HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-20 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 20, 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: 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.
Vail Homeowner's Association representative Jim Lamont spoke in support of a
collaborative "Guest Greeter" program. Zemler said town employees were
supplementing regular community hosts on Fridays. He then commented that efforts
were incredibly successful.
In regard to the world wide economic downturn, Kaye Ferry spoke against cutting town
services.
The second item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
• Skier Drop-off Update.
Public Works Director Greg Hall explained to Council where legal skier drop-off points
existed. Council expressed concern traffic was backing up at Golden Peak. Hall
responded, "There have been problem days, although there are 120-130 days of the ski
season when there are no problems."
The third item on the agenda was the Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC) Economic
Impact Analysis.
Zemler asked Council to discuss a possible study on the economic impact of the Vail
Valley Medical Center on the Town of Vail and provide staff with direction. The objective
of the study would be to provide a quantification and characterization of VVMC's
economic impact on the Town of Vail. Beyond a technical analysis quantifying the
medical center's economic contribution, this study would help the Vail community better
understand how WMC functions and where their mutual interests coincide and diverge.
Rogers said she knows the impact of the Medical Center is significant and she didn't
believe a study was necessary to verify that. Daly suggested Council move forward and
look for opportunities to possibly joint venture with the WMC (new facilities). Gordon
said it was important to have empirical evidence and quantifiable answers. Newbury
and Cleveland also spoke in support of the study. During a pause for public comment,
Dr.Tom Steinburg said the property where the current WMC exists was donated by Vail
Associates and may have a deed restriction. WMC Board of Directors Member Ed
O'Brien said there may be alternative uses for the present hospital site. Gordon moved
to authorize the Town Manager conduct an economic impact study of the WMC with
Daly seconding. The motion passed 4-3, with Rogers, Hitt and Foley opposed.
The fourth item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda.
A. Annual appointment of newspaper of record for Town of Vail publications and notices
for 2009.
Mire explained the town annually establishes a newspaper of record for all public
notices. This year, the town requested a bid from Eagle Summit Publishers, owner of
most of the newspapers in Eagle County, and requested a bid for The Vail Daily
publications. Gordon moved to appoint the Vail Daily as the newspaper of record with
Rogers seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. During a pause for public
comment, Michael Caccioppo noted that Eagle Summit Publishers was not the only
newspaper owner in Eagle County. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The fifth item on the agenda was a Update on Conference Center Funds Allocation.
Staff prepared a memorandum outlining background and questions to help guide the
information -gathering process, a recommended process and information on election
scheduling in preparation for a renewed ballot effort for reallocation of the Conference
Center funds. Staff requested direction from Council on next steps. The balance
available for reallocation is expected to be $9.7 million at the end of 2009. Foley spoke
in support of using the funds for the original intent of producing overnight guests.
Newbury and Hitt also spoke in support of a project that would create "heads in beds."
Rogers said she favored holding off making a decision and observing what takes place
in the national economy. Gordon and Daly also spoke in support of "heads in beds."
Montaneros General Manager Keith Ozda spoke against using focus groups to
determine how the money would be used. Vail Local Marketing District Advisory
Committee representative Beth Slifer encouraged Council to look at facilities that
embrace interactive physical activity. Vail Municipal Judge Buck Allen spoke in support
of holding off on an election until the national economy improves. "I would like to see
you (Council) increase occupancy and increase economic activity, but take a step back
for now." In regard to a possible recommendation, Zemler commented, "What is this
idea? How would it actually increase occupancy and increase economic activity?
Remember, this is going to have to go to the voters." Council directed staff to return in
60 days with recommendations.
The sixth item on the agenda was a Final review of Resolution No. 26, Series of 2008, a
resolution amending the LionsHead Redevelopment Master Plan to incorporate the
property known as the Glen Lyon Office Building site into the LionsHead Redevelopment
Master Plan Area and to adopt site specific recommendations for the future
redevelopment of the Glen Lyon Office Building site, located at 1000 South Frontage
Road West/ Lot 54, Glen Lyon Subdivision
On December 8, 2008 the Town of Vail PEC voted 5-0-1 (Viele recused) to forward a
recommendation of approval to the Vail Town Council for Resolution No. 26, Series of
2008. On January 6, 2009 Council discussed the proposed Resolution No. 26, Series of
2008, at the afternoon work session. Staff has incorporated the changes and additions
requested by the Council at the work session. Cleveland moved to table the item until
February 3, with Daly seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
The seventh item on the agenda was Adjournment.
Newbury moved to adjourn to Executive Session with Foley seconding. The motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
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Dick Cleveland, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk rSZAL