HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-02 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes
(W Tuesday, September 2, 2014
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 Pro Tern Ludwig Kurz.
Members present: Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro Tern
Jenn Bruno
Dale Bugby
Dave Chapin
Greg Moffet
Margaret Rogers
Member absent: Andy Daly
Staff members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Patty McKenny, Town Clerk
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation as follows:
Stephen Connelly spoke about the recycling program with his support and requested
CW that Vail review a program that would address plastic bags in the near future. There was
council support to move this topic for agenda consideration in October.
Jonathan Levine requested an independent investigation of an incident that he was
involved in which took place in Vail noting that there is no proof of wrongdoing.
Michael Cacioppo addressed the council with the following topics, 1) not supportive of a
plastic bag ban, 2) does not agree with council's approach of not responding to citizen's
questions during citizen participation, and 3) he is considering a lawsuit against an employee
related to alleged civil rights violation.
Daric Harvey, Vail Commander, introduced himself as running as a candidate for Eagle
County Sheriff in the November election and shared his election platform noting his employment
history and priorities for the Sheriff's Office.
The second item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda as follows:
1) Contract Award for Bridge Railing Replacement
Moffet moved to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract for the bridge railing
replacement; Bugby seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).
2) Contract Award for Vail Guardrail Repair
Moffet moved to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract for the guardrail repair;
Bugby seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).
3) Resolution No. 23, Series of 2014 - Timber Ridge Easement
Moffet moved to approve Resolution No. 23 authorizing the Town to grant an easement to
Newpath Networks for the Construction and operation of utility facilities and setting forth details
in regard thereto. Bugby seconded the motion and it passed unanimously (6-0).
Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2014 Page 1
The third item on the agenda was action as a result of the executive session; there was no
action at this time.
The fourth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report which included a South
Frontage Road Traffic Improvements Update by George Ruther, Director of Community
Development, who presented this topic by reviewing the status of preliminary discussions
regarding potential South Frontage Road traffic improvements. He noted that as the town and
Vail Valley Medical Center actively pursue possible redevelopment scenarios for their respective
properties, off site impacts such as traffic improvements to the South Frontage Road must be
considered before final decisions can be made. He reviewed numerous options considered and
noted the project givens include such items as a minimum Level of Service C, as contemplated
by the Town's adopted transportation master plan and two through -traffic lanes
(eastbound/westbound) to accommodate projected traffic volume, meet minimum CDOT design
and access standards, Right-in/Right-out traffic movements, minimize the amount of negative
impacts to the adjacent property owners, a design which will accommodate semi -tractor trucks
and trailers up to WB 67. A design solution must be implementable over time, and it must
address traffic volumes projected over the next 20 years. No final decisions have been made,
and a number of important steps still remain which he outlined:
1. Continue to refine and develop several of the design options for further study and
consideration
2. Initiate a public review process to gain feedback and input from the public on the possible
options and solutions
3. Develop a strategy for implementation of the improvements (i.e., sequencing of construction,
cost allocation, funding, CDOT review and approval, trigger points for implementation, etc.)
4. Amend the Vail Transportation Master Plan, Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan and
adoption of the WMC Master Plan
Jim Lamont, Vail Homeowners Association, spoke on behalf of his group noting several letters
written from Meadow Drive residents. He requested consideration for the following:
✓ Adding a Meadow Drive resident to the planning review team
✓ Evaluate loading & delivery to the area from the South Frontage Road rather than Meadow
Drive
✓ Complete a traffic study that reflects the pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic in the
neighborhood
The fifth item on the agenda was the discussion about Booth Creek Park led by Todd
Oppenheimer, Public Works, for the purpose of presenting the recommended list of park
amenities to be included in the design of improvements to the park. A site tour of the property
was taken earlier in the day with staff and area homeowners. The Town Council was asked to
review the proposed list of park amenities for Booth Creek Park and accept or modify and finally
approve the list. The suggested Design Program for Booth Creek Park is as follows:
1. Natural areas
2. Parallel parking on Manns Ranch Road
3. Looped paved path using the existing bike path. This will also be the accessible route
through the park
4. Soft surface pathways within the natural areas. Consider interpretive signage as
appropriate.
5. A second pedestrian bridge approximately 200 feet upstream of the existing crossing
6. Open turf grass area as a significant design element of the park
7. Double, hard -surface, post tensioned concrete tennis court
Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2014 Page 2
8. Playground with natural elements and artistic components
(W 9. A limited number of fitness/exercise equipment sensitively placed throughout the park
10. Public restroom, 2-stall, 3 seasons, accessible and sensitive to the natural setting
11. Picnic Shelter for 2 to 3 picnic tables with other picnic tables, benches and bike racks
throughout the park
12. Other small park amenities, such as horseshoes or tetherball, as may be accommodated
without over developing the site
Some of the council comments showed there was not full support of the second bridge while
most supported keeping the bathrooms, playground and tennis courts. Mayor Pro Tern Kurz
asked for public input at this time given by many neighborhood residents as follows:
Penny Turilli complimented the town on the public process and meetings, supported the
circular park path and naming part of the park after Zeke Pierce who played there often.
Crawford Pierce spoke about how his boys enjoyed playing at the park and thanked
council for their collaborative effort with the neighborhood.
Alan Danson expressed opposition to installing a second bridge.
Bill Eggers noted that less in the park is more in his eyes, did not support the stream
tract improvements, and to reconsider the budget for the improvements as it may be too much
based on use of park by the community as a whole. He thanked the town for the ability to give
input in the process.
John Gottlieb thanked staff and town council for their involvement in the process and
planning for the improvements, which showed a tremendous effort in listening to their
community. He inquired further about the shelter and whether or not it would serve as
protection from lighting storms.
Lynn Gottlieb also expressed appreciation to the council for the process and requested
that the park include a bocce ball area instead of shuffle board as it is a more popular game
(W played by families.
Charlyn Canada spoke about the rock structures and requested using real rocks and not
fake rocks and that a climbing wall be included on the end of park which may also serve as a
sound barrier.
Pam Stenmark agreed with many comments already provided noting her preference that
it remain a natural park.
Bill Suarez, VRD board member, expressed thanks for the collaborative the process and
early public input with support for two tennis courts at the location.
Allan Braunholz explained that his daughter Zemme was worried about the swings and
hoped they would remain at the park. He expressed appreciation for all town parks in Vail.
Tom Talbot expressed opposition to a second bridge and supported for two courts but
don't include too much fitness equipment.
There was also some brief discussion about surrounding park property owner's encroachment
onto town property and stream tract for landscaping efforts or other reasons with a reminder to
be sure to stay within property boundaries. In addition it was noted there should be no disposal
of landscaped materials in the stream tract area and some of thearea may require some clean
up effort at this time. There was also a reminder that no public parking is allowed in the parking
lot. And finally to close the park discussion, there was agreement to revise the list, continue
communications with the area neighbors, and notice that the project would be included in
budget discussions as it is not scheduled for construction until 2017.
The sixth item on the agenda was consideration of an Outdoor Patio in the vicinity of 304
Bridge Street, Blu Cow Cafe and Big Bear Bistro, with a request to the council for permission to
(W Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2014 Page 3
proceed through the process that would consider allowing business owners access to town
owned property. George Ruther, Community Development, spoke about the details of interest
by both parties to utilize Town of Vail property for the purposes of outdoor patios. He noted the
background included the Vail Village Design considerations recognize outdoor patios as a
potential positive contributing factor in the creation of a strong streetscape framework. There
was a review of some diagrams and further discussion focused on what the scope and size of
the patio would be and what the fencing/barrier and use of the space would include if a liquor
license was going to be obtained. Moffet moved to direct staff to sign the development
application on behalf of the property owner and permit the project to proceed through the
development review process for the proposed outdoor patios. Bruno seconded and it passed
unanimously (6-0). There was no other public comment on this topic.
The seventh item on the agenda was the 1-70 Chain Up Station Project Update as presented by
CDOT, Stolfus and Assoc. with an introduction from Town Engineer, Chad Salli. It was noted in
the fall of 2012, CDOT presented potential improvements to the 1-70 Chain Stations as a result
of a study conducted of the 1-70 Vail Pass Chain Stations which considered alternatives for
safety improvements to the chain stations on eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 through
Vail. The improvements were proposed to address current deficiencies in the chain stations,
which included capacity issues, inadequate lighting and minimal separation between chain up
station activities and 1-70 through traffic. Potential improvements were presented to the Town
Council and general public in the fall, 2012. Public input was incorporated in the evaluation of
the alternatives and the study was completed in April, 2013. The study included a summary of
alternatives considered and recommendations for implementing improvements over time, as
funding becomes available. Following the Vail Chain Up Station Improvements Study, CDOT
applied for funding from the Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships (RAMP)
program for the project. CDOT has recently begun the design process for the project. The
memo highlighted project details:
Figure 1: Illustration of the location and limits of the project. The project would extend the
existing chain up station approximately 1500 feet west, providing an additional 15 parking
spaces.
Figure 2: Eastbound 1-70 will be widened requiring a wall between 1-70 and the frontage
road, as shown in the section.
Figure 3: Review options for the width of the chain station and the associated wall height for
each option.
Figure 4: Changes to existing chain station lighting, which will be replaced with the most
current chain station lighting standard. Included in the packet was a memo from Clanton &
Associates, the lighting consultant for the project, which described the lighting changes in
more detail.
There was some discussion about the number of parking spaces available at the chain up
station locations and whether or not the demand is being met, i.e., Dotsero and Vail. Moffet
expressed concerns about not having enough spaces and oversight. Bugby requested the
design include a permanent guard shack to monitor the activities which could be housed by the
various enforcement agencies. It was noted public input would be sought by hosting community
meetings scheduled for October.
The eighth item on the agenda was Resolution -No. 22, Series of 2014, A Resolution
Expressing Support for Congressional Wilderness Designation of Three Separate Areas on
Public Lands Surrounding or Nearby the Town of Vail. Courtney Krause, Polis Office
Representative, presented an update to the item which was tabled at the last meeting in order
Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2014 Page 4
that ERWSD and their office resolve differences and refine the language in the resolution. She
(W noted the current resolution revisions reflect the priorities agreed upon. Linn Brooks, ERWSD,
was present to support the current resolution. There was clarification that the revision related to
reducing the wilderness designations from six to three (Vail vicinity included Spraddle Creek,
Freeman Creek and No Name; removed designations were Corral Creek, portions of Eliot Ridge
and Homestake) were made outside the discussion with ERWSD and those changes had
already been made by Polis' office. Rogers moved to approve Resolution No. 22, Series of
2014, with the revisions; Moffet seconded the motion and it passed unanimously (6-0). It was
noted by Rogers that the passage of the resolution coincides with the 50th anniversary of the
passage of the wilderness act, a very worthy piece of legislation for Colorado.
(W
The ninth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 24, Series of 2014, A Resolution Approving
the Ground Lease and Deed Restriction for the Timber Ridge Property as part of the required
action for redeveloping the eastern 5.24 acres of the Timber Ridge property in Vail. Town
Attorney Matt Mire noted the exhibits to the document were the same presented at the last
meeting on August 19 and noted 1) the lease includes the deed restriction, 2) the ground lease
was not changed, 3) the term is 50 years, 4) the arrangement does contemplate a tax exempt
status, 5) there is an option for the developer to purchase the property for $5M, 6) the deed
restriction defines as a requirement the need to be an eagle county employee, 7) the deed
restriction runs with the land unless zoning is changed by town council. It was noted that while
the last meeting included discussion about using an appraiser that would set forth the sale price,
the developer now requested this clause not be included in the deal. Bugby expressed
opposition to the sale of the land and would prefer a no vote because he does not agree with
the amount of the sale price. Moffet moved to approve Resolution no. 24, Series of 2014, Bruno
seconded the motion. Public input was taken at this time with comments submitted by resident
Paul Rondeau about the need to renegotiate the deal without the sale of the property. Rogers
presented her opposition to the deal as well at this time noting her concern with the changes in
the term and the sale amount included on the land. She expressed disappointment that such an
important agenda item be placed at the end of the meeting. Moffet spoke about the
negotiations that have occurred over many years with several developers reminding the council
members that there was never an intention to keep the land. Kurz noted his disappointment
that more people are not in the room expressing concerns; however, he did not see cause to
abandon the deal at this time and called for a vote on the resolution. The motion passed with a
four to two vote (Bruno, Chapin, Moffet, Kurz - yea; Bugby and Rogers - nay).
The tenth item on the agendas was adjournment. There being no further business to come
before the council, Moffet moved to adjourn the meeting and Bugby seconded. The motion
passed unanimously, (6-0) and the meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.
Attest:
Pa Mc 7, Town lerk
W4 WF Respectfully Submitted,
SEAL T 1
dwi g Kurz Ma ydr-Pro Tern
Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2014
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