HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-02 Town Council MinutesII
Vail Town Council Evening Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
6:00 P.M.
Vail Town Council Chambers
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council convened at approximately 6:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, August 2, 2005.
Council Members present: Rod Slifer, Mayor
Dick Cleveland, Mayor Pro-Tem
Diana Donovan
Farrow Hitt
Kent Logan
Kim Ruotolo
Greg Moffet
Staff Members Present: Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer, Asst. Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
0 The first item on the agenda was Citizen Input. There was no citizen input.
The second item on the agenda was a Referendum C & D Information Presentation.
Colorado State Senator Jack Taylor stated he was one of the first Republican Senators
to back the referendums. According to Taylor, "The referendums are not a TABOR fix,
they are a budget fix ... If we do not have a budget fix we will have to cut $300-400 million
per fiscal year ... Higher education is the last place we can go to look for money to
balance the budget." He then emphasized, "You are getting a lot of bad information.
(regarding information opposing Referendum C & D)... This involves no new taxes ... I am
not talking about a permanent de-Brucing. I am talking about a five year relaxation of
TABOR." Town Manager Stan Zemler announced a resolution supporting the
Referendum would be brought forward in the following weeks.
The third item on the agenda was an Early Childhood Initiative. Kathleen Forinash and
Diane Johnson provided a summary of the efforts of the local Early Childhood Initiative.
The Early Childhood Initiative is a community effort to identify early childhood needs and
develop a shared plan to meet those needs. Johnson stated, "Early childhood is the
most important time for brain development and success later on in life. You get a bigger
bang for your buck in the early childhood years."
The fourth item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. Approval of July 5 and July
19 evening session minutes. Donovan moved and Logan seconded a motion to approve
the minutes without amendment. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
0
The fifth item on the agenda was a Construction Update. Public Works Director Greg
Hall stated streetscape work on Gore Creek Drive and P3&J were completed. Hall also
reported the, "the Four Seasons completed the potholing work and are deciding how
they want to install their utilities." He also reported paving in Lionshead Plaza and Mall
would take place on Aug. 8 and the West Vail roundabout would be paved Tuesday or
Wednesday evening. Logan asked how much of the Village would be finished in the fall
of 2005. Hall replied it will not all be finished. Work delays at the Lodge at Vail would
prevent completion of streetscape work on Gore Creek Drive in 2005.
The sixth item on the agenda was the Second reading of Ordinance No. #17, Series of
2004, an ordinance amending Special Development District (SDD) #4, Cascade Village,
to allow for the creation of Development Area. On August 17, 2004; October 5, 2004;
January 4, 2005; May 3, 2005; and June 21, 2005, Council tabled the second reading of
Ordinance No. #17, Series of 2004, to allow the applicant additional time to resolve
issues related to the protective covenants. The outstanding protective covenant issues
had not yet been resolved; therefore, Vail Resorts requested that the second reading of
Ordinance No. #17, Series of 2004, again be tabled to a future Council meeting. Moffet
moved and Logan seconded a motion to table the item until Sept. 6, 2005. Representing
Vail Resorts, Jay Peterson stated a vote of the homeowners (resolving the covenant
issues) in the Track K area would be completed by Sept. 6, 2005. The motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
The seventh item on the agenda was the First reading of Ordinance No. #17, Series of
2005, an ordinance amending the Vail Land Use Plan pursuant to Chapter VIII of the
Vail Land Use Plan, adding the Chamonix Parcel as Tract 43 in the "Inventory and
Assessment of Town Owned Property" contained in Chapter VII, Community Facilities,
and setting forth. Town Planner Matt Gennett announced on July 20, 2004, upon the
recommendation of a council -citizen -staff review committee, Council authorized the
Town Manager to hire the planning team of Davis Partnership/Michael Hazard
Associates to facilitate a master land use plan for a fire station on the town -owned
Chamonix property at 2310 Chamonix Road. On January 24, 2005, the Planning and
Environmental Commission (PEC) held a work session to consider a proposed draft
Land Use Plan for the Chamonix parcel, hear public input, and discuss the other
possible uses on site which would be in addition to the primary fire station use. On June
27, 2005, the PEC unanimously approved a proposed land use plan and a site plan
produced by the collaborative efforts of the committee, staff, and Davis
Partnership/Michael Hazard Associates to be used as a guide for future land uses on the
Chamonix Parcel. Moffet moved and Ruotolo seconded a motion to approve the
ordinance. Cleveland stated Bob Armour, a neighborhood resident, had called to
express his support in retaining an easement on the south side of the property to be
used for fire truck egress. Donovan stated she would not support the ordinance as she
felt the project was being forced on the land and that a more suitable location for the fire
station might be found as a result of a West Vail master planning effort. Zemler stated
project funding from the county had been secured and the fire station project was in the
"queue." Cleveland expressed the need to move forward. The motion passed 6-1, with
Donovan dissenting.
The eighth item on the agenda was the First Reading of Ordinance No. #1, Series of
2005, an ordinance establishing Special Development District (SDD) No. #39. Senior
Planner Warren Campbell reported on April 25, 2005, the town PEC held a public
hearing on a request to establish SDD No. #39, Crossroads. The purpose of the new
SDD is to facilitate the redevelopment of Crossroads, located at 141 and 143 Meadow
Drive. Upon review of the request, the PEC voted 7-0-0 to forward a recommendation of
approval of the request to establish SDD No. 39, Crossroads, to Council. On June 21,
2005, Council tabled the First Reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2005, and directed
staff and the applicant to address several concerns. Town Attorney Matt Mire polled the
Council to verify no ex-parte communication had taken place prior to the evening's
meeting. All stated none had taken place. The applicant Peter Knobel thanked Council,
staff, PEC and Vail residents who had been a part of his application process.
Representing the applicant, Dominic Mauriello stated the applicant had holistically tried
to address comments made by Council on June 21 as there had not been a true
consensus on the desired size and design. Mauriello emphasized the project would
utilize high quality architecture and indigenous construction materials to develop a high
quality alpine form. He also stressed traffic studies indicated a roundabout east of the
property on the South Frontage Road was not necessary. Moffet clarified the proposed
project included 189,900 sq. ft. of residential property and 61,000 sq. ft. of commercial
not including 13,000 sq. ft. of theater space. Moffet also inquired as to the use of any
surplus parking. Mauriello stated additional parking stalls would be included in a parking
club. Ron Byrne thanked Zemler and Council for the public amenities recently created
throughout town by the redevelopment. Byrne then spoke in support of the project. Bob
McNichols, Joni Taylor, Mark Gordon, Tim Moffet, James Deighan, Kaye Graybill, Bill
Walsh, Tim Barkes, Todd Grappa, Bert Nordstram, Pete Seibert Jr., Jimmy Brenner,
Gary Davis, Louise Frezzaca, Christi Banowitz, Michelle Guernie, Johannes Faessler,
Jean Paul Frezzaca, John Armbrust, and Stan Cope spoke in support of the project. Bill
Ray asked if the town would own any of the public art and expressed concern the
proposed bowling alley and arcade would create an increase in crime. Elaine Kelton
stated the project was too large but the area needed to be regentrified. Anne Marie
Perrin Mueller asked for more diversity of use for the project. Ruotolo clarified Anne
Reilly Bishop represented the Vail Village Inn Plaza III, Condominium Association, Board
of Managers, as opposed to all of the owners. Connie Miller, representing adjacent
property owners, spoke against the project. Ernie Scheller, Village Inn Plaza III
condominium owner, stated Anne Bishop did represent him. Gwen Scalpello
complimented the amenities of the project although spoke against its size and scale.
Karl Hochtl, Roberta Scheller, John Hunter, Dean Hall, Ann Reilly Bishop, Joe Staufer,
Jonathon Staufer, Wendy Losasso and Hermann Staufer spoke against the project. Luc
Meyer questioned whether the project could maintain the service standards for which
Vail is known. Jim Lamont, representing the Vail Village Homeowners Association,
encouraged on -site housing and lodging as well as a South Frontage Road master plan.
He then stated Council and town staff can not slow redevelopment down. Vail Village
Association Chairman Alan Kosloff encouraged Council to continue to work on
compromises. Rick Scalpello expressed his support for the condominium component of
the project, stating second homeowners are of great economic importance to the
community. Moffet stated the Village atmosphere had never been Crossroads. "We have
to evolve to maintain civic and economic vitality." Ruotolo echoed Moffet's comments
and stated the project met the requirements put forth by the Vail Village Master Plan and
its subsequent zoning. Cleveland began by complimenting members of the audience for
their attendance and civic pride. Cleveland expressed concern over the height of the
building. "It is urban, overpowering and not compatible with the neighborhood." He also
stated he did not approve of the employee housing being off -site and encouraged a
lie rental incentive program. "I am not prepared to support this at this time and the deviation
from the underlying zoning does not coincide with the public benefit." Logan also
thanked the audience members for their participation. He then stated he believed the
• reduction in square footage was meaningful economically. While discussing roof height
Logan stated, "Is the October roof line (original project design) really the relevant
comparative? This building, as proposed, changes the character of this town." Donovan
reiterated Logan and Cleveland's comments. "Everyone agrees we need these
amenities, but they do not need to be in a building this tall ... There is a commonality of
the architecture in Vail and this building does not have it." She then encouraged a time
limit for construction if the project was approved. Hitt stated he was, "not hung up on the
project not being 'Alpine' enough for Vail." He emphasized the location of project was
appropriate for its size and encouraged an easement be negotiated for the ice rink. Slifer
stated, "I think we have come a long way but we aren't there yet." Slifer also mentioned
the staff memo did not indicate a Council requested reduction in height. He also
expressed concern over the height of the building as, "It rises literally straight up." Moffet
moved to approve the ordinance with Hitt seconding. Moffet stated he was disgusted
and ashamed as to how Council had failed to give the applicant appropriate direction.
Knobel asked for guidance. He stated, "You can't have it both ways, if you want the
plaza you have to have the height... Someone who is capable of financing a $232 million
project is also capable of doing nothing." Donovan responded, "I think you are married to
this tower concept for your condominiums." The motion failed 3-4, with Slifer, Donovan,
Logan and Cleveland dissenting. Mire recommended tabling the item only if specific
direction was given to the developer. Mire stated the project would possibly change
based on Council direction. Hitt asked why the Ordinance #17, Series of 2004 was able
to be tabled for over a year. Logan asked if the PEC and Council could hold a joint
meeting with the applicant. Mire answered yes. Bishop requested the ordinance be
tabled or remanded and the applicant return with a project consistent with Council
direction. Hitt moved to table the item until the second meeting in August with Moffet
seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Zemler asked if staff addressed the
height issue if the project might have a better chance to be successful. "They need to be
able to be creative with what we give them ... What three things are most important?"
Zemler asked. Moffet recommended having a discussion with the applicant during a
work session. Zemler recommended having the discussion during the August 16 work
session. Hermann Staufer requested a clarification on legal procedure.
The ninth item on the agenda was the First Reading of Ordinance No. #16, Series of
2005, an ordinance amending Title 12, Zoning Regulations, Vail Town Code, to amend
the Commercial Service Center (CSC) District to add "bowling alley" as a conditional use
to the District and to add a definition of a "bowling alley" to the Vail Town Code. Senior
Planner Warren Campbell stated on April 25, 2005, the Town of Vail Planning and
Environmental Commission voted 6-0-0 (Gunion absent) to forward a recommendation
of approval for a proposed text amendment to the Commercial Service Center (CSC)
District to add "bowling alley" as a conditional use and to add a definition for a "bowling
alley" to the Vail Town Code. On June 21, 2005, the Town Council tabled the First
Reading of Ordinance No. #16, Series of 2005, without hearing a presentation. Moffet
moved, with Ruotolo seconding a motion to approve to table the item to Aug. 16. The
motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The tenth item on the agenda was the First Reading of Ordinance No. #18, Series of
2005, an ordinance amending Section 12-71-1-12, Density (Dwelling Units Per Acre), Vail
Town Code, to allow multiple attached accommodation units within a dwelling unit
located within the Lionshead Mixed Use 1 zone district. On June 27, 2005, the PEC
held a public hearing on a request for a final review of a text amendment to Section 12-
71-1-12, Density (Dwelling Units Per Acre), Vail Town Code, pursuant to Chapter 12-3,
4
Amendments, Vail Town Code, to allow multiple attached accommodation units within a
dwelling unit, and setting forth details in regard thereto (PEC05-0040). Ruther stated,
upon consideration of the text amendment request, the PEC voted 5-0 to forward a
recommendation of approval of the request to Council. Moffet moved with Ruotolo
seconding a motion to approve. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The eleventh item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Zemler stated the
Eagle County Board of Commissioners had invited Council to attend the Eagle County
Fair & Radio and VIP passes were available.
The twelfth item on the agenda was Adjournment. Moffet moved with Cleveland
seconding a motion to adjourn at approximately 11:38 p.m. The motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
N - L
ZSRAL .
ATTEST -
��oRAoo
Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk
Minutes provided by Corey Swisher.
Rodney
Rodney E. Slifer, Mayor
5