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.
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. 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.
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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.
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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
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. 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.
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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
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