HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-27 Town Council Minutes'OWN OF VAILY
�75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
January 27, 1999
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR JANUARY 26
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Art In Public Places Master Plan Discussion
The Council heard a report from Denver consultants Andy Dufford and Simon Zalkind
who were hired to help draft a master plan for Vail's Art in Public Places (AIPP)
program. As proposed, the plan suggests some radical changes in AIPP's focus.
Rather than commission works of fine art, the firm suggests using art to give Vail its
own sense of place in the design of ordinary objects such as bus shelters, utility vents,
light posts, benches, information sites --even manhole covers. The presentation
included photographs illustrating similar examples from other communities, including
Denver, Boulder and Ft. Collins. Although there were questions about involvement of
the private sector as a funding partner, Councilmembers reacted favorably to the
presentation and directed AIPP Director Nancy Sweeney to continue moving forward on
specifics of the plan as well as a process that would integrate the program within the
town's operating procedures. For more information, contact Sweeney at 479-2344.
--Arosa/Garmisch Affordable Housing Development
The Council accepted a staff site planning recommendation for the proposed six -unit,
for -sale affordable housing development at Arosa-Garmisch in West Vail. The site plan
includes using the easternmost side of the parcel to construct a townhome four-plex
with a duplex structure on the end that would form an "L" shape. The remainder of the
site, about two-thirds, would be used as a neighborhood park and open space. With
Council's acceptance of the site plan, plus a favorable conceptual review by the Design
Review Board last week, the proposal now moves into the regular development review
process. This will include annexation, rezoning and replatting with the Planning and
Environmental Commission, and design review with the Design Review Board. In the
meantime, the town will conduct a Request for Qualification (RFQ) process to retain a
development team that will be charged with development of the Arosa-Garmisch
housing as well as redevelopment of the "A -frame" site on Arosa Drive. Both sites are
owned by the Town of Vail. A discussion on bedroom counts and sales prices will be
brought before the Council at a later date. For a list of upcoming development review
meetings, contact Nina Timm at 479-2144.
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--Affordable Housing Buy -Down Criteria i
After reviewing a draft of proposed criteria for the town's "buy -down" housing program,
Councilmembers, expressing concerns about the amount of town subsidy that might be
necessary to ensure the program's success, gave the initial authorization to cautiously
move forward with the potential purchase of a small unit. As proposed, the town would
essentially purchase free market housing units within the town, based on established
criteria; then deed -restrict the properties (with the 3 percent annual appreciation cap);
then sell them to qualified applicants. Although concerned with the level of subsidy that
will be needed to implement the program, Councilmembers acknowledged the specific
amount would be unknown until the unit is resold by the town. (An example in the staff
memo to Council included the town purchasing a one -bedroom unit for $140,000 with a
$90,000 to $100,000 resale price.) The Council has budgeted $100,000 for the
purchase and resale of five units this year. During discussion, Councilman Michael
Arnett suggested adding "fixer -uppers" to a 7-point criteria list, while Counciimember
Sybill Navas suggested keeping the higher subsidized units within a Town of Vail
employee rental pool. Navas also wondered if the town should consider eliminating the
3 percent appreciation cap on the resales. In addition, Councilman Bob Armour
suggested considering a ground -lease situation similar to the Vail Commons
development. Once a candidate property has been identified within the town,
Councilmembers agreed to discuss the issues in more detail prior to authorizing the
program's first purchase. For more information, contact Nina Timm in the Community
Development Department at 479-2144. is
--PEC/DRB Review
During a review of the most recent meetings of the Planning and Environmental
Commission and the Design Review Board, Councilmembers inquired about PEC
approval of a conditional use permit for the Vail Interfaith Chapel (allows for basement
to be used as an emergency shelter during road closures) and DR13 call-up approval of
a courtyard iron fence outside the Daily Grind.
--Vail Plaza Hotel
After hearing an overview of the redevelopment plans for the Vail Village Inn, which
calls for 326 hotel rooms, 15 fractional fee units, a 20,000 sq. ft. conference facility and
a 25,000 sq. ft. spa, Councilmembers expressed concerns about the size and height of
the building, as well as traffic circulation plans. While the proposal is formally
scheduled for first reading at the Council's Feb. 16 evening meeting, Mayor Rob Ford
suggested yesterday the applicant may wish to withdraw the proposal and spend
additional time in Council work sessions to address the concerns. During discussion,
Councilman Michael Arnett said he disagreed with the applicant's claim that the
proposal is in keeping with the Vail Village Master Plan, noting that it doesn't preserve
the unique architectural scale of the Village, nor does it enhance the walking
experience through Vail Village. Arnett also expressed concerns about the building's
height, site coverage and traffic plan. Councilman Bob Armour noted the challenges of
a redevelopment project in Vail. He said he was encouraged to see that no .
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condominiums have been incorporated into the plan and that circulation concerns were
beginning to be addressed. Councilmember Sybiil Navas agreed with statements made
by Arnett. She said the site needs redevelopment, but "not at any price." In addition,
Navas suggested using Vail Road as a central access road (rather than South
Frontage Rd.) and expressed disappointment that proposed loading and delivery
operations were being staged off the Frontage Rd. Councilman Michael Jewett also
expressed concerns about traffic and bulk and mass issues. Jewett noted the plan
should reflect a new bypass leg at the Main Vail roundabout to I-74 east, which is
scheduled for construction this spring following federal approval. While Councilman
Ludwig Kurz said he agrees the site needs redevelopment, he objected to the degree to
which the town is being asked. Councilman Kevin Foley expressed concerns that
underlying zoning wouldn't allow for projects of such magnitude. For a copy of the
redevelopment proposal, contact George Ruther in the Community Development
Department at 479-2145.
--Information Update
At the request of the Art in Public Places Board, Councilmembers received a written
report on a public art project at Arizona State University, while Assistant Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer noted that efforts are underway to tweak the public art project at
Seibert Circle to enhance its four -season utility. Ideas include a small water feature
and additional vegetation. Councilman Bob Armour expressed frustration that some of
the project's concrete sections have cracked. (During the project's design, Armour had
unsuccessfully argued in support of pavers or similar street treatments, as opposed to
pressed concrete.
--Council Reports
Kevin Foley reported on a meeting of ECO's Trails Committee in which interest was
expressed in seeking a trail connection through the Berry Creek Fifth Filing property.
Also, Foley said EGO has agreed to reduce transit fares to $1 on all ECO routes during
the Vail 99 Championships. In addition, Foley reported on a recent meeting of the Vail
Recreation District Board. He said the VRD was appreciative of the compromises
reached on the summer parking program for Ford Park.
Ludwig Kurz reported that a Fiorida-based organization has expressed interest in
continuing the Vail and Beaver Creek arts festivals, following the dissolution of the Vail
Valley Arts Council. Also, Kurz, who represents the Council on the board of directors of
the'Ski Museum, said the museum is working to update its image. Possibilities include
adding snowboarding to its name.
Rob Ford reported on a recent meeting of the Vail Community Task Force in which
members have been discussing a common vision for Vail. Ford also wished Tara
Flanagan well. The longtime Vail Trail reporter has taken a new editing job in
California.
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Sybill Navas reported on a Chamber of Commerce board retreat. She said the
Chamber intends to focus on establishing a permanent funding source for regional 40
marketing, joining forces with the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau to
eliminate duplication, and guest services training that would include an employee
needs assessment survey. Also, in her role as a Council representative to the
Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality/Quantity board, Navas said
a discussion on use of magnesium chloride as a de-icer would take place at a quarterly
meeting on Feb. 3 at the Eagle County Courthouse.
Bob Armour reported on the most recent meeting of the Vail 99 Organizing Committee.
He said the event will be outstanding, including the opening ceremonies. He reminded
everyone that tickets are needed for the opening ceremonies (they're getting hard to
find) and to get there early. Because of security measures, entry gates will close
promptly at 6:30 P.M. with the ceremonies beginning at 7:00 P.M. Also, Armour
reported on a recent meeting of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns at Winter Park.
He said CAST is interested in hiring someone to analyze the studies that have been
conducted, to date, on the magnesium chloride issue. He also shared a state funded
CAST -Colorado Ski Country USA promotion on use of alternate transportation called
"After you arrive, let us drive."
After attending the Channel 5 mixer last week, Michael Arnett complimented the station
for its contributions to the community. Kevin Foley and Ludwig Kurz also were in
attendance. 0
--Other
Bob Armour said he and Kevin Foley enjoyed the free concert in Lionshead Sunday.
Armour encouraged everyone to take advantage of the Vail 99 events and activities
during the next two weeks.
Sybill Navas and Kevin Foley expressed concerns about the visual appearance of a
temporary media structure on Pepi's deck. The structure was approved in accordance
with an over -arching ordinance ok'd by Council in relation to the 1999 World Alpine
Championships special event.
On behalf of a constituent, Michael Jewett inquired about the town's readiness for Y2-
K. Although problems are expected to be minimal, Town Manager Bob McLaurin said a
cross functional team was being organized to address the issue. Jewett also asked
about the appropriateness of a site visit invitation issued by a property owner regarding
impacts to the property caused by the proposed Vail Plaza Hotel redevelopment. Town
Attorney Tom Moorhead advised that in Council's quasi-judicial role, such site visits are
inappropriate on an individual basis because of the applicant's right to due process.
Ludwig Kurz announced that public parking within Beaver Creek has been eliminated
during the World Championship events. Spectators and guests will be directed to the
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parking lots along Highway 6, as well as the Stolport site in Avon. Bus service will be
provided to Beaver Creek and to the downhill finish. Downhill spectators should get
there early, he said.
Kevin Foley said he's continuing to work with the Liquor Board on issues related to
TIPS training. Eventually, he says the Liquor Board may ask Council to consider an
ordinance that would require servers of alcohol to receive the training.
Carol Hymers, a Donovan Park neighborhood resident, thanked the town for updating
the neighborhood on recent Vail 99-related activities at the park, as well as providing
local "reader board" information on Channel 39 through TCI Cablevision.
Diana Donovan asked that the town's December sales tax estimates be forwarded to
the Vail Community Task Force to clarify an erroneous estimate made at the meeting.
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
February 2 Work Session
Cancelled due to World Alpine Ski Championships
. February 2 Everting Meeting 5 pm Start Time
Second Reading, Cascade/Thrifty Car Rental Major SDD Amendment
February 9 Work Session
Cancelled due to World Alpine Ski Championships
Ski with the Council from 8:30 to noon on Feb. 10, March 10 and April 14. Meet at the
Vista Bahn lift at 8:30 a.m. on the scheduled day. Please provide your own equipment,
lift ticket and lunch.
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