Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-20 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Evening Meeting Minutes • Tuesday, March 20, 2007 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 Farrow Hitt, Mayor Pro-Tem Kent Logan Greg Moffet Mark Gordon Kevin Foley Kim Newbury Staff Members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager Matt Mire, Town Attorney Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. • Planning and Environmental Commission member Doug Cahill suggested Council form a committee to investigate housing issues and ensure 'fair, positive and equitable ordinances." Representing the Vail Valley Board of Realtors, Asher Maslan asked for alternative legislation to address workforce housing and said the board would like to participate in additional study, if deemed appropriate. Sarah Will, executive director of Access Valley, said parking around the Town of Vail and specifically the Arrabelle at Vail Square was inadequate for disabled access and asked Council to address the issue. Representing Vail Valley Medical Center, Stan Anderson said the hospital would like to participate in future employee housing discussions. Local builder and Planning and Environmental Commission member Mike Dantas volunteered to serve on a committee or study group, if formed, to investigate appropriate affordable housing legislation. The second item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Town Attorney Matt Mire said Council had been asked to consider a change in town code allowing "reindeer cart rides" on Town of Vail streets and roads. The third item on the agenda was an Information Update. 0 Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer announced the library was being challenged • with some staffing shortages. To address the issue, beginning the week of April 23, reduced hours will occur on Thursdays for one month. Thursday was identified as the day the library is least utilized. Brandmeyer then announced a new Town Librarian would be starting work at the end of May. The current Town Librarian, Susan Boyd, is retiring. Foley encouraged Brandmeyer to effectively communicate the change of hours to library users. The fourth item on the agenda was Matters from Mayor & Council. Foley announced he had attended an Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority (ECO) meeting during the past week. He said the authority continued to struggle with funding for increased public transportation demand. He then thanked Police Chief Dwight Henninger and his staff for the department's assistance in keeping county buses safe. The fifth item on the agenda was an Eagle County Health Assessment Update. Eagle County Public Health Manager Jill Hunsaker announced the preliminary findings of a countywide health assessment. Highlights include: • 68% of Latino households have no health insurance • 48% of Eagle County households have problems accessing dental care • 25% of Eagle County third graders have untreated tooth decay • 56% of households are dealing with a chronic disease (heart, asthma, diabetes, high • blood pressure) A major source of concern is that many people use the emergency room as a means of primary care, according to Hunsaker. This is not cost effective. She said poor primary care also creates a lack of preventive screening. Motor vehicle crashes are also a significant problem throughout the county. On the other hand, Eagle County is ranked in the top ten nationally in terms of life expectancy. The sixth item on the agenda was the Vail Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Representing GreenPlay LLC, Chris Dropinsky reported that after a series of public engagements, including focus groups, a statistically valid survey, stakeholder meetings, staff interviews, and so on, the final draft of the Vail Parks and Recreation Master Plan is complete. Dropinsky's presentation included key points from the vision statement, project goals, areas of focus, recommendations and implementation. Vail Recreation District (VRD) Chairman Scott Proper asked about next steps to ensure forward progress in the implementation stage. Dropinsky said an action plan had been outlined in the formal report. Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer also explained there was a timeline provided in the comprehensive master plan and efforts to move forward had already begun. VRD Member Rick Sackbauer spoke in support of a bond issue to support and enhance recreation infrastructure. Brandmeyer responded the town had included "some" funding for recreation infrastructure and master plan implementation in the town's 2007 budget. Moffet thanked the current VRD Board for allowing "progress" to occur. He also complimented town staff for their diligent efforts in producing the master • plan. Slifer also complimented the VRD Board and said Council should offer its support. 14 Gordon emphasized this was just the beginning of cooperation between the two boards. • Zemler confirmed the two boards were interested in pursuing a bond issue. Slifer said, 'We need to know the bonding capacity of the district." Logan encouraged addressing the town's strategic plan and capital needs as well. Stephen Connelly expressed concern that special events at Dobson Ice Arena would create a loss of ice time for local skating organizations. Executive Director of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Anne Cronin reminded the two boards the gardens wished to be included in any Ford Park enhancements. The seventh item on the agenda was a Noise Ordinance Discussion. As a follow up to a request by Sheika Gramshammer of Pepi's in Vail Village, the Council reviewed the town's current amplified sound ordinance. Police Commander Steve Wright recommended the current ordinance be maintained. `The Commercial Core 1 zone (mixed use) district lends itself well to the 10 p.m. amplified sound cut-off time." Slifer said amplified sound should not occur after 10 p.m. Logan clarified no other restaurants had requested an amplified sound extension. Hitt said he believed the allowed time for amplified sound should be extended. Gordon said the proposed change should be subject to more public input. Logan also invited more public discussion. Speaking on behalf of Gramshammer, Kaye Ferry said Gramshammer wished to have the decibel level and time allowances addressed. "You can have a dead village or you can have a live village." Representing the Vail Village Homeowners Association, Jim Lamont provided a history of the progression of the current sound ordinance. He then urged Council to use patience when addressing the issue. "if it ain't broke don't fix it." Council supported additional discussion regarding a proposal to extend the time and • decibel level on Friday and Saturday nights. The eighth item on the agenda was the Skatepark Contract Award. Project Manager Todd Oppenheimer asked Council to award a construction contract to Hazard County Construction from McDonough, Georgia, for the amount of $160,000.00 to build a modular skatepark on the top deck of the LionsHead parking structure. As directed by Council on January 16, 2007, staff solicited proposals from qualified skatepark ramp manufacturers to construct a modular facility. Oppenheimer recognized the group of local skaters whose assistance was invaluable in drafting the Request for Proposals, soliciting and analyzing the responses, and interviewing selected companies. Proposals were received from nine companies specializing in the construction of modular skatepark ramps. All proposals were within the $170,000 budget limits stated in the RFP. Skatepark layouts, materials, and construction techniques were reviewed by the skaters and staff. A short-list of five companies was given an opportunity to revise their proposals. Two companies were interviewed by the group and Hazard County Construction was selected as the company most qualified to meet the demands of the project. The schedule proposed by Hazard County Construction includes beginning work on the ramps on April 23, 2007 and completing the project in approximately five weeks. Hazard County will return in the fall and following spring to assist town and Vail Recreation District crews in the disassembly and reassembly of the skatepark. The cost for this service will be approximately $2,000 per trip and will be billed separately and will be paid for from the project for this fall only. Subsequent trips will be paid for from the Public Works operating budget. The total cost of providing the skatepark on the • LionsHead Parking Structure will include the rental of 6' temporary fencing as recommended by the town's insurance carrier and the rental of temporary sanitary facilities. These costs total $4,700 and will be paid for from the project account. A small • contingency was requested to cover unforeseen expenses relative to the project. Skate Park Cost Summary: Hazard County Construction $160,000 Temporary fencing and toilets $ 4,700 Fall assistance $ 2,000 Contingency $ 3.300 Total $170,000 In addition to the above costs, the in -kind value of the labor and equipment provided by the Department of Public Works and Transportation is approximately $21,000 per year. These costs will not be charged to the project. Moffet moved to approve the project and award the contract to Hazard County in the amount of $160,000 in a form approved by the Town Attorney with Hitt seconding. Gordon said Hazard County had an impressive reputation in the skating community. He then clarified the life span of the structures would be around 20 years. Hitt recommended the town require helmets be worn on the site. Mire said he would investigate insurance ramifications of such an action. Council encouraged Oppenheimer to explore ways to enhance the appearance of the jersey barriers used to outline the park. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. --2007 Street Maintenance Project, Crack Sealing Bid Approval Town Engineer Tom Kassmel asked Council to authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with Superior Asphalt to complete the 2007 Street Maintenance Project, Crack Sealing in the amount of $61,950.00. The project is budgeted in the isCapital Street Maintenance Budget. Moffet moved to approve the request with Gordon seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Foley clarified sealing would take place all over town. The ninth item on the agenda was the 2007 Capital Street Maintenance Project, Type it Slurry Seal Bid Authorization. Kassmel asked Council to authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with A-1 Chipseal Company to complete the 2007 Capital Street Maintenance Project, Type Il Slurry Seal in the amount of $89,648.00. Staff received bids from three contractors for the 2007 Capital Street Maintenance Project, Type II Slurry Seal with A-1 Chipseal Company the low bidder. The project is budgeted in the Capital Street Maintenance Budget. Moffet moved to approve the request with Gordon seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Town Engineer Tom Kassmel said the majority of the project would take place around the golf course. The tenth item on the agenda was the Spraddle Creek Reconstruction Project. Kassmel asked Council to authorize town staff to approve a change order to the 2006 Spraddle Creek Relocation Project agreement with Western Slope Utilities to complete the Spraddle Creek Relocation across West Meadow Drive. Staff received a change order request from Western Slope Utilities to complete the Spraddle Creek relocation, approximately 90 feet across Meadow Drive. This phase of the Spraddle Creek Relocation was originally scheduled to be completed with the reconstruction of West • Meadow Drive. Western Slope Utilities proposes to construct the Spraddle Creek box culvert crossing of Meadow Drive during the spring 2007 construction season at the S same time they complete their contract with the Eagle River Water and Sanitation • District's water line replacement in West Meadow Drive. Moffet moved to approve the request with Logan seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The eleventh item on the agenda was the LionsHead Parking Structure Redevelopment RFP. Town Manager Stan Zemler reported that in May, 2006, the town issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the potential redevelopment of the LionsHead parking structure. Two developers submitted proposals which had been presented and discussed with Council and the public over several months. In mid -February, one developer withdrew, leaving OpenHospitality/Hiliwood Capital Partnership (OHP) as the only proposal under consideration. On March 13, the results of three independent analyses were presented to Council: parking structure construction schedule review; property value appraisals; and financial review. Zemler asked Council to authorize staff to enter into exclusive negotiations with OHP for redevelopment of the LionsHead parking structure and simultaneously review and evaluate OHP's proposal to redevelop Timber Ridge, returning to Council within 120 days with a preliminary Development Improvement Agreement. Logan recommended staff return with a term sheet in 60 days. Moffet moved to approve Zemler's staff request with Logan seconding. Town legal representative Malcolm Murray reported Council would receive continual updates on the progress of the negotiations. 'Within 60 days you will start to see a framework and some terms." Logan asked if Council remained committed to guaranteeing a continual source of parking (third parking structure) during construction of the proposal. Hitt said he had confidence in the ability of OHP to produce a quality project. Representing OHP Mark • Masinter stated, `This gives us the opportunity to do something very special to a very special place ... We are going to do everything we said we were going to do." LionsHead business owner Bill Suarez said he was concerned about the potential absence of a West LionsHead parking structure. Rick Scalpello urged Council to move forward with the project. He then asked that Council not be responsible for any losses associated with the conference center. Masinter responded the town would have no liability. Vail Valley Partnership Executive Director/CEO Michael Robinson asked Council to support the project. Representing OHP, Jay Peterson assured Council it would be made aware of where the process stood. "We will not go away for 120 days ... We want to know what you are thinking." Zemler recommended adding a regularly scheduled agenda item to the evening Council meetings that would be used to inform the public of the status of the project. Foley expressed concern regarding the job creation of the project. Gordon thanked East West Partners (former RFP respondent) for their participation in the process and urged Council to move forward. Hitt encouraged investigating a multi -use facility as opposed to a strict conference center space. Newbury said she was impressed with Open Hospital ity/Hillwood's ability to master plan communities. The motion passed 6-1, with Foley opposed. The twelfth item on the agenda was Ordinance No. 10, Series of 2007, an Ordinance Repealing and Re-enacting Ordinance No. 5, Series of 2006, Establishing Special Development District No. 39, Crossroads. Senior Planner Warren Campbell reported on February 26, 2007, the Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission held a public hearing on a request for a major • amendment to Special Development District No. 39, Crossroads. The purpose of the major amendment is to increase the maximum allowable number of dwelling units from 69 to 75 dwelling units, located at 141 and 143 Meadow Drive, and setting forth details in • regard thereto. Upon review of the request, the Planning and Environmental Commission voted 6-0-0 to forward a recommendation of approval of the request to amend Special Development District No. 39, Crossroads, to the Vail Town Council. Representing the applicant, Reed Weily explained the request was a refinement that takes place in any large project. Weily then disagreed with the PEC recommendation to add an additional ten employee housing units to the project. Moffet and Slifer both expressed concern regarding the reduction in surplus parking. Moffet moved to approve the ordinance as proposed with Newbury seconding. PEC Member Bill Jewitt said he believed Special Development District's were open to negotiation. 'We felt like we had lost some public benefits (surplus parking) ... I felt like some additional employee housing would be a way to make up for what we are losing." On behalf of the applicant, Dominic Mauriello said allowing the PEC to come up with an additional housing requirement was a mistake and that the applicant should have suggested an appropriate number. The motion passed 5-2, with Slifer and Gordon opposed. • • The thirteenth item on the agenda was Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2007, an Ordinance Amending title 10, Vail Town Code; Adopting Chapter 3, "in -building Public Safety Radio System Coverage"; providing minimum standards for in -building radio system coverage Town Attorney Matt Mire said the ability of police, fire, ambulance and other emergency providers and personnel to communicate with each other within buildings and structures, and to communicate from within structures and buildings to personnel and locations outside of the building and structures, is vital to the public and these responding agencies. A breakdown in communications among emergency responders and public safety personnel creates a serious risk of harm to and is a serious threat to the safety and welfare of emergency personnel, the citizens of the Town of Vail and the public in general. This amendment establishes a "Life Safety Standard." Mire then asked Council to table the item until April 17. Moffet moved to table the item until April 17 with Foley seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The fourteenth item on the agenda was Adjournment. Moffet moved to adjourn with Foley seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. ATTEST: Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk Minutes provided by Corey Swisher. Rodney E. Slifer, Mayor 2