HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20220906
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SPECIAL MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2022
At 4:00 p.m. Mayor Torre called the regular meeting to order with Councilors Doyle, Richards,
Hauenstein, and Mesirow present.
ACTION ITEMS:
Review of Special Event Park Permit Application for Rio Grande Park in February 2023 – Nancy Lesley
and Sam Lovstad of the Special Events Department along with David and Michael Goldberg of Belly Up
Ms. Lesley said she and Sam are here today representing the Special Event Department Committee. She
said Belly Up would like to host an outdoor concert on a Friday and Saturday night February 24th and
25th at the Rio Grande Park. She gave list of departments who sit on the committee. She said they are
proposing a summertime date and a wintertime date. Staff has seen this proposal twice as the same
proposal, just different dates. There would be 4000 people with food and beverage served inside the
venue. Parks staff are comfortable with the dates and are continuing the conversation regarding
mitigation, etc. They would ask the applicant to post a bond for potential turf damage. There would be a
stage at the east end of the park, with restrooms at the west end. Along the Rio Grande will be food and
beverage tents. There will be no parking and no driving to the event. Staff feels maybe a summer date
would be more preferable, rounding out the 4th of July with an evening concert.
David Goldberg approached the applicant desk to speak. Mr. Goldberg said the area would be tented
but not enclosed with heating. There will be a VIP area which would be heated with propane tanks.
Mr. Lovstad passed out a diagram.
Councilor Richards asked about the 4000 number and Ms. Lesley said they defer to the fire Marshall on
that and it’s where the number came from.
Mr. Goldberg said if electric is preferred, that’s the route they will go. Noting is set in stone and is
malleable at this point.
City Manager, Sara Ott, said there are limitations on the city utility department for this event.
Mayor Torre asked about park fees and asked how long the park would be closed for. Ms. Lesley said 5-6
days. Mayor Torre suggested adjusting the fees in accordance. He asked about the noise ordinance and
whether the music would be done by 10 p.m. and Mr. Goldberg said yes.
Councilor Richards asked who is monitoring the noise levels and Ms. Lesley said staff will be. Councilor
Richards said she thinks this is a nice experiment for profit endeavor. She suggested not having it on July
4th, as she tends to think of another weekend without so many other chaotic events.
Councilor Hauenstein said he hopes they have dibs on the park since having an event didn’t work out
this past year. It’s time to have some fun.
Mayor Torre said he agrees about early discounted ticketing for locals, and he would love a charity or
benefit associated with this. The exclusivity of this is going to be felt. He’s supportive this evening,
however. He hopes you knock it out of the park, but he does have concerns.
Councilor Doyle is prepared to move forward with this, but said he is disappointed that we’re talking
about another exclusive event that is heated outdoors.
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SPECIAL MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2022
Councilor Mesirow said this is something worth trying. Hopefully this is something we can be proud of
and talk about. He’s happy to see a community component because giving back is a good thing.
Mayor Torre suggested charging the park fee the day before and after, so four days total. Councilor
Richards said she is supportive of that. Councilor Mesirow said it may drive up the ticket price.
City Attorney, James R. True, suggested a motion would be appropriate. He read the statute that they
should reference in the motion.
Councilor Hauenstein motioned to approve; Councilor Mesirow seconded. Roll call vote: Doyle, yes;
Hauenstein, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 5-0, motion carried.
Consideration of Additional Support to UN Mountain Partnership Meeting – Sara Ott, City Manager
Ms. Ott said she forwarded council an email from AIMF regarding their request and the financial gap
they are facing. She said council has its own budget to approve items like this.
Councilor Richards said she supports this.
Mayor Torre said he supports the 25,000 addition. Councilor Richards agreed and said it’s a great honor.
Councilor Doyle said he fully supports this.
Councilor Hauenstein said this falls in line with the top three focuses of council. He wishes the down
valley towns would contribute as well, as it seems like we are being the sole supporters.
Mayor Torre said the organizers feel much the same. We support them with the $25,000 tonight and
said he’s got ideas for other resources and continue the conversation.
Councilor Hauenstein motioned to approve; Councilor Mesirow seconded. Roll call vote: Doyle, yes;
Hauenstein, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 5-0, motion carried.
Councilor Richards said her husband is having knee surgery, so she’s not sure if she will be at the work
session on October 18th.
Councilor Hauenstein said he will miss the 12th and 20th in September because he will be representing
Sister Cities in Bariloche.
Mr. True introduced the executive session regarding the city manager review, and they are also
requesting a discussion on the ACRA lease agreement.
Councilor Richards motioned to move into executive session; Councilor Doyle seconded. Roll call vote:
Doyle, yes; Hauenstein, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 5-0, motion carried.
Mr. True noted that they will convene downstairs and adjourn in Electric Pass.
Mayor Torre requested to stay in council chambers to be in a bigger room. Ms. Ott said they will need to
take a small break for Grassroots to shut down production.
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SPECIAL MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2022
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Nicole Henning, City Clerk