HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-15 Town Council Minutes•
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VAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1998
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers on
Tuesday, September 15, 1998. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rob Ford, Mayor
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro -Tern
Bob Armour
Michael Arnett
Kevin Foley
Michael Jewett
Sybill Navas
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Paul Rondeau, resident of Vail,
commended Council on coming to a compromise and making amends with the community. He
said it was time to focus on moving forward on the Common Ground process. Jerry Sibley, a
West Vail resident and representing the Donovan Park Neighborhood Association, asked the
Council and community to call on the neighborhood associations to provide volunteer support for
the '99 Championships clean-up and other activities.
The second item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 14, Series of 1998, an
ordinance making Supplemental Appropriations from the Town of Vail General Fund, Heavy
Equipment Fund, Parking Structure Fund, Housing Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Debt Service
Fund, Booth Creek Debt Service Fund, and Facility Maintenance Fund, of the 1998 Budget and
the Financial Plan for the Town of Vail, Colorado; and Authorizing the Expenditures of Said
Appropriations as Set Forth Herein; and Setting Forth Details in Regard Thereto.
Mayor Rob Ford asked Steve Thompson to explain to the community why the Town of Vail
goes through the process of supplemental appropriations.
Steve Thompson, Finance Director, explained that the supplemental appropriations are
necessary to adjust the budget to include additional funds due to unexpected expenditures and
changes on projects and plans that come up through the year after the budget is set. He
explained that savings cannot always be used to cover the costs, therefor, supplemental
appropriations are necessary. Steve highlighted some of the specific areas and reasons for the
supplemental appropriations.
Council member Mike Jewett asked about the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) fund.
Steve Thompson stated the RETT funds are kept separate from the general funds.
1 Vail Town Council (Meeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Council member Mike Jewett asked for clarification of how the RETT funds are used.
• Steve stated the town is required to record RETT revenue funds separately from the town's
eleven other funds. is only one account. He then explained that all monies from all sources are
pooled into one investment fund, including RETT funds, to efficiently manage the town's
investments.
Council member Sybill Navas asked for clarification on the street maintenance fees.
Steve stated the fees were to clean up the areas of Slifer Plaza, East Meadow Drive pavers and
the east end of Lionshead pavers. The Public Works Department is trying to do complete this
work this Fall.
Council member Ludwig Kurz moved to approve on first reading, Ordinance 14, Series of 1998,
the motion was seconded by Council member Bob Armour. A vote was taken and was passed
unanimously, 7-0.
The third item on the agenda was Rails and Trails in the Eagle and Vail Valley.
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager, introduced Joe Kracum of MK Centennial, which is contracted
with Beaver Creek Resort Companies to study the possibility of a passenger rail system in
Eagle County.
Joe Kracum, of MK Centennial, explained the study and the commuter rail system was part of
• that study. The basic feasibility study was done and Joe stated the study would look to each
community to design and build a train station and provide funding for right-of-way acquisition.
A public/private partnership would be necessary to make this rail system work. The study will
recommend operation and maintenance costs to be provided by the Eagle County Regional
Transit Authority and costs would be portioned according to benefit of the communities
involved. In addition to station costs, the rail system would take over from the bus systems
duplicating this service. It's up to each community to decide how the system would work in their
communities. Joe stated they are looking at working with the rail system in place now,
abandonment of the rail system is only one of the options. The project would be handled in two
phases. Phase 1 includes a creation of a passenger rail system from the Eagle County
Regional Airport to Avon and from Gypsum to Dowd Junction. Phase 2 includes expanding the
passenger route to Vail and Gypsum and from Gypsum to Leadville. The Colorado Department
of Transportation (CDOT) presentation is October 21, 1998. If the commission goes forward on
this project as proposed, the passenger trains could begin running in the Phase 1 route by July
4, 2001 with eight vehicles. A tunnel would need to be built through Down Junction.
Council member Ludwig Kurz asked who the funding partners are presently.
Joe stated the Eagle County Regional Transit Authority, Vail Associates, and Beaver Creek
Resorts are involved at this time. However, the Colorado Department of Transportation is not
involved at this time.
Council member Kevin Foley asked how much money this was going to cost.
• 2 Vail Town Council IMeeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Joe said they will not know the costs of the project until next week. They are not looking at
federal funding at this time.
Suzanne Mueller, a West Vail resident asked how much money is being spent on this study.
Joe stated the study cost $85,000.
Mayor Rob Ford thanked Joe for the presentation.
The fourth item on the agenda was 1) Consideration of Resolution No. 10, Series of 1998,
adopting elements of the Common Ground Plan. This resolution will supersede Resolution No.
9, Series of 1998 and 2) Public input on community suggestions relating to affordable housing.
Mayor Rob Ford explained the ground rules for public discussion of Resolution No. 10, Series
of 1998. He said this adoption of Resolution No. 10, Series of 1998 is in response to
community input since the June 30, 1998 meeting.
Russell Forrest, Community Development Director, stated Town staff would be available every
Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. to discuss Common Ground items until all topics have been
discussed.
Mayor Rob Ford gave a brief summary on how the Common Ground process was developed.
He said sales tax receipts have helped the Town operate the infrastructure of the town through
the years. However, sales tax receipts are flat and competition is fierce in the valley. There is
no need for employees to come to Vail to work when they can work and live down valley. There
are many changes happening very rapidly and we need to keep up with the changes or have a
crisis on our hands. He said the Council wants the community to come together to work toward
addressing the housing problem. The Council is still facing the housing issues that have been
ongoing from the past. He also explained Council did their best to reach out to the community
to get their views and ideas. The Council is not perfect and is still working on getting
information and ideas from the community. He explained that the RETT funds have been
removed from the Common Ground proposal. Council also changed the priority order in which
parcels purchased with RETT funds would be moved to the last phase of the housing process.
He wants the community to have a total picture of Vail, not just of their neighborhoods. He
reiterated that Council has been listening to the community and Council wants to listen to the
community and address the issues on the agenda of Resolution No. 10, Series of 1998.
Ann Matee, owner of the Kitchen Bar & Grill in Avon and a board member of the Colorado
Restaurant Association, stated she has found a problem finding good employees. She said she
is having hard time finding quality employees. Employees are leaving because they can't afford
to live here. The problem pervades the entire valley. She thanked her employees for coming
tonight to speak to the Council about their problems of making it in the valley. She asked them
to speak to the Council.
Matthew Nelson, restaurant employee, explained the issues are that the housing is expensive
and you get less space. He said the housing in Avon is similar to Vail except that there are
0 3 Vail Town Council (Meeting Minutes September 15, 1998
more opportunities to rent in Avon. He said he has had a hard time adjusting from moving from
• San Diego to the Vail area and justify the cost of rent.
Molly Ingram, restaurant employee, moved here 5-112 months from Orlando, FL. She loves it
here except for the fact that the rent is so high. It is twice as much for a much smaller place,
says there are places with 3-5 people per unit and they still pay $800 a month each for rent.
Tanya, restaurant employee, moved to the Valley about 3 years ago from Connecticut. She
said she has lived in five trailers within three years and pays $350 per month for a small
bedroom and rooms with three guys. She would like to see more affordable housing in the
Valley.
Council member Mike Jewett asked Tanya how she would feel about her favorite park in
Connecticut being turned into housing.
Tanya replied that it would be horrible.
Ann Matee summarized by saying they aren't wanting to use existing park land, they just want
to live in the Valley in a place with reasonable rent. She detailed what the cost of living here
really means to an employee that is paid low wages compared to the high cost of rent.
Anne Essin, a Vail resident, stated she is a member of Housing Team of Vail Tomorrow. The
team went through the needs of housing in Vail. One of the most compelling reasons is that in
1990, 57% of the units in Vail were owned by second homeowners, in 1995 it was 72%, and
.today its 75%. She feels that what has happened is Vail is getting darker (not enough full time
residents) and the age group is getting older. She said Vail needs more young people here to
keep the vitality of Vail going. She stated Timberidge housing is expiring in 2001, and Sunbird
Lodge is to be redeveloped (losing 500 beds). This will put Vail in dire straits for employee
housing and it will be hard for Vail to maintain its world class status as a resort without
employee housing. The Lower Bench of Donovan Park was greatly expanded by town staff
from the Vail Tomorrow Housing Teams recommendations and town -owned lands were to be
used. She fears instead of catching up with the housing needs, we are moving away from
accomplishing affordable housing. She said she is appalled at the personal attacks made on
the Council. She encouraged Council to keep moving forward with Common Ground.
Ann Vardman, a Matterhorn resident, said she chose to move to Vail and lives here with her
family. She is sorry Council's integrity has been questioned. She would like to know what the
cost will be for seasonal housing. She said she personally knows 15 people who worked at
Vail Associates (VA) and they quit because they couldn't afford to live here. She said the
businesses need to pay people more money to work here. She is also on the Vail Tomorrow
Housing Committee and stated the densities at Donovan Park are too high. She said the bigger
issues include the cost of paying employees more and looking at other possibilities.
Jerry Sibley, a Matterhorn resident and Vice President of the Donovan Park Neighborhood
Association, read a statement from the association. The association is dedicated to the
preservation of open space and parks and they want all land purchased with RETT funds in a
trust dedicated to parks, open space and recreation.
9 4 Vail Town Council Weeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Guy Ayrault, a West Vail resident, thanked the Council for listening to community, and he
supports the Donovan Park Neighborhood Association and the other associations wanting to
save their parks and open space. He said that the town should look at developing the Mountain
Bell site first. This is a 53 acre site within walking distance to Town. The Common Ground
Plan called for 70 beds for -sale on this site. He said he found staff reluctant to consider this as
an employee site because of the day care center there. He still feels resistance from staff and
resistance from the day care center because of the shared parking. He said the other
resistance is because Spraddle Creek owners don't want employee housing near their homes.
He wants the Mountain Bell site to be considered first. He also said Council should look at
building outside of Vail. The town would get more bang for the buck for employee housing if
they looked outside Vail. He said there isn't a housing problem outside of Vail.
Council member Mike Jewett asked Guy if Council placed certain open lands in a trust, would
he consider using RETT funds to be used for purchasing land outside of Vail.
Guy stated he personally wouldn't object to using RETT funds for housing outside of Vail.
Barbara Duncan, thanked the Council for their hard work. She agrees affordable housing is
taking employees away from Vail. She said that several changes need to be done, housing is
just one of the issues. She has worked three jobs, and feels we are overlooking workers who
have been here a long time. She wants the process in writing that neighborhoods be notified to
participate in the process of arriving at densities, etc.
Tom Steinberg, a Vail resident and past Council member, said nothing has changed from 30
years ago, there has always been a struggle in the affordable housing arena. The past Council
11191 passed the RETT ordinance to slow down growth. For the last 20 years, Council's have fought
to purchase open space. As president of the Eagle County Land Trust, the purpose was to
purchase open lands. RETT was approved to purchase open space and to improve these
lands for parks, etc. and then they passed another ordinance for bike paths to be included.
Tom stated if Council needs to use RETT funds for housing, Council should pass it by
ordinance. He said If the Town goes outside one mile of Dowd Junction, the Council will have
to pass an ordinance anyway. Their were two major problems by down zoning land and making
it open space. When the bus service was changed to be free bus service, it allowed second
homeowners to move out to East and West Vail and move out employees. It also made prices
go up for land. If we had called it land banking, people wouldn't believe it is open space. He
says it is equitable to use small portion of land to give back to locals to live in Vail. He
suggested that each neighborhood pick a place for employee housing within their
neighborhoods. He recommended other places for employee housing near his neighborhood.
He would like to see Council set up a dialogue with the Vail Recreation District (VRD) to
develop employee housing above the Recreation building at the golf club house and
maintenance facility. Possibly use the soccer field parking for park! nglemployee housing, and
on the northeast side of Ford Park. He has had employee housing in his home for 32 years.
Dennis Jones, read his letter that was sent to the Vail Daily and Vail Trail. He found 264
positions for employment, but found only 85 units available for housing. He said Aspen has
nine full time employees handling employee housing and Aspen has significantly done more
0 5 Vail Town Council IMeeting Minutes September 15, 1998
than Vail regarding employee housing. He said he feels the golf course RETT funds is a viable
• use for employee housing and challenged everyone in the room to stay involved in finding
solutions.
A short break was taken.
Mayor Rob Ford called the meeting back to order and stated Council will discuss Resolution No.
10, Series of 1998. He said even though everyone has not spoken, they will get the chance to
speak after Council has made a motion on Resolution No. 10 and this does not constitute the
Council not listening to what the community has to say.
Council member Ludwig Kurz, stated that Council received good, civil comments from the
community. He said this has been a very painful process but the process should not stall or
stop.
Council member Ludwig Kurz made a motion to approve Resolution No. 10, 1998, and was
seconded by Council member Bob Armour.
Further discussion ensued.
Council member Mike Arnett stated he hopes the community knows the Council is still working
with the Community.
Jerry Sibley stated he doesn't know how the resolution can be amended as it is.
Council member Mike Arnett said that there would have to be another resolution.
Tom Moorhead stated a resolution is a vote by Council which is of a temporary nature, stating
the intention of Council and does not affect the code. Whereas ordinances need two readings
and does affect the Municipal Code.
Council member Mike Jewett asked Tom if this resolution is in response to the lawsuits now
pending against the Town.
Tom Moorhead stated this resolution was developed by Council to compromise and clarify
misconceptions of Resolution No. 9, Series of 1998. He said Resolution No. 9 was
misconstrued by certain parties and Resolution No. 10 clarifies the misconceptions.
Council member Mike Jewett said he was setting the record straight. He said he did not ask for
this resolution and that not all Council members were involved in the process. He felt this
resolution was pushed through by certain council members.
Council member Bob Armour stated the movement from ideas to action occur too fast, change
is difficult. He said the process was fast and then it was slowed down. Everyone needs to
realize housing is an issue. The where and how many is still to be determined. He said he
appreciates everyone working toward a common goal. The resolution is a framework to move
• 6 Vail Town Council Neeting Minutes September 15, 1998
forward. He said the Council doesn't want to get into rent control or wage control. He said the
compromise of the RETT property being pushed back to and not using RETT funds is a good
idea.
Council member Sybill Navas stated the controversy has brought neighborhoods together. She
was faxed in Australia about the press release and supported it. The steps toward resolution is
positive but has concerns on some of the specifics in the resolution. She is reluctant to commit
to the phasing in the resolution. She said the Town owed West Vail a park before Phase 3,
and not just a Donovan Park but a neighborhood park. She said Tom Steinberg's speech was
excellent and felt that every neighborhood should step up and incorporate this idea in the
resolution. She is committed to looking at every parcel of land for employee housing and for
open space and how does this land service the community? She is in favor of looking at other
aspects of housing and employee shortages which should be included in the process.
Everyone needs to be open to new ideas, suggestions and solutions. She said this is a much
bigger problem than providing beds.
Council member Mike Jewett, read the dictionary definition of "compromise" and read part of
the press release. He said the dictionary definition says "a settlement of differences by mutual
concessions". Mike stated Council is looking for compromise and asked how council can say
this when it isn't by "mutual concession". He isn't in support of this resolution and said moving
forward is wrong. The Council and community need to talk more about land trusts. He wants a
resolution to contain wording about land trusts.
Council member Ludwig Kurz said the RETT funds issue or open space bought with RETT
funds not being used for Employee housing and be kept open space have been issues all
41 along. He was surprised to hear that keeping RETT funds as a possible funding source was
available. He said he was asked if he would be supportive in using RETT funds at time he ran
for Council in November. He said there might be an opportunity to use RETT funds when it
can be used. He explained that unless the Council and community are reasonably flexible, we
will have problems. Taking out RETT funds was a compromise and is not a bone thrown out to
appease the community. He expressed that making the compromises is real and meaningful.
He wants the community to allow Council to move forward to keep working with community and
arrive at real results. He stated he has a high level of concern regarding the economic life of
the community. There is strong sentiment that unless we start moving forward with
compromises, Vail is in real danger of not being #1, #2 or #5 in the world but way behind that.
Vail is very vulnerable, and the only thing keeping us alive is the ski mountain.
He is comfortable supporting Resolution #10, with the understanding that Council will continue
to work with the neighborhoods throughout process. He said he heard the comments regarding
densities proposed are huge and said the density of any site was not set in stone, and Council
is willing to work with the neighborhoods. He was also pleased that several prior council
members stated they made mistakes in the past regarding this issue. This process should have
been started 20 years ago. He thanked the community for their involvement.
0 7 Vail Town Council Neeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Council member Kevin Foley, stated there is a little bit of everyone in him. He has supported
the open space to be kept open space, and the use of RETT funds could go either way. The
Council is trying to maintain a sense of community in the Town of Vail. He has seen
establishments in Vail struggling to make it and wants everyone in the community to come
together to make it work. He said the Council and community need to move forward with
Resolution No. 10.
Council member Michael Jewett made motion to table Resolution No. 10, Series of 1998. The
motion was seconded by Council member Sybill Navas.
There was further discussion.
Council member Mike Jewett has concerns about taking out RETT funds in Resolution #10 and
wanted a show of hands from the community for support or against keeping it in.
Mike Cacioppo said this goes back to whether or not the RETT ordinance would go away and if
the intent was ever to use funds for anything but open space.
Ronald Jones stated he feels the resolution had not been given to public in advance before it
goes to a vote.
Mike Cacioppo stated Council is undoing all the work they started.
A vote was taken for tabling the resolution. A vote was taken 1-6, Council member Mike Jewett
was for the motion and the rest of Council against.
A second vote was taken for approving Resolution #10, Series of 1998, (the motion made by
Council member Ludwig Kurz and was seconded by Council member Bob Armour earlier)
Mayor Rob Ford stated the vote on this resolution does not preclude or intend to cutoff dialogue
from community.
Council member Sybill Navas said she has a problem with the delineation of the phasing. She
also requested that the sentence on page one of the resolution that says, " The Vail Town
Council further stated that the Common Ground process is dynamic rather than a static plan
and will continue to respond to the community's needs and concerns" and be added or moved
as part of the list under the numbers of the resolution.
Council member amended his motion to add this sentence to the number section of the
resolution and was seconded by Council member Bob Armour. A vote was taken and the
motion passed, 6-1, Council member Mike Jewett against.
Mike Cacioppo feels the passing of this resolution was an insult to people who wanted to
discuss Resolution #10 before voting took place.
0 8 Vail Town Council IMeeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Tom Steinberg said Mike Cacioppo tried to obstruct justice during Council meetings when he
. was on Council and stated Council needs to end his discussion since he isn't a resident,
property owner, or business owner of the town.
Jerry Sibley said the process is the same for Resolution #10 as it was for Resolution #9 and
objects to the site selection in Resolution #9 and #10.
Kent Rose, a West Vail resident, stated there are a lot of emotions out there however, a
resolution does not bind them to anything. He feels the opportunity for comments earlier was
made by Council and no one was precluded to not being able to say what they wanted. He
complemented the Council member who voted positively on moving forward. He said Council's
options are numerous for finding options to affordable housing. He said the affordable housing
committee pinpointed 15 acres out of 1300 acres, less than 1 % of the open space, which is not
much to give up. He stated he was on the Council when the town manager's lots were bought,
and the land was zoned for 4 duplexes. There had always been conversation for housing and
parks for this site. He feels the highest and best use for this site would be for 3 duplexes and a
pocket park for neighbors. He likes having the "lights on" in his neighborhood. He also felt that
Council needs to set aside a portion of RETT funds for housing issues, whether its this Council
or a future Council. He feels that RETT is a good source to buy employee housing.
TJ Connors, a resident of West Vail and Secretary for Save our Land, stated Resolution#11 will
be necessary. He applauds Council for using RETT funds for employee housing, but still takes
exception to using open lands and parks for employee housing, now or ever. He opposes
Resolution #10 as it stands because it does not protect open spaces as it stands.
• Ron Jones, speaking for his neighborhood association, stated it was unfair to receive the
documents and try to consider it thoughtfully on such short notice. He feels the vote was
predetermined before the community came to the meeting. He stated the Council should work
with the community to talk it out before passing any resolution. He also said the documents
need to be readable by a lay person and give the community time to discuss and consider the
resolutions. He said density is an issue for the whole future of Colorado. Colorado is growing
at an astronomical rate. We don't need an open area easy to get to and we have the highest
unemployment rate in 20 years. If people are prepared to work, they can get housing in the
Valley. He said an employee assistance fund should be considered. He said Resolution #10 is
unfair.
Farrow Hitt, a West Vail resident, stated he had wanted more discussion before the resolution
was passed. He felt the Council and community had a good dialogue going and then it fell
apart. He said that Council using RETT funds down the road is not far off base. He wants to
get rid of the lawsuits and get to agenda the Mayor wanted to get to. He said he wants to leave
open space open space, not use it as a last option, limit RETT funds to open space. Leave
parks, recreation, and open space used as natural spaces. He suggested the Council look to
the neighborhood associations to help make an ordinance that will fit what community wants to
accomplish. He feels an employee generation ordinance needs to be looked at, $10 per hour
is not a living wage for top employees. He says businesses have to pay more money and feels
employees of the town are underpaid. He said the "Ruins" at Cascade Village need to be
completed and needs to provide employee housing. Also recommended that Gross Residential
0 9 Vail Town Council (Meeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Floor Area (GRFA) be increased for employee housing. He also felt that a rent exemption for
first time buyers was a great idea and equitable employee housing in each neighborhood idea is
great. He also stated Council is underpaid, they are doing hard work and it is a thankless job.
Mike Cacioppo, stated it was pretty clear to him, as an observer of political life, asked why Vail
Associates (VA) would consider putting employee housing in when the Town is providing it for
them and asked why are they were not represented at the meeting. He said the Town of Vail
has a four month housing problem. He said it is the responsibility of VA to do this job.
Arne Manconi, stated he is taking a stand and congratulated the Council member who have
taken on the battle of affordable housing coming out of the Vail Tomorrow process. He said
building consensus was #1 priority and wanted someone who could speak for the young
people. The community should thank people who put in time to build consensus on affordable
housing and the many hours it took to get to this point. He finds it sad that there are lawsuits
on what it means to build community. He stated that the community should go back to talking
to the Council and drop the lawsuits.
Sue Dugan, a West Vail resident, thanked Council for listening to the community. She believes
that housing is an issue but doesn't feel that it is the only issue. She is saddened that more and
more businesses are closing. She is still concerned with densities. She also believes Council
is listening and wants Council to continue to listen. The Twin Rivers project that Gerald
Gallegos is doing is great and stated light rail is a viable option to helping with the housing
issues. She said Council needs to look at deed restricted units because they are being
challenged by property owners in Telluride.
40 Rob excused himself at 10:25 pm for a prior commitment.
Charlyn Canada, Booth Creek resident, was a participant in the Vail Tomorrow process. She
felt that the agenda was already set in certain areas and felt a sense of urgency in getting
affordable housing handled. She said it cost a lot of trust in the community by using facilitators
but feels that her comments were not used in creating Resolution #10. She is not in favor of
using RFTT funds or land bought with RBTT funds. We need to look at employers and how
they are treating employees as well as paying them.
Paul Rondeau, commended staff on the matrix and encouraged them to continue working with it
and with the community through process. He said we haven't heard from the heavy hitters in
town such as Vail Resorts and major landlords. He wants to hear from them. He said 67% of
employees of VA should be housed VA. He asked why haven't we heard from VA on that goal.
Council member Ludwig Kurz stated that Council has talked to Andy Daly and Adam Aron of
Vail Resorts and they suggested that when and if there is an opportunity for VA to participate
they will. VA has developed employee housing way beyond 3-4 years ago. They have control
of 1,300-1,400 beds for their employees. They have figured out they have a corner on the
market for employees. The real danger is VA being competitors with other establishments. We
need VA to help provide mechanisms for other establishments to achieve housing for their
employees.
0 10 Vail Town Council IMeeting Minutes September 15, 1998
Diana Donovan, a Vail resident, said she supports Charlyn Canada's comments. She is not
against change but needs honesty. The town needs to correct an error in the EHU ordinance.
And enforcement needs to happen as there are 282 units needing to be enforced. Property
purchased with RETT funds needs to stay open space. Public trust will only happen if honesty
prevails. Stop playing word games.
Council member Bob Armour said lot of businesses can learn from what Honeywagon did for
their employees.
Chas Bernhardt, a 24-year resident, said that Resolution #14, Series of 1979 stated the deed
slated for 15 units is supposed to be open space forever. There are so many pieces of land
that could be used without using open space. The 53 acres of the mountain bell site should be
used and have more than the proposed 70 for -sale units. The Town of Vail needs to be a
facilitator not a controller. He said Paul Hymers document meets the parameters of what we
are striving toward and felt Resolution #10 was not a compromise. He said the reason for
employee housing process is so employees would work in the Town of Vail and he is concerned
about the housing lotteries and why others outside the community can own a home in Vail.
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager, clarified the Vail Commons and Red Sandstone lottery process
and the criteria for getting in the lottery is weighted higher to employees who work in Vail.
Jerry Sibley, asked when can Council state at what point they can move on to using open lands
for housing.
• Russ Forrest, Community Development Director reminded the community that they are invited
to participate in the continuing Common Ground process on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. on an
ongoing basis.
Council member Sybill Navas stated that something will be happening at the Ruins within the
year. She stated there is still a misunderstanding on designated open space versus open
space. She said RETT lands is not in the category of designated open space automatically.
She is on the committee which decides what lands go into designated open space. The
committee will reconvene their meetings and invite the community to the meetings. She said
there is a need for a fire station somewhere too.
Mara Lorimer, a West Vail resident, stated she is concerned that Vail's neighborhoods are still
being asked to give up open spaces. The first priority needs to be to not to alienate the
neighborhoods. She wants the use of neighborhood open space off the plan.
Suzanne Mueller, a Matterhorn resident, finds this process fascinating. She said the use of
RETT funds is still an option in the future. She wants to spread housing out throughout the
community and wants to see parks in a land trust.
Karen Schiedigger, a West Vail resident, stated she is pleased that some of the Council
members are listening. She is concerned that Resolution No. 10 has not changed enough from
Resolution No. 9. She feels that West Vail, Arosa Drive residents are still not being heard.
She does not want the town manager lots used for affordable housing, what West Vail needs is
0 11 Vail Town Council IMeeting Minutes September 15, 1998
a park. All other alternatives should be considered before using open space. Businesses need
to pay good wages for their employees.
Council member Sybill Navas stated that Trappers Run, in West Vail, was purchased for open
space.
Karen responded that Trappers Run benefits the whole valley and not just the neighborhood.
Carl Fauland, a West Vail resident, stated he did not participate in earlier meetings. He has
concerns regarding EHU units and is concerned that for -sale units are not what we want to
attract. The Town of Vail needs to enforce EHU units. He is not in favor of using open space
lands for affordable housing and wants this issue cleared up before moving on with process.
He feels the Mountain Bell site is a good idea.
Judy Langer, a Matterhorn resident, stated that when she and her husband purchased their
property, they were told that the land surrounding their home would be open space because it
was bought with RETT funds. She said it's a park, leave it a park. She wants the Council to
work with the people who live here.
Flo Habernicht, a West Vail resident, says the Council listened to the business community
saying they need employees and affordable housing. She is not in favor of Resolution No. 10.
She is still trying to understand how staff came up with the density amounts and wants Council
to talk to the neighborhood communities.
I& Council member Ludwig Kurz explained how they came to the density figures which was driven
by wanting to keep the vitality of the community and to stay at the forefront of being a world
class community. There has been a lack of affordable housing to provide for better quality
services. The Vail Tomorrow process was an opportunity for the community to express the
issues and concerns facing Vail.
Flo stated her fear is that the community will be left out of the process.
Bob McLaurin, stated that this was one vehicle for economic viability to keep Vail alive. He said
this is a very competitive market not only for employee housing, but for other areas as well.
This is a good faith effort of the Council to work with the community and keep the community
together.
Council member Ludwig Kurz commented that there was a concern that Mayor Rob was not
present. He stated he was not shirking his responsibility, that he did have a prior commitment
and had informed the Council prior to this meeting.
Council member Bob Armour asked that the meeting be adjourned.
Ron Jones stated that VA pays the lowest wages than anywhere else in town and needs to
address this issue, he also stated that to enforce deed restrictions takes tax money. He also
said deed restricted housing with 3% appreciation does not cover inflation or real estate fees
0 12 Vail Town Council IMeeting Minutes September 15, 1998
and feels the program is forced on the community. He again stated he feels the documents
should be available a week a head of the meeting (he was out of town until Monday),
Council member Ludwig Kurz stated that all agenda items come up on the Friday before the
meeting and are available to the public on Friday.
Ron asked wouldn't it be fair that Council lets the neighborhood know when documents of this
nature are available ahead of voting on Resolutions. There needs to be a county -wide housing
plan. There also needs to be facilitators to help people with financing. He wants to change the
process.
Mike Cacioppo said to change a flat sales tax is to quit sending marketing dollars down valley.
And recommends eliminating high business license fees because it takes away local
establishments rights to compete with other down valley businesses.
Wolf Mueller, a West Vail resident, said Resolution 10 is divisive and will not help the
community.
Nevin Nelson, a resident for 30 years said she feels the town should not have anything to do
with housing and do not use open space for housing.
Jerry Sibley, asked if there was a forum to come to a compromise so that this does not go to
court and said that the community has not come to a level playing field with Council yet.
Dennis Jones stated that the Council is trying to do what is good for the community, dragging
and kicking, but trying to do what is right. He wants Council to continue the process and
continue to listen.
The fifth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. There was nothing to report.
As there was no further business, a motion was made by Council member Bob Armour to
adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Council member Sybill Navas. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 a.m.
�.�AN+o, Respec lly submitted,
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Rob Ford
�!f•'ff' Mayor
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Town Cler
13 Vail Town Council Minutes September 15, 1998
l
Vail, .Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
September 16, 1998
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR SEPTEMBER 15
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Joint Vail Town Council/Vail Recreation District Discussion
Discussion included:
• Dobson Ice Arena Expansion/improvements
This $3 to $4 million project has been approved by the Planning and Environmental Planning
• Commission with suggestions to place the gymnastics facility at the northwest corner to
accommodate drop-off and to locate the loading/delivery area at the southeast corner. The
project includes a complete overhaul of the locker room facilities, meeting rooms and the
addition of a gymnastics facility. These improvements will be paid for through an enterprise fund
(allowed under TABOR). A subordination agreement between VRD and the TOV was discussed
to protect the town from future liability. A second sheet of ice was discussed (possibly adjacent
to Dobson in the current RV lot), although the district was encouraged to continue improvements
to the open rink next to the Golf Course Clubhouse.
• Skateboard Park (located on the top deck of the L.ionshead parking structure for a
second -season)'
Current equipment will last just another season and with increasing pressures from the Common
Ground affordable housing components and the I-ionshead Redevelopment Master Plan,
additional alternative long-term sites were discussed: Stephens Park, 1.3 acres; Booth Creek
tennis courts; south of the Gondola Building; Old Town Shops; and Buffehr Creek Park. Current
use is estimated at 100 per day.
• Ford Park Scheduling
It was noted that a Ford Park user's group meeting is scheduled this Thursday (9/17) at 1:30
p.m. in the small conference room at the municipal building. Kudos were given to the town for
the new ped/bicycle path from the Vail Transportation Center along S. Frontage Road.
• Ford Park/Pulis Parcel (golf course)
There was a request from VRD to permanently protect these two parcels when the golf course
property final payment is made in January 1999.
• Golf Course Clubhouse
VRD has no current plans for expansion due to neighborhood view corridor perceived
obstruction; adding a second floor requires expensive ADA improvements ($85,000 for access
• and additional parking). The district remains in desperate need of additional cart storage.
• Vail Racquet Club Sale
Any interest in a joint venture between TOV and VRD? It was suggested both entities could gain
from an already -constructed swimming pool and possibly 24 units that could be deed -restricted.
(more)
AMRECYMEDPAPER
Add 1/TOV Council Highlights/9-15-98
Question was raised re: "vested memberships" and current pricing,
• Worldwide Church of God Annual Conference
Attendance has shrunk from 2,500 to about 500 this year with another 4-5 years remaining on
VRD's commitment/contract to the town (for use of Dobson Arena). This was compared to this
summer's Jeep and ADP conferences that each brought approximately 3,500 visitors to town.
• The Vail Hockey Club
Represented by Tim Olsen, the club requested use of some remaining (8) unallocated days the
Town Council had in reserve (allowed through the current management agreement between the
.two entities) for three weekends in November, when up to 1,300 young skaters will be traveling
to Vail for tournaments with other family members. Additionally, the Colorado Avalanche has
agreed to subsidize 50% of the costs on a matching basis. The Council voted 7-0 to approve
the request (with consent from VRD), with the stipulation that the group be routed through the
Council's annual contribution process in order to be considered for next year.
• Youth Program
Councilman Kevin Foley thanked the VRD for its terrific youth outreach programs. Currently,
85% of the youth "users" are out of district.
For more information on this joint discussion, contact Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer
at 479-2113.
--Resource Center/Vail Commons Day Care
Representing the Resource Center, Rob Nebgen made a presentation and indicated the
Center's interest in reopening the Vail Commons day care center with 38 spaces. The former
day care operator, Bright Horizons, vacated the property after nine months of operation. The
Resource Center proposal would reduce child care costs formerly charged by Bright Horizons by
15% and raise salaries paid by the franchise by 10%. As proposed, the Resource Center would •
continue to be the Colorado Office of Resource and Referral agency. His proposal included a
request for $50,000, which would be used for start-up working capital. Nebgen said the Center
preferred the $50,000 request be considered as a grant, but would consider a loan payback with
favorable terms The non-profit status of the Resource Center made the child care fees more
palatable for working parents, he said. A problem with Bright Horizons was its for -profit status
which required a heavy franchise operating license fee that caused daily rates to be high,
Nebgen said. Discussion of possible terms for the grant or loan were met with a considerable
level of discomfort by the majority of the Council, who cited inequity re: other child care facilities
within the community (who although ABC and Learning Tree also enjoy a $1/year lease have,
through their own efforts, raised start-up and continuing funding throughout the years). Other
suggestions included contacting the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments for assistance.
Following an unsuccessful motion offered by Mike Jewett to provide $25,000 cash for start up,
with the remaining $25,000 to be a loan (7 year pay out, 7% interest, quarterly payments), Town
Manager Bob McLaurin offered to work with the regional coalition of child care providers to see
whether their governing body could assist in disseminating funds to all groups with a guarantee
the Vail Commons child care facility would have their assistance and would receive the monetary
support to get up and running this fall. For more information, contact Assistant Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer at 479-2113.
--GRFA Changes in Multi -Family Zone Districts
At the request of the Vail Town Council, the Community Development Department was asked to
initiate revisions to the town's zoning codes as they relate to the regulation of Gross Residential
Floor Area (GRFA) in the Multi -family Zone Districts. Specifically, the Council requested that
implementation of the existing "250 Ordinance" and the newly created interior conversion
regulation be revised to allow greater flexibility in the Multi -Family zone districts and to
encourage the redevelopment of buildings. Revisions, therefore, will be considered regarding
Sections 12-15-4 (interior conversions) and 12-15-5 (additional GRFA) of the Town of Vail
Zoning Regulations. (more)
Add 2/TOV Council Highlights/9-15-98
At the work session, Council reviewed 5 options:
• Allow multi -family projects to "pool" the 250 square feet of additional GRFA and permit
the Association to distribute the GRFA as they see fit, with the condition that the -entire
building be upgraded to meet current design standards.
• Allow exterior additions (dormers, deck enclosures, etc.) to multi -family projects utilizing
the 250 square feet of additional GRFA subject to the review and approval of the Design
Review Board.
• Differentiate between building types (townhouses vs. condominiums) and allow certain
building types to do exterior additions and prohibit other building types from doing
exterior additions.
• If the purpose of the amendment is to encourage. development to upgrade to meet
current design standards, develop meaningful incentives to do this, such as what is being
proposed for Lionshead.
• No action
After reviewing the alternatives, Council directed staff to draft an ordinance that would allow
interior conversions for multi -family units and allow a multi -family building to apply for 250
additions (on a one-time basis for the entire building) and be required to upgrade the entire
building to meet current design standards. For more information, contact Russell Forrest in the
Community Development Department at 479-2146.
i--Vail Chapel Streamtract Encroachment
The Town Council reviewed the Vail Chapel plans for a building addition. The purpose of the
work session was to determine if Council was comfortable with encroachments on Town
property. After reviewing the proposal, the Council agreed to approve the 500 sq. ft.
encroachment and give the Chapel authorization to move forward with a building permit.
--Second Quarter Financial Report/Supplemental
Finance Director Steve Thompson reviewed the supplemental budget highlights, including some
items not previously discussed with Council: $42,000 for the Public Works tunnel project (soils
problems and traffic control); $80,000 capital street maintenance (Concert Hall Plaza, east end
of LHTRC, and sidewalk at the library chute & east Meadow Drive paving & paver replacement
from the hospital to Crossroads; and $295,034 for earlier than anticipated delivery of a fire truck.
--Information Update
There was a discussion regarding criteria for the annual Youth Recognition Award.
Councilmembers confirmed that the youth selections should go to TOV residents first, with non-
resident students considered if a Vail student fails to qualify. Applications will be sent to Vail
Mountain School and Battle Mountain High School this week.
Councilmember Sybill Navas noted with the inclusion of the Dallas Symphony to next summer's
BRAVO! schedule, the performances will rise to 18. Also, she indicated an art piece is to arrive
as a gift from the Mt. Buller, Australia, ski area. She said Council will likely be requested to pay
for a base for the art piece from its Council contingency funding.
Councilman Kevin Foley asked about the newly installed lights at the East Vail chain -up section
of I-70 and on what schedule they would be turned on. Also, Foley inquired about the VA
employee commissary in Vail and whether sales tax is remitted on sale of items to employees.
(more)
Add 3/TOV Council Highlights/9-15-98
Councilman Ludwig Kurz inquired about coordination between the town and the U.S. Forest .
Service regarding the pine beetle outbreak. It was noted that Summit County, several years ago
when battling the same infestation, garnered federal and state resources to have infected trees
removed or sprayed and bundled. Council agreed it is time.to take a more assertive and
aggressive stance re: the removal and/or eradication.
Councilman Michael Jewett questioned the process involved in submitting Resolution #10 to
both himself and the public. He suggested in order to protect the integrity of the current
Common Ground process, Council should allow additional time to discuss informally with the
community the modifications to the original Resolution #9 and to continud a path of moderation.
He also requested a list of names of those who had attended the April and June Common
Ground workshop meetings.
Evening Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
Paul Rondeau commended the Council for its decision to offer a compromise on the Common
Ground proposal. He said he hoped the effort would allow for some "fence mending" by the
community prior to the 1999 Championships.
Jerry Sibley, representing the Donovan Park Neighborhood Association, invited the community
to call upon such organizations to provide volunteer support for the 99 Championships, clean-up
events and other activities.
--Supplemental Appropriation
The Council voted 7-0 on first reading to approve a $2 million appropriation to the 1998 budget.
The appropriation represents projects previously approved by Council (but not yet funded) and
expenditures reimbursed by other agencies, such as the Dotsero-to-Vail bus route. The town
estimates revenue collections will exceed budget estimates for 1998 by $1.2 million. Also, in
response to a question by Councilman Michael Jewett, a clarification was given by Finance
Director Steve Thompson regarding the Real Estate Transfer Tax fund (RETT). Thompson said
the town is required to record RETT revenues separately from the town's 11 other funds.
However, monies from all sources are pooled into one investment fund (including RETT) to
efficiently manage the town's investments. For additional details on the supplementation
appropriation, please see the work session briefs or contact Thompson at 479-2116.
--Rails and Trails in the Eagle and Vail Valley
The Council heard from Joe Kracum of the engineering firm MK Centennial, which has been
hired to study the possibility of a passenger rail system from Gypsum to Vail, as well as a trail
system from Gypsum to Leadville. Kracum said the study would look to each community to
design and build a train station, as well as provide funding for right-of-way acquisition. The study
will recommend operation and maintenance costs to be provided by the Eagle County Regional
Transit Authority, he said, although there would be a need to increase the authority's revenue
stream to operate the system. Kracum said he'd be coming back to the town soon with cost and
ridership estimates before making a presentation to the Colorado Department of Transportation
in mid -October. As proposed, the project would be handled in two phases. Phase 1 would
include creation of a passenger rail system from the Eagle County Regional Airport to Avon, as
well as a trail system from Gypsum to Dowd Junction. Phase 2 would include expanding the
passenger route to Vail and Gypsum, and well as trail expansion from Gypsum to Leadville. As
proposed, Kracum said passenger trains could begin running the phase 1 route by July 4, 2001.
He said a tunnel would be needed through Dowd Junction.
(more)
Add 4/TOV Council Highlights/9-15-98
•--Common Ground/Resolution No. 10 The Council voted 6-1 (Jewett against) to approve Resolution 10, which rescinds the Common
Ground plan approved in Resolution 9 passed June 30, and replaces it with a revised
"compromise" plan. The action occurred after a motion by Councilman Michael Jewett to table
the resolution failed by a vote of 1-6. As it stands, the new Common Ground plan deletes any
future allocation of Real Estate Transfer Tax funds for housing and defers lands purchased with
RETT funds (Donovan Park) from phase 1 to phase 3. The resolution also added a list of 20-
plus citizen ideas to the town's housing program.
During the one -hour period set -aside for public comment on the resolution, comments were
varied. Among the points raised by those who spoke:
• It is a worthy goal to offer decent and truly affordable housing for employees.
• Vail is behind the 8-bail with the potential loss of Timber Ridge and the Sunbird.
• Housing should never replace open space or parks.
• There's a need to pay employees higher wages.
• Resolution 10 doesn't go far enough in addressing current park and -designated open
space needs for Donovan Park and the West Vail and Intermountain sites.
• Put lands purchased with RETT funds in a trust dedicated to parks, open space and
recreation.
• Move more quickly on the Mountain Bell site for housing and increase density.
• Participate in housing opportunities valleywide, not just within Vail's boundaries.
Do employers outside of Vail have an easier time hiring employees? Do a study.
• Put certain Vail lands into a land trust with a conservation easement, then use Vail RETT
dollars to leverage housing purchases downvalley.
• Don't remove RETT as a future funding source for housing.
• Don't overlook the people who have worked hard to establish themselves (without the
need for a subsidy).
• Give back to working locals a small portion of RETT-purchased land to rectify some of
the wrongs previous councils have done which controlled growth but caused housing
prices to escalate.
• Pick spots in each neighborhood for affordable housing opportunities. For example in
the Golf Course neighborhood, consider: housing on top of the Soccer Field, the lot at
the east end of Ford Park on the north side of the creek, or on the top of the Golf Course
Clubhouse or the top of the Recreation District maintenance facility.
• Move forward with all possibilities.
Following the one -hour public comment period, Council took a short recess and returned to vote
on the resolution. That prompted protests and confusion from some members of the audience
who had wanted to offer additional comments prior to the vote. Mayor Rob Ford said the timing
of the vote wasn't intended to preclude additional discussion about Common Ground. In fact, he
said TOV staff members were prepared to meet with members of the public weekly (2 pm on
Wednesdays in the Community Development Department) to continue the dialogue. Following
the vote, the Council spent an additional two hours listening to public comment. Among the
points raised by those who spoke:
• The Matterhorn neighborhood continues to object to the plan regarding site selection on
housing and usage.
• Develop a safe playground in Buff ehr Creek Park.
• The West Vail site was purchased by the town for housing, recreational purposes and a
park.
• A future Council should set aside a portion of RETT for housing.
• A plan that uses only 1 percent of the town's vacant lands is an acceptable plan.
• Town has been inconsistent in the way it interprets use of RETT funds for land
acquisition; therefore, the West Vail site should be considered as land purchased with
RETT funds.
(more)
Add 5/TOV Council Highlights/9-15-98
• It was unfair for the Council to move forward with the resolution without giving adequate
time for the public to read the materials.
• Eliminate housing from the West Vail site and make it into a large park to serve the
neighborhood.
• The 1980 RETT ordinance doesn't allow RETT-purchased lands to be used for mousing.
• Thank you, Council, for accepting the other citizen suggestions, especially employee
generation.
• There are questions about the legality of borrowing funds from RETT and reimbursing, it.
Vail has a 4-month-long housing problem each year; it's not year-round; and it's the
responsibility of Vail Resorts to address it.
• Withdraw the lawsuits and get on with the community conversations.
• Be sensitive to densities.
• The Common -Ground process was flawed in that a pre -determined agenda was set for
specific housing sites.
• Be very cautious and limited on what you do with open space.
• Individual employers need to treat their employees like human beings.
• Why haven't we heard from Vail Resorts, large hotels and major landlords on the
Common Ground plan? They have the wisdom and financial and human resources to
help.
• Council is its worst enemy. Honesty has been lacking.
• Find a way to enforce occupancy of the 200-plus deed -restricted units approved prior to
1994; if any of these properties come back to the town for improvement, require them to
comply with the new deed -restriction regulations (requiring tenant occupancy).
• Every TOV master plan identifies RETT-purchased land as not -to -be developed land.
• At what point can the Town Council decide there are enough opportunities for affordable
housing without using lands purchased with RETT?
• Using open space for housing will make neighborhoods less desirable places to live.
• West Vail is the only neighborhood without a park; consider other alternatives for housing
first rather than the West Vail site.
• Consider Bishop Park as a housing site.
• Resolution No. 10 is divisive and won't get the cooperation from people who are suing
the town.
• Consider a goal of 50 units a year working cooperatively with the neighborhoods.
• Do what is right for the community and continue to move forward on a mousing plan.
Council comments throughout the evening included the following:
Ludwig Kurz called Common Ground a "painful process," but one that needed to move forward
with a commitment from Council to continue to listen and adjust the plan. He said 30 years of
apathy has put the community where it is today. Michael Arnett said the Council's action was not
the end of the discussion. He said there's much more work to be done with the community's
help. Michael Jewett criticized the resolution's passage, saying it was not derived publicly.
Jewett said he was not personally advised about it by fellow councilmembers. He said his first
reaction was that it was line "throwing a bone to the community." Jewett asked that it be tabled
so the dictionary definition of compromise (a "settlement of differences by mutual consensus")
could be reached. Bob Armour thanked the community for offering additional housing
suggestions. He called the resolution a framework to move forward to continue to evolve at a
more reasonable pace. He also said he was glad RETT was being removed as a funding
source. Sybill Navas said although the steps toward the resolution compromise were positive,
she expressed her concerns about the phasing plan. Navas said she felt the Matterhorn
neighborhood was owed a park before phase 3. She also suggested looking at every site of
land for a community facility, as well as revising the Donovan Park master plan to address
community needs. Kevin Foley said that when the original resolution was passed, he had
reservations about use of open space. He said he liked the concept of identifying housing sites
(more)
Add 6/TOV Council Highlights/9-15-98
in each of Vail's neighborhoods, and that it was time to move the plan forward.
With the new resolution in place, Common Ground will now move forward on two tracks. One is
implementation of the first phase components in the areas of housing, parks, open space and
community facilities. Second, is an ongoing discussion of additional housing ideas that will be
used to augment the Common Ground plan.
For a full representation of the meeting, please watch Channel 5. Call 949-5657 for a Channel 5
program schedule. For details about next steps, contact Andy Knudtsen, project manager, at
479-2440.
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
September 22 Work Session
DRB Review
Contribution Requests, Business License Fee Discussion
Presentation by Community for Our Kids Future
Discussion of Gypsum Bus Route
September 29
No Meeting (Fifth Tuesday)
October 6 Work Session
Update of Building Codes
Discussion of Multi -Family GRFA Ordinance
Lionshead Master Plan Introduction
Discussion of Ordinance re: Implementing Lionshead Master Plan
Site Visit & Appeal of PEC Decision/G. Amsden, Timber Falls
October 6 Evening Meeting
First Reading Ordinance, re: Multi -Family GRFA
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 14, Supplemental Appropriation
Business License Fee
•
4 EI
WORK SESSION MINUTES
Tuesday, September 15, 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 September 15, 1998. All members were present.
1. Item No. 1, Joint Vail Town Council/Vail Recreation District Work Session. Tim Olson,
with the Vail Junior Hockey Association, requested that both boards consider the
Council's freeing up days it has available through its management agreement with the
VRD to host the Vail Junior Hockey Tournament the weekends of November 6th, 7th &
8th; 13th, 14th & 15th; 20th, 21 st & 22nd. Although Mr. Olson indicated he was aware
he was making the request outside the ordinary Council contribution process, he indicated
he had been unaware of what the time -frame was and had been advised based on
economic benefits to the Town of Vail during the shoulder season to make the
presentation regardless. A motion was made by Sybill Navas, with a second from Bob
Armour, to approve the use of the days based on disclosure no future requests would be
considered outside the ordinary Council contribution request process. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Nine days will be provided for this tournament
• event.
2. Item No. 2, The Resource Center - Day Care at Vail Commons. At the close of a
presentation by Rob Nebgen on behalf of The Resource Center, Mike Jewett made a
motion to provide $25,000 in a cash contribution to be paid over a one to four month
period of time, with an additional $25,000 in the form of a loan to be paid back to the
Town in seven years at 7% interest on a quarterly basis. Kevin Foley seconded the
motion. The majority of Council expressed considerable discomfort with providing
funding for a day care center - regardless of need - because of the inequity issue for other
child care providers in our immediate jurisdiction. A vote was taken and the motion
failed, 5-2, with Mike Jewett and Kevin Foley voting in support. At this time Bob
McLaurin indicated he would follow-up with the coalition of child care providers in the
County to see whether funding could equitably be split amongst the child care agencies
and with the assurance and support of the facility at City Market to be opened in the fall
of 1998.
3. Item No. 5, the Vail Chapel - New Building Addition. The applicant has received DRB
and PEC approval of the project and is returning to the Council for acceptance of a
portion of the development which encroaches on the Town owned stream tract. Bob
Armour moved, with a second from Ludwig Kurz, to proceed as approved by the PEC
and DRB. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
40
VAIL JUNIOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
VAIL cost office Box 2981
Vail Colorado 81658
970-926-3289
HOC 970-926-4266 (facsimile)
September 10,1998
Robert E. Ford
Mayor
Town of Vail
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, CO 81657
Dear Mayor Ford,
The Vail Junior Hockey Association would like to request that the Town of Vail
donate eight days of the Town's Dobson Arena's allocated ice days to our
Association for our 19th Annual Sportsmanship Tournament.
This year's tournament, which will include a third weekend, will take place on
the weekends of November 6th, 7th and 8th; 13th, 141h and 151h ; and 201h, 21s' and
22nd. These weekends have been chosen because they have traditionally been the
off-season- for visitors and tourists to the Town of Vail.
We expect forty-eight visiting teams to participate in this tournament. Typically,
each team will bring at least 30 children, parents and coaches and will stay in the
Town of Vail at a minimum of two nights. We estimate that our tournament will
result in some 1,150-hotel nights for the entire three -weekend time -frame. If we
combine the per diem and the hotel night expenditures, we estimate that our
direct impact to the Town is some $200,000.
The reason that we are requesting eight days of the Town's allocated ice days is
that we are anticipating a matching grant from the Colorado Avalanche
Community Fund. This grant money will be used for our own scholarship fund.
The grant is keyed to the net revenues of our Sportsmanship Tournament. The
grant is written such that we will receive a matching grant amount that will be..,
equal to fifty percent of the net revenues from the annual tournament. If we
September 10,1998
Letter to Mayor Ford
Page 2
receive your allocated ice days, we estimate that we could provide at least - is
twenty full -priced scholarships to our hockey program from the savings that will
be reflected in the Toumamenfs net revenues.
We would 'appreciate our request be discussed at the joint meeting with the Vail
Recreational District on September 15Lb. We would also encourage your support
for our Association and the Town's mutual benefit. I will be in attendance to
answer any questions.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards
Tim Olson
President
0