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.
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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
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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.
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--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.
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--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
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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.
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