HomeMy WebLinkAboutcoa.cclc.min.080713 COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF AUGUST 7, 2013
Chairperson, Don Sheeley called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Commissioners
in attendance were: Kiki Raj, Terry Butler, Bill Dinsmoor and Siam Castillo.
Riley Tippet was absent.
Staff. Kathy Strickland, Chief Deputy City Clerk
MOTION: Bill moved to approve the minutes of July 17th, second by Terry. All
in favor, motion carried.
Public Comment: Susan O'Neal stated that we need to mobilize for an
underground parking garage under Wagner Park. Retail and restaurant businesses
will surge if we have parking. 3 exhibits. There were 18,000 people in Aspen last
week. There is no where to park. Wagner is the most convenient and logical spot.
Water under Wagner is just part of the equasion. A parking garage was discussed
in the 50's. We need to persuade council on a parking garage.
Susan said if we raise the money we need to have a yes to go with the garage. As
soon as Rugby festival is over we need to start.
Terry mention the underground parking garage at the Highlands. Parking has risen
to an emergency in this town. The obvious space for a bus terminal is at
Buttermilk. Ruby Park becomes a bus stop not a terminal.
Kiki said the core should be pedestrian only and it would be nice to walk around.
Driving is also horrible when you are walking.
Don said there was talk about having the transportation hub underground.
Susan said people don't want to give up their car.
Terry said if you could get this done it would be the most important thing done for
45 years. Parking is essential.
Bill said you would have to go to a vote in order to proceed. The existing garage is
underutilized.
MOTION: Terry made the motion to get behind Susan and CCLC supports a
garage under Wagner park. Motion carried 4-1. Bill abstained.
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COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF AUGUST 7, 2013
No rules week
Jim Pomeroy — Community Development Department
Jim said he deals with merchandising downtown. I feel the no rules week should
be brought back. We took this to the city manager who has 100% discretion on
merchandise on the streets. It does not have to go city council. We would pick a
weekend in late September and or October.
Some rules will have to be4 maintained:
No amplified music
Some safe width on the sidewalk
Jim said the big change is that you can put out a manikin but you aren't allowed to
be out there with your items. This weekend you would be allowed out to advertise
and sell your items.
No outside vending is permitted. This is for existing businesses and
ultimately this is Steve Barwick's issue. There would be no more expansion of
existing services. This is mainly for existing businesses.
Bill said he would not exclude anyone including the real estate businesses.
Bill said the biggest issues is for businesses to get rid of end of year products.
Terry, Bill, and Siam said piggy backing an event would be a good idea.
Don said this is an ad-on not an event. We can try it and see what happens. You
should also talk to the ACRA. I don't think we should have real estate signs etc.
out there.
Siam said retailers are hungry and they will promote themselves.
Bill suggested Jim talk to Andrew Kole because he put on the last one several
years ago.
Dan Nelson said the bike race is gearing up. Signs are going up this week.
The John Denver sanctuary renovation is open.
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COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF AUGUST 7, 2013
Winter Market
Kathy said City Council has scheduled a work session for August 27th at 4:00. The
main goal is to find out if the winter market is a fit for Aspen.
Bill said we need seed money. We are interviewing with the largest producer of
Kris Kringle market in the US, the German/ American Chamber of Commerce.
Bill said the evaluation cost is $1,500
We are requesting two individual to go to Chicago. $3,500 max
Bill said last year we had a low snow year in the beginning. We cannot depend on
snow alone to drive early season businesses.
Terry said Thanksgiving to Xmas is the lowest month of our winter skiing season.
We had met with the Skiing Company and they agree that something needs to be
done.
Bill said we feel this is an exploratory mission to find out if this is a good fit for
Aspen. The Chicago winter market draws in people. The 16th street mall has a
winter market which is an off shoot of the Chicago market which is very
successful.
Bill pointed out that Western resorts have been contacted by the Chicago
Company.
Terry said she watched the We-cycle program and I don't feel it is a success.
MOTION: Siam moved to adjourn, second by Terry. All in favor, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Kathleen J. Strickland, Chief Deputy Clerk
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