HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-21 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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
Kevin Foley
Kim Newbury
Kerry Donovan
Susie Tjossem
Margaret Rogers
Andy Daly
Staff Members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation.
Jason Weingast, resident of Eagle -Vail and owner of a business in Minturn . He has
concerns regarding the ordinance regarding solar, the 2-foot rule stops any solar
energy being in Vail. Megan Gilman, Eagle Vail resident and Active Energies business
owner with Jason. There is no aesthetic benefit from the 2-foot rule.
Loren with Capital Solar Energy, 1982 installing solar energy. 30 years perspective on
solar regulations. This Ordinance is the most restrictive and disabling in the State of
Colorado. Once all constraints are addressed, 90% of solar energy availability is gone
in Vail. Reconsider the ordinance.
Joe Staufer, local business owner, said he is puzzled the lodging community hasn't
voiced their opinion on what they want done with the conference center funds since
they are the ones that collected it. He disagrees about having astro turf on Ford Park.
It is not world class. Extending soccer camp isn't viable as once school starts that is
not an option. Leave Ford Park alone.
Tom Steinberg, town resident, reinforced what Joe Staufer said. He doesn't want
artificial turf. A study 3 years ago stated artificial turf raises the temperature. Don't
spend large amounts of money on it. Higher accident rates occur on art. Turf.
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 1
John Decker, from Eagle Vail, wants the town council to look at all options for parking
in Vail, before making a decision. He has an idea that would save money. He wants
the council to listen to his idea, it's a green idea and maintains the softball fields.
Andy Daly said the reason they are not interested now because they don't want to
have structured parking on Ford Park and it is not an option.
Hans Schulter, a resident of Vail, said the ordinance regarding solar panels is inflexible
and doesn't work. Wants the town council to reconsider reviewing the ordinance.
Andy said there hadn't been any submittals for solar panels. There wasn't a process
dealing with exceptions. Dick said they have heard from the public and Stan will check
with Com Dev on their process.
The second item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report.
Stan didn't have anything to report.
The third item on the agenda was Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010, a resolution
expressing support for congressional wilderness designation of seven separate areas
on public lands surrounding or nearby the Town of Vail.
Matt Mire, Town Attorney, asked the Council to table, modify or deny Resolution No.
21, Series of 2010. On August 3, 2010, resolution advocate, Susie Kincade,
presented to the Town Council a resolution to support seven separate areas on public
lands surrounding or nearby the Town of Vail. The Council tabled this resolution to
September 21, 2010. It has taken a new form and ask Council to table to another
night and bring it back in it's new form or bring it back as this resolution.
Andy Daly stated Eagle River Water and Sanitation concerns about someone trying to
stop mitigation processes for possibilities like fire and other emergencies. Possible
inability to protect the watershed, Hidden gems proposal as it is now is something
andy can support. Chuck Ogilby, representative of QQ and .....presented a historical
perspective of Vail and Bob Parker worked hard once the wilderness area was passed
he worked hard on Creating the eagle nest wilderness area. There were two
wilderness proposals when Ford was President. He explained in detail the higher and
lower boundaries of the proposals. Ford chose the lower proposal so Denver couldn't
do a "gravity feed" project. The wilderness projects saved this valley. Encourages the
council to support this important piece of legislation. Steve smith works for the
wilderness society and lives in GWS. He is representing Susie Kincade for this
legislation and would like to answer any questions. Since we considered this
resolution, Jaren Polis has changed this legilation nesa Erickson is here tonight and
they are available to speak about any of the
Andy Daly made a motion to approve Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010, the motion
was seconded by Kerry Donovan and Margaret Rogers. Council had further
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 2
discussion. Kevin and Dick are not in support of this resolution. would not be voting
for it. Margaret is in favor of it. Dick has concerns regarding Spraddle Creek.
Andy amended his motion to correct the title of the resolution,and item one to 6 items
and Elliott ridge as it pertains to eagle county only. Kerry Donovan 2"d the amended
motion. A vote was taken and passed 5-2, Kevin Foley and Dick Cleveland opposing.
The fourth item on the agenda was the 2010/2011 Winter Parking Plan.
Greg Hall, Town Public Works Director, said each year the council approves the
winter parking policy objectives, parking rates, parking pass prices and use rules,
outlying parking areas as well as operational changes for the upcoming season. He
would like Council to approve the 2010/2011 Winter Parking Plan as is or with
modifications.
Hall explained the changes to this plan from the last meeting. He took out "shopper
parking" as there really isn't a shopper parking. Zero-2 after 3 free, parking passes
free entry. Shopper value lots, keep some short term parking. Value card discount
percent instead of dollar amount. Non peak Sunday through Thursday, 50% off.
Eagle county 40% nonpeak period. 20% off for Eagle County residents during peak
times. Parking passes the same as last year. Frontage road placard He explained
each of the types of passes for Council. Both guaranteed, 80 gold passes were sold
last year. Silver passes were limited and sold out 50 to businesses. Silver you have
to be a business license holder and get one pass per business. Operational issues,
need to make modifications to all entry and exit points for value passes. If you go with
paid parking in evening don't have a full self service gate at Lionshead. ($50,000 for
operational enhancements to do this at both parking centers. Cost of $15,000 to add
service to know when the parking structures are full (text service and web site for real
time data to public). 1-70 doesn't have great data capabilities, won't be accurate from
10 miles out approximately. Interior signage within structure is also a possibility.
(would suggest adding to Vail village structure only as cost is high).
Margaret says how does the 3 after 3pm work. First two hours after 3pm free at any
time. ( at 3 to 5pm or 5p to 7-pm etc.) over 2 hours pay $3.
Kim said vail economic advisory council said it would be a disaster to charge the $3
after $3.
Susie said the people working during the day already pay for parking and the evening
workers don't want to have to pay. Maybe one of the passes could be re -purposed to
allow evening workers to park in structures. Maybe Lionshead parking structure is the
free after 3pm and Vail Village is the paid parking. She asked if this made it a
possibility.
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 3
Public comment: Art Abplanalp, not a Vail resident but represented many Vail
residents. After community meeting in March, sent recommendations to Council
regarding parking. He has indirect financial interest in this topic. Simplicity was
Council's directive. Everyone will be challenged. Issue one: Traffic between here and
front range was an issue. Second, how do we keep people in Vail. Give people
incentive with a discount on parking to stay in Vail. Suggests providing people with
parking discount i.e. $10 discount if they stay from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. signage on entry
points. Businesses would benefit.
Richard Ten Braak, representing VCBA, recapped what they did when they polled the
community. 2 hrs free from 1-1/2 hrs, charge after 3pm was understood. 2 hrs free
wanted to keep. Not a real need for short term shopper parking.
Jim Lamont, representing the VHOA, complaint he heard most was the 2 hrs lunch
prohibition. Moving from 1-1/2 to 2 hrs was great. He thanked Art for his innovative
solution regarding discounts to folks who stay longer.
Shannon Smith, VAC manager, major changes 2 hrs free and $3 after 3pm in support
of them. Paying for pink pass for evening workers ok. More equitable for both daytime
and nighttime employees.
Margaret said her email has been broken. Is not prepared to talk about the $3 after
3pm, loves Art's idea about 11 am to 6pm idea.
Kerry asks everyone if they want 2 hrs free or free after 3. Overwhelming, they wanted
free after 3pm. She talked to 75 people. Some people are not supported by the bus
system as they work past when buses run. She likes Art's idea as well. Kevin
appreciates Art's recommendation, 2 hrs free he can support but don't charge after
3pm. Greg's memo regarding staff summer parking analysis. Sell passes at $1 each
time someone comes in the parking structures durjing the summer. (greg said there
are about 500,000 transactions in the summer.
Susie said she has talked to several people as well. She has explained why the
charging to offset costs. Business people understood why the charge. She supports
$100-$150 pass to park in evening. There has to be justification to pay for the
services. All passes have free parking at night.
Andy supports 2 hrs free and $3 after 3pm have been mixed. $100 pass for evening
parking he will support. All passes would be included in the free in the evening pass.
Susie asked again if we could have LH be free and VTC be paid parking. Price
sensitive customer provide other alternatives. To manage the supply of parking.
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 4
Did not include any increase of sales tax. $115,000 does not include operational costs.
$850,000 surplus in budget and experiment and try to cover costs that way. Summer
paid parking is a possibility. Add value card holders to the passes as free after 3pm.
1500 value passes currently. Will have up to 2,500 passes if we go this route.
Staff is concerned about layer on top of layer of structuring parking plan. Maybe one
step at a time is needed. Staffs ability to communicate different things, may be too
much.
Dick said in the last 5 years we have steadily decreased our status over parking. This
parking message sends a negative message to guests. Isn't supportive of $3 after
3pm. Rewards program incentive so people can get parking discounts as well as other
incentiveds. Validation system. Willing to risk the 2 hrs free and keep free after 3 for
one year. Value cards on top deck? KISS....
Kim agrees with Dick, if we charge it will be a public relations disaster. Wants to see
Art's idea be implemented. Trying to pay debt and operations. Be revenue neutral.
Rob deluca, bridge street owner, Currents, people of means and other, are annoyed .
perceived value vs perceived annoyance. There are offsets. What is collected in
sales tax, repeat business. Needs to be User friendly. Some owners pay for
employees passes. Economy not good and this is an annoyance. Wants every
business to be allowed to buy one silver pass.
Margaret against the pay after 3pm. Don't want to put arts idea off till next year.
Thinks it will keep people in town. Wants to take this risk this season. Maintain 3 after
3 come early stay late.
Greg said looking at the stats. 20% people are still in structure after 6pm. It may go to
25% you are look at % million in revenue.
Give staff time to work on Art's concept. And have council give staff direction on the 2
hrs free and free after 3pm.
Susan said what works better, lower cost from $25 to $20. $25 issue old (dick).
Take chance on doing the 2hrs free and free after 3pm.
Art stated an estimate of 750,000 to 1 million. Translate to////
Free after 3pm 6-1 susie against.
2 hrs free 7-0 unanimous.
Andy said to look at Saturday and Sunday discounts only. Also, he wanted to add
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 5
$65,000 real time funds, upgrade to all value pass access to whole garage, self serve
exit lane at Lionshead structure be added and approved. Friday and Saturday are
peak days on the value cards.
7-0 unanimous support for the $65,000.
Come back in 2 weeks with final details on parking plan. (October 51)
The fifth item on the agenda was the Strategic Parking Plan Action Steps Presentation
by Greg Hall.
The Town Council strategic goal was to address long term parking. The town has an
agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation to provide a parking plan
by September 30, 2010. Over the past year the council has reviewed presentations on
parking demand and supply and possible solutions regarding additional parking
options. The staff has worked with CDOT on possible terms on the continued use of
the Frontage Roads. The Town Council at the September 7 meeting articulated the
direction on the Frontage Road use, as well as an approach to cost sharing to be
discussed with our parking partners to implement the plan. This set the groundwork for
a recommendation, action steps and next steps to complete a plan.
Hall, covered the strategic plan as attached to the agendas.
Dick asked if this was an interim solution for 2-3 years. Greg said it could be 3 to 6 yrs. Ford
Park and west vail as first phase within 2 years 2012 and 2013 ski season.
Kevin asking where the 11.6 mil coming from. 4.3 from VRI 700,000, charter bus of funds,
ford park master plan 2.1 mil includes field work. Money budgeted for parking improvements,
and bike lanes at ford park, funding partners.
Dick lh charter bus lot and ford park phase 1, would provide reasonable incremental parking for
next 2-3 years.
Kim said the parking at ford park doesn't' negatively impact ford park in the process. Thinks it'
S a good recommendation and won't break the town's budget and we could do it incremetnaly.
Margaret agrees with kim.
Chris Jarnot, VRI, first said the town council made great decisions on the free after 3 and 2 hrs
free. Also liked art's idea. Would like to collaborate with the town on possibilities. He said
this year will be very dynamic this year. BP lot will be used, Arrabelle, Holy Cross lot, valet
parking, solaris parking, Construction traffic leaving is great. Limit p;arkign to 15 days in
winter time, and 3 days in summer time. What does that mean.
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 6
Andy said the idea is sto have a goal achieved to limit 15 days. If its consistently exceeded we
would stop parking on south frontage road, it's an issue. Find other solutions to be
implemented with partners. Intercept lots and down valley solutions. Next 2 — 3 years may
include structured parking. What will it trigger if over flow exceeds 3 days next summer?
Andy said it will take more than 1 year to work it out. 8/31/11 is the date to negotiate longer
term solutions with partners for 2011/2012 winter parking. Will look to VRI for structured
parking for future parking solutions.
Andy said a key part is working with VRI in developing what makes sense for strategic parking
solution. Maybe a task force can be formed to move the process along further by 8/31/11.
Chris said he will work with Stan on solutions. How many employees use public parking. Will
any spaces be freed up in the public parking areas. No net change this year.
BP lot replaces parking for the north day lot and arrabelle too. Gain 100 spots in holy cross lot.
Maybe 100 spaces may be freed. Mmore capacity in arrabelle and promoting it more. Solaris
may be in a plan, Chris willing to work on it. Not in discussions as of today.
Jim Lamont, VHOA, diagonal parking on frontage road inviting an accident. Ford park plan is
acceptable. Private sector has to deliver the parking along with the product, not later. Privately
owned parking structures will be ....
Carefully have to weigh the monopolistic private parking versus public parking. Private
parking is being underutilized and now being utilized for public parking. A problematic issue
and can drive us down.
Chris Burns, charter bus lot is used for rv's, oversized trucks, not just for buses.
Next steps, stan says we have a financial model plan, a time table on how this can be
implemented, how to keep the momentum going with working group formed, think about the
cascade and ron byrne has some spaces. Andy said another piece is frontage road and overflow
discussion. (page 2 of memo). Document accurately, council's long term parking strategy.
Summer parking ws town's responsibility, VRI was winter responsibility. An agreement needs
to be done and approved with VRI, with need to know what happens after 8/31/11 if 15 days is
exceeded.
Dick said he comment is on ford park, moving tennis courts keeps bringing up. Don't put
moving tennis courts as an option. Need tennis courts upgraded.
The sixth item on the agenda was the Frontage Road Partial Ownership Transaction
Direction and CDOT required plan submittal.
Greg Hall, stated staff would like direction on the terms of the partial ownership
transaction the town will entertain with CDOT regarding the south frontage road. The
Town of Vail per previous agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 7
is required to provide a plan of action regarding use of the frontage roads for parking.
The Town Council directed the frontage road will be used in various fashions to meet
both permanent parking and temporary parking in Vail. Council directed Stan Zemler
to send a letter outlining the Town's intent with regard to partial ownership transaction
of the South frontage road from the Town Shops to the south west Vail roundabout
and the terms of such negotiation. This letter will satisfy the CDOT requirement
regarding a plan presentation as outlined in the previous agreement with CDOT.
Greg referred to memorandum. Stan said they are engaging CDOT into Vail taking
over frontage road. See memo for key points under town interest.
Margaret concerned with putting out 1.75 mil for maintenance payment, in case it's
more and we can't go back for more.
Greg said we are only taking over 4 miles (not the full 11 miles). Formulated in their
method, and meets their standard.
The number came from them not us. What will it cost us to maintain over the next 20
to 25 years. When doing the analysis, do it for the whole 11 miles.
Margaret said we should come up with the number, doesn't' want a number that is
unrealistic. Andy said he wants an analysis and go out 25 years.
Stan, this has an inherent value of the tov owning.
Don't add a number for #2 (2).
Stan said we should prbly made some progress on additional parking being added to
inventory.
Andy made a motion to direct staff to move forward with letter to CDOT, 2nd by
Margaret, passed unanimously. 7-0
The seventh item on the agenda was the Lionshead Transit Center update. Tom
Kassmel, said that on August 17th, the Lionshead Transit Center design team
presented three design options for the Lionshead Transit Welcome Center based on
previous Council input. The discussions regarding the three options, now two options,
indicated the 2-story option was the preferred option and the desire to add the Amenity
Space was mixed without having additional information on its function and economic
viability. At the September 7th Council work session Council asked staff to come
back with additional information on the following issues, prior to making a final
recommendation:
Operations of amenity space was discussed. Donovan pavilion staff thought they could
operate in the black. See management proposal comparison in packet. VRD proposal
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 8
share in subsidy/revenue. Programmed with community programs. If up community
events from 50 to 200 probably have to subsidize approx. $35,000.
-Management costs of the Amenity Space
-Final layout of the VRD space with VRD consensus
-Clarification on design issues; possible warming kitchen, enclosed vestibule space for
bathrooms, Amenity space storage.
-How the library remodel might interact with this space
He requested the Council provide direction to staff to proceed thru the entitlement
process and design development for the preferred option.
Staff recommends proceeding thru Design Development and Entitlements with the 2
story option with the additional amenity space, based on its efficient design and
program layout, compliance to the Lionshead Master Plan, and the ability to provide
needed flexible community space at a relatively low incremental cost per square foot in
a prime location; albeit with the risk of some operations subsidy, but with the potential
to operate in the black depending on management and use.
Does this fill a long term need for VRD. VRD said 20 years in Lionshead. He went
through the memo/slide.
Tom would like direction from Council on the 2 story amenity space model.
Susie had a question for Laurie Asmussen with Donovan Pavilion Management.
Definitely thinks this could be a great space to draw smaller groups and weddings, and
other community meetings, destination type meetings, etc. Dick asked if anyone
considered that parking would be paid parking. Laurie said she thinks it wouldn't be a
down side to the space.
90 person seated or 140 person capacity standing. Audio/visual is not included in the
costs. Maybe provide a screen, it would be an addition depending on what is needed.
All glass is to south. Costs for incremental space is approx.. 600-700 thousand.
Bob Lazier, Tivoli and lionshead, talked to lots of people in lionshead. Excited that
there will be more activity in Lionshead. And getting it's own identity. Enthused and
like the building.
Jim Lamont, VHOA, staff has done due diligence, has management capabilities. Avoid
leasing off spaced to private entity. Commit space to community meetings, keep it a
community meeting space. Due diligents by town is high.
Margaret in favor of hybrid and confirms there is a need for it. Proceed as quickly as
possible to take advantage of low construction costs now. Look at space that we will
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 9
be using for the next 30 years.
Maraget made a motion to give staff and 4240 direction to move for ward on hybrid
version, 2nd by Kim Newbury.
For continuing design and construction drawings, warming kitchen, etc.
Kent' thanked staff and community for their work and time on this project.
Kerry wanted to state there was a clarification that this is not a 2 story option but the
hybrid 3 story option.
Susan t
Kevin said north side needs to look sharp too not just on the south side. To get people
over to the site. Don't know if we want to get rid of booth off of the frontage road.
A vote was taken 7-0 unanimous approval.
The eighth item on the agenda was a discussion and direction concerning capital
projects which are candidates to be funded with tax increment financing (TIF).
Judy Camp and Greg Hall asked the Council to provide direction to staff regarding
projects and costs to include in the upcoming TIF bonds. On August 17, the Town
Council, acting as the Vail Reinvestment Authority, directed staff to begin work on TIF
bonds to be issued in October. Specific costs eligible for TIF financing were discussed
in a work session on September 7, at which time Council requested an evening
meeting to discuss the projects in more detail. Staff is proceeding to work with our
advisers to prepare documents subject to Council's direction regarding projects.
Authorization to issue the bonds will be by resolution of the Vail Reinvestment
Authority on October 5. To prepare for that resolution, staff needs direction concerning
projects and costs to include in bond offering. Staff recommends including
$13,525,000 of Lionshead area redevelopment projects in the upcoming bond
financing for the specific projects.
Staff would like direction on finalizing projects and timelines for the TIF bonds. The
final will come before council on October 5tn
Lionshead transit and welcome center, charger bus service parking lot,
East lionshead portal, west lionshead concert hall plaza, main library remodel
$13,525,000 total cost.
Andy is fully support of everything except concert hall plaza for $750,000, main floor
library remodel not a priority #1,
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 10
What he sees missing is Dobson ice arena, becomes a multi event type facility.
Margaret is to have more projects funded than fewer. However propositions coming
up make for
First 3 projects include, main floor library remodel, include Dobson. Include all #1
priorities and Dobson if need be. Dobson is further off than 3 years and may not be
able to add because there isn't a clear enough plan.
Andy said iit is less defined but give us funding source that may nto be availabale if 60,
61 and 101 passes.
Kevin wants to know what debt service will be. Judy says $22,1 million over next w25
years.
Kim said she is in agreement for priority 1, her concern is in II. Projects...
She is concerned that the snow melt is not included. There are maintenance costs.
Could be $100,000 ongoing costs to maintain.
Kery said would we be having this discussion if 60, 61 and 101 didn't pass. Judy said
the discussion would be in 6 to 12 months. Susie, said TIF has shelf life. Money is
available for us to use. It's smart to do it out of this fund as it only has 20 more years
left. $26 milion in 20 years. Wants Dobson in the mix. Sp;end it out of the right fund.
Moving gthe bond issue up 6 to 12 months (andy said).
Kim said doesn't' have problem moving this up as we need to upgrade town to world
class level for 2015.
Stan said if not going in direction to not doing concert hall plaza. Go to phase two and
the library 1.5 mil for phase 2 Greg said this does not include soft costs.
Judy Can substitute projects down the road. Stan said Dobson falls into that category.
If propositions pass could only use $8.6 mil.
Library needs work. Needs to be part of this proposal.
Jonathan with Piper Jaffrey said 85% of project has be completed
in 3 years from time of issuance of bonds.
Judy said $15 mil was target funding recommended a few weeks ago so costs
wouldn't go up. And
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 11
Support of not more than $15 mil for TIF bonds. Judy said bonding offering goes on
tomorrow.
Straw vote Susie kim dick and Margaret in favor. Andy, kim and kevin opposed.
Kim wants ongoing operating costs.
Andy said spending 2.3 on library leaves him uncertainty. And not doiong anything
here to help grow the economy. Has a difference of opinion.
Kerry isn't informed or confident of committing to these projects.
Kevin said CIVIL sent brochures on 60,61 and 101 and need to pass them out.
Dick said We don't have to spend the money. We have to think about the future of the
town and take advantage of tif, now is the time to do it.
Got the votes for 15m let's go with it. (Margaret)
The ninth item on the agenda was adjournment. Kevin Made a motion to adjourn, the
motion was seconded by Andy; and passed unanimously, 7-0. The meeting
adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Dick Cle a d, Mayor
Atte ,�pVV.►V O,c`
.•
• 9
eleilDonaldson, Town Clerk
Town Council Minutes September 21, 2010 Page 12