HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20091013Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13.2009
PROCLAMATION - Day of Climate Action ........................................................... ......... 2
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ..................................................................................... ......... 2
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS ......................................................................... ......... 2
CONSENT CALENDAR ................................:......................................................... ......... 3
• Resolution #81, 2009 -Contract Caterpillar Motor Grader ........................... ......... 3
• Resolution #82, 2009 -Amendments to Burlingame Covenants .................. ......... 3
• Resolution #83, 2009 - IGA City/County Community Development Department 3
• Resolution #80, 2009 - Day of Climate Action October 24th ....................... ......... 3
• Minutes -September 28, 2009 ...................................................................... ......... 3
RESOLUTION #77, 2009 -Contract AABC City Affordable Housing Part 2 ......... ......... 3
RESOLUTION #84, 2009 -Aspen Walk Extension of Conceptual Approval .......... ......... 5
ORDINANCE #22, SERIES OF 2009 -Opt into Local Improvement District ........ ......... 6
RESOLUTION #85, SERIES OF 2009 -Temporary Use Aspen Art Museum Installation
.................................................................................................................................... ......... 7
RESOLUTION #86, SERIES OF 2009 -Temporary Use Dark Horse Alley Coffee Cart 8
RESOLUTION #52, SERIES OF 2009 -Lift One Lodge Conceptual PUD ............ ......... 8
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Rye ular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
Mayor Ireland called the meeting to order at 5:05 with Councilmembers Romero,
Johnson, Torre and Skadron present.
PROCLAMATION - Day of Climate Action
Kim Peterson, canary initiative, presented a resolution of support for the International
Day of Climate Action, October 24`h, to join in a world wide movement in 140 countries
to raise awareness on the climate crisis. Ms. Peterson told Council scientists say the
world has to get back down to 350 ppm carbon in the atmosphere. The current reading is
390 ppm. Ms. Peterson said Aspen is sending the message of slowing climate change to
keep snow longer in Aspen with a photo shoot at the gondola plaza October 24`h.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Sarah Pletts, Living Arts Foundation, told Council they raised enough money to
postpone the sale of their land for 30 days. Ms. Pletts requested Council consider
attending a retreat on their wilderness and joining youth, being interviewed before
spending two days in silence and after spending two days in silence. Ms. Pletts gave
Council a copy of the retreat description. Ms. Pletts went over the history of the Living
Arts Foundation participation in keeping the Rio Grande area green and away from
development.
2. Casey McConnell, Qittle, reminded Council he is working on "Live the Dream" a
contest to give away a year in Aspen. McConnell showed a video for the contest.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Romero acknowledged the progress between the Town of Snowmass
village and the Aspen School District on the affordable housing proposed for Snowmass.
2. Councilman Johnson announced the Aspen High School football team beat Grand
Valley last week and will play the state champs Olathe this week and encouraged the
community to come out and support the players and the team.
3. Mayor Ireland also encouraged the community to come to the high school football
game. Mayor Ireland reminded people not to park illegally on Maroon Creek; there is
parking at the school and at the recreation center, free buses and a bike path.
4. Mayor Ireland said he asked the human resources department for an analysis of
employee compensation. The average pay including goals and outcome will decrease by
$340; health insurance for family coverage is increasing $80 and for individuals is
increasing about $16. Mayor Ireland stated he appreciates what city of Aspen employees
do for the city.
5. Steve Barwick, city manager, reminded everyone the neighborhood meetings start
tomorrow at the Rio Grande at 5:30 p.m. and will occur for the next 3 Wednesdays.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
6. Councilman Skadron reported on CORE and that REMP resolutions for 2010
expenditures will be presented to Council and to the County Commissioners next month.
These expenditures include administration for the REMP grants; funding for the canazy
initiative staff; funding for ZGreen outreach; funding for a climate coordinator in
Carbondale and a third party audit and a request for $75,000 to keep the photovoltaic
rebate program going.
7. Councilman Romero said the RFTA Board initially reviewed the 2010 operating
and capital expenditure budget as well as the BRT program. Councilman Romero said
RFTA staff proposes a balanced budget without reaching into the reserves. The
reductions in revenue at RFTA have been offset by efficiencies and economies in the
service plan. Councilman Romero said RFTA continues to appeal to out of agency
jurisdictions to commit and contribute to RFTA.
8. Mayor Ireland reported he attended the state transportation advisory committee
meeting and CDOT will be facing more cuts which are between maintenance and new
construction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ireland proposed to drop (d) Resolution #77, 2009, Contract AABC City
Affordable Housing Part 2 and Resolution #84, 2009, Aspen Walk Extension of
Conceptual approval from the consent calendar and to include Resolution #80 - Day of
Climate Action
Councilman Skadron moved to approve the consent calendar as amended; seconded by
Councilman Johnson. The consent calendar is
• Resolution #81, 2009 -Contract Caterpillar Motor Grader
• Resolution #82, 2009 -Amendments to Burlingame Covenants
• Resolution #83, 2009 - IGA City/County Community Development Department
• Resolution #80, 2009 -Day of Climate Action October 24th
• Minutes -September 28, 2009
All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #77.2009 -Contract AABC City Affordable Housing Part 2
Steve Bossart, capital asset department, told Council in 2005, the city requested the
former animal shelter site at the AABC be planned for affordable housing for city staff,
owner-occupied units in categories 3 and 4 for one-bedroom units and categories 1 or 2
for the studio unit. Bossart said this site has been owned by the city since the 1960's. An
R~ular Meeting Asaen City Council October 13, 2009
animal shelter was built on this site in the 1970's and was demolished several years ago.
Bossart noted the city human resources department conducted a demand study and 76
responses showed interest in these housing units. Bossart said there is firnding set aside
in the housing fund for this project. Bossart noted there was a competition in 2005 and
WPA was selected for its livability, awareness of the AABC covenants and in 2006,
Council approved a contract for design. In 2007 and 2008, city staff worked on value
engineering to get the cost lower than it was initially. Bossart said staff compared the
proposed costs of this project to the Sanitation District's housing, a project at the AABC
and some other housing projects.
Bossart noted this project was discussed as being a zero energy project; however, this
was eliminated in the value engineering phase. Bossart said this project consists of the
best practices in the envelope moisture management issue. Bossart said staff believes
they can go for energy staz and for LEED, both which have cost implications. Bossart
told Council staff looked at the subsidy for this project and using category 3 selling
prices, the subsidy would be $457,000/one-bedroom unit and $250,000 for the studio.
Bossart said when this project was conceived it went through the developer design build
model of delivery. Since that time, the city has gone to the integrated project delivery
model. Bossart said staff has moved into the project manager/owner role in collaboration
with the design development group looking at value engineering, trying to find a way to
bring this project in at the least possible cost and still provide quality housing. Bossart
noted the city is coming up against the 3 year permit application deadline with Pitkin
County. The city has vested rights and if this project is delayed, the money invested in it
to date will be lost. Bossart told Council staff has looked at stick built, modular,
panelization to find cost savings; modulaz would cost about 2% less but would require
going back through re-design process. Bossart said he feels the best alternative is to
proceed with the contract as presented. Mayor Ireland noted this will cost $560/square
foot including all costs. Mayor Ireland asked if this cost is in line with other projects in
the valley. Councilman Romero said 30% of the overall costs are attributable to soft
costs, which is a little high; however, small projects do not achieve economies that large
projects do.
Mayor Ireland asked if this project were bid. Bossart told Council there was a team and
that team put the project to bid. Staff was not in favor of the pricing received and asked
the team to look at value engineering, modular, other methods. Bossart said staff
received two bids and ideas from other development teams. Bossart said staff had the
contractor try and find out if there are more savings or cost saving ideas. Mayor Ireland
said currently this project costs $560/square foot to do everything. Mayor Ireland stated
he would not go beyond that cost without a lot of justification.
Councilman Johnson asked if there is funding available for this project. Bossart said city
departments put money into a separate fund for city housing and there is $2.4 million in
that fund. Don Taylor, finance department, told Council another $500,000 will be
transferred into that fund in 2010 from other departments based on a dollaz
amount/employee. Councilman Skadron asked how many employees the city has. Steve
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RCEUIar Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
Barwick, city manager, said the 2010 budget contains 315 employees and there are 46
units of housing for city employees. Councilman Skadron asked what threshold is
appropriate in percentage of housing city employees. Barwick pointed out one of the
Council's top ten goals is to come up with that percentage. Barwick told Council he
views this program as an investment rather than an annual expense. Housing units will
drive down long term costs for employment; the city cannot pay employees enough to
purchase free mazket housing in Aspen.
Councilman Torre asked if this site has been maximized for affordable house. Willis
Pember, azchitect, told Council they had to work within the covenants of the AABC and
arrived at a certain square footage, which was divided up among the units in 2006 when
Council chose which design best fit their requirements. Councilman Johnson said if
Council does not approve this and the vested rights lapses, what is lost in time and
money. Bossart told Council the city would have to go back through the process and pay
the land use fees and planning costs, at a minimum of $450,000, with no guarantee of
approval.
Councilman Romero said this was originally reviewed with a different Council and a lot
of changes and lessons learned have occurred in the last 3 yeazs. Councilman Romero
said.he would rather lose the vesting than hurry this through the approval process and to
take the time to gain confidence in the delivery method and how this project fits with the
budget and community goals. Barwick suggested a small contract with WPA in order to
apply for a building permit to secure the vested rights. Councilman Skadron said the
cost/square foot seems high and asked if there has been any economic pluses because of
the economic slow down. Bossart said for much of the commodities, the prices have not
come down. There is a willingness on part of contractors and subcontractors to reduce
some of their fees. Mayor Ireland agreed to try to get an extension; however, this may
not be the project the Council wants. Mayor Ireland noted it is expensive to pay to pazk
cars underground and suggested the indoor parking be eliminated and maybe have more
residential units. Mayor Ireland said he would like to know the land use code for density
and for FAR. Pember noted this project received a variance not to count the carports
towards the FAR so even if the carports were eliminated, there could be no more
residences units on site. Pember said the AABC approved this design because the cars or
out of sight. Councilman Romero said if needed to prefect the vesting, he would approve
some money for that; however, he is not in favor of approving this contract as presented.
Councilman Romero said he would like greater detail of the azchitectural program and of
the budget.
Councilman Romero moved to continue Resolution #77 and authorize an application by
WPA to continue the vesting; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion
carried.
RESOLUTION #84, 2009 -Aspen Walk Extension of Conceptual Approval
Mayor Ireland said there are issues about funding and off site mitigation using public
assets. Stan Clauson, representing the applicants, told Council this project is a joint
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
development agreement with the housing office to redevelop the Smuggler Apartments
and the property at the comer of Park Avenue and Park Circle. This was heard by
Council and approved for conceptual. There were two requirements; one was that the
interests of two individuals under indictment be removed from the project. Clauson told
Council they have looked at affordable housing off site and have found none to pursue
until the financial interests are resolved. Clauson said it is difficult to obtain financing
and this project has the burden of removing two investors. John Worcester, city attorney,
told Council the receiver of this property would have to approve any buyout of the two
individuals, which has not yet happened.
Tom Klassen, representing the applicants, said at the end of the review process with the
city, one of the investors was indicted. There are 15 other investors/partners who are
separate development entity. Mr. Pedders had a 14% interest, a minority shareholder, but
was the signatory on loan documents and caused a default in financing. At that time,
Council required the applicants to come back without Pedders, with full financing in
place, and land use issues addressed. Klassen said he has been trying to accomplish the
city requirements over the past 12 months. Klassen noted he has a sepazate external
fiduciary, the receiver, and a capital market in decline. Klassen said the worth of Pedders
and Wemhoffls investment needs to be determined, a judge needs to approve that and
then the interests are transferred back to the applicant. The receiver has agreed on the
procedure and has asked the applicant to work through motions between the lender and
the court, which are on going.
Klassen told Council he has met with the housing boazd on ideas for this project and on
next steps, examining the joint development agreement, of which the APCHA board still
supports. Klassen requested additional time to work these details out and keep with the
project the city approval conceptually. Worcester reiterated the applicant still has steps to
take to convince the city they can proceed to final approval and they are asking for an
extension of their conceptual approval. Worcester told Council the city engaged outside
counsel on this and received an opinion from Holland & hart, which made some
suggestions For the city to follow up on. Worcester said he has not seen an approval from
the receiver that the two investors who were indicted were taken off the partnership.
Worcester said the new partners will need to agree to the joint development agreement.
None of these steps can happen until the applicants get an extension.
Councilman Romero moved to approve Resolution #84, Series of 2009; seconded by
Councilman Johnson.
Councilman Skadron noted at conceptual he did not favor this project because of scale
and mass issues and the disproportionate ratio of free market square footage to deed
restricted square footage and a different mix of rental versus sales units.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #22. SERIES OF 2009 -Opt into Local Improvement District
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Regular Meetipe Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
Councilman Torre moved to read ordinance #22, Series of 2009; seconded by
Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carved.
ORDINANCE NO. 22
Series of 2009
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, CONSENTING TO THE IMPROVEMENT FOR RENEWABLE
ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PURPOSES TO ANY RESIDENTIAL OR
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY BY THE COUNTY OF PITKIN.
Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #22, Series of 2009, on first reading; seconded
by Councilman Torre.
Councilman Romero asked the amount of the proposed bond issue. Kim Peterson, canazy
initiative, told Council the issue is proposed at "up to $7 million" and the amount will be
determined after the county determines the interest in this program. Mayor Ireland said
this program will get the county closer to the goal of 350 ppm and it will create local
employment. Mayor Ireland noted this is like a revenue bond being paid for by the user,
not the local governments.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Romero, yes; Skadron, yes;
Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carved.
RESOLUTION #85, SERIES OF 2009 -Temporary Use Aspen Art Museum
Installation
Chris Bendon, community development department, said this is to consider a tmporazy
use request from the Art Museum to install a piece of art using neon on the exterior of the
building. Bendon said the city does not regulate sign content but does regulate sign sizes,
locations and materials. Neon is a material not allowed. Bendon told Council staff is
supporting this application; the request is for less than 2 months and is not associated
with selling anything.
Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, Aspen Art Museum, outlined the history of art on the
exterior of buildings. Ms. Jacobson showed slides of the Parthenon; Nashville, TN with a
full scale replica with art on the exterior. Ms. Jacobson showed an installation in
Houston using neon as art pieces. Ms. Jacobson showed a horizontal band of neon
around the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego and which introduces text into the
art pieces.
Ms. Jacobson said this is a request for Claire Fontaine, two artists working under one
name, using things that already exist in nature. Ms. Jacobson said this installation is 185"
long and 4-3/4" high. The sign reads "foreigners everywhere" in the Ute language. The
series uses indigenous language of the place of installation. Ms. Jacobson noted the Ute
language was not a written language until the 1970's. This is dark blue neon, which does
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
not emit a lot of light. It is being designed to survive outside and as a silent reminder that
this area was populated by a different people.
Councilman Torre asked if this is to run 24 hours a day. Ms. Jacobson said that is the
preference. Councilman Torre asked if the heat from the neon will keep the snow off the
piece. Ms. Jacobson said it is covered and the challenge is less about snow than about the
temperature variation. Councilman Skadron said unfettered access to Aspen's night sky
should not be affected and neon signs are prohibited. Councilman Skadron said there is a
higher standard in maintaining individual's right to a star filled sky and that should be
upheld. Ms. Jacobson said the installation is very contained and it is unlikely it will
reflect into the night sky.
Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing.
Bill Wiener noted he has suggested that the town honor the Utes and have an annual Ute
day. Wiener said this piece could be the beginning of paying homage to the Utes.
Wiener stated he is in favor of this.
Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing.
All in favor with the exception of Councilman Skadron. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #86, SERIES OF 2009 -Temporary Use Dark Horse Alley Coffee Cart
Councilman Torre moved to continue Resolution #86, Series of 2009, to October 26;
seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Romero stated he should not have voted on Aspen Walk extension as he
owns property within 300 feet.
RESOLUTION #52, SERIES OF 2009 -Lift One Lodge Conceptual PUD
Councilman Johnson left due to a conflict of interest. Mayor Ireland opened the public
hearing.
Chris Bendon, community development department, reminded Council at the last
meeting, scale and mass were discussed. The applicants will present their sustainability
plan, talk about room sizes, pedestrian movement and how the fractional ownership
program works. Bendon reminded Council conceptual approval sets out expectations for
the final application. Mayor Ireland said his concerns are financing mechanisms to
complete the public improvements and to restore the parcel or to complete the lodge.
Bob Daniel, representing the applicants, noted this is the sixth meeting with Council on
this project, using the COWOP plan from 2008 for the east side of South Aspen street
and what could be incorporated into this PUD. One idea from the COWOP was the ski
Re¢ular Meetin¢ Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
corridor through the site. There was a site visit to look at building footprints and heights.
The revised architecture has been presented.
Daniel presented a slide orienting the project, South Aspen street, the proposed platter
lift, Aspen mountain, relocated Skier's Chalet and Steakhouse, pazking and the proposed
Historical Society museum. Daniel told Council the applicants brought in experts on
sustainable development. Daniel said the applicants tried to balance development,
preservation, building social and environmental capita]. Daniel noted their development
addresses macro and micro considerations and sustainability. Daniel said sustainability
needs to be considered in architecture, design, operation, accessibility and flexibility to
be able to respond to changing market conditions. Daniel noted there aze many programs
that give guidance for sustainable development and the applicants need to bring those
guidelines to a project in Aspen. The applicants have defined sustainability locally as
"skiing and being".
Daniel told Council the applicants looked at economic sustainability of the Lift One
Lodge project and the project as presented meets that. Daniel pointed out this project
does not rely solely on one economic base for its viability; it has free market residences,
shazed ownership, and diverse property offerings. Daniel said the suites have a flexible
configuration to appeal to a broader mazket. Daniel stated there is a demand for new and
redeveloped properties in the Aspen market.
Daniel said Lift One Lodge offers part time owners a central location with a density of 8
owners/unit. Daniel told Council studies have been done on second homes on Pitkin
County in terms of C02 generated on an annualized basis. A second home carbon
footprint produces 44 tons of C02/yeaz and adding staff adds another 2 or 3 tons/year.
An average Aspen condominium has a 16 ton impact of C02. The concept of shazed
ownership is a more sustainable model economically and for environmental footprint.
Daniel noted with the proximity to town and to transportation and the shared ownership
of these units, it is sustainable.
Daniel noted the national average use of a second home is 28 days/yeaz and the model for
Lift One Lodge provides a higher level of occupancy, which works for the customer and
for the community. Daniel said the city's time share ordinance provides accessibility for
greater opportunity for occupancy of shared ownership units, which is an important
community benefit. Daniel stated community benefits include the skiing improvements,
rejuvenation of the neighborhood and upgrades to the street. Daniel pointed out the
applicants are making investments in the historical structures on site as well as providing
a museum space for the historical society.
Daniel told Council room sizes vary from 275 square feet to 882 square feet; the average
is 526 square feet and 87% of the rooms are less than 600 square feet. This mixture helps
with the diversity of the project. Daniel presented plans of how lock off rooms would
operate and which offer a myriad of permutations. Daniel noted there is no study on
local occupancy of fractional fee units. The national data for shared ownership in resorts
is around 65%. Lift One Lodge hopes their lock offprogram will provide a higher
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Re¢ular Meetin¢ Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
occupancy. Daniel went over the ways in which their shared ownership will work.
Daniel said there will be up to 20 keys available For public rental during winter and
summer seasons in this type of ownership model. Daniel told Council they will offer
these rooms through Stay Aspen Snowmass.
Daniel stated the applicants are committed to housing 100% of employees generated by
this development rather than 60% required by the land use code. Daniel said they will
commit to apost-completion audit to verify the number of employees and if there is a
short fall in units provided to house employees, they have the obligation to fulfill the
shortfall. Daniel told Council applicants and staff are still working on the number of
employees that will be generated; however, it will be between 55 and 65 employees.
Daniel proposed to house 40% of their employees on site.
Daniel went over accessibility for pedestrians, for skiers, and a potential transit stop at the
north end of the project. Daniel told Council City staff looks at quality of service in
traffic and creates a sustainable approach to development. Daniel said traffic analysis is a
part of any development review in the city. Daniel pointed out this plan gives priority to
pedestrians over vehicles up South Aspen street. Daniel showed projected peak hour
trips to the project, 2 vehicles/minute, which is not a significant impact.
Daniel told Council the applicants feel redevelopment of an existing site and repurposing
existing structures is smart growth. Daniel reminded Council the city has an aggressive
green building program. Daniel said the applicants are trying to achieve a LEED gold
and aze committing to testing the building operations in a green standazd. The applicants
are committed to environmental design goals and will explain at final submittal how this
will be accomplished, like green roofs and ground source heat exchange. Daniel said the
applicants do not feel the ground source heat exchange will work for snow melt and will
look at a combination of alternatives.
Daniel said the Lift One Neighborhood COWOP looked at lift technology, looked at lay
outs, and received advice from Snow Engineering, which were referred to Council in
2008. Daniel noted the applicants went to HPC and received comments from them about
the importance of the view comdor up Aspen mountain. Daniel said the sustainability of
Lift One has also to do with skiing and ski racing. Daniel said there will be improved ski
lifrs and operations. The applicants have met with the ski company and have observed
winter events to see how they operate.
Councilman Romero asked the parking allocations for the development. Daniel said
there are 200 parking spaces; 50 aze available to the public, I50 parking spaces are for
free market, lodging and affordable housing. Councilman Romero said honing in on the
exact number of parking space for final, given transportation and the acceptability of not
having rental cars, will be an issue for him. Councilman Romero agreed with the concept
of landing as much affordable housing on site as possible, which would increase the
vitality and make it feel like a neighborhood. Councilman Romero stated he appreciated
the review of goals for the community and how this project fits into those. Councilman
Romero said the varied room sizes will match the guests' requirement of flexibility.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
Councilman Romero asked if any studies have been done of recently completed fractional
ownership projects. Daniel said he understands that the Grand Hyatt is renting lock off
rooms and there is availability. Daniel told Council at other projects they encourage
owners to occupy units that fit their need rather than take up an entire 3 bedroom unit for
a couple. Daniel pointed out there is a restaurant proposed along South Aspen street and
it is important to have occupancy in the lodge to drive the other commercial enterprises.
Councilman Romero said there were lessons learned at the 2008 review of the lodge and
the protection mechanisms for the city and those should be included. Councilman
Romero asked about a metro district. Daniel noted the COWOP ordinance was designed
as a final vesting document. This resolution has conditions for approval and the applicant
will use the 2008 COWOP as guidance for the financial issues. Daniel said the proposed
metro district is still a possibility; there are components of this master plan that would be
suitable for a metro district. Councilman Romero asked about outreach with the neighbor
to the west. Daniel told Council the applicants have had no conversations with Centurion
Partners. This application is fully independent and has nothing to do with any other
developments around them.
Councilman Skadron asked what the applicants means by "being comfortable on the
site"; the challenge is to be appropriately "Aspen" and how is that captured. Councilman
Skadron said what is important to him is that the essence of the Lift One skiing
experience is maintained. Daniel said this project is some infill and there is character and
fiber in the neighborhood. Daniel noted there are historic structures that are being
reutilized and incorporated in the plan. Daniel said the proposed architecture is different
than other projects and brings in green features.
Councilman Skadron asked how room prices are established. Daniel said room prices are
based on yield management, remembering that occupancy and revenue is important to
any hotel operator. Councilman Skadron said he would like to know that the rooms are
priced to insure vitality in this neighborhood. Daniel noted small lodges and the
sustainability of them is important to Aspen so forcing a lower price point to a brand new
hotel when the small lodges are struggling for occupancy may not be the wisest course
for the community. Councilman Skadron said important to him is accessibility and that
the applicant fulfils the verbal representations made in front of Council when the project
is built. Councilman Skadron said he feels on site affordable housing is valuable.
Bendon agreed 40% housing on site is a strong number. Councilman Skadron said he
feels the world looking at an authentic historically relevant space is more compelling than
a space with afamiliar-looking 5 star hotel.
Councilman Torre agreed this is a trade off between community character. Councilman
Torre said he is concerned that the applicant is asking more from this space than can be
handled on this site. Councilman Torre questioned the location of the beer and brats
restaurant at the bottom of the hill and who will gather there in the winter. Councilman
Torre said the northern end of the east lodge building might be tucked in to follow more
of the street grid pattern. Councilman Torre said he has issues with the lower lodge and
the size and massing of it and without the beer and brats building, the lodge could be
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Regular Meetin¢ Aspen City Council October 13, 2009
more spread out and lowered. Councilman Torre said he feels the rooms aze larger than
the community needs. Councilman Torre noted he likes the on site affordable housing.
Councilman Torre said he would like this project to be more than comfortable, and to be
what the community wants Aspen to be rather than what it has become. Councilman
Torre agreed there maybe some economies by decreasing the parking spaces.
Mayor Ireland asked if owners will be prohibited from owning more than one unit.
Daniel said they will not. Mayor Ireland said he would like a provision for an audit to
see whether this project succeeds in creating hot beds. Mayor Ireland said he feels 526
square feet is a lot of space and the perceived need for that size room drives the size of
the whole project. Mayor Ireland said if there is off site affordable housing, he would
like to see it on this side of the roundabout. Mayor Ireland said he does not want
subsequent owners of the project to get out of their affordable housing mitigation by
using contract labor. Mayor Ireland said he wants to know more about the traffic analysis
and also the energy use.
Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing.
Bill Wiener said there is an opportunity for this site by closing south Aspen street and
using two roads on each side of South Aspen, which would make the street available as a
ski run all the way to town. Wiener suggested the buildings be set back 35' from South
Aspen. This configuration with a run into town will change the look of the entire project.
Wiener showed a power point with a site plan. Wiener noted these could be underground
motor lobbies with light access.
Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing
Mayor Ireland moved to continue Resolution #52, Series of 2009, to October 26`h;
seconded by Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to go into executive session at 8:55 p.m. pursuant to C.R.S. 24-
6-402(4) (a) The purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of any real, personal, or
other property interest and (f) personnel matters and the person is aware of this executive
session; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to come out of executive session at 9:50 p.m.; seconded by
Councilman Skadron. Al] in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Skadron moved to adjourn at 9:50 p.m.; seconded by Mayor Ireland. All in
favor, motion carried.
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