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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-12 Town Council MinutesP101:i tyWki[8],01 am ki tip Tuesday, January 12, 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 12, 1999. All members were present except Bob Armour. 1. Item No. 4, Discussion of CARTS funding for 1999. In reviewing a decision made at the end of 1998 in regard to funding for 1999 for CARTS and following a presentation by Jim Scherer at the evening meeting on the 5`E', Sybill moved with a second from Ludwig to approve an additional $1,000 to be taken from this year's Council contingency to support the CARTS funding effort. This will be combined with a $1,000 contribution taken out of the 1998 Council contingency fund to bring the total to $2,000 for 1999. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. 2. Item No. 5, Ford Park Managed Parking. Following discussion of a staff memo directed specifically at paid for, managed only, and who pays for the managed parking at Ford Park during the summer of 1999, Council made the following decision. Sybill moved to change the proposal to reflect the following. 1. All 38 days of conflicts within the park will now be paid at a rate of $5.00 per day. 2. All parking will become managed at 4:00 p.m. on the managed, paid for parking days with the exception of the 4" of July. On the 4t' of July, paid, managed parking will commence at 7:00 a.m. and run through the duration of the day, possibly ending as late at 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ludwig Kurz, a vote was taken, and the motion passed 4-2, with Rob Ford and Mike Jewett voting in opposition to that motion. PABIaw xc: Chris Anderson Steve Thompson 1] c 41OWN OF VAILY 75 South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-479-2157 MEDIA ADVISORY January 13, 1999 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR JANUARY 12 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Joint Work Session with PEC to Discuss Proposed Amendments to the Public Accommodation Zone District Members of the Planning and Environmental Commission joined the Council to hear a presentation from planning consultant Tom Braun on a proposal to amend the town's Public Accommodation Zone District which has been filed on behalf of Johannes Faessler, owner of the Sonnenalp properties. The proposal seeks to expand development standards for the 16 properties in Vail Village zoned within the Public Accommodation district (mostly lodges) to more adequately reflect outcomes of special Development District (SDD) approvals and variances within that zone district in the last 10 years. In most instances, those projects sought relief from GRFA, common area, height, density, site coverage and setback standards by requesting variances or SDDs. That's because the existing development standards, according to Braun, have become outdated due to changes in resort lodging standards (higher demand for larger lodge rooms and for 1-and 2-bedroom suites). The intent of the proposed changes, according to Braun, is to reduce the need for variances and minimize the use of SDDs while providing the necessary flexibility to redevelop a lodge or hotel property. The intent also is to provide incentives for properties to redevelop. Specifically, Braun's proposed changes include: GRFA ratio increase from 80% to 120%; elimination of 35% common area limitation; elimination of 10% limitation on accessory eating and drinking establishments and retail; provide for no limitation on accommodation units or fractional fee units with the overall bulk and mass controls used to regulate the number of units instead; an increase in allowable site coverage from 50 percent to 70 percent; elimination of the minimum setback requirements currently prescribed; and a decrease in the landscape requirement from 30 percent to 20 percent that would correspond with the proposed increase in site coverage. During discussion, Mayor Rob Ford called the proposal "evolutionary" rather than "revolutionary," noting the proposed changes are consistent with approved variances and SDDs that have occurred in the Village. Also, he noted the proposal would not change height requirements. Ford described yesterday's meeting as the beginning of an ongoing dialogue that will be used to (more) oba RECYCLEUPAPER Add1/TOV Council Highlights/1-12-99 address some of the problems that have been identified. Along the same lines, . Councilman Ludwig Kurz agreed that the Public Accommodation Zone District development standards should be modified to adjust and adapt to a changing market, but Kurz said the town must be careful so as not to overdo it at the expense of the community. While SDDs have been a painful process, Counciimember Sybill Navas said the results have been good for the community. She wondered how the new proposal would address community benefits such as streetscape improvements and employee housing. While agreeing with Ford, Kurz and Navas, Councilman Michael Arnett also expressed concerns with the setback proposals. Councilman Michael Jewett said he'd like to see more products like the Austria Haus came on line. Next steps include a discussion with the PEG on Jan. 24. For more information or a copy of the proposal, contact George Ruther in the Community Development Department at 479-2145. --Joint Work Session with the PEC to Discuss the Proposed Redevelopment of Marriott's Mountain Resort at Vail Also yesterday, the PEC and Council heard an overview of a redevelopment proposal for the Marriott Mountain Resort. The proposal will be the first project to be reviewed under the development guidelines established by the new Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan. As proposed, the existing hotel would receive a complete exterior facelift, a restaurant would be converted to high -end condos, 66 new fractional fee units would be built on top of the parking structure to the west, and a berm along Gore Creek would be removed to open the recreation path and creekscape area. During his presentation, local architect Henry Pratt said the proposal meets the intent of the Lionshead Master Plan and will help clean up one of the "ugliest buildings in town." Overall reaction was mostly positive from both the PEC and Council, although several Councilmembers expressed some concerns about the steepness of a proposed roofline on the existing building. Mayor Rob Ford said the proposal represents a vast improvement over the existing building. He thanked the Marriott representatives for waiting for completion of the Master Plan prior to submitting a proposal. Also yesterday, a representative from the Vail Spa expressed concerns about three units that will be impacted by the Marriott project, while Rob Levine of the Antler's at Vail said the Marriott represents an important piece of the redevelopment puzzle that will serve as a catalyst in increasing Lionshead property values. Next steps include staff completing zoning language to implement the Lionshead Master Plan. This is scheduled to be reviewed by the PEC on Feb. 22. For more information, contact George Ruther in the Community Development Department at 479-2145. --PEC/DRB Report Staff members fielded questions about an application by the Vail Village Club for a variance to convert existing floor space on the fourth floor from a club to a condominium. The application was denied by the PEC by a 4 to 2 vote. Also, there were questions about a master plan for Northwoods Condominiums and staff approval of parking lights for the Vail Associates north lot, west lot and maintenance yard. --CARTS Funding for 1990 The Council voted 6-0 to increase its contribution to the Colorado Alliance for Rapid Transit Solutions (CARTS) from $1,000 to $2,000 for 1999 to more adequately reflect contributions from other participating members. (more) Add 2/TOV Council Highlights/1-12-99 --Ford Park Managed Parking After discussing a variety of options, the Council voted 4-2 (Jewett, Ford against) on a plan to charge for close -in parking at Ford Park on all 38 peak days during the summer of 1999. The $5 per car paid parking program will be implemented at 4 p.m. on each of the days with the exception of July 4, when paid parking will be implemented earlier in the day. The compromise was struck after the Vail Recreation District, one of the park's 4 user groups, had asked the town to remove 5 peak days from the paid parking schedule due to a concern that out-of-town guests would feel gouged during the Lacrosse and soccer shootout tournaments. Possible solutions were discussed, which included a proposal by Councilmembers Michael Jewett and Michael Arnett for the user groups to pay for free managed parking during the 38 peak days (user groups had indicated they didn't have the budgets to cover that expense); Councilmember Sybill Navas suggested charging $2 per car on weekdays and possibly more during the weekends to address some consistency problems she's expressed previously (some thought this might reinforce the gouge perception); Councilman Michael Jewett suggested charging a minimal fee 24-hours a day at the lot through a pay box system to increase equity; while Councilman Ludwig Kurz said he favored ratifying the proposal presented to Council last week which reflected support from the Vail Valley Foundation, Bravo! Colorado Music Festival and the Alpine Gardens (original proposal was for 30 days paid paring and 8 days managed, but free). Representing the Vail Valley Recreation District, Ross Davis said he believed events at the amphitheater trigger conflicts at the park more than any other use. Therefore, paid parking shouldn't begin until 4 p.m., he said, rather than some of the 7 a.m. start times proposed in the original schedule. In making the motion to approve the compromise, Councilmember Navas • reminded everyone that paid parking is a benefit for those who want the convenience of close -in parking, while free parking will always be available a half -block away in the parking structure. In voting against the measure, Jewett said he would rather see use of a drop box as well as competitive bids for the private contractor who will implement the program. Ford did not comment on his vote against the motion. For more information, contact Pam Brandmeyer, assistant town manager, at 479-2113. --Information Update Rob Ford and Bob Armour will represent the Council during the Jan. 27 Ford Cup race. In addition, Councilmembers received a copy of a study by the Colorado Department Transportation on the use of magnesium chloride as a de-icer. Also, Mayor Rob Ford asked that, come November, committee assignments be expanded to include a Council representative on the Ford Park Management Plan group. Next, Councilmembers received a thank you from outgoing Public Works/Transportation Director Larry Grafel who moves on this week to become executive director of the Beaver Creek Metropolitan District. Grafel thanked the council for the privilege and opportunity to serve the town. Noted accomplishments during his six years include various bridge and street improvements, the Police building expansion, Public Works facility expansion, Buzzard Park seasonal housing development, various park improvements, adoption of the Ford Park Management Plan, transportation improvements including the addition of low -floor buses for the in -town shuttle; Main Vail and West Vail roundabouts, the Dowd Junction recreation path and the Vail Village snowmelt projects. Town Manager Bob McLaurin said Grafel should be credited with forever changing traffic engineering in North America. (more) Add 3/TOV Council Highlights/1-12-99 --Council Reports Ludwig Kurz, who has represented the Town Council on the board of the Vail Valley Arts Council, said the organization will cease operations later this month due to financial hardships. He said the immediate impact will be to find an organization who can manage the Vail Valley Arts Festival in Lionshead. Also, Kurz reported that Channel 5 Vail Valley Community Television will air a daily program during the World Alpine Ski Championships, supported by the Town of Vail and Town of Avon. In addition, Channel 5 will host a community mixer at 5 p.m. Jan. 20 in the studio. Kurz represents the Town Council on the Channel 5 board. Rob Ford gave an update on a recent meeting of the Eagle County Recreation Authority (Berry Creek Fifth Filing) in which the Town of Avon announced an interest in selling its 10 percent share of the partnership held by 7 entities. Ford said he told the partners that the Vail Town Council's primary interest is in developing housing on a portion of the site. If a new draft of an intergovernmental agreement is needed to accommodate Avon's interest in selling, Ford suggested including Vail's commitment to housing within the IGA. Ford's update prompted a discussion by several Counciimembers regarding the status of the IGA. Both Sybill Navas and Kevin Foley said they were uncomfortable moving forward without first reviewing the language in the IGA. Michael Jewett suggested putting the softball fields proposed for the site into a recreation trust for prolonged recreational use. --Michael Arnett, who represents the Town Council on the board of the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau, reported on a recent board retreat in which Arnett suggested the board break into committees to determine what might happen if a proposed lodging tax for regional marketing is approved in November, and what steps are needed if the tax proposal fails. --Other Referring to the fire station timeline listed in the last Town Manager's report, Sybill Navas questioned if a decision to proceed had been formalized by the Council. Both Ludwig Kurz and Rob Ford said they thought the town manager had been given the direction to study a two -company fire station scenario north of the Main Vail roundabouts (in which the Main Vail station would be torn down) rather than adding a third fire station in West Vail. Rob Ford issued a reminder about the Ski with the Town Council activity scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to noon on Jan. 13. Referring to a fax from a constituent listing possible housing units that could be acquired by the town under a "buy -down" program, Kevin Foley inquired about the status of the program. In response, Russell Forrest, Community Development director, said suggested guidelines could be scheduled for Council review at the next work session. Foley also asked that signage be prominent at the Vail Transportation Center redirecting guests and residents to the nearest restrooms once the TRC is transitioned into the registration area for the Championships (access to the building will be limited to Championships use only). Ludwig Kurz inquired about the town's possible interest in acquiring properties from the (more) 0 Add 41TOV Council Highlights/1-12-99 Velma Sanders estate for employee housing. Russell Forrest of the Community Development Department indicated the town has been in touch with the family's attorney. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS January 19 Work Session Transit and Trails Update from the Eagle County Regional Transit Authority (ECO) Update on Berry Creek Equestrian Center Update on Countywide Housing Needs Assessment Cascade/Thrifty Car Rental Major SDD Amendment Discussion Appointment to Ford Park Management Plan Discussion on Status of the Ruins at Cascade Village Discussion of Strategic Goals and Priorities January 19 Evening Meeting Delatite Shire, Australia Exchange Student Presentation by Sarah Exton Presentation of Aspen to Glenwood Rail Corridor Overview of Economic and Snow Sports Trends by RRC Associates Cascade/Thrifty Car Rental Major SDD Amendment Town Manager's Report January 26 Work Session PECIDRB Review AIPP Master Plan Discussion West Vail Arosa-Garmisch and A -Frame Housing VRD-Dobson Arena Expansion February 2 Work Session Cancelled February 2 Evening Meeting 5 pm Start Time Second Reading, Cascade/Thrifty Car Rental Major SDD Amendment February 9 Work Session Cancelled Ski with the Vail Town Council 8:30 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. Please note: The Vail Town Council work sessions for Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 have been cancelled to enable Councilmembers to attend the World Alpine Ski Championships. Also, the Vail Town Council evening meeting for Feb. 2 will begin at 5 p.m. (rather than 7 p.m.) in the Vail Town Council Chambers for the same reason as above. # # #