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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20220913 1 REGULAR MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 At 5:00 p.m. Mayor Torre called the regular meeting to order with Councilors Doyle, Richards and Mesirow present. Councilor Hauenstein was absent. Mayor Torre said Councilor Hauenstein is visiting Bariloche as a Sister Cities representative and not will be attending the meeting tonight. Scott Miller, Public Works Director, gave an update on the construction on and around the bridge. Mr. Miller said this is a project being run by CDOT. This is a fix of the joint and the joint has failed repeatedly. This bridge is one of the most popular in Colorado. This project is about doing repair work one lane at a time. One can think about what will happen when we have to replace the bridge completely. City staff have assisted with traffic control as well as the communications department and have come up with ideas to improve the project. We are asking that citizens collaborate with CDOT and be patient and avoid the area if at all possible. There has been much discussion in the community about the detour route. We and CDOT understand that this is difficult for many people, but it is necessary work. CDOT estimated the work taking until October 7th. Trish Aragon, City Engineer, said it’s a significant investment by the state and is much needed work. We are happy that they are spending these kinds of funds on this infrastructure. Mayor Torre said people need to adhere to the detours that have been set up. PUBLIC COMMENT: Tarek Farouki – Mr. Farouki said this summer, on July 15th, a significant amount of mud and debris flooded his home on south Garmisch. He said this happened because of the Paepcke project. The aftermath includes a growing list of issues and damage. Their boiler failed because of this. The damage caused has cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. We’ve been disregarded and continue to suffer. The city chose this contractor and awarded the business. It’s wrong for us to be inserted into the blame casting between the city and contractor. David Heil – Mr. Heil said he is a volunteer board member and acting president of the Aspen Science Center, and he’s calling about the Armory project. He was part of a focus group, and he is happy to work with ACRA and be collaborative to animate this space with public engagement in mind. He mentioned that Councilor Mesirow worked for the Science Center for a number of years before city council. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilor Doyle spoke about the lingering water issues. Councilor Richards was on the road last week at the Women Waters Leaders tour of the Colorado River. She said it was eye opening. Councilor Mesirow spoke about Burning Man and Black Rock City and how it was built. He realized how this had an effect on people especially after COVID, to create their own environment. He trained for Zendo for MDMA therapy for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Mayor Torre mentioned the Mayors Cup this Friday and there are still a few available slots. This is a charitable event supporting Aspen Strong and the Hope Center. Also, there is an idea about a 2 REGULAR MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 commercial vacancy tax. This would incentivize owners to complete their projects. He asked the council members if there is interest in getting more information on this subject. Councilor Doyle said yes. Councilor Richards said yes, at beginning of year. Councilor Mesirow said he is interested in it. He said resident vacancy is also a big issue. City Attorney, James R. True, said he and Phillip Supino, Community Development Director, spoke earlier today and are on board with information gathering. Councilor Richards said there is an important meeting on water Friday the 16th in Grand Junction. The river districts will make their annual presentation. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None. BOARD REPORTS: Councilor Doyle mentioned Nordic Council and the snow making efforts at the golf course and the high school. Councilor Mesirow said he had APCHA and spoke about their communication efforts. They approved the work plan for next year. He also had the Burlingame Housing Board. It was their first full meeting, and they are starting to understand the complexities of a new management team coming in. Councilor Richards spoke about some units which are available. She said people should sign up on Hometrek to get notified of new units coming available. Mayor Torre had RFTA and Pitkin County Public Health, and they are prepping for budget on both boards. He also thanked the City Clerk’s office for the live links on their agendas. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilor Richards thanked the board applicants. Mayor Torre said there are nine appointments and thank you to those who applied. Councilor Richards motioned to approve the consent calendar; Councilor Doyle seconded. Roll call vote: Doyle, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 4-0, motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Ordinance #10, Series of 2022 – Willoughby Ponds Subdivision: Water Service Agreement – Tyler Christoff, Utilities Operations Manager Mr. Christoff said he is joined by the applicants and members of Bucksbaum family. The applicants want a more formal water service agreement moving forward. The applicants agreed to a variety of conditions, which were listed. Staff is recommending approval. Mayor Torre opened the public hearing. Mayor Torre closed the public hearing. Councilor Richards motioned to approve Ordinance #10, Series of 2022; Councilor Mesirow seconded. Roll call vote: Doyle, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 4-0, motion carried. 3 REGULAR MEETING ASPEN CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 ACTION ITEMS: Resolution #099, Series of 2022 – Short Term Rental Program Guidelines – Phillip Supino, Community Development Director and Haley Hart, Long Range Planner Ms. Hart went over Ordinance #09, Series of 2022 and the addition of Section 26.530.050.D regarding the adoption of and compliance with the STR Program Guidelines. She went over the process for the adoption of guidelines, and the table of contents. Councilor Mesirow thanked them and said the long journey won’t stop here, but this is really fruitful for the community. Councilor Doyle thanked them. He said it seems very user friendly and anyone can figure out where they land. Councilor Richards said it’s a great handbook. Congratulations on the work. Councilor Mesirow thanked the other council members. Councilor Richards motioned to approve Resolution #099, Series of 2022; Councilor Doyle seconded. Roll call vote: Doyle, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 4-0, motion carried. Councilor Richards made a last comment about housing in Mesa County and showed a newspaper article. Councilor Richards motioned to adjourn; Councilor Mesirow seconded. Roll call vote: Doyle, yes; Mesirow, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes. 4-0, motion carried. _____________________________ Nicole Henning, City Clerk