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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-19 Town Council Minutes• VAIL TOWN COUNCIL -MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers, on Tuesday, May 19, 1998. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Foley Michael Jewett Sybill Navas Bob Armour Michael Arnett Rob Ford, Mayor Bob McLaurin, Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Diane Donovan, representing a group of five citizens, presented the Council with a letter regarding the town's Common Ground process. She stated the group was not against affordable housing , but urged the Council to look at other alternatives in providing housing that would not affect the open space program the town currently enjoys. A suggestion of the group was that any major changes regarding employee housing, including the use of Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) monies, be brought to a vote by the public. Attached to the letter was a list of 30 alternative approaches for funding and site selection for employee housing. Mayor Pro-Tem Kurz stated the Council was also concerned regarding the issues of employee housing and open space. The second item on the agenda was the consent agenda approving the minutes from the meetings of April 7 and 21, 1998. Councilmember Armour made a motion to approve the minutes as read and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Mike Arnett. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The third item on the agenda was the discussion by U.S. Forest Service regarding the Booth Creek Burn Project. Tom Johnston of the U.S. Forest Service presented a proposal to the Council regarding the proposed burn plan for the area of Spraddle Creek to Pitkin Creek. He stated the burn had originally been scheduled for February 1997 to include 2000 acres, but because of the concerns raised by the public had been scaled back to 534 acres, done in three phases, beginning in the fail of 1998. This would include Unit 1 (Spraddle Creek) in the fall of 1998, Unit 2 and 3 in spring 1999, and unit 6 in spring 2000. This would include cutting some areas with a chainsaw and burning. Bill Wood of the U.S. Forest Service spoke, stating that this scheduled burn would serve to mitigate the erosion problems and would improve the habitat for the bighorn sheep. The proposal also includes cutting a 125-yard wildlife corridor that would enable the bighorn sheep to move from the Pitkin Creek drainage to the Spraddle Creek area. Bill also stated the average age of the brush in this area was 60 - 90 years. The proposed burn would result in an increased number of sprouts per plant. Councilmember Armour asked Wood if he felt this was a fire waiting to happen. Wood responded yes, there was a lot of dead and dry aspen in the area and the winds would probably carry the fire downslope. Councilmember . Jewett inquired Into the possibility of the public being able to take advantage of the downed trees for firewood. Wood stated that it would be difficult to get access to the cuttings , out it could be available at a minimal cost. Vail Fire Chief Dick Duran stated that his department was in support of the burn, stating that he had toured the area and witnessed the 'fuel loading" conditions. Councilmembers Arnett and Kurz said they felt comfortable with the proposed plan and encouraged the Forest Service to move forward with their schedule, Mr. Wood stated that the next steps in the process included a formal decision to approve the plan and then a 45-day waiting period for any appeal to the decision. The Council thanked the Forest Service for their presentation. The fourth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No. 8, Series of 1998, an ordinance relating to Supplemental Appropriations to the 1998 Town of Vail Budget. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, presented the ordinance to the Council, stating that the majority of the changes involve roiling forward unspent 1997 appropriations ($2.1 million) and expenditures related to employee housing projects $4.5 million). After some discussion, Councilmember Armour made a motion to Approve Ordinance #8, Series of 1998, on first reading and Councilmember Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The fifth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 7, Series of 1998, a Resolution renaming Vail Valley Drive, North of 1-70 to Elkhorn Drive, George Ruther, Senior Planner, presented the resolution to the Council, stating that Community Development had been presented with a petition by the property owners (Town of Vail public works facility) in favor of changing the name, as it was confusing to residents and emergency services, not knowing where the street continues on the north side of 1-70 and felt the best way to solve the problem was to rename the street, now that it is a residential area. Councilmember Armour made a motion to approve Resolution #7, Series of 1998, and Councilmember Navas seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passes unanimously, 6-0. The sixth item on the agenda was Proclamation No, 6, Series of 1998, proclaiming June, 1998 Colorado Recycling Month. Mayor Pro-Tem Kurz read the proclamation for the record. Councilmember Navas made a motion to adopt Proclamation No. 6, Series of 1998. Councilmember Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The seventh item on the agenda was Proclamation No. 7, Series of 1998, proclaiming May 17 - 23, 1998, as "National Public Works Week". Councilmember Navas made a motion to approve Proclamation No. 7, Series of 1998, and Councilmember Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0, Assistant Town Manager Brandmeyer reminded the Council and the public that the Public Works facility would be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, May 20th, from 1 - 5 P.M., with free cash washes and tours of the new employee housing units. The eighth item on the agenda was the appointment of two Local Licensing Authority. Councilmember Navas made a motion to re -appoint William F. Bishop and Connie Knight to two- year terms. Councilmember Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The ninth item on the agenda was theTown Manager Report. Town Manager McLaurin stated he had no additional information to add to the report. There were no questions or additions from Council. pasTnintitem ously, 6-0. Th on th genda atdditionai inaddiCouncil. G theTow ager Report. Town Manager McLaurin tion' o add to o .Tbere were no questions or Councilmember Armour thanked all the clean up volunteers headed by Community Development Director Russ Forrest, for their participation in the Vail Spring Clean Up Day. As there was no further business, Councilmember Armour made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M. . ATTEST: Lo Jeionaldson Town Clerk Minutes taken by Mary A. Caster • Respectfully submitted, Ludwig Ku4mayor Pro -Tern `m 11141 1 in 111111111111 1 mill ■I =^ 4 75 South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-479-2157 MEDIA ADVISORY May 20, 1998 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR MAY 19 Please note: The start time for the evening meeting has been changed to 7 p.m., 30 minutes earlier than the previous start time. Work Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Local Licensing Authority Interviews • The Council visited with Connie Knight, a member of the Local Licensing Authority, who has asked to be reappointed to the liquor board. The second applicant, William Bishop, also seeking reappointment, was unable to attend the meeting. The Council later reappointed the two at its evening meeting. During discussions with Knight, Councilmembers learned about efforts of the current 5-member board to address problems associated with the over serving of alcohol to Vail's bar patrons, as well as service to minors. One option would be to require establishments to receive mandatory TIPS training (Training Invervention Procedures for Servers of Alcohol). A meeting is scheduled for June 10 to probe alternatives in more detail. Also yesterday, Councilmembers expressed support for the proposed "Operation Shadow Keg" program and encouraged the Local Licensing Authority to move forward with implementation. For more information, contact Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer at 479-2113. --PEC Review During a review of Monday's Planning and Environmental Commission meeting, Councilman Michael Arnett asked that a description of a proposal to reverse a staff interpretation be clarified as a "reversal" rather than as an amendment to the zoning code. The proposal would result in allowing residential structures to expand by 500 sq. ft. or less in allowable Gross Residential Floor Area (GRFA) without compliance with certain design requirements. The proposal was initiated at Arnett's request. --Review of 1999-2000 Biennial Budget Calendar The Council reviewed and accepted a budget calendar that reflects ongoing meetings and discussions between June 16 and Dec. 1. Issues to be decided during the budget process include parking rates, the future of "Park Free After 3," identification of a dedicated funding source(s) for the facilitation of affordable housing, business license fee allocation, regional . marketing, and sales tax growth projections, among others. For more information, contact Town Manager Bob McLaurin at 479-2105. (more) VRECYCLEDPAPER TOV Highlights/5-19-981Add 1 --Discussion of Ford Park Summer Event Parking Management Public Works/Transportation Director Larry Grafel presented a concept that would provide additional alternatives regarding access to Ford Park 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 calls for using a private company to manage close -in parking at three lots: 1) the Ford Park lot next to the Frontage Road; 2) the soccer field lot;. and 3) the surface lot at Golden Peak. There would be a $5 per car fee to park in those lots on 27 of those days in which there are paid activities; the 8 other days would be managed, but parking would be free to coincide with the free nature of the event (with one exception, July 4). Grafel said the proposal 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 events, including use of the new recreation path from the Village parking structure to the park. Grafel said the concept would provide users with numerous choices in which to access Ford Park, including free parking in the Village structure. Also, he said the town will increase frequency of a Ford Park shuttle bus that will provide drop offs every seven minutes from the Village parking structure. In 1994, the town initiated a similar paid parking program during peak days at Ford Park. But the program was soon abandoned following public opposition. This time, Grafel said the user organizations, including the Vail Recreation District, Bravo and the Vail Valley Foundation, are supportive of the managed parking concept and have pledged to make it work successfully. Reaction by the Council was mixed. Sybill Navas suggested simplifying the program with paid parking during all 36 peak event days for added consistency, while Michael Jewett said he could not support paid parking at the park. Jewett also criticized the staff for not including a written proposal for Council review prior to the meeting. Michael Arnett, who expressed mixed feelings about the concept, said he strongly favored improved information and directional signs to help visitors get to events in the park, while Ludwig Kurz and Bob Armour offered support. Kevin Foley asked for more information, including the dates in which the program would be managed. Councilmembers agreed to allow the staff to move forward with the concept, with final consideration scheduled for next Tuesday's meeting. For more information, contact Grafel at 479-2173. —Information Update Announcements included a reminder about the open house for National Public Works Week from 1 to 5 p.m. May 20, and an invitation to attend a joint work session with the Planning and Environmental Commission regarding the Vail Village Inn's application for a Major Amendment to Special Development District # 6 at 2 p.m. on June 8. Also yesterday, the Council authorized $5,000 from contingency funds to assist the Vail Village Merchant Association with a summer promotional campaign to help offset impacts caused by the construction. Brian Hall of Blue Creek Productions will make a presentation to the merchants at a construction update meeting Thursday this week at 10 a.m. at the Daily Grind. --Council Reports Kevin Foley gave an update on his involvement in the Year of the Child parade on April 30; the recent Vail Village construction meeting; Mike Mollica's farewell barbeque; and improvements to the Vail Golf Course and the Ford Park softball fields. Ludwig Kurz, who represents Council on the Channel 5 board, said a work session was being scheduled with the board to do some strategic planning. Sybill Navas reported the Special Events Commission authorized an allocation of $15,500 to the (more) 0 • TOV Highlightsl5-19-981Add 2 Vail Village Merchant Association for an event the weekend of Aug. 29. Also, she attended a Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality/Quantity meeting in Aspen in which an annual legislative report was given, as well as a discussion on impacts associated with the Endangered Species Act. Bob Armour reminded fellow Councilmembers of the registration deadline for the Colorado Municipal League conference to be held in Breckenridge. He said a Colorado'Association of Ski Towns meeting also had been scheduled to coincide with the conference. Michael Arnett reported that he had served on the selection committee for the Mauri Nottingham Environmental Awards. The awards will be presented at the June 2 evening Council meeting. --Other Michael Jewett asked that he retain his assigned seating each week so he can readily access his desk drawer. Jewett also expressed interest in having some office space in the Municipal Building for Council's use. He also reported on a meeting of the Vail Valley Exchange in which the organization is planning to send a Vail Valley delegation to Mt. Buller, Australia in late August. Kevin Foley reminded the staff about lighting repairs that are still needed at the East Vail Interchange ramp (maintained by CDOT). Foley also confirmed that a private residence at • Spraddle Creek, with its 44 exterior fixtures, is within the town's lighting code. During an update on the Slifer Plaza renovation bid, the Council agreed to move forward with the project at a cost not to exceed $540,000. Town Manager Bob McLaurin provided an update on the potential upgrade of the town's radio system now used by police, fire, bus and Public Works. Over time, the system must be switched from a UHF frequency to an 800 MHZ system as part of a federal mandate. McLaurin said the switch will be costly, as much as $800,000. He said it would be up to the Council to determine what year the switch should be made and how it should be funded. McLaurin also shared interest by Mayor Rob Ford to turn Vail's Fourth of July celebration into a family -friendly event. Over the past few years, the celebration has turned increasingly rowdy with public drunkenness and other behavior that stands to tarnish Vail's image if it isn't addressed, McLaurin said. And lastly, McLaurin,and Finance Director Steve Thompson floated the concept of refinancing about $13 million of the town's debt to free up between $2 and $3 million between the years 2000 and 2005. McLaurin said the town would need to move forward with the action within the next 45 to 60 days if the Council is interested in continuing discussions on the topic. Next steps would include inviting an investment banker to an upcoming Council meeting to discuss the possibility in more detail. For more information, contact Thompson at 479-2116. Evening Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas • --Citizen Participation Diana Donovan, representing a group of five citizens, read a letter to the Town Council regarding the town's Common Ground process. The process to involve citizens in determining where to (more) TOV Highlights/5-19-98/Add 3 • site affordable housing, parks, community facilities and open space, as well as to identify a dedicated funding source for housing, was launched in April and will be completed at the end of June. While Donovan said the five citizens are not against affordable housing, she urged the Council to pursue solutions that won't jeopardize the town's existing open space. She also encouraged the Council to leave the current allocation of the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) in tact (rather than use a portion of the tax for housing). The group also asked that any major policy change be brought to a public vote, including a change in the use of existing or future RETT funds or any change in the use of lands originally acquired to be preserved as open space. In addition, Donovan shared a list of 30 ideas that might stimulate creative approaches to funding and/or addressing the housing problem. For a copy of the packet, contact Donovan at 476-2789. --Discussion by U.S. Forest Service Regarding Booth Greek Project Burn Area The Council heard an update from Tom Johnston of the U.S. Forest Service regarding a proposal to conduct a prescribed burn on the hillside north of Vail from Pitkin Creek to Spraddle Creek. The burn was first proposed in February 1997 to include 2,000 acres, but has been scaled back in response to concerns raised by the public through a scoping and environmental assessment process. The current proposal forwarded to District Ranger Bill Wood of the White River National Forest calls for burning 534 acres in three phases over three years beginning in the fall of 1998. The proposal also includes cutting a 125 yard wildlife corridor that would enable bighorn sheep to move from the Pitkin Creek drainage to the Spraddle Creek area. The project is intended to address erosion problems and to improve the habitat for bighorn sheep. During discussion last night, Vail Fire Chief Dick Duran said his department supports the burn. After • touring the area and witnessing the "fuel loading" conditions, Duran said the prescribed burn is a better alternative than waiting for a fire to happen naturally. Councilmembers Arnett and Kurz said they were comfortable with the mitigation plan and encouraged the Forest Service to move forward with the burn, while Councilman Michael Jewett suggested efforts be made to allow public access to the firewood that would be generated by the cutting of aspen trees that would create the bighorn sheep corridor. Next steps in the process include a formal decision to approve the plan by district ranger Bill Wood, then a 45-day waiting period to allow for an appeal of Wood's decision. For more information, contact Johnston at 827-5715. --Supplemental Appropriation Council voted 6-0 to approve first reading of an ordinance authorizing an $8 million supplemental appropriation to the 1998 budget. Most of the changes involve rolling forward unspent 1997 appropriations ($2.1 million) and expenditures related to employee housing projects ($4.5 million). For details, contact Finance Director Steve Thompson at 479-2116. --Resolution Renaming Vail Valley Drive, North of 1-70, to Elkhorn Drive The Council voted 6-0 to approve the renaming of the street leading to the Public Works Shops north of the Vail Golf Course. Delivery drivers and others unfamiliar with the town's layout found the previous street address, Vail Valley Drive, confusing. In addition, this clarification is needed with the development of residential units at Public Works. The new street name, Elkhorn Drive, reflects the presence of elk and bighorn sheep in the area. The name was selected by the town's Public Works Department employees. --Proclamation Proclaiming June 1998 Colorado Recycling Month The Council voted 6-0 to approve this proclamation. For a copy, call 479-2115. . --Proclamation Proclaiming May 17-23 National Public Works Week The Council voted 6-0 to approve this proclamation. For a copy, call 479-2115 and come join us (more) . TOV Highlightsl5-1 9-981Add 4 today for an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Public Works Shops. --Local Licensing Authority Appointments The Council reappointed Connie Knight and Bill Bishop to the liquor board for two-year terms to expire June, 2000. --Other Councilman Bob Armour thanked all those who participated during Saturday's annual clean-up day. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS June 2 Work Session Discussion of "Park Free After 3" June 2 Evening Meeting 1999 World Alpine Ski Championship Update Presentation of Mauri Nottingham Environmental Awards First Reading, Ordinance #4, Red Sandstone SDD #4 Second Reading, Ordinance #G, Open House, Garage Sale Signs Second Reading, Ordinance #8 Supplemental Appropriation • June 9 Work Session PEC/DRB Review