HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-19 Town Council Minutes• Vail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
6:00 P.M.
Vail Town Council Chambers
Council Members present:
Staff Members present:
VRD Members present:
(Vail Recreation District)
• Recreation Staff present:
Rod Slifer, Mayor
Farrow Hitt, Mayor Pro-Tem
Kim Ruotolo
Greg Moffet
Kent Logan
Kevin Foley
Mark Gordon
Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Pam Brandmeyer, Asst. Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
Scott Proper
Ken Wilson
Michelle Hall
Rick Sackbauer
Michelle Hall
Mike Ortiz, Exec. Director
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Representing Radio Free
Minturn, Brian James reported the station began broadcasting June 23`d of this year and
the station is operated by unpaid volunteers. Their mission is three fold: (1) to present
an alternative music source; (2) to provide educational opportunities for adults and
students (they are currently partnering with Eagle County schools and have students on
air on Fridays); and (3) to provide a public service. They have no commercials, only
public service announcements. They will begin streaming on the web in the next two
weeks.
Mayor Slifer announced Vail had once again been named #1 ski resort for the 14th time
in 19 years.
The second item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. No items were addressed.
The third item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
a. Construction Update
Public Works Director Greg Hall reported crews are continuing with streetscape
improvements on East Meadow Drive, including placing pavers on private property in
• Vail Village. Work on the pedestrian bridge over Gore Creek will take place next week
and boiler work is underway in the Village parking structure. Also, Vail Plaza Hotel &
• Club will start public improvements on the Frontage Road pending approvals from the
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Trenching is occurring at the east and
west ends of LionsHead Place. On the LionsHall Mall, pavers will be installed from Bart
and Yeti's toward the gondola in the next two weeks. Also, the Bighorn Park playground
renovation had begun. Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD) was reported
to be working in the Streamside area in West Vail. Zemler noted the fire pit on Wall
Street was operational on. Also, a newsstand had been installed in LionsHead to be
operated by Vail Resorts.
Zemler advised Council the start of paid parking would coincide with the opening of ski
season on Nov. 17 as recommended by the Vail Parking Task Force. Mark Gordon
noted the need to increase bus service with the start of paid parking. Greg Hall stated
that although full bus service would not begin until December 10, the summer -plus
schedule could be offered, although it is not currently funded. Greg Moffet asked if the
incremental income from the early opening of paid parking could pay for the increased
bus service. Hall was directed to return to Council on October 3 with cost estimates for
the added service.
Update Regarding Expenditure of Vail Local Marketing District Funds Zemler reported
the Vail Local Marketing District gave clear direction to the Advisory Council earlier in the
day. The direction is to continue to leverage valley wide amenities through visual
photography. However, those amenities would not be eligible to be listed as participating
businesses in a campaign, such as the recent "8150" promotion.
. The fourth item on the agenda was the Vail Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Chris
Dropinski and Karen Brannon of Greenplay presented their study findings. They had
completed a mapping and inventory of recreation assets in the district and met with'the
combined Town/Recreation District subcommittee. The mapping of facilities looked at
who they serve and their condition. They scored the facilities on community access and
found that Ford Park scored highest and indoor facilities such as Dobson ice arena
scored much lower. The map combined scoring of all components (indoor and outdoor).
In addition, their findings showed:
1. In some cases fees were not as high as they could be, but neither was the
experience.
2. The town needs to update their agreements with the Recreation District and they are
moving forward with that.
3. Deferred maintenance of facilities needs to be taken care of and the cost needs to be
determined to decide whether to renovate or rebuild.
4. Capital priorities: (1) Golf course clubhouse; (2) the Imagination Station; and (3) Ford
Park Redesign to address conflicts in activities and lack of parking.
5. Facility and permitting process limits recreational programming for residents and
tourists. Need to increase special events such as Lacrosse, Ride the Rockies and
cultural events.
6. Need to increase partnerships and use resources efficiently.
7. No non-resident fee structure in place.
Dropinsky then asked Council if they agreed with these areas of focus. Mark Gordon
noted in the Vail 20/20 meetings they heard that a swimming pool was needed and'that
• was not represented in the Greenplay report. Kent Logan said he was struck by the lack
of use at Dobson arena. Vail Recreation District Director Mike Ortiz said that while they
PPA
• are working on increasing the number of special events with concerts coming in
February and March of 2007, other programming at Dobson is going well. Rick
Sackbauer, Recreation District board member, said some of the areas of focus listed for
the future should be moved to the present. He stated that the Board is ready to move
forward. He noted the need to update the Ford Park Master Plan, which was adopted in
1997. Mayor Slifer directed staff to provide copies of the current plan to the board
members and asked the recreation board to make suggestions on modifications. Greg
Moffet said there is a need to balance programming between special events and ice time
at Dobson. He offered support for the current areas of focus and reiterated the need to
update agreements and clarify obligations since capital improvements are a high priority.
Kim Newbury expressed her interest in using Dobson more frequently as a special event
venue, especially since the conference center was voted down. Farrow Hitt identified
capital improvements and marketing as his top priorities. He offered support to move
ahead, noting the importance of the town and Recreation District working together. Kevin
Foley suggested the town and recreation district should bring a combined mill levy
increase before voters. Moffet agreed. Foley reiterated the need for a skate park. Zemler
said design of a skate park is being recommended in the 2007 budget once a location is
identified. Michelle Hall, Recreation District board member, said she has seen increased
momentum during her tenure as a board member. She identified addressing the various
contracts and agreements between the town and Recreation District as her No. 1
priority. Jim Lamont, representing the Vail Village Homeowners Association, asked for
clarification regarding use of the term "residents," to which Zemler said the term was
inclusive to include part-time residents. Lamont suggested the process needs
opportunities for additional public input. He cautioned the group to be clear about
"wants" versus "needs" and to prioritize and address current and future infrastructure
• requirements before adding wish list items. He also noted there are two different
constituencies for the town and the district. Anne Marie Mueller asked that a central
location be added in Vail Village to give out information on mountaineering and hiking
guides to those who wish to avail themselves of those services and cited examples of
such in Jackson Hole and Estes Park. She stated that this information can only be
obtained from the Forest Service in Minturn at this time. Sarah Will introduced her new
non-profit organization for people with disabilities called Axsvailvalley.org. She offered
advice regarding an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) report on the U.S. Justice
Department website and expressed interest in discussing improvements in accessing
parking and recreation facilities. Scott Proper advised her to check with District staff on
that issue and invited everyone to come to the Recreation District Board meeting next
Tuesday at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. At the conclusion of the presentation,
Council and the District pledged to work together and Mike Ortiz said they will work
within the subcommittee and with Greenplay and come back to Council and the
Recreation Board with their recommendations.
The fifth item on the agenda was Vail 20/20 Update & Next Steps
Russ Forrest recapped the 20/20 process and asked the Council for direction. Council
advised that staff's next steps are on track and to proceed to develop a strategic plan.
The sixth item on the agenda was the Rational Nexus Study done by RRC Associates.
The was tabled and a special work session was scheduled for October 10, 2006.
The seventh item on the agenda was an appeal of the Town of Vail Design Review
• Board's denial of an application to allow for exterior changes to Lifthouse Lodge located
at 555 East LionsHead Circle. Presentations were made by the applicant and the DRB.
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• Motion by Moffet, seconded by Hitt to overturn the decision of the DRB.Council voted to
overturn 4-2. (No, Gordon and Newbury; Foley abstaining).
The eighth item on the agenda was an appeal of the Town of Vail Planning and
Environmental Commission's denial of a request for floodplain modifications to allow for
modifications to the Town of Vail White Water Park, in the Gore Creek floodplain,
generally located east of the International Bridge on Willow Bridge Road.
Matt Mire stated that the Town of Vail Public Works is the applicant.
Motion by Moffet, seconded by Newbury to overturn the decision of the PEC subject to
the following findings:
1. The proposed floodplain modification will not increase the quantity or velocity of flood
waters, based upon the technical analysis prepared by River Restoration.Org, LLC
dated July 13, 2006 and analysis by the Town of Vail Floodplain Coordinator.
2. The proposed floodplain modification will not adversely affect adjacent properties,
based upon the technical analysis prepared by River Restoration.Org, LLC dated July
13, 2006 and analysis by the Town of Vail Floodplain Coordinator.
3. The proposed floodplain modification will not have an adverse affect on the
environment, based upon the technical analysis prepared by River Restoration. 0 rg,
LLC dated July 13, 2006 and analysis by the Town of Vail Floodplain Coordinator."
• Council voted 5-2 to overturn the PEC decision. (Slifer and Hitt against)
The ninth item on the agenda was Phase II of The Spraddle Creek Relocation Project.
Motion by Moffet, seconded by Hitt to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a
contract with Western Slope Utilities, in an amount up to $265,000 to construct the
Spraddle Creek Improvement Project subject to obtaining easements with Nine Vail
Road and Four Seasons. Council approved 7-0.
The tenth item on the agenda was a Utility Easement in favor of Qwest along Middle
Creek to West Meadow Drive.
Motion by Moffet, seconded by Newbury to direct the Town Manager to grant a 10' utility
easement across Lot 10, Tract A and Tract C, in a form approved by the Town Attorney,
with Qwest, and to require wetlands mitigation that complies with Corps of Engineers
standards and to require use of construction mitigation to prevent erosion during
construction. Council approved 7-0.
The eleventh item on the agenda was First reading of Ordinance No. 20, Series 2006,
An Ordinance Repealing and Reenacting Title 5, Chapter 9 'Wildlife Protection," Vail
Town Code; Establishing Regulations and Standards Regarding the Protection of
Wildlife; and setting forth details in regard thereto.
Motion by Hitt, seconded by Logan to approve Ordinance 20, Series of 2006 to be
. amended as follows:
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• The definition of refuse is to be consistent with other definitions in the code
Under 5.9.3 A. strike last sentence
Under 5-9-3 B. we strike "plastic bags contained"; and
That the Town shall come into compliance at the same time the rest of the Town does.
Council approved as amended 7-0.
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The twelfth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 18, Series 2006, A Resolution
Approving the Consolidated Service Plan for Solaris Metropolitan District No. 1, Solaris
Metropolitan District No. 2, and Solaris Metropolitan District No. 3. Motion by Moffet,
seconded by Logan to adopt Resolution No. 18, Series of 2006 as read. Council
approved 7-0.
The thirteenth item on the agenda was First reading of Ordinance No. 24, Series of
2006. An Ordinance Concerning the Organization of a General Improvement District in
the Town of Vail; Accepting the Petition for the Organization of Such General
Improvement District, and Making Certain Findings and Determinations; Waiving all
requirements for Notice, Publications; Waiving all Requirements for Notice, Publication
and Hearing of the Formation of the General Improvement District; Establishing and
Creating the Town of Vail General Improvement District No. 1; Town of Vail, Colorado;
and Providing Other Details Relating Thereto.
Matt Mire noted there is an amendment to Section 8 to add Exhibit C. Section 10 of the
Ordinance and Section 9 of the Petitiion will also be amended to remove Peter Noble,
Craig Cohn and Jon Boord from governance of the Advisory Board.
Motion made by Moffet, seconded by Gordon to adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 24,
Series of 2006, and to strike the wording in Section 10 of the Ordinance and Section 9
of the Petition to remove Peter Noble, Craig Cohn and Jon Boord from the Advisory
Board. Council approved 7-0.
The fourteenth item on the agenda was First reading of Ordinance No. 25, Series of
2006. An Ordinance Designated by the Short Title "Election Ordinance"; Providing for an
Election Concerning the Town of Vail General Improvement District No. 1, Town of Vail,
Colorado for the Purpose of Submitting to the Electors of Said District the Proposition of
Imposing Property Taxes for the Purpose of Paying Costs of Operating and Maintaining
Certain Public Improvements and to Allow the District to Collect, Retain and Spend Non
Property Tax Revenues; and Prescribing other Details in Connection with Said Election
and Indebtedness; Repealing Any Action Heretofore Taken in Conflict Herewith; and
Ratifying Actions Previously Taken in Connection Therewith.
Matt Mire stated this will allow the Town of Vail to tax the General Improvement District
(GID) up to 15 mils or $660,000 if the District defaults on its operating and maintenance
responsibilities for the public plaza at Solaris. The Ordinance as presented had allowed
taxing up to 10 mils or $440,000.
Motion by Moffet, seconded by Newbury to approve on first reading Ordinance No. 25,
Series of 2006, with amendments read into the record by the Town Attorney. Council
approved 7-0
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• The fifteenth item on the agenda was adjournment. Moffet moved with Newbury
seconding a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 P.M. The motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
ATTEST:
L elei 2onaldson, Town Clerk
Minutes provided by Mary Ann Best.
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Rodney E. lifer Ma
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