HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20001211Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
Mayor Richards called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
Councilmembers Paulson, Markalunas, McCabe and Hershey present.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Toni Kronberg said she has been to the school board and to P & Z
about 4 goals for the community; building the right kind of swimming
pool, two sheets of ice, infill housing, and school district
transportation bus barn. Ms. Kronberg presented these 4 goals, 4
properties for land use decision, and answer sheet and sources for
funding. The 4 pieces of property - Iselin park, school bus barn,
current ice rink and county land next to RFTA - if planned right, could
meet these 4 goals. Ms. Kronberg said the city could sell the existing
ice rink for affordable housing and use that money for the ice sheet
and Iselin pool and so that every sport will have a home at Iselin
center
2. The Aspen Youth Council introduced themselves to Council. The
Youth Council is meeting in the next room.
3. Suzi Chaffee thanked Council for the healing celebration last spring
that kicked off a national program. Ms. Chaffee said people have
been meeting on what can be done for healing in Aspen again perhaps
in conjunction with the opening of the Olympics. Ms. Chaffee
requested support of $2500 for an Olympic Native American training
camp. Mayor Richards requested a written proposal on when this will
occur, who are the other financial partners, what the city's share is.
Mayor Richards noted the city reviews all non-profit requests once a
year. It is not fair to these groups to fund groups out of sequence.
Council agreed they would prefer to review this request at their next
meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Markalunas thanked people for participating in local
government when there is exciting things going on at the national
level with the presidential election.
2. Councilman Hershey said he was recently in Chamonix, France, and
one thing the Aspen and Chamonix have in common is the amount of
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
dogs in town. Aspen should send an ambassador to Chamonix to help
them deal with this problem.
3. Mayor Richards said she too was in Chamonix; there was a good
exchange of information. There was a summit on tourism, sustainable
tourism.
4. Mayor Richards noted the 24 Hours of Aspen Race will be December
16 and 17. There is a team from Aspen's sister city, Queenstown.
Mayor Richards said she hopes everyone has a safe and great time.
5. Steve Barwick, city manager, requested the addition of an executive
session for advice from Council.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilman McCabe moved to read ordinance #57, Series of 2000;
seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #57
Series of 2000
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY
OF ASPEN BY AMENDING SECTIONS 2.12.010, 2.12.020, 2.12.040,
2.12.045, 2.12.050(h), 25.04.110, 25.16.090, 26.04.060 AND 26.04.070 TO
INCREASE ASPEN MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE FEES, ASPEN ICE
GARDEN USER FEES, JAMES E. MOORE POOL USER FEES,
MISCELLANEOUS LEISURE AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT USE
FEE, WHEELER OPERA HOUSE FEES, MISCELLANEOUS POLICE
DEPARTMENT FEES, LAND USE APPLICATION FEES, HISTORIC
PRESERVATION APPLICATION FEES AND ZONING FEES AND
ELECTRIC AND WATER SERVICE DEPOSIT FEES
Councilman Hershey moved to adopt the consent calendar; seconded by
Councilman McCabe. The consent calendar is:
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
·
RFTA Resolution 5, 2000 – Adopting 2001Budget
·
RFTA Resolution 6, 2000 – Appropriating Money for the 2001 budget
·
Ordinance # 57, 2000 – 2001 Fees
·
Resolution #151, 2000 – Approval of Housing Authority Supplemental
Budget for 2000
·
Approval of Housing 2001 Budget
·
Puppy Smith COWOP- Appointment of Task Force - Council - Terry
Paulson, Jim Markalunas; P & Z - Roger Haneman, Jasmine Tygre; HPC
- Rally Dupps; Housing Board - George Burson; ACES - Tom
Cardamone; Sanitation District - Tom Bracewell; Infill Committee -
Heidi Hoffman
·
Resolution #156, 2000 – Contract KD Housing – Truscott
Redevelopment Financing
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Paulson, yes; Markalunas, yes; Hershey,
yes; McCabe, yes; Mayor Richards, yes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #153, SERIES OF 2000
- 2001 Budget
Michael Cain, budget director, pointed out that revenues for 2001 will total
$73 million. The total budget is $64 million; capital expenditures in 2001
will be $32 million. Cain said the revenues will increase for 2001; one facet
of this is the approval of an additional .5 cent sales tax ratified at the
November election. Cain said $19 million of the capital expenditures will
be for affordable housing. Other capital expenditures are Iselin park, ice
rink, street improvements and other small projects. Cain told Council
operating budgets were increased 4 percent for 2001. Cain said the
outstanding issues not in the 2001 budget are trolleys, screens for city hall
and $15,000 for community development for a planning intern.
Tabatha Miller, finance director, pointed out the budget for the Truscott
project was not finalized. Staff transferred in $225,000 from the marolt
Property to Truscott for improvements to the intersection; $250,000
budgeted from the existing Truscott project to transportation and $650,000
from transportation. There is a shortfall of $500,000 in the operating budget
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
for the golf course pro shop. Staff put in $300,000 contribution from the
golf course and $500,000 from the general fund and there is still a shortfall.
Mayor Richards suggested using reimbursement funds from CDOT for the
roundabout for this project. Mayor Richards said the amount of funding
would be up to Council at the time of reimbursement.
Councilman Paulson said he is concerned about taking funds from too many
other accounts to make Truscott possible. Councilman Paulson said he
would prefer to spend the transportation money on hybrid buses. Mayor
Richards said prior to the 2000 budget, there were transfers from water fund
to general fund being saved for a rail project. Council has begun allocating
these transfers to other projects like the pool, skateboard park, ice rink
design. This money was identified as a source for hybrid vehicles, too;
however, these funds are not transportation monies. Mayor Richards said
she is not willing to support $200,000 per vehicle for the Galena Street
shuttle. Mayor Richards said she would prefer to wait until there is other
technology.
Councilman Paulson said he would like to move toward hybrid vehicles.
Councilman McCabe said there are so many things Council wants to
accomplish, and looking at the return on investment, the hybrid buses are too
much money. Councilman Markalunas said, too, would like to put money
towards solving the transportation problem. It is important to provide public
transportation in order to get people out of their cars. There are housing
problems that need to be solved. Councilman Hershey said the technology
for hybrid vehicles is a few years away and the city should take care of other
projects in the meantime. Mayor Richards noted that passage of the bed tax
helps the city to commit another $500,000 towards transportation solutions.
Council agreed to spend this money on the Truscott project.
Council agreed to budget $15,000 for an intern for community development
department intern to work on Puppy Smith Street COWOP, infill project,
floor area ratios. Council all agreed to include this budget item.
The screens for city hall, the asset manager will go back to HPC to address
alterations to city hall for wood screens, which may be more detrimental to
the building. Council suggested HPC review the screens before budgeting
any money. Council indicated support for the overall screen standards,
directed staff to get input from other historic districts and make sure the city
meets these standards.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
Councilman Hershey said he would support something "trolley like" for the
Galena street shuttle route; however, there is not public support and to put
another $40,000 into the trolleys seems like a waste of money. Councilman
McCabe concurred; beside any money spent on a trolley, there would be lots
of money spent on tracks, restoration, and infrastructure as well as operating
the trolleys. Councilman McCabe said it would be better to use electric
buses. Ms. Miller said in the original asset management plan, there was
$40,000 to be used to update the trolley study and as a matching grant. This
issue is whether to include the $40,000 in the 2001 budget or not.
Councilman Paulson urged Council to leave this in the AMP budget. Mayor
Richards pointed out the original request for the trolley study was $80,000
and Council asked the trolley proponents to raise half the amount.
Councilman Paulson said the trolleys could be an amenity for the
community and he would like time to find out the community's vision of the
trolley system. Councilman Markalunas agreed the trolley system had a lot
of merit and he would support $40,000 in the budget as a placeholder.
Councilman Markalunas said it is a disservice to let the trolleys sit in the
open and deteriorate.
Mayor Richards said there has never been general community support for
the trolley system. Mayor Richards stated she is feels it is important to
complete other projects the city has started and not to overload staff and the
citizens. Councilmembers McCabe and Hershey agreed.
Mayor Richards opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Richards closed the public hearing.
Councilman Paulson moved to adopt Resolution #153, Series of 2000
amending the operating budget for one time supplemental projects to include
the $15,000 for community development department intern a total of
$107,800, total general operating fund budget $12,711,480; seconded by
Councilman Hershey. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #157, SERIES OF 2000
- 2001 Mill Levy
Tabatha Miller, finance director, noted there is a very small credit reduction
in the mill levy to give back the $9,150 overage in 1999. Ms. Miller said
otherwise the mill levy will remain at 5.401 mills, which has been the same
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
for 10 years. The mill levy in 2001 is 1.25 mills for general operation, 4.151
mill dedicated to asset management, plus the overage the voters approved to
go towards Iselin Park facility.
Mayor Richards opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Richards closed the public hearing.
Councilman Hershey moved to adopt Resolution #157, Series of 2000;
seconded by Councilman Markalunas. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #53, SERIES OF 2000
- Aspen Mountain PUD, Section L
and M Amendments
Joyce Ohlson, community development department, reminded Council there
have been various amendments to the Aspen Mountain PUD. This
ordinance amends construction dates, and extensions are allowed in the PUD
agreement. These extensions have to be based on circumstances outside the
applicant's control. Ms. Ohlson said these revised construction dates are a
more realistic for redevelopment of the site and are linked to the
development review process and to the approval of various affordable
housing projects. Ms. Ohlson told Council the demolition permit for the
Grand Aspen has been submitted as have the applications for the Bavarian
Inn and Aspen Mountain PUD.
Ms. Ohlson noted the demolition of Grand Aspen must be started on or
before April 16, 2001, completion by July 31, 2001. A building permit must
be applied for within 180 days after completion of all PUD documents. The
ordinance contains dates for all facets of this PUD.
Mayor Richards asked if there will be a demolition and staging area for the
Grand Aspen. John Sarpa, representing Savanah Limited Partnership, told
Council a demolition permit has been applied for and has been issued
pending certification of the asbestos abatement. Mayor Richards asked
about the actual demolition, what streets will be used, what mitigation will
take part. Sarpa said the applicants have not met with the neighbors to
discuss how and when this demolition will occur. Sarpa agreed to work with
the neighbors to work up on time schedules, clean up, access and safety.
Mayor Richards said the city and applicants have done a lot of work on
geologic conditions on Top of Mill. If there is a delay in Top of Mill, is
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
there an ability to separate Top of Mill and Grand Aspen. Sarpa told
Council the applicants submitted 3 PUDs for that reason. Sunny Vann,
representing the applicant, told Council there are two PUD agreements; one
for the Bavarian and one each for Lots 3 and 5.
Mayor Richards opened the public hearing.
David Booth, Aspen Lodging Company, said the adjacent neighbors are
anxious to meet with the applicant and work out the details of the
st
demolition. Booth said he would not want to wait until July 31 for this as
that is a heavy rental season. Mayor Richards suggested adding to the
ordinance "initial meetings with the neighborhood will occur no later than
January 2001". The applicants agreed.
Mayor Richards closed the public hearing.
John Worcester, city attorney, noted the applicants need to show by a
preponderance of the evidence that the delay was necessitated by some
circumstance. Sarpa said it has taken this long to go through the process
with city staff. Sarpa said in discussing the time line with staff, it was
determined it would be fall 2001 before the final approvals would be
complete. Worcester pointed out this evidence is incorporated in the
whereas clause of the ordinance. Councilman McCabe requested the
applicants work with staff to mitigate the effects of demolition on Food and
Wine and the Fourth of July.
Vann read the amendment on page 3, 1(a), "commencement to occur on or
th
before April 16 . An initial meeting shall occur with the adjacent neighbors
to discuss the demolition process no later than January 31, 2001".
Mayor Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #53, Series of 2000, with the
amendment above as well as meeting with the neighbors of the Bavarian Inn
to discuss its demolition impacts; seconded by Councilman Hershey. Roll
call vote; Councilmembers McCabe, yes; Markalunas, yes; Paulson, yes;
Hershey, yes; Mayor Richards, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #54, SERIES OF 2000
- St Mary's PUD
Fred Jarman, community development department, said this ordinance
establishes the St. Mary's site as a planned unit development in order to
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
restore some of the rectory, to remodel an addition to the rectory, and to
construct a new two-bedroom housing unit over the garage. Jarman noted
the proposed two-bedroom unit breaches the Pitkin County Courthouse
viewplane by 4'9". The applicants also wish to vary the building separation
dimensional requirement from 10 feet to 5 feet. This is allowed through a
PUD process.
Jarman told Council St. Mary's received conceptual approval from HPC,
received conditional use approval from P & Z for two residential units in the
commercial core and received a unanimous recommendation for PUD
approval from P & Z. The project will go to HPC for final review this week.
Jarman said there are story poles indicating the location of the new structure
and ridge height.
St. Mary's is proposing the reconstruct a tower that originally existed on the
rectory. The solar panels on the rectory will be removed. There will be a
749 square foot ADU in the newer addition to the rectory. Staff
recommends approval of the PUD as a benefit with the large ADU. The new
structure will also contain a unit for employees of the church. This project
represents a good example of infill development. Jarman said the proposed
structure is in proportion with the rectory and the church. Jarman reviewed
the plans with Council.
The architects told Council the garages will be moved to the new building.
The existing space will be used for guest rooms. Councilman Markalunas
said he would like to see the handicap access parking rearranged rather than
be on Hunter street. There are also problems with the sidewalk and
handicap access, especially adjacent to the trash enclosure. Councilman
Markalunas suggested the driveway for the rectory be available for handicap
access. The applicants agreed.
Mayor Richards opened the public hearing.
Toni Kronberg urged Council to approve this project as it is a historical
restoration, it provides needed housing.
Mayor Richards closed the public hearing.
Mayor Richards suggested planting around the new structure on the south
side and also breaking up the façade so it does not look so much like a
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
garage. Councilman Paulson asked if there are plans for energy efficiency
for this remodel. The applicant said they are researching what will work.
Councilman Markalunas moved to adopt Ordinance #54, Series of 2000, on
second reading; seconded by Councilman Hershey. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Markalunas, yes; McCabe, yes; Hershey, yes; Paulson,
yes; Mayor Richards, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #55, SERIES OF 2000
- Land Use Code Amendments
Chris Bendon, community development department, told Council Section 18
of this ordinance deals with replacement housing and is a outcome of the
Telluride Supreme Court case. Bendon noted staff and P & Z recommend
section 20 be deleted from this ordinance. This section deals with
subdivision of open space for affordable housing parcels. Section 22 deals
with affordable housing, makes it easier and correlates better with the PUD
standards. Bendon told Council P & Z recommends approval of all sections
exception 20.
Mayor Richards opened the public hearing.
Mitch Haas reminded Council he brought up a code interpretation about a
year ago, at which time Council directed staff to evaluate a code
amendment. Haas said Section 20 was not thoroughly looked at and has
merit and should not be dismissed. Haas said he would like staff to look at
the pros and cons.
Bendon told Council the suggested amendment would allow a property
owner to create a parcel of land with no development allotments to be used
either for open space or to create future affordable housing. The land use
code requires an applicant to get approval for development allotments at the
same time as subdivision. Bendon told Council P & Z and staff discussed
this section and do not favor it. Bendon said if one wants to create an open
space parcel and not own it, a conservation easement can be created. If the
parcel is to be given to the city, it can be done as an essential public facility.
There are already processes for creating open space parcels. If one wanted
to use a parcel for affordable housing, they could go through rezoning to
insure this parcel is intended for affordable housing and is compatible with
the neighborhood. Haas said he feels there is merit in the code amendment
and would like to be able to keep pursuing this with staff. Council agreed.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
Mayor Richards closed the public hearing
Councilman Hershey moved to adopt Ordinance #55, Series of 2000,
deleting section 20, on second reading; seconded by Councilman
Markalunas. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Markalunas, yes; McCabe,
yes; Paulson, yes; Hershey, yes; Mayor Richards, yes. Motion carried.
Staff will come back with a code amendment on section 20 when ready.
Councilman Markalunas moved to go into executive session at 7:25 p.m. to
discuss personnel issues; seconded by Councilman Hershey. All in favor,
motion carried.
Councilman Hershey moved to come out of executive session at 7:30 p.m.
and to continue the meeting to December 12, 2000 at 8:30 a.m.; seconded by
Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ................................ ................................ ....... 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS ................................ ........................... 1
CONSENT CALENDAR ................................ ................................ ............. 2
·
RFTA Resolution 5, 2000 – Adopting 200 1Budget .............................. 3
·
RFTA Resolution 6, 2000 – Appropriating Money for the 2001 budget 3
·
Ordinance # 57, 2000 – 2001 Fees ................................ ....................... 3
·
Resolution #151, 2000 – Approval of Housing Aut hority Supplemental
Budget for 2000 ................................ ................................ ....................... 3
·
Approval of Housing 2001 Budget ................................ ....................... 3
·
Puppy Smith COWOP- Appointment of Task Force - Council - Terry
Paulson, Jim Markalunas; P & Z - Roger Haneman, Jasmine Tygre; HPC -
Rally Dupps; Housing Board - George Burson; ACES - Tom Cardamone;
Sanitation District - Tom Bracewell; Infill Committee - Heidi Hoffman .. 3
·
Resolution #156, 2000 – Contract KD Housing – Truscott
Redevelopment Financing ................................ ................................ ........ 3
RESOLUTION #153, SERIES OF 2000 - 2001 Budget ............................... 3
RESOLUTION #157, SERIES OF 2000 - 2001 Mill Levy .......................... 5
ORDINANCE #53, SERIES OF 2000 - Aspen Mountain PUD, Section L
and M Amendments ................................ ................................ ..................... 6
ORDINANCE #54, SERIES OF 2000 - St Mary's PUD .............................. 7
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 2000
ORDINANCE #55, SERIES OF 2000 - Land Use Code Amendments ........ 9
11