HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20120611 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
EMERGENCY RESPONDERS CERTIFICATES 2
CITIZEN COMMENTS 2
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR 3
❑ Board Appointments—P&Z; Board of Appeals & Examiners 3
❑ Resolution#58, 2012— Stormwater Master Plan Contract 3
❑ Resolution#59, 2012 —Truscott Affordable Housing Building 100 Master Plan 3
❑ Resolution#60, 2012 - Quitclaim Deed for structures in the Willow Creek and Herrick
Ditches to the Ditch Company 3
❑ Resolution#61, 2012 - Contract—Gondola Plaza Pedestrian Crossing 3
❑ Minutes—May 29, 2012 3
RESOLUTION #57, 2012 - Contract - Water Plant Site Development Plan 4
RESOLUTION #62, 2012 - Contract—Maroon Creek Metering Project 4
ORDINANCE #19, SERIES OF 2012—Pitkin County Library SPA Amendment 4
1
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
Mayor Ireland called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM with Councilmembers Frisch, Skadron,
Tone and Johnson present.
EMERGENCY RESPONDERS CERTIFICATES
Mayor Ireland and Council recognized 26 emergency responders from 5 different organizations
who played a role in saving two lives in the past 4 months. Mayor Ireland said these were both
cardiac arrests and the fast work and team work saved the victims lives. It was noted that the
percentage of lives saved in cardiac arrest cases is much higher in Pitkin County than in other
places in the state. The emergency responders are Kendall French, Casey Ward, Ryan Turner, Mrcin
Debski, Dave Rosselot, Danielle Madril,Jennifer Diamond, Chris Cohan, Mike Lyons, Paul Hufnagle,
Brian Stevens, Jim Hearn, Gretchen Born, Brandon March,Anders Gustafson, Chance Goldyn, Jason
Kasper,Nick Farrell, Dan Davis, Charlie Martin, Rick Magnuson, Terry Leitch, Ken Josselyn, Gary
O'Neil, Ginny Bultman, and Dave Paschal.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Willis Pember acknowledged 16 architect students from CU Denver who are in Pitkin
County studying and working with local architects. Pember said some of these students are in
the audience.
2. Resident of 434 West Main told Council their building will be affected by the proposed
library which will block their view and box them in.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Skadron noted he participated in the triathlon with fellow Councilmembers
Adam Frisch and Mick Ireland this past weekend. Mayor Ireland biked; Councilman Frisch ran
and Councilman Skadron swam. Councilman Skadron thanked the team for a good morning and
thanked Nancy Lesley and her staff for a great event. Councilman Skadron noted volunteers
helped make the event a good one.
2. Councilman Skadron said the special event, Outside in Aspen, was in town this weekend
and was complementary to the triathlon and he hopes the event continues. There was also Aspen
EcoFest, another great special event, held in Aspen this weekend.
3. Councilman Tone said Outside in Aspen is a partnership with ACRA and brings clients
to Aspen to encourage outdoor activities and is a wonderful event. Councilman Tone said
Ecofest is a homegrown event and was a buzz of activity and is an information sharing place for
Aspen's intents and leadership in the ecology.
4. Councilman Torre encouraged everyone to attend Schnicklefritz party Tuesday June 12th
at 5:30 at the Holden/Marolt museum. This event is put on by the historical society and is a
celebration of the life and times of Freddy Fisher.
2
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
5. Councilman Johnson reported on the golf tournament held this weekend as a fund raiser
for Aspen High School activities that are no longer being funding by the school district.
Councilman Johnson thanked the city staff for putting on this event; it was successful.
6. Councilman Johnson announced this week is the 30th anniversary of Food & Wine, an
event that kicks of Aspen's summer season.
7. Councilman Frisch said he appreciates Outside magazine coming to town and noted the
Ecofest was a great event.
8. Mayor Ireland pointed out Freddy Fisher is the only person in Colorado who won a
Colorado Press Association award for letters to the editor. Fisher also was one of the first people
to describe exercise as heart attack prevention.
9. Mayor Ireland noted Ride the Rockies is coming through Aspen tomorrow on the way
between Carbondale, over independence pass to Leadville.
10. Mayor Ireland said Food & Wine started with a $5,000 grant from the City Council 30
years ago.
11. Mayor Ireland again thanked all the first responders in the valley. Mayor Ireland noted
some governments have cut back in that area but Aspen and Pitkin County have not.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council requested Resolution#57, Contract Water Plant Site Development and Resolution#62,
Contract Maroon Creek Metering Project, be pulled.
Mayor Ireland moved to approve the consent calendar as amended; seconded by Councilman
Johnson. The consent calendar is:
• Board Appointments—P&Z; Board of Appeals & Examiners
Steve Saunders, Jim Iglehart, Chet Feldman—Board of Appeals & Examiners; Ryan
Walterscheid—P&Z
• Resolution#58, 2012 — Stormwater Master Plan Contract
• Resolution#59, 2012—Truscott Affordable Housing Building 100 Master Plan
• Resolution#60, 2012 - Quitclaim Deed for structures in the Willow Creek and Herrick
Ditches to the Ditch Company
• Resolution#61, 2012 - Contract—Gondola Plaza Pedestrian Crossing
• Minutes—May 29, 2012
All in favor, motion carried.
3
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
RESOLUTION #57, 2012 - Contract - Water Plant Site Development Plan
Councilman Skadron said he appreciates the sign off by the city manager on agenda items as an
added level of security in review. Councilman Skadron said he would like to be reassured that
this project is not proceeding simply because there is money available. Mike McDill, water
department, said repairs need to be done to the water plant, some of which are life, safety issues.
McDill said he would like this done in an orderly fashion. This is a $53,000 project to plan what
needs to be done.
RESOLUTION#62, 2012 - Contract—Maroon Creek Metering Project
Councilman Frisch asked if there has never been a meter on the Maroon Creek pipeline or has it
not had an accurate meter. Mike McDill, water department, said there has never been a meter
and staff has guessed at the water rates and how much is being taken out of the stream. McDill
said the staff has higher expectations for managing raw water. Mayor Ireland said he supports
this as it will help protect the city's water rights.
Mayor Ireland moved to approved Resolutions #57 and 62, Series of 2012; seconded by
Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #19, SERIES OF 2012 —Pitkin County Library SPA Amendment
Jennifer Phelan, community development department, said there was a site visit today and the
proposed height as well as the boundaries of the proposed addition is illustrated with story poles.
The site visit was attended by 3 Councilmembers. Ms. Phelan entered exhibit J into the record
showing heights of footprint of the library addition.
Ms. Phelan told Council the library received approval in 1989 for the current library building; the
approval was also for the parking garage, the snowmelt facility and Spring street extension.
Pitkin County and the city have ownership interest in parcels on the Rio Grande and two lots
were formally exchanged in 1995; the county gave Galena Plaza to the city and reserved a 44'
easement on the Galena Plaza lot to build an addition to the library on the east facade. The
library proposes a two-story 7200 square foot addition along that easement at an approximate
height of 29'8". The proposal contains a relocated children's library, study rooms, reconfigured
music library and a teen area. Ms. Phelan said in order to entitle the project, it needs an SPA
amendment, which requires Council approval as an essential public facility.
P&Z had a public hearing in April for this proposed addition; P&Z recommended approval of the
SPA amendment, noting the scale of the addition is acceptable and recommended further study
of the roof canopy area. P&Z also recommended approval of this as an essential public facility
and based on the applicant's representation that no new employees will be generated,
recommended two audits be required to verify this assertion. The proposed addition is on the 44'
easement; there is also proposed a 16' porch element projecting east from the building facade
and the city would need to grant an additional easement for the canopy/porch element.
4
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
Ms. Phelan pointed out there are two reviews; the SPA and the essential public facility, each of
which have review criteria. The SPA criteria address whether the development is compatible
with the neighborhood in use, height, bulk and architecture, and whether appropriate facilities
•exist to serve the proposal and whether the property is suitable for development. Ms. Phelan
stated the use is appropriate for the site, the proposal is supported by the civic master plan. Ms.
Phelan noted there are facilities present to serve the expansion. Ms. Phelan said the mass and
scale are appropriate for library addition. This addition may activate the Galena Plaza area.
Ms. Phelan said the two main criteria for an essential public facility are whether the library
serves an essential public service and is available for use by and serves the general public. Ms.
Phelan pointed out, based on a recommendation from•P&Z, Council may waive, assess or
partially waive affordable housing mitigation. Ms. Phelan said for essential public facilities and
employee generation, Council is to look at the unique operating characteristics of the proposed
use. Ms. Phelan said with the addition the library has stated no new employees will be generated
as some operations of the library do not require staffing, like meeting space, and do not require
additional employees. P&Z recommended approval of the essential public facility based on the
applicant's representations that no new employees will be generated. P&Z recommended two
audits to confirm the assertion; this requirement is in the ordinance.
Ms. Phelan pointed out language has been added to the ordinance regarding development
agreements that will need to be written when the library goes forward for the part of the
expansion that is sitting on city-owned property. This agreement will set forth the minimal
requirements like clarification of the new easement, operations and construction agreement. Ms.
Phelan said these details will be developed after the November election for a mill levy increase
to fund the expansion. Ms. Phelan said based on the criteria in the land use code, staff
recommends approval of the application.
Councilman Torre asked about the 60' line and the supports for the garage. Ms. Phelan said this
60' line of the canopy extension is to build upon the supports of the garage and make it less
impactful to the garage when the expansion is constructed. Mayor Ireland asked the cost
allocations. Ms. Phelan said in the current draft, the county will pay for waterproofing on the
footprint of the easements; the county is responsible for improvements to the easement. Jim
True, city attorney, told Council the original easement was a reservation by Pitkin County when
they conveyed the property to the city for the garage. The reservation is limited to a possible
library expansion.
Ms..Phelan pointed out if Council approves this, they will be allowing the use of additional
public property by the applicant. Ms. Phelan said there is a caveat that the canopy porch element
has to be open for public use; it cannot be privatized. Councilman Frisch asked if there is clarity
on what the APCHA Board requested for affordable housing. Ms. Phelan said APCHA can
require audits, which is included in the ordinance. The ordinance states any mitigation will be at
what requirements are in effect at the time of the audit. Mayor Ireland noted his sister is an
employee of the library; however, he does not feel that is a conflict of interest. The applicants
stated they have no objections.
Kathy Chandler, library director, introduced the library board and the design team, represented
by Willis Pember, Ozzie Fredrick of Humphreys Poli and Suzanne Jackson of Design Workshop.
Ms. Chandler said the library is one of the most important civic structures in town, open to all
5
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
and all but 8 days of the year. The library is used for a variety of activities, including tutoring,
small business start ups, music students; the library is not just about books but is about many
non-print items. Ms. Chandler told Council since the library moved to this location in 1991, the
size of the collections has more than doubled as has the use with over 200,000 items checked out
in 2011.
Ms. Chandler noted one of the changes is to move the children's library so that it is not a public
access and walk-through; there will be a larger teen area; small group meeting rooms and a
public meeting room that can be used outside normal operating hours. The design tries to open
the library up to the out of doors, to bring light into the building and to bring activity into the
plaza.
Ozzie Frederick showed diagrams of the existing library,pointing out how constricted and
tangled the library is. Frederick showed the entrance of the library into the children's room, and
other deficiencies like the overcrowded fiction area, the small teen room. Frederick told Council
there were 12 focus groups and 4 open houses on the possible library expansion. Frederick said
the existing library is an introverted building rather than taking advantage'of the surrounding
views. Frederick told Council the music collection is the second most significant music
collection in the state of Colorado, and it is buried in the basement. Frederick noted any
upgrading of the facility will trigger ADA requirements which will require more room.
Frederick said they looked at whether the existing footprint could fit the needs of the library and
found it not feasible. Frederick showed the proposal for the expanded library including
relocating the children's library, expanding and enclosing the teen area, relocating the music
library and the addition into the Galena Plaza dedicated to a community room, children's room
connecting to the plaza. Councilman Tone asked about the kitchen and restroom area in the
community room and what type of groups is the library planning to serve. Ms. Chandler said the
library meetings rooms are used by a variety of groups, governments, non-profits, homeowners
associations. Currently there is no access to meeting space when the library is closed and this is
designed to be accessed outside the library, some groups want the ability to serve food at their
meetings. This is not designed as a catering, party type facility; the area is not used by
businesses. The applicant considered the possibility of a local vendor serving food on the
canopy porch area but it will not be a library function.
Frederick told Council library usage has increased all over the country steadily over the last
decades. Frederick noted today's technology won't be used by tomorrow. Willis Pember,
architect, showed the easement footprint, which is 44' by 125' about 5300 square feet. Pember
pointed out the 60' line which represents the column line in the garage. Pember told Council the
parking garage is divided into 3 structural bays of 60' or 160 by 160 square feet and the
north/south dimension is 27'. Pember said the proposal is for Galena-Plaza to have added to it
4800 square feet so a net of 450' will be added to the Plaza subtracting the library space from the
new space being added to the north.
Pember showed a section east/west looking north and noted there is a 4' grade change from the
Plaza to the main lever of the library. The canopy/porch extends 16' to the east of the 44'
easement. Interior, heated square footage stays within the 44' easement. The porch is a one-
story addition. Pember said the goal is to embed the architecture in the history of Aspen,
including the architecture of Fritz Benedict and Robin Molny. Pember showed a picture of
6
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
massing models used in determining the present design. These massing models were presented
in the open houses and to the library board. Pember said the designers struggled with the height
and mass. Pember showed a section through the addition juxtaposed against other buildings like
the proposed art museum, the hotel Jerome, the courthouse. Pember showed a mapping of the
heights around town. Pember pointed out the southern exposure of the library allows them to
capture energy savings and sustainability of the mechanical systems. Pember noted mezzanines
cannot exceed the floor below by more than 50% so the design is limited by that factor.
Suzanne Jackson, Design Workshop, told Council the applicants worked with city staff in
developing the library design and with the concept that the library will add life to the plaza. Ms.
Jackson said there were 4 meetings with Council and/or the BOCC on the design concepts. Ms.
Jackson pointed out the civic master plan supports the expansion of the library. One of the key
values in the plan is that arts and culture enrich the community and the applicants feel that the
library contributes to the Aspen Idea.
Ms. Jackson said the AACP supports education and lifelong learning, a function of a public -
library. Ms. Jackson said the community benefits are that the library can provide a civic anchor
and can enliven the plaza. Ms. Jackson told Council there were over 700 comments on the
proposal between all the open houses and community meetings. The timing is optimal because
of the city's plans to restore the parking garage and to work on the Galena plaza.
Councilman Tone said he would like the city's plan for the redevelopment of the Galena Plaza
laid with these drawings. Councilman Torre noted there are story poles on the east side of the
library. Councilman Torre stated he is concerned about the shadow cast by the proposed
addition and at this time of year, half the park is in shadow. Councilman Tone said the Galena
Plaza redevelopment does not seem to integrate with the library's plans. Councilman Tone said
his concern with the library expansion is not the programming but is the soaring roof and patio
element. Councilman Tone said he understands the structural support for the 44' expansion but
is concerned that the porch extension will have a negative impact on the Galena Plaza.
Councilman Johnson asked if the drop off feature is being enhanced either on Mill street or along
the alley. Ms. Phelan said the plans indicate the drop off on Mill street being maintained. Ms.
Chandler said the parking garage provides 20 minute free parking for people to access the
library. Councilman Johnson said he feels the drop off on Mill street is a dangerous situation.
Frederick said moving the children's area to the east side of the library is to make the drop off
point in the alley.
Councilman Skadron said he is a proponent of the library; however, does share concerns about
the expansion. Councilman Skadron asked if the applicants can determine what square footage
would require the canopy as a structural necessity. Pember said almost all designs and programs
would require that 16' expansion. Commercial construction requires steel columns and steel
framing, which are point loads and cannot go on the deck of the garage. Councilman Skadron
asked if all the designs in the massing models require a 16' canopy extension. Pember answered
all of them require bringing the loads out to 60'. Councilman Skadron asked if an option exists
with the load bearing under the plaza. Pember said that was looked at and reviewed by the
engineers and it would require ripping out approximately 5000 square feet of double concrete Ts,
which there are no plans to remove as part of the plaza upgrade.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
John Laatsch, capital assets, said the 44' easement, when granted, did not have any relationship
to the layout of the garage. Laatsch told Council going out 60' is the best option structurally.
There are more complicated solutions. Councilman Skadron asked if this plan sacrifices open
space and quality of life because the preferred option costs a lot more money. Pember pointed
out that looking at the story poles, one needs to look at it in context of the Galena Plaza as a
whole; the large spruce trees and the concrete planter and bleachers will not be there, there will
be more space because of their elimination. Pember told Council this expansion was designed
before Council adopted a 28' height limit in the downtown area and they based the design on a
30' model.
Frederick showed sun angle studies of June 21St and December 215t at 10 a.m. Councilman
Frisch said he is more concerned about sun shadows after 2 p.m. Frederick pointed out the porch
will be shaded in the summer time, which is an objective. Councilman Frisch said the plaza is a
space that is inactive and the community deserves a better space. Councilman Frisch said some
of the best views in the valley are from this plaza space. Councilman Frisch said there is existing
meeting space in the Rio Grande building and this could be used instead of building more
meeting space. Councilman Frisch said he would like to know how much of the program can be
met by reshuffling existing space. Councilman Frisch asked how the proposed roof could get a
more humble design. Councilman Frisch asked whether the library has considered going to the
electorate whether they need a bond or not. Ms. Chandler said she has not considered not
needing a bond. Ms. Chandler said this proposal is a reinvention of the library to prepare for the
future.
Mayor Ireland noted the SPA criteria have to do with mass and scale and not with programming.
Ms. Phelan said the SPA criteria have to do with compatibility with the immediate vicinity, with
height, bulk, architecture, landscaping, if there are adequate facilities to serve the proposed
development, whether the property is suitable for development. Mayor Ireland stated he feels the
electorate should vote on this whether it is a bond question or not; it is public land and public
money and the public should have the final say on this development. Mayor Ireland requested
the story poles remain up for more than two days.
Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing.
Howie Mallory said the improvements the library is proposing, especially the community
benefits, will be a success. The mission of the library might be compromised by the design
features like the canopy on the Galena plaza. Mallory noted public spaces are successful when
they are south-facing. Mallory said what goes on inside the building will be a huge
improvement. Lisa Consiglio, Aspen Writers' Foundation, said the architecture is gorgeous and
exhales art. Ms. Consiglio said there is the ability for community non-profits to coordinate with
the library and she is fully supportive of the plan.
Helen Klanderud noted in 1998 the City Council commissioned the civic master plan, which was
worked on for the next 8 years and is one of the most interesting plans she worked on. The
library is part of the civic master plan. This proposal will bring life to the plaza and create
synergy in that area and the proposal should move forward. The library addition will add to the
arts and culture of the community. Jackie Kasabach stated she supports the library and the need
to take this to the 215t century. The building needs to be upgraded for the community, our
children and grandchildren.
8
•
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
Judy Harris, library board, said the canopy is a great benefit for people who do not want to be in
the sun. It will shield people from the snow in the winter. Barbara Reid, library board, said this
•
design is preparing for the 21St century. The current library is rigid and needs flexibility. A
relationship with the plaza needs to be created. Junee Kirk said she is concerned about the mass
and the canopy and the appropriateness of the design into the plaza itself. Ms. Kirk said the
library proposal should not be driven by the need for the parking garage to be stabilized. Ms.
Kirk said the plaza is widely used in the summer. The story poles are tall.
Kent Reed said there has not been enough research into other solutions for the parking garage.
Reed said he is concerned about the view plans and the encroachment by the library into the
plaza. Reed said the Shakespeare in the Park cannot survive in the proposed plaza design. Bill
Stirling said the library provides one of the most essential needs of the community. The library
is free; the library is one of the last great good places. Stirling said the plan responds to
evolution of technology and libraries. Stirling said libraries need to change in order to move
with the times and this is a 22% increase over the,existing space. Stirling said the library cannot
plan for the future by using the existing space. Stirling said this is a modest and essential
expansion. The expansion would add life to a moribund area.
Bill Pope said he is proud of the library. The plaza has a lot of potential and the library is fine as
it is. A massive bigger library is another premature ego trip. Michael Campbell agreed the
library is an essential public facility. Aspen loves to be on the cutting edge and the current
library is 20th century. Campbell said he is wholeheartedly behind the project. Laura Billeau,
English/in Action, told Council the library is essential partner to their program which is one on
one tutoring program as well as trainings of the tutors. Ms. Billeau said there are 85 volunteers
in Pitkin County and the program is bumping up against space limits; the library expansion
would help attract more participants to this program.
Alan Fletcher, Aspen Music Festival and School, stated he is a supporter of this project; free
public library can change lives. The music element of this library is unique; due to copy right
rules, one can only hear the music performances at the library. Fletcher told Council he worked
with the library to make the music element even better. Fletcher agreed the tax for the library
should be voted on; however, Council has the ability to make the decision to approve the project.
Siobhan said the view from the current plaza is panoramic; this proposal cuts the plaza by 1/3 or
1/2. Siobhan said she is not questioning the need for a library but once it is built, the open space is
diminished and the openness that people come here for is gone. Siobhan questioned the ability
to create public spaces that do not naturally occur. The outdoor environment in Aspen is unique.
Sarah Pletts said there should be a community relationship with local writers. Ms. Pletts said she
is opposed to expanding into green space. Ms. Pletts suggested 2% of the construction costs be
distributed to writers who live and work here. David Bentley said he loves the design and the
expansion proposal. Bentley said the current east facade blocks views into and out of the library.
Bentley stated he is for the canopy which he considers integrated into the plaza. John Wilkinson
said the civic master plan and library planning has been going-on for years. The library is the
cultural headquarters for the community and serves many aspects of the community. Wilkinson
said this institution needs to be supported for our children and children's children; it is the first
place children are exposed to learning. Steve Child said this expansion plan is well thought out
and he favors the expansion. Child suggested one solution might be a temporary or retractable
9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
roof on the canopy. The solar access for the library is important in order to lessen the use of
fossil fuels and to make the library carbon neutral as possible.
Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing.
Councilman Tone said he has two reservations to be addressed; one is the architecture on the
east side and the integration of the plaza. Councilman Torre said he would not want the library
design to preclude current activities in the plaza. Councilman Tone noted it was brought up that
the plans for the amphitheatre setting in the plaza diminished by 2/3. Councilman Torre said he
would like to see more plans from city staff on the design for the plaza and what it will serve.
Councilman Torre said before he can vote on this, he needs more information about integration
into the plaza. Councilman Tone said he can support the redesign and the program but wants to
make sure the plaza piece is doable. Councilman Tone said would like the architecture team to
looks at alternates for the canopy, like scaling it back to allow more solar access, or a retractable
or temporary awning. Ms. Phelan noted there is a rendering in the packet provided by the parks
department of the proposed improvements.
Councilman Johnson said he is comfortable with Council making the decision about the
expansion. There have been 12 focus groups, 4 open houses and 700 comments and the outreach
process has taken place. Councilman Johnson stated he is comfortable with the electorate being
asked about the funding; that is not Council's responsibility. Councilman Johnson said the
current Galena Plaza is underutilized; this is an opportunity to enhance the plaza. The library
will be the cornerstone. Councilman Johnson agreed Council needs to review the city's plans-for
the plaza; the drawing appears to put too much into the plaza space. Councilman Johnson said
the he likes the shade provided by the canopy; it would create a place to sit outside and read.
Councilman Johnson said he would like to hear more about retractable awnings or ways to
change the space. Councilman Johnson said the inside of the library will be enhanced by this
exposure and the canopy and by bringing the outside inside. Councilman Johnson brought up
sufficient public roads in the SPA criteria and the drop off and pick up functions should be re-
examined.
Councilman Frisch stated there has been an assumption from the beginning there would be an
election question for the funding of the library and an indication of the community buy in for this
project. Councilman Frisch said it is a good use of community money. Councilman Frisch said
he would rather the canopy take up less shade than proposed with a more humble canopy.
Councilman Skadron concurred with the general comments. Councilman Skadron stated this
meets the criteria for an essential public facility but it fails to meet the criteria for an SPA.
Councilman Skadron said the threshold issue is the 16' and the primary concern has to do with
the principle that the project is being driven by the structure of the garage. Councilman Skadron
noted the canopy does not allow capture of the views of the mountains. Councilman Skadron
said he does want to see an altered project go forward.
Mayor Ireland agreed this is an essential public facility; affordable housing is an appropriate
responsibility for governments to house their employees. ,Mayor Ireland said the canopy should
be louvers or a ramada. Mayor Ireland said this is a public space and the public can decide how
to use its space. Mayor Ireland pointed out Council is charged with deciding if the scale and
mass is appropriate. Mayor Ireland said it is a worthwhile goal to enliven the plaza space but it
will not be a lively space until it is connected with the community. Mayor Ireland said he would
10
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 11, 2012
•
like an arrangement with the library board that if the public votes this project down, that the
library board will not seek other monies and build it. Mayor Ireland entered into the record
letters from Sue Smedstad, Dawn Lamping, Deborah Overeynder, Lillian Burrows and Coen
Needell, Anna Steinberg, Rosie Rushing, Marshall Webb, Angel Naivalu, Susan Atwood, Ian
' Soroka and Fred Wilson all in support of the project. Mayor Ireland stated he is a supporter of
libraries and hopes the library can present alternative canopies
Councilman Torre moved to continue Ordinance #19, Series of 2012, to June 25; seconded by
Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Johnson moved to adjourn at 9:45 PM; seconded by Councilman Torre. All in
favor, motion carried.
i,
'' /i yn Koch
City Clerk
31