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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-19 Town Council Minutes• VAIL TOWN COUNCIL Evening Meeting - Minutes TUESDAY, June 19, 2001 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Greg Moffet Rod Slifer Diana Donovan Chuck Ogilby Sybill Navas, Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Foley Bob McLaurin, Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer, Asst. Town Manager Allen Christensen, Acting Town Attorney Mayor Kurz noted that Councilmember Kevin Foley and Mayor Pro-Tem were absent from the meeting. Mayor Kurz expressed the sympathy of all Councilmembers on Sybill Navas' father's passing. . The first item on the agenda was CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Caleb Hurtt , a 2"d homeowner on West Meadow Drive, urged the council to allow himself and other second home owners to vote in the Vail Center election. The second item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to approve Ordinance #2,relating to Exemption Plats, on second reading. Councilmember Rod Slifer seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0. The third item on the agenda was the 2000 Audit Presentation. Steve Thompson, Finance Director for the town, presented the report to the Council. Michael Jenkins from McMahan and Associates accounting firm was also in attendance to answer any questions. Thompson stated there were no changes from the audit report given to the Council at the May 8& 2001, presentation to the Council. Mayor Kurz asked if the town was in good financial health. Thompson answered in the affirmative. Mayor Kurz then asked for any questions from the Council. As there were none, Kurz thanked Thompson for the report. The fourth item on the agenda was the discussion of the Program for the Vail Center John Horan -Kates addressed the Council stating the discussion this evening was to re- address the components of the Vail Center and get Council's reaffirmation of the project's go ahead. Much discussion followed regarding the project. Town Manager McLaurin stated that a meeting involving the arts community had been held by Horan- Kates as to what should be included in this component. McLaurin also stated that as of the previous Friday, the demolition and rebuilding of the new parking structure was more costly and problematic than previously anticipated and would need to be reconfigured. McLaurin stated the purpose of the meeting was to determine what the Vail Center meant to each Councilmember. The proposed plan was broken down into two phases depending on their priority. Horan -Kates presented a chart of project components, including a recreation center component, an arts center with a 1300 seat theatre, a conference and learning center and two breakout rooms. Horan -Kates stated it would take about $33 million to build the first phase, with the learning center to be built in the second phase. Mayor Kurz then asked for comments from the public. Kurz asked that comments be short and to the point. Jen Brown, representing the Vail Valley Chamber, stated a convention center was vital to the business community. Brown stated she supported the town's efforts, but did not care to comment on the other amenities. John Zoner, Vail resident, question the economics of raising $1.5 million from property tax. Flo Steinberg stated she thought this was the most confusing thing she has experienced in Vail, feeling the town was spending a lot of money and going into deep debt over something that was not clearly defined. Tom Steinberg, 36 year resident, did not feel the town was prepared to put this issue on ballot in November. Paul Rondeau, Vail resident, stated he firmly supported building on the charter bus lot. Rick Scapello, Vail resident, stated the Council needed to hear from the Vail Recreation District regarding their support of this project. Mayor Kurz • stated the Council planned to meet with the VRD at its work session next Tuesday. Kim Langmaid, 32 year Vail resident, supported the learning center, stating it was being proposed based on solid planning and would bring energy and diversity to Vail. Joel Heath, resident of Vail, expressed his concern for something exciting to visitors to be built in the next couple of years. Eric Baumann, local business owner, expressed his support of the project. Will Miller, 32 year resident, encouraged the Council to move forward with the project. Several other members of the community addressed the Council, expressing their support of the Vail Center. Mayor Kurz thanked the community for their concerns. Kurz stated he felt the need to go ahead with a development that is in keeping with Val, something that will put Vail back on track. Kurz stated the town needed to address the fact that Vail was somewhat behind and Vail cannot continue to depend on the ski mountain to sustain the economy. Kurz urged the Council to keep looking at the Vail Center as positive for the community. Town Manager Bob McLaurin addressed the Council, stating that if this project was easy to implement, it would be done by now. McLaurin reminded the Council of all the meetings and public input that took place before the main Vail roundabout was implemented and the Vail Commons was built. McLaurin stated that this Council and previous Councils had faced many obstacles and concerned citizens, but both projects had proved successful in the long run. Councilmembers Chuck Ogilby, Rod Slifer and Greg Moffet felt an additional month re-evaluating the project had been beneficial and were ready to vote on the . components of the Center. Councilmember Rod Slifer stated for the record he had never heard a town manager applauded in a Council meeting before. Slifer stated the charts presanted by Town Manager McLaurin made the project clearer. Councilmember Greg Moffet stated there was tremendous clarity in the presentation. Following a lengthy discussion, Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to approve the Conference and Learning Center component to include a 20,000 sq. ft. ballroom with two 5,000 sq. ft. breakout rooms and one 1,000 sq. ft, boardroom with a 4,000 sq. ft. auditorium. Councilmember Rod Slifer seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-1, Donovan abstaining. A motion was made by Councilmember Moffet to approve a recreation center with components to include a climbing wall, indoor ice rink, enclosed skatepark and youth center. Councilmember Chuck Ogilby seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0. A motion was made by Councilmember Greg Moffet to approve a Performing Arts Center component which would occur by reserving a future site for a 1,300 to 1,500 seat performing arts facility. Councilmember Ogilby seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-1, Donovan opposing. • A motion was made by Councilmember Greg Moffet to approve a Learning Center Expansion, including additional breakout/learning center space utilizing the library and space on the second floor of the conference facility. Councilmember Rod Slifer seconded the motion, adding that these these dimensions are very specific, and the components may change in size as the project moves forward. Councilmember Moffet amended his motion to include these comments. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0, Mayor Kurz stated the Council needs to reaffirm they believe these programs are important and necessary for the community and they need to work on putting it on the November ballot, stating this community needs and deserves programs as outlined in this presentation. A break was taken at 8:40 p.m. At approximately 9:00 p.m., the meeting was resumed. The fifth item on the agenda was the First reading of Ordinance No. 14, Series of 2001: An Ordinance Rezoning Lot C, Vail Village Second Filing From "Public Accommodation" To "Special Development District No. 36," To Allow For The Construction Of The Vail Plaza Hotel West. Brent Wilson, town planner, stated this meeting was a follow-up to the Town Council's preliminary review of the proposal on May 15th. Wilson stated that since . the previous council review, the issues of traffic circulation, employee storage and traffic counts had been resolved to the satisfaction of staff. Tim Losa of Zehren and Associates, stated three issues were addressed. Those being, traffic, streetscap4t issues and public benefits offered by the hotel. Bill Pierce, an architect representing Lon Moellentine- owner of the Alpine Standard service station located in front of the Vail Plaza Hotel, stating that issues regarding ingress and egress to the hotel had not been resolved and recommended postponement of the project until these issues were settled. Councilmember Greg Moffet questioned the egress easement on Vail Road. Moffet was advised the easement was not on town land but is on a portion of Chateau property. Moffet stated the town was being asked to resolve the easement dispute. Discussion was held regarding access and easement issues with adjacent property owners. Jim Lamont of the Vail Village Homeowners Association suggested adding an expanded loading and delivery component as a condition of approval, as well as an underground connection between the Vail Plaza Hotel and the Vail Village Inn, as both properties are owned by the same person. Richard Kent, representing the Scorpio and Alphorn condominium associations, encouraged the council to vote against the proposal, feeling there was too much bulk and mass in the project. Rick Scalpello, residing at Nine Vail Road, expressed access and indemnification concerns and urged the Council to direct the applicant to implement a streetscape plan, as it ties into the proposed West Meadow Drive plan. After further discussion, Councilmember Greg Moffet moved to approve Ordinance #14 on first reading, with conditions as outlined • above. Councilmember Rod Slifer seconded the motion. Councilmember Diana Donovan stated she would be voting against the motion as she felt PA zoning to rezone to SDD did not meet the regulations of TOV. Bill Pierce asked for a clarification of the motion changing the condition of easement submittal from "Temporary Certificate of Occupancy" to "building permit submittal." Acting Town Attorney Allen stated he would address that and bring to Council on second reading. A vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed 4-1, Councilmember Donovan opposing. The sixth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance #12, Curfew and Special Events. Mayor Kurz stated the ordinance had been approved on first reading, wth the elimination of the special event district. Councilmember Donovan noted the words "special event district" should be removed from the title of the ordinance. Councilmember Rod Slifer stated he was not here for first reading and felt it was important to include the special event district of the ordinance. Councilmember Donovan stated 18-20 year olds should not be restricted from the area. Slifer stated he felt the problem • was alcohol and that age group was not old enough to drink and were becoming a major problem. Mayor Kurz stated he believed the police handle the new ruling in a professional and constrained manner. Police Chief Greg Morrison stated his department planned to handle the crowds in much the same way as the StreetBeats were handled, with use of ID bands. Morrison stated checkpoints would be set up while the fireworks were being displayed, and that no one under age of 21 will be allowed back in to the designated area. Councilmember Rod Slifer then made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 12 on second reading, with the insertion of the Section 6.5.3 Special Event District added back into the ordinance Councilmember Greg Moffet seconded the motion. Councilmember Donovan stated she felt it was illegal to completely change the ordinance from first reading. Donovan was advised by attorney Christensen that according to the town Charter, it was legal to add the section back into the ordinance on second reading. Kaye Ferry, Vail Chamber and Business Association president, addressed the Council, stating she was very angry and upset with them, feeling they were conducting business in an underhanded fashion. Councilmember Slifer responded by saying he was voting for what he believed was fair and this was the purpose of two readings to pass an ordinance. Councilmember Chuck Ogilby also stated he was voting for what he believed was right. Michael Cacioppo questioned the Council's ability to approve the ordinance in regard to a provision that allowed people to exercise their right of free assembly. • Jim Lamont, Vail Village Homeowners Association, expressed concern of where the people might go when not able to get into the special events area. Police Chief Morrison assured Lamont that this was part of the plan for these two evenings. Chris Schuck, owner of a local security business, addressed the Council, stating he had been involved in many of these events and that it was a dangerous situation and something needed to be done to prevent a dangerous situation. Jonathan Staufer, a lifetime resident of Vail, agreed with remarks made by Kaye Ferry, stating that the message going out was that 18 and 20 year olds were no longer welcome in Vail. Staufer stated this age group would be wandering around looking for trouble. Judge Buck Allen stated the crowds in Vail have become more aggressive in recent years. Allen referred to an article in the Denver Post regarding the scope of alcohol consumed by kids after the Avalanche hockey victory. Allen stated he felt parents were not aware of the scope of activities of this age group and had little supervision. Allen stated he saw approximately 150-200 offenders after these two holidays. A vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed, 4-1, Donovan opposing, The seventh item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance #13, Open Containers. Police Chief stated this ordinance had not changed from first reading. Councilmember Greg Moffet made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 13 on second reading. Councilmember Slifer seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion 0 passed unanimously 5-0. The eighth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Town Manager Bob McLaurin stated he had received word from Glen Porzak, legal counsel, that the Water Court had ruled in favor of Golden in terms of water rights. Mctaurin stated the SB216's are exempted, which is a good decision for Vail. Councilmember Slifer made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Ogilby seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, �p Ludwig Kurz, Mayor ATTEST: el Donaldson, R'R__Town Clerk Minutes taken by Mary A. Caster