The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2009-09-15 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 15, 2009 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: Mark Gordon Kevin Foley Margaret Rogers Andy Daly Farrow Hitt Kim Newbury Not present: Dick Cleveland, Mayor Staff Members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager Matt Mire, Town Attorney Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager The first item on the agenda was Citizen Input. Eagle County Commissioner Peter Runyon asked for Council support of an Eagle Airport Interchange (off of 1-70). He then asked Council to not link decisions on projects or use a "quid pro -quo mentality." Rogers asked if the only reason the County wanted to pursue the project was because the Federal Government funding might be available. Hitt said he opposed the project because of the cost and the impact to the environment. Local businessman Steve Rosenthal spoke in support of the Vail Chamber and Business Association sponsored Premier Impression program. "It has been very well supported by the business community." Vail International Homeowner's Association representative Snowden Smith expressed concern about the color of the new Dobson Ice Arena roofing material, as well as concern about the material itself. Vail Homeowner's Association representative Jim Lamont asked for improved public notification for all public projects. "It is time that we become more transparent... How are we going to fix the design review process?" Local restaurateur Billy Suarez asked Council to continue the Premier Impression program. Colorado Ski Museum representative Suzie Tjossem asked for Council's financial support of the museum. Paul Rondeau complimented the town for budget transparency. Tom Saaffeld encouraged better public notification be provided on projects that may impact adjacent property owners. The second item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. There was none. The third item on the agenda was the West Vail Fire Station Discussion/Update. Fire Chief Mark Miller reported a third station (and staffing) would clearly improve the department's response time and resources. These are the two most critical factors in station location and firefighter deployment. A new West Vail station could potentially reduce response times by nearly four minutes, which has significant life/safety benefits to Vail residents. A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. To cut the overall response time makes a measurable difference in life safety/property loss scenarios. In addition, relative to cardiac arrest and other critical medical incidents, it is the difference between life and death. Resources (firefighters) on scene will increase by 30%, giving the department 14 firefighters (including mutual aid) on scene within the first ten minutes to accomplish the critical tasks that must be performed on a structure fire. With approximately 16% of the department's incidents being "back to back" the additional resources also allow for coverage of the town when the two other engine companies are on incidents. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) indicates the department needs to respond with two engines and one ladder truck on all fires. The addition of the third station allows for this as well. He then reported the specific and measurable benefits of a third station include: • Puts critical resources in our most vulnerable area (West Vail). • Allows for reducing size of facilities and renovation of Main and East Vail stations(due to all residents being located in West Vail), and also allows for some employee housing options. • Significant reduction of "Target Hazard" problem. Vail has significant "exposure" issues (proximity of homes to wild land interface). • Room for fire apparatus and Police communication van currently being stored at PW facility - Satellite station for PD. • Back-up Emergency Operations Center (EOC). • Gives the Fire Department a place to train, have a meeting (besides truck room), all residents firefighters in one location, etc. Miller said he felt the Town of Vail is vulnerable. "We have significant staffing and response time deficiencies ... A third station would be a significant improvement to our operations throughout the Town of Vail." Miller emphasized the importance of the "readiness to serve." "The National Fire Protection Association drives what we do and of course fire fighter safety." Miller also reported the town received a grant to partially fund three firefighters for five years. "I think this is the perfect time to build a new fire station ... the fire station has not faired well in the competing priorities of the TOV over the last two decades, now is the time." Rogers clarified the equipment in the new station 2 would be useful in the event of a large wildfire. Newbury suggested improving the other two fire stations through the use of bond proceeds acquired for the construction of the new station. Zemler thanked Miller for his diligent efforts on the project. The fourth item on the agenda was a request for direction on Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices ("EPAMD's"). Police Commander Steve Wright reported that on June 16, 2009, the Town Council passed Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2009, which authorized the operation of EPAMD's on certain pedestrian and bike paths otherwise prohibited by state law. The rights granted pursuant to Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2009, were to expire on September 30, 2009. The options available to Council were to 1) allow EPAMD's to continue to operate in the Town of Vail pursuant to the limitations set forth in Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2009; or 2) further regulate the operation of EPAMD's by repealing or amending Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2009. Based on minor complaints and incidents the staff recommended amending Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2009, by extending the sunset provision and ordinance expiration to September 30, 2010. "The PD has some minor safety concerns but not enough reason to oppose the continuation of Segways ... We have had some anecdotal complaints but no formalized complaints that required a Police response." During a pause for public comment, Nancy Rondeau commented, "Why do we need to turn our walkways into a circus parade... These Segways make people startled and they leap out of the way." Vail Homeowner Association representative Jim Lamont said, "I would suggest that we continue with the experiment... I'm concerned our pathway systems are being loved to death." Newbury confirmed the Segways could be manually moved. Local Segway operator Daryl Bangert said about 300 individuals went on guided tours there were 300 self -guided rentals. In addition there were there 250 demos. Joe Dimasic said the group only used a very small section of the recreation path. "On Sundays we never go close to the farmer's market as a rule." Paul Rondeau asked Council to remain ahead of the curve and not be defensive. He then encouraged Segways be required to have a warning device. Foley moved to extend the ordinance with Hitt seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 5-1 with Gordon opposed. The fifth item on the agenda was the First reading of the 2010 Budget Ordinance No. 19, Series of 2009. Budget and Financial Reporting Manager Kathleen Halloran reported that proposed expenditures across all funds total $48.4 million. Gordon asked how much in reserves across all funds; Judy Camp responded that reserves totaled a similar amount, approximately $48 million. Daly expressed concern over funding for the 5-year capital budget; Gordon clarified the Capital Improvement Plan was not a multiyear obligation. During a pause for public comment, Tom Steinburg asked if there was still money budgeted for a Ford Park Master Plan. He then expressed displeasure with the possibility of a parking structure being placed in the park. "Parking structures are not allowed on FordPark... Industrialization of Ford Park is not allowed." Kathy Michaelasy spoke in support of Council supporting Small Champions (a local non-profit which provides activities for disabled children). Paul Rondeau recommended Council not fund road overlays in 2010, using those budgeted funds for the West Vail Fire Station construction. Daly clarified several road improvements have been deferred in the 2010 budget. Gordon moved to approve the ordinance with Newbury seconding. The motion passed 5-1 with Daly opposed. Hitt thanked staff for their diligent work preparing the budget. Zemler applauded the efforts required of Halloran to develop the 2010 budget. The sixth item on the agenda was adjournment. Newbury moved to adjourn at 8:44 p.m. with Foley seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0. ATTEST: O •N...F•"' :SEAL: Dick Cleveland Mayor OIORP` � V Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk In