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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-03 Town Council MinutesVAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING -- MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1998 7;30 P.M. A regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held on Tuesday, March 3, 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: Rob Ford, Mayor Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro -Tern Bob Armour Sybill Navas Kevin Foley Michael Arnett Michael Jewett TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT: 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 February 3 and 17, 1998. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 3, 1998 meeting, Councilmember Ludwig Kurz seconded the motion. A vote was taken, there was unanimous approval, 7-0. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 17, 1998 meeting, Councilmember Ludwig Kurz seconded the motion. Councilmember Sybill Navas stated there needed to be a correction in the minutes regarding her comment about the start time of the Town Council meeting to be changed from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The motion was amended to include the change. A vote was taken, there was unanimous approval, 7-0. The third item on the agenda was a presentation of Vail's Youth Recognition Award to Collins Canada of the Vail Mountain School and Traci Phelan of Battle Mountain High School. 0 . Pam Brandmeyer introduced students, Traci Phelan, a junior at Battla Mountain High School and Collins Canada, a junior at Vail Mountain School to the Town Council. They are recipients of the Town of Vail's Youth Recognition Award, an award given annually to students who are outstanding representatives'of their schools and community. Pam stated they will travel to Mt. Buller, Australia this summer as exchange students representing Vail. Mayor Rob Ford presented them with award certificates and thanked the students for their hard work. The fourth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 5, Series of 1998, a resolution establishing the time for the Town Council meetings to begin at 7.-00 p.m. Councilmember Mike Arnett made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5, Series of 1998, the motion was seconded by Councilmember Ludwig Kurz. Councilmember Sybill Navas stated she is concerned that the earlier start time for the evening meeting doesn't give the Council enough of a break time between the afternoon worksession meeting and the evening meeting. A vote was taken, Resolution No.5, Series of 1998 was passed 6-1, with • Councilmember Sybill Navas opposed. The fifth item on the agenda was a review and discussion on the infrastructure repairs, street scape design, public art elements, project estimated budget, and construction schedule for the Seibert Circle capital improvement project. Larry Grafel, Public Works Director, informed the Council of changes to the project and stated the costs are within $1,100 of the projected budget of $634,500. He recommended that Council proceed with the project. He also stated that the community would benefit from improved infrastructure, pedestrian safety, reduction of costs for snow removal and maintenance, and have a world class art piece. Larry requested approval of the project as proposed and to proceed to enter into a contract with artist, Jesus Moroles for the art piece. He stated the construction schedule should start as soon as possible, in April or possibly the beginning of May. The work would be done in approximately four months and Seibert Plaza would be open July 4th. Mayor Rob Ford reiterated that most of the cost of the project was for streetscape improvements and not the art project. Councilmember Sybill Navas asked about pavers being placed in the plaza and if a . contractor has been hired. She also asked if the project is put off a year, would the cost of the project would go up. . Larry Grafel stated they are still discussing and exploring different surFace materials for the street to go with the art piece. There will not be exposed concrete and a contractor has not been chosen yet. Larry stated the cost of the project could rise a minimum of 5%, which is a conservative number, if the project is delayed to next year. Further discussion ensued. Councilmember Bob Armour stated he does not think asphalt is an appropriate surface material in this area. Todd Oppenheimer, Town Landscape Architect, explained the unit pavers are more flexible and they don't need as deep a depth of under surface treatments as other materials. Councilmember Mike Arnett also reiterated that asphalt is not a compatible surface material for this area and commended the Public Works Department on reducing the cost of the project. Councilmember Mike Jewett asked how the contractor selection would be handled for this project. • Larry stated this would not be a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Staff in Public Works would select the contractor otherwise it would delay the project. Councilmember Mike Jewett asked Bob McLaurin about the utilities being installed and when the work would be done if the project was delayed. Larry Grafel stated an ordinance is in place with the utility companies to upgrade the utilities at the time the project is being done. Bob McLaurin stated whether the project went forward this year or not, the utility work would have to be done as soon as possible. Councilmember Ludwig Kurz asked if the project would be completed before the 1999 Championships. Larry Grafel recommended the council approve the project and if the project construction didn't start by May, that the project be delayed until next year. Kay Ferry, a member of the Vail Valley Merchant's Association (WMA), stated that many members of the WMA feel that this project be delayed for a year due to all the other construction going on in the Village this summer. • Councilmember Sybill Navas wanted to verify the starting dates of May and if they would impact the 4th of July. Larry Grafel said 60 days is what is needed to proceed with the project and a "drop • dead" date to get started is May 15, 1998. Councilmember Sybill Navas said she attended the VVMA meeting and said the merchants felt a May 1st deadline date was the latest the project should start. Bob McLaurin said staff would work with the merchants regarding signs. He also stated if Council is looking at projects in the Vail Village to postpone this summer, make it the Slifer Plaza project. Kay Ferry said that the north end of town near Slifer Plaza is ruined for this summer. She invited the Council to the next VVMA meeting. Michael Staughton, a Village merchant, stated this project should go forward if it is started by May 1 and he felt Slifer Plaza should wait. Mayor Rob Ford asked if Mr. Staughton would approve a May 14th deadline date. Mr. Staughton stated he could agree with that. Ron Riley, another Village merchant, said he would like to see a water feature in this • area. If a water feature was an option, via private funds, and Jesus Moroles felt this would help his art piece, he would like to see it added. He wants the possibility of a water feature to be left open. Mayor Rob Ford stated the cost to add a water feature may not make the project happen. Todd Oppenheimer stated he will address the water feature component and will look at the probability and stated the cost would be approximately an additional $20,000. He stated that if the artist, Jesus Moroles, added the water feature he wanted it to run year- round, which is not a feasible possibility in this climate. Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to approve the project at the contract price of $634,500, to negotiate a contract with Jesus Moroles to proceed with the art project and to negotiate a contract with a contractor of choice for the other work involved, with a deadline start date of May 14th or the project will be postponed until next year. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sybill Navas. Further discussion ensued. Councilmember Mike Arnett suggested the Slifer Plaza project be delayed to provide construction relief to the merchants. 0 Councilmember Mike Jewett stated he wanted to speak against the motion. He does . not want to use public funds for this project and feels it is a bad use of taxpayer funds. He also stated he does not feel the process was performed well and feels emergency vehicles will have hard time accessing this area. Councilmember Ludwig Kurz stated the process was not tainted. The AIPP did a good job putting this project together. The project will bring in a world -renown art piece that visitors will come back to see. He also stated this is not a waste of funds for the community. He thanked the AIPP board and town staff for all their work. Nancy Sweeney, AIPP coordinator, stated that this project is not complete without the statue of Pete Seibert. The AiPP board will continue to fundraise to get the statue added at a later date if necessary. Councilmember Kevin Foley thanked Nancy Sweeney and the Art In Public Places board and the Public Works staff for all their hard work on this project. Mayor Rob Ford echoed Kevin's sentiments. A vote was taken, the motion passed, 6-1. Councilmember Mike Jewett voted against. The sixth item on the agenda was a discussion of a community engagement process • for developing a dedicated funding source for housing and identifying land opportunities for future parks and recreation, and the work plan for implementing Option 1. Andy Knudtsen made a presentation regarding the engagement process for developing funding sources for housing with a deadline date of June 30, 1998. Opportunities for community participation will be April 10 and 16 and the Town of Vail community survey. Mayor Rob Ford stated that the Council and staff have worked hard between January 13 and now to get to this state of the process. He thanked Andy Knudtsen, Russ Forrest, Suzanne Silverthorne and Kessiah-Watkins for all their hard work. He encouraged community members to get involved. He said the process will be called "Common Ground: A Plan for Vail's Community Needs", and the Council will be aggressively addressing the locals housing issue. Councilmember Kevin Foley reiterated there are many opportunities for citizens to become involved. Bob McLaurin asked for a motion to approve the project and move forward. Councilmember Sybill Navas made a motion to approve the problem statement, givens, public involvement process, and the work plan for implementing Option 1 and Councilmember Mike Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken, there was • unanimous approval, 7-0. As there was no further business, Councilmember Bob Armour made a motion to IDadjourn, Councilmember Mike Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. ATTEST: AVAI. LVei bonaldson Town Clerk 0 • Respec y submitte , oF- "ia Robert E. Ford SEAS, RE Mayor LOW) t •�•�� ' -�prrun �muklti+unU��" • MEDIA ADVISORY March 4, 1998 Contact, Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR MARCH 3 Please note: Councilmembers have passed a resolution changing the start time of the evening meeting to 7 p.m. (30 minutes earlier) effective March 17. Also, previous briefs have been misspelling the name of Jesus Moroles, the artist who's work will be featured in Seibert Circle. We regret the error. Work Session Briefs Councilmembers present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Employee Recognition . Jacque Lovato, an accounting tech/computer operator in the town's Finance Department, and Corey Schmidt, a commander in the Police Department, were recognized for 20 years of service to the town, while Linda Moore, Municipal Court administrator, was honored for 15 years of service, respectively. Twenty-year honorees receive $2,000 from the town, while 15-year recipients are honored with a $1,000 recognition. --Lionshead Height and Mass During a joint review by the Council and Planning and Environmental Commission, the two groups heard an overview on height and mass possibilities for future buildings in Lionshead to be addressed in the 20-year redevelopment master plan. Under discussion yesterday was a proposal to adjust upward the current floor -to -floor building height from nine feet to approximately 11.5 feet to accommodate a change in industry standards and to create a baseline height of 71.5 feet (which represents five stories, plus a roof) in the commercial core area. From there, bonus heights are proposed that could increase a building's total height to between 82.5 feet and 102 feet based on performance criteria (such as the addition of accommodation units or employee housing units or building orientation) within specified geographical zones. The premise behind the height proposal is to keep east -west oriented buildings low, while allowing for increased height to buildings with a north -south orientation. This would allow more sunlight into the retail pedestrian area and enhance view corridors to the mountain, according to Ethan Moore of Design Workshop, the project's consultant. Also presented yesterday were suggestions for development standards in Lionshead. Those included a proposal to eliminate GRFA (Gross Residential Floor Area); elimination of site coverage standards; identification of build -to lines rather than setbacks; and elimination of the current landscaping requirements. Also up for discussion yesterday were ideas on evaluating density. Those included retaining the existing density provisions, but excluding accommodation units, employee housing units and fractional fee units from the calculation of density. Reaction to the proposals varied. Councilmembers Sybill Navas, Michael Arnett and Kevin Foley suggested using a four-story height as a baseline, while Councilmembers Bob Armour, Ludwig Kurz and Rob Ford appeared to favor a five -story baseline height. (more) i Add 11TOV Highlights, 3-3-98 John Schofield of the PEC suggested adding more incentives that would cause existing buildings to renovate. Developer and property owner Bob Lazier said that a four-story baseline height requirement would be counter -productive to redevelopment. Lazier asked that a five -story building be a starting point. Jim Lamont of the East Village Homeowner's Association said his group has asked for an undersanding of the economic impacts associated with the height and density proposals. Property owner Ross Davis suggested keeping the baseline height the same as it is today. Anne Esson, a member of the Vail Tomorrow Affordable Housing Team, asked that a fourth geographic zone be added to the west end of Lionshead to faciliate construction of employee housing. David Corbin of Vail Associates called the proposal "fascinating and challenging" in that it could produce an urban-scape of enormous variety. He said the need for a five -floor baseline would be critical for future redevelopment. Next steps are to send the height and density proposals to the PEC for additional discussion and a recommendation. That discussion will take place March 9, with the possibility of adding a second PEC discussion tentatively scheduled on March 23. For more information, contact Mike Mollica, project manager, at 479-2144. --Interviews for Art In Public Places (AIPP) Board Vacancies The Council interviewed Kathy Langenwalter and Trish Kiesewetter for reappointment to the Art In Public Places Board. Two other applicants, Lolita Higbie and Alan Kosloff, were unable to attend the meeting. The Council will appoint three members for three-year terms at its March 17 evening meeting. •--1999 World Alpine Ski Championship Update Ceil Folz of the Vail Valley Foundation presented the first in a series of monthly updates to the Council on the status of the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. Folz said the planning efforts are progressing well, with four of nine sponsorships already in place, venues established and special events planning well underway. Unlike the Championships in 1989, Folz said the 99 event will have significant celebration components with rodeos, street parties, fireworks, pin trading areas and other activities to add to the festivities. Vail will host nine races during the event, while three races will be held in Beaver Creek. --Common Ground: A Plan for Vail's Community Needs In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council reviewed components of a public process that will identify a dedicated funding source for housing, as well as identify remaining town -owned sites to be used for housing, open space, parks or public facility land uses. For more information, see the evening meeting briefs, or contact Andy Knudtsen, project manager, at 479-2145. --Discussion of the Development Review Process for a Major Amendment to the Cascade Village SDD In preparation for consideration of a development proposal for a major amendment to the Cascade Village Special Development District, the Council was asked to identify any "red flag" issues and provide direction regarding the development review process. As proposed, the major amendment asks for modifications to the previous Westhaven Condominiums approval. The site is commonly called the "ruins." In 1995, the project received approval for 14 free market units and 17 employee housing units. The new proposal calls for 11 fractional fee club units, four accommodation units and 20 employee housing units. Councilman Bob Armour expressed concern about the need to consider additional parking requirements, while Councilmember Sybill 40 Navas expressed concern about the town's three-year project approval window for construction initiation. In the past, the site has received previous development approvals from the town, but construction has been stalled or delayed. Navas, who said the site has been an eyesore in Vail (more) . Add 21TOV Highlights, 3-3-98 for 15 years, said she worried the latest proposal would be an opportunity to buy another three years of inaction. Councilmembers Ludwig Kurz and Kevin Foley agreed. Concerns also were expressed about the project's fractional fee component. Next steps include a work session meeting with the Planning and Environmental Commission on March 9. For more information, contact George Ruther in the Community Development Department at 479-2145. --Development Team Selection for the Red Sandstone and A -Frame Employee Housing Sites The Council approved a staff recommendation to select the Aspen -based Stevens Group as the design -build team for the Red Sandstone Creek housing development. Council also approved the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity as the design -build team to redevelop the town -owned A -frame property on Arosa Drive in West Vail. Next steps include creation of a developer's agreement and site plans for the two properties. During discussion yesterday, Councilman Bob Armour pointed out that the Habitat proposal would place a preselected family in one of the units to be built on the A -frame site. Armour wondered if the town wouldn't rather develop the property another way so that it could provide housing for Town of Vail employees. Kathy Langenwalter, a resident of the neighborhood, agreed with Armour. She also wondered if the property's taxes would be prohibitive for a Habitat resident to pay. Other Councilmembers appeared satisfied with Habitat's proposal and asked that the process proceed, including discussions with the neighborhood regarding site plans and architectural design. For more information, contact Andy Knudtsen, TOV senior housing policy planner, at 479-2145. • --Council Reports Kevin Foley reported on a recent meeting of the Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority. He said the authority has been worsting with the county on a 40-acre site near the airport for a combined transit facility and road & bridge facility. Rob Ford reported on a meeting of the Town of Vail -Vail Associates Task Force meeting, which occurred last week. The topic was performing arts center/community center community interest. Sybill Navas reported that the Colorado Senate Local Affairs Committee would be considering a bill that would enable creation of a marketing district from Wolcott to Vail on March 10. She asked that a letter be sent from the town in support of the legislation. Navas also reported on her attendance at the Vail Valley Marketing Board breakfast. --Other Michael Arnett reported on this week's "Ski with the Council" activity, while Bob Armour suggested holding neighborhood meetings on development of the A -frame property on Arosa Drive in West Vail. Sybill Navas reiterated her interest in installing a pedestrian crossing sign at the Municipal Building. She also shared feedback about drainage problems in front of the candy story at the Sitzmark Building. --Kevin Foley expressed his concerns about the winter closure of the Dowd Junction bike path to allow for deer and elk migration. He said Bill Andre from the Colorado Division of Wildlife had been asked to attend an upcoming Trails Committee meeting to discuss possible alternatives to the closure. (more) Add 31TOV Highlights, 3-3-98 .Evening Session Briefs Councilmembers present; Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Citizen Participation There was no citizen participation. --Vail's Youth Recognition Award Collins Canada, a junior at Vail Mountain School, and Traci Phelan, a junior at Battle Mountain High School, were recognized as recipients of the Town of Vail's Youth Recognition Award. As such, the students will travel to Mt. Buller, Australia, this summer to gain work, educational and cultural experience. The award is given annually to students who are outstanding leaders in their schools and community. --Resolution Establishing the Start Time for Evening Council Meetings The Council voted 6-1 (Navas against) to change the start time of the evening Council meeting to 7 p.m. (30 minutes earlier) effective March 17. In voting against the measure, Navas said she'd prefer to retain the 7:30 start time to allow for an appropriate dinner break between the afternoon work session and the evening meeting. --Seibert Circle Capital Improvement Project The Council voted 6-1 (Jewett against) to authorize the town to negotiate a contract with artist Jesus Moroles to proceed with the Seibert Circle improvement project. The Council also authorized contract negotiations for construction of the improvement with a start date no later than May 14, 1998; otherwise, the project will be deferred for a year. At the Council's request, the scope of the town -funded project has been trimmed from $800,000 to $634,500 (the savings comes mostly from changes in the structural subsection). During a presentation yesterday, Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, said the improvement would provide multiple community benefits, including: improved infrastructure and streetscape; increased pedestrian safety through a new snowmelt system; reduced costs for snow removal and maintenance; and a tribute to Pete Seibert, one of Vail's most notable founders, through a world -class art display by sculptor Jesus Moroles. As presented, the design features a small amphitheatre -like gathering space in the center of the circle with three vertical granite sculptures designed by Moroles. The design also includes placement of a bronze statue of Pete Seibert on the plaza's perimeter. The $70,000 Seibert statue is currently unfunded. The Council has asked that the funds be raised privately. During discussion yesterday, Kaye Ferry of the Vail Village Merchant Association asked Council to defer the project to 1999 because of numerous other construction projects already planned for the Village this year. Also, Ron Riley, a neighboring property owner, asked for and received Council's authorization to allow Riley to pursue --and pay for --a water feature within the design, so long as a water component is compatible with the rest of the design, and conforms to the construction timetable. Nancy Sweeney, who represents the Art In Public Places Board, said the project wouldn't be complete without the Seibert statue. She said the board has pledged to help raise the $70,000 needed to commission the statue. Neither Pete Seibert, nor representatives of Seibert, attended the meeting. Councilmembers Ludwig Kurz, Sybill Navas, Kevin Foley and Rob Ford praised Sweeney and the AIPP board for its perseverance in developing a design that will serve as an important public gathering space, as well as provide a fitting historical tribute to Pete Seibert. In response to concerns expressed by the Village Merchant Association, Councilman Michael Arnett suggested postponing the Slifer Plaza improvements planned for the other end of Bridge Street to provide some construction relief for the merchants. In voting against the project, Councilman Michael Jewett continued to call the project a bad use of taxpayer dollars with too much attention focused on Jesus Morales and too little attention paid to Pete Seibert. For more information, contact Larry Grafel at • 479-2173. (more) Add 41TOV Highlights, 3-3-98 --Common Ground: A Plan For Vail's Community Needs The Council voted 7-0 to approve a problem statement, project givens and schedule for an aggressive citizen involvement process that will identify a dedicated funding source for housing, as well as identify remaining town -owned sites for housing, open space, parks or public facility land uses by June 30, 1998. Mayor Rob Ford said the process, which will be called "Common Ground: A Plan for Vail's Communitv Needs." has been developed to accommodate the Council's new commitment to aggressively address the locals housing issue. At its retreat on Jan. 13, the Council identified affordable housing as the community's most pressing need, calling it a "crisis situation." Ford called last night's sign -off of the process by the Council as an "historic step" and encouraged the community to participate in the process at every juncture. Participation opportunities will begin with the town's community survey in late March, followed by public workshops on April 10 and April 16. For additional details, contact Andy Knudtsen, project manager, at 479-2145. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS March 10 Work Session PEC/DRB Review DRB Interviews Discussion of skate board park at Lionshead parking structure March 17 Work Session Red Sandstone Creek Review of Development and Budget Code Enforcement Reorganization PEC Applicant Interviews Design Review Trigger Vail Plaza Hotel (Redevelopment of Vail Village Inn) March 17 Evening Meeting Second Reading, Ordinance No. 3 Amending SDD #30 Lionshead Master Plan Stage III Appoint members to AIPP, DRB & PEC Boards Decision on Regional Transportation Authority Funding •