HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-16 Town Council MinutesC�
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1999
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers on
Tuesday, February 16, 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-Tem
Bob Armour
Michael Arnett
Kevin Foley
Michael Jewett
Sybill Navas
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Mayor Rob Ford thanked the community for making the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships
{WASC} such a success.
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation.
Joe Staufer, a Vail business owner, praised the Vail Valley Foundation, Vail Associates, the
Town of Vail and the community for the fantastic job everyone did with the 1999 WASC. He
also said he had heard some rumblings that certain businesses didn't do very well but said this
event will be good for Vail for the next 10 years. Joe also said he would like the time allowed
for Citizens Participation at the Council meetings to be increased. He also wants the Town
Council to consider addressing the concerns of citizens more formally when they come before
the Council during Citizen Participation. Joe also said he has been accused of being a
proponent of the redevelopment of Vail Plaza Hotel. He sold the land in November of 1996 and
he is not involved with the restaurant, the hotel or the redevelopment of this piece of property.
He wanted an explanation from the town staff as to how the Community Development
Department found the Vail Plaza Hotel proposal to be suitable to its surroundings.
He said it was unfair to have developers spend half a million dollars on a project and then have
the Town deny the development. He is not against redevelopment but wants to know who feels
this development fits the neighborhood.
Susan Mueller thanked everyone for the wonderful job with the 1999 WASC.
The second item on the agenda was Resolution No. 3, Series of 1999, a resolution authorizing
the Town Manager to enter into an agreement extending the present Franchise Agreement with
Holy Cross Energy.
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager, stated this resolution would extend the present agreement for
90 days until the new franchise agreement is completed. They are in negotiations presently but
did not have a chance to wrap up the final details before the current agreement expires.
1 Vail Town Council Minutes -- February 16, 1999
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Council member Mike Arnett asked if staff sees anything in the agreement that has drastically
changed from the present agreement.
Bob McLaurin said there are two items presently being negotiated; the allocation of the costs of
undergrounding power lines presently above ground within the Town of Vail and the franchise
fee. It is anticipated that these negotiations will be concluded within thirty days and the Town
Council will be presented with a franchise agreement for its consideration.
Council member Mike Jewett asked if the franchise fee interprets into a tax where it would go to
the people for a vote.
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney, said this is one of the issues they are reviewing.
Council member Bob Armour made a motion to approve Resolution No. 3, Series of 1999, the
motion was seconded by Council member Ludwig Kurz. A vote was taken, and the motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
The third item on the agenda was a review of the draft instructions for the Community Facilities
program.
Russell Forrest stated they are bringing this to the Council and community to discuss the
process. He explained and updated the process and said that they wanted to focus on review
draft instructions for uses and sites to be considered in the Community Facilities design
process. He went through the parameters, background, uses to be sited, design criteria, and
issues. He explained the outline in greater detail for different possible approaches. Staff
suggests letting the designers look at existing sites for additional uses, i.e. Dobson Ice Arena,
and the Library, look at larger parks that could possibly handle complementary uses such as
swimming pools, skate park, community meeting rooms, etc. He explained different possible
scenarios at various sites.
Council member Sybill Navas asked if the Vail Golf Course one acre included parking area.
Russ said it did include the parking area. The Homeowners Association at the Vail Racquet
Club are interested in possibly upgrading and exploring a partnership with the Town of Vail and
the Vail Recreation District for their site. He also explained that the design criteria needed to be
creative and still have it apply to the master plans. The facilities need to be multi -generational,
compatible with existing uses, accommodate parking needs, environmentally friendly, cost
effective and have revenue generating potential.
Piet Pieters, the Vail Recreation District (VRD) representative, stated the VRD supports and
strongly endorses this plan. Over the past two years, he has heard that the community
priorities are for another ice arena and a youth center, as well as a skateboard park and multi-
use gymnastics facility. He said Dobson Ice Arena is over used now and over 200 students are
on the waiting list at the gymnastics center. There is a need to explore other ideas to bring
people into the Town of Vail. The VRD Board has approved the draft instructions and they are
very excited about this process.
Vail Town Council Minutes— February 16, 1999
Russ said there are two discussion issues; Uses and Sites. He summarized the information in
the packet of materials handed out to Council.
Mayor Rob Ford stated the Council has a chronology of the Community Facilities history, and
reviewed it with the community.
Russ said staff wanted to receive Council and community input of ideas on uses and sites for
the community facilities list that will be given to the design teams. There are three possibilities;
1) keep the plan focused on the
Dobson Ice Arena and Library area as they are, and look at the Charter Bus lot separately, 2)
look at this area as a whole, or 3) pursue both of the approaches at the same time.
Mayor Rob Ford asked for community feedback.
Jim Morter, a local architect and resident, stated this was an exciting project. He said designers
would have to look at this project expansively and creatively. He said he was the architect on
the aquatic center that was turned down by the voters. He stated that during the course of
designing everyone's wish list into the project and the cost escalated to over $5 million, when it
went to a vote, the community turned it down. He urged and begged that the criteria be honed
down in listening to everyone's wish list. The designers have one month to come up with these
ideas, and time is too short to come up with anything meaningful and developed to the degree
the VRD, the Town of Vail and community wants to produce it and urged longer time frame for
designers to produce a plan.
Council member Sybill Navas asked Jim how long of a time frame was necessary.
Jim said at least two to three months, the design teams need to have more time to come up
with creative and meaningful designs.
Russ stated it was a two month process already, one month for general ideas and one month
for refinement of the ideas.
Jim said it was still a tight schedule.
Shannon Armstrong said she has a daughter in the gymnastics program and the children are
growing out of the present facilities. Their feet hit the high beams in the ceilings and the walls
are too small. She would like more consideration on a gymnastics facility as a priority.
Diane Johnson, director of Youth Services for the VRD, read a letter from a Battle Mountain
High School sophomore, Heather Kedrowski, which said a multi -use facility would be a good
idea and would resolve many of the boredom issues with teens in the valley. A facility with the
possibilities of a cafe (60's style), a roller rink, "aqua golf', an ice rink for open -to -the -public
only, an arcade center, a bowling alley, a gymnastics facility, and work out area for teens
specifically, and an Imax theater is great idea.
Bill Brice, Director of Special Events at the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau
(VVTCB), says the VVTCB supports this plan. From the VVTCB's perspective, these types of
facilities would attract more people to town. He would like to see thoughts of open-mindedness
for sites like the hub. It has become obvious that Dobson is over used and there is clearly a
3 Vail Town Council Minutes — February 16, 1999
need for an indoor multi -use center based on the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships, as
. was demonstrated with rodeos and concerts. There is a need for an indoor/outdoor expo area,
a large open area is needed. He said the Vilar Center is limited and feels the Charter Bus lot is
the most important area to place a large open area for this need. VVTCB would be glad to get
a cost effective survey to show to Council how this could benefit the town. The VVTCB is in
support of this plan and wants designers to have open minds in creating the facilities plan.
Annie Fox, Director of the Vail Library, and member of the Vail Tomorrow community task force,
said that the task force discussed community hub sites where people could meet. To be a
world class resort we need to compete and need to have alternatives to outdoor activities
during cold weather or for guests who don't ski. There needs to be visual art space and a
community room, she also thought an Imax theater would be a good activity. The town doesn't
have the room to host other types of visual series such as the Eco Challenge. Noisy activities
are not compatible with library uses. She is looking forward to and supports plan.
Barry Ziegler, has lived here 10 years and echoes Jim Morter's thoughts, and encourages
thinking about various ideas but wants something done and not just talk about it. He said to do
something and set a deadline. He said Berry Creek 5th Filing is an example where ideas are
talked about but nothing is getting done. He wants anything built.
Christy Somes, has lived in the valley since 1983, and has children in hockey and gymnastic
programs. She said she wants the gymnastics facility and 2°a sheet of ice a priority.
Tom Steinberg, has been in Vail for 34 years, said he likes the multiple concept for library and
Dobson Ice Arena. This site has more than 4.2 acres if you included the roads and put the
roads under facilities. He said the City Market daycare site is not being used, don't let it sit
vacant. He said a conference center was voted down two times and doesn't want to use public
money for it. Build a good performing arts center for multiple uses. He warned Council that
there is lot of negative reaction in the community about using public money for a conference
center.
Phil Hoversten, prior Hockey Club president and a 12-year resident of Vail, implored Council to
move ahead, specifically with a second sheet of ice. He said it was extremely difficult to run
programs when Dobson Ice Arena is used for other uses, conventions, concerts, rodeos, etc.
From a hockey and skating point of view, the second sheet of ice could be in the basement of
any other facility. He feels the Charter Bus lot is the most viable place for a second sheet of
ice. Having a win -win situation makes sense.
Council member Bob Armour asked Phil with the list of events he rattled off that take away from
valuable ice time, how much time is taken away.
Phil said at least three months.
Council member Bob Armour asked if Dobson Ice Arena would be under-utilized if the Village at
Avon has two sheets of ice at their facility.
Phil said he supported getting those two sheets of ice and the Town of Avon is committed to
two sheets. Four sheets of ice would be too much right now, however, he feels the Town of
Vail needs to take the lead and build the 2n, sheet of ice and let Avon withdraw their sheets of
4 Vail Town Council Minutes — February 16, 1999
ice. Their sheets of ice are being built with private funds and could be delayed a few years.
iCouncil member Bob Armour asked Russ Forrest if he had heard if this is stipulated.
Russ said Piet Pieters has been involved with the Avon efforts.
Piet Pieters said he spoke with Peter Jamar and said Avon is not interested in managing the
facilities in Avon, it is a 'rat race' and doesn't know who would manage it. He met with the
Town of Avon so duplication of services wouldn't happen. There are plans for the year 2000 to
expand the existing aquatic center with one half of the expansion proposed to be offices and no
plans for five years for ice. There is nothing happening sooner that he knows of. He said it
wouldn't be good for Avon if Vail does a 2"d sheet.
Barry Ziegler said the hockey club would be willing to sign a long-term contract to use the
second sheet of ice facility. Tourists would love to have evening free -skating. He felt it was
reasonable to say the hockey program would commit to Vail if they committed to having 2"d
sheet of ice.
Greg Moffet speaking as a member of the Building Community task force member said he has
children who play hockey and participate in gymnastics and his wife is on the VRD board. The
focus should be on a greater sense of community and see if they could regain that sense of
community. A big part of the task force criteria was a community crossroads, one that meets
the needs of the community and where people run into each other on a routine basis. He
encourages the Council to maintain a sense of community, keeping the process simple, and put
a fire under the project. He said what currently passes as facilities are failing. The community
can't use the gymnastics facility as a gymnastics facility. Don't miss the boat of using this
opportunity of having the VRD and the Town of Vail rowing in the same direction at the same
time.
Chris Moffet, stated she wears a number of hats, as a board member the VRD and she is 100%
In support of this process; as a member of the community task force, it's time to act now; as a
mom and resident of Vail, we need to improve the gymnastics facilities and add a 2"d sheet of
ice. There is nothing for teens to do after skiing and wants amenities for older kids and
supports everything being said tonight.
Flo Steinberg, a longtime resident, had a question for the Council. She said everybody talks
about the Vail Valley; whom are we accommodating and where do we draw the line.
Mayor Rob Ford said they are not trying to decide whom this plan will accommodate but how to
accommodate at this time.
Council member Sybill Navas said she has participated in many meetings, and said this was not
to try to replicate something we already have in the valley, which included the Avon Recreation
Center and the Vilar Center, making the questions about this plan a part of the greater valley.
Flo asked if Edwards players are coming up to use the ice, is it taking away from others using
the ice. How far do we go with this? A 2"d sheet of ice, a gymnastics facility and we can't get
our housing issues down. The town needs more residents here, and can't see how this all fits
. together.
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Council member Sybill Navas agreed that the Town needs more residents.
Flo said the east end of the Lionshead Parking Structure needs to have a Performing Arts
Center and be revived.
Terry Markam, wants to discuss the gymnastics program. Her daughter is nine and has been in
the gymnastics program for seven years. She practices three times a week and there are 240
kids on the waiting list. This program could produce world class gymnasts if they had the
proper facilities.
Diane Johnson, representing the Youth Center, addressed Flo Steinberg's concerns. She said
one of the missions of Vail Tomorrow was to bring vitality back to Vail, so guests could come
back and spend time here and increase sales tax. Nine years ago more kids lived here. The
center is now open Wednesday through Sunday in winter and is just staying afloat with that.
New facilities will encourage kids to come back and families to live here. She is a new mom
and wants family -oriented facilities, and multi -generational facilities that will attract residents
and guests to use. She said this plan would be great for the Town of Vail to have alternatives
for kids to do. Through the Vail Tomorrow process one of the best things the Town did was to
build the skateboard park. Four different entities got together to make this work. The Rotary
Club has picked the skateboard park as the beneficiary for this years auction and wants money
to be in an escrow to fund a permanent skateboard park. This component would address the
16-20 year age group and makes the area more livable.
Susan Mueller, a Matterhorn resident of 26 years, asked if all of the parks are addressed.
Russ stated nine parks with over one acre are included. Donovan Park is slated for a park.
Susan, said that along with community meeting rooms she envisioned something like the
Eagle -Vail Pavilion, an affordable facility that would be available to the community first.
Kathy Langenwalter, a long-term resident, said she was pleased that the input was community
oriented. Kathy said if they keep the community in mind it would succeed and be good. She
said the area to expand on if a larger facility is needed would be the upper level of the parking
structure. She said to avoid duplication of services in the valley, and do not have specialized
event facilities. She also added to Jim Morter's statement that they need a specific program for
designers to concentrate on and have at least two months to three months to work on it.
Sally Jackie, a Vail resident, reiterated that it's critical to have a facility for children and locals.
She also said to keep in mind to have a public gathering place to have visitors come. As a
visitor to Vail before she moved here, she was shocked to find no public skating available at
Dobson Ice Arena. There is a need for a public place where ice time, food, etc. could be
available.
Dick Cleveland, a local resident, made a suggestion if they want designed parks that they really
want kids to use, go to the kids and let them help design them, send the designers to the kids
and get them involved. Kids don't need expensive and fancy. Another idea would be to make
the bus systems available to the kids for free.
6 Vail Town Council Minutes — February 15, 1999
Council member Kevin Foley stated kids ride free with their student passes in Eagle County.
Diana Donovan wants a realistic proposal and if we build for the community, it will also serve
our guests.
Chas Bernhardt, a Vail voter for 25 years, said there have been a lot of great comments and
that he agreed with almost everything. He loves the library but wants to incorporate it into the
entire area. He stated that what hasn't been brought up is the population of the valley will
double. Even if there are duplicate facilities the population will continue to increase. He said
that the hockey clubs and the gymnastics clubs would commit to specific number of years if we
have the facilities. He also wants to put some facilities underground and save more space.
Mayor Rob Ford thanked the community for coming out this evening and underlined how
important this item is to the community. He said looking at the list of what he read earlier, the
people haven't approved any funding for any package since 1982, which tells the Council that
communication didn't work between the Council and the community. He said it will take a
partnership to be accepted and whatever facility is designed and picked, it won't be for
everybody. There is a need to work through the process to succeed with the community.
Council member Mike Arnett, said to apply the focus to the hub sites only and at the same time,
a parking needs assessment is necessary. He also stated the plan needs to include what
would happen to the charter buses if we use the Charter Bus lot. There is a lot to ask of the
designers if we go down list that the designers need to accomplish in a short period of time. He
said also, eventually, a part of the discussion needs to be what are we prepared to spend.
Council member Bob Armour said there was a lot of good input this evening. He expressed a
concern about the 2"d sheet of ice. He is on track with Kathy Langenwalter's statements and
explained that the plan can't be everything to everyone and we need to be conservative on the
types of uses. He also stated that some of the ideas are considered givens and said this was
not an appropriate way to go. The Community task force has some great ideas and it was
important to review the official survey rankings of the task force. Don't duplicate existing
services. He reiterated the official survey rankings for the record. He would like to think the
Town of Vail's population would double but is skeptical. The mission tonight is to comment on
the uses and sites. He stated the community hub site is a priority. He wants to get something
going and start someplace, now.
Council member Sybill Navas said lots of thought has already gone into this item in prior
meetings. She said the rankings of priorities from the Community task force that Bob Armour
read could be different for different people. How you get different uses in could be
misinterpreted. A master plan of facilities is what is wanted, not that the facilities get built at the
same time. She wants a game plan to be able to choose from in the future. How can we phase
things in and identify the needs of the community. She also explained that Council was not
looking for architecturally complete plans. An overall plan of what the community lacks is what
they are looking for at this time. Maybe a pavilion/community room with an outdoor swimming
pool? She said most comments were positive and insightful and this is a great step.
Council member Mike Jewett said a comment was made to keep it simple and agrees with it.
He asked Jim Heber of the Dobson Ice Arena about some of the concepts as discussed. What
if the initial phase of excavating out the Charter Bus lot to where it would come to the doors of
'] Vail Town Council Minutes — February 16, 1999
Dobson Ice Arena for a 2"d sheet of ice and it was a complete free standing open building,
would that support anything.
Jim Heber said that would not be a problem.
Council member Mike Jewett stated he understands that funds that have been collected and
would like to know how much.
Jim said the are looking at $4 million to build and said Phil Hoversten would write a check and
that sponsorships are available.
Council member Mike Jewett said to look at funding, where is it coming from, because the track
record of high ticket facilities have not been good. He feels that private/public partnerships
would be the way to go.
Jim said the events held at Dobson now take away ice time but benefits the community. There
needs to be a place to put kids first.
Council member Mike Jewett asked if distance would play a part in utilizing Dobson and a 2nd
sheet of ice at the Charter Bus lot.
Jim stated that mechanically, the Charter Bus lot would be ideal for a 211 sheet of ice.
Phil Hoversten, explained that Jim apparently wrote the check for him. He explained that when
he first got involved with the Dobson Ice Arena, it wasn't making money. He said two sheets of
ice work better than one. He would be glad to be a private developer to build and maintain a 2nd
sheet if needed. He thinks this would be a good investment, and the VRD thinks so too.
Council member Mike Jewett said his concern is a good cash flow so the town doesn't get stuck
floating a bond and wants more private funding for a 2"d sheet of ice.
Phil said he has had conversations about this in the past, and it's not as simple as Mike thinks.
Council member Mike Jewett said to keep it simple and the concept of the presentation on
whether go to hub or another way. He said the focus for the first phase should be held strictly
to Charter Bus lot to accomplish as much as possible with private sector funds and create the
rest of the facility in phases. He wants to go after private contributions first, then go to the VRD
or the Town of Vail to vote no funding. He feels the 2nd sheet of ice should be Phase 1 and then
see where we end up. Maybe in three years have gymnastics facility or other facilities. There
is potential space on the Charter Bus lot. He said there needs to be a master plan for three
units and is concerned about tax increases, and is reluctance to go in that direction.
Council member Ludwig Kurz agreed with most of the comments that Sybill Navas made on the
process. He also said that contrary to Mike Jewett's point regarding funding, he doesn't think
there would be a problem raising funds via public funding. He explained that everyone should
do their 'homework' and then inform Council and the community to gain support. He said this
project may be premature on trying to get it on the ballot for the November election, planning is
premature and not realistic in less than 3 or 4 months. This will be the most comprehensive
plan they have been dealing with, and he is very much in favor of moving on this. He is happy
Vail Town Council Minutes — February 16, 1999
•
there is so much support to move forward. He warned that if this were to go to the November
ballot chances of defeat might be greater. He wants the designers to come up with mixed use,
cultural and recreational ideas, and show where has it been successful in other areas, what
might mix well and what is working in other areas and communities. In terms of design, he
would like to see a phasing plan that addresses the opportunity to build in phases; possibly a
2"d sheet of ice and a gymnastics facility first then other facilities later. It would be part of the
designer's charge to do this. He would also like to see a cost benefit analysis for a conference
facility, and have this facility built by private development. He also said that doing an overall
analysis doesn't hurt to find out what this may or may not do for the town.
Council member Kevin Foley said everybody is in agreement on commitment to get something
done. He said the emphasis should be on family and community facilities. He also has
concerns about charter bus displacement and the north lot. He appreciates the VRD and the
Town of Vail working together. He wants to get going on this process.
Mayor Rob Ford said the Charter Bus lot 'hub' should be covered as a whole and to leave the
conference centers to the private sector. He reiterated that Vail is a ski recreation area and
need to move to be the #1 leader by adding to skiing recreation with additional facilities. A
gymnastics facility and a 2"d sheet of ice would be wonderful addition to Vail.
Further discussion ensued.
Russ asked the Council if the designers should include other sites or focus on the charter bus,
library, Dobson hub site.
Mayor Rob Ford doesn't want to miss out on other possible sites in other areas but this does
not mean these sites would be built on at this time.
Council member Sybill Navas made a motion to accept the plan as presented, and adding the
entire parking structure as a site. She continues to believe a need for an overall community
facilities plan and to take portions of it as necessary. Sybill asked if the water district wants the
area above ground on the sanitation district site and is it available.
Russ stated the district would only need below grade space and there would be an opportunity
available to use this site.
Additional discussion ensued.
Council member Kevin Foley seconded the motion.
Council member Mike Arnett said he had additional issues to discuss. He would like to see
wording about financing and a solution to the charter bus issue added to the motion.
Mayor Rob Ford stated those issues would be handled at later date according to Sybill. At this
time no one knows what the impact would be and the issue of charter buses clearly needs to be
addressed. Also, parking requirements need to be met as a next step, and other possibilities
for the charter buses should also be included. The `box' needs to be as open as possible at this
stage.
9 Vail Town Council Minutes — February 16, 1999
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Additional discussion ensued
Council member Mike Jewett said as broad as the motion is, he wants a more clearly defined
focal point, like the 2nd sheet of ice on the charter lot site in the motion.
Mayor Rob Ford said to list the possible uses and turn it over to design team to work out.
Council member Mike Jewett said if the everyone knows the intent on the bottom level of the
charter lot is to be a 2"d sheet of ice, say it in the motion to get backers to the table before going
to an election.
Council member Sybill Navas said part of the discussion as late as yesterday was not to make
two sheets of ice a #1 priority. She wants the `box' to be more open so 2 sheets of ice may be
separate facilities in different places. The Idea was not to dictate that Dobson Ice Arena be
configured as it is. She wants to avoid predetermining where the 2 sheets of ice should be.
Council member Ludwig Kurz agreed with Sybill, this would limit the designers in a way that
would work counterproductive in what they want accomplished. The concentration on only the
2"d sheet of ice when there are other needs that exist is not the way to go, there are other
needs to be addressed as well.
Council member Mike Jewett said he feels it would be a failure to not include it in the motion so
they could let the community know where they are going.
Council member Mike Arnett agrees with Sybill to have "out -of -the -box" type thinking.
Council member Mike Jewett wanted clarification of the motion in its entirety.
Council member Sybill Navas stated the motion she made was to approve the Community
Facilities Process as presented that looks at the site of the library, the "hub" site, and parallel
approaches, including the entire parking structure, and including the additional uses that were
sited by the public this evening. Council member Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote
was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
A five-minute break was taken.
The fourth item on the agenda was a discussion of Berry Creek 51h Housing.
Council member Ludwig Kurz made a motion to defer this item to the next town council work
session meeting of February 23,1999, Council member Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A
vote was taken and the motion passed 5-1, Council member Bob Armour against and Council
member Mike Jewett was out of the room.
The fifth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
Bob McLaurin informed the Council there was a luncheon meeting with Mammoth Lakes Town
Council the following week.
10 Vail Town Council Minutes — February 16, 1999
As there was no further business, a motion was made by Council member Mike Arnett to
adjourn the meeting and Council member Ludwig Kurz seconded the motion. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
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Add 4/TOV Council Highlightsl2-16-99
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
February 23 Work Session
PEG/DRB Review
Buck Allen 20 Year Anniversary
Discussion of PEC Participation on DRB
March 2 Work Session
Council Luncheon with Elected Officials from Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
Discussion of A -frame Development Program
Discussion of Annexation and Rezoning of Arosa/Garmisch
Lionshead Update
March 2 Evening Meeting
First Reading, Ordinance to Annex and Rezone Arosa/Garmisch Property
First Reading, Ordinance Sale of Ptarmigan and Rockledge Road Subdivision Property
March 9 Work Session
PEC/DRB Review
Vail Plaza Hotel Discussion
Interview for 3 PEC Members
Interview for 1 Marketing Board Member
`k
Add 21TOV Council Highlights/2-16-99
premature at this time, until more information becomes available. That's because alternative
treatments, salt and sand, are documented pollutants. The vote on Jewett's motion was 2-5
(Kurz, Navas, Armour, Arnett, Ford against). Also yesterday, Jewett asked the mayor to
considar allowing more time for pudic discussion rather than ending the discussion prematurely.
In preparation for the evening meeting discussion on community facilities, Ludwig Kurz
distributed an article that described how Beaver Creek's Village Center project has helped to
created new synergy within the village.
Kevin Foley expressed interest in learning more about, a cost estimate for the installation of- lights
along the Red Sandstone recreation path. Foley also inquired about the status of the lawsuits
brought against the town regarding the Common Ground affordable housing proposal.
According to Town Attorney Tom Moorhead, the town is presently preparing its response to the
plaintiffs' motion for summary judgement. The response will be filed by Feb. 26. In addition,
Foley Inquired about a letter from attorney John Dunn regarding a procedural issue on the Vail
Plaza Hotel proposal. Town Attorney Tom Moorhead said all Council action will be properly
noticed. Lastly, Foley said a state law was being proposed that would eliminate sales tax on
prepared food in restaurants and grocery stores. Foley suggested finding out more about the
bill's impact, if any, on Vail's home rule status.
Evening Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Citizen Participation
The Council heard from Joe Staufer who made three points: 1) Congratulations to the Vail Valley
Foundation, Vail Associates, Town of Vail and the balance of the community for the tremendous
job with the World Alpine Ski Championships. The event will be good for the community for the
next 10 years. 2) Consider following up more formally with those who make a request or
suggestion to the Town Council under citizen participation. For example, Staufer says he never
heard back from the town after suggesting last fall that the town ban outdoor speakers in
residential neighborhoods. 3) Staufer, who sold his Vail Village Inn property in November, says
he's neither a partner, nor opponent, nor a proponent in the current Vail Plaza Hotel
development proposal. However, as the seller of the property, Staufer asked to receive an
explanation from the town staff as to how the Community Development Department found the
Vail Plaza Hotel proposal to be suitable to its surroundings. Mayor Rob Ford said Staufer would
receive a follow up from the town regarding both requests.
Next, Susan Mueller thanked everyone for their contributions to the success of the World Alpine
Ski Championships.
--Resolution to Extend the Holy Cross Energy Franchise Agreement
The Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution extending the town's current franchise agreement
with Holy Cross Energy for 90 days while negotiations continue toward a new franchise
agreement. Town Manager Bob McLaurin said those negotiations include how the
undergrounding of utilities will be paid for and if the current three percent franchise fee should
remain the same. For more information, contact McLaurin at 479-2105.
--Community Facilities Program Draft Instructions
The Council voted 7-0 to advance a process for creation of a community facilities plan in
• partnership with the Vail Recreation District. The approval yesterday included a list of specific
uses and sites that will be evaluated by three national design teams who'll be hired to creatively
match the list of community uses with appropriate sites. The study will be funded jointly by the
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Town of Vail and the Vail Recreation District. Much of that work will be focused on adjoining
sites in Lionshead, known as the "community hub." The 4.3-acre area includes Dobson Arena,
the Vail Public Library and the Charter Bus lot east of the Lionshead parking structure. The
consultants will be asked to brainstorm creative uses of the space, so long as provisions are
made for a library and two sheets of ice somewhere within the town. In addition to the two
sheets of ice and the library, other community uses to be considered include: outdoor ice
skating rink; activity/entertainment space; snack bar/coffee house/deli; arts/crafts room;
community theater/auditoriu m/I MAX theater/dance floor, gymnastics facility; high tech multi-
media center, meeting rooms, learning center; skate park/skateboarding/in-line skates/BMX
bike; a pavilion/community room; and a swimming pool with a retractable cover. While
consultants will be asked to focus primarily on the community hub site in Lionshead, they'll be
asked to explore other sites for possible satellite facilities. Those sites include. the top deck of
the Lionshead parking structure; the south perimeter of the Lionshead parking structure; the
Main Vail Fire Station (assuming the fire station is relocated); the Old Town Shops; the Golf
Course Clubhouse; the Vail Racquet Club; and 9 of Vail's parks (ones containing 1 acre of
more). During public discussion, 20 citizens addressed the Council. Comments included
support for a second sheet of ice; support for expanded gymnastics facilities to accommodate a
waiting list of 240 children; a suggestion to expand the design process timetable for more
meaningful results; using restraint and discipline in narrowing the list of uses; support for a large,
indoor multi -use space for conferences and exhibition halls; a suggestion that the private sector
take responsibility to build a conference center (since voters have defeated two proposals
previously); a suggestion to find a new use for the City Market daycare center; a request to keep
the proposals simple and community -based; support for a performing arts center; a suggestion
to use caution in trying to meet the needs of downvalley residents; support for family -centered
activities that would increase the vitality of Vail and attract others; support for a public gathering .
place for open ice skating; involve kids in designing facilities meant for them; keep the concepts
realistic and down to earth; consider a phasing plan; take a creative look at the entire community
hub site; create better amenities for guests; and put as many uses underground as possible.
After summarizing Vail's community facilities ballot issue history over the years (four failures
since 1982), Mayor Rob Ford urged the community to come together to support what's best for
Vail in the future. He warned that the facilities won't be able to meet everyone's uses. Sybill
Navas, who helped spearhead the proposal, said the study should provide Vail with a master
plan for community facilities that can be phased in over time. She remained hopeful that some
of the smaller facilities, such as a swimming pool, could be built sooner rather than later. Bob
Armour raised concerns about trying to "shoehorn" too many uses onto the sites, while Ludwig
Kurz said'the town should not rush toward an election until it had done its homework, including
researching the success and failure of mixed use facilities elsewhere across the country and in
Europe. Michael Arnett expressed interest in a parking needs assessment associated with the
study, a cost threshold and a plan for relocation of the charter bus lot. Michael Jewett
unsuccessfully lobbied for the study to be more specific in dictating immediate construction of a
second sheet of ice on the charter lot site. He also expressed hope that the community facilities
plan can be privately funded, due to the community's reluctance to approve public financing.
Kevin Foley expressed his appreciation for consistent themes from the audience, including an
emphasis on family and community. Foley said he hoped the study wouldn't get too outrageous
in its scope. He said he agreed with Arnett's concerns about a parking analysis and relocation
of the charter bus lot. In addition, Foley said he was pleased to see the town working together
with the VRD on the project. For more information on last night's meeting, contact Russell
Forrest in the Community Development Department at 479-2146.
--Berry Creek 5th Housing Discussion
Due to the length of the community facilities discussion, the Council voted 5-1 (Armour against) •
to defer the Berry Creek 5th housing discussion to the March 2 meeting.
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TOWN OF VAIL
075 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
970-479-2100 MEDIA ADVISORY
FAX 970-479-2157
February 17, 1999
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR FEBRUARY 16
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--Eagle Observatory Grant Request Presentation
The Council heard from John McMain, a fifth grade teacher at Eagle Elementary School, who's
seeking to raise $160,000 to construct and operate an observatory to be used by educators and
students in grades K-12, as well as community members and organizations throughout the
region. As proposed, the facility would be built on school property in Eagle and would be
administered by the Eagle County School District. Although receptive to the concept,
Councilman Bob Armour said the proposal was more reflective of the school district's mission
than of the Town of Vail. McMain is scheduled to make a funding presentation to the Eagle
County School Board on April 28. Councilmembers said they preferred to wait until after the
April presentation before taking action on the request. McMain also was advised of the town's
annual grant process for nonprofit organizations. Those applications are typically processed
during the month of July as part of the annual budget process. For more information on the
Eagle Observatory proposal, contact McMain at 328-6981.
--Information Update
Councilmembers were invited to attend a March 5 luncheon with elected officials from Mammoth
Lakes, Calif. The Mammoth Lakes representatives are touring Vail and other resort towns in the
Central Rockies.
Also, Councilmembers were invited to attend a post -Vail 99 thank you party for Town of Vail
employees who contributed to the success of the World Alpine Ski Championships. The party is
from 5 to 7 p.m. March 5 at the Dancing Bear.
--Council Reports
Sybill Navas reported on a recent meeting of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Water Quality/Quantity Board in which a presentation was made on the impact of magnesium
chloride as it relates to water quality. Although the report concluded magnesium chloride was
not a significant impact to water quality, Navas said the report was somewhat vague as to its
impact on air quality, soil and corrosion. Town Manager Bob McLaurin said the Colorado
Association of Ski Towns (CAST) is prepared to take an active role in determining if it will
recommend suspending use of the de-icer. Vail, Aspen and Frisco are preparing to send
samples of their products to the lab used by the Colorado Department of Transportation for
testing, McLaurin said. The work will be used to determine if any unauthorized substances
have been included in the product. Town of Vail street crews use the chemical sparingly,
according to McLaurin. It's applied to hills above 8 percent grade, the frontage roads and the
roundabouts, he said. However, if use of the chemical is suspended, the town would likely hear
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more complaints about slick roads, he said. Through the efforts of CAST, Mayor Rob Ford and
Councilman Bob Armour said the town wants to move as quickly as possible to answer
questions about the effects of magnesium chloride in a rationale way without overreacting.
That's because other road treatments, such as salt and sand, have measurable negative
impacts on air and water quality. Sybill Navas suggested the NWCCOG Water Quality/Quantity
program partner with CAST to review the analysis.
As a member of the Organizing Committee, Bob Armour said he represented the Town of Vail at
11 events during the World Alpine Ski Championships. He thanked the Council for allowing him
to represent them and expressed his enthusiasm for soliciting the event again in the future. .
Michael Arnett said a coalition has been formed to work on the regional marketing district issue.
The group's first organizational meeting was held recently, with much work yet to be done.
--Other
Michael Arnett said he had accompanied Nina Timm of the town's housing division on a tour of
possible buy -down properties.
Bob Armour inquired if the international flags along the Frontage Road would be left up now that
the Championships have been concluded. Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer said the
flags would continue to be displayed (and replaced when necessary) through a partnership
between the town and the Vail Valley Foundation. Also, Armour described two bills in the state
legislature that may be of interest to the town. One is HB1035, which would contradict the
town's local jurisdiction over gun control laws, such as the assault weapons ban. The other is
HB1280 which would take away local control of vested property.
Sybill Navas reported that while on a trip to Florida, she encountered two people who said
they're using Vail's affordable housing regulations as a model for programs in Key West. Navas
also observed that the recent presence by the State Patrol during the World Alpine Ski
Championships has had a positive impact on slowing down traffic, which has reduced noise
along the I-70 corridor through Vail. Also, Navas acknowledged a call from Paul Johnston, a
former councilman, who suggested the town ban semi -trucks from Vail Village. Johnston has
proposed creation of a distribution center in West Vail to help address the loading and delivery
problems in Vail Village. Navas said she believed the issue was worth pursuing.
Michael Arnett agreed that delivery trucks became an eyesore in the Village during the World
Alpine Ski Championships.
Ludwig Kurz suggested including the Beaver Creek Metropolitan District in discussions
regarding a possible distribution center. He noted that similar loading and delivery problems
have surfaced in Beaver Creek.
As a follow-up to an earlier discussion, Michael Jewett asked the town to continue to explore
office space options for councilmembers. Jewett has proposed the space be accessible 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, Jewett inquired about the details of a small claims suit the
town has filed against a former employee for property damage. The former bus driver was
charged and convicted for leaving the scene of an accident in which a guard shack at Golden
Peak was destroyed. The repairs cost in excess of $4,500. In addition, saying he was
concerned about health issues and that salt and sand are better road treatments anyway, Jewett
made a motion to immediately discontinue the use of magnesium chloride in Vail and to send a .
letter to the Colorado Department of Transportation asking it to do the same. Although all
Councilmembers expressed concern, the majority said a decision to suspend would be
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