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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-15 Town Council Minutes• VAIL TOWN COUNCIL EVENING MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2003 6:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was called to order by Mayor Ludwig Kurz at 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Rod Slifer, Mayor Pro -Tern Dick Cleveland Diana Donovan Bill Jewitt Greg Moffet Chuck Ogilby STAFF PRESENT: Pam Brandmeyer, Interim Town Manager Matt Mire, Town Attorney The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. There was none. • The second item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. Greg Moffet moved to approve the meeting minutes for the June 3, 2003, meeting. Dick Cleveland seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously approved, 7-0. The third item on the agenda was the Vail Town Council Sitting as the Vail Local Marketing Board. Convening as the Vail Local Marketing Board, the Council heard a quarterly update from the Vail Marketing Advisory Council. The presentation began with a market research overview by Bill Siegel, president of Longwoods International. Among the findings: --Vail is appealing to families. --Visitors come for the active outdoors experience, elegant restaurants and sightseeing, among other activities. --Vail appeals to residents on the Front Range as a "weekend getaway," but less so for a "summer vacation." --Nationally, Vail is seen as a small place with not enough to see and do in the summer; it has a strong, positive image as a winter resort. --Vail's product delivery is rated very favorably by those who visit. Since 2002, Seigel said the marketing campaign has aimed to refocus Vail's message to that of an upscale mountain resort with attributes to include: --excitement and adventure --all season, not just winter --welcoming • --wide variety of things to see and do --the ideal/only headquarters for an upscale Rocky Mountain summer • experience Following Seigel's presentation, updates were presented on the budget, which is funded by a 1.4 percent lodging tax, plus campaign results year-to-date. Those results include a 19 percent increase in bookings over last summer, more group and meetings business and increased traffic on the web site www.vailsummer.net. Spokesperson Kelli McDonald of the Vail Valley Chamber and Tourism Bureau attributed the increases to additional progress in coordination, communication and cooperation among the various vendors and partners. During the discussion, Bill Jewitt reminded the Advisory Council that funding from the lodging tax must be used for Vail -only purposes and that cost -share funding for PRIMA, a cultural partnership that includes promotion of the Vilar Center as well as activities in Ford Park, must come from other sources, such as the town's general fund. In seeking clarification, Councilmembers said it would be appropriate to integrate PRIMA into the overall marketing program. However, any direct contributions to the PRIMA budget must come from a funding source other than the lodging tax. During its last order of business, the Board voted 7-0 to allocate $50,000 from a $90,000 contingency fund in the 2003 marketing budget to fund a request to bring the Pro Cycling Tour to Vail. The allocation matches a $50,000 contribution authorized previously by the Vail Town Council from general • fund revenue for a total pledge of $100,000. The fourth item on the agenda was a Fire Services Update. As a follow up to an executive session earlier in the day regarding fire services negotiations, the Council directed staff to prepare two November ballot questions for consideration at its August 5 evening meeting. The first would transfer 3.8 mills from the town's current 4.69 mills to the Eagle River Fire Protection District for consolidated fire services. As such, the Eagle River Fire Protection District would agree to build a West Vail fire station, remodel the Main Vail station and cover ongoing personnel and other operational costs for the three fire stations in Vail. A second ballot option to be reviewed by the Town Council is a $4.3 million general bond issue that would be used to fund and equip a new West Vail fire station and renovate the Main Vail fire station. This would result in a mill levy increase of approximately .59 mills, which would sunset after the bonds are retired. The town staff was also directed to continue fire and emergency services consolidation discussions with the Eagle County Ambulance District and the Beaver Creek Metro District as additional options. The scenarios were presented by Councilman Dick Cleveland who has been instrumental in facilitating the consolidation discussions. Cleveland reiterated the Council's commitment to build and staff a West Vail fire station and to remodel the Main Vail fire station. He said the alternatives are intended to • result in additional efficiencies for taxpayers while delivering • seamless fire and life safety services to the Town of Vail. Councilman Greg Moffet commended the consolidation efforts, noting that "people are trying to do the right thing." The Council must approve two readings of a ballot ordinance during its meetings in August to qualify for placement on the November election ballot. The fifth item on the agenda was a Request to Proceed Through the Town's Development Review Process for Temporary Use of the Ford Park Softball Fields for Parking During the 03-04 Ski Season. Bill Jewitt moved to approve a request to proceed through the town's development review process for the temporary use of the Ford Park softball fields for public parking during the 2003-04 ski season. Greg Moffet seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion was approved unanimously, 7-0. The process requires an amendment to the Ford Park Master Plan, which currently prohibits parking on the softball fields; approval of a conditional use permit; design approvals; and agreements from the Colorado Department of Transportation. The request was presented to the Town Council following a discussion by the Vail Parking Task Force on July 9, in which the group suggested returning to the Town Council for authorization to explore the concept on a formal basis. Prior to the Council discussion, Mayor Ludwig Kurz read a letter into the public record from Josef Staufer, in which Staufer offered reluctant support for the proposal, so long as the temporary use is kept to a maximum of three seasons on the condition that a satisfactory long-term plan is identified by Vail Resorts within the first year; that the costs are borne by Vail Resorts; the fields are restored to their natural state; • that artificial turf be prohibited; and that Vail Resorts and the Town of Vail sign a contractual agreement outlining the terms and conditions. In making the motion to allow the development review process to take place, Councilman Bill Jewitt said that although some might not like the eventual outcome, it was important to initiate the process so decisions can be reached prior to the start of ski season. During the discussion, Councilmember Diana Donovan expressed concern, saying that once the fields are used for parking, the temporary solution will become permanent, and Vail Resorts will be let off the hook for a future solution, thus, lowering Vail's standards. While Councilman Dick Cleveland said he shared similar concerns, he said he'd be willing to consider the use of Ford Park as an interim solution so long as a permanent solution is on the horizon. Councilman Chuck Ogilby asked that Vail Resorts serve as the project's applicant and that discussions take place between representatives from the town and Vail Resorts to determine what the company will pay for. Public Works Director Greg Hall said the Ford Park concept could add between 600 and 700 temporary spaces to the parking inventory. The sixth item on the agenda was a Request to Proceed Through the Town's Development Review Process with a Proposal to Construct a Bridge Across Gore Creek to Allow Snowcat Access to Vail Mountain from the Maintenance Facility in Lionshead. Rod Slifer stated he would be recusing himself from this item, due to a conflict of interest. George Ruther, head of planning, presented the request to the Council, stating Vail Resorts, Inc. was requesting the town allow them to proceed through the town's development review process for construction of a proposed bridge across Gore Creek to allow snowcat access to Vail Mountain from the maintenance facility in Lionshead. As • proposed, the access route would be located across the site of the new wastewater treatment plant, across a new bridge over the creek and connecting to the Westin Ho ski trail. Since the proposed route included a portion of Town of Vail land, the Town Council was asked to grant its permission to allow Vail Resorts to submit a development review application. During discussion, Councilman Chuck Ogilby expressed concerns about cuts that would be made to the hillside. He suggested use of the recreation path as an alternative. Greg Moffet moved to approve the request from Vail Resorts. Dick Cleveland seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0, with Slifer recused. The seventh item on the agenda was Ordinance #6, second reading, an Ordinance Allowing Type II Employee Housing Unit as a Permitted Use and to Eliminate Type II Employee Housing as a Conditional Use in the Residential Zone Districts. Greg Moffet made a motion to table to Aug. 19 the second reading of an ordinance to allow a Type II employee housing unit (EHU) as a permitted use and to eliminate a Type Il employee housing unit as a conditional use in the town's residential zone districts. Dick Cleveland seconded the motion. In making the motion to table, Councilman Greg Moffet suggested postponing a final decision on the ordinance pending a discussion on the town's ability to enforce required occupancy provisions for employee housing units. While the town has strengthened employee housing unit occupancy requirements, first in 1994, and again in 2000, Councilmember Diana Donovan, in particular, has long questioned the effectiveness of the town's • enforcement provisions. Property owners must now file an affidavit with the town each year to comply with the regulations, which require employee housing units to be occupied by a person who works a minimum of 30 hours a week within Eagle County. Despite the regulations, Donovan says she believes many of the units are either unoccupied or are being misused with inaccurate information provided to the town. Councilman Dick Cleveland, one of the original members of the Vail Housing Authority, said he thinks the town has more work to do in its requirements and enforcement of employee housing units. He said Aspen has done a good job with its enforcement regulations. While Community Development Director Russell Forrest said the town has prosecuted several violators within the past year, he said a discussion to determine the level of enforcement and associated resources desired by the Council would be an appropriate next step. A vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Greg Moffet suggested that if the Council approves EHUs as a use by right, the trade-off should be an annual inspection with enforceable sanctions for those who don't comply. Town Attorney Matt Mire said the current penalty for violators is up to six months in jail or a $999 fine, or both, plus fines for each day the violation continues, which prompted Moffet to suggest the town do more to use its enforcement tools already in place. Councilman Bill Jewitt noted the need to discuss the potential impact to EHUs should the town eliminate GRFA (Gross Residential Floor Area). Councilman Chuck Ogilby suggested Forrest and Police Chief Dwight Henninger meet to develop a proposal to address some of the issues. The eighth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance #9, regarding a • Special Development District for Four Seasons Resort. At the staffs request, Greg • Moffet moved to table second reading of an ordinance to allow for the redevelopment of the Chateau at Vail and the Vail Amoco site. Dick Cleveland seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The ordinance was tabled to Aug. 19 to address conditions of approval as they relate to off -site improvements. The applicant, Nicolet Island Development, Inc., proposes to build a Four Seasons Resort to include 118 accommodation units, 22 condominiums, 34 employee housing units, retail and restaurant uses, conference and meeting rooms and a spa and health club. The ninth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance 410, regarding Rezoning of Vail Amoco Station. Also at the staffs request, Greg Moffet moved to table second reading of a companion ordinance to rezone the Vail Amoco site from the Heavy Service zone district to the Public Accommodations zone district. Dick Cleveland seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The ordinance was tabled to Aug. 19 to accompany other approvals necessary for construction of the Four Seasons Resort which will replace the Vail Amoco station and the Chateau at Vail near the Main Vail roundabout. The tenth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. The Council agreed to proceed with designs for the reconstruction of Pirate Ship Park to include replacement of the wooden bridge over Mill Creek. At the suggestion of Councilmember Diana Donovan, the Council selected a pre -fabricated timber construction design for the bridge. In reviewing the Council's list of pending projects, Councilman Chuck Ogilby suggested • a discussion on the status of a proposal to create a Business Improvement District and the associated impacts on the town's business license fee structure and funding for special events. Ogilby also inquired about the need to reconvene the Donovan Pavilion Committee to address several issues. Councilman Rod Slifer suggested a site visit to the Vail Mountain School soccer field, which has been installed with artificial turf. The suggestion followed a comment from Dick Cleveland, who noted extensive wear and tear on Vail's natural turf fields during the three-week long Lacrosse tournament. The site visit has been scheduled for Aug. 5. As there was no further business, Greg Moffet moved to adjourn. Bill Jewitt seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M. Respectfully submitted, XZ,,,:7,�., Ludwig Kurz, Mar 0 n U • • ATTEST: LDo aldson, Town Clerk Minutes taken by Pam Brandmeyer and Suzanne Silverthorn. 6