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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: �oLOR 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). 0 •