HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20120918 MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Nancy Lesley,Director of Special Events and Marketing
THRU: Jeff Woods, Manager of Parks and Recreation
DATE OF MEMO: September 13,2012
MEETING DATE: September 18,2012
RE: USA Pro Challenge
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff is requesting that Council give staff the "go-ahead"to submit
a bid for the 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: With the City taking the lead and support from Pitkin
County, Aspen Lodging Community, Aspen Fire District, and other partners Aspen successfully
hosted a stage finish and start(the only community to do so) in the 2012 Pro Challenge. This is
the second year the community has been asked and staff has received overwhelming support for
this event.
BACKGROUND: In 2011 Aspen hosted the "Queen Stage" which was the biggest stage from
Gunnison to Aspen, biggest in terms of elevation and mileage during the inaugural Pro
Challenge. With the success of the first year, Aspen was awarded a stage finish and start (the
only host community awarded a finish/start) in the 2012 Pro Challenge. By all accounts, the
Aspen stages this year were a resounding success. The finish was not only a close race; it was
one that was talked about all week long.
The Aspen Community in whole came forth in many ways and iterations to support this event.
From the Organizing Committee made up primarily of volunteers giving their expertise and time
over a 10 month period, the lodging community, which this event couldn't have happened
without their unwavering support, the 250+volunteers that came out and helped in many ways to
all the City and County departments that gave time, materials and experience to the business
owners and those living and working in our community that made adjustments to their day, all
lent support to make Aspen's Finish and Start Stages the amazing and wonderful two days that it
was.
DISCUSSION: After a successful second year,the USA Pro Challenge will be back in 2013 for
another seven days of challenging cycling in Colorado. Race organizers have already begun
Page ] of 2
planning for the 2013 race. An official Request for Proposals for cities across Colorado to apply
to be a 2013 Host City will be issued in the coming weeks.
USA Pro Challenge supports in-bound tourism efforts, attracting spectators from all over the
world to stay, shop and dine in the host communities. Each host city receives significant
exposure in all marketing and promotions of the race, providing the host community the
opportunity to showcase and promote their destination to visitors both domestically and abroad.
For seven consecutive days, 135 of the world's top athletes raced across 610 miles through the
majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they ever had to endure, more than two miles in
elevation. It featured the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging
course through some of America's most beautiful scenery, including cities such as Aspen,
Telluride, Boulder and Denver.
Referred to as "America's Race"the USA Pro Challenge took place August 20-26, 2012. Over 1
million spectators viewed this race from the roadsides along the route while more than 25 million
watched the race on television in 161 countries and territories, including NBC and the NBC
Sports Channel. The USA Pro Challenge was one of the largest cycling events in United States
history.
Fans worldwide had access to the competition and riders like never before with the most
advanced, interactive online, Smartphone and broadcast television experience presented to date
in professional cycling.
FINANCIALBUDGET IMPACTS: Staff now has a history in which to work with as a stage
finish and a start, but the budget would be dependent entirely upon what kind of a stage Aspen
would host.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The City made this a relatively `green' event, complying
with all City regulations for events. There are two big-picture aspects of this event. 1)Any large
event increases vehicle traffic, but that is a tradeoff we make as a resort community, and those
visits also allow us to implement programs that help the environment. 2)This event had one very
large difference from other events—it showcased the possibilities of Aspen as a bicycle and
pedestrian-oriented resort. Throughout the event,visitors and locals alike commented repeatedly
about how we should have car-free events every month, add to the malls, etc. People seemed to
thoroughly enjoy the feel of town with bicycles and pedestrians everywhere. If the event led to
helping Aspen become known as a great biking and walking resort,the benefits would be
spectacular.
On a more mundane level,the event allowed us to showcase and promote environmental
practices from reusable water bottles to reusable bags to composting and recycling.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends pursuing a host city for the USA Pro
Challenge in 2013.
Page 2 of 2
ASPEN
SILVER
QUEEN
usa r�,�o
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PUBLIC RELATIONS SUMMARY
By
PROMO COMMUNICATIONS, ASPEN
September 2012
PROMO
rO M M N I C-
720 East Durant Street,Suite ET
Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Press Releases
• Media Visits and Press Trips
• Media Outreach and Pitches
• Additional PR Activity
• Monthly Media Coverage
PROMO
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
PRESS RELEASES
Press Releases sent by Promo
Date of Issue Title of Release Target Media
2/13/12 USA Pro Cycling Challenge Welcomes Back Local
National Contest for Fans to Create Official
Commemorative Poster
4/4/12 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge Route Local
Features American Professional Cycling's
Highest Elevation
4/18/12 USA Pro Cycling Challenge Unveils Official Local
Aspen Commemorative Poster Contest
Winner
6/13/12 USA Pro Challenge and NBC Sports Group Local
Form Multi-Year Agreement to Air Live Daily
Coverage of Professional Cycling Race
7/2/12 Pro Challenge Experience Presented by Local
UnitedHealthcare Offers Cycling Fans the
Opportunity to Ride Like a Pro on Sunday,
Aug. 19
7/11/12 Sixteen World-Class Professional Teams and Local
Top Cyclists Confirmed to Participate in 2012
USA Pro Challenge
Press Releases Written &Sent by Promo
Date of Issue Title of Release Target Media
7/10/12 BE A PART OF THE USA PRO CYCLING Local
CHALLENGE:Volunteer Positions Available
for the Two-day UPCC Silver Queen Stage &
Blue Ribbon Alpine Challenge in Aspen
7/12/12 ASPEN EVENTS ABOUND BEFORE, DURING Sent via PRWeb to Regional &
AND AFTER USA PRO CHALLENGE National media
PROMO
'O M M U N 1 C AT'p IS
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
7/20/12 UPCC START AND FINISH LINE VIEWS ON Local
OFFER FOR ASPEN'S TWO-DAY SILVER
QUEEN STAGE
7/25/12 USA PRO CHALLENGE START AND FINISH Local
LINE VIEWS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ASPEN'S
TWO-DAY SILVER QUEEN STAGE
8/2/12 BE A PART OF THE USA PRO CYCLING Local
CHALLENGE:Volunteer Positions Still
Available for the Two-day USA Pro Challenge
Silver Queen Stage in Aspen
IA VISITS AND PRESS TRIPS
Name of Journalist Publication Dates of Stay Expected Coverage
(number of nights)/ (inc date of
comp or media rate Publication)
Gregg Moss Channel 9 News 8/11/12-8/12/12 (1 Filming for Channel 9
night) media rate News to air during
race week
Greg Moss Channel 9 News 8/22/12-8/23/12 Filming for Channel 9
comp News to air during
race week
MEDIA OUTREACH AND PITCHES
Name of Publication Inquiry/ Information provided
Journalist
Andrew Travers Aspen Daily News Arranged interviews with athletes and organizers,
provided images, and general information on routes,
road closures,festival,etc.
Scott Condon Aspen times Arranged interviews with athletes and organizers,
provided images, and general information on routes,
PROMOC:
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
road closures,festival, etc.
Erin Lentz Aspen Peak Sent details about VIP experience and race week
Magazine updates for Peak website and e-blasts
Luke Runyon KAJX Radio Pitched interviews with team mechanics, and gear/
clothing companies for teams
May Selby Aspen Times Pitched VIP tent and 'who's who'for May's weekly
social column
Cath Lutz Aspen Business Pitched ABJ on interviews with race organizers and
Journal "Aspen's two stages"
PR ACTIVITY
• Promo represented Aspen Chamber at all LOC meetings, as well as UPCC/Medalist meetings
pre-race,where media relations/outreach and press room logistics were line-items
• Promo volunteered within the press room on each day of race
• Promo coordinated VIP passes for key local media and editors
• Promo liaised with Medalist and UPCC PR team to secure one moto-photo spot for Aspen
Chamber photographer. Promo also coordinated with local photography team to secure
donated photography for Aspen Chamber's marketing and PR
MEDIA COVERAGE
UPCC Aspen Coverage 2012—Print
Encompass Magazine
July/August 2012
Colorado Getaways: Racing Along
Aspen Peak Magazine
Summer 2012
Be-Spoke
Aspen Sojourner Magazine
Midsummer 2012
PROMO
r n M M l N i C A T 1 O N S
720 East Durant Street,Suite ET Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
Datebook: USA Pro Cycling Challenge
Aspen Times Weekly
Entire weekend supplement dedicated to UPCC coverage,Aug. 16, 2012:
Setting the stage for racing: 10 things to know about the USA Pro Cycling Challenge
August 16, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120816/ASPEN W EEKLY/120819921/1077&ParentProfile=1058
UPCC Aspen Broadcast Coverage
August 23, 2012
Segments:
• Elevation is key in Stage 4 of USA Pro Challenge
• USA Pro Challenge- 11 a.m. update
• Susie and Greg show off their hula hooping skills
UPCC Aspen Coverage 2012—Online
*Note: all Aspen Times/Aspen Daily News stories were also in print
Boulder's Jessica Phillips on the Aspen/Snowmass Women's Pro Challenge
May 16, 2012
http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/ci 20637993/boulders-iessica-phillips-aspen-Snowmass-womens-
pro-challenge#ixzzlv9TIKTM U
Explore Colorado: Summer Festivals
May 24, 2012
http://kdvr.com/2012/05/24/explore-colorado-summer-festivals/
USA Pro Challenge relishing increased exposure
June 13, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120613/NEWS/120619944/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Aspen Women's Race Gains Title Sponsor
June 25, 2012
http://www.podiu mcafe.com/2012/6/25/3116506/aspen-womens-race-gains-title-sponsor
Aspen Women's Race Gains Title Sponsor
June 26, 2012
http://www.bikeworldnews,com/2012/06/26/aspen-womens-race-gains-title-sponsor-becomes-blue-
ribbon-alpine-challenge/
Blue Ribbon Restaurants to sponsor Aspen women's stage race
June 26, 2012
http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/blue-ribbon-restaurants-to-sponsor-aspen-womens-
stage-race 225700
Pro Cycling Challenge organizers seek city funding for concerts
June 27, 2012
http://www,aspentimes.com/article/20120627/N EWS/120629884/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Aspen Snowmass Becomes Blue Ribbon Alpine Challenge
PROMO
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
July 8, 2012
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/aspen-snowmass-becomes-blue-ribbon-alpine-challenge
Aspen Events Abound Before, During And After USA Pro Challenge—PR Web
July 13, 2012
Houston Chronicle online,Yahoo! News, LA Daily News online,Sacramento Bee online, Miami Herald
online, Boston Globe online
Aspen VIP seating for bike race will come at a hefty price
July 21, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/`20120721/N EWS/120729984/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Women's pro cycling races return for second spin in Aspen, Snowmass
July 22, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120722/NEWS/120729976/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Race organizers look to ease the in-town impacts
July 23, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154060
Organizers getting Aspen ready for bike race
July 28, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120728/N EWS/120729877/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Forest Service, sheriff to enforce no-camping rules during bike race
July 30, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154132
Women's pro bike challenge cut from three days to one
August 2, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/`home/154175
Anthem to play bike race finish
August 4, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154214
Aspen considers saving parking spaces on pass during bike race
August 6, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120806/N EWS/120809920/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Pro cycling race organizers make final fundraising push
August 7, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154253
Bike race camping rules still a relaxation
August 7, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154254
Charming Colorado towns along the US Pro Cycling Challenge route
August 9, 2012
http://www.heiditown.com/page/2/
Rosters out for Usa Pro Cycling Challenge
August 9, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120809/NEWS/120809861/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Official says camping restrictions for bike race 'a conservative approach'
August 9, 2012
PROMO
"O M M' N I C AT.O' 5
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120809/N EWS/120809865/1077&ParentProfile=1058
USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Where to Watch
August 16, 2012
http://www.5280.com/blogs/2012/08/16/usa-pro-cycling-challenge-where-watch
Ladies first ahead of USA Pro Cycling Challenge
August 16, 2012
http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-9471-ladies-first-ahead-of-usa-pro-cycling-%20challenge.html
In Second Year, USA Pro Challenge is a Full-fledged Festival
August 16, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/entertainment/154373
Local lodges, restaurants buck up for pro bike race
August 20, 2012
httP://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154421
Racers rise to the Challenge
August 20, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120820/NEWS/120819851
City to local businesses: Don't compete with sponsors of Pro Cycling Challenge
August 20, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154418
City gears up for Cycling Challenge
August 21, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120821/NEWS/120829992/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Race spectators stake out their spots on Independence Pass
August 22, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120822/N EWS/120829968/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Aspen ready for USA Pro Cycling Challenge racers to roll in
August 22, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154440
Upgrade to Aspen's Little Nell was deserving of the yellow jersey
August 23, 2012
http://blogs.denverpost.com/sports/2012/08/23/upgrade-aspens-nell-deserving-Yellow-jersey/23332/
Aspen's race atmosphere wins praise
August 23, 2012
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120823/NEWS/120829947/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Pass sees fewer fans this year
August 23, 2012
http://www aspentimes com/article/20120823/NEWS/120829948/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Ski-loving Aspen celebrates its summer passion: bikes
August 23, 2012
http://www.g'sentinel.com/news/articles/skiloving-aspen-celebrates-8232its-summer-passion
Danielson wins in Aspen as town celebrates cycling
August 23, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154459
Mayor calls on Aspen to power up the pass today
PROMO
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
August 23, 2012
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154458
Bike race:The good,the bad and the ugly
August 24, 2012
http://www aspentimes com/article/20120824/DAILYCOMMENT/120829925/1019&ParentProfile=1061
Battle of generations in cycling race
August 24, 2012
httP://www.aspenbusinessoournaI.com/article/id/1718/sid/8
Bike race doesn't boost many Aspen businesses
August 24, 2012
httP://www.aspenbusinessiourna1.com/article/id/1717/sid/1
Aspen looks to next bike race,wants talk on camping
August 29, 2012
http://www aspentimes com/article/20120829/NEWS/120829837/1077&ParentProfile=1058
ACRA: No business, no problem for bike race
August 29, 2012
httP://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154533
Race officials to push for camping on pass in 2013
August 29, 2012
httP://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/154531
I
PROMO
co M M I N I C A T I O N S
720 East Durant Street,Suite E7,Aspen,CO 81611
www.promocommunications.com
use r-�r�o
C/-/ALLENGE
PA
ASPEN T ^ES 3 & 4 / 8.22-23. 92
Aspen UPCC 2012 Marketing Summary
Website Hosting&Content Management -
Online Banner Ads-targeting cycling and outdoor enthusiasts
• IExplore (June-August)
• Adventure Journal (June-August)
• Xfinity.com (June-August)
Print Ads-targeting cycling and outdoor enthusiasts
• Elevation Outdoors (July)
• Velo News (August)
• Aspen Daily News (August)
• Aspen Times (August)
Radio Ads-local
• 300 Prime Time :30 second commercials on KSPN/ KNFO
• KSPN Live remote broadcast at the start and finish line
• 25 Live mentions-KSPN & KNFO
• On Air interviews-KSPN & KNFO
Comcast Television ads
• Tour de California (May 13-201h) 16 spots each: Denver Interconnect, New York, Colorado
Springs & Houston
• Tour de France(June 30-July 18) 25 spots each: Denver Interconnect, New York, Colorado
Springs & Houston
• USA Pro Cycling Challenge Denver Interconnect: 12 Spots (2x/day during live race)
Print Collateral
• Aspen Stage Poster
• Aspen Stage Brochure
• Aspen Stage Postcard
Incorporated into the following ACRA year round efforts:
• Rotating Banner on our"Around Town Widget" May-August
• Featured on our August Destination Newsletter(sent in July) & listed on "upcoming events"for
all summer Newsletters.Sent to 65,000 destination guests each month.
• Featured on our Trip Advisor/Aspen events Calendar. Live in June.
• Featured as Blog Content throughout the summer.
• Multiple posts on Facebook&Twitter throughout the summer.
• Featured in the Aspen/Snowmass Vacation Planner(in market March,80K distribution)
• Featured in the Aspen Summer Rack Brochure(in market April,30K distribution)
• Promoted on our online summer calendar Dec-August.
• Promoted on Stayaspensnowmass.com
• Submitted for summer content to Aspen Ski Co email(sent to approx.45K)
• Submitted for content to Aspen Dish,Aspen Magazine's email blast
• Eblast to 130 bike clubs in front range feeder markets.
• Google SEM biking specific keywords added to our regular campaign .
USPCC Business Survey Report
As was done last year, the City of Aspen created a survey for businesses in the community and
distributed it through ACRA channels to gauge the impact and opinion of the business community
to the US Pro Cycling Challenge race held in our community. There were 115 survey respondents,
around 25% from retail and office establishments, from hotel/lodge and other, and 10% from
restaurants.
As has been noted, the business climate this year is improved from last year, so when asked if their
business was up this summer compared to last,the response was:
Increased 65%
Decreased 7%
Same 28%
In that context, some specific questions about business relative to the week of/day of the bike race
were:
Comparing the day of the race to the day before the race, my business was:
Up 17%
Down 40%
Same 43%
On the other hand, Wednesdays, relative to a Monday/Tuesday,are always:
Up 26%
Down 7%
Same 67%
Comparing the week of the race to the previous week, my business was:
Up 14%
Down 46%
Same 40%
Looking at race day this year, compared to race day last year, my business was:
Up 22.5%
Down 33.3%
Same 44.1%
Page 1
Looking at how business was differently impacted across the sectors:
30
25
20
i. Remained the Same
15
■Decreased
10 ■Increased
5
0
Hotel/Lodge Office Restaurant Retail Other
Hotels and lodges - as expected - saw the greatest proportion of increased business, while retail
suffered the most. Offices and Other were mostly the same, with more of a doubling of decreases to
increases. Restaurants suffered more than they increased/remained the same - and no doubt location
made a difference there as well. The charts and graphs that follow can help you see the distribution of
impacts.
Comments:
Comments tend to be more negative than positive, but that is often expected with open ended
questions-those who were impacted negatively more tend to have more of an investment in providing
open ended feedback about their impacts or suggestions to avoid their impact. Some of the themes
from the comments revolve around:
➢ Parking
➢ Street closures-locations and length of time
➢ Tents blocking businesses
➢ Location of the race course, the finish/start lines - things that caused street closures or
placement of facilities
THE FINAL WORD
On having the race back. . .
➢ Eighty-two percent (61% strongly agree, 21% agree) would like the bike race to return to our
community;
Twenty-seven percent (14%disagree, 13%strongly disagree)that the race should NOT return.
- - - - -- Page 2 - --- - - - - -
Question 1:
My business is a:
Answer Options Response Response
Percent Count
Retail Establishment 25.2% 29
Restaurant 10.4% 12
Hotel/Lodge 20.9% 24
Office 24.3% 28
Othe r 19.1% 22
srrswered questy®n 115
skVpped quesft ry 0
My business is a:
o Retail Establishment
■Restaurant
❑Hotel/Lodge
o Office
■Other
Question 2:
Compared to the previous week, my business the week of the race (Aug.
20-24):
Answer Options Response Response
Percent Count
Increased 14.0% 15
Decreased 45.8% 49
Remained the Same 40.2% 43
ewswered7 questy®ry 107
sepped questyorn 8
Page 3
Compared to the previous week,my business the week of the race
(Aug.20-24):
o Increased
■Decreased
o Remained the Same
AVG = 30.69 Range: Low=-80%
STD= 124.04 Hi= 1000%
MEDIAN = 18.50
MODE= 0.00
1000.0
900.0
800.0
700.0
600.0
500.0
400.0
300.0
200.0
100.0
0.0
(100.0) 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Page 4
Question 4:
Comparing this Wednesday to the same Wednesday a year ago, my
business:
Answer Options Response Response
Percent Count
Increased 22.5% 23
Decreased 33.3% 34
Remained the Same 44.1% 45
armwurecf quesftro 102
skippedl 13
Comparing this Wednesday to the same Wednesday a year ago,my
business:
o Increased
■Decreased
o Remained the Same
AVG = 20.00 Range: Low=-100%
STD= 46.00 Hi= 198%
MEDIAN = 10.00
MODE= 0.00
Pages
250.0
200.0
150.0
100.0
50.0
0.0
�♦ 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
(50.0)
(100.0)
(150.0)
Looking at it from a cross-tab perspective . . .
Comparing this Wednesday to the same Wednesday LAST YEAR, my business . . .
Hotel/Lodge Office Restaurant Retail Other
Increased 14 2 2 3 2
Decreased 1 6 5 18 4
Remained the Same 9 17 3 7 11
30
25
20
•Remained the Same
15
•Decreased
10
■Increased
5
0
Hotel/Lodge Office Restaurant Retail Other
- - Page 6 - --
And the reporting of individual establishments . . .
250 —
200
150
Hotel/Lodge
100
Office
50 Restaurant
/ A A -Retail
0
WV6 7 8 9 111 13 41 16 71819202122232 26 72 29 03132 Other
-50 42
-100
-150
Question 6:
On the Day of the race, compared to the previous day my business was:
Answer Options Response Response
Percent Count
Up 16.7% 18
Down 39.8% 43
the Same 43.5% 47
arrswered queswan 108
skfppecr gtreswary 7
Page 7
On the Day of the race,compared to the previous day my business was:
*Up
■Down
*the Same
i
150
100
M
50
0 �
10 20 30 40 50 60 70
(50)
Y (100)
I
(150)
AVG = 17.54 Range: Low=-100%
STD= 38.52 Hi= 100%
MEDIAN = 20.00
MODE = 0.00
Page 8
Question 8:
During a "normal" week, relative to Monday and Tuesday, my Wednesday
is normally:
Answer Options Response Response
Percent Count
Up 25.9% 28
Down 7.4% 8
the Same 66.7% 72
armwered questrVan 108
s16pped questy®nP 7
During a"normal"week,relative to Monday and Tuesday,my
Wednesday is normally:
*Up
■Down
*the Same
i
Question 9:
My business this summer, compared to last summer has:
Answer Options Response Response
Percent Count
Increased 64.8% 70
Decreased 7.4% 8
Remained the Same 27.8% 30
arvswered quesWary 108
skYpped quesftry 7
Page 9
My business this summer,compared to last summer has:
❑Increased
■Decreased
❑Remained the Same
Question 10:
I received adequate notice of the event,such that I could plan for any inconvenience the event caused me .. .
Strongly Strongly Rating Response
Answer Options Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Average Count
Pick One 56 43 10 1 3.40 110
answered gues6on 110
sloped queston 5
60
so
40
30
20
10
0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Page 10
C
I was able to work with my vendors to adequately prepare for the event...
Answer Options Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Rating Response
Agree Disagree Average Count
Pick One 46 43 15 2 3.25 106
Homfed ques#00 106
sltippedga�s�on 9
50 -
45
40
35 .
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Page 11
I want the bike race back next year:
Answer Options Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Rating Response
Agree Disagree Average Count
Pick One 61 21 14 13 3.19 109
a"Wered grues0ayru 109
sfiPped guues OR 6
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS . . .
Q14. If you have the race again next year, please consider the following in order to improve
the event . .
• Allow camping on independence pass. I truly believe that this brings people to town and
shows that ASPEN embraces the spirit of tolerance, trust and adventure.
• Please do not place tents in front of businesses on Monarch west side, please them east
side, where the tents are gone by the 6pm opening of those businesses
• Put the finish line on Durant, not Main Street. Loop around town till the riders swing
past Koch Park and then they'll have the full length of Durant for a grand sprint. ESPN
can still get their mountain views there.
• You killed retail in town because there was to mush hassle to get from point A to B, so
they just stayed away.
- - - - Page 12 - _ ---
• Don't shut the town down and have the event outside city core!!!!! Helen Keller could
have done more for the local businesses!
• An alternative bike route to allow for a better flow of traffic. Does Main Street need to
be shut down all the way to W 2nd St? Can a compromise be found so Main could be
utilized for efficiently?
• Open up the parking more
• some of our business is taking clients rock climbing up on Independence Pass...if it were
at all possible to get a pass to take our clients up either before or after that would be
helpful... typically we head up around 9 am & down around 1 pm or 4 pm. The race
shuts our rock climbing business down for 24 -48 hours because we cannot get to the
climbs.
• Create more focus and attention to local business...event sponsors steal the spotlight.
• Do not cut off retail business access. This race does not attract buyers for Aspen's retail
business. Strongly takes away sales from restaurants.
• Move the big screen and vendors back in to Wagner Park like it was the first year. This
year, having it set up at Paepcke Park and the surrounding streets drew people away
from the downtown businesses. We saw significantly less foot traffic as a result.
• Better communication between the Aspen Police/Parking Depts and the private event
security.
• Do not schedule for the same day as the first day of school...schedule for the week prior
or earlier in the week so that it does not conflict with ASD.
• Have the organizers return phone calls to local businesses interested in being a part of
the damn event. We never got return calls or useful info we could follow up with. The
vendors' tents were really unorganized - impossible to find anything in particular,
seemed like the same 4 vendors over and over. Not a friendly event at all. None of the
volunteers knew anything and they had no answers for any questions. Add large tvs on
the malls to pull people there.
• Parking . . . Less $$ from our taxes
• Not sure why you have to shut town down and divert traffic a full day before the race-
still greatly impacts downtown shopping &foot traffic.
• Two day event for Aspen core.
• Have an event @ Gondola Plaza to bring more people to that side of town Try to get the
I start (1st leg) of the race in Aspen so we can get a few more days of business
• Prefer to have a finish and start like this year. Thought this year was a great
improvement over last year, especially in the area of allowing foot traffic to cross the
course. Last year a couple of our employees got stuck inside the course and could not
get back to office.
• 3rd and Hyman is an awful corner for buses
• Would be great to figure out a way to get more people to come stay on the shoulder
days. Also, need to get more people in the restaurants and bars.
• A lot of the closed streets looked like parking lots with RVs, trailers, and support
vehicles. When the race is over the streets should be re-opened for parking.
• Kept it all on the east end of town instead of closing the whole town down.
Page 13 -
• Not shutting the streets down for almost 2.5 days. We weren't able to get
deliveries/pickups
• More festival stuff, more booths, more bike oriented things. I generally ride my bike in
the downtown core and I wish it was a little easier to navigate during the race on my
bike as I still have to work. I understand the closures and alternative routes, but closed
roads, pedestrians, and bikes mixed could be a bit challenging.
• Too many street closures. Getting in and out of town was difficult. We are in real estate
and getting to our properties was difficult.
• No rain
• Making some businesses totally inaccessible by completely surrounding them with
closed streets
• Minimize the number of streets that are impacted. Consider the race just coming into
to town and directly on to main street so more of the core can remain open and people
can get to shops, park etc...
• Nobody wants to come to town to shop. They want to come watch the bike race and the
people who would be shopping, avoid town.
• Jumbotrons throughout town
• Keep the roads blocked off for only as long as necessary. Seemed like overkill and the
security people were a little off-putting. Advertise the restaurant deals being offered.
Have big screen at the finish line. Can you do more to enhance viewing opportunities?
• Better Communication especially with transportation issues
• Stop scaring everyone about how bad the traffic is going to be. Don't close off Main
Street so far up. Let people at least get to first light before closing Main.
• If we have the two days again it would be nice to spread out the comp rooms. (ex. 15 on
Tuesday, 15 on Wednesday) - that way we can gain more revenue.
• Not much. I think the bike race went well especially having both the finish one day and
the start the next day.
• who do we speak to about getting better weather which in turn will hopefully help not
only the coverage but retailers and restaurants as well
• Better TV coverage. Camping on the pass. Friendlier volunteers. More clear directions
on in-town parking."
• Closing Main Street all the way to Garmisch is hugely inconvenient for pedestrians.
Especially for those who work north of Main and need to get to Ruby Park for bus
service.
• Have more bleachers for non VIP viewing. Have a better plan about people on their
bicycles after the race. The security on Main Street was telling bikers to get off the
street and ride on the side walk. The side walk could not accommodate bikers, walkers,
walkers with dogs, walkers with strollers. Have a better plan; maybe let them ride on
the shoulder.
• Please try to consider the retail shops and try to integrate them into the event. We saw
0%increase in business as a result of the race on Wednesday&Thursday.
• Give designated near-by parking for residences/businesses whose streets get totally
blocked off for two days for this event. This was beyond irritating and I lost a lot of
Page 14 ---- -- -
employee time with them having to move their cars, walk back 30 minutes after finding
parking, etc.
• Special pass for businesses? Security was not letting me get to my business even though
the race wasn't happening. Ultimately had to call a cop to overrule the security guard.
• Better podium presentation. Ours wasn't as terrible as it was last year - but this is one
of the only things that is on TV. Vail's blows ours away-watch what they do!
• Map was pathetic of street closures and race route. you can use my 3d map for free
next year
• Get the hats, bottles, and shirts out to the town.
• Easier access to streets
• Construction in the West End north of Bleeker should NOT have been restricted for two
days.There would have been no impact on the race traffic and it was a hardship.
• Don't have it
• Less road closures?
• Camping and better access to the top of the pass
• The only complaints I heard about were regarding some of the traffic issues leaving
town after the finish stage. For one or two days, I am more than happy to make
modifications to my transportation schedule because this is such a phenomenal event
and I am very grateful our City makes it a priority to get and keep this race in our town.
• Let's make sure that town is accessible...
• All of downtown was closed to parking. It made it almost impossible for anyone to come
to town that was not here for the race. Perhaps driving lanes or more parking on side
streets and roads without being ticketed could be considered. Getting into town from
areas up the pass and to pass thru to get out of town the other sided was almost
impossible. I had a vet emergency and could not get to AABC from Mt valley.
• Keep it just like it was this year...everything went very smoothly and had a terrific
festival atmosphere!
• 1 can't park
Q15: Any other comments about the bike race?
• 1 liked the new finish line finish location.
• Come around town and show the proposed ten placements so we can assist, this year
was silly, place them where businesses are closed or do not require walk in traffic and
delivery traffic
• This is a great event for Aspen Colorado
• We were told that there would only be fences on the corners of the streets, but there
was a fence all along both sides of the street - effectively blocking any pedestrian traffic
from coming over from the expo or the walking malls. Very uninviting. We don't think
the amount of money spent on the event by the city is a good investing in marketing.
We like the event but the money could be spent better elsewhere. Bike racing is not a
highly followed sport in America.
-- - Page 15 -
• If the finish line doesn't move, we plan to just stay closed for the race next year. I've
spoken with other retailers, including some restaurants, and they said the same thing.
• The event was in Aspen but Aspen wasn't involved!
• I'm proud that our community supports events like this.
• Aspen should continue to embrace the race - it's one of the fastest growing athletic
events in the US.
• Does not significantly affect my business since our clients can do their business the day
before or after the race. Hope it comes back next year.
• People should be encouraged to be on Independence Pass.
• Only certain entities make money on the F&B. The race is a huge inconvenience to
locals getting to and from town/work. The retails stores DO NOT make any money on
this race, they lose money. This race does not attract consumers that shop in Aspen's
retail stores, or eat at our restaurants. The residents should be able to vote on a ballot
whether this race should be invited back.
• It's a great event and good publicity for Aspen. Having a finish and a start was a great
change from the first year!!
• Thanks for all of the hard work organizing! We would love to have the race back every
year!
• Needs better organization and needs to be back at Wagner Park so the retailers at least
have a chance of some business. Make it easier to cross streets in town. Not a popular
event with the locals or local businesses. Instead of bringing in all these outside
vendors, use us-give us the opportunity to make a little money for a change.
• Can we get an audit of the race producer's expenses?
• 1 would really like to see the full cost of staging this race added up and evaluated and
until then I am uncertain whether I am in favor of its return. It is the single most
disruptive event that is held in Aspen. Many different kinds of businesses lost money
that day. Some actually closed. My hairdresser closed so 5 stylists lost income. I do not
think that was unusual. I don't know how those kinds of losses could be mitigated but I
think these things should be looked at.
• While I think the race is a cool event that brings exposure to Aspen, the economic
benefits are not very apparent to retailers.
• While there is a lot of foot traffic in town those days. They don't usually come to the
restaurants and our regulars don't want to brave the traffic so we end up being slower
on those days.
0 We agree with public sentiment that the City should be granting more money to other
large events like Ruggerfest and Motherlode in order for there to be some parity in
public money spent.
• It's awesome!
• Nice but doesn't seem to have that much impact on me/our business, compared to the
apparent cost of the event.
0 Great time. Better PR coverage. Keep building.
• Tents set up right in front of my store (and neighbors) when the other side of the street
(monarch) was wide open and no businesses would've been blocked. I felt like old paint
Page 16 --------
that just got wallpapered over and hidden. I'll never understand why they set up tents
like that and I consider it a slap in the face for my business. Had argument with red shirt
guy that yelled at me and said he didn't give a shit about me or my neighbors businesses
because "this is so much bigger than you and the other businesses..." and no parking for
3 days was horrible for my business and city seems to not be able to care less about
closing off our parking. They do it way too much and too easily without any input from
the businesses it impacts.
• Biking fan...love the race. Not sure the hassle/loss of sales is worth the pr(especially for
2.5 days).
• Great venue for Aspen! Lots of publicity on the TV, internet, etc. Shows that Aspen is
not just a winter destination, but offers great recreation in the summer time as well. I
thought it was really cool that Aspen was the only city in CO to host an ending stage and
starting stage, definitely a privilege (and bragging rights!). I also liked how it felt more
like a festival in the city parks and side streets. The booths and added events like the
concert were a nice touch. Bring it back as it's another great venue for Aspen (like the
X-Games)!!!
• It brings some excitement to the town, but I am not sure how much actual business.
• job well done
• Once again, you scared people away from driving in to town. Need to better
communicate that the core is still open for business. Other than people who live in
Aspen, it seems everyone else in the valley went to Whole Foods instead!
• It is a big inconvenience to the locals as well as the people visiting the town during that
time.
• The street closure KILLS my business
• Terrific w/the finish and start. Would be better for business and we will continue to be
able to contribute strongly if the race were the last week of August - keep it mid-week.
Weekends are already busy making it hard to pitch in. Create a definitive ""Bike Week""
w/ Ride for the Cure, Power of Four, USAPC, Women's races, anything else? Promote
biking as alternative transportation during the events. It was wonderful to walk down
the streets and see so many others without their cars. Make it a week someone might
come to both participate and spectate. Again, best the last week of August.
• The VIP tent came across as over the top elitist and too pricey. How many people in the
tent really paid $500 for Wednesday or was it more for trades?The band wasn't great.
• Not sure it is a real benefit for the businesses of Aspen.
• N/A
• It is too bad that the women's races got shortened to just one day and one race. I think
that having a woman's races on the day the men's race comes to town and another
women's race the day the men's race leave town would bring more attention to the
women.
• The bike race is a great event from the perspective of promoting Colorado & Aspen.
Unfortunately it requires an enormous commitment from the community lodges,
restaurants and retailers who do not directly benefit from the event. Hard to predict the
long term benefits of the event
— Page 17 ---- —
• Too much focus on VIP spectators and services.
• Congrats Aspen for Hosting the Bike Race 2012!
• The down town vender area was great and a fun and energetic area to be in. Maybe ask
some retail store to have a booth.
• Closing down access to town & restricting parking killed two full days of business for us.
We couldn't do any pickups or deliveries because our vehicles couldn't park anywhere.
Our customers couldn't pick up their rugs or drop them off at the store because they
couldn't get their cars close enough to do so. And, the people who were in town were
concentrated in certain locations based on the layout of the race. When I looked up and
down our street, it felt like every store should have been closed because the town was
empty. We probably should have just closed the store for the two days. You can see
how frustrating this is for us, right?
• Please stop the madness- I get more out of Ruggerfest
• 1 don't see the benefit to the town hosting the event.
• Like most of these events - they are good for hotels and restaurants and kill retail. The
exposure of this race is great for town long-term, so PLEASE keep the race.
• Well Done
• Good time, right after the music.Traffic was controlled so much better than last year.
• Bill T. needs some assistance in order to keep improving this event. He did a great job
with lodging.
• It's a MAJOR inconvenience for anyone who lives here, works here, or needs to conduct
business here. Shutting down major streets (and Indy Pass) for 2 days just to watch
bicyclists go through is ridiculous. Even the spectators have trouble getting here to
watch due to the closures. The bicyclists and their guests aren't spending money in our
stores or restaurants or bars - they're here and gone. If they participated and slept
here, then they're exhausted and on a special diet - not eating out or shopping
afterwards. The TV coverage mentions Aspen and shows parts of Aspen, but they are
focused on the bicyclists, not the town. It's not encouraging tourists to come here. Many
local businesses were impacted negatively. Couldn't wait for the shit show to be over
and really hoping we don't have to go through this year after year.
• Add a philanthropic twist?
• Great event which bring a spotlight to how wonderful Aspen is in the summer.
• Not sure it helped any business except lodging. Great PR for town.
• 1 live in Aspen and work in Snowmass. Bike Race was great for the City; it looked
official/legit this year compared to last. More planning, bigger event, better look and
feel. The finish and next day start is brilliant. Only do it if that is the case. Everybody
left immediately following the race last year, make them stay a night.
• Great event, hope we get it every year!
• You people stink
—- Page 18 ------- --
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Trish Aragon PE, City Engineer
THRU: Scott Miller, Capital Asset Manager
DATE OF MEMO: September 12,2012
MEETING DATE: September 18,2012
RE: Construction Mitigation Program Modifications
REQUEST OF COUNCIL:
Staff seeks Council input regarding the Construction Mitigation Program rules. This includes
establishing parameters for mitigating impacts of encroachments including duration, size,penalties
and aesthetics.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
City Council approved the creation and implementation of the Construction Mitigation Program
in April of 2006. Below is a timeline of this program.
• April 2006: The City creates the Construction Mitigation Program to reduce the impact
of construction on the general public and to provide a liaison between the City,
contractors, and the general public. This is accomplished by requiring contractors to
submit a plan detailing how they intend to meet all city codes during construction.
• March 2007: The Original Plan Requirement Manual is drafted and presented at a work
session.
• April 2007: Edits from the March 2007 work session are incorporated into the "Plan."
These edits include an established haul route, restricting work hours from 12 hours per
day to 10 hours per day, creating the Aspen Holiday List, which restricts construction on
federal holidays and during special events such as the Food and Wine Classic.
• April 2007: The start and end time for weekday work is altered to 8 a.m.—6 p.m.
•
May 2007:-The original start and end times, which were 7 a.m. -5 p.m., are re-instated.
• January 2008: The program is expanded to include inspections on all active projects
regardless of impact. Additional inspections were also added which included sediment
and erosion control and parking.
• May 2009: Three changes/additions were made:
o Manufacturing Restrictions: Require all manufacturing activities to be conducted
offsite, reducing the duration and overall impact to surrounding neighborhoods.
Additionally, if a further modification to the material is required, then the hours of
operation will be limited to 9 a.m. —5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Page 1 of 6
o Holiday Hours: Creation of a new geographic zone in town to help address the
impacts of construction while at the same time maintaining a resort atmosphere in
the community. This zone is referred to as the Central Resort Area(CRA). The
geographic boundaries mirror the expanded pay-to-park area. This boundary was
chosen because the area is impacted heavily during special events and the winter/
summer tourist season. The adoption of the CRA allows work in the "non-core"
neighborhoods,which are less impacted during the peak seasons. Below is a
summary of the requirements:
Thanks X mas X mas New Years Presidents Memorial Food 41h of Labor
giving Week Day Day Day Day & July Day
Wine
Central Resort closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed
Area CRA
Outside CRA closed open closed closed open closed open closed closed
i.e."non-core"
o Superfund Permitting: Alterations were made to the Smuggler Mountain
Superfund Site Soil Removal Permit to stream line the process and ensure the
sites are captured in regular inspections.
• May 2010: Time restrictions were modified to allow 24-hour interior work in the
CRA. Weekday construction hours were modified to 7 a.m. — 5 p.m. during the on-
season and 8 a.m.—7 p.m. during the off-season.
• May 2012: Erosion and sediment control section was updated. CRA hours and zone
was revisted but Council decided to not modify rules related to CRA.
• July 2012: Weekday Construction hours were modified to 7:30 am—5:30 pm year
round.
BACKGROUND:
The Municipal Code currently does not allow encroachments, such as sidewalk closures,
pedestrian walkways, street closures or any right-of-way work, in the Core during the on-season.
However, the Code does allow for the City Engineer or City Council to make exceptions to this
section when special circumstances are present where strict compliance of these regulations
would jeopardize the public safety or the expeditious continuation of the project and granting the
exception is in the public interest.
DISCUSSION:
Although our code does not allow encroachments during the on season, the Engineering
Department has made exceptions (under certain circumstances) for most projects. However, now
that we are seeing more commercial construction, allowing these exceptions may not be
minimizing the construction impacts in the commercial core. This includes impacts on the
pedestrian experience and the livelihood of surrounding buisinesses.
How Encroachments are handled in other cities:
Page 2 of 6
We found that construction related encroachments are handled in a wide variety of ways
throughout the nation.
• New York City imposes the following types of limits:
- Building Materials on street, 3 month max, with a maximum of 300 linear ft, but not
more than 80%frontage may be encumbered.
- Place crane, 1 week max, not more than one third width of roadway. (some location
restrictions apply)
- Place trailer, 3 month max.
- Full street closures lasting more than 180 days require a"Community Reassement ,
Impact and Amelioration" statement.
- Some high traffic streets have work hour limitations prohibiting access during business
hours.
• City of Denver addresses size and duration of Construction Encroachments through
their fee structure. Successive lanes occupied are subject to a stepped fee scale.
• Vail does not generally permit construction in public Right-of-Way (ROW) during high
seasons similar to those in the City of Aspen.
• Highland Park TX. Has no specific Encroachment limitation, but does limit construction
projects to 24 month duration
• Portland OR., Los Angeles CA, and many smaller jurisdictions approach the limiting of
size and duration of encroachments into the public ROW purely through their fee
structure.
Types of Penalties
The City could require projects in the Central Resort Area(CRA)to complete construction
within 24 months. If the project exceeds 24 months they must request and exention that is
reviewed by Administration committee. If they receive an extension the following types of
penalties could be imposed:
1. Require projects to pay an additional fee as a percentage of the orginal permit fee. The
advantage under this option, is that the City would receive the funds up front. However,
because the penaltiy is a flat rate, the project does not have an incentive to reduce the
duration of the extension.
OR
2. Require projects to pay liquidated damages at a daily rate. Because-this penalty is aAaily
rate,the projects would be incentivized to reduce the duration of the extension. The
disadvantage is that the City would not receive the funds up front but would need to cash
in on a bond which could take some time administratively.
If the extension is not approved the City could issue a citation to the project every day until the
project is completed.
Please note,the municipal code would need to be modified to implement any type of penalty
system described above.
Page 3 of 6
Correlation between fees and encroachment behavior
We have found that encroachment fees directly correlate to the size of encroachment. Below is a
table of our fees and how it relates to encroachment size:
Average Year Fee
2007 $2.50 1898
2008 $5.25 1555
2009 $5.37 567
2010 $5.44 306
2011 $5.44 313
RECOMENDATION
Duration
Limit duration of encroachments depending on the following locations (refer to Attachment A
for zone designations):
• Red Zone: No on season encroachments permitted
• Orange Zone: One on season encroachment permitted
• Yellow Zone: Two on season encroachments permitted
If a project needs additional duration then what is outlined above,then they must seek approval
from the City Manager. If the City Manager does not approve the additional duration then the
project must seek approval from City Council.
Fee
Additionally, Staff is proposing to modify the fee structure for encroachments so that if a project
receives approval for additional durations than what is outlined for their zone, then the
encroachment fees for the additional duration will be doubled.
Penalties
Staff is seeking direction from Council on a penalty system they would like to see.
Size Limitation
Encroachment requests are reviewed by the Engineering Department Staff. At a policy level
these factors are considered before granting any type of Encroachment Liscense:
• Size—Is the footprint as small as needed? (Note: our fee structure does encourage
smaller encroachments)
• Safety: Does the encroachment accommodate pedestrians? Is it safe? (ie access to
construction traffic minimize, no overhead hazards)
• Neghboring Propery Impacts: What if any impacts will there be to neighboring
properties?(ie commercial sale events, sight line to commercial area)
Page 4 of 6
• Schedule: Will the encroachment interfere with Special events, Holidays, Food and Wine,
USA Pro Cycling Challenge, other private or public construction projects? Will the
encroachment interfere with the City's snow removal operations?
• Duration: Is it as short as possible?(Note: our fee structure does encourage
encroachments that are shorter)
• Location: Is the encroachment located in the core,/outside of the core
• Lane Closures: Will the applicant complete the work before 10am?
The above factors may not be enough to minimize the construction impacts in the commercial
core, as a result,the engineering would like to adopt additional measures to limit size impacts of
Encroachments. This includes adopting a policy to limit an encroachement to 80%of a
properties frontage as a way to ease impacts to neighboring businesses during a long construction
project. This policy would allow flexibility during construction while providing a buffer for
adjacent properties.
Aesthetics
There should be some type of obligation to aesthetics,public information, and maybe some
signage for adjacent businesses. Site barricades, fencing, enclosed walkways etc. could be more
than barren plywood walls. Whether it's artwork, information about the project or local events,
or for local businesses there is an opportunity to minimize the aethestic impact.
Attachment A: Proposed Encroachment Zone Map
Page 5 of 6
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THE CITY of ASPEN
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: t.' John Laatsch—Project Manager, Capital Asset
Scott Chism—Planning and Construction Operations Manager, Parks
THRU: Randy Ready—Assistant City Manager
Scott Miller—Capital Asset Director
Jeff Woods—Manager of Parks and Recreation
DATE OF MEMO: September 14, 2012
MEETING DATE: September 18, 2012
RE: Galena Plaza Design Direction from City Council
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff recommends that City Council directs the design team to
proceed in the design process with attention to the issues raised by City Council and to provide,
prior to December 2012, a breakdown of design element relative costs, direction on
constructability, and recommendations of components for the detail design that would be
developed into a more precise and accountable Detail Design solution.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: The last Council Action specific to the Galena Plaza
project occurred on June 18th, 2012 when Capital Asset and Parks Department staff reviewed the
status of the project's Criteria Design following an October. 25th, 2011 work session. Staff
received direction from Council at the June 18th, 2012 work session to proceed with completion
of a Design Services Contract. City Council approved a Design Services Contract on August 13,
2012. At the June 18th, 2012 work session, Council also requested a meeting with the consultant
team and city staff as soon as possible, which this work session will be, to review the scope of
work for Galena Plaza and receive direction from City Council on developing the Detailed
Design solution.
City of Aspen Asset and Parks Department staff have obtained Council approval authorizing
funding and staff time to provide primary design services for the comprehensive design of the
roof restoration to the City's Parking Garage. The comprehensive design effort has included
analysis and proposed revisions to North Galena Street, Library Alley and a plaza/roof expansion
over the open second level of the garage. Council approval and "check-in" has occurred on the
following dates:
• August 13, 2012: City Council authorization of Design Contract with the S. A. Miro, Inc.
Engineering Consultant team leader.
• June 18, 2012: City Council work session presented an update on the project status and
the elements of the Criteria Design;
Page 1 of 3
THE CITY of ASPEN
• October 25, 2011: City Council work session direction to continue with Project Detailed
Design and develop an Integrated Project Delivery(IPD)process for the project;
• July 19, 2011 City Council Work Session direction to continue with Criteria Design
Plans;
• February 1, 2011 Joint City Council/BOCC direction to continue design development of
plaza concepts
BACKGROUND: The Rio Grande Parking Garage roof continues to leak. Following the City
Council direction from October 25, 2011, the staff design team further developed the Galena
Plaza design in greater detail in order to provide a more complete foundation on which to solicit
professional engineering and design services associated with the Galena Plaza project. An
extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process soliciting potential Integrated Project Delivery
(IPD) engineering consultant teams was conducted from November 2011 through June 2012.
Capital Asset and Parks Department staff have conducted Community Open Houses at the Rio
Grande building on May 20, 2010 and September 15, 2011, both dates with 12:00 pm and 5:30
pm sessions. The Community Open Houses provided useful design direction to the design team.
From late 2010 through to the present, the City's design team and the Library Architectural
design team have been coordinating a linked design effort for the garage roof waterproofing
repair/Galena Plaza replacement and a proposed Pitkin County Library building expansion.
DISCUSSION: The IPD design process that is being followed for the.Galena Plaza project
includes the following `milestones' that allow continued refinement and modification to the
design to achieve desired goals:
• Conceptualization
• Criteria Design
• Detailed Design
• Implementation Documents (Construction Plans)
During past Community Open House meetings, a clear majority of the public response favored a
"Park" conceptual structure for the rooftop public space. Public response also favored design
elements that are reflected in the proposed Galena Plaza Criteria Design Plan including:
• Enhanced Stairway linking plaza level to Rio Grande Park level;
• Garage roof expansion on north side that provides additional public Open Space and
overlook areas;
• Open space appropriate for Special Events,both large and small;
• Amphitheatre/performance space with orientation to Red Mountain/Rio Grande Park;
• Enhanced structure for existing garage elevator.
The proposed Galena Plaza Criteria Design Plan (Attachment A), which has been created from
both public and Council input to date, creates connected pedestrian oriented spaces between
Main Street, Pitkin County Library and Rio Grande Park utilizing a vocabulary of naturalistic
forms and elements. Library Alley is proposed to become a one-way vehicular route exiting onto
Page 2 of 3
THE CITY OF ASPEN
Main Street. A reconfiguration of Sheriff and Police vehicle parking is proposed that limits
parking on Galena Street and introduces other dedicated on-street and off-street parking areas.
Because the proposed Library Expansion bond funding is contingent upon voter approval in
November 2012, the proposed Criteria Design Plan has been developed in order to allow this
project to proceed regardless of a Library Expansion.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPACTS: A comprehensive project budget range of $4.0- $4.3
million for the proposed Criteria Design was established in 2011 and approved by City Council.
The budget range for the proposed Criteria Design was discussed during the July 19, 2011 and
October 25, 2011 Council work sessions. At present, the budget is funded from numerous
department sources and has the remaining allocations as follows:
2012 Appropriations: $ 906,346.90
2013 Budget: $1,950,000.00
2014 Budget: $1,150,000.00
Galena Plaza budget $4,006,346.90
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The environmental impacts are generally positive.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that City Council directs the design team to
continue in the design process with attention to the issues raised by City Council and to provide,
prior to December 2012 a breakdown of design element costs, direction on constructability, and
recommendations of components of the detail design that would be developed into a more
precise and accountable Detail Design solution.
ALTERNATIVES: Council could direct staff and the consultant design team to cease all design
efforts except plaza deconstruction and garage roof repair. Council could further direct staff to
develop a minimal design solution for the plaza space that would include a lawn and basic walk
surface to the existing or proposed library and maintain the existing stairway condition to Rio
Grande Place and Rio Grande Park, however this direction would not be based on more accurate
cost and feasibility data. This much reduced scope of work would also require assistance from
professional engineering consultants, but at a reduced scope of work.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Galena Plaza Criteria Design Plan
Page 3 of 3
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