HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-19 Town Council Minutesi
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1999
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers on
Tuesday, January 19, 1999. 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. Germaine Harmon, a condominium
owner at the Vail Village Inn, stated she is concerned about the height and size of the proposed
Vail Plaza Inn project and said she didn't get prior notification of the redevelopment. As an
adjacent property owner, she feels the project is out of character with the rest of Vail.
40 On behalf of Elfi Weideman Devaney, owner of Tiffany Glass Kunst, John Devaney presented
the Town Council with a stained glass window with the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championship
logo on it.
The second item on the agenda was a presentation by Sarah Exton, a Delatite Shire, Australia
Exchange Student. Sarah Exton thanked the Town of Vail community for its hospitality during
her and fellow exchange student, Matt Brakels, two -month stay. She presented Mayor Rob
Ford with a letter of introduction and said she is looking forward to students from the Vail area
going to Australia as part of the exchange program.
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager, introduced Charlyn and Dean Canada as the host
family for Sarah Exton.
The third item on the agenda was a presentation of the Aspen to Glenwood Rail Corridor by
John Bennett.
John Bennett, Mayor of Aspen, made a presentation to the Council on efforts to develop a light
rail system between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. He said he has been involved with
transportation issues in the Aspen area for S years. He gave a slide presentation on the history
and issues about traffic in the Roaring Fork Valley. The conversations on alternative
transportation issues began in 1993, and in 1996, the light rail system was unanimously
approved to be a viable alternative for the Roaring Fork Valley. Traffic congestion is the
number one problem in the Roaring Fork Valley. The second issue is explosive growth, in the
Aspen area as well as the rest of Colorado. One of the goals is to maintain the same number
iVail Town Council Minutes January 19, 1999
of vehicles on the streets and roads in the year 2015 as there were in 1994. He also expressed
• that Bill Owens, Governor of Colorado, has said Highway 82 between Aspen and Glenwood
Springs is a good example of where a light rail system would be useful. The Roaring Fork
Valley is growing too fast and widening of the highway would not solve the problem. If the
Aspen to Glenwood Springs area relied on buses only, there would have to be a bus trip every
30 seconds by 2015. In 1994, a bus -way bonding election was defeated. Labor efficiency of
the rail system can move 150-300 people versus 30-60 people at a time on the bus system.
There are good examples of light rail systems in Europe, and there is a light rail system in
Portland, Oregon. There was a light rail exhibition near Carbondale that ran for 3 days that was
deemed a success. The light rail system is gaining positive support in the Roaring Fork Valley
from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, however it is still controversial and still has opposition. Eight
government entities within the Roaring Fork Valley have been involved in the discussions. The
overall goals are to maintain the quality of life, and ease traffic congestion. John thanked the
Town Council for their time.
Council member Bob Armour asked John if they would need to remove vehicle traffic off Main
Street for the rail system to be efficient.
John responded saying the object is to reduce the impact of traffic, not totally eliminate it. The
goal is to hold traffic levels down to where it is now, in the future.
The fourth item on the agenda was an Overview of Economic and Snow Sports Trends by
Chris Cares.
IsChris Cares and Nolan Rosall of RRC & Associates, gave a presentation to the Town Council
on an overview of skier trends over 20 years. They used various graphs and charts to illustrate
the national ski trends and Vail's position in the trends. The survey shows the ski industry is flat
and competition with other leisure industries has increased. In 1979 there were 50 million skier
visits a year and in 1998 there were 54 million skier visits. Vail continues to be a premier resort
among destination alpine resorts, however the gap has narrowed and the competition is
catching up. Throughout the United States, snowboarder participation, the age of skiers versus
snowboarders, and revenue by regions, ski ticket sales versus other revenue generating
avenues continue to affect the skier trends. Concerns from guests are high priced lodging,
accommodations not flexible enough with lengths of stay less than one week, high prices in all
areas for the quality of service being offered, access and transportation issues. Time is
critical in moving forward on getting Vail back on track and staying up in the top rank of the
skiing industry. Nolan stated that the seven day booking policy used by the lodges should be
reviewed. Getting people to come back to Vail once they leave is difficult because of the
competition in the resort industry and other choices available.
Mayor Rob Ford thanked Nolan and Chris for their presentation.
Germaine Harmon, a Vail resident, stated it wasn't bad to be compared with Disney. She said
Vail should look to Disney and see how they train their employees on guest services.
The fifth item on the agenda was a discussion and first reading of Ordinance #1, Series of
1999, an ordinance amending Ordinance #23, Series of 1998, to add "Transportation Business"
as a conditional use subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit in accordance with the
2 Vail Town Council Minutes January 19, 1999
provisions of the Zoning Regulations, and to permit the use of the tennis facility as an
accessory conference and convention center to the hotel, in Development Area A, Cascade
Village, Special Development District #4; and setting forth details in regard thereto.
George Ruther, Town Planner, stated Ordinance No, 1, Series of 1999, will allow transportation
businesses (shuttle service or car rental) as a conditional use to Special Development District
#4 for transportation uses and will also allow, as a conditional use, the tennis facility as an
temporary conference and convention center to the hotel. The conditional use will allow for
more control over the use of this area.
Mayor Rob Ford clarified the shuttle services or car rental use would not take away from the
required parking.
Council member Mike Arnett made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1, Series of 1999 on
first reading, Council member Bob Armour seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the
motion was passed unanimously, 7-0.
The sixth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
There was nothing further to add to the town manager's report from the work session.
As there was no further business, a motion was made by Council member Ludwig Kurz to
adjourn the meeting and Council member Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
0 The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respect f submi ted
E - Rob Ford
Mayor
ATTE :4
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Lorele Donaldson
Town Clerk
0 3 Vail Town Council Minutes January 19, 1999
WORK SESSION MINUTES
Tuesday, January 19, 1999
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 January 19, 1999. All members were present.
Item No. 3, County -wide affordable housing needs assessment. Council voted unanimously by
hand to officially direct the Town Manager to contact the Town. of Avon in regard to funding for
the needs assessment.
Item No. 8, Other. Councilmen Jewett discussed competitive bids. In a subsequent motion by
Mike Jewett to require all service oriented contracts to be bid out competitively, a second came
from Kevin Foley. Construction bids are already covered through a Town of Vail regulation. A
vote was taken and the motion was defeated 1-6, with Mike Jewett in favor of his motion and the
remainder of Council in opposition.
Additionally, Mike asked to have Council consider a specific regulation in regard to conflict of
interest for gifts, financial disclosure of stock options, business relationships with vendors, and
direct reporting to the State of Colorado. But in a verbal poll of Council members, there was no
support for taking additional legislative action. Tom Moorhead pointed out that there is a State
statute that sets guidelines for conflict of interest issues and that this Council is required to
adhere to those principles as well.
PABIaw
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- T0WN OF VAI�,�
05 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
January 20, 1999
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR JANUARY 19
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--ECO Transit and Trails Update
Jim Shrum, director of the Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority (ECO),
provided an update on the countrywide transit and trails programs. Transit ridership
increased by 14 percent in 1998, he said, following a 24 percent increase the year
before. Other accomplishments during 1998 included creation of a new identity for the
authority, now known as ECO, increased routes and services, continued planning for a
new maintenance facility, Vail 99 planning and establishment of a free fares policy for
the elderly and disabled. Programs for 1999 include construction of 10 new bus
shelters, implementation of Vail 99 transportation projects and completion of a new
maintenance facility, among others. Shrum thanked the Town of Vail for providing
operational support of the Dotsero-to-Vail route, as well as for the role Councilman Kevin
Foley has played as chairman of the authority. Also speaking yesterday was Ellie Caryl
who heads ECO's trails program. Trail activities for 1999 will have a middle valley focus,
she said, with construction of a trail from the Eagle River mobile home park to Avon (still
needs significant funding), aswell as planning work for trails from Avon to Dowd
Junction and from Avon to Arrowhead. Also in the works is a trail plan from Gypsum to
Eagle. Caryl noted that funds from the transportation sales tax have previously been
used to help complete the Dowd Junction recreation path. For more information, contact
ECO at 748-0702.
--Update on Berry Creek Fifth Equestrian Center
Councilmembers heard an overview of activities at the Ranch at Berry Creek by operator
Gayle Grider. The report included a description of the Cowboy Dreams program, a
therapeutic horseback riding program for special needs children, as well as an
explanation of boarding operations and the summer rodeo series. Grider described the
equestrian center as the "YMCA of the valley" with community -based programs available
for families throughout the valley. As operator of the equestrian center, Grider has
caretaking responsibilities for all 108-acres of the Berry Creek Fifth Filing property.
--Countywide Affordable Housing Needs Assessment
The Council heard an Update from project manager Andy Knudtsen on a countywide
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housing needs assessment. The $22,000 study will update a 1990 report and will
survey the housing needs of employers, employees as well as commuters from outside
Eagle County, Knudtsen said. The Town of Vail, Eagle County and Vail Associates have
each pledged $7,000, while the Town of Eagle has pledged $1,000 to help with the
study. Councilmembers expressed disappointment that the Town of Avon had declined
to help fund the study (although staff time has been volunteered to help distribute the
survey). The Council then directed Town Manager Bob McLaurin to approach Avon with
a second request for participation. Councilmembers also asked that the study probe the
possibility of a countywide employee generation policy, the willingness of employer
partnerships and the number of employees required to staff and service large homes. -
Councilman Kevin Foley also suggested contacting the school district to inquire about
participation. As proposed, the surveys will be distributed throughout the county during
the month of February with results available in April. For more information, contact
Knudtsen at 479-2440.
--Discussion of Cascade/Thrifty Car Rental Major SDD Amendment
In preparation for the evening meeting, the Council reviewed an ordinance that would
amend the Cascade Village Special Development District to allow for a transportation
car rental business as a conditional use as well as permit the use of the tennis facility as
an accessory conference and convention center. Councilmembers were told by a
representative from Thrifty car rental that the Cascade Hotel and Club has excess
parking and with approval of the new use and its requirement for use of up to 12 spaces,
there would not be a negative impact on parking availability for the Club. In reviewing
the proposal for additional convention area at the tennis courts, to be used for trade
shows or exhibit space on a temporary basis, Council expressed concern the
"temporary" nature of this approval required stronger constraints than what would be
allowed under an accessory use categorization. Therefore, at the evening meeting,
accessory use was changed to conditional use, thus allowing Council the authority to
review this application, should there be an increase in use above what is intended at this
time (possibly 6-8 uses per year). For more information, contact George Ruther in the
Community Development Department at 479-2145.
--Town Council Strategic Goals and Priorities
The Council reviewed a proposed 1999 work program presented by Town Manager Bob
McLaurin in the categories of housing; economic viability; infrastructure; transportation;
community collaboration; and internal issues.
Housino
During a review of the housing work plan, Councilman Michael Arnett wondered if the
Council's goal of housing 62 percent of Vail's workforce within the town limits by the year
2010 was realistic. After a discussion, the Council eventually agreed to continue to
aspire to the 62 percent goal. Keeping both the percentage and year in place will
provide a measuring device against which the Council can gauge its success, they
reasoned. Councilmembers also reaffirmed support for its previous target of initiating 50
units a year. Councilman Ludwig Kurz pointed out that the town's strategy clearly states
the TOV is not solely responsible for solving the housing problem. That lead to a
discussion around a push to form more public/private partnerships and to find out exactly
what the commitment from the private sector is. It was agreed that a permanent funding
source for housing will be reviewed within the greater context of the March budget
assessment. Council also directed staff to develop a recommendation for revising the
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real estate transfer tax allocation to help fund housing development (an ordinance is
required). Mandatory construction of employee housing units in conjunction with a
GRFA "trigger" was also discussed, along with the implementation of countywide
regulations which support this strategy. Councilmembers also asked that research into
second homes and the number of employees required to service those properties (from
housekeepers to gardeners to caterers, etc.) and the residual effect on employees
countywide be investigated. In reviewing next steps in implementation of Common
Ground, Councilmembers discussed the Tract C property. The discussion centered
around the town's interest in serving as a facilitator in bringing together Vail Associates
(the current property owner) and the Vail Mountain School, with the Council's further role
assumed to be the consideration of re -zoning. The Common Ground recommendation
for seasonal housing on the Lionshead parking structure must be set aside,
Councilmembers said, until the community facilities planning is complete with respect to
the charter bus lot.
Economic StabilitvNiability
Council reaffirmed its goal to increase the number of live beds in the commercial core
area, to continue its review of a proposal to modify the Public Accommodation zone
district as well as an exhaustive review of the Vail Plaza Hotel proposal. There were
questions and concerns about various streetscape improvements, both public and
private, as well as questions about the status of the town's loading and delivery study.
Also yesterday, the Council talked about its role in facilitating a permanent funding
source for marketing. Currently, a district lodging tax is proposed to go to the voters in
November. Rather than be faced with the prospect of contentious discussions with
groups such as Vail First regarding the future of the Vail business license fees,
Councilmembers asked that the Business Alliance Committee, the Vail Valley Tourism
and Convention Bureau, Vail Valley Marketing Board, both merchant's associations and
the Chamber reconvene to discuss the future of regional marketing, special events
funding, and information services. Councilmembers Sybill Navas and Michael Arnett
agreed to put a list together of the specific issues which need to be resolved, as well as
the pertinent players. Also, staff was asked to bring back a more specific proposal for an
economic development plan.
Infrastructure
The Council reaffirmed its position on the status of a new fire station. Saying it would be
too expensive to build and staff.a third fire station in West Vail, the Council asked that it
review locations for a new two -company fire station at the Mountain Bell site or Spraddle
Creek location. Councilmembers acknowledged that there will be issues such as the
real estate transfer tax and open space that will be debated; however, Councilman
Michael Arnett requested a comprehensive overview of both sites be brought forward so
the Council can clearly understand response time advantages, construction constraints
and opportunities to combine other community facilities, e.g., housing, community
center, parks, etc. During a discussion of the design and reconstruction of Vail Valley
Drive, Town Manager Bob McLaurin indicated preliminary public process attempts and
design work will begin in the fall of 1999 for this project that will run from the east side of
Golden Peak out to the end of Sunburst Drive. Councilmember Kevin Foley suggested
the design consider positioning the bike path along the South Frontage road adjacent to
the golf course, rather than combining it with the actual street project. It was also
suggested that Ski Club Vail, in partnership with Vail Associates, be brought into this
process early on. In conjunction with other chip and seal street improvements, staff was
asked to advertise/announce these projects with
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plenty of lead time to those affected, e.g., at a minimum, two weeks out. Cleanliness in •
the commercial core areas was addressed, and in particular, staff was requested to keep .
Vail's retail areas as clean as possible during the 99 Championships. Councilmember
Sybill Navas suggested as the town looks at street fixtures (public ski racks, newspaper
boxes, trash receptacles, recycling containers such as VA has on -mountain, etc.) that
efforts are make to look for displays that will make positive statements about the
community and its forward thinking. Also yesterday, Council asked to review a guest
intercept survey on loading and delivery issues.
Transportation
In attempting to determine whether the town is a likely candidate for a people -mover
system, Councilman Ludwig Kurz said an update on the analysis completed 10 years
ago would be useful in gleaning information about Vail's possibilities. Councilman
Michael Arnett said this had already been requested as a part of the Lionshead Master
Plan process. Staff will also provide an overall analysis re: outlying routes, e.g., late
night bus service, placement of bus stops, using the right equipment for the right route at
the right time, etc. The Council also added a transportation objective to its strategic
plan: to ensure the Town of Vail is still listed in the 20-year Colorado Department of
Transportation plan for Main Vail/West Vail pedestrian improvements, 1-70 noise
mitigation, and the Simba Run underpass.
Also yesterday, the Council defeated a motion by Michael Jewett to mandate competitive
bidding for all Town of Vail service -related contracts, such as managed parking at Ford
Park (vote was 1-6). Jewett also had proposed strengthening the Town Council's
conflict of interest and disclosure requirements, but most Councilmembers said they
were comfortable with state laws that govern such issues.
--Council Reports
Ludwig Kurz, who represents the Council on the Channel 5 Board of Directors, reminded
the Council of a community mixer hosted by Channel 5 on Jan. 20.
Sybill Navas announced that use of magnesium chloride as a deicer would be the topic
of a Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality/Quantity meeting on
Feb. 3.
--Other
Sybill -Navas inquired about the status of the placement of skier sculpture, donated to
Vail from Mt. Buller, Australia, in recognition of its sister resort relationship. Navas also
inquired about a bus stop at Vail Mountain School and handicapped parking at Ford
Park.
Kevin Foley expressed concerns about the timeframe given to local liquor license
holders from the Liquor Board in which license holders are being encouraged to provide
TIPS training for servers. Foley said several of the license holders have told him they
need more time and additional notification on upcoming training sessions.
Evening Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
The Council heard from part-time resident Germaine Harmon, a condominium owner at
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the Vail Village Inn. Harmon expressed concern about the size and character of the
40 proposed Vail Plaza Inn. As an adjacent property owner, she said the development
would be out of character with the rest of Vail and would feel like the "Great Wall of
China," if approved.
Next, on behalf of Elfi Weideman Delany, John Delany presented the Council with a
stained glass window depicting the World Alpine Ski Championship logo. The window
will be hung in the Council Chambers.
--Delatite Shire, Australia Exchange Student Presentation by Sara Exton
Sara Exton, one of two exchange students from Vail's sister city region in Australia,
appeared before the Council to thank the community for its hospitality during her two -
month stay. Exton and fellow Australian Matt Brakels are part of a reciprocal exchange
program in which Vail students receive an opportunity to spend their °summers" in Mt.
Buller, Australia and vice versa. Dean and Charyln Canada served as the host family
for Exton, while Patty and Peter Franke served as host family for Brakels. For more
information about the program, contact Pam Brandmeyer at 479-2113.
--Presentation of Aspen to Glenwood Rail Corridor
Next, at the request of the Vail Town Council, Aspen Mayor John Bennett presented an
update.on efforts to develop a light rail system between Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
Although controversial, Bennett described the many benefits of rail over other
alternatives --all aimed at meeting a quality of life goal that would maintain the same
number of vehicles on the streets and roads in the year 2015 as there were in 1994.
Additional widening of the highway isn't the solution, he says, because the valley is
growing too fast. Neither are more buses, because the goal would require bus trips to
occur every 30 seconds, according to Bennett. Multiple studies have shown that a light
rail solution would be affordable and efficient, he said. Eight governments within the
Roaring Fork Valley have been involved in the discussions, and there have been 15
votes on the issue since 1970. Bennett says he considers light rail to be an effective
land use tool that could improve the area's quality of life, protect the environment and
address affordable housing issues, among other things.
--Overview of Economic and Snow Sports Trends
Also at the request of the Vail Town Council, researchers from RRC Associates of
Boulder presented various charts and graphs depicting national ski trends as well as
Vail's positioning in the marketplace. Similar to a presentation sponsored Monday by
the Chamber of Commerce, their conclusions included the following:
• Nationally, skier visits are flat.
• Competition has become increasingly intense within the leisure industry.
• Ski resorts across the country are aggressively upgrading their products, seeking to
provide a well -planned, integrated, modern, multi -dimensional and year-round alpine
village/mountain experience.
• While Vail continues to enjoy premier status among destination alpine resorts, the
gap has narrowed and the competition is catching up.
• Guest perceptions of Vail show a concern for:
--Aging and relatively high-priced lodging inventory
--Relative inflexibility compared to other alternative destinations in accommodating
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lengths of stay of less than one week
--General sense of high prices across the board being paid for the quality of service
being offered
• Beginning of erosion of service, at least in overall consistency of performance.
• Issues with respect to transportation and access, both locally and regionally.
The noted ski industry analysts, Nolan Rosall and Chris Cares, suggested targeting
some of the areas of concern, including a longstanding 7-day booking policy used by
many of Vail's lodges. People's loyalties are changing, they said. If a guest decides to
go somewhere else, it will be very difficult to win them back, given the level of
competition and the range of choices available. For a copy of the report, contact the
Community Information Office at 479-2115.
--Cascade/Thrifty Car Rental Major SDD Amendment
The Council voted 7-0 on first reading to approve an ordinance that would amend the
Cascade Village Special Development District to allow for a transportation business as a
conditional use and to allow the conditional use of the tennis facility as a temporary
conference and convention center to the hotel. This item will be considered for final
approval at the Council's Feb. 2 evening meeting. Please note this meeting will begin at
5 p.m. to accommodate activities associated with the World Alpine Ski Championships.
For more information, contact George Ruther in the Community Development
Department at 479-2145.
--Town Manager's Report
Councilmembers reviewed a written report from Town Manager Bob McLaurin that
described the hiring process for a new public works/transportation director and a bidding
process for designation of the town's official newspaper for publication of public notices. Is
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
January 26 Work Session
AIPP Master Plan Discussion
Arosa/Garmisch & A -Frame Site Plannng Discussion
PEG/DRB Review
Vail Plaza Hotel SDD Major Amendment
February 2 Work Session
Cancelled due to World Alpine Ski Championships
February 2 Evening 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 a.m. to noon on February 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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