, Josef
Staufer, wrote to Council regarding this issue. Joe Staufer's letter stated that he is in favor of
regional marketing, however, he feels most of the business license fees should stay in Vail and
said there is $75,000 in the Vail First budget to be funded to the WMB. Joe stated that through
the VVTCB there were extra incentives to their staff to make bookings down valley versus in the
Town of Vail. He said this is not helping the town's sales tax revenues or helping to have
guests stay in Vail. He expressed that the Vail First group is not against regional marketing, but
that they want the rest of the valley to pay their fair share of marketing costs.
Ross Boyle, chairman of the Vail Valley Marketing Board, stated that 65%-75% of lodging
dollars in the past few years have gone directly to Vail, and not down valley. The marketing
board's view is it would not be fair to say that the majority of the dollars do not come to Vail. He
0 2 Vail Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 1998
explained that without full funding from the Town, there will not be adequate regional marketing
in 1999 because other entities would also reduce their marketing dollars. He stated that this is
a fact not a threat. If Vail reduces their funding dollars, the Town of Avon and Beaver Creek
would also reduce their funding.
Ross also said he feels the sales tax revenues are flat because local people are moving down
valley and their dollars are going to down valley businesses. He also stated that failure to fund
regional marketing now, we will see a reduction of 3%-5% in future sales tax revenues. He
requested that Vail fund the marketing board for the next two years until a lodging tax issue can
go to a vote and use those fees for marketing. Ross explained that all the members of the
marketing board are volunteers who work very hard to get the most bang for the buck.
Council member Mike Jewett asked Ross if the marketing issue went to a vote, wouldn't the
Edwards businesses have to put money into the marketing fund.
Ross reiterated that this is a lodging tax only, only lodges would be taxed and those funds used
for marketing.
Council member Mike Jewett asked wouldn't it be fair if the businesses down valley were to
start to contribute now.
Ross Boyle explained that in the past, some of the businesses have contributed funds but they
have been small amounts. He'stated the amount of time and effort spent conducting
presentations and requesting funding from entities is substantial and to do so in unincorporated
• areas would not be worth the time and effort at this point. He said the Edwards area is now
taking business away from Avon as well as Vail, as Avon was taking business away from Vail in
the past. This dynamic has been happening for years.
Pat Peeples, representing the Vail Valley Marketing Board, thanked the Council for their
patience in this process. She said, in all due respect to Joe Staufer, there has been continuity
in the VVMB since 1989. The marketing board is made up of members from every facet of
business in the valley and there is tremendous momentum at this time. She stated there are
two concerns, and the financial concerns drive the philosophical concerns. She said It would
be a shame to dismantle a great process that works and also said the volunteers do a great job.
Frank Johnson, VVTCB President, clarified the incentive program at the Visitor's Center which
Joe Staufer mentioned in his letter was old information from 1995 and that this practice is no
longer in place. He explained that all the properties in the valley are weighted according to
degrees of difficulty of rental. He said the VVTC13 doesn't require employees to book down
valley first.
Steve Rosenthal, business owner and Vail First member, stated they are for regional marketing,
and that Vail First is only doing what other businesses do when there is change, and that is to
change with the times. He said any good business looks ahead to foresee obstacles and they
want to promote Vail. He broke down the costs of what could be returned to the VVMB and
VVTCB and taken out of the $300,000 plus budget of the business license fees. He doesn't
3 Vail Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 1998
want the regional marketing board to go away, Vail First is just wanting more focus in Vail
because expansion of the valley westward is making the businesses in Vail suffer.
Beth Slifer, Slifer Designs business owner, stated this is an opportunity to appoint one or two
members of the Council to the marketing board. She doesn't feel there has been enough
information sharing among all the parties involved. She also said that not every business in
Vail is suffering. The Squash Blossom had a great summer, in spite of the construction this
summer. She stated the reason for their success is in how they changed their product to be
oriented to the guests and not the local market.
Kaye Ferry, Vail First member and business owner, stated all of the questions and arguments
which have been raised are incidental. She said the fact is this is the third year that this issue
has been addressed and nothing has changed to date, and unless the Council quits funding the
marketing board, they will not find other permanent ways to get funding.
Bob Fritch, owner of the Sitzmark Lodge, has nine retail tenants in the Sitzmark and has
concerns for his tenants. He is in support of a lodging tax to go entirely to marketing. Vail is
oriented to tourism and if Vail were to pull out funds from advertising, it would hurt the whole
valley. He reiterated that when the business license fee was implemented it was stated it would
be for marketing.
Rod Slifer, business owner and board member of the VVi'CB, explained that through the years
it was important that the whole valley pull their resources and not be separated and feels this
needs to continue. He said equity is an issue but if we all keep working on it, this will get better.
Herman Staufer, business owner, is in support of the Vail First group. If everyone down valley
brought in money like Vail does, this item wouldn't be an issue. He wants to see the down
valley businesses pay their share so it would be more equitable. He also said Vail sales taxes
are flat and the only way to change it is to market Vail. He suggested that other areas in the
County have a business license fee to help with marketing costs.
Mayor Rob Ford stated it has become apparent that there are two issues. One is funding
marketing efforts of the VVMBIVVTCB and Vail First and should the funding come from the
summer marketing program. He said Vail should be able to support both marketing areas and
wants everyone to work together so money is not taken from programs that are already
successful.
Council member Sybill Navas explained the marketing board members are made up of the best
qualified members regardless of where people lived or worked in the valley. She said as a
business owner in Vail for the past 24 years, there has been a positive impact to the businesses
since the marketing board has been in existence. She feels the marketing board is a very
effective tool and would hate to see it dismantled. She agreed with the Mayor that both funding
areas are worthy but doesn't know how they can both be funded this year.
Council member Bob Armour said the use of the business license fee is working, and feels the
valley needs a cohesive marketing program. He stated that in 1993 Colorado lead the nation
as a destination area, however, after state funding was cut, it dropped to 17th in the nation. He
0 4 Vail Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 1998
also said isolation and/or protectionism is not the direction to go. The state legislature passed a
bill approving a lodging tax and will go to a vote in Eagle County in 1999. The reduction of the
Vail marketing dollars would greatly diminish our power to market Vail and the rest of the valley.
Bob wants more special events to occur in Vail and wants more return for Vail's dollar.
Council member Mike Arnett, explained he is in favor of valley wide marketing and for
marketing Vail too. He had a question about the legality of using Vail funds for down valley
marketing. He went through the funding costs and found the difference between the two
groups was approximately $126,000. He is willing to look for ways to fund Vail First and the
VVMBIVVTCB.
Council member Mike Jewett stated the bottom line is the funding needs to come back to Vail.
He feels there needs to be a compromise and leans towards funding the Vail First group. He
said he wants other entities to contribute more funds from down valley.
Council member Ludwig Kurz, stated the points Bob Armour made reflect his thoughts. The
Council needs to address both entities but if there is no way to fund both, he would vote to
continue funding the WMB and VVTCB. He feels the Council cannot negate the work that has
happened in the past ten years. He is concerned about some of the statements made tonight
were false statements and accusations. He said it is difficult at this stage to commit it to the
Vail First group when Council does not have detailed budgets, marketing plans, and business
plans from Vail First to review. Who will administer the funds? The successful track record of
the regional marketing program, if fragmented, would have negative consequences for Vail in
the future.
Kaye Ferry reiterated that $75,000 would go back to the VVMBIVVTCB, plus other funds that
the Council gives to WMB and VVTCB could still go to them, however she said the difference
of $126,000 should be collected from other entities down valley.
Council member Kevin Foley stated this is a difficult decision because all interested parties are
interested in the good of the Vail valley. He also supported trying to find funding for both
entities. He also said the big special events this summer brought in lots of guests who stayed
throughout the valley.
Mayor Rob Ford asked what the Council what they wanted to do now, vote or table to allow for
more discussion and possible solutions. He said the Council would work something out by
November 1, 1998.
Council member Bob Armour stated his concern is money. He asked how do we fund two
marketing programs when we don't have the money. He wants to keep bringing people to the
valley. He is concerned that merchants from the West Vail area may not benefit from the Vail
First proposal. How do they benefit from special events held in the Village?
Mayor Rob Ford asked Bob McLaurin, Town Manager, if this item was to be voted on.
Bob McLaurin said the Council should make a decision. This funding is for the 1999 budget
starting January 1, 1999.
6 5 Vail Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 1998
Council member Sybill Navas said her concern is if we don't fund regionally, how will we sustain
the tourism trade. She is concerned that if the regional marketing board is not effective,
01 Beaver Creek will market themselves, and Beaver Creek has deeper funding pockets.
Mayor Rob Ford said that during this discussion the $300,000-$400,000 funding of the Free
After Three program has not been mentioned,
Council member Mike Arnett said it's important to bring some funds back to Vail, specifically for
Vail. Mike reviewed the budget line items again. The difference is approximately $126,000.
Council member Mike Jewett asked for a break. A short break was taken.
Mayor Rob Ford resumed the meeting.
Council member Mike Arnett made a motion to table this item. He wants to find a win -win
solution. The motion was seconded by Kevin Foley with the provision that it is brought up
during the budget talks.
Council member Mike Jewett said the Vail First group and the VVTCB and VVMB need to come
up with solutions to resolve the issues too.
Mayor Rob Ford stated a decision will be made by the first of November.
Council member Mike Arnett clarified the motion to table this item with the conditions that it be
resolved by November 1, 1998 and that this item is discussed during budget talks. The motion
was seconded by Council member Kevin Foley.
Council member Bob Armour said he wanted them to "show me the money" of where funds
would be coming from and didn't want to postpone the decision. Council member Sybill Navas
stated she was willing to vote tonight to fund the regional marketing board and agreed with Bob
Armour about not wanting to postpone the decision.
A vote was taken and the motion to table was passed, 4-3, with Council members Ludwig Kurz,
Sybill Navas and Bob Armour against.
The sixth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
Ski Club Vail has approached the Town with a request to allow them to upgrade the shoulder of
Vail Valley Drive between Gold Peak and their facility, and to use this facility for loading and
unloading. The current ordinance prohibits parking and loading in this area. The proposal has
been reviewed by the Development Review Team (DRT) and they feel this loading area would
create additional congestion and cause delays with the bus service in the area.
9 6 Vail Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 1998
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•
Council member Kevin Foley requested staff bring this issue before Council to be reviewed and
considered.
As there was no further business, a motion was made by Council member Mike Arnett to
adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Council member Kevin Foley. A vote was taken and
the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at,,8,:50 p.m.
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Orel I Donaldson
Town Clerk
Respe y submitted,
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Rob Ford
Mayor
7 Vail Town Council Minutes October B, 1998
4JOWN OF VAIL [3/
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado ,81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
October 7, 1998
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR OCTOBER 6
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Site Visit of Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau
In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council toured the offices of the VVTCB to learn
about the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as its coordination role in the areas
of special events and the Vail Valley Marketing Board.
--Site Visit and Appeal of PEC Decision re: Timber Falls
Following a site visit and public testimony, the Council voted 5-2 (Arnett and Jewett against) to
uphold a decision of the Planning and Environmental Commission which denied a request for an
amendment to a previously approved development plan for the Timber Fails development at
4469 Timber Falls Court. In voting to uphold the PEC decision, the five Councilmembers found
the proposed development plan was a substantial departure from a development plan approved
by the PEC earlier this year due to an increase in site coverage, which Councilmembers said
would have the potential to cause a detrimental effect to the site and surrounding uses. The
applicant, Greg Amsden, had sought approval to construct two single family units plus one
duplex structure (4 dwelling units) on the property, while the previously approved development
plan had proposed the construction of one multi -family structure with six dwelling units. For
more information, contact Dominic.Mauriello in the Community Development Department at
479-2148.
--Update of Checkpoint Charlie Upgrades
Nancy Sweeney, administrator of the town's Art in Public Places (AIPP) program,
provided an update on AIPP's involvement in a temporary upgrade at "Checkpoint Charlie," the
booth used to monitor vehicle access to Vail Village at the intersection of Vail Valley Dr. and
Willow Rd. near the Lodge at Vail. AIPP held a local competition that attracted proposals from
four artists, according to Sweeney. The winning design proposes a decorative finish with a
Swiss architecture theme, including bi-fold shutters. The proposal will be presented to the
Design Review Board this week for final approval. If approved, the work will begin in two weeks.
Eventually, Sweeney said the town intends to replace Checkpoint Charlie with a new structure.
For more information, contact Sweeney at 479-2344.
--Lionshead Master Plan Review
The Council reviewed and approved a schedule for completion and final review of the Lionshead
aRedevelopment Master Plan. The schedule calls for the draft plan to be distributed during a joint
meeting of the Town Council and Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) on Oct. 20
with opportunities for the public, Council, PEC and Design Review Board to review and comment
(more)
C�� RECYCLEPPAPER
Add 1/TOV Council Highlights/10-6-98
on the plan during October and November. Final consideration of the plan by the Town Council •
is tentatively scheduled to occur at the Nov. 17 evening meeting. For details, contact Dominic
Maurielio in the Community Development Department at 479-2148.
--Preliminary Draft of 1999-2000 Biennial Budget
Town Manager Bob McLaurin presented an overview of the budgeting process for the 1999-
2000 biennial budget and described a different approach than what's been done in the past.
Rather than hammer out a balanced budget with department directors behind the scenes, the
Council will play a hands-on role in reviewing the full budget requests from departments before
any significant decisions are made. As it stands currently, operational requests for 1999 are
$400,000 more than projected revenues for the year. And a 10-year financial projection for the
town's general fund, developed by McLaurin and Finance Director Steve Thompson, shows a
continued pattern of sluggish revenues unable to meet growing expenses. The problem is
exacerbated in the year 2001 when operating costs for new West Vail fire station are included
in the model. While not an immediate crisis, McLaurin said the problem, described as a "worst -
case scenario," must be dealt with now so as not to jeopardize the town's future financial health.
McLaurin cited two factors which have contributed to the increase in operating costs: 1) the
valley's labor shortage which has caused wages to increase; and 2) service level increases
caused by the addition of more bike paths, additional landscaping areas, more,street lights,
additional bus routes, etc. McLaurin offered two alternative strategies for dealing with the issue:
reducing operating costs and/or increasing revenues. Councilmembers expressed interest in
exploring both strategies. Those discussions will begin next Tuesday at 9 a.m. during a Council
budget workshop. Councilman Bob Armour was first to offer comments yesterday. Sooner or
later, he said the town will have to consider an increase in its property taxes to maintain the
character and quality of the town. Armour suggested exploring the possibility of a tax increase to
fund a West Vail fire station and a replacement station for the Main Vail fire station. He also
cited the impact of the Council's affordable housing initiative and the "Park Free After 3" program
on the budget. Armour said he couldn't support a reallocation of the Real Estate Transfer Tax
(RETT) for expanded uses. However, a reallocation of a portion of the capital projects fund into
the general operating fund could have some merit, he said. Councilmember Sybill Navas said
she feared a reduction in service levels would have a negative impact on sales tax collections.
She also said she would be opposed to using any of the town's fund balances for general
operating support., Putting the Vail library on its own mill levy also was suggested as a
possibility, as well as soliciting private sector bids for selected TOV services. Councilman
Michael Jewett suggested expanding the town's 5-year capital improvements plan to a 10-year
model. He also expressed surprise that a $5 million West Vail fire station had been added to the
capital improvements list, rather than a two -station scenario discussed in July. In addition,
Jewett said he would be opposed to any form of tax increase. Councilman Kevin Foley
suggested a review of departmental spending for the past three years to identify which services
are growing. Councilman Ludwig Kurz said he would prefer a focus on increasing efficiencies
rather than service reductions. Kurz also said it may be time to look at a potential mill levy
increase, as well as exploring an expanded use of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition to
driving down the cost of doing business, Councilman Michael Arnett said he favored exploring
new revenue sources, including a mechanism to claim sales taxes from enterprises on Vail
Mountain. Arnett's suggestion was echoed by comments from Foley and Kurz. For more a copy
of McLaurin's presentation materials released yesterday, call 479-2115.
--Council Reports
Kevin Foley said the next Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority meeting would be
held in Basalt. •
Ludwig Kurz announced that the Vail Valley Arts Council has a new president.
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Add 21TOV Council Highlights/10-6-98
• Sybill Navas said the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments has hired a new executive
director who specializes in facilitation and advocacy. Also, Navas said grassroots discussions
have been resurrected regarding Vail's community facilities needs.
Bob Armour attended a Vail 99 Celebration Committee meeting. He said the events and venues
are coming together nicely.
--Other
Michael Arnett said he enjoyed Friday's Seibert Circle street party. He complimented those who
helped to organize it.
Upon hearing that the town will not be able to initiate construction of new housing at the A -frame
site on Arosa Dr. this fall (and will rent the housing for another season), Bob Armour suggested
the town check on the building's pipes in case they've been drained.
Sybill Navas asked for help from the Vail 99 Organizing Committee to incorporate dedication of a
sister cities sculpture from Mt. Buller within the championship's schedule of events.
Bob Armour inquired.about the status of a letter he'd suggested regarding the town's position on
use of the Eagle County landfill for dumping construction waste hauled in by businesses from
outside Eagle County.
Michael Jewett asked to receive a drawing of the proposed 1-70 Main Vail roundabout bypass
leg. The town is currently awaiting approval from the Federal Highway Administration. Jewett
• also asked for a break-out of costs associated with Common Ground and Vail Tomorrow, and
asked that copies of presentation materials from the site visit at the Vail Valley Tourism &
Convention Bureau offices be made available for the public at the evening meeting. In addition,
Jewett asked that an approach be established by the town that would enable public disclosure of
executive sessions to be more descriptive to prevent public officials from straying from the
subject, He also asked for consideration of a process to disclose details of negotiations and
other executive session -type discussions, such as land purchases, once the proprietary nature
of the discussions is no longer needed. Jewett said this would create an ability for the town to
be more up -front with the public.
Kevin Foley inquired about the status of the East Vail chain -up station lights (they're undergoing
a 10-day test period), the status of the horse stables (owner is negotiating to sell the franchise)
and shared positive feedback he's had regarding the town's community newsletter. He also
noted that a guardrail requested by Michael Jewett on behalf of a constituent had been installed
along the Frontage Road by the Cascade Club.
However, Michael Jewett said the guardrail had been installed in the wrong place. Jewett asked
the town to send a letter to the Colorado Department of Transportation encouraging CDOT to
authorize widening the shoulder of the road near the "Ruins" so the guardrail can be extended to
prevent cars from sliding off into the creek.
In reference to concerns expressed by Diana Donovan about the town's interest in selling its
Ptarmigan property acquired through the recent land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service,
Kevin Foley said he supports the town's position. The town is attempting to sell development
rights on the property to adjacent property owners, which in turn would be conveyed to the Eagle
. Valley Land Trust to protect the property as open space.
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Add 3/TOV Council Highlights/10-6-98
Evening Session Briefs .
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
Tom Stone, the Republican candidate for Eagle County. Commissioner, introduced himself to the
Council and the television audience. In response to a question posed by Councilman Michael
Jewett, Stone identified housing as one of the top issues of the three-way race. Stone said he
supports creating reasonable opportunities for people to own a home in Eagle County.
--Supplemental Appropriation -
The Council voted 7-0 on second reading to approve an ordinance supplementing the 1998
budget by $2 million. The appropriation represents projects previously approved by Council (but
not yet funded) and expenditures reimbursed by other agencies, such as the Dotsero-to-Vail bus
route. For more information, contact Finance Director Steve Thompson at 479-2116.
--Mayoral Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10
The Council voted 7-0 to approve a mayoral proclamation in recognition of Fire Prevention
Week, Oct. 4-10. Vail Fire Chief Dick Duran said the national recognition originated from the
Chicago fire of 1871. His staff has been presenting fire prevention programs in the local schools
all week.
--Discussion of Vail First Request: Business License Fee
After hearing testimony on both sides of the issue, the Council voted 4-3 (Navas, Armour, Kurz)
to table a decision on a request by the Vail 1 st merchant group to redirect most of the town's
$300,000 annual business license fee collections away from regional summer marketing and •
used instead for a Vail -focused marketing campaign. The 1999 budget request was tabled after
most Councilmembers agreed that efforts should be made to try to accommodate funding
requests from both groups --the Vail Valley Marketing Board and Vail 1st --with a "win -win"
decision made no later than Nov. 1. After reviewing the requests, Councilman Michael Arnett
said the shortfall between the two requests is about $126,000. Given the town's projected
budget shortfall, however (see work session briefs), Councilman Bob Armour expressed
concerns about finding additional funds to support the two efforts. Armour also expressed
concern that merchants in West Vail might not benefit from the Vail 1st proposal. But Mayor
Rob Ford and Councilmembers Kevin Foley, Michael Jewett and Michael Arnett voted to table
the issue to allow time for additional compromises to be reached between the two groups.
Councilmembers Ludwig Kurz and Sybill Navas each stressed the successful track record of the
10-year-old regional marketing program and expressed concerns that a fragmentation of the
program would have negative consequences for future summer business in Vail. Earlier in the
evening, the Council heard from 11 citizens, including Vail Valley Marketing Board Chairman
Ross Boyle, who said a reduction in funding by Vail would trigger fair share reductions by the
other funding partners, eventually putting the voluntary board out of business. Boyle asked for
funding support from the Town of Vail for two more years while the group works on a campaign
to approve a 1.5 percent lodging tax from Vail to Edwards to be used for regional marketing.
Those speaking in support of the Vail 1st proposal yesterday, including merchants Jonathan
Staufer (who also spoke on behalf of his father, Joe) and Steve Rosenthal, said they fully
support regional marketing, but not with Vail business license fees. The two urged the
Marketing Board to collect contributions from Edwards, in particular, for increased equity.
(more) 0
Add 4/TOV Council Highlights/10.8-98
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
October 13 .Work Session --Meeting Starts at 9 a.m.
Budget Workshop
Joint Luncheon Meeting with PEC on Expectation for Reviewing Lionshead & SDDs
PEC/DRB Review
October 20 Work Session
AIPP Report of Recent Work an Mission, Vision, Values & Goals
Vail Village Inn Work Session
Update of'Building Codes
Appeal of DRB Decision by Patrick Padden
Discussion of Multi -Family GRFA Ordinance
Budget Workshop
October 20 Evening Meeting
First Reading, Ordinance re: Multi -Family GRFA
First Reading, Ordinance re: Bonds
Introduction of Lionshead Master Plan
•
•
WORK SESSION UTNT TTES
• Tuesday, October 6, 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 October 6, 1998. All members were present.
Item No. 2, Site Visit and Appeal of the PEC decision regarding Timber Falls. This was
an appeal of a Planning & Environmental Commission denial of a request for an
amendment to a previously approved development plan for the Timber Falls development
located at 4469 Timber Falls Court/unplatted. The applicant was RAD Five L.L.C.,
represented by Greg Amsden. Following the site visit and discussion by Council, as well
as input from Greg Amsden and Ron Riley, appellants, and surrounding neighbors, Bob
Armour moved to uphold the PEC's decision denying the applicant's request in
accordance with the staff memorandum. The following findings were noted:
1. That the standards and conditions imposed by the requirements of Title 12 (zoning
regulations) have not been met as they related to density on this property.
2. That the proposed development plan is a substantial departure from the approved
• development plan is a substantial departure from the approved development plan
(April 13, 1998) due to the increased site disturbance and building footprint,
which has a potential detrimental effect to the site and surrounding uses.
Kevin Foley seconded that motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-2, with
both Mike Arnett and Michael Jewett voting in opposition to that motion.
2. Item No. 9, Executive Session - Personnel Matters. Council moved to defer this item to
the 10113 work session meeting.
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