HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-27 Town Council Minutes•
WORK SESSION MINUTES
Tuesday, May 26, 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 May 26, 1998. All members were present with the exception of Rob Ford.
Item No. 2, discussion and proposal for Ford Park managed parking for the summer
season, 1998.
ACTION REOUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve the attached proposal, with the changes
mentioned below, and direct staff to develop the final contract with Mountain Valet to
provide for managed and charged parking for the summer of 1998 at Ford Park.
BACKGROUND RATIONALE: The Ford Park Management Plan outlines the concept
of managed parking within Ford Park. Attached you will find five objectives outlined in
this plan, adopted by the Town Council on April 1, 1997, by Resolution 913, Series of
1997. Staff s strategy to manage parking, which includes: improving the safety on the
South Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive; the reduction in conflicts and congestion at
Ford Park events; the increased use of the parking structure; and the encouragement of
using alternative modes to access the park, are consistent with Goal Number 4 and its
objectives. You will also find the proposal submitted by Mountain Valet which addresses
the charged parking component of the Ford Park Management Plan. Some changes have
occurred since this plan was submitted to staff:
1) Jeff Babb with VRI Mountain Operations has informed staff on 5/21/98 that the Bella
Riva restaurant at Golden Peak will now be open this summer. As a result, the north
parking lot at Golden Peak has been withdrawn from the available managed parking pool.
Jeff has indicated the Children's Ski School lot will be available for management, if we
so desire. Mountain Valet has not had an opportunity to respond to this change.
2) Because Mountain Valet may be unable to hire staff, assuming approval by Council on
Tuesday, 5/26/98, the Vail Police Department will be managing the parking and colleting
fees for the first two dates in May. Friday, May 29th, there will be a $5.00 per vehicle
charge for parking; Saturday, May 30th, will be managed only.
Although some members of Council maintained concerns about the pay -for -parking
philosophy, and although Mike Jewett expressed concerns about the lack of RFP/RFQ
process for selection of a private vendor as well as inconsistencies with the Town's
overall parking program, including hourly rates charged in the parking structures, a
. motion was made and seconded.
A motion was made by Bob Armour with a second by Mike Arnett to approve the
proposed Ford Park Managed Parking Plan for the summer season of 1998. A vote was
taken and the motion passed (5-1), Mike Jewett in opposition.
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MEDIA ADVISORY
May 27, 1998
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR MAY 27
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--DRB Review
During a review of the most recent Design Review Board (DRB) meeting,
Councilmembers learned the town's application for DRB review of its Red Sandstone
• Creek affordable housing development (in partnership with the water district) had been
tabled until the June 3 meeting. Planners said the reason for the postponement was
the submittal requirement had not yet been met.
--Discussion of Ford Park Summer Parking Management
The Council voted 5-1 (Jewett against) to approve a proposal for managed parking at
Ford Park this season during 36 peak event days between now and Labor Day. (Peak
event days occur when there are multiple events happening simultaneously at the park,
such as an activity at the Ford Amphitheatre and a softball tournament). The concept,
as outlined at last week's Council meeting, calls for using a private company, Mountain
Valet, to manage close -in parking at the Ford Park lot next to the Frontage Road, the
soccer field lot, and the Children's Ski School parking lot. There will be a $5 per car
fee to park in those lots on 27 days in which there are paid activities; the 9 other days
would be managed, but parking would be free to coincide with the free nature of the
event (with one exception, July 4). The program is intended to improve Frontage Road
safety; reduce conflicts and congestion during peak events; increase usage of the
parking structure; and to encourage alternate modes of transportation to Ford Park,
including use of the new recreation path from the Village parking structure to the park.
In addition, the town will increase frequency of a Ford Park shuttle bus that will provide
drop offs on the north and south sides of the park every 7 minutes. Variable message
boards and "event" signs will be used to inform motorists of the various parking options
during the 36 peak days. During discussion yesterday, Councilmember Bob Armour
is said he favored the concept because it supports the goals of the Ford Park
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Management Plan adopted by Council a year ago. Armour also thanked the Vail
Valley Foundation, Bravo!, the Vail Recreation District, Alpine Gardens and the park's
other user groups for endorsing the plan. Councilman Ludwig Kurz also complimented
the user groups for their willingness to support the plan. He said the plan provides
"choices" on those 27 critical days whereby people can park close and pay a modest
fee, or continue to use the free parking structure. Councilman Michael Arnett also
voted in favor of the program, noting that the distance from the parking structure to the
ballfields is "less than two trips around the base pads." Although she voted to support
the plan, Councilmember Sybill Navas expressed concerns about lack of consistency
as well as the amount of subsidy that might be necessary to make up the shortfall
between parking fees and the $40,000 cost to operate the program. Councilman Kevin
Foley called the management plan a step in the right direction. Councilman Michael
Jewett cast the dissenting vote, noting a list of concerns, ranging from lack of an RFP/
RFO process for selection of a private vendor to inconsistencies with the town's overall
parking program, including hourly rates charged in the parking structures. Jim Lamont
of the East Village Homeowners Association, among other things, urged the Council to
increase the number of handicapped parking spaces at the park. The managed
parking program takes effect this weekend with paid parking to occur on Friday, May
29th and featuring Pete Rose as a blues opener for the Ben Harper production at the
Amphitheatre. Parking on the South Frontage Road will be prohibited during all events
• this season unless both the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures are full. In
1994, the town initiated a similar paid parking program, but the plan was abandoned
following public and park user group opposition. The difference this year is the
proactive support expressed by the user groups who say the park has now reached
capacity. Last season there were 16 peak days at Ford Park; this year the calendar
shows 37. For more information, contact Larry Grafel, TOV public works/transportation
director, at 479-2173.
--July 4th Weekend Discussion
After hearing from Police Chief Greg Morrison about unruly activities that have been
escalating on Bridge Street during major holidays, such as July 4 and New Year's Eve,
the Council offered support for creation of a post -fireworks concert or event that would
provide an activity for Vail's 18- to 23-year-old guests during the July 4th holiday.
Fireworks in Vail and Avon will again both be held on July 4 this year. Chief Morrison
said the dual displays would be a benefit in that crowds would be dispersed between
both communities. Kaye Ferry of the Vail Village Merchant Association also
participated in the discussion. Although everyone agreed a concert would be a good
idea, it was acknowledged that organizing such an event would be difficult given the
short notice.
--Information Update
Councilmembers received an update on efforts to mitigate the impacts of construction
in Vail Village. It was reported that the Vail Village Merchant Association and Vail
• Associates have each matched the Vail Town Council's $5,000 contribution to help
promote shopping and dining in the Village this summer. The funding partners are now
reviewing a proposal from Brian Hall of Blue Creek Productions.
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--Council Reports
Kevin Foley reported on a recent meeting of the Eagle County Regional Transportation
Authority as well as a Vail Recreation District board retreat.
Ludwig Kurz presented Vail's Youth Recognition Award during the recent Battle
Mountain High School award evening tp Tracey Phelan; a similar presentation will be
made at the upcoming recognition ceremony for Vail Mountain School to Collins
Canada. In addition, Kurz acknowledged last week's ribbon cutting for the town's
seasonal housing development. He also forwarded a request by the Colorado Ski
Museum to drop one month's rent payment due to the town's Transportation Center
snowmelt project which has impacted access to the museum. The museum site, on the
third level of the Transportation Center, is leased from the town. Councilmembers
agreed to consider the request and make a decision at an upcoming meeting.
--Other
Ludwig Kurz suggested increasing the typeface of the directional signs in the parking
structure to increase readability.
Michael Arnett announced the formation of a TOV softball team.
• Michael Jewett inquired about a letter that had been sent to the town regarding the
Common Ground public involvement process.
Ludwig Kurz asked that Village construction updates be provided to Councilmembers
on a regular basis to help track the progression.
Councilmembers received an update regarding a fire at the Creekside Building in Vail
Village. For details, contact Jeff Atencio with the Vail Fire Department at 479-2462.
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
June 2 Work Session
Discussion of Parking Programs, including "Park Free After 3"
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan
Appeal of PEC Decision re: Slifer Variance Denial
June 2 Evening Meeting
1999 World Alpine Ski Championship Update
Mauri Nottingham Environmental Awards Presentation
First Reading, Ordinance #4, Red Sandstone SDD #4
Second Reading, Ordinance #6, Open House, Garage Sale Signs
Second Reading, Ordinance #8, Supplemental Appropriation
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June 9 Work Session
PEC/DRB Review
Review of DRB Approval of Red Sandstone
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan Joint Work Session with PEC
Employee Generation Discussion
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