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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-06 Town Council Minutesr . VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1998 7:30 P.M. A regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held on Tuesday, January 6, 1998, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Vail Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT: Rob Ford, Mayor Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Armour Sybill Navas Michael Jewett Kevin Foley Mike Arnett Bob McLaurin, Town Manager Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. There was no citizen participation. The second item on the agenda was the consent agenda to approve the minutes from the . meetings of December 2 and 16, 1997. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve the minutes from the meetings of December 2 and 16, 1997, seconded by Councilmember Sybill Navas. A vote was taken, there was unanimous approval, 7-0. The third item on the agenda was the CARTS (Corridor Alliance for a Rapid Transit Solutions) presentation by Miller Hudson. Miller Hudson, representing CARTS (Corridor Alliance for a Rapid Transit Solutions), requested funds ($7,000) from the Town of Vail for CARTS. He gave a presentation of where, why and how CARTS was formed and what they are trying to accomplish. CARTS was initially formed in Clear Creek County and supports the concept of a rapid transit system along the 1-70 corridor instead of widening the current interstate. The group is in the process of raising $100,000 to set up a transit authority or some other governing agency to develop a transit solution in more detail. Miller stated that there were general public meetings held to obtain public support and now CARTS is going to several government agencies to request funds. Councilmember Ludwig Kurz asked if there was a breakdown on the budget for the $99,000 that is being requested. Miller stated $15,000 was earmarked for Colorado School of Mines students to help with the study, $2,000 month for his consulting fees and for administrative bills such as telephone bills, etc. . Several Council Members had concerns about the equity in the funding request. Clear Creek County's portion for this request was only $2,000. Councilmember Bob Armour asked if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is planned. He stated it may take 5 years to complete an EIS. Miller Hudson stated that an EIS may take 5-6 years away from putting any plan in action. Councilmember Bob Armour asked if this group had gone to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for funds. Miller Hudson stated he is open to doing that, but they hadn't approached CDOT at this time. Jim Mandel, representing Vail Resorts, stated the resort industry supports the concept of rapid transit, the industry hasn't fully embraced the efforts of CARTS at this time. There are concerns about cost, environmental impacts and there isn't enough information to act on at this time. Joe Macy, of Vail Associates, stated the importance of interim improvements for the 1-70 corridor. He said even if funds were available now, a rail solution is still 15-20 years away. The Council agreed to hold off in considering the funding proposal until the final MIS 1-70 corridor study is completed by the Colorado Department of Transportation. • Mayor Rob Ford thanked Miller Hudson for the presentation. The fourth item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 23, Series of 1997, amendment to the Town of Vail Police and Fire Employees' Pension Fund. Steve Thompson, Finance Director stated the amendments to the pension plan have little impact to participants. The only change that might impact participants, is the Town may refund accounts less than $3,500 if there has been a break in service for one year. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 23, Series of 1997 on second reading, it was seconded by Councilmember Kevin Foley. A vote was taken, there was unanimous approval, 7-0. The fifth item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 24, Series of 1997, amendment to the Town of Vail Employees' Pension Fund. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, stated the amendments to the pension plan have little impact to participants. The only change that might impact participants, is the Town may refund accounts less than $3,500 if there has been a break in service for one year. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 24, Series of 1997 on second reading, and was seconded by Councilmember Kevin Foley. A vote was taken, and there was unanimous approval, 7-0. 0 The sixth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 1, Series of 1998, a Resolution Designating a Public Place within the Town of Vail for the posting of notice for public meetings of the Vail Town Council, Planning and Environmental Commission, Design Review Board, and Other Boards, Commissions, and Authorities of the Town of Vail. Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager stated the resolution designates the bulletin board at the entrance to the Vail Municipal offices as the official public notice posting location within the Town. Councilmember Kevin Foley suggested posting the agendas at other locations throughout the Town. Councilmember Michael Arnett suggested posting the agenda notices on the Internet. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve Resolution No. 1, Series of 1998, and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Sybil Navas. A vote was taken, there was unanimous approval, 7-0. The seventh item on the agenda was Resolution No. 2, Series of 1998, a Resolution Adopting the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Town of Vail and Eagle River Water & Sanitation District. Tom Moorhead and Andy Knudtsen gave a report on the agreement. In November of 1997, the Council gave staff direction of what requirements were needed in the agreement. On December 9, 1997 in Executive Session, the Town Council gave direction to the Town Manager to finalize the reviewed draft and to execute the Agreement which has been entered into between Eagle River Water & Sanitation District and the Town of Vail. The agreement outlines a new partnership between the two entities to design and build between 17 and 22 locals housing units at Red Sandstone Creek. The Town of Vail will take the lead in the project in an effort to reduce costs by as much as 30% from the previous effort that was facilitated by the water district. Tom Moorhead stated the Town of Vail is bringing 25% of the land cost to this transaction. The allocation of units is based on amount of land brought together. The Town of Vail has more flexibility to keep costs down than the water district because of the Town of Vail's home rule status. The Town of Vail will have an opportunity to sell or lease six units to its "critical" employees such as firefighters, police officers, dispatchers and snowplow drivers. The water district will have the opportunity to sell or lease the balance of the development to its employees and/or the Town. Councilmember Mike Arnett made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2, Series of 1998, and was seconded by Councilmember Bob Armour. A vote was taken, there was unanimous approval, 7-0. The eighth item on the agenda was the Town Manager Report. Bob McLaurin, Town Manager invited the Council to the upcoming Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) meeting in Frisco. He said a discussion on affordable housing will be on the agenda. Andy Knudtsen, Town of Vail Housing Planner, will be on the panel. He also gave a report on the ridership of the Town buses over the peak holiday season from December 26 through January 4. Bus ridership was up 15% over last year's figures. There were 41,000 passengers carried on New Year's. The number of parking structure transactions were up 6.4 percent from last year. However, revenues were down more than 30 percent due to this season's expanded Park Free After 3 program. Bob stated he is hoping the revenues will be offset by increased sales tax collections. He may have to request a supplemental appropriation in the future. He also praised the Police, Fire and Public Works departments for their hard work during the holidays. Councilmember Kevin Foley had concerns about the scheduling and closing of the Library for renovation and remodel work. He is concerned that the closure will impact and create inconveniences around school schedules. Councilmember Bob Armour asked when the Vail Recreation District will have their election. He asked that information on the election be added to the Council's meeting minutes. As there was no further business, Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to adjourn, 40 Councilmember Sybil Navas seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. A' Lorelei Ponaldson Town Clerk • Respectf submitted, Robert E. Ford Mayor 7� WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, January 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 January 6, 1998. All members were present with the exception of Sybill Navas and Bob Armour. 1. Item No. 4, Vail Alpine Garden Foundation Funding Request. The Town has recently been invoiced by the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation for $15,000. Past pledges and escrowed money from RETT have made the decision to dispense funding somewhat grey because of the time frame of these pledges, e.g., 1994-1998. A discussion ensued based on information presented about conditions tied to each of the $10,000 per year grants from RETT to the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation. Ludwig Kurz moved, with a second from Kevin Foley, to approve $20,000 (on condition of a new billing) for the final phase of the rock garden; $10,000 to be held in escrow for the education center construction; with the final $15,000 to be invoiced later in the spring of 1998 for soft costs supporting the education center. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously 5-0. 2. Item No. 5, Information Update. Although Council members in a phone poll had approved 6-0-1 (Kevin Foley the only member not responding to the phone poll) to approve $600 from 1997 Council contingency funds to Jan and Rick Sackbauer to offset costs for their hosting of two Sister Cities exchange students from Mt. Buller, Australia, Pam Brandmeyer requested a formal motion be made and voted upon. Mike Arnett moved, with a second from Ludwig Kurz, to approve the $600. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously 5-0. At this time, Mike Jewett also requested in future phone polling requests that the request be made over the Town Council's collective voice mail so that everyone receives the same consistent message. 12/30/97 RETT *esignated Fund Balance 2/31/97 The Town Council has approved a RETT expenditure as a "pledge" for the Vail Alpine Gardens for several years. When (and io the Alpine Garden organization fulfills their requirements for expansion in Ford Park, the Town will pay out the pledges. Pam Brandmeyer has the requirements in her office. In the meantime, the amounts are being set aside as designated fund balance in the RETT fund. Year that Council Approved Pledge Amount 1994 5,000.00 Tied to the issuance of a building permit for the Education Center (letter from Pam 212194) 1995 10,000,00 Approval of Education Center by Town Boards & Commissions (Letter from Sammye Meadows 11129/95) 1996 10,000.00 Construction of Education Center (1996 funding application) 1997 10,000.00 To plant Alpine Rock Garden (1997 funding application) 1998 10,000.00 Cash donation to be paid in 1998 45.000.00 • • RTTDESFB. WK4 I Vail Alpine _,L arden Foundation INVOICE 7 4;--; Invoice No: 003 Date: December 23, 1997 CUSTOMER NAME: Town of Vail ADDRESS: Christine B. Anderson, C.P.A. Finance and Budget Manager Town of Vail 75 S. Frontage Road West Vail, Colorado 91657 DESCRIPTION! Money for garden construction in escrow from: • 1994 & 1995. AMOUNT DUE: $15,000.00 PAYABLE TO: Vail Alpine Garden Foundation 183 Gore Creek Drive Vail, CO 81.657 Payable upon receipt. Thank you very much. "Vail will be as ivellknoll w 121 Thest I mmerfiwilsfloan-s cis it is in the irinferjbr its skiing. 183 GORE CREEK DRIVE - VAIL, COLORADO B1657 - 303.476.0103 �t *OWN OF VAIL � 75 South Frontage Road VW4 Colorado 81657 303-47.9-2105 / FAX 303-479-2157 February 2, 1994 Helen S. Fritch President of the Board Vail Alpine Garden Foundation 183 Gore Creek Drive Vail, Colorado 81657 RE: Contribution Request Equaling $10,000.00 from 1994 RETT Funds Dear Helen: Office of the Town Manager In responding to your request for the 1994 contribution funding from the Vail Town Council, I found this money had been designated as a pledge. The Council wishes to clarify in writing the. disposition of these funds. Payment shall be broken into two portions, as follows: 1. $5,000.00 shall be tied to the design review process, e.g., the Council recognizes the substantial cost of design work and will contribute this money up front. 2. The second half of the contribution, $5,000.00, will be tied to the issuance of a building permit. The Council is extremely supportive of your continuing efforts to beautify the Ford Park area and will look forward to receiving further updates on your schedule for design work and construction as that becomes available to you. In regard to your agreement with the Town of Vail, the Town Council has agreed that you should have a Lease Agreement rather than a License. They have directed Tarn Moorhead to prepare a lease for your consideration. Helen, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sinter ly, :Pamela °A Brandrrieyer) Assistant to the Town Manager xc: Vail Town Council Bob McLaurin Kristan Pritz J/ Steve Thompson Tom. Moorhead Vail ' Alpine ' Garden Foundation IMr. Bob McLaurin Town Manager Town of Vail 75 South Frontage Road West Vail, CO 81657 Dear Bob: November 29,1995 On behalf of Mrs. Ford and the Board of Directors of the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, may I express our sincerest appreciation for the Town of Vaii's pledge of $10,000 from the real estate transfer tax fund as a Friend of Betty Ford. We understand and -agree that payment of the pledge is contingent upon approval of the Education Center by Town Boards and Commissions. The Town's very generous contribution will help design, build, and complete the Education Center for Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. We hope to secure the appropriate, approvals and break ground next year for the Center, which will be dedicated to Mrs. Ford as a tribute and gift from her friends. The design phase is progressing quite, well for this unique building. 1t will be a circular, earth -sheltered facility lying underneath the Alpine Rock Garden, the fourth phase of Betty Fotd Alpine Gardens scheduled,to be completed by 1998. The Education Center will house a botanical exhibit area, multi-putpose/theater room, museum shop, work spaces, botanical library,•and public restrooms. Its mission will be environmental, horticultural and botanical education, and we intend it to be a facility of national and international significance - a special enhancement for the Gardens, Ford Park and the community 'of Vail. A plaque dedicating the Center to Mrs. Ford will be inscribed with the name of each contributing Friend and attached to the building. Please let us know exactly how you would like the Town of Vail's name to read. I have enclosed a pledge form and return envelope for that purpose. Thank you for sending it back at your convenience. The Town has been most generous in the past as well. This $10,000 pledge will bring the Town's total pledge toward the Education Center to $25,000, all of which is being held by the Town until approvals have been given and construction begun. "Velil lu111 be as 64c it is in l.be tU17aerf v 1is skihi{. " 183 GORE CRrzBK DRIVE • VAIL, COLORADO 81657 • 303.476.0103 9 • NHtM- A • • APPLICATION FOR TOWN OF VAIL FUNDING GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS All applications must be submitted to the Town of Vail by September 1, 1995. Any application received after that date will not be considered. Please send application to: Town of Vail Christine B. Anderson, Finance Controller 75 South Frontage Road West Vail, Colorado 81657 7 For questions on the financial statements, please contact Steve Thompson at 479-2116. PLEASE TYPE THIS APPLICATION OR PRINT IN BLACK INK, 1. Name of Organization: VAIL ALPINE GARDEN FOUNDATION 2. Contact person: Sammye Meadows, Executive Director 3. Mailing address: 183 Gore Creek Drive Vail, CO 81657 4. Telephone: 970-476-0103 5. Amount of contribution requested: $1 2, 500 . $1 0, 000 capital donation as a "Friend of Betty Ford"; $1,500 as -a sponsor of "Winter'Interlude"; $1,000 6. Organization year end: September 30 as a sponsor of "A Midsummer Night" 7. Are your books audited? No. 8. How will the contribution be used? (Please see back of this page.) 9. Based on the contribution policy criteria, why should the Town of Vail fund your organization? (Please see back of this page.) 10. Please provide disclosure regarding any established funding from taxpayer sources and the amount. if supported by, public funds, how have you reduced your subsidy? TOV grant of $10,000 for 1994 for capital development. TOV sponsorship of $1,000 for "Winter Interlude 1994". 11. Organization's mission statement' To cultivate harmony between plants Apeople in our mountain environments. We are horticultural pioneers teach- ing and celebrating thevalue coif plants ,in our cl�iveps.t�1 We provide unique edu- catioOf6 rof iifi'i9 8 v)9F�[ 9f1oris, pease use t leebacK oT istyage�autification and plant research; and we create and maintain Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. 8. As a "Friend of Betty Ford", the Town's contribution of $10;000 from the Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund will be used for construction of the Betty. Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center. "Friends of Betty Ford is a circle of people who wish to honor former First Lady Betty Ford by donating $10,000 or more toward construction of the Education Center. Upon its completion, the Center will be dedicated in tribute to Mrs. Ford for her many contributions to the Vail community, and a plaque acknowledging every "Friend" will be affixed to the building. To date almost $700,000 has' been pledged by "Friends of Betty Ford" toward a total cost of $1.2 million for the Education Center. If, for any reason, the building is not approved for construction, the contributions of all "Friends" will be refunded or applied to the Alpine Rock Garden, whichever the donor chooses. We would very much like to include the Town of Vail in this most special group of supporters. The Town's contributions from the General Fund of $1,500 as a sponsor of "Winter Interlude" on December 27, and $1,000 as a sponsor of "A Midsummer Night" on July 7, will help to maintain Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and fund a significant and growing array of horticultural and environmental education programming. 9. The Vail Alpine Garden Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt institution and has been self- supporting throughout its ten year history. Its programming benefits the community in the following ways: Marketing: With 78.3 million participating adults, Gardening is now America's number one leisure time activity. Now, while Vail's community leaders are seeking ways to counteract a flattening ski market and attract new customers, the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation offers an inviting outdoor pastime and stimulating educational opportunities for those millions of potential guests who prefer quieter, less strenuous activities. This past summer more than 75,000 visitors from throughout the world enjoyed Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, a 25% increase over the summer of 1994. Many of these guests are attracted to the gardens of Vail during "Vail Valley Festival of Flowers", the Gardens' month -long, early summer celebration of wildflowers and area gardens, scheduled for June 8 - July 7, 1996. In 1995, the Festival attacted media attention from "Vail -Beaver Creek Magazine", "Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine", "Mountain Living Magazine", "Rocky Mountain News", Colorado Springs "Gazette Telegraph", "Denver Post", Denver local television stations, CNN "Headline News", and the "Oprah Winfrey Show". For wider coverage, the 1996 Festival is targeting national media, such as "Sunset", "Garden Design", and "Horticulture" magazines. . ReVional governmental issues related to Vail municival services: As Vail and other Colorado mountain towns struggle with growth issues, there is an urgent need for information on how to minimize the impact and maximize the opportunities' of this growth on fragile high country ecosystems. Such information is the focus of the Gardens' long range educational programming. Cultural services: The highest public botanic garden in North America, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is both a "living museum" of plant collections and a remarkable outdoor classroom. The Foundation's role as a teaching institution is to educate residents and visitors about Colorado's montane, subalpine, and alpine environments and how best to live in harmony with them. The Vail Alpine Garden Foundation provides educational opportunities such as a Summer Lecture Series featuring horticultural and environmental education experts of regional and national repute; Gardens tours and hands-on workshops each weekend during the summers; and science projects such as the Children's Butterfly Launch in collaboration with Eagle County public and private schools. APPLICATION FOR TOWN OF VAIL FUNDING GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS All applications must be submitted to the Town of Vail by August 30, 1996. You must provide 11 copies of the application. Any application received after that date or any application packet with fewer than 11 copies will not be considered. Please send application to: Town of Vail Christine B. Anderson, Finance and Budget Manager 75 South Frontage Road West Vail, CO 81657 For questions on the financial statements, please contact Christine Anderson at 479-2119. PLEASE TYPE THIS APPLICATION OR PRINT IN BLACK INK 40 1. Name of organization. VAIL ALPINE GARDEN FOUNDATION 2. Contact person: Saznmye Meadows, Executive Director 3. Mailing address: 183 Gore Creek Drive Vail, Colorado 81657 4. Telephone: 970-476-0103 970-476-8702 (FAX) 5. Amount of contribution requested: $10,000 , 6. Organization fiscal year-end: September 30 7. Are your books audited? No, but we are planning for an audit in fiscal 1997 in preparation for capital grant proposals for the Education Center and Alpine Rock Garden. 8. How will the contribution be used? To plant -our future Alpine Rock Garden. • 9. How does your request support the Town outcomes identified in item 1 C of the contribution policy? (Please see back of this page.) 10. Who currently funds your organization (other governments, private donations, user fees, etc.) (Please see back of this page.) OOWN OF SAILL 'V 75 South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 MEDIA ADVISORY FAX 9701479-2157 January 7, 1998 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR JANUARY 6 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz --Vail Valley Exchange/Sister Cities Student Housing The Council heard from Rick Sackbauer regarding the benefits of the Vail Valley Exchange program with Mt. Buller, Australia (home of the Australian Olympic Ski Team). Sackbauer has been involved as an employer and as a host family and is currently housing two Australian high school students who arrived in Vail on Dec. 26 and will stay for seven weeks. Sackbauer, who has been looking for other host families to help accommodate the students, said the Vail Valley Exchange has received two leads following coverage in the newspaper. Sackbauer predicted the exchange,program would flourish in the coming years as more and more businesses discover its benefits. The program assists in obtaining visas that bring ski resort workers to Vail from Mt. • Buller (it's summer there) at a time when Mt. Buller's unemployment rates are high due to the seasonality of the winter resort. During discussion, Councilman Michael Jewett expressed his interest in working to heighten interest in the program. Also, Pam Brandmeyer, assistant town manager, said a meeting of the Vail Valley Exchange would be held next week to review criteria for selection of two Vail high school students who will travel to Mt. Buller following the school year. Later during the meeting, the Council voted 5-0 to donate $600 from 1997 council contingency funds to the Sackbauer family to help offset food expenses. For more information, contact Brandmeyer at 479-2113. --Slifer Plaza Reconstruction The Council approved design parameters for.renovation of'Slifer Plaza near the Covered Bridge in Vail Village. The $480,000 project will include replacement of the existing pavement along the south 10 feet of East Meadow Drive in front of the Austria Haus, landscaping, lighting and planter wails. Speaking on behalf of Councilmember Sybill Navas, who was absent from the meeting, Mayor Rod Ford shared Navas' interest in selling brick pavers as a way to raise money for the project. At the suggestion of Councilman Kevin Foley, Town Manager Bob McLaurin said he'd check with the Colorado Rockies to see how successful such a fund-raising project could be. Councilman Michael Arnett said the buy -a -paver idea was a great concept, but not if it caused undue delays in getting the project completed. Also yesterday, Council agreed to add installation of snowmelt tubing beneath the pavement near the Covered Bridge at an additional expense of $60,000. Fallowing installation, the town will determine how --and when --to proceed with hooking up the snowmelt. The Slifer Plaza project is included in the 1998 capital projects budget as an enhancement project for the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. The project's scope also includes public involvement in developing design ideas during the months of January • and February. Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, said construction will not begin unless it can be completed by Oct. 31, 1998. For more information, contact Grafel at 479-2173. (more) TOY C-1 FkPWla/Ad ,y 6, 19M oaRECYCLEDPAPER 7M TOV Highlights/Add 1 --Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan The Council approved a discussion schedule for the next phase of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master plan which will focus on building height and mass. The discussions will include an analysis of existing building height compared to permitted building height, as well as a building -by -building analysis of development and redevelopment potential under existing zoning. Yesterday, Mayor Rob Ford called the height and mass issue the "meat of the matter' in terms of the master planning process. He also said an open house hosted by the town on Dec. 28 and 29 served to reassure property owners who had initially reacted negatively to the plan. Ford said many property owners were relieved to hear of the long-term nature of the plan and of the overall framework to provide equitable redevelopment opportunities for properties across the board, as opposed to individual special development districts. Currently, 71 percent of the existing buildings in Lionshead exceed the permitted gross residential floor area under applicable zoning district regulations, while 84 percent are at or in excess of their allowed building height. The height and mass discussions, scheduled to occur during February and March,.will determine the rationale used to establish a regulatory framework for future height and mass of buildings within the Lionshead study area. Council members asked to preview that data at its Feb. 3 work session. For a schedule of the upcoming public meetings, contact Suzanne Silverthorn in the Community Information Office at 479-2115. On a related note, Councilmembers expressed interest in considering legislation that would either waive or abolish the town's semi-annual application process for submission of major exterior alteration proposals within Vail Village and Lionshead (in February and September). Susan Connelly, director of Community Development, said the provision disrupts the timing in completing the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan, while potentially penalizing properties preparing for the February submittal deadline. An ordinance will be drafted for Council consideration. --information Update • Town Manager Bob McLaurin said arrangements have been finalized for the council's annual retreat scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday in Glenwood Springs. Nancy Sweeney, Art in Public Places director, presented an update on the Seibert Circle project. After taking several steps forward and several back, she said the AIPP board is still working with Jesus Morales, Design Workshop and Susan Raymond on a collaborative design that will feature an amphitheatre -like setting at Seibert Circle, along with a statue of Pete Seibert, Vail's founder. --Council Reports Michael Arnett presented an update on a recent meeting of the board of directors of the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau. Discussion topics included staffing levels at the visitor centers, as well as a proposal by State Rep. Jack Taylor to introduce legislation to create a statewide lodging tax for tourism. On a procedural note, Michael Jewett asked that the council's voice mail system be used for future polling of Councilmembers. Jewett said the issue surfaced when Sybill Navas began polling Councilmembers regarding a $600 contribution to the Sackbauers. --Vail Alpine Garden Foundation Funding Request The Council voted 5-0 to authorize the following expenditures to the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation: $20,000 pledged by the Council in 1997 and 1998 to help fund completion of the final phase of the rock garden in the interior of Ford Park; $10,000 pledged previously to be used to help build the education center; and $15,000 to be used for planning or construction of the education center. The funds, $45,000 in all, have b) en pledged in $10,000 annual • (more) Tnvu ...1AM.M"k-Y 6.1" TOV Highlights/Add 2 increments by the town since 1994. --Other Councilman Kevin Foley called the Council's attention to a letter from the Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority requesting the town's reaffirmation of its voluntary funding commitment of $115,000 annually through 1999. The Council will discuss the request at its retreat. Other items introduced by Foley included: a thank you to the staff for addressing the lighting situation at the Austria Haus construction site; a question regarding the status of new directional signs at the construction site; an inquiry regarding the status of the west entrance construction at the Municipal Building (completion by mid -February due to delay in receiving delivery of steel); a question regarding the status of the Vail Valley Drive bridge (pavers were down before Christmas); and a question regarding the timing of replacement of the Golden Peak bus shelter (scheduled for spring). Councilman Ludwig Kurz inquired about the results of an experimental barricade at Hanson Ranch Road during the holidays. Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, said an update would be presented at the Jan. 20 work session. Councilman Michael Jewett asked if next week's Council retreat is open to the public. In response, Town Manager Bob McLaurin said the meeting was a public meeting, although there could be times when the Council found it necessary to go into executive session when discussing personnel or land negotiation issues. Mayor Rob Ford said the intent of the retreat is to build upon the work plan that was developed two years ago. • Evening Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Citizen Participation There was no citizen participation. --CARTS Presentation The Council heard a $7,000 funding request from Miller Hudson, who represents an organization called CARTS (Corridor Alliance for Rapid Transit Solutions). CARTS was initially formed in Clear Creek County to advance the concept of rapid transit along the 1-70 corridor (as an alternative to widening the interstate). The group has now expanded from Denver County west to Eagle County along the 1-70 corridor. Hudson said the group is in the process of raising $100,000 to set up a transit authority, planning agency or some other governing agency to develop a transit solution in more detail. Several Councilmembers questioned the equity in CART's funding request, noting that Clear Creek County was tapped for only $2,000. Also appearing before the Council last night was Jim Mandel, representing Vail Associates. Although Mandel said the resort industry supports the concept of rapid transit, it hasn't yet fully embraced the efforts of CARTS because it isn't convinced the interests of the two are the same. Mandel said the resort industry is concerned that the focus by CARTS will diminish the need for interim improvements along 1-70, such as passing lanes and other management systems. Joe Macy, also of Vail Associates, emphasized the importance of the interim improvements. Even if funds were available tomorrow, he said a rail solution is still 15 years away. Councilmembers agreed to hold off in considering the funding proposal until the final MIS 1-70 corridor study is completed by the Colorado Department of Transportation. . --TOV Police, Fire Pension Fund Amendment The Council voted 7-0 to approve an ordinance on second reading to amend the pension plan to (more) YOV Oyinr+ µ,9gniu.4mary 6 1D39 TOV Highlights/Add 3 reflect changes in the law. The amendment, among other things, allows the town to refund accounts less than $3,500 if there has been a break in service for one year. The administrative changes were recommended by the town's pension attorney. For more information, contact Steve Thompson, finance director, at 479-2116. --TOV Employee Pension Fund Amendment The Council voted 7-0 to approve this ordinance on first reading that duplicates the changes outlined above. For more information, contact Steve Thompson, finance director, at 479-2116. --Resolution Designating Public Notice Posting Locations The Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution designating a bulletin board at the entrance to the Vail Municipal offices as the official public notice posting location within the town. Councilman Kevin Foley suggested posting the agendas at other locations throughout the town. Also, Councilman Michael Arnett suggested posting the agenda notices on the Internet. --Resolution Adopting an IGA Between TOV and Eagle River Water & Sanitation District The Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution adopting an intergovernmental agreement between the Town of Vail and the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District. The agreement outlines a new partnership between the two entities to design and build between 17 and 22 locals. housing units at Red Sandstone Creek. This time, the Town of Vail will take the lead in the project in an effort to reduce costs by as much as 30 percent from the previous effort, which was facilitated by the water district. During discussion last night, Town Attorney Tom Moorhead said the town has more flexibility because of its home rule status to pursue a design -build contract to help bring the costs down, whereas the water district, under state statute, does not have that authority. Selection of a design -build team by the town is scheduled to occur Feb. 12. Once constructed, the town will have the opportunity to sell or lease six units to its "critical" employees, such as police officers, firefighters, dispatchers and snowplow drivers, while the water district will have the opportunity to sell or lease the balance of the development to its employees and/or the town. Any units not purchased by the town or the water district will be made available to the general public through a lottery system administered by the town. Construction could begin this spring with completion occurring next winter. For more information, contact Andy Knudtsen, the town's senior housing policy planner, at 479-2440. --Town Manager's Report In his town manager's report, Bob McLaurin announced the upcoming meeting of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns in Frisco. He also gave a brief recap on the 10 day peak management holiday period, Dec. 26 to ,fan. 4. Bus ridership was up 15 percent over last year's numbers. The number of parking structure transactions was up 6.4 percent over last year, while revenues were down more than 30 percent, he said, due to this season's expanded Park Free After 3 program. McLaurin says he's hoping the revenues will be offset by increased sales tax collections. He also praised the Police, Fire and Public Works departments for their hard work during the holidays. --Other Councilman Kevin Foley expressed concerns about scheduling remodel work at the library later this spring. The work, which will take about six days to complete, will require a complete closure of the library. Foley says he worries the closure will create inconveniences around school schedules. Councilman Bob Armour asked that information about the Vail Recreation District's next elections be added to the Council's meeting minutes. (more) TOV Highlights/Add 4 TOY V­0kl4kdVhnu VG. i9Z 0 Ir 1 LJ TOV Highlights/Add 4 UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS January 13 Work Session PECIDRB Review Town Council Retreat January 20 Work Session Review Sign Code Revision, re: Temporary Signs for Open House, Garage Sales, etc. Loading and Delivery Update, re: Hanson Ranch Road Barricade Executive Session, Personnel Matters January 20 Evening Meeting First Reading, Ordinance Amending Special Development District #4 1- 0.- H(yiigMN h-q 6, I"