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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-05 Town Council MinutesVAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES TUESDAY, October 5, 1999 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 5, 1999. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7.00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Ford, Mayor Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Foley Sybill Navas Michael Jewett Bob Armour Mike Arnett STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager STAFF MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob McLaurin, Town Manager Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. There was no citizen participation. The second item on the agenda was the consent agenda: A. Approve the Minutes from the September 7 and 21, 1999 meetings. B. Appointment of the Election Judges. Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes from the September 7 and 21, 1999 meetings; and appointing Karen Morter, Vi Brown, Jeanne Tilkemeier and Mary Jo Allen as election judges for the 1999 Regular Municipal Election for the Town of Vail. Council member Michael Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The third item on the agenda was the review of the Youth Recognition Award Winners' trip to Australia. Council member Sybil[ Navas introduced Jared Staber and Emily Sargent who were the local students that were sent to Australia. Jared Staber said they had "tons of fun" in Australia. He stated the experience was a great opportunity for him. He stayed with a host family, which added tremendously to the experience. He worked at Mount Buller on the mountain as a ski instructor and also worked in a retail business. Since he had not worked in these areas in the Vail Valley, he believes this opportunity has opened up options here for him. Emily stayed with a host family that was farther away from the mountain and worked for the local government. Her family was great and their daughter Sara came to Vail. They both were able to visit several sites in Victoria and a number of wild animals. The experience was definitely a good one and it forced them to be more independent and they were able Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 to meet lots of new people. They thanked the Council for allowing them participate in the exchange program. Mayor Rob Ford asked them if they wanted to go back to Australia again. Jared said they were already planning a trip back. Mayor Rob Ford thanked them for the update. The fourth item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 25, Series of 1999, an Annual Appropriation Ordinance: Adopting A Budget And Financial Plan And Making Appropriations To Pay The Costs, Expenses, And Liabilities Of The Town Of Vail, Colorado, For Its Fiscal Year January 1, 2000, Through December 31, 2000. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, gave a quick background review. He stated this is a modification to the approved bi-annual budget. The amendments are to the budget numbers on the approved 2000 budget the Council approved in 1999. The annual budget needs to be adopted each year and these are amendments to this budget. Mayor Rob Ford said they have had several opportunities to amend and review this document to date. Council member Ludwig Kurz made a motion to approve on first reading, Ordinance No. 25, Series of 1999, and Council member Bob Armour seconded the motion. Council member Kevin Foley said staff needed to be more proactive, and cut out dollars department by department, and be more precise. He was concerned about salaries and benefits. Council member Bob Armour asked if expenditures were reduced in salary and benefits. Steve said that nine and one-half positions were deleted and there was $600,000 cut out of the budget. Council member Mike Arnett said the approval of this ordinance doesn't mean they can't cut out other expenditures in the future. Steve said there are still actions taking place to reduce the budget numbers, including insurance numbers. Council member Sybill Navas said Kevin was concerned with the budget and this issue last year. She stated her concern is that they need to look carefully at the budget because the next few years budgets and balancing them will be a concern. Steve said this process is in place now and the staff would continue to look closely at costs. He stated there are still reorganizations and shifting being done throughout the town. He said the staff would be back in front of the Council in December to discuss the mill levy and property taxes. 0 A vote was taken and the motion passed, 6-1, Council member Kevin Foley against. Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, I999 The fifth item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 26, Series of 1999, an Ordinance, Third Amendment To The Town Of Vail Employees' Pension Plan. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, stated the amendments to the pension plan are necessary to adopt changes to the tax law and to amend the plans for the change to daily valuation of participant's assets in 1999. This amendment changes the language to accommodate the changes as mandated by law. Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on first reading, Ordinance No. 26, Series of 1999, and Council member Michael Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The sixth item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 27, Series of 1999, an Ordinance, Third Amendment To The Town Of Vail Police And Fire Employees' Pension Plan. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, said the amendments to the pension plan are necessary to adopt changes to the tax law and to amend the plans for the change to daily valuation of participant's assets in 1999. Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on first reading, Ordinance No. 27, Series of 1999, and Council member Michael Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The seventh item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 28, Series of 1999, an Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriations and Budget Adjustments From The Town of Vail General Fund, Dispatch Services Fund, Parking Structure Fund, Housing Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund, Facilities Maintenance Fund Of The 1999 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. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, said this is the second supplemental appropriation for 1999. He stated the majority of the proposed supplemental appropriations were presented with the second quarter financial report and discussed with the Council at the August 24, 1999 work session. He said the shaded line items were added since the last meeting. He also said there is a net reduction in total budgeted expenditures due to the reduction of $1.9 million in capital projects. The staff is adjusting the amount of expenditures out of the capital fund, due to the revenues brought in this year and the only addition is reducing building revenues in the amount of $150,000. Council member Bob Armour asked for clarification of the reduction. Council member Kevin Foley was concerned about the overtime for special events for Police Dept and Public Works. He said he wants more budgeting and preparation done before hand to cut down these costs. Council member Sybill said there was a 'wrap-up' meeting for WestFest and stated there could be significant reductions in cost for preparations in the years to come because of the efforts made this year. Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager, stated the town could handle the overtime through salary savings and that the police department and the public works departments said they could reduce overtime by 50-60% next year by preparing staff to work on straight time. Further discussion ensued. Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on first reading, Ordinance No. 28, Series of 1999, and Council member Michael Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The eighth item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 29, Series of 1999, an ordinance disconnecting those properties as outlined in the exchange agreement between the Town of Vail and the United States Forest Service as adopted and approved in Resolution No.3, Series of 1997. Russ Forrest said this ordinance was instituted to fulfill a contract with the Forest Service. He stated that in February of 1997, the Town of Vail entered into an agreement with the United States Forest Service to exchange certain properties in and around the town. Part of the agreement required the Town of Vail to de -annex these properties to fulfill the terms of the Exchange Agreement. Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve on first reading, Ordinance No. 29, Series of 1999, and Council member Michael Arnett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The ninth Item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 23, Series of 1999, an ordinance amending Chapter 7, Section 12, Public Accommodation Zone District, Chapter 2, Section 12 Definition and Chapter 10, Section 12 of the Town of Vail Zoning Regulations to allow for text amendments to the development standards prescribed for the Public Accommodation Zone District; providing definitions of "Fractional Fee Club Unit", "Lodge", and "Substantial Off -site Impact"; revising the parking requirement calculation for a fractional fee club unit; and setting forth details in regard thereto. Mayor Rob Ford stated discussion and this process has been on -going for several months. George Ruther, Senior Planner, stated on Monday, June 28, 1999, the Town of Vail Planning & Environmental Commission reviewed and unanimously recommended approval of the proposed text amendments to the Town of Vail Zoning Regulations, pursuant to Chapter 3, Section 12 of the Town Code. George said there were several changes made to the ordinance per the discussions with Town Council. He discussed each of the changes with the Council. He also reiterated the applicant has been to fourteen meetings throughout this process. Mayor Rob Ford asked if the concerns of the East Village Home Owners Association have been addressed. George stated the concerns had been addressed. Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 Diana Donovan, a local resident, said this project may have been in the process for a long time but the discussions took place mostly at work sessions and said the work sessions were not a public venue. She said this was a ridiculous proposal and that no one on the Council returned her phone calls. She said Mr. Faessler always does a good job but this does not guarantee it will be good quality in 10 years. She stated this ordinance was not fair to other developments. She stated she thought this was a rezoning and not an amendment. Her concern is that the Special Development District (SDD) process is still in place but it isn't being used. She was on the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) for 14 years and felt the current SDD process worked. She said the Council is taking away most of the bargaining chips with this amendment. She feels staff is not working with the SDD process appropriately, and it is not a part of their job to rework the regulations to help an applicant. She said the applicant needs to work with the regulations already in place. Most processes and regulations have worked so far and she feels this is a mistake to pass this ordinance today. Council member Mike Arnett made a motion to approve on second reading, Ordinance No. 23, Series of 1999, and Council member Michael Jewett seconded the motion. Council member Kevin Foley asked about applications for a Public Accommodation (PA) Zone District, and would that application be'kicked back', and would it be covered under an SDD or a PA District. George said the staff looks at the underlying zoning of the property. Russ Forrest, Community Development Director, said this ordinance does not eliminate anyone from applying for an SDD in the future. Council member Sybill Navas said she says it is a matter of a difference of opinion between the Council and Diana Donovan. She said a rezoning may have been more appropriate at a different time but this was not done in the beginning. Sybill stated she hopes that the Council doesn't drop the ball and look at the Vail Village Master Plan (VVMP) and guidelines throughout this process. She said the Council is looking at something that is not too much different than what we have currently. We need more hotels and redevelopment of hotels. She said she continues to have a problem with the amendment and said she will oppose the vote for passing the ordinance but is not against the content of the ordinance. Council member Mike Arnett said the request was to insure the potential gross residential floor area (GRFA) was not abused, so there would not be an inferior product and not to change the underlying zoning. A vote was taken and the motion passed, 6-1, Council member Sybill Navas against. Johannes Faessler, the applicant, said the staff worked hard over the last year and a half. He also said the old PA Zone District regulations were not very good and it was clear that this change was necessary by zone district versus tied to a building. He thanked the Council for looking at the total zone district versus a specific property. He agreed with Sybill that in an ideal world, looking at the master plan to clean up the regulations would be ideal. He said the approval of this ordinance sends a signal to the Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 community about the Council acknowledging that this will help Vail be competitive again. 0 He doesn't think Diana is right and feels that good things will come out of this approval. Jim Lamont, representing the East Village Home Owner's Association, said he echoed Sybill's comments regarding certain aspects of the Vail Village Master Plan that needs to be addressed in a timely manner. The eleventh item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. There was no further information to report. Pam Brandmeyer stated there was a shortage of space for seasonal employees. She discussed the possibility of a temporary use of the vacated Vail Recreation District (VRD) space below the Vail Library. She said there are 12 Australians coming to work for Vail this winter season, and there are still 12 critical positions to be filled. There are two possible places to review for possible solutions, Bright Horizons and the VRD space. The Community Development Department staff said they would need to have a conditional use permit application for these spaces as soon as possible. She said John Gallegos, with Facilities Maintenance, reviewed the VRD space and thought five separate spaces or bedrooms could be accommodated there. There would need to be changes to the restroom and add a kitchen area. The former conference room would become the common living area and would have individually locked bedrooms. She said Krista Miller, with Human Resources, made offers to people for the bus driver positions and they were turned down because they took jobs that offered housing with the job. She is requesting the green light from Council to move forward with this process. The property is in a special use zone district, which would allow for this conditional use. Council member Bob Armour asked Russ about the types of dwelling units and conditional uses. Russ Forrest said dwelling units are based on the number of kitchen facilities, and this one would be considered a one dwelling unit. Pam stated that Vail Associates has been successful in putting this type of dwelling accommodation together. Council member Sybill Navas said Annie Fox, Vail Librarian, has concerns about whether or not seasonal housing is a compatible use with a library in the same building. There are security issues, and concerns that the staff room is being remodeled and would take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. Staff was going to move downstairs into the VRD space while their remodel was being done. Also, the use of the community room to house staff during the remodel may be a concern to the community since this room is utilized heavily by the community. Pam said Mike Rose stated noise has not been a problem in the past. Pam said the control of the tenants would be the responsibility of the town and that if the tenants could not control the noise, they would be out. She said she and Mike don't share that concern. Council member Mike Arnett asked how the estimates were reached. Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 Pam said John worked on a very quick, broad estimate. A local architect has offered cabinets. This project would be managed by Nina Timm, Housing Coordinator and Krista Miller, Human Resources Representative at the Town of Vail. Council member Sybill Navas stated community facilities department would be doing a remodel in April of 2000 in that section of the library into a learning and tech section. She said by law, the town can not have out of country employees past April 20, 2000. Pam stated there is no entrance into the library from the VRD space. Council member Bob Armour asked if same sex employees would be in this space since there is only one bathroom. Pam said this could probably workout that way. She asked if Council wanted to direct staff to house same -sex employees at this space since there is only one bathroom. Council member Kevin Foley asked about hot water heater. Pam said there was plenty of hot water to make this work. Council member Mike Jewett asked about security for this site. He said he would feel comfortable about moving forward with this project without a site visit. Council member Bob Armour said Annie Fox was concerned about security. Pam said there are no internal passageways into the library space. Further discussion ensued about noise, security, venting, hot water systems, Russ said all adjacent property owners would be notified of this project through the conditional use process. Pam stated the funds for this remodel would come out of the general fund. The costs would be a complete wash. She said the Australians have stated this type of housing is very common and is acceptable in Mount Buller. Council member Mike Arnett said when total costs are known it should be divided by five so the costs are recovered. Chuck Ogilby, a local business owner, said this is brilliant thinking and said Pam should get a big medal. Council member Sybill Navas said when she heard about the money being spent for annual leases the town should take some money from the fund balance and buy real estate for employees to use. Council member Mike Arnett made a motion to approve this project proceed to the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC), and to look into the five bedroom Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 space at the VRD space and to receive final figures for the remodel at the time it goes through the PEC process. Council member Mike Jewett seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Pam invited the Council to the Town of Vail Five -Year Employee dinner on Thursday, October 28. Council member Kevin Foley and Bob Armour stated they would not be able to attend. Council member Sybill Navas reminded Council about the Open Space meeting on Thursday. Suzanne Silverthorne had media advisories on the Council Candidate Forum dates which will be held on October 12, 1999 and October 18, 1999. Council member Kevin Foley stated there were press releases about Aspen looking at banning cell phones in vehicles and asked if there was any interest in banning them here in Vail. Mayor Rob Ford said this was done in the Mid- West. Council member Bob Armour said it would be good to watch what Aspen does with this issue. Council member Ludwig Kurz said the Eagle County Commissioners accepted the counter proposal on the Berry Creek 5th Filing property. Mayor Rob Ford thanked Ludwig Kurz and Tom Moorhead for their hard work on the Berry Creek property. Further discussion ensued. Council member Sybill Navas reported the Wayfinding Committee met yesterday and the team doing the design is on schedule and they hope to be scheduled at the Town Council meeting following the election. She has learned a lot about the impact of signs. Council member Ludwig Kurz stated he had dinner with the Mammoth Lakes Town Council and they shared information. Council member Michael Arnett said he would be out of town next week and he will miss the Candidate Forum of October 12, 1999. He congratulated Luddie and Tom on the Berry Creek 5th sale. Council member Sybill Navas said there was an article in the newspaper last week on a new chemical being used on the streets. Pam said discussion is currently being held but stated the chemical is very expensive. Town of Vail Council Minutes Qctober 5, 1999 • Council member Mike Jewett asked if there would be a specific agenda at the Open Space committee meeting on October 7, 1999. Council member Sybill Navas said her intentions at the meeting would be to review the criteria for property and to propose a review of the selection that was presented to Council that was previously denied and ask for further public input. Also, they will look at the map and clarify how decisions were made and what may happen in the future. Council member Ludwig Kurz said in regard to the Berry Creek 5th Filing, this is the first time two major entities would be entering to an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for employee housing. He said the County is very positive about it and the Town of Vail should be too. As there was no further business, a motion was made by Council member Mike Arnett to adjourn the meeting and Council member Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-9. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. 4Respecub to , Rob Ford Mayor ATT Lore Idson �\yilL11 4ql/, . Town Clerk ��0F 0 t14. '`'�,y: DEAF, - Town of Vail Council Minutes October 5, 1999 _l000-H *OWN OF VAIL 75 South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-479-2157 MEDIA ADVISORY October 6, 1999 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Officer VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR OCTOBER 5 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Clarification and Potential Changes to the Town of Vail Employee Housing Guidelines With 11 housing lotteries under the town's belt and no lotteries currently underway, Housing Coordinator Nina Timm asked Council for direction regarding possible revisions to the qualification guidelines for Vail's employee housing program. The Council clarified and/or agreed to pursue the following: • the lottery will continue to be limited exclusively to those who do not currently own real estate in Eagle County (several homeowners from downvalley had expressed interest in participating in the lottery to move back to Vail and there had been interest by owners of 1-bedroom units in Vail wanting to move into larger units) • prohibit use of a quit -claim deed mechanism from one partner to the other or to a trust or business to enable lottery eligibility • continue to consider an equitable weighting system for longevity that accounts for those who move away, then return versus the current system of only counting current or consecutive years of living in Vail • allow full standing in the lottery for full-time students pursuing education elsewhere so long as residency is retained through a drivers license and voter registration; this standing would be good for an unlimited number of years so long as the applicant can prove corresponding full-time student status • Use federal tax return forms to determine the number of dependents claimed by a family; this would be required to meet the minimum family size requirement (3 people for a 3- bedroom home) • pregnancy can be counted towards meeting the minimum family size requirement as long as there is a note from an Eagle County doctor • explore possible revisions to the currently approved capital improvements requirements • explore the creation of caps on income and assets to exclude participation in the lottery by those who can afford to buy housing on the open market • when there is a clear winner of the lottery, award the unit at the time points are determined • create a permanent reserve list of qualified buyers for resale units and update the list annually; create separate reserve lists according to unit size During discussion, Diana Donovan, a council candidate, objected to the towns employment requirement of an average of 30 hours a week, saying the requirement should be 40 hours a week. But most councilmembers said the 30 hour requirement was more reflective of the (more) �ow RECYCLED PAPER Add 11TQV Council Highlights/10-5-99 seasonal nature of many resort jobs. For more information, contact Nina Timm at 479-2144. --Employee Housing Unit Standards The Council reviewed a list of potential revisions to the Town Code intended to improve private sector interest in creating employee housing units (EHUs) within the town's residential zone districts. The list was triggered by citizen suggestions during the Vail Tomorrow and Common Ground processes to remove barriers and improve incentives. After a presentation by Chief Planner Dominic Mauriello that included recommended changes such as reducing minimum lot sizes for employee housing units, allowing for 250 credits and removal of garage requirements for EHUs, Councilmembers asked for additional discussion opportunities before preparing the changes in ordinance form. The Council directed staff to look at provisions requiring EHU's on large lots with large homes. During discussion, Diana Donovan, a council candidate, expressed concerns about the proposed changes, saying the town shouldn't be involved in providing incentives for property upgrades because it artificially inflates property values. For more information, contact Dominic Mauriello in the Community Development Department at 479-2148. --De-Annexation of U.S. Forest Service Properties In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council reviewed an ordinance that would de -annex six federally -owned parcels in the Town of Vail to complete the 1997 land ownership adjustment agreement between the town and the U.S. Forest Service. For details, see evening meeting briefs. --Budget Review In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council reviewed an ordinance adopting the 2000 fiscal year budget. In so doing, the Council clarified its intent to leave the Park Free After 3 program in tact for another season. See evening meeting briefs for details. to --Supplemental Budget Review See evening meeting briefs for details. --Public Accommodation Zone District Amendments In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council received public comment from Jim Lamont of the East Village Homeowners Association regarding this ordinance and agreed to modify the measure to accommodate concerns from the homeowners association. See evening meeting briefs for details. Evening Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Citizen Participation There was no citizen participation. --Review of Youth Recognition Award Winners' Trip to Australia The Council heard from Emily Sargent and Jared Staber, winners of the 1999 Vail Youth Ambassador Award, sponsored by the Town of Vail. Sargent, a senior at Battle Mountain High School and Staber, a senior at Vail Mountain School, traveled to Mt. Buller, Australia during the summer in recognition of their student achievement. Both said they had a memorable experience and are planning a return visit soon. Selection of the 2000 award winners will be announced next spring. Is (more) Add 2/TOV Council Highlights/10-5-99 --Consent Agenda The Council voted 7-0 to approve the meeting minutes of Sept. 7 and Sept. 21, as well as appointment of Karen Morter, Jeannie Tilkmeier, Mary Jo Allen and Vi Brown as election judges for Nov. 2 Town of Vail regular municipal election which is an at -the -polls election to be held at the Vail Municipal Building. --Town of Vail 2000 Budget The Council voted 6-1 (Foley against) on first reading to approve an ordinance approving a $34.3 million annual budget for 2000. The budget includes a 5 percent projected increase in sales tax collections over 1999 as well as $500,000 in expense cuts due to elimination of 9.6 full time equivalent positions. Although the 2000 budget shows a year-end surplus of $6,000 in the general fund, the town's five-year financial projection shows deficit spending of $1 million by 2003. As a result, Finance Director Steve Thompson said the need for new revenue sources and/or additional cuts in expenses will remain a priority in preparation of the next biennial budget for 2001-2002. In voting against approval of the 2000 budget, as he did during the 1999 budget process, Foley repeated a concern that the budget cuts didn't go far enough. For more information, contact Finance Director Steve Thompson at 479-2116. --Amendment to Town of Vail Employees' Pension Plan The Council voted 7-0 to approve first reading of an ordinance to amend the Town of Vail employees' pension plan in compliance with changes in federal law and to allow for daily valuations of participant accounts. --Amendment to Town of Vail Police and Fire Employees' Pension Plan Similarly, the Council voted 7-0 to approve first reading of this ordinance, which also reflects compliance with changes in federal law and to allow for daily valuations of participant accounts. --Supplemental Budget Appropriation The Council voted 7-0 to approve first reading of a supplemental appropriation to the 1999 budget, which reduces the overall budget by $150,781 due to the reduction of $1.9 million in capital projects as a result of slow revenue growth. For more information, contact Finance Director Steve Thompson at 479-2116. --De-Annexation of U.S. Forest Service Properties The Council voted 7-0 to approve an ordinance on first reading to de -annex six federally -owned parcels from the Town of Vail boundaries. The parcels are owned by the U.S. Forest Service. De -annexation will complete a land ownership adjustment agreement signed in 1997 between the town and the U.S. Forest Service. By exchanging lands of like -value, the town was able to swap three parcels totaling 74 acres to the Forest Service in exchange for 11 properties totaling 62 acres from the Forest Service for the purpose of resolving boundary conflicts. So when six federal parcels remained within the town's boundaries and no remaining town -owned lands to be swapped of like -value, the 1997 agreement included a de -annexation provision for the remaining parcels. Those lands include Trapper's Run in West Vail, Parcel H in East Vail and Parcel C by Lift 1. For more information, contact Russell Forrest, Community Development Director, at 479- 2146. --Public Accommodation Zone District Amendments The Council voted 6-1 (Navas against) to approve a modified ordinance on second reading to amend the Public Accommodation Zone District. The ordinance codifies increased development (more) Add 3/TOV Council Highlights/10-5-99 standards that have been approved through recent Special Development Districts. The changes apply to 17 properties, mostly in the Vail Village area. Proposed by Johannes Faessler of the Sonnenalp, the updated development standards are intended to reduce an applicant's reliance on the Special Development District process, thereby eliminating uncertainties and last-minute negotiations. The ordinance was modified during the afternoon work session after Jim Lamont of the East Village Homeowners Association expressed concerns about a provision that would have allowed increases in a building's commercial space allocation as a conditional use. Lamont argued successfully that increased commercial space may not be compatible in surrounding residential neighborhoods and the provision was eliminated from the ordinance. Also at Lamont's suggestion, loading and delivery was added to the list of examples that could be required of off -site impact fees. During public discussion, Diana Donovan, a former Planning and Environmental Commission member, urged the Council to vote against the ordinance. She described the measure as inappropriate, saying it was a rezoning matter rather an amendment. In voting against the ordinance, Navas reiterated her concern regarding an amendment to the urban design guide plan that was included within the ordinance. Following Council's approval of the ordinance, Johannes Faessler thanked the Council. He said approval will now send a signal to people that it's OK to "start dreaming again." Jim Lamont thanked the Council for its spirit of compromise and urged the town to move forward with an update of the Vail Village Master Plan. For additional information, contact George Ruther in the Community Development Department at 479-2145. --Temporary Use of the Vacated VRD Space at the Vail Public Library The Council voted 7-0 to authorize an application for a conditional use permit to convert the basement of the Vail Public Library, which is currently empty following consolidation of offices by the Vail Recreation District, into temporary housing for 5 Town of Vail seasonal bus drivers. Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer presented the concept, which includes spending approximately $10,000 to convert the space into 5 bedrooms with a shared kitchen, living space and bath. The cost of the conversion could be recouped through monthly rental fees, she said. The additional bedrooms are essential, Brandmeyer said, since the town has already lost 2 potential bus driver candidates to other jobs tied with housing. Counciimembers called the concept "brilliant" and expressed confidence that compatibility concerns expressed by Library Director Annie Fox could be addressed appropriately. The conditional use proposal will be heard by the Planning and Environmental Commission at its Oct. 25 meeting. Adjacent property owners will be notified. For more information, contact Brandmeyer at 479-2113. --Information Update Announcements included: the 5 year TOV employee recognition dinner will be held Oct. 28; the Open Space Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Council Chambers; and Council candidate forums and discussions are scheduled for Oct. 12 and Oct. 18. --Council Reports Noting that Aspen was pursuing a ban on the use of cellular phones while driving, Kevin Foley wondered if the Vail Town Council would be interested in such a pursuit. Bob Armour suggested monitoring Aspen's efforts a while longer before launching a discussion in Vail. Ludwig Kurz announced Eagle County's acceptance of a counter-offer by the Eagle County Recreation Authority to sell the Berry Creek 5th parcel. The agreement, which includes an eventual intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the Town of Vail and Eagle County for development of the affordable housing component on the property, represents the first time the 90 (more) Add 4/TOV Council Highlights/10-5-99 town and Eagle County have come together as partners to develop affordable housing. In response to a question from Bob Armour, Kurz said proceeds from the sale of a portion of the property to the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority will be kept in escrow to be used as seed money by Eagle County for recreational purposes on a 1-to-1 matching basis. Armour called the transaction a "win -win." Michael Jewett noted that he had attended the Eagle County Commissioners meeting in which approval of the counter-offer for Berry Creek Fifth was unanimously approved and that spirits were high. Sybill Navas provided an update on the town's wayfinding project in which directional signs for vehicles and pedestrians will be improved. She said a full presentation would be made to the Town Council in November outlining the proposed improvements. Navas also noted a recent dinner which was held with elected officials from Mammoth takes, Calif. The group was touring Vail, Beaver Creek and other nearby resorts as part of a fact-finding retreat. --Other Michael Arnett congratulated those involved in the Berry Creek Fifth negotiations, while Bob Armour thanked the town for repairing a clock in the Council Chambers. Sybill Navas inquired about the status of a study on the impact of magnesium chloride, noting that Aspen may be using a new chemical this winter as a de-icer. Michael Jewett inquired about an agenda for Thursday's Open Space Committee meeting, while Kevin Foley concluded the meeting by wishing the Denver Broncos luck. so UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS October 12 Work Session PEC/DRB Report E-911 Board Presentation October 99 Work Session Donald Gallegos, 20 Year Employee Anniversary Mike Rose, 20 Year Employee Anniversary Off -Street Parking Discussion October 99 Evening Meeting First Reading, Model Traffic Code Second Reading, De -Annexation Second Reading, Town of Vail 2000 Budget Second Reading, Supplemental Appropriation Second Reading, Police & Fire Pension Amendments Second Reading, Employee Pension Amendments .e