HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-17 Town Council MinutesVAIL TOWN COUNCIL - MINUTES
TUESDAY, April 17, 2001
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held in the Town Council Chambers
on Tuesday, February 20, 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
Chuck Ogilby
Diana Donovan
Rod Slifer
Greg Moffet
Kevin Foley
Bob McLaurin, Town Manager
Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
• Mayor Kurz reminded all of the Vail annual community survey available on the internet.
Kurz thanked those who had responded and asked those who had not to take a minute
to fill it out. The survey will be available through April 25t"
The first item on the agenda was citizen participation.
Kaye Ferry, Vail Chamber addressed the Council, suggesting the town relax the sign
code ordinance during the "shoulder season" and allowing merchants to post sandwich
board signs at the bottom of the steps at each transportation center. Ferry presented
Council with a list of businesses that would be open during off season. Ferry stated the
Chamber would absorb any expenses involved with this advertising. Mayor Kurz
expressed his hesitation with the idea of advertising that so few shops were open,
stating he felt we were saying "Vail is half closed." Councilmember Greg Moffet
suggested putting this item on next week's work session agenda for discussion.
Laura McBride, applicant for the most recent housing lottery, addressed the Council,
expressing her frustration with the application process. McBride gave a recount of her
contacts with the town during the application submittal period. Mayor Kurz stated the
town worked very hard to be fair in its lottery procedures and directed staff to look into
the situation and get back to Council with their findings.
. The second item on the agenda was a presentation on the Program and Budget for the
Vail Center. Russell Forrest, Community Development Director, addressed the Council
stating staff was requesting direction from the Council regarding the uses that should
be included in the directions to the design team. The budget for the Vail Center and
specifically direction on the revenue plan including the use of property tax, RETT
revenue, capital funds, private donations, naming rights, and how parking spaces can
be used for a fund raising campaign. He was also looking for direction to the Town
Manager to enter into a contract with EDAW for design services.
Russell Forrest advised the Council they were at a critical milestone in defining the uses
and in designing and financing the project. He named the key people working on
project. Russ reviewed the capital and operational plan. Russ highlighted the
objectives, proposed center components and parking issues. He advised the Council
he would be presenting 3 different scenarios to the Council. Forrest stated Vail Resorts
Inc. was moving ahead with design work for a new parking structure. Stan Bernstein
reviewed the capital financing plan, stating the cost estimates had been reduced from
$97 million to $75 million, by removing a $14.5 million line item for parking, as well as
the transfer of a $7 million endowment from the capital budget to the operating budget.
Russ reviewed the uses of proposed RETT. Bernstein stated the cost had been
reduced by taking out of $7 million endowment and the selling of parking spaces. He
also addressed revenue sources. The need for the private donations of $30 million was
discussed, Russ again stating the private funding would have to be established before
the question was put before the electors in November. Frank Johnson, Vail Valley
Tourism and Convention Center president, spoke in favor of the project, comparing it to
• the Banff Conference and Keystone Conference Center, stating the shoulder seasons
were prime for meeting planners. John Horan -Kates reviewed the public access study,
stating the majority of time at the Center would be available for community use.
Booking policy ideas, LEED (Environmental Certification) program, and employee
housing ideas were discussed with Russ Forrest stating there would be approximately
70 full time employees. The Vail Renaissance program, parking, and fund raising
programs were reviewed. Forrest requested additional time be given for the staff to
work with Vail Resorts on the proposed new parking structure. Forrest again asked for
direction from the Council on what the design team should be focusing, stating the
revenue issue was not a critical decision for this evening's meeting.
Mayor Kurz then asked for public input. Rick Scalpello, retired second homeowner,
urged the Council to get an independent view before committing the town and the
community to such a large project. Scalpello felt the disadvantages were being
downplayed. He offered his service to the town to investigate costs, warning that
conference centers do lose money and are not filled during the entire year. Michael
Cacioppo addressed the Council, asking questions relating to the financing of the
project. Mayor Kurz then asked for comments from the Council. Councilmember Foley
stated he had not seen the operating costs for the project. Councilmember Chuck
Ogilby noted the article Elaine Kelton had given the Council earlier and suggested a
review similar to this be done on the project. Ogilby stated a lot of time and energy
had gone into this process and hoped that the town could move forward with the
project. Councilmember Slifer spoke on behalf of Stan Bernstein, stating that Stan had
done a lot of work in the past 20-25 years with municipalities and counties in Colorado
and was very qualified to work on this project. Councilmember Greg Moffet referred to
the ERA study done earlier. Councilmember Ogilby suggested keeping Rick Scalpello
involved as part of the financial team, feeling his viewpoint was beneficial to the town.
Councilmember Diane Donovan stated she agreed with most comments made by
Chuck Ogilby, stating the staff knew what her concerns were. Mayor Pro -Tern Sybill
Navas agreed with most of Councilmember Ogilby's comments, stating she preferred a
design that would focus exclusively on Scenario A, although she felt it was heavy on
meeting room space and light on arts space. Mayor Kurz stated he too was in
agreement with Councilmember Ogilby and Councilmember Moffet's comments, and in
favor of employee housing on site. Kurz stated that this was a huge undertaking for the
Town of Vail and felt confident the community would make it work. Councilmember
Moffet made a motion to enter into a contract not to exceed $160 thousand with the
design team of EDAW, HGA and Zehren and Associates to begin creating schematic
design that will include an indoor ice rink, skatepark, climbing wall and youth center,
plus conference, learning and cultural elements including a 300-seat auditorium/theater.
Councilmember Slifer seconded the motion, requesting Moffet to add the addition of
23.4 employee housing units to his motion. Councilmember Navas stated she would be
voting in opposition of the motion based on idea that she felt it was a mistake to pursue
both scenarios, but that she did not oppose the project. A vote was taken on the
motion and the motion passed 6-1, Navas opposing.
• The third item on the agenda was an update of the Donovan Park Community Facility.
Todd Oppenheimer, Landscape Architect and Project Manager for the town, stated the
Design Development cost estimate for the Donovan Park Community Facility, based on the
Design Development package presented, was complete. Oppenheimer stated the
estimated cost of construction for the project had decreased by $180,571.
Otis Odell of Odell Architects presented an update to the Council on the progress made
toward the desired LEEDS certification. Odell recommended the town pursue a national
environmental certification in the "silver" category, similar to policies established in the
cities of Portland and Seattle and currently under review in Boulder. Odell stated there
would be additional costs associated with the LEEDS certification and stated he would get
back to the Council with the exact dollar amount. Jim Lamont, Vail Village Homeowner's
Association, raised questions regarding costs of the community pavilion. As this item was
intended for informational purposes only, no vote was taken on this item.
The fourth item on the agenda was a presentation on the East and West Meadow
Drive Streetscape project Conceptual Design. Todd Oppenheimer reviewed the two
alternative design concepts for the project. Oppenheimer stated that two conceptual
designs would be presented to the Council, with the hope that one design would be
selected as the preferred alternative and the staff and design team would be directed to
further develop that concept into the Final Conceptual Design project and continue through
the town's design approval process.
. Oppenheimer stated on January 9, 2001, that town staff and Joe Kracum of the design
team of Washington Infrastructures Services and OtaklRock Creek Studios made an
introductory presentation of the project to the Town Council. The two proposals, the 2016
Solution and the Promenade Solution, were discussed. The 20/6 Solution included a
conventional roadway, intersection, and sidewalk design. The Promenade Solution showed
a unique, unconventional alternative for prioritizing pedestrian and vehicular spaces. Todd
stated public meetings had been held to review the alternatives with the property owners,
but the attendance had not been good enough to get a definite response on either of the
alternatives. Todd stated the estimated cost for either of the alternatives was $3 to $5
million. Tom Braun, of Braun and Associates, and representing the Talisman and Vail
Valley Medical Center, spoke to the Council, addressing concerns regarding the access
to the Talisman. Braun stated the medical center was already working with the town staff
and the consultants to integrate the street redesign into their next development phases.
Councilmember Kevin Foley inquired about the necessity of including snowmelt in some
portions of the project. Councilmember Greg Moffet expressed the importance of including
the streetscape project simultaneously with other redevelopment occurring along Meadow
Drive. Gwen Scalpello, a resident of 9 Vail Road, expressed concerns about pedestrians
and cars safely exiting that project's parking garage. After further discussion, the Council
requested the design team come back with a plan that included a center promenade
section that did not extend as far to the west of Meadow Drive.
The fifth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance #5, Series of 2001, an
ordinance amending the Town Code, Title 12, Chapter 13, to allow for corrections to the
Employee Housing Regulations; Chapter 21, to allow for corrections to the Hazard
Regulations; Chapter 15, to allow for corrections to the Gross Residential Floor Area
Regulations; Chapter 2, to allow for corrections to the definition chapter and for the addition
of a definition of "owner"; to allow for clarification to the PA Zone District; and Title 13,
Chapter 2, to allow for clarification to the definition of "subdivision"; and Title 8, Chapter 3,
to allow for clarification of the Department of Public Works role in the issuance of right-of-
way permits. Allison Ochs, town planner, stated the ordinance had not changed from first
reading. Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 5, Series
of 2001, on second reading and Councilmember Kevin Foley seconded the motion.
Councilmember Sybill Navas asked to discuss the 5% site coverage bonus for lots of 30%
slopes. Pat Dauphinais, local resident and contractor, addressed the Council expressing
support of the 5 percent site coverage bonus, stating that this was needed for the
availability of additional employee housing. Councilmember Diana Donovan stated she
would not be voting in favor of Ordinance No. 5, feeling that this was a change of policy.
Councilmember Sybill Navas stated she agreed with Donovan, stating she was all for
employee housing, but not at any cost. A vote was taken on the motion and the motion
passed 5-2, Navas and Donovan opposing.
The sixth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance No.8, Series of 2001,
an ordinance amending Section 12-71-1-7 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, stating no changes had been
made to this ordinance from first reading. Councilmember Moffet made a motion to
approve Ordinance No. 8, Series of 2001, on second reading and Councilmember Navas
seconded the motion. Moffet amended his motion to add an additional clause the
ordinance, "Whereas, the Vail Town Council finds that it is imperative to clearly articulate
the intent and procedures of the Town's prescribed development regulations and that it
would be irresponsible for the Town to allow inaccuracies in the Zoning regulations to be
perpetuated". A vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The seventh item on the agenda was the second reading of ordinance No. 9, Series of
2001, an ordinance amending the official zoning map for the Town of Vail, zoning the Vail
Golf Course Clubhouse Subdivision" from Outdoor Recreation (or) district to General Use
District. Tom Moorhead, town attorney, stated that no changes had been made to this
ordinance from first reading. Art Abplanalp, attorney representing litigantsin a lawsuit filed
against the town regarding the seasonal placement of the Vail Ice Dome, addressed the
Council, stating the Council did not have jurisdiction to pass a correction ordinance. Town
attorney Moorhead stated the new ordinance took no additional action and was in no way
inconsistent with Council's original intent and action. Councilmember Moffet then made
a motion to approve Ordinance No. 9, Series of 2001, on second reading. Councilmember
Navas seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
• The eighth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Town Manager Bob
McLaurin stated he had nothing to add to the report. McLaurin reported he would be
attending a Senate Public Policy meeting on Senate Bill 216 in Denver on Wednesday and
would e-mail the Council on the findings.
As there was no further business, Councilmember Moffet made a motion to adjourn the
meeting and Councilmember Foley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the
motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 P.M.
I %,.,a [� . ��;
S E A L Ludwig Kurz, I�fayor
ATTE T:
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41
Lorelef Donaldson, Town Clerk
isMinutes taken by Mary A. Caster
WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2001
All members of Council were present, with Rod Slifer and Diana Donovan arriving late.
Item #1- Site Visit to Dobson Arena and Discussion of Request to Remove Trees.
Following a site visit, a motion was made by Councilmember Greg Moffet and seconded
by Councilmember Kevin Foley to approve a request by the Vail Recreation District
(VRD) to proceed through the Design Review Board process to amend its proposal for
improvements to the town -owned Dobson Ice Arena. The VRD proposal was to remove
a 56-foot tall evergreen tree on the property and replace the tree with a 35-foot tall
transplanted evergreen. The 56-foot tall tree had originally been identified by the
Council to be retained during the Dobson construction. A consulting arborist had
recommended the tree be removed after finding that approximately 65 percent of the
wood was unsound at the base, causing the tree to be vulnerable to high winds and
snow loads. A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-1-1 (Councilmember Ogilby
against, Councilmember Donovan abstaining).
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