HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-21 Town Council MinutesVAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1998
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers on
Tuesday, July 21, 1998. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Ford, Mayor
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro-Tem
Bob Armour
Michael Arnett
Kevin Foley
Michael Jewett
Sybill Navas
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer, Asst Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Josef Staufer, a Vail resident,
continued his support of the Common Ground housing initiative and requested the Town could
appease neighbors by scaling down the density of the projects. He also stated the community
• should consider raising the Real Estate Transfer Tax by '1/z% to pay for the plan. He also stated
that business and hotel owners should contribute and pay a portion of development costs to pay
for affordable housing, employers that create a need for seasonal housing should pay for it.
The second item on the agenda was a presentation/slidellecture by Professor Erika Doss
regarding Art In Public Places.
Nancy Sweeney, Art in Public Places Coordinator introduced Professor Erika Doss, history
professor and author.
Erika Doss presented a slide show to Council and made a presentation on the importance of
public art, civic identity and involvement in the arts. Public art traditionally meant memorials and
it also is meant to beautify the area. She gave many examples of public art. The public art
controversy stems from political posturing, cultural democracy, etc. She said democratic
expression can be a revitalization of cities and civic debate helps to involve the community and
creates ownership.
Council member Bob Armour thanked Erika Doss for her presentation and stated public art
moves people and asked if there was a key or common theme in getting people involved in
public art.
Erika stated there was a great need to be proactive and getting the community involved early on
in the art project process. She also stated there needs to be compromise and willingness to
take risks, and vision and imagination lead to public ownership.
0 Mayor Rob Ford thanked Erika for her time and presentation.
0 The third item on the agenda was the current Audit Report for 1997.
Steve Thompson, Finance Director, introduced Jerry McMahan.
Jerry McMahan, of McMahan and Associates, audited the Town of Vail financial records and
stated the Town of Vail is in compliance with all rules and regulations. The auditors did not
have to make any substantial corrections. The audit was made in compliance with the Town
Charter. He also stated the Town operated well within the budget and stated there is a lot of
good information in the town audit report and in the footnotes. He gave the town a "clean
opinion", the highest rating possible for an audit.
Council member Ludwig Kurz asked if the suggestions made by the auditors was in the report.
Jerry stated it was in the report and Steve Thompson had copies.
Council member Bob Armour made a motion to accept the 1997 Audit Report and the motion
was seconded by Council member Mike Arnett. A vote was taken and was passed
unanimously, 7-0.
The fourth item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 11, Series of 1998, an
ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the Town of Vail in Accordance with
Title 12, Zoning Regulations, Chapter 5, Zoning Map; Applying Zone District Designation to a
• Portion of Unzoned Property Previously Owned by the United States Forest Service and
Transferred to the Town of Vail Pursuant to the Land Ownership Adjustment Agreement to
Primary/ secondary Residential District for Property Located at Rockledge Road/portions of
United States Forest Service Lot 3, Based upon the Proposed Final Plat (Not Yet Recorded) of
Rockledge Forest Subdivision Prepared by Dennis Shelhorn as Job No. 0332-002 Dated
February 25, 1998.
Dominic Mauriello, Town Planner, explained the property was acquired by the Town of Vail and
staff was applying zoning to it so it could be sold at a later date to adjoining property owners to
resolve encroachment problems. He also stated the zoning is compatible with the
neighborhood.
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney, stated the property was changed to accommodate a neighbor
and the land was acquired as part of the Land Ownership Adjustment Agreement with the U.S.
Forest Service. The property is in the Town of Vail and the Planning and Environmental
Commission is recommending the zoning change.
Mayor Rob Ford clarified the background information of the change and stated the Town was
acting as an intermediary so that the forest service and the neighbor could complete the
exchange.
Discussion ensued for clarification purposes.
Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on first reading, Ordinance 11, Series
of 1998, the motion was seconded by Council member Ludwig Kurz. A vote was taken and was
10 passed unanimously, 7-0.
• The fifth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance No. 9, Series of 1998, an
ordinance repealing and re-enacting Ordinance No. 10, Series of 1991, to provide changes to
Special Development District No. 22, Grand Traverse, that concern the number of lots, the lot
sizes, the corresponding development standards and the architectural guidelines; and setting
forth details in regard thereto.
George Ruther, Town Planner, explained this was the second reading of the ordinance and
included the minor modifications requested by Council. The Planning and Environmental
Commission and staff recommend approval and requests Council approval for the major
amendment and major subdivision request eliminating two lots.
Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on second reading, Ordinance No. 9,
Series of 1998, the motion was seconded by Council member Sybill Navas. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The sixth item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 10, Series of 1998, an
Ordinance amending Title 12, Zoning Regulations, Chapter 11, Design Review, Section 12-11-
5: Design Guidelines; Adding a provision allowing legal nonconforming single-family, two-family,
and primary/secondary residential dwelling units to be expanded by 500 sq. ft. or less without
requiring structures and sites to be fully compliant with the design guidelines; and amending
Chapter 16, Conditional Use Permits, and creating a new Section 12-16-7: Use Specific Criteria
and Standards.
• Dominic Mauriello, Town Planner, explained this was the second reading of this ordinance and
this was what Council approved on first reading.
Mayor Rob Ford asked if this applies to single family, primarylsecondary and duplex residential
units only.
Dominic stated multi -family residents will be addressed separately and this would affect multi -
families differently.
Council member Mike Arnett said he wanted multi -family dwellings to be addressed separately.
Additional discussion ensued.
Mayor Rob Ford asked the Council to direct staff to move forward on multi -family changes on
GRFA quickly.
Council member Sybil] Navas stated there are two issues that have not been resolved, can the
GRFA be pooled and will 500 sq. ft. additions be allowed.
Mayor Rob Ford requested this issue be brought to a work session so the community could
contribute to the discussions.
Russ Forrest, Community Development Director, stated staff would appreciate the opportunity
• to enter into a discussion with the community, Council and Planning and Environmental
Commission with regard to changes for multi -family units.
Web Atwell, a builder and homeowner asked about the time frame of how long this will take to
be approved.
Mayor Rob Ford explained it make take longer than anyone expects because Council won't
circumvent the process of getting community input.
Council member Mike Arnett said it will move faster once there is consensus.
Further discussion ensued.
John Railton, an architect, addressed the council and stated that he was frustrated that this was
split into 2 parts and did not include multi -family. He said the current ordinance without
addressing multi -family units is inconvenient.
Jim Lamont, representing the East Village Home Owners Association, appreciated the Council
reviewing this in a comprehensive manner.
Suzanne Sibley, a Matterhorn resident, stated the ordinance will help them add another
employee apartment to their residence.
Council member Mike Arnett made a motion to approve on second reading, Ordinance No. 10,
Series of 1998 and was seconded by Council member Kevin Foley. A vote was taken and was
• passed unanimously, 7-0.
The seventh item on the agenda was the Town Manager Report.
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager, reminded the Council of the growth management
workshop sponsored by Eagle County next week. She asked if Council was in favor of hosting
the Colorado Municipal League (CML) conference in Vail next year and requested $5,000 be
budgeted for this event in 1999.
Council member Sybill Navas made a motion to approve $5,000 in the 1999 budget to host the
CML conference in Vail in June of 1999, Council member Ludwig Kurz seconded the motion. A
vote was taken and was passed unanimously, 7-0.
Pam stated space vacated by the Vail Recreation District in the lower portion of the Vail Public
Library is unoccupied and the Vail Valley Foundation has requested this space be used to
distribute uniforms during the 1999 World Alpine Championships.
All Council members are in favor of the use and authorized the Vail Valley Foundation to use
the space.
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The sixth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
There was no further information to report.
As there was no further business, a motion was made by Council member Mike Arnett to
adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Council member Mike Jewett. A vote was taken and
the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
Lorel ' Donaldson
Town Clerk
•
Respectfully submitted,
Ludwig Kurz
Mayor pro-Tem
To
OF VAIL
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
970-479.2100
FAX 970-479-2157
Im
MEDIA ADVISORY
July 22, 1998
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR JULY 21
Work Session Briefs
Councilmembers present: Armour, Arnett, Ford, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--DRB Review
• During a'review of the recent Design Review Board meeting, councilmembers learned that an
owner of a property at 278 Rockledge Road would likely appeal a DRB decision that rejected the
owner's proposal to remove a tree on the property.
--Common Ground Discussion
The Council brainstormed a framework for next steps in the Common Ground process. As
proposed, a series of public invitations, bus tours, site -specific neighborhood discussions and
open houses would be used to hone in on density, architectural design and other development
characteristics associated with the housing and park sites. The schedule proposed by Council
yesterday would place the first phase sites into two tiers as follows:
Summer Discussions
• West Vail lot at intersection of Arosa and Garmisch for park development and for -sale
housing
• Lionshead parking structure perimeter for seasonal housing and RV Charter Bus lot for a
community facility
Summer TOV Work Plan
• Begin process to acquire (or work in conjunction with current owners) to redevelop
Timber Ridge for seasonal housing
• Begin process to acquire (or work in conjunction with current owner) to develop the Hud
Wirth site for for -sale housing
• Begin a process to acquire buy -downs
• Process the 5 parcels named in phase one as protected open space; acquire the sixth
site, L. Ladner, when available.
Fall Discussions
• Tract C, a privately owned parcel by Vail Mountain School, for development of for -sale
housing.
• Three benches of Donovan Park for a combination of park sites, open space and
seasonal and for -sale housing sites
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Add 1/TOV Council High lights/7-21-98 •
Also yesterday, Councilmembers asked that members of the business community join in the
upcoming discussions to provide partnership guidance. In addition, Councilmembers agreed
that every attempt will be made to send a message to the community that Common Ground is an
evolving project in that sites targeted for housing on June 30 may be altered in the future if
circumstances change or new opportunities present themselves. However, Councilman Ludwig
Kurz said it wouldn't be appropriate to arbitrarily remove sites now following the difficult decision
of June 30. Other comments during the discussion included: Councilman Michael Jewett, who
continued to advocate putting the plan up for a public vote in addition to expressing concerns
about getting accurate audio recordings during the informal work session format; Councilman _
Ludwig Kurz who asked that market research be shared regarding the types of housing products
tenants want; Councilmember Sybill Navas who expressed concerns about using any open
space parcels during the first stage of implementation and instead strongly advocated putting
the town's resources into the Timber Ridge project; Councilman Kevin Foley who said he
preferred to use town -owned land, such as Lionshead, before using open space or private land
for the first development; Diana Donovan who asked that next steps include more formal
dialogue opportunities in the Council Chambers; Jeff Gorsuch who reminded the council that
many residents oppose the plan; and Paul Rondeau who suggested the town create emergency
funding to hire an employee to monitor private sector compliance with deed -restrictions that
have been placed on 399 units throughout town. Next steps include circulating the draft plan for
Common Ground's next phase, inviting public comment, followed by approval of the next steps
by Town Council scheduled for the evening meeting of Aug. 18. For more information, contact
Andy Knudtsen in Community Development at 479-2440.
--Budget Workshop .
During an overview of the planning process for the 1999-2000 biennial budget, Town Manager
Bob McLaurin highlighted a list of overriding issues to be addressed. The most fundamental
issue of all, he said, is the trend in flattening revenues and growing expenses. Although not a
crisis, the situation could worsen in the next five to six years, McLaurin said, unless the problem
is addressed through options such as: 1) creating additional revenues; 2) continuing to drive
operating costs down; 3) reallocating the Real Estate Transfer Tax; 4) reducing services; or 5)
adding new retail opportunities in Lionshead as part of the master planning process. That
prompted a reaction from Ludwig Kurz along with most other councilmembers who said cutting
services was not an option given Vail's status as a service -based resort. Instead, Kurz
advocated looking aggressively at new revenue sources, including a discussion of how the town
might capitalize on the new activities on Vail Mountain (the town does not collect sales tax on the
mountain), as well as moving forward with redevelopment in Lionshead. Councilman Michael
Arnett agreed with Kurz and took it one step further by advocating placement of a $1 million cap
on use of the Real Estate Transfer Tax funds for parks, maintenance and open space, with the
remainder going to supplement the town's general fund. Councilman Kevin Foley advocated
making the parking structures more inviting with new paint, improved lighting and better signage.
Foley also suggested additional contributions from Vail Associates to offset transportation and
parking strains that will be caused by Category Ill. Councilmember Sybill Navas said the town
needs to better understand why skier numbers were down last season in Vail. She said the
town needs to do what it can to make the villages and parking structures more friendly and
inviting. Mayor Rob Ford agreed that cutting services is not the direction the council wants to go.
He predicted the need for joint ventures between the town and other partners, such as the
business community, to help address the increased service demands. Also yesterday,
councilmembers agreed to a recommendation by McLaurin to budget a 4% annual increase in
sales tax and to use a strategic planning model that would balance the budget at the end of a
five year period. Also, the council discussed moving forward with restructuring the town's debt.
This would free up $6.8 million between 2000 and 2005. McLaurin said the restructuring would
level the towns debt service payments to 2012. Councilman Kevin Foiey asked if the
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Add 2/TOV Council Highlights/7-21-98
restructuring would load up a future council with debt. Although clearly a philosophical decision,
McLaurin said the refinancing tool would be, in his judgment, an appropriate step, given the drop
in interest rates. Fire service is another topic that will receive attention this year. McLaurin has
proposed relocating the Main Vail fire station to just north of the Main Vail roundabouts to
improve fire service to West Vail. The new, two -company fire station would then supply enough
equipment and staffing to provide coverage for both Main Vail and West Vail. The East Vail fire
station would remain unchanged. McLaurin suggested designing the station in the year 2000
and constructing it in 2001. Meanwhile, the roof of the Main Vail station will need repairs during
the interim, he said. Although a new two -company station would give the department an edge,
Fire Chief Dick Duran predicted the eventual need for a station in West Vail at some point in the
future. Councilmembers asked to begin scheduling additional discussions about the various
options for equitable fire service in West Vail. Upcoming budget discussions also will address
the parking program, animal control and distribution of the Vail business license fee, among
others. Also yesterday, the Council voted 5-2 (Foley and Jewett against) to discuss -the town's
pay philosophy in executive session, which occurred at the end of the meeting. For more
information, contact McLaurin at 479-2105.
Vail Valley Exchange/Sister Cities International Request
The Council voted 7-0 to authorize up to $3,800 in Council contingency funds to send
Community Development Director Russell Forrest to Mt. Buller, Australia as part of the local
sister cities delegation. Forrest and Councilmember Sybil[ Navas will represent the Town of Vail
during the trip.
Ol
Village Core Construction Update
Public Works/Transportation Director Larry Grafel presented the following update: installation of
the granite artwork is underway this week at Seibert Circle; Slifer Plaza renovation is making
good progress; and at the Transportation Center, the area around the Visitors Center will reopen
by Friday this week with work underway at the east and west end walkways. For more
information, contact Grafel at 479-2173.
--Ford Park Managed Parking Update
Also yesterday, Grafel presented an update on managed parking at Ford Park. Following a
meeting last week with the Ford Park users group, Grafel said a decision was made to allow the
lots to remain open for free parking during the morning hours for greater flexibility. Prior to the
decision, the lots were being chained off earlier during the peak day to help clear them of
vehicles.
--Council Reports
Michael Arnett attended a meeting of the Vail Tomorrow Affordable Housing Team. He said the
group is working to dispel misperceptions about Common Ground.
Sybill Navas participated in the interview process for a new director of the Northwest Colorado
Council of Governments. She also said a presentation by the Water Quality/Quantity would be
arranged soon in which the group will ask for an increase in its membership fees from Vail.
Ludwig Kurz said the Channel 5 board held a retreat recently and has pledged to seek additional
corporate sponsorships. He said a presentation to the Town Council would be scheduled soon.
. Kevin Foley said the Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority has been informed that
Beaver Creek Resort and the Town of Avon have withdrawn their voluntary contributions to the
authority due to healthy sales tax collections. The Town of Vail will send a letter asking for a
rebate of its contribution. Also yesterday, Foley questioned why the authority was subsidizing
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Add 3/TOV Council Highlights/7-21-98
skier services by funding buses to run continuously to Beaver Creek when other routes simply
provide a connection from one community to the next. On another matter, Foley reported on a
meeting between representatives from the Police Department and some of the bar managers.
Foley said the managers are concerned that Vail is beginning to take on a image where people
aren't welcome anymore. He said a balance needs to be maintained. Also, Foley said the
memorial service for Lyndon Ellefson was well -attended, making the best of a bad situation.
--Other
Kevin Foley thanked those who were responsible for sweeping the Vail Pass bike path last
Friday (just in time for 2 bike tours that were passing through). Foley also expressed concerns
about the status of ongoing construction at the Vail Pass rest area, inquired about the status of
restoring Stevens Park in Intermountain following the recent fire (playground equipment is
ordered and will be installed in August); and inquired about the status of office space for the
Town Council (it's ready to go). Foley also expressed frustration that the town was not
benefitting financially from the large crowds which have been gathering at Eagle's Nest on Vail
Mountain.
Ludwig Kurz suggested dressing up the entry in front of the Vail Village parking structure.
Sybill Navas asked staff to be more sensitive in scheduling topics of community interest during
the lunch hour.
Michael Arnett suggested ways to improve the aesthetics of the variable message signs
currently in use. He suggested constructing a stone planter with a stone wrap to help hide the
orange frame. Arnett also presented a written letter to Councilmembers regarding his ideas to
create an ordinance that would allow interior and exterior conversions of multi -family properties.
Councilmembers received a report from Police Chief Greg Morrison regarding a request for
controlling the displays of outdoor goods in Lionshead. Morrison said a work group has been
created to go site -by -site to measure the property lines of each business to determine where
such displays can go, since they must be located on private property.
Evening Session Briefs
Councilmembers present: Armour, Arnett, Ford, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
Joe Staufer appeared before the Council to offer his continued support for the Common Ground
housing initiative, although he said the Council would likely need to make peace with the
neighborhoods by scaling back some of the masses and numbers. Staufer said the community
should consider raising the one percent Real Estate Transfer Tax by a half percentage point to
pay for the plan. He also suggested the involvement of major developers.
--Art in Public Places Presentation by Professor Erika Doss
The Council heard a presentation by noted author Erika Doss entitled "More Than Memorials,
Beyond Beautification: Why Public Art Matters." While often controversial, Doss described the
importance of contemporary public art in the development of community identity and civic
participation. She told how a public art project at Cincinnati's gateway is now a classic example
of how projects can come to symbolize a city's spirit and identity. In the case of Cincinnati, a
flying pig motif, representing the city's roots in the slaughter house industry, drew criticism, yet is
the community and instilled pride and ownership in the project. Doss is a professor
in the Fine Arts Department at the University of Colorado. Her presentation was sponsored by
the town's Art In Public Places Program.
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Add 4/TOV Council Highlights/7-21-98
--1997 Audit Report
The Council voted 7-0 to accept the 1997 audit report presented by Jerry McMahan of McMahan
and Associates. McMahan said the audit gave the town a "clean opinion," the highest rating
possible.
--Rezoning of a Portion of Land on Rockledge Rd. to Reflect Land Ownership Adjustment
Agreement
The Council voted 7-0 to approve first reading of an ordinance that applies zoning to a portion of
land on Rockledge Rd. that was recently acquired by the town as part of the Land Ownership
Adjustment Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. The property will eventually be sold to
adjacent property owners to resolve encroachment problems. For more information, contact
Town Attorney Tom Moorhead at 479-2107.
--Grand Traverse Special Development District Modifications
The Council voted 7-0 on second reading to approve an ordinance that would change the lot
configuration in the Grand Traverse subdivision from 24 lots to 22 lots and increase the
allowable GRFA (gross residential floor area) for employee housing units from 500 sq. ft. to 800
sq. ft. For more information, contact George Ruther in the Community Development Department
at 479-2145.
--Design Review Trigger
The Council voted 7-0 to approve second reading of an ordinance allowing residential (single
family/duplex) renovations of up to 500 square feet without triggering costly requirements to
• bring the remainder of the property up to current design standards. In the past, owners of some
of Vail's older properties have wanted to add a bedroom, for example, but found themselves
saddled with a town requirement to bury overhead utilities, pave a driveway or add new siding to
the home as part of the project. The new design review trigger approved by the Town Council
was initiated by Councilman Michael Arnett who said he wanted to add flexibility for people who
want to make their homes more liveable. During discussion last night, several people asked
Council to incorporate provisions that would allow interior conversions of floor area for multi-
family dwellings within the ordinance. But Councilmembers said they preferred to take a
comprehensive look at interior and exterior conversions for multi -family properties in a separate
ordinance. For more information, contact Dominic Mauriello, chief of planning in the Community
Development Department, at 479-2148.
--Town Manager's Report
Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer reminded councilmembers of a growth management
workshop sponsored by Eagle County next week. Councilmembers also voted 7-0 to add
$5,000 to the 1999 budget to help sponsor the Colorado Municipal League Conference which
will bring an estimated 1,500 people to Vail next year. 1n addition, councilmembers authorized
use of the recently -vacated Vail Recreation District office space beneath the library to be used to
distribute uniforms during the World Alpine Ski Championships.
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
July 28 Work Session
PEC Review
Joint TOV/VRD Meeting
Appeal of DRB Decision by Harry Gray
Lionshead Master Plan
Discussion of Employee Generation
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Add 5/TOV Council Highlightsl7-21-98 0
August 4 Work Session
Request by the Antlers Lodge for Conceptual Review
Authorize to Enter into Contract for Audit Services
Appeal of DRB Decision by Paul Raether
Discussion of Marketing Bill
August 4 Evening Meeting
Discussion of Business License Fee by "Vail First"
First Reading, Model Traffic Code Ordinance
Second Reading, Ordinance # 11, TOV Rezoning
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WORK SESSION 141NTTTFS
Tuesday, July 21, 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 July 21, 1998. All members were present.
1. Item No. 3, Budget Workshop. In discussion regarding the next biennial budget for the
years 1999 and 2000, Council by consensus, approved moving to a five year budget, with
the assurance that the ten year budget would continue to serve as a long term target.
Discussion also was had in regard to refinancing the debt; however no decision was
reached. A second decision was made by the Council, again by consensus, and that was
to approve a 4% revenue projection for the next two years, 1999 and the year 2000.
2. Item No. 4, Vail Valley Exchange/Sister Cities International Request for a Staff Member
to Join the Delegation to the Delatite Shire in August, 1998 and to Approve Funding.
Mike Arnett moved with a second from Bob Armour to approve up to $3,800 from
Council contingency to send Russell Forrest to the Delatite Shire in August. A vote was
. taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
0