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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20130513Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 PROCLAMATION - Law Enforcement Appreciation Week ........................................................ 2 PROCLAMATION – Aspen Valley Ski Club ................................................................................ 2 PROCLAMATION – Month of the Young Child .......................................................................... 2 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION .......................................................................................................... 2 COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS .............................................................................................. 2 CONSENT CALENDAR ............................................................................................................... 3 ORDINANCE #19, SERIES OF 2013 – Housing Guidelines Amendment – Retirees Rental Units ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 ORDINANCE #20, SERIES OF 2013 – Amendment to Aspen Modern Negotiation 514 E. Hyman ............................................................................................................................................. 5 ORDINANCE #21, SERIES OF 2013 – Water Plant Housing Lot Line Adjustment ................... 6 ORDINANCE #18, SERIES OF 2013 – Code Amendment Municipal Court Jurisdiction of Juveniles .......................................................................................................................................... 6 ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 2013 – AspenModern Negotiation 602 E. Hyman ..................... 7 ORDINANCE #16, SERIES OF 2013/ORDINANCE #17, SERIES OF 2013 – Lot line Adjustment 850 Roaring Fork Road/250 Willoughby Way ........................................................... 7 ORDINANCE #14 SERIES OF 2013 – Code Amendment – Signs .............................................. 8 Call-up Notice, HPC Resolution #16, Series of 2013, Conceptual Approval for 605 W. Bleeker 8 Call-up Notice, HPC Resolution #9, Series of 2013, Conceptual Approval for 701 N. Third Street ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Call-up Notice, HPC Resolution #8, Series of 2013, Conceptual Approval for 114 Neale Avenue ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 2013 – Aspen Valley Hospital Phases III & IV Final PUD ......... 8 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 Mayor Ireland called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm with Councilmembers Skadron, Johnson, Torre and Frisch present. PROCLAMATION - Law Enforcement Appreciation Week Mayor Ireland and Council declared May 12 to 18 Aspen Police Appreciation Week and recognized the dedicated service of police officers who protect and safeguard the community. Council presented the proclamation to Richard Pryor, chief of police, and his officers. PROCLAMATION – Aspen Valley Ski Club Mayor Ireland stated Council is proud to recognize the U16 division ski and snowboard champions. Mayor Ireland and Council proclaimed May 13th as AVSSC U16 Celebration Day. Mayor Ireland said the community should be proud of the way Aspen was represented by some of these skiers in the Pinocchio race in Abetone, Italy, not only their athletic performance but their demeanor and friendliness. Council presented the proclamation to six athletes in the U16 program. PROCLAMATION – Month of the Young Child Mayor Ireland and Council proclaimed May 2013 as Month of the Young Child and urged the community to honor and recognized caretakers of the youngest citizens. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 1. Jim Curtis, representing the Aspen Community Church, commended city staff for their help with the building permits for the Aspen Community Church, built in 1890, 123 years old and still being used. The applicant was able to resolve engineering issues; the help of the building department was invaluable in wading through the UBC requirements; the parks department for their advice on the trees. Curtis said they hope to have the roof complete by October. There is a capital campaign for $3.5 million for interior renovation. 2. Emzy Veazy said the police department should have a pension program. 3. Dave Hoagie urged Council to support the Aspen Valley Hospital application. COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1. Councilman Frisch noted the city provides about $1.7 million subsidy for child care in this community, which is a great program. Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 2. Councilman Frisch said hats off to the two candidates, Torre and Steve Skadron, who will be in the runoff and he looks forward to serving with Ann Mullins and Art Daily. 3. Councilman Skadron thanked the community for coming out and voting last week; democracy is flourishing in Aspen. 4. Councilman Skadron commended ACRA and Warren Klug for hosting the immigration seminar. 5. Councilman Johnson noted there was a great event held at Crown Mountain in El Jebel, 60 la Crosse teams from all over the region. Councilman Johnson said he will work with staff to try and get it back to Aspen. 6. Councilman Torre thanked the Butcher’s Block and Jack Frey for their 40th anniversary party and serving over 2,000 people. 7. Councilman Torre announced May 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aspen Recreation Center is a free family fun fare, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ARC. 8. Councilman Torre noted the runoff election is June 4th; ballots will be mailed to all permanent mail in voters; absentee ballots will be available May 31st. 9. Mayor Ireland stated in the event there is a vacancy on Council, he will not seek appointment to Council. 10. Mayor Ireland noted of the 2200 voters last week, only 12% were under 40 which speaks to the problem in the community of attracting and holding a younger population. 11. Mayor Ireland said the Ride for the Pass is next Saturday May 18th put on by the Independence Pass Foundation who has been working to stabilize the erosion on the top of the pass. The city annually supports this group. Mayor Ireland thanked King Woodward for pushing this cause. 12. Mayor Ireland encouraged everyone to vote June 4th. Mayor Ireland congratulated Councilman Torre and Councilman Skadron for advancing to the runoff. Mayor Ireland congratulated all candidates who put themselves in the ring and all who ran a clean and positive campaign. 13. Councilman Torre announced the Sister Cities meeting tomorrow and the Aspen kids returning from Bariloche and Chamonix will tell about their experiences. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Ireland moved to approve the consent calendar; seconded by Councilman Skadron. The consent calendar is: Resolution #55, 2013 - Approval of CMAQ Grant Agreements 19438 & 19439 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 Resolution #56, 2013 - Ice Garden Renovations Rio Grande Park Masonry Project Contract Change Order Resolution #51, 2013 - Ford Fleet Replacement Contract Board Appointments Resolution #52, 2013 - Toyota Vehicle Replacement Contract Resolution #53, 2013 - Joint Trench Agreement between City of Aspen, Holy Cross, Pitkin County Resolution #54, 2013 - Joint Trench Agreement between City of Aspen, and Aspen Consolidated Sanitation District Minutes - April 22, 2013 Councilman Skadron asked about the matching grant for the CMAQ agreements; does it come out of the AMP. John Krueger, transportation department, told Council the transportation department has an operating fund and a capital fund; the $36,000 comes out of the capital fund. Councilman Skadron asked about the Rio Grande project and change order and is staff asking for additional funds. Scott Chism, parks department, told Council this $12,000 is coming out of the contingency fund, which is $30,000. Councilman Torre asked if the proposed Ice Garden renovations will affect the operations of the facility. Tim Anderson, recreation department, said the renovations are mainly to the lobby, skate shop and check in and these activities will be moved within the Ice Garden so that any event taking place in the Ice Garden can continue. All in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE #19, SERIES OF 2013 – Housing Guidelines Amendment – Retirees Rental Units Tom McCabe, housing department, told Council there are people who have reached retirement age living in APCHA units. This policy change would allow retirees to rent their units to qualified renters for up to six months. McCabe noted there are different steps required to do this and it will not override any covenants for the units. Councilman Skadron asked the overall expected impact. McCabe said it is difficult to tell and staff is expecting a slow start. Councilman Skadron asked the downsides. McCabe said there is a possibility of people taking advantage of this; however, staff feels they can get to abuse pretty easily. Mayor Ireland moved to read Ordinance #19, Series of 2013; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 19 (Series of 2013) Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY AFFORDABLE HOUSING GUIDELINES, PART III, SECTION 6, RENTAL POLICY FOR APPROVED RETIREES WHO OWN DEED-RESTRICTED HOMES Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #19, Series of 2013, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Mayor Ireland said tenant behavior regarding the upkeep of units is often based on renewing the lease. There will be no possibility to renew the lease with this arrangement. Roll call vote; Frisch, yes; Johnson, yes; Torre, yes; Skadron, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #20, SERIES OF 2013 – Amendment to Aspen Modern Negotiation 514 E. Hyman Councilman Johnson moved to read Ordinance #20, Series of 2013; seconded by Councilman Torre. Amy Guthrie, community development department, reminded Council the previous owners of this property, Mason and Morse, voluntarily designated the property and proposed a complete restoration of the façade of the building and a 3rd floor residential addition. Council approved the project with the incentives of an FAR bonus and a GMP exemption. The new property owners want to build 100% commercial project with no residential unit. This ordinance amends the GMP exemption and includes a parking waiver. Mayor Ireland noted the housing mitigation waiver is increasing from 1.5 employees going to 2.4 employees. Councilman Frisch stated Council passed an amendment to the land use code to not allow residential in the commercial core and this amendment eliminates the residential use and it seems as though Council should support it. Councilman Skadron said it is unsettling about the security of approvals if an applicant can come back in several months later and change their application. Councilman Torre said for second reading he would like to see more detailed floor plan about the sizing of the commercial space and the potential uses and more discussion about the waiver of the parking fees. All in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE #20 (Series of 2013) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, AMENDING ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 2012, THE ASPENMODERN NEGOTIATION APPROVED FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 514 E. HYMAN AVENUE, LOT N, BLOCK 94, CITY AND TOWNSITE OF ASPEN, COLORADO Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #20, Series of 2013, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote; Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Skadron, yes; Frisch, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #21, SERIES OF 2013 – Water Plant Housing Lot Line Adjustment Mayor Ireland moved to read Ordinance #21, Series of 2013; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried. Jeff Pendarvis, asset management, told Council when staff went to P&Z for approval of change in use, they found a discrepancy that this was located on two different lots and this is to move the city building to the city lot. Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #21, Series of 2013, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Johnson. Roll call vote; Skadron, yes; Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Frisch, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #18, SERIES OF 2013 – Code Amendment Municipal Court Jurisdiction of Juveniles Debbie Quinn, assistant city attorney, told Council there were 26 juveniles in municipal court in 2010; 16 juveniles in 2011; 8 juveniles in 2012 and 11 juveniles year to date. Ms. Quinn said there is some question about where to cite juveniles and this amendment would allow juveniles to be cited into municipal court where it is a more informal process. Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing. Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #18, Series of 2013, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote; Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Frisch, yes; Skadron, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 2013 – AspenModern Negotiation 602 E. Hyman Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing. Amy Guthrie, community development department, told Council the building was constructed in 1960 as a one-story concrete block building. The subsequent remodels were done by Ellie Brickham, the first licensed woman architect in Aspen, and there is little of her work remaining. The new owner proposed a redevelopment with a third story and then decided they were not prepared for the infrastructure. The new owners have proposed an additional on the back of the building with some enclosed parking; HPC approved that design. There is an existing residential unit, which will be expanded and remodeled; it triggers no mitigation. HPC granted a parking reduction for 3 of the on-site parking spaces in exchange for saving large trees on site. Mayor Ireland moved to adopt ordinance #10, Series of 2013, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Frisch. Councilman Johnson asked about the bandit unit. Sunny Vann, representing the applicant, told Council the bandit unit is being subsumed as part of the residential unit expansion. Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing. Roll call vote; Frisch, yes; Johnson, yes; Skadron, yes; Torre, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #16, SERIES OF 2013/ORDINANCE #17, SERIES OF 2013 – Lot line Adjustment 850 Roaring Fork Road/250 Willoughby Way Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing. Sarah Adams, community development department, told Council Ordinance #16 is a lot line adjustment to divide the property between two parcels, 850 Roaring Fork Road, which is in the city and 250 Willoughby Way, which is in the county. The next ordinance disconnects the portion of 850 Roaring Fork Road from the city so that all the property is in the county, Mayor Ireland moved to adopt ordinance #16, Series of 2013, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Johnson. Roll call vote; Skadron, yes; Frisch, yes; Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #17, Series of 2013, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing. Roll call vote; Johnson, yes; Torre, yes; Frisch, yes; Skadron, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 ORDINANCE #14 SERIES OF 2013 – Code Amendment – Signs Councilman Johnson moved to continue Ordinance #14, Series of 2013, to May 28; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried. Call-up Notice, HPC Resolution #16, Series of 2013, Conceptual Approval for 605 W. Bleeker Call-up Notice, HPC Resolution #9, Series of 2013, Conceptual Approval for 701 N. Third Street Call-up Notice, HPC Resolution #8, Series of 2013, Conceptual Approval for 114 Neale Avenue Chris Bendon, community development department, told Council all three of these are residential projects. Council agreed they are not interested in calling up any of them. ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 2013 – Aspen Valley Hospital Phases III & IV Final PUD Jennifer Phelan, community development department, told Council the applicant will present design changes to the project, mechanical screening, right sizing of the project, sequencing of development, enhanced landscaping and lighting retrofits. Ms. Phelan noted the hospital is seeking a growth management review for an essential public facility and final planned unit development review, vested property rights and conditions of approval. Dave Ressler, representing the applicant, said the expansion is the right thing to do for the community and for the patients. Phase II is the most visible phase of the expansion project and the applicants are working to mitigate the disruptions from that phase. The hospital is trying to be good neighbors while trying to meet the unique needs of this community. Ressler stated this expansion will not financially hurt the hospital; the expansion will only proceed after they have funds raised through a philanthropic campaign. Ressler said the city’s priorities are aligned with those of the applicant. Ressler stated for the hospital, quality and patient safety comes first. Ressler agreed the financial health is paramount. Ressler told Council the hospital cannot continue to operate out of a 30 years old facility. Ressler said better coordinated care is a priority and the applicant will continue to work on that. Russ Sedmak, representing the applicant, reminded Council they started this process in 2005, meeting with staff, examining every room, the building, and what deficiencies there were in the building, deficiencies in the building code, deficiencies in the American Hospital guidelines, and what was needed to provide a good healing environment for patients. The proposed program was tested against the limitation of the site and the existing facility. The cost of each phase was determined; the building had to remain functional while the expansion was taking place. Sedmak told Council after everything was taken into consideration, the program was smaller Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 than original anticipated. The hospital looked for efficiencies like shared support spaces, shared waiting rooms, size of lobbies and corridors. Sedmak showed existing conditions, optimal conditions and the proposed solutions to increase privacy and health conditions, the national standards for an accredited hospital. Sedmak said a question has arisen, why the emergency room wasn’t improved earlier in the process. Sedmak said the phasing and what departments needed to be located near other departments, the emergency department needed to stay on the south of the building. The infrastructure to support the expansion needed to be done in phase II. Sedmak told Council the light mitigation steps 1 and 2 outlined by the lighting consultant have been completed, bollards were replaced, screens around the light fixtures in the parking garages have been complete, and replacement of the LED light bars is in progress and should be complete in 3 weeks. Sedmak noted there has been a noticeable reduction in the exterior lighting reported from the neighbors. Sedmak showed a proposed metallic covering for the mechanical units on top of the building, it will not add to the bulk of the building and will be painted to match the building. Sedmak told Council the applicants have worked with the manufacturer to customize this unit; the hospital board is willing to spend the extra money for these coverings. This is proposed for the 3 largest units above the medical office space. Sedmak presented a proposed redesign of the lobby to try and reduce that space and are proposing a 4.5’ reduction to the lobby and showed a drawing of the reduction as well as a reduction in the square footage of glass. Sedmak showed the reason for the 1.5 story design to allow more light into the chemotherapy rooms. The redesign will reduce but still allow that light and not change the character of the functionality. There is a copy of the planting plan for phases III and IV to show the density of the planting documents. Sedmak noted phases III and IV will be the most hidden from the view corridor by the landscape buffer and berm; the top of some buildings are even with the berm. Jason Janes, landscape architect, reviewed the landscaping to date and that proposed for mitigation of phases II, III and IV. Janes told Council they have gone on site with some neighbors to find gaps in the landscaping and where more trees are needed. Janes reminded Council about the water line easement along Castle Creek road about 60’ wide which has little landscaping proposed for it because of impacts to the easement. Janes said the applicant has met on site with city staff as well as the sanitation district to work on screening impacts of phase II construction and not creating unsafe conditions. Janes said the applicants and the city reached an agreement allowing planting, trees, vertical plant material, evergreens and respecting a 10’ wide on either side. Working with the sanitation district has allowed more planting on the top of the hill near the affordable housing. There are 200 new trees planned for this 600’ corridor. Janes showed views of existing conditions and proposed landscaping from various locations around the hospital. Janes said the solution works for the applicant and the city and achieves community goals of mitigating the expansion. Ressler noted health care is a primary indicator of quality of life in any community and the applicants request support of this project. Ressler said the applicants are trying to be sensitive to the neighbors with extra landscaping and mitigating the lighting. Ressler pointed out there are some areas that can be used for patient care rooms, hospice or other health care purposes. Sedmak said these “soft spaces” have been located strategically so that they could be used by Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 different departments depending in what direction health care goes. Sedmak said the first floor of the hospital is very tight on space; there is no more room on their site to expand in the future and the expansion needs to last for 30 more years. There is space in the basement and on the second floor to hedge against future expansion. Councilman Torre asked if it would be possible to separate phases III and IV and approve only phase III dealing with the emergency facility. Ressler said besides construction logistics, the project was phased so they could raise the money to build the project. Ressler noted operationally phases III and IV are interwoven and it makes sense to link them together. Ms. Phelan pointed out there is a net increase of 14,000 square feet, which is less than 5% of what was approved at conceptual of that 8200 square feet is in the basement; the ambulance barn was not included in the floor area calculations, although it was always shown. There is a decrease in medical office space 5,000 square feet. Ms. Phelan presented some renderings presented during conceptual review of phase II. Ms. Phelan reminded Council much of the focus in phase II was from Meadowood as that was main concern of adjacent neighbors. The renderings were looking up Castle Creek, the affordable housing before revisions, elevations of the hospital, the entry. Mayor Ireland showed pictures of the hospital from the health and human services building, which is similar to the renderings presented during conceptual, pictures of the affordable housing and the garage and the view from down Castle Creek road and from Meadowood. Mayor Ireland said these pictures are more impactful than what was shown several years ago, illustrating that things do not always turn out the way you think they will. Mayor Ireland said these pictures point out the need for substantial screenings. Councilman Skadron said he would like to know why the cost of build out/bed is 5 times the national average. Councilman Skadron asked for assurance that there is no return to the public for additional funds in the future. Councilman Skadron asked how this expansion is or is not aligned with the mission of the hospital. Councilman Skadron asked why this development put the Council in a difficult position of approving a facility with additional physical impact or denying a facility that is necessary for quality community health care. Ressler told Council the cost per square foot overall for the hospital is comparable to the national norm; when the cost is expressed in a ratio with the number of beds, it becomes skewed because of the small number of beds. Ressler said the hospital put together a capital formation plan and knew what funds would be requested of the public, which was the $50 million GO bonds repaid by property taxes. The remaining sources of funds for this project are philanthropy, which is not dependent on future revenues from the public. Ressler stated they will not build unless they have the donations. Ressler said the mission of the hospital is to provide extraordinary health care in an environment of excellence, compassion and trust and this facility is a tool for accomplishing the mission. The hospital is not changing the breadth of services that will be provided; they will be updating those services. Ressler said there was a landscaping budget for this project, which they plan to spend on additional plant materials. Janes noted that the landscaping called for regular planting sizes and the applicants have agreed to purchase larger plant material. Ms. Phelan said the community has high expectations for development, which makes the review process difficult. Mindy Nagle, hospital board, stated this is not similar to development applications for a hotel or Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 a commercial project; it is a community hospital to meet community needs. Ms. Nagel said the community has accepted this project by voting in favor of the bonds or the operating mil levy. Chris Bendon, community development department, said projects of this size go through conceptual review; things move around between conceptual and final, which is typical. Bendon said conceptual is about mass and scale, the program, what is being built. Bendon said there is a learning in a phased project and changes should be made based on that learning. Bendon reminded Council staff suggested the hospital get approval for the entire project rather than phases. The hospital said they wanted to build phases in order to understand what may need to be done differently. Councilman Johnson agreed the process should be hard for a project this large. Councilman Johnson asked with anticipated flat revenues, how the hopstial will pay for increased operating costs. Ressler said the hospital has focused on reducing their operating costs; the new mechanical systems are more efficient. Ressler said labor costs are over half of the operating costs and the hospital has been functioning on a cost/glide slope in anticipation of reduced reimbursement. They have not filled position, reduced the FTEs by 12 to 15 in the past several years. Councilman Johnson asked about the rent for the medical office spaces. Ressler said this is governed by the IRS and the hospital cannot utilize public space for their benefit. The Stark laws govern relationships with the physicians. Ressler said the board has committed to not asking the community for more money. There is the mil levy for operations which has been authorized every 5 years four times, and the hospital will ask for re-authorization of that. The mil levy for the debt is matched to that debt exactly. Mayor Ireland opened the public hearing. Bill Rodman told Council this should go forward so that the hospital can get on track with their fund raising. Toni Kronberg said this is an important needed community asset. Chris Klug said with the events in town, a top notch facility is important and for the future of the community, guests and locals. Helen Klanderud said it would be a tragedy if the project is not completed. The hospital is its own special district. This project is for the health of the community. Donny Lee urged Council to support phases III and IV; it is an investment into the future of the community. Lee stated a modern day health facility requires more space and will provide a good service to the community. Jeffrey Gorsuch applauded the vision of Council to grant the possibility of the hospital reaching the goal of development this plan. The Council and applicant are doing the right and difficult thing by getting through the land use challenges. Skip Strasberger said the current ER is like a MASH unit. Strasberger said he supports moving forward. Tom Marshall asked if there is a commitment that the doctors in the office space will take Medicare. Marshal said he is concerned about increase in taxes; there are upgraded hospitals in Glenwood, Grand Junction and Rifle as well as clinics in Basalt and mid valley. Ressler said the hospital is committed to doctors who accept Medicare; they cannot force the doctors in the office space to do so. Ressler affirmed that the hospital is committed to reducing costs. Alan Bush, Meadowood resident, agreed there is a need for this application and to support the hospital. Bush said there are impacts on the homeowners in Meadowood and the residents have listed their concerns for the hospital. The mitigation for the residents is critical and the residents would like to make sure these mitigations are completed. Amy Covington said this is a well Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 thought out process and every aspect of the expansion is needed. Ms. Covington said phases III and IV are the least visible, much of it is underground. Doug Rovira told Council AVH is the first rural oncology program, which came about because of the needs of the community. Rovira stated the staff would like to provide dignified care and have had the unrelenting support of the Board of Directors. Pete Louras, hospital finance community, told Council he has been through 5 years of audit with the hospital. The audit committee meets with external auditors . Louras said the hospital is well run and urged Council to vote yes. Dennis Cirillo, surgeon, said the expansion is needed to provide service and care for this community. Cirillo said the medical standard requirements make the costs staggering. The hospital board has been exceedingly responsible and overly concerned about costs. Cirillo said the hospital staff has worked hard to earn the trust of the community and to provide the best care possible. Cliff Weiss said he is an advocate of slow growth; however, he voted in favor of the hospital on P&Z because as a world class resort and community, we deserve a world class hospital. Lori Maloy told Council staff has been doing more with less to contain costs and to keep up service. Don Xi expressed support for the hospital renovation; patient privacy is important. Xi urged Council to approve the project. Bart Elson, radiology manager, told Council these improvements are necessary for improved privacy and patient care. Junee Kirk asked why phase III and IV were not covered in phase II. Ms. Kirk showed a photograph taken from the west and this project is very impactful to the neighbors. Ms. Kirk said Council should not approve phases III and IV until the screening is in place so the community can see it and be satisfied. John Keleher said he shares 456.3’ as the closest neighbor. Keleher said he has met with AVH about the screening and he knows the screening will be completed. Ann Smock said she supports the emergency room renovation, which is long overdue as an important aspect of the hospital facility. Ms. Smock said the revenue is the troubling part. Pam Cunningham said she supports the hospital and phases III and IV. Ms. Cunningham told Council her experiences with AVH and with other hospitals has made her proud of this facility. Mayor Ireland closed the public hearing. Councilman Johnson said mitigation for phase II is covering the air handling units; there is the lobby redesign, additional screening in landscaping and additional lighting mitigation. Councilman Johnson asked what the follow through for these proposed mitigations. Ressler said there are substantial costs associated with some of these proposed mitigations. The hospital has made a commitment to the community; the hospital board is elected and if they do not follow through, there is accountability to the community. Councilman Torre asked about the letter from the Meadowood homeowners, is it part of the record. Ms. Phelan said some concerns, lighting, landscaping, have been included in the ordinance as conditions, the wrapping of the mechanicals can be added. Councilman Torre said it should be a condition. Ressler said the applicant has not been able to review the letter from the Meadowood homeowners; there are some things they cannot accommodated like traffic on the loop road. Councilman Torre asked if the hospital could be sold without a public vote. Ressler said it cannot be. Councilman Torre stated he appreciates the responsiveness of the applicant, likes the increased landscaping and the lighting retrofit, the amended entry, lowering it 4.5’. Councilman Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 Torre said the applicant has tried to accommodate the needs of the community and the neighbors. Councilman Frisch said Council needs to focus on the core values of the community, which include people not just buildings. Councilman Frisch stated a core value is to make sure the hospital continues to get built with the modifications outlined in the hearings. Councilman Johnson agreed this is Aspen’s community hospital and the community wants it to be world class. This is part of who Aspen is. Councilman Johnson stated he will support this expansion. Councilman Skadron said he has criticized the build out; the hospital has responded to concerns. The changes made and the direction the applicant is pursuing convinces him the application satisfies the review standards for PUD for GMQS and he can support the application. Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Ordinance #6, Series of 2013, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Frisch. Mayor Ireland moved to amend the ordinance to require a landscaping bond satisfactory to meet the representations presented at Council, no building permit will issue until either the landscaping improvements are complete or a bond is provided adequate to insure completion; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Ireland moved to amend the ordinance conditions of approval that before a building permit is issued there shall be evidence satisfactory to the city attorney and finance director there is adequate money to complete the project or a completion bond that this project is completed; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Ireland said he shares concerns about the continued acceptance of Medicare and he would like to condition that at least 50% of the office space available only to doctors who accept medical. Ressler said that would be binding future administrations to terms that may not be appropriate. Ressler told Council currently over 50% of the doctors accept Medicare. The hospital cannot agree to a condition like that. Ressler said the hospital board shares the same goal; however, they cannot legally require tenants to do so. Ressler stated that the hospital shares the commitment that all members of the community have access to health care. Elaine Gerson, hospital’s counsel, told Council federal laws would not allow a condition like that associated with rent of office space and with referrals back to the hospital. Mayor Ireland moved to amend Ordinance #6, Series of 2013, to incorporate an aspirational paragraph about quality health care for the community and to include continued acceptance of Medicare; seconded by Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carried. Council agreed to the entry modification, the wrapping of the mechanical equipment and the upgraded landscaping. Roll call vote; Frisch, yes; Skadron, yes; Torre, yes; Johnson, yes; Mayor Ireland, yes. Motion carried. Councilman Torre moved to adjourn at 10:30 pm; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried. Regular Meeting Aspen City Council May 13, 2013 Kathryn Koch City Clerk