HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-27 Town Council MinutesWORK SESSION MINUTES
Tuesday, April 27, 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 April 27, 1999. All members were present with the exception of Rob Ford.
I . Item No. 3, Future of Vail's Marketing Discussion. During the discussion of options that
were available for a marketing program for shoulder and summer seasons in Vail, a discussion
regarding our election strategy this coming fall was discussed. Mike Jewett moved, with a
second from Kevin Foley, to move our November regular municipal election be conducted as an
at -the -polls election rather than a coordinated county -wide election ballot. A vote was taken and
the motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
2. Item No. 9, Other. Sybill Navas brought up the fact she, as well as others in the
community, were uncomfortable with the design and placement of the 99s countdown clock.
Mike Jewett moved, with a second from Kevin Foley, to relocate the countdown clock in the
immediate future. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
01OWN OF SAILY
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
970-479-2100
FAX 970-479-2157
MEDIA ADVISORY
April 28, 1999
Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115
Community Information Office
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR APRIL 27
Work Session Briefs
Council members present: Armour, Arnett, Foley, Jewett, Kurz, Navas
--PECIDRB Review
During a review of the most recent meetings of the Planning and Environmental Commission
and the Design Review Board, the Council inquired about the status of an application to amend
the Vail Athletic Club's Special Development District which would allow for an additional
dwelling unit and the reduction of 8 accommodation units for a net of 4 dwelling units and 46
accommodation units. This item will be discussed by the Council in full at its May 4 work
Is session prior to first reading later in the evening. Counciimember Sybill Navas inquired about
the length of time the applicant will be given to complete the redevelopment. Currently, based
on a 1998 approval, the developer must begin construction by May 1, 2000. Also yesterday,
the Council received an update on the DRB's consent approval of an outdoor dining area on
town -owned property for Platz'I Bar, located on the east side of the Austria Haus along East
Meadow Dr. Before the approval is final, the Council must first grant a deck -lease agreement
with the applicant at the town's standard rate of $4.60 sq. ft. This discussion will be scheduled
at the May 4 Council work session. Also yesterday, Councilmembers received a copy of a
memo from the Community Development Department to members of the Design Review Board
clarifying the board's issues of concern regarding -the Marriott's redevelopment project. Review
by the Town Council has been tabled until the project meets design review approval by the
DRB. For more information on any of the topics mentioned above, contact George Ruther in
the Community Development Department at 479-2145.
--Vail Village Merchants' Employee Survey Results
The Council heard an overview of a recent focus group discussion and a written survey of a
sampling of Vail's under-30 workers. Sponsored by the Vail Village Merchant Association, the
research was designed to identify strengths, weaknesses and other issues affecting Vail's
seasonal workers. In presenting the material, Kaye Ferry of the Vail Village Merchant
Association, said many of the results were surprisingly positive, while other areas, such as
housing and parking, were somewhat predictable. Among the surprises:
• 46% of the 152 workers surveyed live and work in Vail (higher than expected)
• 57% of the 152 workers surveyed live within 15 minutes of their work (higher than
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• 60% of the 152 workers surveyed drive their car to work (higher than expected)
• 51 % of the 152 workers surveyed work only 1 job (higher than expected)
• 65% of the 152 workers surveyed work from 20 to 50 hours per week (higher than
expected)
Among the predictable:
• 41 % of the 152 workers surveyed identified housing as the single largest problem they
face while working and living in Vail; 29% identified pay; 6% identified benefits; 5%
identified transportation; another 5% identified sense of community;.13% identified
"other."
Employee desires include:
• Better housing affordability, such as $200 per month for a dorm -style bed, $300 per
month for a shared bedroom in a condo; or $400 per month for a private bedroom.
• More parking options
• More ski pass options
• More career advancement opportunities
• More fun
• More non bar -related activities, similar to a campus student union
• More respect and caring from employers
• Higher pay for returning workers
• Health, retirement benefits
• More year-round employment opportunities
• Greater sense of belonging in the community
• A cafeteria meal program 40
• A bowling alley
• More higher education opportunities
In response to the merchants' efforts to help identify the problems and potential solutions, Ferry
said three representatives have stepped forward to represent the interests of the seasonal
worker. Next steps will include taking the lists of wants and needs and asking entities such as
the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, the merchant community and the Eagle County Regional
Transportation Authority to make whatever improvements it can. During discussion,
Councilman Michael Arnett thanked the merchants for spending time to conduct the survey,
while Councilmember Sybill Navas said it will be interesting to compare results to a larger
employee survey now being conducted by the Chamber of Commerce. ,Jim Lamont of the East
Village Homeowners Association suggested wider distribution of the survey to improve
reliability. For copies of the results, contact Kaye Ferry at the Daily Grind, 476-5856.
--Future of Vail's Marketing Discussion
Following a brief executive session on contract negotiations related to marketing and legal
issues regarding the affordable housing buy -down program, the Council returned to public
session to review four marketing district options that were developed during Monday's
community marketing meeting. The options include a regional marketing district lodging tax
plan based on state legislation passed last year, along with various boundary scenarios
(depending on Avon and Beaver Creek's participation). Another option includes a Vail -based
approach which would not rely on the marketing district vehicle, thereby creating additional
flexibility for use of the funds. The funds would come from voter approval of a lodging tax or
possibly a sales tax. During discussion yesterday, Councilmembers directed staff to
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continue to pursue options that would use Vail's boundaries as the marketing district. This
approach, while not yet precluding an eventual regional district outcome, would enable the
taxing issue to be determined by Vail voters. The Council also directed staff to develop a
survey plan that would gauge the level of support for the remaining options. During discussion,
Councilman Michael Jewett said that while he advocates a Vail -only marketing program, he can
not support a new tax for marketing. He also criticized the town for constructing streetscape
improvements at Slifer Plaza and Seibert Circle last summer, given the budget shortfalls,. calling
them the "wrong projects at the wrong time." In response, Councilman. Ludwig Kurz said the .
streetscape improvements were appropriate for the long-term interests of Vail in keeping up
with the competition. Councilmember Sybill Navas said she believes merchants support a
regional marketing concept similar to the way existing funds have been divided up in the past.
Also yesterday, resident Paul Rondeau inquired about the decision making process, while
resident Carol Hymers suggested the town set goals for return on investment for the marketing
funds. The discussions will resume at 8:30 a.m. on May 3 with the second of five community
meetings, followed by a update to Council at the May 4 work session. Also yesterday, the
Council voted 6-0 to establish a walk-in election for Vail's regular municipal election on Nov. 2
rather than a mail -in ballot coordinated with the state and county election on the same day. The
decision will help shape Vail's timetable in authorizing ballot issues. For more information,
contact Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer at 479-2113.
--Year land and First Quarter Financial Report
Finance Director Steve Thompson briefed Council on the 1999 first quarter financial report. He
said a majority of the town's operating revenues are down from last year, including: sales tax,
lift tax, parking fees and county sales tax. These revenues make up 67% of the town's
revenues. If the trends continue, the town could face a projected annual revenue shortfall of as
much as $2 million under a "worst case scenario," according to Thompson. To date, the town's
annual shortfall is approximately $800,000. On a positive note, the town ended the 1998 fiscal
year with an increase in its fund balance of $2.1 million, Thompson said. Also, the town will
collect a $2 million payment from the Colorado Department of Transportation this year as part
of the West.Vail roundabout funding agreement. The payment had not been expected until
2002. This will help offset the 1999 revenue shortfall, according to Thompson. In addition,
Town Manager Bob McLaurin said the town has a hiring freeze in place. Also, McLaurin said
he'll be presenting budget adjustment recommendations to Council during May and June to
address the trend of declining revenue growth. For more information, contact McLaurin at 479-
2105.
--Lionsridge LooplBuffehr Creek Road Street Project Bid Update
In the context of the first quarter revenue report, the Council reviewed four bids for the
Lionsridge LooplBuffehr Creek Road street reconstruction project. The apparent low bidder is
Dow Construction of New Castle at $1.5 million. Once construction inspector fees, contingency
fees and other project costs are included, the project bid will be $700,000 below the total project
budget of $2.7 million. This street project has been delayed by the town for the past several
years due to budget cuts and other priorities. Town Manager Bob McLaurin said he'd offer a
recommendation to Council at next Tuesday's work session regarding the status of the project.
During discussion yesterday, Councilman Michael Jewett shared constituent concerns
regarding the removal of trees during the project. In response, Town Engineer and Acting
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Public Works Director Greg Hall said the project calls for replacement of trees that are
removed. For more information, contact Hall at 479-2160.
--Council Reports
Kevin Foley, who represents the Council at Vail Recreation District Board (VRD) meetings, said
the Town of Minturn has approached the VRD with an interest in finding out how it can join the
district. This would require voter approval of a mill levy increase in Minturn. Foley encouraged
Councilmembers to contact VRD board members with their thoughts and suggestions. Also,
Foley indicated work is progressing in restoring the Ford Park softball fields following their use
during the World Alpine Ski Championships. Trench work is currently underway for a sprinkler
system, which will be followed by seeding and/or sodding. Foley said the summer recreation
leagues will begin using the fields on June 7. Foley also reported yesterday that the Eagle
County Regional Transportation Authority would be conducting a planning retreat in Glenwood
Springs. Foley chairs the authority as a representative of the Town of Vail.
Michael Arnett, who represents the Council on the Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau
(VVTCB) Board, gave an update on a recent meeting in which VVTCB lodging revenues were
reported to be down significantly from last year. In addition, he said the VVTCB is
spearheading efforts to create a rating system for area lodging products, as well as adding
more flexibility to previous 7-day stay policies. Also, discussions are underway to possibly
merge the VVTCB central reservations system with the Vail Resort reservations system, he
said. Arnett also reported on his attendance at the April 26 community marketing discussion,
as well as the April 22 community meeting on the Mountain Bell and Spraddle Creek Traiihead
sites.
During a recent visit to Arizona, Bob Armour said he arranged to meet briefly with the city
manager of Scottsdale, Dick Bowers. Bowers had facilitated a 1996 retreat of the Vail Town
Council.
Sybill Navas reported on the most recent meeting of the Commission on Special Events and
Activities. She said the meeting was intended to, keep tabs on the planning for a special event,
Vail Summer Sports Fest on July 31 and August 1, which is being coordinated by Highline
Sports. Navas said the event planning was coming along "splendidly." Also yesterday, Navas
suggested calling upon the talents and services of the Northwest Colorado Council of
Governments (NWCCOG) to maximize Vail's membership dues to the organization. One
example would be to use the group to conduct the lodging survey which was discussed earlier
during the work session. Navas also reminded Councilmembers of a NWCCOG-sponsored
seminar on May 7 regarding housing the workforce in mountain communities. The discussion is
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Manor Vail
Ludwig Kurz said he accepted a plaque on behalf of the town during an awards ceremony last
Friday. Sponsored by the Eagle Valley Trails Committee, Vail received the "Community
Trailbuilder" award for going above and beyond the basic standards of trail building for the
Dowd Junction recreational path and the North Trail.
Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer said she filled in for Sybill Navas at the most recent
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Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. Brandmeyer said the Chamber reported it is in good
financial standing, although there are concerns about the impact of the Buddy Pass on future
memberships. She said Bruce Mainzer from Vail Resorts reported international and destination
skier business was down 15 to 20 percent in Vail for the season. Mainzer said the decline was
caused by a variety of things, including the stock market drop in August, fires on Vail Mountain
and disappointing snow conditions (rather than front range market impacts associated with the
Buddy Pass). Several members in the Council meeting audience said they disagreed with
Mainzer's assessment.
--Other
Kevin Foley shared information about a millennium celebration forum sponsored by the Denver
Convention & Visitors Bureau to be held on May 7. The discussion is an attempt to calendar
New Year's Eve celebrations statewide. Foley suggested someone from the town attend the
discussion to pursue a New Year's Eve celebration in Vail as suggested by former
councilmember Paul Johnston.
Sybill Navas inquired about the status of the Ford Park restoration. She also inquired if the Vail
99 countdown electronic sign at Slifer Plaza could be relocated due to constituent concerns
about aesthetics. That prompted fellow Councilmembers to ask for the immediate removal of
the sign. A new location has not yet been determined. In addition, Navas suggested
replacement of several flags in and around town due to their worn and/or dirty condition.
In response to a letter written by a contractor regarding gross residential floor area (GRFA)
mechanical requirements, Michael Arnett said he agreed with the contractor's assessment and
asked the town staff to evaluate the suggestion.
Carol Hymers, representing the Glen Lyon Homeowner's Association, inquired about the status
of restoration work at Donovan Park to repair damage done to the lower bench during the World
Alpine Ski Championships. The lower bench was used as a parking area.
UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS
May 4 Work Session
Discussion of Vail Athletic Club Special Development District Major Amendment
Discussion of Glen Lyon Office Building Redevelopment
Discussion of Future of Vail's Marketing
May 4 Evening Meeting
First Reading, Holy Cross Franchise Agreement
First Reading, Vail Athletic Club Special Development District Major Amendment
First Reading, Glen Lyon Office Building Redevelopment
Second Reading, Westhaven Condos/Cascade Village SDD Major Amendment
May 11 Work Session
PECIDRB Review
Discussion of Future of Vail's Marketing
Approval of Ski Tunnel at Golden Peak
Site Visit and Town Council Appeal of PEC
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