HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-21 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
6:00 P.M.
Vail Town Council Chambers
Members present: Dick Cleveland, Mayor
Mark Gordon
Kevin Foley
Margaret Rogers
Andy Daly
Farrow Hitt
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.
There was none.
The second item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report
In response to an earlier question from Council, Economic Development Manager Kelli
McDonald reported James Chung (Town of Vail hospitality industry consultant) was not
in the employment of a down valley developer.
• LionsHead Parking Structure Agreement.
Town Manager Stan Zemler reported that Open Hillwood Partners had asked for an
extension on an agreement tied to the potential redevelopment of the LionsHead parking
structure.
• Timber Ridge Update.
Zemler commented, "Progress is slow but sure and there are some unknowns we are
identifying."
• Village Camera Installation Update.
Cameras are currently being installed in Vail Village to assist with loading and delivery
enforcement. Cleveland asked if the system would be internet based.
The third item on the agenda was a presentation of lodging reservation activity during
ski season 2008/09 compared to 2007/08, as well lodging reservation activity for
summer 2009 and a preview of market forces affecting travel during the 2009 summer
season and beyond.
Mountain Travel Research Program representative Ralf Garrison presented the following
observations relative to the 2008/09 winter ski season:
-Snow Trumps the Economy? Some, not so much.
-Short-Lead? Yes, but word of mouth still trumps travel decisions.
-Short-Haul? Drop in Long -Haul, Increase in short.
-Other-Impacts? Grey Market (individuals who rent their homes).
-Epic Pass? Good for Vail. Being continued.
-Shifting Demand Patterns? Look to school breaks.
-"All the Love" marketing program.
-Vail Performance? Less bad than others.
While discussing the 2009 summer season Garrison noted:
-Underlying Markets: Broken.
-Recent Recovery: Premature to be permanent.
-Consumers weary of bad news: ignorance is bliss.
-Summer Demand: Matches Winter Market (short lead, short haul, regional affordable).
-Travel Costs: Helpful.
-Weather: Early season heavy rains were not helpful.
-Road biking is on the rise.
-Vail Performance: Less bad than others.
Garrison then said preliminary data for the 2009/10 ski season was inconclusive.
The fourth item on the agenda was a request for the determination that an exclusive ski
concierge for guests is a similar use to a "Lodge Accessory Use" and "Personal
Service" pursuant to Section 12-3-4, Determination of Similar Use, Vail Town Code, to
allow for a "Lodge Accessory Use/Personal Service" on the second floor within the
Commercial Core I District, located at 227 Wall Street/Part of Lots B & C, Block 5C, Vail
Village First Filing.
Planner Warren Campbell explained the applicant requested Council make a
determination that the location of an exclusive ski concierge "Personal Service"
accessory to a "Lodge", be found to be a permitted use on the second floor of the "Hong
Kong Cafe" building. "The applicant believes their proposed use is accessory to a Lodge
and a Personal Service to their guests." The Community Development Department
recommended Council make the determination that the proposed exclusive ski
concierge use is similar to a listed permitted use on the second floor within the
Commercial Core I district (Lodge/Personal Service), pursuant to Section 12-3-4,
Determination of Similar Use, Vail Town Code. Developer representative TJ Brink
confirmed the Four Seasons Resort will be open for the 2009 Christmas holiday. He
then clarified the proposed change would be more of an "activities center" as opposed to
a ski concierge. "It will not be dormant." Foley asked if guests would be shuttled to the
area. Daly clarified the summer activities center would be open to the public. He then
commented, "You can use pricing to make exclusivity." Hitt expressed concern the
entire top of Vail Village was turning into a private club. While discussing food service at
the space, Brink stated, "There is a chance to give out muffins and coffee to the guests
in the space." During a pause for public comment, local Vail Village property owner Bob
Lazier clarified nothing would change in the Wall Street Building. "We aren't being able
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to attract the right type of people to the core...I am very, very concerned about our
tenants ... We really need to service these people with a standard they are used to."
Rogers moved to approve the request with Gordon seconding. Rogers said it was
important to have Four Seasons guests in the Village. "It brings exactly the kind of
person we want to the Village." Brink then clarified, "Levels two and three will continue
as retail and the second level of the Eaton Plaza level will remain a club or concierge
level." Foley said he didn't see a Four Seasons guest walking a half -mile to the Vista
Bahn. Cleveland said he had concerns about use of the space in the summer and
exclusivity of the southern part of Vail Village. The motion passed 6-1 with Cleveland
opposed.
Cleveland finished the meeting by thanking departing Vail Daily reporter Melanie Wong
for her efforts covering town business.
The fifth item on the agenda was adjournment.
Foley moved to adjourn at approximately 7:32 p.m. with Newbury seconding. The motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
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Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk
Dick Cleveland, Mayor
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