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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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