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
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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
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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.
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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 •
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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
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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.
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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
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