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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-19 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Evening Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 6:00 P.M. Vail Town Council Chambers The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was called to order at approximately 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Rod Slifer. Members present: Rod Slifer, Mayor Dick Cleveland, Mayor Pro-Tem Diana Donovan, Farrow Hitt, Kent Logan Greg Moffet Kim Ruotolo, Staff Members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager Matt Mire, Town Attorney Pam Brandmeyer, Asst. Town Manager The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Avon Mayor Buz Reynolds, a 0 candidate for Eagle County Commissioner, discussed his platform, noting a desire to increase communications between the county and the towns. Reynolds also introduced his support for a five -member commission for greater representation. Referring to economic development, Reynolds expressed the desire to build an economic climate in the county where children who grow up in Eagle County can return and find opportunity. Addressing 1-70 traffic mitigation, Reynolds stated more asphalt is not the answer. He concluded by encouraging Council to continue to support local ski areas in their attempts to improve. Paul Rondeau questioned the upcoming Vail Recreation District (VRD) ballot proposal 5B. This initiative requested bond authorization to fund clubhouse/Nordic Center redevelopment at the Vail Golf Course. Rondeau said any type of long term financing, such as bonds to pay for improvements, would not be retired until after the existing lease of the town -owned property expired. Slifer stated no dialogue with the VRD had taken place regarding financing or lease agreements. Zemler stated he would get back to Rondeau. The second item on the agenda was the Streetscape Update. Public Works Director Greg Hall announced the new snowmelt system was operational on Lower Bridge Street. In addition, quality control issues were being addressed as they related to pavers. Hall continued, Earl Eaton Plaza was nearly completed and the restrooms were awaiting a certificate of occupancy. Hall also noted pavers on Wall Street would be completed soon and utility work on Hanson Ranch Road would continue while some additional paving on Hanson Ranch and Gore Creek Drive might need to occur. Overall, the project was reported to be on schedule and continuing to move forward. Donovan inquired as to the status of the Pirate Ship Park rebuild. Hall replied preliminary reports, 7 suggested by his eight -year -old daughter, indicated a superior pirate ship structure was 01 being constructed The third item on the agenda was the Pulis Covenant Removal, an Amendment to Covenants, Vail Valley 3rd Filing. Introducing this item, Mire stated the item removed antiquated covenants on two tracts of town -owned property, and the town was acting merely as a property owner. Mire then recommended Council authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement to remove the covenants. Slifer recused himself from the item. Donovan stated the covenants are currently a part of design guidelines and inquired as to the actual location of the tracts. Jay Peterson, representing both Vail Resorts and George Lamb, a local real estate broker, identified the town -owned tracts to be located on Sunbird Drive which are subject to avalanche risk. Moffet moved and Ruotolo seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0 (Slifer recused). The fourth item on the agenda was Conference Center Site Planning and Design Update. Community Development Director Russ Forrest informed Council that conference center designers/architects Fentress Bradburn would be providing an update on progress for master planning the site and the design team wanted to review several options before plans are finalized. Forrest also stated the design team would introduce three alternative architectural concepts (alpine traditional, contemporary and natural environment) prior to reviewing them in public meetings scheduled to occur on Oct. 20. Mike Winters, representing Fentress Bradburn, began by explaining illustrated blocking and stacking diagrams for three proposed options. Winters explained the diagrams remained in the developmental stages and more responsive elevation diagrams would be presented in a few weeks. After receiving citizen input, Council agreed the conference center should be viewed as an architectural icon for the town. Council also consented it would make the ultimate determination of what architectural design would be used for the project; however, it was acknowledged community consensus would be an important component in leading to the success of the project. Vehicular access, parking, solar exposure of the meeting rooms and building to the budget, as opposed to building to needs and requirements, highlighted Council dialogue. Council directed staff and the project designers to continue gathering community input on the design concepts. During public comment, George Knox, Paul Rondeau, Gordon Pierce, Bill Jewitt, David Viele and Jim Lamont applauded the project, encouraging Council to continue to harvest and assimilate public input regarding design/costs and building materials. The fifth item on the agenda was an appeal of the September 1, 2004, Design Review Board (DRB) approval of a proposal made by Vail Viking, Ltd. to build a new single family residence ("Keck Residence") located at 4916 Juniper Lane/ Lot 4, Block 5, Bighorn 5th Addition, by the owners of 4839 Meadow Drive/Lot 17, Block 5, Bighorn 5" Addition, Robert and Kathryn Valleau. Council upheld, by a vote of 6-1 (Donovan opposed), the DRB's unanimous decision to approve the proposed new residence located at 4916 Juniper Lane/Lot 4, Block 5, Bighorn 5th Addition, as the design met the criteria of the Design Guidelines and the Development Standards Handbook of the Vail Town Code. Moffet made the motion and Ruotolo seconded. Donovan based her opposition on matters she believed went beyond the specific criteria of DRB guidelines. The appellant, Robert Valleau, made a presentation of the reasons behind his request to overturn the DRB approval and cited different decisions made by the DRB as the project has evolved through the process. Dominic Mauriello, the representative for Vail Viking Ltd., the applicant, made a presentation in support of the proposed Keck residence and demonstrated its compliance with all of the design guidelines and development 2 standards. Wendell Porterfield, also representing Vail Viking Ltd., spoke in favor of upholding the appeal and questioned the validity of a Valleau petition because it was presented at a separate PEC hearing and action. Citizen input was given which supported both sides of the issues involved and Council ultimately upheld the DRB decision. Bill Pierce, neighbor, architect for the project and DRB member spoke in favor of the DRB decision and encouraged Council to uphold the decision. James Fitz, local horticulturalist, questioned the survivability of proposed vegetation on the site. Tony Rieson, Richard Leslie and Maurey McContney spoke in support of the Valleau appeal. The sixth item on the agenda was the first Reading of Ordinance No. #24, Series of 2004, an ordinance establishing Special Development District (SDD) No. 38, Manor Vail Lodge.The purpose of the new SDD is to facilitate the redevelopment of the Manor Vail Lodge, located at 595 Vail Valley Drive. Upon review of the request, the PEC voted to forward a recommendation of approval of the request to establish Special Development District No. 38, Manor Vail Lodge, to the Vail Town Council. Senior Planner Warren Campbell announced the applicant was proposing to utilize town owned tennis courts for staging of construction materials, located on the parcel of land adjacent to Manor Vail Lodge along Vail Valley Drive and in return the applicant would resurface the courts. Campbell also explained the new development would encroach 34 square feet into town owned stream tract. Representing East West Partners, Chuck Madison articulated what he believed to be advantages to the town that the Manor Vail Lodge development/redevelopment would provide. Representing Zehren and Associates, Brian Sipes provided a visual presentation of the proposed development/redevelopment. Sipes went on to say the 17 new units would facilitate redevelopment funding for a 40 year old property. Madison and Sipes also stated allowing the staging on the tennis courts would allow the project to be completed quicker and require fewer construction vehicle deliveries. Vail Village Homeowners Representative, Jim Lamont, spoke in favor of the project. Representing the All Seasons Condominiums Association, Christelle Beck articulated the project would be disruptive to the surrounding neighborhood. Logan communicated he felt the project would create a much needed visual improvement to the area. Moffet and Donovan expressed concern regarding the ability to include new condominium units in the town's "hot bed" rental pool. Hitt stated he did not want to set a precedent by allowing for stream tract intrusion. Council also asked for an investigation of possible impact fees for parking clubs. Council then questioned the proposed public improvements surrounding the master planning and streetscaping of the abutting thoroughfares, Chalet Road and Gore Creek Drive. Donovan asked if town staff could provide design/survey services so the majority of capital provided for public improvements could be used for construction. Town staff, Madison and Sipes assured Council all concerns would be addressed. Ruotolo moved to approve the ordinance with Logan seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The seventh item on the agenda was Resolution No. #20, Series 2004. A resolution approving the Gore Place Development Agreement between the Town of Vail, the Vail Reinvestment Authority and the Vail Corporation, D/B/A Vail Associates, Inc., a Colorado Corporation, pertaining to certain respective rights and responsibilities of the Town and Vail Associates in relation to the Gore Creek owned by Vail Associates and Affiliates. Council unanimously approved the resolution 6-0, as Slifer recused himself from the item. Moffet moved the motion with Ruotolo seconding. The eighth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No. #22, Series 2004. Adoption of Core Site Development Improvement Agreement between the Town of Vail the Vail Reinvestment Authority and the Vail Corporation, D/B/A Vail Associates, Inc., a Colorado Corporation which agreement pertains to certain respective rights and responsibilities of the Town and Vail Associates in relation to the Core Development Site owned by Vail Associates and Affiliates. Council unanimously approved the ordinance 6-0, with Slifer recused. Moffet moved and Hitt seconded the motion. Jay Peterson, representing Vail Resorts, requested a financing contingency be placed in the agreement related to adequate pre -sales and other factors. Council then expressed gratitude for town staff's diligent work in the lengthy negotiations leading up to the ordinance. Logan then gave thanks to Vail Resorts for their significant private investment. Moffet moved, with Hitt seconding, amending the motion to add the financing contingency to the agreement. The Vail Reinvestment Authority approved two Development Improvement Agreements contingent upon Council approving Resolution No. #20 and Ordinance No. #22. The ninth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 21, Series 2004, a resolution approving the Parking Capital Investment Agreement between the Town of Vail and Vail Associates. Mire stated Vail Associates had agreed to invest up to $4.3 million to augment the town's public parking capability, pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement and the Agreement could not become effective until it had been adopted and approved by the Town Council via resolution. Moffet moved to approve the resolution with Ruotolo seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Then tenth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report ➢ Skateboard Park Zemler and Mire stated the skate park structure had been condemned, and in the 2005 budget overview, staff is recommending returning the issue of a permanent skate park to the Capital Committee for site recommendation, as well as moving the 2007 RETT funding forward to 2005 for design and 2006 for construction. Moffet recommended Council make a site visit to Aspen's skate park. Other Council members mentioned there are several other well -designed skate parks more locally located. Zemler asked for input as to a possible location for a new skateboard park in Vail. ➢ Outdoor Primitive Ice Skating Surface Zemler announced at the Capital Committee meeting on Oct. 7, direction was given to the staff of both the Vail Recreation District (VRD) and TOV to assemble cost estimates for an outdoor ice surface adjacent to the golf course clubhouse. Additionally, Council received input from a VRD board member following VRD's discussion Oct. 12, with further clarification from Jody Blackburn, VRD's finance director. It was possible these costs could be reduced considerably for this upcoming season if: a) --Dasher boards are eliminated and a natural snow berm is created. b) --Grass seed or artificial sod (1 time cost) is used rather than regular sod. c) --Under the "Electrical" category, the first two items in re: to switch gear and lighting panel are already to be eliminated as this was work that would have to have been completed to bring the facility up to code only if the bubble went back up. It is not required for an outdoor ice surface only. 4 d) --Under labor, the proposal for VRD to supply three workers and the town 0 five workers. With direction from Council, town employees can be used for this project but will be displaced from work assignments already in place. In the past, as well, staff has been asked to give an overall effective cost to the town, which is why the labor is included. Brandmeyer then explained elimination of the above materials would amount to $16,230 in savings. She further communicated the VRD stated they would utilize $5,000 identified for Ice Dome storage if the aforementioned item was sold. Zemler ended the discussion by stating he did not recommend utilizing significant town staff time or resources to maintain a second sheet of ice based on the fact the VRD has a specific mission to provide such recreational amenities and the town did not. Donovan reinforced Zemler's statement by noting what she described as lip service from the VRD. Slifer then stated the Nov. 2 evening meeting start time may change due to community interest in watching the presidential election returns. The eleventh item on the agenda was adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:15 p.m. Moffet moved and Ruotolo seconded to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Respectfully Submitted, • ATTEST: r ( J x�d'l6-f.C� Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk Minutes provided by Corey Swisher. • Rodney E. Slifer, Mayor