HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-10 Town Council Minutes• VAIL TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ludwig Kurz, Mayor
Sybiil Navas, Mayor Pro-Tem
Kevin Foley
Diana Donovan
Chuck Ogilby
Rod _Slifer
ABSENT: Greg Moffet
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer, Asst. Town Manager
Allen Christensen, Acting Town Attorney
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Mayor Kurz announced that
under Citizen Participation, a discussion of the events over the 411 of July holiday would
take place. Chief Morrison addressed the Council, giving an overview of the events of
• the evening. Chief Morrison stated the goals that were established were to create a
family environment on Bridge Street. Morrison stated that a 6-month process had been
in place to come up with this plan. Morrison reported there were 41 officers in the
Village, along with others held in reserve. Morrison reported there were 13 arrests,
minimal property damage, and the bus department was pleased with the results.
Councilmember Kevin Foley questioned the cost of bringing in additional officers for the
Fourth. Chief Morrison estimated the town incurred an additional cost of approximately
$40,000. Joel Heath, Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau, stated no negative
impact was felt because of the curfew and saw no difference in crowds or occupancy
levels Heath stated mid -week holidays usually result in a strong week. John Kaemmer,
here since 1965, commented that Vail Village looks better today than it has in years.
Kaemmer stated other ski areas are coming to Vail to see what's going on here also
expressed support of the July 4' curfew and special events district.
George Knox, Vail business owner, stated he was originally opposed to the curfew, but
felt It worked, and suggested not making any more publicity about it, acknowledging
there will be a curfew for New Year's Eve, if asked.
Bill Jensen, Vail Resorts Inc., addressed the Council, stating he felt it was a great week
for Vail. Jensen complimented the police department for creating a safe environment.
Jensen stated he felt the media had painted a picture more restrictive than what the
curfew entailed. Jensen felt the Council has a challenge in striking the right balance to
ensure Vail is safe but still fun. Jensen agreed that New Year's Eve was a different
type of event and people that traditionally come to Vail to celebrate need a place to
0 gather.
A representative from the Red Lion expressed success in the numbers, and the crowd
control, citing no underage drinkers, and felt everyone had a good time. Concern was
expressed regarding the media's take on the advertisement. Suggestions included
limiting numbers and creating a beer garden environment on Bridge Street, or a Mardi
Gras event, stating "this year's 20-year-olds are next year's 21-year-olds."
Stephen Connelly, contract employee of the Vail Chamber and Business Association
for special events, stated he had contacted business owners and the consensus was
the town was forced to take steps to control the crowds, but felt it could be done in a
less negative way in the future, so as to not turn people away. Connelly stated he had
heard the front range crowds had chosen to go to Breckenridge to celebrate the 4t"
Mayor Kurz asked Town Manager Bob McLaurin to comment on his take of the
celebration. McLaurin stated he felt the Council was successful in achieving their
objectives. McLaurin also stated the New Year's Eve crowd will be a different situation
and the Council and staff should begin planning in the next 30-45 days with the local
merchants on how to do it differently from the 4th. McLaurin commended Police Chief
Morrison and Community Information Officer Suzanne Silverthorn for an outstanding job
in getting the word out, stating this was the hardest thing the town has ever done, and
• we needed to get control of the situation. McLaurin commended the Council on having
the courage to do the right thing.
Mayor Kurz stated that comments from the business community at the afternoon
meeting as well as this evening's meeting would be given thoughtful consideration by
the Council. Kurz agreed that Vail needed to provide fun and safety to the community.
Bill Suarez, manager of the Ore House Restaurant, expressed concern about the image
of Vail while controlling it. Suarez stated the town does not want to present the image
that people are not welcome here.
Councilmember comments included Chuck Ogilby's reassurance to everyone that the
Council had listened to the community and would take all comments into consideration
and hopefully make the process better. Councilmember Diana Donovan stated she had
received a letter from the Golden Bear stating a customer had commented they
understood the need for the policy, but felt unwelcome in Vail Village.
Councilmember Rod Slifer agreed with comments from the Council and the community,
feeling the town had done the right thing in setting the curfew, feeling the town was
close to having a real disaster. Slifer agreed that a "lighter touch" should be used in
the future.
. Councilmember Sybill Navas agreed it was a difficult decision to make, but after looking
at tapes from last New Year's Eve, felt the town would have had a major problem if
• nothing had been done.
Councilmember Kevin Foley reported Lionshead was relatively quiet on the 4th. Foley
did express concern regarding activities for the 18-20 year old crowd.
The second item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No. 15, Series
of 2001, an ordinance adopting a revised approved development plan or Special
Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn, Phase II, to allow for the consolidation of
two existing residential dwelling units. Brent Wilson, town planner, presented the
ordinance to the Council, stating the applicant's request involved the consolidation of
two existing second -story residential dwelling units along East Meadow Drive into one
unit. Pursuant to Section 12-9A-2, Vail Town Code, any request to change the number
of dwelling or accommodation units within a special development district constitutes a
"major amendment" request. The design review portion of this application involves the
addition of dormer elements to the existing roof ridges. The Design Review Board's final
review of this item is pending PEC/Town Council review of the major amendment
request.
Wilson stated at its June 25th meeting, the Planning and Environmental Commission
voted to recommend approval of the applicant's request, subject to submission of a
revised condominium map to reflect the approved amendment for review. Mayor Kurz
. stated an overview was presented at the work session earlier in the afternoon.
Councilmember Kevin Foley made a motion to approve Ordinance #15, Series of 2001,
on first reading. The motion was second by Councilmember Rod Slifer.
Councilmember Diana Donovan stated she would be voting against this ordinance
because it goes against everything the Council was trying to do, by eliminating units. A
vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed 4 - 2, Councilmembers Ogilby and
Donovan opposing.
The third item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No.16, Series of 2001, an
ordinance amending the Vail Town Code, Chapter 11, Section 12-11-8 Performance Bond,
Section 12-11-11 Enforcement; Inspection, and Section 12-2-2 Definitions to provide for
procedural changes to the performance bond process as prescribed in the Vail Town Code;
Mayor Kurz stated a lengthy discussion had been held on this ordinance in the
afternoon work session and the Council had asked the staff to do some additional work
on the ordinance. Kurz stated the ordinance was too restrictive for what the town was
trying to achieve. Councilmember Kevin Foley made a motion to table Ordinance #16,
Series of 2001. Councilmember Sybill Navas seconded the motion. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
The fourth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance No. 14, Series Of
• 2001, An Ordinance Providing for the Establishment of Special Development District
No. 36, Vail Plaza Hotel West, And Adopting an Approved Development Plan for
Special Development District No. 36 in Accordance with Chapter 12-9A, Vail Town
Code. Brent Wilson, town planner, presented the ordinance to the Council. Wilson
stated the ordinance was approved on first reading two weeks ago. Wilson stated the
changes included square footage numbers in employee housing units and easement
agreements submitted prior to building permit requests. Also included was a draft of
the developer improvement agreement for review.
Project manager Tim Losa, of Zehren and Associates, reviewed key issues for the
benefit of absent council members at the June 19th meeting. Waldir Prado, owner of the
Vail Plaza Hotel West, addressed the Council, outlining additional work that had been
done to meet Council's requests. Jim Lamont, Vail Village Homeowners' Association,
spoke regarding the interconnection between the Vail Village Inn and the Vail Plaza
Hotel, both being owned by Prado. Brent Wilson stated a Development Improvement
Agreement (DIA) was being drafted and he would be meeting with the adjacent
property owners over the next two weeks. Wilson stated the DIA was a standalone
document and would not affect the passage of this ordinance on second reading.
Wilson was commended by Jim Lamont for his thoroughness in understanding this
complex issue.
Richard Kent, President of Scorpio and Alpenhorn Condominiums, addressed the
Council voicing concern regarding the overall bulk and mass being too much. Gwen
Scalpello, Nine Vail Road Condominium president, echoed the Council's compliments
to town planning staff, Waldir Prado and Connie Dorsey. Scalpello did have concerns
over the extent of excavation and the Spraddle Creek containment, as well as the bulk
and mass.
Councilmember Chuck Ogilby made a motion to approve Ordinance #14, Series of
2001, on second reading. Councilmember Rod Slifer seconded the motion.
Councilmember Diana Donovan stated she appreciated having her concerns
responded to. Comments from the Council included concern over the bulk and mass,
put the general consensus was that there were more positives than negatives
associated with the project. Councilmember Kevin Foley stated he would be voting
against the project because of the size of the building. Councilmember Donovan
voiced concern over creating a Special Development District and traffic concerns. A
vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed 4-2, Councilmembers Donovan
and Foley opposing.
The fifth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Town Manager
McLaurin invited council to attend a neighborhood barbeque hosted by the town's
Public Works Department at noon on Thursday, July 121h, at Bighorn Park.
Councilmember Donovan questioned how the town was going to fund the Donovan
Park Pavilion and "the Ruins." Town Manager McLaurin explained the town had fled a
lawsuit against the owner of the "Ruins" and when the determination of the property
value was received, the Council would need to decide whether to pay cash or cut a
a capital project. McLaurin estimated a cast of $2 to $2.5 million to purchase "the Ruins."
Councilmember Ogilby questioned whether it could be paid off and if the proposed
Mountain Bell for -sale housing could be used for this purchase. McLaurin explained
that staff would be researching the possibility of a pay-off from Mountain Bell.
Councilmember Donovan asked McLaurin to prepare a list of all capital projects with
alternatives and costs.
As there was no further business, Councilmember Kevin Foley made a motion to adjourn
the meeting. Councilmember Rod Slifer seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the
motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
ATTEST:
Loriei
SEAL
OR
brwko
Town Clerk
Minutes taken by Mary A., Caster
0
Respectfully submitted,
_x to r; i I " �/- �
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor