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,
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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
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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.
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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,
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ATTEST:
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Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk
Minutes provided by Corey Swisher.
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Rodney E. Slifer, Mayor