HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20110822 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARD 2
DISTINGUISHED BUDGET BOOK AWARD 2
CHALLENGE ASPEN 2
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 2
COUNCIL COMMENTS 3
CONSENT CALENDAR 4
❑ Resolution #55, 2011 — Contract - Community Development Software 4
❑ Resolution #56, 2011 — Contract — Street Sweeper for the Streets Department 4
❑ Resolution #57, 2011 — Contract — ARC — HVAC Retro -fit 4
❑ Resolution #58, 2011 — Wheeler Architect Change Order 4
❑ Minutes — August 2, 8, 2011 4
❑ Resolution #54, 2011 CORE Green Key Grants 4
ORDINANCE #24, SERIES OF 2011 — Code Amendment Single Use Bag Fee 4
ORDINANCE #25, SERIES OF 2011 — Aspen Chance Subdivision Amendment 6
ORDINANCE #26, SERIES OF 2011 — Bond Refinancing 7
ORDINANCE #23, SERIES OF 2011 — MAA Water Service Agreement 8
ORDINANCE #22, SERIES OF 2011 — Burlingame Ranch Phase II 8
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
Mayor Ireland called the meeting to order at 5:08 PM with Councilmembers Skadron, Frisch,
Johnson and Torre present.
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARD
Mayor Ireland and Council presented Ashley Cantrell, environmental health department, with an
outstanding employee bonus award for all her work on environmental issues including the water
bottles, the water filling stations, the single -use fee bag ordinance and the compost program.
DISTINGUISHED BUDGET BOOK AWARD
Mayor Ireland announced that the City of Aspen received the distinguished budget book award
from the Government Finance Official Association. Mayor Ireland noted the finance department
does an excellent job providing Council with the information in order to make decisions
necessary to keep a balanced budget and to meet the service demands of the customers.
CHALLENGE ASPEN
Houston Cowan, Challenge Aspen, thanked Council for their continued support for Challenge
Aspen and for their fundraising event at the Aspen Golf Course. Cowan said the event was more
successful than ever. The event helps support CAMO, Challenge Aspen Military Operations,
and there were injured soldiers at the event. Cowan told Council the CAMO program was just
recognized by Walter Reed hospital as the largest community based program in the country.
Cowan said Challenge Aspen could not ask for a better partnership. Cowan presented a film clip
about the CAMO program and the work Challenge Aspen is doing with injured soldiers both
winter and summer.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Ruth Kruger told Council it has been 10 weeks since she applied for P &Z. Ms. Kruger
said she was interested in lending her assistance to the AACP process and 10 meetings on the
AACP have taken place during that 10 weeks. Ms. Kruger rescinded her application to P &Z and
hopefully Council can appoint Scott Writer. Ms. Kruger noted that if Council wants the
community involved in the civic process, they need to be respectful and welcoming.
2. Gen Fulton, 914 Waters Avenue HOA, stated they have concerns about the Aspen Art
Museum purchasing a unit in their complex as affordable housing mitigation. Steve Barwick,
city manager, requested Ms. Fulton put her concerns in writing and staff will meet with her and
schedule this for a Council session.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
3. Andrew Kole said the season for the Saturday Market is half over and the extra street
adds to the success of the market. The market works very smoothly. Kole told Council there are
200 ADUs in the city not being used for housing. There ought to be a way to use these or to get
the money from transferring the space to other uses. Kole suggested the citizens should be able
to vote on funding for Burlingame or for the project.
4. Emzy Veazy suggested Aspen should be producing 15 to 20 millionaires and there may
be laws preventing this from happening as the environment and resources are here.
5. Gram Slaton, Wheeler Opera House, reminded Council of the Mountain Summit Film
Festival at the Wheeler August 25 to 28. Slaton announced there is a special event at the
Wheeler September 11 with a documentary by Andrea Booher who was the official
photographer of ground zero. Slaton said this event will be right after the community picnic.
6. Eden Vardy invited Council to Cozy Point where he has land that for a greenhouse and
gardens. This is open to the public everyday and is education based to illustrate sustainability.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
1. Councilman Torre thanked everyone for the recent special events, the Rotary for Ducky
Derby, AREday, the Rugby Sevens toumament and the junior tennis tournament. Councilman
Torre said events make Aspen special and they are put on by individuals with good community
will.
2. Councilman Torre recognized the water department for their support and idea of "Aspen
Tap ".
3. Councilman Johnson noted schools start next week and watch out for kids on bikes and
walking.
4. Councilman Frisch stated it is great to be back in Aspen and congratulated the Aspen
Music Festival for their season which makes Aspen successful in the summer. Councilman
Frisch wished the special events department good luck for the bike race.
5. Councilman Skadron said he is excited to see how the community will carry off the bike
race.
6. Councilman Skadron noted Eden Vardy is producing food locally and encouraged
Council to visit Cozy Point and see his operation.
7. Mayor Ireland showed the street closures and the map of the bike race course. One
cannot leave their cars parked downtown overnight; they will be towed. The women's criterium
is at 1 PM on Wednesday. The men's stage will come over Independence pass around 3 PM.
8. Mayor Ireland thanked Challenge Aspen for their report on the golf classic and
congratulated AREday for their event.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
9. Councilman Skadron reported that RFTA is executing a lease purchase agreement with
Alpine Bank for office building in Carbondale. This will provide the necessary space to operate
and manage the BRT scheduled to open September 2013.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilman Torre moved to adopt the consent calendar; seconded by Councilman Skadron. The
consent calendar is:
• Resolution #55, 2011 — Contract - Community Development Software
• Resolution #56, 2011 — Contract — Street Sweeper for the Streets Department
• Resolution #57, 2011 — Contract — ARC — HVAC Retro -fit
• Resolution #58, 2011 — Wheeler Architect Change Order
• Minutes — August 2, 8, 2011
• Resolution #54, 2011 CORE Green Key Grants
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #24, SERIES OF 2011— Code Amendment Single Use Bag Fee
Councilman Johnson moved to read Ordinance #24, Series of 2011; seconded by Councilman
Torre. All in favor, motion carried.
Ordinance No. 24
Series of 2011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER
13.24 ENTITLED: "WASTE REDUCTION FEE" was read by the city clerk.
Ashley Cantrell, environmental health department, reminded Council this is a topic the city and
CORE has been working on for over 3 years — challenges with other ski towns, free bag
giveaways. Ms. Cantrell noted there has not been a significant reduction in single use bags and
after a work session, Council directed staff to work regionally on an ordinance. Ms. Cantrell
stated staff feels this ordinance has the power to reduce single bag usage in the valley. Staff has
met with ACRA and a number of grocers. Ms. Cantrell said waste concerns are real in Aspen;
there are bags littering street, parks, and streams. Ms. Cantrell noted that only 3 to 5% of plastic
bags are recycled in Aspen.
Ms. Cantrell said the energy inputs into bags are large and there are transportation costs to get
bags to the valley. Ms. Cantrell said it is important for people to change small habits on a small
scale in order to move toward large changes. Ms. Cantrell reminded Council the city has
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
discussed a ban versus a fee and Council chose a fee which would still offer options for the
community as this is a tourist community. Ms. Cantrell noted the goal of this ordinance is not to
raise money but to reduce single use bags and giving customers a choice.
Ms. Cantrell pointed out the ordinance states all customers at grocery stores will pay a 20 cent
fee for every paper or plastic bag at check out, exempting bags used for vegetables, flower bags,
pharmacy bags. Compostable bags are not addressed in the ordinance but it may be amended
when determined that the compost program can handle those bags. Revenue from bags will be
deposited into a separate account and the ordinance outlines what that revenues can be used for;
all programs aimed at reduced waste in the community. The first year the revenue is mainly used
for education and distributing inexpensive, free reusable bags to visitors and residents. After that
revenues will be used for other waste reduction efforts. Ms. Cantrell said the outreach education
plan includes a website hosted by CORE, signing, training for baggers at grocery stores, working
with lodges and hotels to help visitors as much as possible. Ms. Cantrell said there have been
meetings with grocers to get their thoughts in the outreach plan. Grocers will keep 5% of the fee
up to $100 /month to help cover their costs for implementing and training their staff. Ms.
Cantrell suggesting raising the percentage grocers are allowed to keep; grocers are working on
the itemized costs and the appropriate percentage for grocers to keep.
Ms. Cantrell said the effect date has been discussed with grocers; the date is set at November 15
and the grocers would prefer January 15` Ms. Cantrell suggested if it is not November 15`
then the effective date should be after ski season rather than start a program right after the
holidays. Ms. Cantrell told Council the 20 cent fee for bags was arrived at after conversations
with community members and Council to get to a fee that is high enough to matter to customers
in order to affect change.
Councilman Johnson agreed the percentage to grocers should be increased. Councilman Johnson
agreed that either November 15` or after ski season should be the effective date. Councilman
Johnson also agreed that 20 cents is the right number. Councilman Johnson said he would like
some thoughts on if this is not successful in reducing bags, what should be done with the revenue
raised.
Councilman Skadron said $430,000 seems like a lot of money for an education campaign.
Councilman Skadron said the point is not to create a windfall and suggested receiving a budget
for this at second reading. Councilman Skadron asked for thoughts why other fees, like 5 or 10
cents would not be more appropriate. Councilman Skadron said if staff feels this program can be
implemented by November 15` , he supports that start date and would like reassurance of that at
second reading.
Councilman Frisch said the grocers should validate their costs and the 5% or more. Councilman
Frisch said he is not sure what fee would cause people to change their habits or does this fee
cover cleaning up bags. Nathan Ratledge, CORE, told Council they spent a lot of time talking
about this to other communities. Ratledge said the issue is how to rate awareness; the general
consensus in the Roaring Fork Valley was that 20 cents is enough for people to pay attention but
not so much that it is a financial burden. Councilman Frisch agreed about the start date and it
should be in an off season. Councilman Frisch said he would like more information on paying
for the program. Councilman Frisch asked what happens if there is not a substantial reduction in
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
bag usage. Councilman Frisch asked how this will be kept track of. Ms. Cantrell told Council
how many bags the grocery stores use is proprietary information; the ordinance requires audit of
grocery stores and the grocers have agreed they can provide a percentage reduction.
Communities that have bans have seen up to a 90% reduction in bag use. Councilman Torre
stated he is in favor of an outright ban; however, he is okay with the 20 cent fee and working
with the whole valley towards a ban. Councilman Torre said he will wait for more information
from staff on the percentage retained by the grocers and what will satisfy the needs of the
program. Councilman Torre said he would like to see this go into effect November 15 rather
than spring. Councilman Torre said he would like more information on returning bags and
receiving a credit; a potential date in the future to ban plastic and paper bags; what the future of
this program would look like. Councilman Torre said this is a great first step.
Mayor Ireland said for second reading Council would like information on the start date and the
amount retained by the grocers. Mayor Ireland said all things for the environment have to be
tried. Mayor Ireland said the city is not trying to create a revenue source and he would like to
have uniformity among all the jurisdictions in the valley. Mayor Ireland reminded Council at
their retreat they discussed initiating 5 environmental initiatives and this is the first. Mayor
Ireland suggested Council talk the talk and blog about their experience of not using bags.
John Bennett commended Council, staff and CORE for moving this code amendment forward.
Bennett said the ordinance is well written and reflects the community values. Trip Adams,
Green Team member in Basalt, applauded this effort. Adams stated it is imperative to realize
how important the environment is and people move and visit here for a clean, beautiful
surroundings. Julia Ritchie told Council she works for the environment in California and has
been working on fee and bag bans. Ms. Ritchie told Council an unsustainable lifestyle has been
adopted and people have to come back to a more sustainable way of living. Ms. Ritchie said
plastic bags are a culprit of pollution and find their way into the environment no matter where
you live. Ms. Ritchie said Aspen needs to be on the leading edge in taking care of the
environment. Ms. Ritchie argued the only way to get serious bag reduction is banning bags.
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt Ordinance #24, Series of 2011, on first reading; seconded
by Councilman Skadron. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Torre, yes Skadron, yes; Johnson, yes;
Frisch, no; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #25, SERIES OF 2011— Aspen Chance Subdivision Amendment
Amy Guthrie, community development department, told Council this subdivision was approved
in the 1980's and created 7 lots located off Ute Avenue. These lots were exempt from growth
management because there were pre- existing lots on the site. In the subdivision agreement, there
was an allowance that up to 3 of the lots could voluntarily create a caretaker unit in their home.
This lot, lot 5, did that and there is a deed restriction on a 600 square foot one - bedroom unit and
states the unit must be rented at a category 3 level for 50 years. The owner of the house rented
the caretaker unit for 17 years and would now like to provide a cash -in -lieu payment and to
amend the subdivision agreement. Staff and the housing authority recommend approval with
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
conditions listed in the ordinance including removal of the kitchen so there is not an illegal
duplex. The cash -in -lieu payment would be $380,000.
Councilman Skadron asked if this proposal in any way does not meet the subdivision review
standards. Ms. Guthrie said this is consistent with the review standards. This was voluntary
concept; it will decrease density; it will not change the neighborhood character. Mayor Ireland
said caretaker units do create a policing problem; however, having someone in a caretaker unit
gives an area some life.
Councilman Torre moved to read Ordinance #25, Series of 2011; seconded by Mayor Ireland.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 25
(SERIES OF 2011)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN CITY COUNCIL APPROVING WITH
CONDITIONS, AN AMENDMENT TO THE ASPEN CHANCE SUBDIVISION, RELATED TO
942 CHANCE COURT, LOT 5, CITY OF ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO.
Councilman Torre moved to adopt Ordinance #25, Series of 2011, on first reading; seconded by
Mayor Ireland. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Frisch, yes; Johnson, yes; Skadron, yes; Torre, yes;
Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #26, SERIES OF 2011— Bond Refinancing
Councilman Torre moved to read Ordinance #26, Series of 2011; seconded by Councilman
Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 26 (SERIES OF 2011)
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO, OF ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING
BONDS, SERIES 2011, IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP
TO $2,500,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFUNDING THE CITY'S
OUTSTANDING GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES
2003; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUCH BONDS FROM
AVAILABLE TRUSCOTT HOUSING FUND REVENUES, AVAILABLE
MAROLT HOUSING FUND REVENUES, AVAILABLE GENERAL FUND
REVENUES AND AVAILABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND
REVENUES THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR SUCH PURPOSES, IF ANY;
PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUCH BONDS FROM THE
PROCEEDS OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES; PROVIDING FOR THE
LEVY OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE PAYMENT OF
SUCH BONDS; PROVIDING THE FORM OF SUCH BONDS AND OTHER
DETAILS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH BONDS AND THE PAYMENT
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
THEREOF; APPROVING OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SUCH
BONDS; AND PROVIDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.
Don Taylor, finance director, told Council adoption of this ordinance will authorize the issuance
of bonds to refund a 2003 issue, similar to a refinancing. Taylor noted the interest rates are
favorable and by issuing new bonds, the city will save about $150,000 net.
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt Ordinance #26, Series of 2011, on first reading; seconded
by Mayor Ireland. Roll call vote; Skadron, yes; Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Frisch, yes; Mayor
Ireland, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #23, SERIES OF 2011— MAA Water Service Agreement
Mayor Ireland noted the agreement was to include a memorandum of understanding about the
provision of affordable housing. The agreement takes into account that the MAA provides a
valuable community benefit. Mayor Ireland noted he and city attorney John Worcester were part
of the negotiations. Worcester pointed out a change from first reading is the reference to the
memorandum of understanding, attached as exhibit H.
Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Ireland closed the
public hearing.
Councilman Skadron moved to adopt Ordinance #23, Series of 2011, on second reading;
seconded by Councilman Johnson. Roll call vote; Torre, yes; Skadron, yes; Johnson, yes; Frisch,
yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #22, SERIES OF 2011— Burlingame Ranch Phase II
Chris Bendon, community development department, reminded Council the first public hearing
on this project was held August 2 at Burlingame Ranch. The applicant is the city of Aspen,
represented by the asset department. Bendon said this project is 167 units, 161 multi - family and
6 single family houses. This project will be built over phases. Bendon noted the Council is both
the owner and the land use approver of this project. At this meeting, Council is the land use
reviewer, talking about density, scale and mass, architectural character, whether the project
meets the standards in the land use code. Bendon stated some items overlap the two
responsibilities; however, any project needs land use approval to go forward.
The major categories of review are PUD to establish the physical dimensions of the project,
layout on the land, parking ratios, mass and scale, height, etc. Subdivision is to review and
divide the land into separate legal interests and for infrastructure improvements. Rezoning the
lots and parcels will regulate use. The property is currently zoned AH, affordable housing; there
are two parcels proposed to be rezoned to P, park, and one proposed for the public zone. There
is a special review for parking to determine the parking ratio for the project. The project
proposes to supply 2 spaces /unit including additional parking for phase I. The growth
management review accounts for growth in the community toward certain ceilings and reviews
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
minimum standards for affordable housing. Bendon said conditional use review would cover
things like transportation center, child care facilities and park use of common areas.
Condominiumization approval would approve subdividing the land into separate units for
individual sales.
Bendon said staff has reviewed this and believe is meets the criteria in the land use code and that
it aligns with the AACP and achieves some policy objectives like; providing a critical mass of
local residents by providing a number of affordable units within the UGB; endeavors to bring the
middle class back into the community; discourage sprawl; reinforces and enhances a healthy
balance for the community. Bendon stated the design team has provided outreach and given
community members a chance to know about the project and to offer input about the design.
Bendon said there are no specific criteria for establishing vested rights longer than 3 years.
Council examines if there is a community of interest that would be served with a longer vested
rights or an aspect of the project that would justify more time. Bendon stated there is a
community of interest served with a longer vested; the project has been in a planning stage since
1996 and the scope and phase of the project would dictate that more than 3 years is needed. Staff
recommends approval of this ordinance.
Bendon pointed out that this project can be developed in phases and amendments to the phasing
plan can be handled administratively as long as all access requirements are observed. The
COWOP process is open and active and will be closed out on a per phase basis which is helpful
for amendments to the project that may come up. The CMP will require notice to each phase I
resident with construction schedules, contact information, routine web updates. Bendon said
there is fine tuning for floor areas being worked on; however, that will not change the ordinance.
Mayor Ireland said the proposed unit mix matches up with the demand and the city will retain
the ability to alter the number of units built in a phase depending on the demand and to re-
arrange the mix of categories. Bendon said the ordinance allows those decisions to be made by
Council through the time of closing. Councilman Johnson asked how Council will check in on
the phasing. Bendon said Council will direct asset management how they want to implement the
project. The land use approvals require a phasing plan be recorded with the development
agreement.
Chris Everson, asset management, reminded Council this project is located 2.5 miles from
downtown accessed from Harmony road and across from Buttermilk Ski Area. Phase II is
adjacent to Phase I, which is 91 units. Phase II is proposed to be 167 units totaling 258 units on
site. Everson noted the slope on this phase has been part of the design process. Everson said the
city used the integrated project delivery model for this delivery. The IPD team includes Oz
Architecture, Rider Levitt Bicknell, Hazelton construction, engineering economics. The goals of
this effort are to create community, promote livability, delivery quality and reduce impacts to the
community.
Everson told council the IPD team has had 12 public outreach events and 12 Council meetings
and during the design process, the IPD team collected input from stakeholders groups and
incorporated these into the design when consistent with the goals of the project. Everson said
this design reflects input from the residents of Phase I, stakeholder groups with an interest in
community housing, potential housing partners, agencies and city departments. Everson told
Council during the public process, key themes related to construction arose, like minimizing
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
sound, maximizing usable open space like providing lawn areas for community activities,
convenient access to parking and storage. Everson said generally the concerns of the phase I
homeowners were consistent with those of Council, such as community, quality, livability,
construction impacts to the neighborhood, construction costs, maintenance, durability,
sustainability and safety.
Everson pointed out the phase I HOA board has signed a letter indicating they were included in
the phase II design process and generally support phase II. Everson reminded Council the IPD
team checked in with them on 12 occasions and showed how public input was being
incorporated into the designs. Council was involved in key decisions and asked for due diligence
on topics; livability was a big focus. In July 2010, Council approved the concept master plans
and in November was shown detailed design plans and 3 project pro forms for 3 different
mobilization plans based on guaranteed maximum price proposals from Hazelton.
Everson stated in 2008, the phase II design for 236 units was tabled at the request of the citizens'
budget task force. The construction experts' group recommended 293 units be built and the units
be stacked and modular to maximize construction efficiency. Colorado state law required
approval from the phase I homeowner's to increase the density and in 2009 the city and the HOA
reached an agreement to increase the total number of units from 236 to 258 units and the parking
would be increased from 1.67 to 2 /unit.
Everson reminded Council in November 2008 city voters approved the extension of the real
estate transfer tax and also increasing the density at Burlingame up to 300 units. Everson said at
258 units, Burlingame will have a density consistent with other housing developments in Aspen
and the density has been supported twice by Council.
Will Henschel, Oz architecture, said phase II creates 161 multi - family units in 15 buildings.
Each building consists of 1 or 2 pods with varying exterior treatments. Henschel said one key
theme of phase II design is integration of parks and creation of usable open space. The
landscape plan provides sodded lands and courtyards around housing structures. Henschel
pointed out owner- modified patios are available adjacent to courtyard areas. Henschel said there
are 3 on -site parks included in the plan, resulting in 45% open space in phase II, which compares
to 30% open space in phase I. The carport structures will be used to retain earth at the base of
Deer Hill and will save the project around $3.5 million. Henschel said phase II will provide
covered parking spaces with integrated storage for each multi - family unit. The covered parking
and storage will save HOA fees in snow removal. Henschel told Council the road was designed
to encircle the development putting residents in the center of the plan and was incorporated for
safety reasons and requests from current homeowners.
Henschel noted Deer Hill slopes and earth retention will be done by boulder walls, recommended
by the parks department; these create material cost efficiency since boulders will be uncovered
during excavation. Boulder walls will provide safe wildlife navigation. Above the carport
structures will be a community trail at the base of Deer Hill which provides connection to
existing trails. Henschel told Council during the design, AVLT was consulted and their letter of
support is part of this application.
Everson said there will be 3 public parks integrated into phase II; baseline landscape will be
established as part of the development. The parks department will involve the public as part of
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
the parks design as they did for Harmony park. Everson said desire for hardscape amenities was
captured during public outreach. Park 1 will be at the northeast corner of the site and can be
similar to Harmony park and will have an irrigation pond as a component of the storm water
management system. Park 2 is on the interior of phase II and can be a centrally located
community gathering location. Park 3 is across from Harmony park can will accentuate the
entrance to the site.
Everson said child care is an approved use in phase II and the park 3 location was considered as
a site for child care; however, there are no plans for that use at this time. Any future child care
consideration is not part of this land use review.
Henschel showed how the public transportation will work throughout the project and phase II
will add 3 transit stops to the existing 3 transit stops. The transit stops will be integrated into the
carport structure for additional efficiency. Trash enclosures and mail will also be in the ends of
the carport structures and are located throughout the site. Henschel told Council for phase II
lighting, the current residents suggested there be more illumination than phase I. Phase II
lighting plan will provide guidance from one lit area to the next; this will be controlled by photo
sensors. All lighting fixtures will be dark skies compliant. Henschel said staff is requiring 30%
of the road surface area be provided for snow storage. To satisfy this requirement, phase II
provides over 16,000 square feet of area for snow storage.
Henschel said the architectural character will be harmonious with phase I and with the
surrounding environment. Henschel noted the key design criteria was to standardize and stack
the units to satisfy the construction experts group and to maximize use of the site for more open
space. Phase II building footprints were based on phase I building footprints. The structures
were design for livability and for a pleasing visual aesthetic with varied exterior finish
treatments. Henschel said they consulted experts in order to provide the perfect building
enclosure and rain screen approach for exterior walls is part of the strategy for a highly insulated
structure, which resists moisture and mitigates exterior maintenance. The exterior assembly will
have 7" of foam insulation. Henschel told Council there were a lot of comments about complex
shared mechanical systems; the systems for phase II have been designed with the help of phase I
homeowners and the systems will be individually metered with off the shelf high efficiency
boilers and programmable thermostats.
The units will have heat recovery ventilators, energy star appliances, networked fire alarms, fire
sprinklers systems and fire separation exceeding code minimums. Sound transmission will be
addressed with interior wall STC rating providing in -unit privacy and is above code. The roofs
have been designed to mitigate past problems. Henschel noted there is flexibility in the unit
design, the units are reasonable in size and are highly livable. The unit design has been created
to fit within the parameters of modular construction so these can either be site built or modular
factory built. Henschel showed floor plans of typical units. Henschel told Council key themes
from community input have been design to manage noise, to maximize the use of space, to be
energy conscious, to provide high quality finishes, to provide sufficient storage, to consider
livability of flats versus townhouses, and to provide large windows.
Henschel said sustainability includes super insulated roofs and walls to minimize energy
consumption. Henschel reported 83 points are needed for LEED certification; the phased II
score card calculates 115 points. Henschel said the team recommends Council consider using
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
the $300,000 needed to apply for LEED certification to apply to other solar systems or to buy
down unit categories. Henschel said the feedback from phase I is that shared mechanical
systems are costly to maintain and it is suggested that individually metered systems might create
more incentive to conserve energy. Henschel noted shared systems burden the HOA with need
to process utility bills. Henschel said solar panels could sit on top of the carport structures and
hot water pre -heat panels can sit on top of the south facing roofs of the buildings; each system
will cost about $1 million. With both systems, it is possible to offset as much as 50 to 60% of all
energy consumption with a payback of 50 years. Henschel told Council the subsidies for phase
II do not include these solar systems; they could be paid for out of the contingencies. Also staff
plans to apply for grant funding for solar systems.
Everson said the phasing includes undergrounding the overhead utility; this work is part of the
phase II budget. Everson told Council if all units are constructed in two phases, the construction
will take 4 years. If there are more phases, it could be up to 6 years of construction with possible
higher costs. Everson noted a construction mitigation plan was submitted; this plan includes
signage and fencing, management of construction traffic, designated parking and construction
staging areas, carpooling target of 4 workers /vehicle, on site waste management and recycling,
noise suppression, dust control, limit work hours. Neighborhood communication tools include
single point of contact, logging and status of neighborhood concerns, e -mail notification of
upcoming work, on site meetings for feedback, and project website.
Everson told Council saving from modular construction is estimated at less than 5 %; modular
construction reduces local labor. Hazelton construction has developed a site built method with a
manufacturing hut on site. Before any construction begins, the costs differences will be checked
and the city will look at that before choosing a construction method. Henschel pointed out there
are 6 single family home site and the base line livable area of 1600 square feet; 4 of these could
be built to inlcude an unfinished basement of 800 square feet additional.
Everson reminded Council their direction last month was to continue through the land use
process, to continue with the pre -sales and not to have a vote on debt financing in November.
Everson recommended approval of the land use ordinance with categories to be determined later
in the process. Everson noted later in the pre -sales process, Council can make decisions on
phasing and on category mix based on information from the pre -sales program.
Councilman Torre noted at the last public hearing, adequate playing fields was brought up and
asked whether the suggestions about level playing fields has been incorporated. Everson said
this can be designed and built by the parks department if the desire of the residents is there.
Everson noted there are options for the site. Councilman Torre commented he was against the
increased density and against the 3` floor in most areas. Councilman Torre said knowing the
Burlingame HOA and members of the community have had input to increase in density, he is
prepared to support this. Councilman Frisch said although getting LEED certified costs a lot of
money, there is some cachet in having a LEED platinum project done by the city. Councilman
Frisch asked the total cost of the project. Everson said the total cost will depend on phasing but
the range is $99 to $105 million.
Mayor Ireland asked how many different building types there are. Henschel answered there are
7 different pods types; the current phase has 15 buildings, most of which are unique. Mayor
Ireland agreed too many different types and sizes can complicate the process. Mayor Ireland
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 22, 2011
commended the design team for putting the cars on the outside of the project. Mayor Ireland
said he is concerned that the open space be usable. Mayor Ireland thanked the HOA who helped
to make phase II a better project. Mayor Ireland stressed that the addressing be done so that it is
understandable for people looking for houses. Mayor Ireland said there needs to be a plan so that
if someone gets hurt, their unit can be retrofitted to be ADA compliant. Mayor Ireland said the
CMP looks like it could be a model for other projects. Mayor Ireland thanked Poss and
Associates for the phase I project and the original 91 units. There was innovation in the project
and it has an appealing look. Mayor Ireland said the new Oz design team deserves credit for
building on the success of the first phase.
Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing.
Eden Vardy, Burlingame homeowner, said Burlingame is a nice place to live and thanked the
design team for working with phase I homeowners. Vardy said in general he supports more
employee housing and is in support of phase II. Vardy said his concern is developing this in the
immediate term. There are currently 18 houses listed on the market in affordable housing.
Vardy encouraged Council to consider the actual demand before building of Burlingame starts.
Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing.
Councilman Frisch said he has heard concerns from other residents of employee housing that the
market may become saturated. Councilman Frisch said the staff is doing a good job of keeping
track of that demand. Councilman Johnson said he is in favor of approving the land use portion
of this project.
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt Ordinance 1122, Series of 2011, on second reading;
seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote; Johnson, yes; Skadron, yes; Frisch, yes; Torre,
yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried.
Mayor Ireland moved to go into executive session at 8:50 PM pursuant to C.R.S. 24 -6- 402(4) (b)
Conferences with an attorney for the local public body for the purposes of receiving legal advice
on specific legal questions; seconded by Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to come out of executive session at 9:50 PM; seconded by Councilman
Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to adjourn at 9:50 PM; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in
favor, motion carried.
� /1
athryn Koch
City Clerk
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