HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-03 Town Council MinutesVAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
TUESDAY, April 3, 2001
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the town Council Chambers
on Tuesday, April 310, 2001. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00
P.M.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor
Sybill Navas, Mayor Pro-Tem
Kevin Foley
Greg Moffet
Rod Slifer
Diana Donovan
Chuck Ogilby
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Mayor Kurz reminded the
audience that citizen participation was intended for items not on the agenda.
• Paul Rondeau addressed the Council, stating what he felt was a problem in channeling
local talent to assist projects to completion. He referred to the letter he had written to
the Council on March 28". He felt the Town Council was missing an opportunity to
show leadership. Rondeau suggested putting a hold on the Donovan Park project until
further environmental issues could be addressed.
Chas Bernhardt, West Vail resident, addressed the Council regarding employee
housing. He suggested the possibility of a long term lease at the Mountain Bell site for
development of high -end residences such as Spraddle Creek. The proceeds from this
could be used to build employee housing on a less expensive piece of property.
Bernhardt also suggested approaching the U.S. Forest Service about using public lands
for affordable housing. He also suggested the Council read an employee housing plan
created by a retired executive which showed how moderately priced housing can be
developed. He stated he would leave the report with Nina Timm, TOV Housing
Administrator.
The second item on the agenda was a presentation of the preliminary design
development package for Donovan Park. A discussion ensued regarding the ability to
pay for Donovan Park out of the town's general fund or capital improvements funds,
rather than the real estate transfer tax fund that had been previously proposed. It was
unanimously agreed by the Town Council to direct the town staff to find funds out of
• these accounts as opposed to the RETT fund. Todd Oppenheimer, TOV Landscape
Architect/Project Manager, addressed the Council. Mayor Kurz reminded the audience
to keep their comments civilized. Oppenheimer addressed the project objectives, the
facilities plan, and community development. Oppenheimer stated the project was
scheduled for Design Review Board and Planning and Environmental Commission
review during the next two weeks. Otis O'Dell of O'Dell Architects team, gave a
presentation of the design of the pavilion, stating the design development cost estimate
will be presented to the Council at the April 17i" meeting. O'Dell and Oppenheimer both
stated they were asking for direction from Town Council.
Ethan Moore of Design Workshop walked the Council and the audience through the site
plan. He stated big changes had been made to the two terraces of parking, allowing for
147 parking spaces on the project. Moore also stated a turnaround to accommodate
bus service had been improved, preserving as much green space as possible. He also
reviewed plans for the soccer field, playground, and restroom building. Scott Smith of
Sasaki Associates, addressed the development of the building, and the issue of being
responsible regarding environmental design. He presented updated drawings of the
building, showing location of the building on the site. A winter sketch was also offered.
Samples of materials being proposed for the inside and outside of the pavilion were
presented. Leadership in environmental design was also discussed. The introduction
of the LEED certification program was discussed. Councilmember Chuck Ogilby
suggested contacting the consultant from Boulder who had previously made a
presentation to the Council as part of the project team.
• George Ruther, Head of Planning, reviewed the economic research study done on this
project by Economic Research Associates. Ruther summarized the report, stating the
pavilion could be operated similar to the Eagle -Vail Pavilion, setting a fee structure and
identifying premium dates - those being summer months and weekends. The total size
of the pavilion will be 6200 square feet with a 250 person capacity, including deck
space. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of using both meeting rooms at
once. Further discussion followed regarding alternative methods of funding other than
the real estate transfer tax fund. Todd Oppenheimer advised the Council of delays that
could result if the project was put on hold. Rick Scalpello, Vail homeowner, stated he
felt the restrooms were not a good design. Mary Jo Alien thanked the Council for
considering funding from sources other than RETT funds. Sally Jackle, West Vail
resident, stated that although she was in favor of leaving the land alone, encouraged
the Council to stick with the original design and give direction to staff that will keep the
project on course. Other comments from the audience included not promoting
weddings as a main use of the facilities, rather promoting it as a community center.
Mayor Kurz asked for comments from the Council. Councilmember Kevin Foley stated
he felt the building was too large and saw no snow removal in the budget.
Councilmember Greg Moffet expressed his support of the project. Councilmember
Chuck Ogilby felt it important to be LEED certified, and gave a passionate speech as to
why he felt the project was necessary and good for Vail, stating that parks were the
"heart and soul" of Vail. He also agreed with not using RETT funds for the project.
• Councilmember Rod Slifer stated he agreed with Ogilby's comments and was in favor of
the project. Slifer stated quality was a tough thing to measure and agreed that the
LEED certification was important. Slifer stated he was not in favor of the architecture of
the pavilion. Councilmember Sybill Navas stated she thought everyone was aware of
how much she loved this project, seeing it used more for children's or teenagers'
activities and performing arts, being used by the whole community. Navas also felt the
LEED certification was worth committing to. Mayor Kurz thanked Chuck Ogiiby for his
remarks, saying he felt they came from the heart. Kurz also stated he liked the
architecture, and felt the Council had given strong direction to the staff and consultants.
George Ruther summarized comments from the Council. His understanding was that
the Council unanimously agreed to take a look at funding alternatives other than the
RETT funds, and agreed to strive towards the LEED certification. He also agreed that
the consultant should be contracted to work with the town to develop the park and to
work towards seeking cost savings without jeopardizing the quality of the project. Staff
agreed to work on the above -stated comments and will return to the Council with their
comments at the April 17th meeting.
The third item on the agenda was the approval of February 6 and 20, 2001 minutes
and the March 6 and 20, 2001 minutes. Councilmember Foley pointed out the error of
the newly appointed PEC and DRB members, being listed in reverse. Councilmember
Donovan also noted typo errors needing to be corrected. Councilmember Greg Moffet
made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Councilmember Kevin Foley
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The fourth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No.8, Series of 2001,
an ordinance amending Section 12-7H-7 of the Town of Vail Zoning Regulations to correct
an error in the prescribed procedure for certain types. of Design Review applications for
properties in the Lionshead Mixed -Use 1 Zone District.
George Ruther, Head of Planning, addressed the Council. Mayor Kurz stated the
ordinance had been reviewed in afternoon work session and he stated no changes
had been made to the ordinance from first reading. Councilmember Greg Moffet made
a motion to approve Ordinance #8, Series of 2001, on second reading. Councilmember
Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
The fifth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance #9, Series of 2001, an
ordinance correcting Ordinance 23, Series of 2000, an amendment to the Zoning Map
regarding the Vail Golf Course Clubhouse from Outdoor Recreation to General Use.
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney, addressed the Council stating on November 7, 2000,
the Vail Town Council approved, on second reading, Ordinance 23, Series of 2000,
which amended the official Zoning Map and rezoned the "Vail Golf Course Clubhouse
Subdivision" from Outdoor Recreation (OR) District to General Use (GU) District
Moorhead stated this Ordinance was not consistent with Council 's findings as reflected
. in the minutes from the second reading of Ordinance 23 included here for Council's
consideration. The document, as signed, did not contain the appropriate Section 1,
which included findings of fact, or Section 2, which contained conclusions of law. Also
• Moorhead stated the ordinance published in the Vail Trail on November 10, 2000,
failed to contain the legal description in Section 3. Moorhead stated that due to the
inconsistencies, he was requesting a correction ordinance to be passed on two
readings and appropriately published in the Vail Trail so the Council's findings were
properly reflected in the record of its proceedings. After some discussion,
Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to approve on first reading, and
Councilmember Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
The sixth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance #5, Series of 2001,
an ordinance intended to clarify inconsistencies in the town code. Allison Ochs, town
planner, reminded the Council this ordinance had been tabled at the March 20th
meeting so it could be discussed with a full Council present. The main concern
resulting in tabling of this ordinance was the discussion regarding 5% site coverage
bonus for lots zoned primarylsecondary residential where the slopes exceed 30% on
lots less than 14,000 square feet with a Type 1 employee housing unit. Both
Councilmembers Diana Donovan and Sybill Navas stated their opposition to this
ordinance, indicating the town's hazard regulations relating to steep slopes should take
precedence over the town's employee housing regulations. Councilmember Chuck
Ogilby stated a lot of properties in intermountain would be affected by this ordinance.
After some discussion, Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to approve
Ordinance #5 on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kevin
Foley. Councilmember Donovan stated she hoped the staff could provide some kind of
balancing of regulations on 2"a reading and would vote against the ordinance on first
reading. A vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed 5-2, Councilmembers
Donovan and Navas opposing.
The seventh item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance #7, Series of
2001, a supplemental ordinance making supplemental appropriations and budget
adjustments from the Town of Vail Heavy Equipment Fund, Real Estate Transfer Tax
Fund, General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, of the 2001 Budget and the Financial Plan
for the town of Vail. Steve Thompson, Finance Director, addressed the council stating
the supplemental appropriation had been increased by $191,306. Thompson stated
this increase in the supplemental was due to audit adjustments that increased the
rollforward amounts for three of the projects, including the third sheet of ice, parking
structure maintenance improvements, and the North Trail Townhomes project. The
$2.7 million appropriation included $2.1 million in unspent projects carried over from
2000, including $147,000 for Donovan Park. The appropriation funds $150,000 in
additional costs associated with the Vail Ice Dome; $250,000 for smart bus technology;
and $235,000 for design of the Vail Center. Councilmember Diana Donovan stated
she would not be voting for the ordinance until the town's financial ledgers reflected a
reallocation of funds to replace Real Estate Transfer Tax funds to pay for construction
0
of the community pavilion. This item was scheduled for further discussion at the April
10th work session. A motion was made by Councilmember Slifer to approve
• Ordinance #7, Series of 2001, on second reading. Councilmember Moffet
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-1, Councilmember
Donovan opposing.
The eighth item on the agenda was a discussion of the proposed Winter Festival
Funding presented by Spaeth Design. Todd Oppenheimer, TOV Landscape
Architect/Project Manager, addressed the Council, reviewing the March 201" proposal by
Spaeth Design for design of a winter festival through the Concept Phase.
Oppenheimer stated the cost of the design master plan would be $85,000. He stated
the Council would be given a proposal from Spaeth Design from which they could pick
and choose the attractions they felt would fit into Vail's holiday theme. Councilmember
Donovan stated she was in favor of the idea, but would need to have more detailed
information on what the costs would be before she could make any decision on the
idea. Town Manager McLaurin requested Todd contact Spaeth Design to get a more
detailed plan for their proposal and then return to Council for further discussion.
Councilmember Navas stated she felt the town was being given a great opportunity to
be a part of this team. She suggested a presentation be provided for Rod Slifer and
Chuck Ogilby as they missed the original presentation. Kaye Ferry, local business
owner, addressed the Council, stating she felt it would be a huge mistake to pass up
this opportunity. This item will be discussed at next joint work session with Vail
Resorts, Inc.
The ninth item on the agenda was the First Data Colorado Open Request for Funding.
David Edmiston, of First data Colorado Open, and Frank Johnson of the Vail Valley
Tourism and Convention Bureau (VVTCB), made a presentation to the Town Council,
requesting a $7500 donation. David Edmiston stated this was the 38tn Annual First Data
Colorado Open Golf tournament and was being held at the Sonnenalp Golf Club during
Labor Day weekend. Johannes Faessler, owner of the Sonnenalp, addressed the Council,
expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, stating it will bring approximately
5000 spectators to the valley during the Labor Day weekend. Councilmember Chuck
Ogilby made a motion to allocate the funds out of the Council contingency fund.
Councilmember Greg Moffet seconded the motion. During discussion, Councilmember
Navas asked if this was something that could be taken out of the Special Events
commission, as they had a major event back out of its commitment for this year.
Councilmember Chuck Ogilby then made a motion to table his motion until the issue could
be presented at the Special Events Commission next week and Councilmember Greg
Moffet seconded the motion. Councilmember Donovan inquired as to how the event would
be advertised and was assured that Vail would be the anchor. A vote was taken and the
motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The tenth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Bob McLaurin, Town
Manager, reported on a letter he had received from the Vail Village Club Building, asking
for a refund of all or a portion of monies paid to the parking pay -in -lieu fund to the town .
Councilmember Rod Slifer stated he felt the town would be opening itself up for numerous
issues if this request was granted.
Town Attorney Moorhead stated that purchase of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, Vail Meadows Second
Filing, would be completed by the end of the week.
As there was no further business, Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to adjourn.
Councilmember Kevin Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion
passed, 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Ludwig Kur2UMayor
Attest:
• 6rel� onaldson, Town Clerk
Minutes taken by Mary A. Caster