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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 expected) (more) �RECYCLED PAPER to Add 11TOV Council Highlights/4-27-99 • 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 (more) Add 21TOV Council Highlights/4-27-99 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 (more) Add 3/TOV Council Highlights/4-27-99 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 (more) 01 Add 41TOV Council Highlightsl4-27-99 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 0 , # # #