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.
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ously, 6-0.
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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
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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.
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--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
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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
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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
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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