HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-17 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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 Dick Cleveland.
Members present: Dick Cleveland, Mayor
Mark Gordon
Farrow Hitt
Kevin Foley
Kim Newbury
Margaret Rogers
Andy Daly
Staff Members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Input.
Former Vail Mayor Bob Armour thanked the town, Eagle County and the U.S. Forest
Service for their efforts to improve the safety of the West Vail neighborhood via the
Forest Health project, which includes the cutting of dead and diseased trees to help
protect the neighborhood from wildfire.
Brooke Franke said her dog had been viciously attacked by another dog over the
weekend. She spoke in support of banning pit bulls within the Town of Vail.
Dick Cleveland announced ECO Trails would hold its annual clean up on Saturday,
June 21.
The second item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
➢ Update on the Chamonix Site Master Plan process.
Senior Planner Scot Hunn provided Council with an update on the Chamonix master
planning process. "We are continuing with developing the plans for the site based on
feedback and direction given by the Council on May 20, 2008...A preferred site and
layout for the fire station has been identified. Staff has met with representatives from the
Ambulance District regarding participation in the project and staff is of the understanding
that the District may desire to purchase a small portion of the site for future
development. Staff has also met with the owners of the West Vail Shell gas station and
will be working with that ownership in the coming weeks to integrate ideas that may be
mutually beneficial to both the Chamonix project and the Shell station site. Next steps
will include work on preliminary cost estimates, as well as three-dimensional massing
models ... Will provide three different options." Hunn then said he has directed the design
team to start evaluating the three site options against standards for LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design). He will provide information at the next meeting with
the Advisory Committee and the Town Council as to what LEED is, how the project may
achieve a certain rating under LEED and what time and cost considerations should be
evaluated by the Council in making a determination to seek LEED certification on any
portion of the project. He stated further, "We are at a time we need to make that choice
very soon ... As more people are working toward LEED certification we are getting a
better idea of what the real costs are." Daly asked who the target market for the project
would be. Hunn reminded the Council of determinations made at the May 20th Council
meeting; that the Council had agreed that the project was to target those individuals
making between 60% and 140% of AM[ (Area Median Income). He continued by stating
the project was originally geared toward housing "young professionals" and "young
families," based on information gathered early in the master plan process from
interviews with major employers and employees within the Town. Daly then encouraged
attempting to meet the needs of a broad range of people. He expressed concern that
young professionals were being pushed down valley. "We have to think about different
price points for different people in the community." Rogers said Council generally
agreed a recycling center should be placed on the site. Gordon, Hitt and Newbury
questioned the placement of an ambulance substation on the property.
The third item on the agenda was the Decision of Council Out of Cycle Contribution
Requests for 2008.
Kathleen Halloran, Manager of Budgets and Financial Reporting, explained the purpose
of this mid -year review is to provide an opportunity for organizations that have newly
identified projects or unforeseen changes to their budgets to come forward at one time.
Council evaluates the various proposals based on their direct benefit to the entire
community of Vail, fulfillment of the town's mission, and how this contribution will affect
our resort community's future health. The Town Council's mission statement reads: In
order to be the premier mountain resort community, we're committed to providing
citizens and guests with a superior level of environmentally -sensitive services and an
abundance of recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities.
A. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
The Alpine Gardens requested up to $50,000 to help fund the replacement of a
collapsed bridge and two smaller bridges. The collapsed bridge was built in the late
1990s, without consultation of a structural engineer. The Alpine Gardens would like to
rebuild all three bridges with structural integrity and a similar aesthetic design. An
insurance claim has been filed, and if successful, the proceeds will reduce this request.
The Gardens host up to 100,000 visitors per summer and has achieved world -premier
status as a high altitude garden. Staff recommended funding from the RETT fund up to
$50,000 (net of insurance proceeds). The bridges serve as the only access for disabled
individuals for the gardens, which operate on town -owned land. Hitt moved to approve
the request with Daly seconding. Daly recommended deferring the replacement of the
two small bridges. Hitt amended his motion to reflect Daly's comments with Newbury
doing the same. Zemler encouraged that the Public Works Department be involved and
sign -off on the new bridges during construction. Hitt then withdrew his motion for further
information. Hitt then moved to direct staff to gain additional pricing options to determine
the price of rebuilding just one bridge, or if there are cost savings to rebuilding all three
at the same time. Council agreed.
B. Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival requested $75,000 to help fund travel, administration,
marketing, advertising and promotional expenses that will occur in 2008 for the 2010
London Symphony Orchestra - Vail Residency program. The program had not received
Board approval until after the town's 2008 budget process. Historically, the town has
contributed funding toward the Tier One New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia
Orchestra programs. Because this program was not finalized until after 2008
contribution requests, it falls within the criteria for "a newly identified project or
unforeseen changes." Staff recommended funding $60,000 of this request to cover the
cost of travel, marketing and promotional expenses. Staff did not recommend funding
the $15,000 requested for administration because the town contributed $25,000 in
general administration to the 2008 Bravo! program. The recommendation to fund this
request was based on the caliber of this group and the fact that this group also resides in
this Tier One category. The cultural benefit to the town and the tourist attraction of this
event are also factors in staff's recommendation for funding. Director of Development
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival Jeanne Reid explained the funding request would
provide travel to London, Paris and Berlin in an attempt to recruit those orchestras. The
London Symphony will also be hosted in Vail. Daly moved to support the staff
recommendation with Rogers seconding. Rogers and Gordon spoke in support of fully
funding the request. Hitt suggested funding the event once it is confirmed that they will
come to Vail. The motion failed, 3-4 with Cleveland, Newbury, Foley and Hitt opposed.
C. Colorado Ski Museum
The ski museum requested from $50,000 to $75,000 to help fund the 2008 Tannenbaum
Festival (Nov. 21 - Dec. 13). The Festival's goal is to draw people into Vail during the
early ski season by creating a magical holiday setting with hundreds of decorated
Christmas trees. The Festival will include participation from lodging, retail and dining
establishments (decorations and discounts); a Saturday holiday market/Christmas Fair;
Santa visits and holiday music. Staff did not recommend funding at this time, however,
staff proposed that this request go before the Commission on Special Events (CSE) for
2009 funding. It is considered an enhancement of existing events during that time period
such as Holidays in Vail ($35K of funding through the CSE for 2008) and Snow Daze
($64K of funding through the CSE for 2008). Colorado Ski Museum Executive Director
Susie Tjossem explained the event would be collaborative and inclusionary within the
business community and Vail Resorts. Rogers asked what local businesses were
contributing. Tjossem responded that the businesses will pay a fee to participate, as well
as purchase a live tree. Cleveland asked why the request had not gone to Commission
on Special Events (CSE). Tjossem said the Vail Chamber and Business Association was
a partner with the request. Newbury said she didn't believe $75,000 was seed money.
Funding was not approved.
D. The Valley Home Source (TVHS)
TVHS requested $29,200 of funding toward the start-up of a multi -jurisdictional housing
management and economic research organization. TVHS offers deed -restriction
management services, policy advisement, research data and an opportunity to address
housing issues collaboratively with neighboring towns and Eagle County. Staff did not
recommend funding this program because of the potential for an on -going commitment
of town funding for services outside of the Town of Vail. Staff expressed concern the
programs offered by the TVHS are a duplication of services provided by the town's
housing division, and were not comfortable with dedicating future funding in light of the
upcoming 2009 budget. Valley Home Source Executive Director Don Cohen explained
the request would serve as seed money for the start up organization. "We have faith this
project will carry its own weight ... It will feel very much like a private entity ... It will serve
as an outsource extension that heightens your housing department's ability to provide
resources." Rogers said the town can no longer think of itself as an isolated pod. Rogers
moved to approve the modified request with Gordon seconding. Daly said the group's
support from other municipalities spoke to the need for a county -wide resource. During a
pause for public comment, Colorado News Media General Manager Steve Pope spoke
in support of county -wide cooperation. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
E. Vail Chamber & Business Association (VCBA)
The VCBA requested funding in the amount of $39,000 to help off -set instructional costs
of the Disney Institute Guest Service Training Program scheduled for September, 2008.
The VCBA would like to host a two-day program to provide managers and employees
with the tools they need to maintain and improve upon the quality of guest service
throughout Vail. The $39,000 would cover the fee for the licensed Disney speaker. The
program will have other costs such as food and beverage for the event, advertising and
promotion, etc. Attendees will be charged a fee to participate (amount yet to be
finalized, but the suggested rate is $5,000 per ten person corporate table or
$399/person). Any revenue raised beyond the $39,000 speaker cost would be shared
equally with Disney based on the contract for services. Although staff agreed the
program would be valuable, staff did not recommend a contribution because they did not
believe the item was appropriate for town funding. Staff believed the program should be
covered by sponsorships and charging appropriate fees to participants. VCBA board
member Susie Tjossem explained the Disney Institute had not offered this program to
any other ski area in North America. VCBA board member Lourdes Ferzacca spoke in
support of the program. Gordon moved to approve the request with Hitt seconding.
Rogers said she would be willing to have the town serve as a "safety net" if event
expenses were not covered. "I really think this project is going to help the businesses of
this town." Cleveland did not feel that the town should use taxpayer dollars toward fund
raising efforts. Gordon said the town funds lots of events where event sponsors intend to
profit. The motion failed, 3-4 with Daly, Gordon, Hitt voting in favor. Hitt moved to
approve the request with the town receiving two tables at the event. The motion passed
5-2, with Rogers and Cleveland opposed.
F. Vail Chamber & Business Association (VCBA)
The VCBA requested $4,000 of funding be used toward participation in the 2008
Colorado Ski & Snowsports Expo to be held in November. Staff did not recommend
funding this project because it did not fit the criteria of "newly identified projects or
unforeseen changes to budget." A request for this event was normally included in the
annual budget process, but was not requested by the VCBA during the 2008 budget
cycle. Hitt moved to approve the request with Foley seconding. The motion passed 6-1,
with Cleveland opposed.
The fourth item on the agenda was the Second reading of Ordinance No. 14, Series of
2008, an Ordinance Amending Title 1, Chapter 3, Section 2 of the Vail Town Code by
the Addition of the Definition of the Word "Publication."
Town Attorney Matt Mire explained Section 4.10 of the Town Charter requires
publication of ordinances upon their introduction and adoption. The Charter does not
define what is required by "publication". In 2007, the town spent $19,693 for publication
of its ordinances in the Vail Daily, requiring the Town Clerk to increase the office
advertising budget during the third supplemental appropriation by an additional $12,000.
In 2008, the Town has spent $6,205 to date to meet its legal requirement for publication
of these notices. Nationwide, studies have shown that 73% of households have a
computer in their home or have access to a computer at work or at their local libraries.
This percentage increases in locations such as Vail where citizens have a higher
education rate than the national average. An estimated 70 percent of properties in Vail
are owned by part-time residents. By publishing the town's ordinances on its Web site
(vailgov.com) not only will all property owners have direct access to the ordinances it is
also more fiscally and environmentally responsible. Mire recommended Council table
the item until a later date so a more in-depth discussion could take place. Rogers said
Mire's memo was very well drafted. She then clarified the ordinance had nothing to do
with legal notices. "It only addresses ordinances." Hitt said he thought it was premature
to abandon the newspaper entirely. Hitt moved to approve the ordinance with Rogers
seconding. General Manager of Colorado Mountain News Media Steve Pope said
publication rates have not increased. Hitt said Pope's recent newspaper editorial was
misleading. "To suggest we would do this because it is easy is doing everyone in this
town a disservice." Newbury told Pope, "You are doing a tremendous injustice to our
Town Attorney by stating he was attempting to do something morally unjust." Kaye
Ferry said, "In the spirit of open government everything that takes place in these Council
Chambers should be published." The motion failed 1-6, with Rogers in favor. The
Council then administratively directed town staff to use the town's Web site as an
additional posting outlet.
The fifth item on the agenda was Adjournment.
Foley moved to adjourn with Hitt seconding at approximately 8:15 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
SEA Dick Cleveland, Mayor
ATTEST: •�`• •�
Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk
Minutes provided by Corey Swisher.