HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19850909Reqular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9. 1985
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with
Councilmembers Walls, Fallin, Isaac, and Collins present.
MINUTES
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the minutes of July 22, 29,
August 12, 1985; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor,
motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Bill Martin told Council he has been checking on the
application of the FAR regulations. Martin said he talked to
the building department and found the present FAR ordinance has
not solved the problem because there are exceptions for over-
hangs, and garages. Martin suggested the Council appoint a
disinterested person to see if the two new houses on Bleeker
street between First and Second meet with city's regulations.
Martin said the city will find that the FAR regulations are not
doing what they were intended because it appears that lots are
being overbuilt. Martin said it is possible there is a violation
of the floor area ratio. Council asked the city manager to
follow this up and report back to staff. Mayor Stirling said he
would be interested in the results of this observation.
2. David Barbier, organizer of the Aspen Triathalon, thanked
Council for their support for this event. Barbier said the
triathalon was a huge success. Governor Lamm ran in the sprint
course. One of the entrants is a writer for Triathelete maga-
zine and is going to do an article for this magazine. Steve
Hall said there were about 200 entrants, 50 local and 150 from
out of town. Hall told Council they have big plans for future
races and hope to grow. This triathalon is considered to be in
the upper echelon of races in the country.
COUNCILMEMBERCOMMENTS
1. Councilwoman Fallin announced the Northwest COG meeting
will be in Aspen September 26 at 4 p.m. at the community center.
Councilwoman Fallin said she will distribute agendas.
2. Mayor Stirling said the Buffet-Podolak shoot out golf
tournament is taking place. There was a record number of
entrants from all over the country. The fund raising concert
was last night. The sponsors of the tournament passed on thanks
to Council for giving seed money last year. Mayor Stirling said
the volleyball tournament last weekend was the 16th annual and
the most successful ever.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9. 1985
3. Councilman Collins requested a report on the new Maroon
creek diversion dam. City Manager Schilling said he has reports
from staff, which he will put together in a summary report for
Council. Schilling said he will also put together a report on
the Aspen Mountain Lodge.
4. Councilman Collins said there is a memorandum from staff
about a subdivision exception application on the Institute
property, and if Council had any questions they should bring
them up at this meeting. Councilman Collins said he would like
to discuss this application at tonight's meeting. City Attorney
Taddune told Council the public hearing has been scheduled for
September 23. Taddune said he would circulate the application
and will answer any questions Council has.
5. Councilman Isaac brought up the fair labor standards acts,
and asked the city manager to report to Council about any
problems the city may have with the FLSA.
6. Councilman Isaac brought up the editorial in last week's
Aspen Times about the city not making their meeting rooms more
accessible. Councilman Isaac proposed that the Council move
their meetings to the community center. Mayor Stifling suggested
discussing this on the September 23 agenda. City Attorney
Taddune read from the Charter and it does not seem to preclude
meetings outside the city limits. Councilman Collins said he
has investigated installing a lift on the north side of the
building to give access to the Council Chambers. Councilman
Collins pointed out that city hall is going to be renovated.
The lift would cost $6,000 and could be resold.
ORDINANCE #35, SERIES OF 1985 - Clean Indoor Air Act
Mayor Stifling said Council has to ratify the changes to the
ordinance which was passed two weeks ago. City Attorney Taddune
told Council a change requested by Council is to change
"prohibit" tobacco to "control and Limit". Taddune pointed out
the title should be changed to include control and limit tobacco
in places of employment.
Councilwoman Walls moved to substitute throughout the ordinance
"control and Limit" for "prohibit"; seconded by Councilman
Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Walls moved to insert in the title and second
whereas "and places of employment"; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
All in favor with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion
carried.
2
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9. 1985
Mayor Stifling said there is a change in 11-4.3 definitions
of "bar area" which is" bar area comprises 15 feet or less
from the perimeter of a permanent counter, primarily devoted to
serving alcoholic beverages and within which the service of food
is only incidental to the consumption of such beverages." Mayor
Stirling said there is alternative language suggested in
11-4.3(a) which would open up a series of hearings before
Council which are already implied in the ordinance. Councilwoman
Fallin said there are some circumstances in town where, under
state law food has to be served, but the establishments are
primarily a bar. Councilwoman Fallin said this ordinance does
not provide for establishments that are truly bars, and recom-
mended keeping the alternate language. Councilwoman Fallin said
there ought to be guidelines to judge what is a bar and what is
not a bar.
Mayor Stirling said he would prefer to leave out the alternate
language and not even include 15 feet from the perimeter.
Taddune said the 15 feet is an approximately of the standard
area around a bar. This was inserted to accomplish some specif-
icity as to what is a bar area. City Manager Schilling said he
is concerned about the 15 feet; it may be troublesome and cause a
lot of appeals. Taddune said the reason to include a specific
number is when the ratio is developed for non-smoking and
smoking areas, there has to be a way to adequately define the
dining area. The dining area would not include the bar area.
Mayor Stirling said he would prefer deleting the 15 feet from
the counter and have no alternate language. Councilman Collins
questioned cocktail lounges and nightclubs where the serving of
food is incidental, and feels in establishments principally
serving liquor there should be no smoking restrictions. Taddune
said pipes and cigars will be prohibited in any bar area.
Taddune said he has attempting to insert a procedure for facili-
ties to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Taddune said
there may be a situation like Cooper Street Pier, Little Armies
or the Tippler which may be more appropriately characterized as a
bar area. Taddune told Council it is difficult to draft language
which addresses every situation in town.
Councilman Collins asked about the situation where an establish-
ment stops serving food at a certain hour but stays open until 2
a.m. Councilwoman Walls said the only way to find out if this
works is to go ahead and try this.
Councilman Isaac moved to amend Section 11-4.3(a) as proposed
with the 15 feet addition, including the alternate language and
in 11-4.3(b) adding "excluding the bar area,. Motion DIES for
lack of a second
3
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Councilman Collins questioned if the motion means the alternate
language is in lieu of (a) or in addition to. Councilman Isaac
said his motion is to add the alternate language as well as
retain (a). Taddune said he inserted the 15 foot standard but
recognized there may be instances where Council may want to
extend that 15 feet to address the types of establishments
discussed above.
Councilman Isaac moved to amend Section 11-4.3(a) as proposed
with the 15 feet addition, including the alternate language and
in 11-4.3(b) adding "excluding the bar area"; seconded by
Councilman Collins. All in favor, with the exception of Council-
woman Walls and Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
A definition of "independently ventilated" has been added to the
ordinance. Lee Cassin, environmental health department, told
Council they wanted a definition to make it clear that this
means the ventilation systems are to be independent. Ms.
Cassin said the environmental health department does the plan
reviews, and they will have to approve or deny the ventilation
system. Mayor Stirling said there is a definition for "enclosed"
and the issue is does "physically separated" imply enclosed.
Councilman Collins asked if there should be a definition of
"physically separated" in the ordinance. Taddune said he feels
physically separated also means enclosed. Councilman Collins
said physically separated could mean by a screen or by plants.
Councilman Collins said enclosing compartments in restaurants
will change the whole character of the restaurant. Mayor
Stirling asked the proponents of the ordinance what the intent
of physically separated was. Sharon Mollica said the intent was
physically enclosed. Mayor Stirling suggested eliminated the
definition of enclosed and leave in physically separate.
Councilwoman Fallin said that contradicts 11-4.5 which states
that structural modifications are not required. Mayor Stifling
said it is the choice if is restaurant owner wants to have a
smoking area, it has to be physically separated.
Mayor Stifling moved to delete 11-4.3(c) the definition of
enclosed and add (i) the definition of independently ventilated
and readjust the lettering
Taddune recommended leaving the definition of enclosed in the
ordinance, as long as Council concentrates on the physically
separated.
Mayor Stirling withdrew his motion. Mayor Stirling moved to add
11-4.3(i) independently ventilated and delete the "shalls";
seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
4
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Councilman Collins asked if this could be the same ambient air,
or is it to be distinct separation. Councilman Collins pointed
out this can be accomplished with negative air pressure to make
the air flow the way one wants it to. Councilwoman Walls said
the reason for this section is so that the air from the smoking
section is not pumped into other areas.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Fallin and
Collins. Motion carried.
Taddune said in Section 11-4.4, Smoking Prohibited, he used a
different format to make the ordinance more clear. This lists
where smoking may be permitted at the option of the owner of the
establishment. There are 5 areas identified. One is exterior
of the building in which the establishment is located. Another
is that pipes and cigars shall not be permitted in any bar
areas. Another is any enclosed rooms being used for private
functions. The last two address the concept of phasing in
independently ventilated and physically separate. The first is
that smoking of cigarettes is limited to not more than 50% of
the dining area until June 1, 1986.
Taddune said #5 is the more strict standard including physically
separated and independently ventilated. Taddune presented
alternate language for this section. "After June 1, 1986, in a
secondary, physically separated and independently ventilated
interior area that is specifically designated and signed as a
"smoking permitted" dining area, provided that such secondary
dining area shall not exceed in square footage an area equal to
50% of the square footage of the primary dining area." Schilling
said this is not a substantive change but one for clarity.
Schilling said effective June 1, 1986, the option to allow 50% of
the dining area for smoking would not longer exist, except an
owner could go to the expense of physically separating and
independently ventilating an area for smoking. Taddune said the
smoking of pipes and cigars should be prohibited in such areas
should be included. Mayor Stirling suggested adding the word
"contiguous" in subsection (4) "area limited to not more than 50%
of contiguous floor space". Taddune said the above language
encompasses the concept that non-smoking shall be primary and
smoking permitted should be secondary to the main dining area.
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Section 11-4.4 as amended
including "contiguous" in subsection (4), including the manager's
recommended language, and including the smoking of pipes and
cigars shall be prohibited; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All
in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion
carried.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Taddune said there is a change in retail stores to make it
consistent with places of employment. The work spaces in the
back of stores should be encompassed by the place of employment
regulations. Taddune recommended to delete "except areas in
such stores not open to the public".
Councilwoman Walls moved to amend 11-4.4(g) as recommended;
seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, with the exception
of Councilmembers Collins and Fallin. Motion carried.
Taddune said there was concern about any dispute arising under
the smoking policy, the rights of the nonsmoker shall be given
precedence. Taddune has recommended deleting this language
because it may be thought to be arbitrary. Taddune told Council
this language is in other city's non-smoking ordinances.
Schilling said in cases where one employee does not smoke and is
offended by other smoking employees, the employer must either
find an alternative work space or ban smoking. This is where
the rights of the non smoker prevails.
Councilwoman Walls moved to leave 11-4.6(4) in the ordinance;
seconded by Mayor Stirling.
Councilman Collins said this reads "any" dispute, which is
rather arbitrary. Councilman Isaac suggested adding "In any
dispute arising in the work place"
Councilwoman Walls and Mayor Stifling accepted that amendment.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion
carried.
Taddune told Council in the original ordinance, there was a
$25.00 fine and definition of infraction. Taddune said he
changed this to the standard enforcement, which includes $300
fine and imprisonment. Council has requested that the imprison-
ment be deleted.
Councilwoman Walls moved to delete the imprisonment language;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Section 2 as it has been
changed; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin, Taddune said these
changes are technical in nature and are not substantive. All in
favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Walls moved in Section 3 to delete the "penalties
and relief"; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor,
motion carried.
6
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #35, Series of 1985,
on second reading, as amended; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilman Collins pointed out that Sections 11-4.6(d) and
Section 11-4.8 seem to be redundant. Councilman Collins quest-
ioned the language "No smoking areas are not required, although
they are encouraged" as suitable language for an ordinance.
Mayor Stifling said this language encourages people would
prohibit smoking beyond public places. Schilling noted that
"members only organizations" are exempted. Bil Dunaway said he
feels that hotel and motel lobbies are every bit as public as
dining areas; they should not be under the exceptions. Sharon
Mollica said the intent is that people in lobby circumstances
would not be in that space for any period of time. Schilling
said lobbies were included in the original ordinance. Ms.
Mollica said deleting lobbies was one of the compromises.
R011 call vote; Councilmembers Isaac, yes; Fallin, no; Collins,
no; Walls, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #47, SERIES OF 1985 - Woodburning Amendments
Mayor Stifling opened the public hearing. Lee Cassin, environ-
mental health department, suggested Council have the public
hearing but table final adoption of the ordinance for some
amendments. Ms. Cassin said they have come up with a options for
Council to consider for existing woodburning devices. Ms. Cassin
told Council Ordinance #47 should be continued for two weeks, and
the staff will present a separate ordinance to deal with existing
devices.
Ms. Cassin said in considering ways to control existing devices,
there are different categories to lessen pollution. One is to
address the fuel burned; another is to address how and when the
devices are used; get rid of the devices; and alter the devices
to be more clean burning. Ms. Cassin said lots of communities
have addresed future devices but none have done anything about
existing devices.
Ms. Cassin said one option for future devices is an offset
procedure. If a person wants to install a woodburning device,
they have to get rid of a certain number of others. Another
possibility is to get rid of all woodburning devices in a
certain time period. It would take personnel to find where the
devices are and that they really are eliminated. Another option
is for Council to offer a rebate to encourage people to replace
their woodburning devices. There is not funding available to do
this option at this time. Council could fund rebates by license
fees for existing devices.
7
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Another alternative would be to outlaw woodburning devices
during inversions. Woodburning tends to happen at night when it
is difficult to see who is doing it and where the smoke is. Ms.
Cassin said Council could try to limit the amount of wood
burned, which would be difficult to enforce. Council could
impose moisture requirements on the wood that is sold as wet
wood causes more pollution than wood that has been seasoned. It
is possible to determine the amount of moisture in wood, and it
has been suggested the city license wood suppliers.
Ms. Cassin said Council can prohibit the burning of coal, which
is more polluting than wood. Council could require every
woodburning device be inspected every year or two. Council
would have to do this if they went with a rebate or licensing
program. In an inspection program, people could also be educated
about burning practices, unsafe flues. Council could prohibit
the burning of certain species of wood. Council could require
add on catalysts, which would work for stoves but not fireplaces.
Ms. Cassin pointed out that stoves are a small part of the
problem. Ms. Cassin said all of the options have enforcement
problems.
Ms. Cassin told Council Ordinance #47 as passed on first reading
would allow one certified device per building. The standard has
been made more lenient to coincide with the state standards.
Lodge projects that want fireplaces in the lobby would be
allowed to do so if they put in alternative control devices in
the flues.
Sy Coleman said it is possible to know when there is an inver-
sion, and infrared scanners exist to find which fireplaces are
going. John Isaac, mason, said the ban on construction of new
fireplaces is unfair to masons who make a living building
fireplaces. Isaac told Council about 40 percent of his work is
fireplaces. Isaac said it is also unfair to new homeowners not
to be allowed to have fireplaces, and it will make this hard to
enforce. Ms. Cassin said Ordinance #47 allows unlimited numbers
of natural gas devices, including moss rock masonry fireplaces.
Bill Martin said he is concerned whether this is treating just
one segment of the problem. The city should be looking at the
entire spectrum of the cause of pollution in Aspen, what is
causing pollution, and the contribution of woodburning to the
total percentage of pollution. Martin said if Council passes
this ordinance, during budget review they should increase the
inspection forces and double the salaries. Jeffrey Evans said
he will submit a letter suggesting compromises and options that
are better than others.
8
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9. 1985
Bob George agreed that Council should be looking at the entire
problem. George said Council should access the impact of
constant changes in policy and direction. George said Council
should not rush into this, and should wait for the state law to
be enacted and see what the results are. Jon Busch said he feels
it would be wise to address at least one portion of the pollution
problem that con be identified. Busch said the fireplace
pollution is so evident it makes people's eyes burn. Busch
suggested a fireplace control system like Denver's watering
system. Suzanne Caskey, CAAB, told Council they know where the
pollution sources are, what the percentages are, etc. Ms.
Caskey said the city has to start somewhere; they started with
woodburning devices mainly because of the health problems
associated with woodburning. Ms. Caskey said this is the second
public hearing on this ordinance.
Councilwoman Walls moved to table Ordinance #47, Series of 1985,
and continue the public hearing. to September 23, 1985; seconded
by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stirling agreed more public comment is needed on this
ordinance. Councilwoman Fallin suggested a public meeting
between now and the next public hearing. A public hearing was
scheduled for September 18, at 5 p.m. Council suggested having
representatives from the state department of health or the EPA.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #49, SERIES OF 1985 - Appropriations
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no com-
ments. Mayor Stifling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #49, Series of
1985, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Collins. Roll
call vote; Councilmembers Isaac, no; Walls, yes; Fallin, yes;
Collins, yes; Mayor Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #50, SERIES OF 1985 - Lease/Purchase Agreement Gelco
Mayor Stifling opened the public hearing. City Attorney Taddune
said the documents should be approved by his office. Cindy
Shafer, acting finance director, recommended approval of this
ordinance and pointed out the exhibit A itemizing costs and the
equipment to be purchased. Six items are from the asset replace-
ment fund and 2 are from the mall fund.
Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance #50, Series of
1985; seconded by Councilman Isaac. Roll call vote; Councilmere-
9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
bers Walls, yes; Isaac, yes; Collins, yes; Fallin, yes; Mayor
Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #51, SERIES OF 1985 - Lease/Purchase Agreement Honnen
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no com-
ments. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #51, Series of
1985; seconded by Councilman Collins. Roll call vote; Council-
members Collins, yes; Fallin, yes; Walls, yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes.
MINING & RANCH EXHIBIT
City Manager Schilling said the Council should have a letter
from PCPA and from the Historical Society about the proposal to
move the Marolt barn. Dick Knecht read the PCPA letter to
Council, stating at their last Board meeting it was unanimously
voted upon to ask Council to retain the historic barn on the
Marolt property, instead of moving it to the Stollard house
property. The letter states the barn in its present location is
its historic location, and was part of the mining works of
the area. The final use of the Marolt property has not been
determined, and it is in the interests of the citizens to keep
the options for the barns uses open. Knecht said the PCPA does
not feel it appropriate to put this barn in the west end, which
is totally residential.
Schilling told Council Mrs. Marolt has exclusive right and use of
this property until August 1986. Schilling suggested there are
two organizations with deep concern for the community, its
history, and its future. There are two reactions to this
proposal, and Council should have these two groups get together
and give a single report back to Council with the pros and cons.
Carl Bergman, representing the Historical Society, told Council
the mining era was very short. They plan to keep the barn in
its present state, Bergman said the barn will fit on the site
of the historical society. Bergman said they do not plan to ask
the city for any money but would like ownership of the barn.
Council directed staff to get together the next step for Council,
have communications occur between PCPA and Historical Society.
Mayor Stifling asked if Bergman had talked to the adjacent
property owners. Bergman said he assumed Council was going to
notice a public hearing.
10
if.~ Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9. 1985
ASPEN SKIING MUSEUM
Steve Knowlton and Johnny Litchfield presented a slide show of
the history of skiing in Aspen. In the slide show, Knowlton
included ski museums at Donner Summit, at Franconia, and in
Europe illustrating the types of things that are in ski museums.
Ski Museums have trophies, history, equipment, clothing, photo-
graphs. Knowlton said a ski museum in Aspen should be located
at lift #1 with the first boat tow. The city owns property at
lift #1 and the museum could be integrated with the central
reservations and the Ski Club. There could be an auditorium for
movies, a library, and exhibits.
Charles Grover told Council the city would be remiss if they do
not consider a ski museum. Grover said he will donate his
historical photographs to the state historical society unless
Aspen has a museum. Carol Blomquist, president of the histor-
ical society, said they are trying to develop a comprehensive
history of Aspen, including the ski industry. Ms. Blomquist
said the historical society has many historical photographs and
would like to work together on a ski museum. Mayor Stifling
said he feels this would be an added benefit to the community to
have a ski museum. Knowlton said there is a lot of material
that will become available for a ski museum if it is done right.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to put Steve
Knowlton and Johnny Litchfield in touch with the planning
department, and to work with the historical society to further
this proposal, to look at the site at lift #1 or any other sites
as possibilities; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor,
motion carried.
VOLK PROPERTY/PIONEER PARK REPORT
Tom Baker, planning Office, reminded Council at their last
meeting it was requested that staff evaluate the potential for
acquiring the Yolk (aka Independence Square; aka Sinclair)
property. Baker told Council the planning office concentrated on
formulating site development alternatives for the property in the
context of the existing mall and the potential mall expansion.
Baker presented six conceptual sketches for the site, which is
approximately 4,000 square feet. Figure 1 is the existing
conditions; figure 2 is the proposed development. Although the
proposed development meets the open space requirement, it will be
fairly unusable. The advantages of the proposed development are
no costs to the city and the property remains on the tax rolls.
Figure 3 is a public/private Option with the purchase of an open
~.~ space easement. The advantage is this cost less than outright
11
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
purchase; however, it is a significant cost for a small increase
in open space. Figures 4 and 5 are public options acquiring
the entire site. The disadvantage in both of these are the
costs to the city and removal from the tax rolls. The difference
between the two is that #4 is a natural setting and #5 is more
of an extension of the mall.
Alan Richman, planning director, said figure 6 is a town square
concept. Richman said Independence Square could be a junction
of all the malls. This coupled with an expanded mall could
make a perfect square and would give focus to the nearby planning
elements. Richman said this corner has a lot of potential to be
a special place in Aspen and for all types of uses. Richman
pointed out the city is being asked to pursue two other property
purchases. Richman said the suggestion of evaluating the three
purchases against each other is a good one.
Richman suggested some criteria for this evaluation. One is
degree of public use anticipated. Richman said the Sawmill
property has an incredible potential for public use, as does the
Independence Square. Another criteria might be the way the
property supports other city investments, programs and plans.
The Sawmill property supports the trails system. This property
emphasizes the downtown pedestrian core, and supports other
programs. Another criteria would be affordability of the
properties. Richman recommended Council continue to pursue
acquiring the Volk property. Richman also recommended Council
consider a design competition for the property; the planning
office designs are conceptual. Richman said Council should also
consider having some event and closing Cooper and Galena to see
how that may function. This property is too important to let
drop and the staff recommends going to the evaluation stage.
Robin Molny said when this property is gone, it is gone with no
opportunity to get it back. Molny said if Council acquires this
and then feels they have made a mistake, they can sell it.
Molny said it is essential to look at the increased pedestrian
requirements as the town becomes more built up. There will be
the Aspen Mountain Lodge, the Independence Lodge, the Hotel
Jerome, Little Nell hotel in the process. Molny said there may
not be enough room for both cars and pedestrians. Molny said
proposed commercial development for this property might be
inappropriate or at least premature. Molny said all great
cities have open spaces or plazas right in the middle of town.
Molny said this opportunity should not slip away, and Council
should take the next step and determine the feasibility of
acquiring this property.
Jon Busch told Council he supports this purchase, and pointed
out that the downtown is virtually developed out. This property
12
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9o 1985
is right in the center of historic Aspen. Busch pointed out
this commercial property has no service access and the resulting
congestion will have a detrimental effect on the core area.
David White said he feels this is a fantastic concept.
Pioneer Park Dick Knecht said this came to Council as a lot
split. This is located at 422 West Bleeker and is an entire
block. The applicants had the right to split off part of the
block and make another building site. The Council at that time
wanted to see if the city could buy it. The historical society
has gotten involved in this, as well as citizens of the west end
who might try to help purchase it with the city's help. Carol
Blomquist told Council the Board of the Historical Society wrote
a letter to Counc~ outlining the history of this property.
Ms. Blomquist said the historical society appreciates the
integrity of the elected officials to recognize and preserve the
Victorian heritage.
Bob Hughes, representing the owners of Pioneer Park, told
Council several years ago they did a lot split on lots R and S.
Several months ago, Hughes requested Council increase R and S to
12,000 square feet or 4 lots. The then-Council said they would
like to investigate purchasing the unbuilt lots of Pioneer Park.
In June the Council changed, and Hughes communicated with Council
to see if they were still interested. The four lots have been
appraised at about $450,000. Hughes said his clients are not in
a position to make a gift to the city, but are interested in
pursuing some devices that would yield the same economic equiva-
lent as a market sale. Hughes told Council if something cannot
be worked out with the city, he will resurrect the lot split
request. Hughes said people with large land holdings find it
increasingly difficult to hold on to them without selling.
Hughes said this is a unique piece of property.
Mayor Stifling agreed the city needs a procedure on how to
consider open space purchases. Assistant City Manager Ron
Mitchell told Council there had been a committee previously to
consider open space with representatives from PCPA and A.C.E.S.,
planning, and Council. Councilwoman Walls said the Council has
so many proposals of property to purchase, they need to be
considered all together. Mayor Stifling said if the Sincl air
property is included in possible property purchases, there are
some time constraints. Mayor Stifling recommended that the
Council be the group to review and decide about open space
rather than an interim committee. Councilman Isaac agreed,
Council makes the final decision as well as holding the purse
strings.
Mayor Stirling said the staff should work on criteria for
evaluating open space purchases and have that ready by the
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
October 21 budget work session. Councilman Collins suggested a
committee be formed for on-going, long range open space acquisi-
tions. The Council's time is limited, the committee could
recommend a shopping list and Council could look at it in terms
of all the city's needs. The city can issue a bond to cover a
number of open space acquisitions, rather than doing one at a
time. Councilwoman Fallin said she would like to hear from the
PCPA on this subject. Mayor Stifling said planning should
evaluate the parcels and have a date during the budget hearings
for this report.
STOPLIGHT MAROON CREEK AND HIGPMAY 82
Pat Dobie, representing Aspen Highlands, requested Council take
action on improving the transportation problem at Maroon Creek
and highway 82. This intersection is now totally within the
city limits. A study on this intersection has been done by the
highway department, and last April the city engineer recommended
Council take action on this and recommend that the highway
department install a three-phase traffic signal. Dobie said
last winter the traffic movements at this intersection were near
intolerable. Dobie said the highway department will install a
light with a request from the Council. The alternative is to
install a uniformed officer during the busy hours.
Dobie said if the Council takes the structural approach, it will
take years to go through the environmental impact statement and
to get funding for the project. Dobie said both the school
district and the hospital have problems with this intersection.
Dobie told Council there have been 4 different warrant studies
done on the intersection. City Manager Schilling said if the
city communicates with the department of highways to either do a
study or to take steps necessary to pursue the safety of this
intersection, it will take 4 to 6 months. Schilling said he is
surprised the department of highways is not dealing with this if
they know they have a problem. Dobie said the department of
highways has attempted to move on this in the past, and has
been told not to do anything when this intersection was in the
county.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to direct the city manager to communi-
cate with the state highway department that the city is inter-
ested in having a stoplight at this intersection; seconded by
Councilman Isaac.
Bil Dunaway said there are a lot of ramifications in adding this
stoplight. There is already traffic backed up to Snowmass, and
this will make it even worse. Mayor Stirling said he is not
ready to have a light installed until Council sees all the
information from the state. Councilwoman Fallin said there is a
14
Reqular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
real safety problem at this intersection with school buses and
the ambulances. Councilwoman Fallin said this light could be on
blinking except for the critical morning and afternoon hours.
Councilmembers Fallin and Isaac in favor; Councilmembers Walls,
Collins and Mayor Stifling opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to contact the
highway department and get back to Council with information,
studies and warrants as soon as possible; seconded by Council-
woman Walls. All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman
Fallin. Motion carried.
SNOWDUMP SITE
City Manager Schilling told Council he has been contacted by
several citizens indicating a formal request to be on the
agenda September 23, so Council may wait until then. Council-
woman Fallin said she wants to know if the city is in violation
of the 100 foot stream margin. City Attorney Taddune said the
question was raised that the snow dump was in violation of the
hydrology regulations, and the city's water counsel concluded
there was no violation. Taddune said he will comment on the 100
foot stream margin law.
Lee Pardee said Council should address the question of whether
using the Rio Grande for snow dumping and for the impound lot is
in violation of land purchased with 6th and 7th penny money.
Pardee said he feels these are illegal uses for the Rio Grande
property. Councilman Collins said the intent of the 100 foot
stream margin is not to prohibit anything within 100 feet, but
that applicants have to come to the city and ask permission.
Councilwoman Fallin said the Council has to work on a plan for
the Rio Grande. This is an expensive snow dump and impound lot.
Councilman Collins asked if the staff has looked at the possibil-
ity of not hauling snow but just pushing to the sides of the
streets. Councilman Isaac said the city would lose parking.
Chuck Roth, engineering department, said he would discuss this
with the streets department.
ROARING FORK EAST NEIGHBORHOOD MASTER PLAN
Glenn Horn, planning office, presented a resolution for Council
approval which endorses the Roaring Fork East Neighborhood
master plan. The plan has been adopted by the county P & Z and
has been considered by the city P & Z. Horn said this area is
important because it encompasses 2 of the 14 neighborhood
planning areas within the metro area. This area is the eastern
15
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
entrance to the city of Aspen. It represents two annexation
areas.
Horn told Council the overriding theme of this plan is to
preserve the existing character of the east side of Aspen. The
plan tries to steer development to areas that are not as visible
from the highway corridor. When development does occur in a
visible area, the plan sets criteria for review of land uses.
The county now requires a special review for any development in
a mapped area. Horn pointed out this plan deletes cluster
accommodations at the base of Little Annie in the vicinity of
North Star. Mountain Valley has been called low density residen-
tial, reflecting what is there now, and should be zoned R-15.
Horn said an issue debated at P & Z is whether to have a trail
across the North Star nature preserve at the foot of the hill in
critical elk calving area. The staff's recommendation is that
there should not be a recommendation for a trail at the foot of
the hill. The trail should parallel highway 82 to Difficult.
Horn told Council if a management plan for a trail through the
calving area can be developed, the planning office will reconsi-
der this. Mayor Stifling agreed with the trail recommendation
for now.
Mayor Stirling asked about the boundary dispute in Mountain
Valley and the BLM. Horn said there is a dispute, and the area
that is not platted in Mountain Valley is designated a resource
conservation, which implies much lower density.
Councilman Collins moved to adopt Resolution %19, Series of
1985, endorsing the Roaring Fork East Neighborhood Master Plan;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
Horn Told Council this is the last time the plan will be before
Council. The plan will go to the P & Z, and there will be a
public hearing. Horn said the same plan for the east entrance
to Aspen will be adopted by both the city and the county.
RFTA BUS SHELTERS
Bruce Abel, RFTA director, told Council the RFTA Board has been
working on identifying locations for bus shelters. Abel gave
Council a list of priorities for these shelters, and a list of
shelters that could be in place before winter, due to less
appeal processes. Abel said he would like Council's permission
to delegate the city's staff the authority to work with RFTA to
work out the details in using city rights-of-way to place bus
shelter s.
ReGular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
John Eldert, county manager, told Council the Commissioners
discussed this today, and the majority would like to see a
capital plan from RFTA and see the bus stops in that context.
Abel said the shelters have come out of the 5 year TDP update,
which includes an interim capital program. Abel said the bus
stops on highway 82 are high priority, but it will take longer
to get the necessary approvals. Mayor Stifling said his main
priority is work on Rubey Park. Abel said he thought Rubey Park
was on hold until a decision is made on what is to be done at
Rubey Park. As a result of that, Abel has not recommended any
improvements at Rubey. Abel said Rubey Park is a specific
element in the TDP.
Steve Burstein, planning Office, said staff has been working
with RFTA to identify encroachments, exemptions from GMP as a
way to review the shelters. Abel presented pictures of generic
bus shelters, and told Council RFTA feels it appropriate to
provide a structure which could be seen through and would allow
the environment to be predominant. These structures are highly
vandal proof. Abel asked Council to approve the longer list of
bus stops and delegate the authority to the staff to work on any
of these, getting the proper approvals and make the final
approval. Councilman Council said he feels any bus shelters in
the city should be expedited. Mayor Stirling said he would like
to see a shelter in front of the library because it gets a lot
of use. Abel said the list was developed by looking at passenger
boardings, proximity to existing shelter, and physical room to
put a shelter. Abel told Council these shelters can be moved,
the foundation jackhammered, and the site returned to as before.
Mayor Stifling moved to direct the staff to begin work on siting
shelters at Castle Ridge, 8th and Hallam, and Clark's for this
winter, and also work on other shelters in the jurisdiction of
the city; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion
carried.
TIM~SH~RE ANNUAL ..REVIEW
Steve Burstein, planning office, said this is to evaluate the
timeshare ordinance and to begin any code amendments that may be
appropriate, as well as to review the two existing projects and
their effects on the community. P & Z did a preliminary review
in August, listened to the 3 main issues and did not make any
recommendations. The first issue is the limit on gifts, which
is set at $100; second issue is the annual $5,000 licensing
fee; the third issue is the restriction on the number of time
share fractions which must be sold before a unit can be closed.
Burstein told Council the last restriction is a condition of
approval of a particular project, rather than being included in
the ordinance. This change would have to be initiated by the
17
Regular Meeting - Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
applicants for a change in their conditions of approval. The
other two can be changed in the ordinance.
Burstein told Council P & Z members were not too favorable about
changing the limit on gifts. Several P &Z members agreed that
the licensing fee of $5,000 may not be fair and it may be more
equitable to have a graduated fee. The P & Z felt it may be
reasonable to look at the number of fractions which must be sold
before a unit can be closed and to modify that condition.
Boone Schweitzer, Shadow Mountain, told Council they have not
engaged in giving any gifts or dinners. Schweitzer said they
would like to be able to bring in potential clients and $100 is
too low. For an inspection trip $250 might be appropriate.
Buzz Fedorka, Prospector, said they would like the ability to be
able to do what other developers do and invite people to Aspen
to inspect the property at the expense of the seller. Fedorka
said there is an arbitrary restriction between the timeshare
seller and a realtor. Fedorka said they would like the ability
to provide travel reimbursement to people who want to come to
Aspen with no restriction.
City Attorney Taddune told Council the purpose of the annual
licensing fee is to provide funds for the regulation of the
timeshare projects. The thought was that if the regulations
were being violated, there would be someone to monitor them and
the ability to operate as a timeshare project would be res-
cinded. Schweitzer said he feels this license fee is very high
and has difficulty explaining this figure to the homeowners.
Schweitzer pointed out the homeowners are paying additional
property taxes, as well as the real estate transfer tax.
Schweitzer agreed there should be money available to monitor
these projects.
Mayor Stifling asked what the city has spent in the relationship
to monitoring timeshare project. Assistant City Manager Mitchell
said if the city has received $10,000 from the two projects,
the city has probably not spent that much. Mitchell said the
staff time to review timeshare projects changes. Mayor Stifling
asked about complaints or questions from purchasers. Mitchell
told Council he has only received one complaint. The staff has
called owners of both projects and has had positive responses
from everyone they talked to. Bill Venner pointed out if the
projects were totally sold, the city would still be receiving
$5,000 to review the sales practices. Councilwoman Fallin said
she feels this could be loosened up. Councilman Isaac suggested
a large initial fee, then a smaller annual fee.
Schweitzer told Council he agreed there should be a certain
number of fractions to be sold to protect the interests of the
18
Regular~ Meeting Aspen City-Council September 9, 1985
owner and the developer. Schweitzer told Council they have to
have 5 of 15 sold before anything can be submitted for closing.
The Shadow Mountain lost some sales because of the closing
delays. Schweitzer said he feel each sale should be closed at
once since their project is 1/3 totally sold. Fedorka said their
restriction of having to sell 8 of the fractions has caused
long, extended waiting periods for the buyers. Fedorka said he
feels this damages the consumers, as well as the city. Fedorka
submitted a memorandum regarding this issue. Fedorka said the
security of the position of the buyers improves as there are
more other buyers.
Mayor Stirling suggested the staff make recommendations for
changing the licensing fees. Councilman Isaac suggested leaving
the $100.00 limit on gifts, but allowing timeshare projects an
inspection trip allowance. Venner pointed out under the ordi-
nance, they could not even put up a prospective buyer for one
night because the room rates exceed $100. Mayor Stirling said he
would be motivated to see staff revise the way that gifts are
articulated, and broaden it up. Fedorka pointed out the reality
in Aspen with the cost of real estate would not allow people to
use gimmicky marketing. Schweitzer said the strength of this
ordinance is the 10 day rescission clause, and it would be
foolish to engage in deceptive sales practices and then tell a
buyer he has a 10 day right of rescission.
Councilman Isaac moved to have the planning department look at
amending the timeshare ordinance to change annual licensing fee
and to take another look at the $100 limit on gifts with the
thought timeshare project may be able to allow plane tickets for
prospective purchasers; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilwoman Fallin said she would like to know how many hours
have been spent on timeshare projects by the city staff. Mayor
Stirling suggested these amendments be presented to Council at
the first meeting in October.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Walls asked why the two timeshare projects are
handled differently with regard to the number of fractions to be
sold. Gideon Kaufman said the Prospector's requirement was a
negotiated settlement of the lawsuit. Burstein said the city
was reluctant in the beginning to go ahead with timeshare
projects. Taddune said these conditions can be changed. Mayor
Stifling asked Council if they would be willing to address an
application reducing the number of fractions sold per unit.
Councilwoman Fallin said yes; Councilwoman Walls said she would
be inclined to make the numbers more equal. Councilman Isaac
19
Regular Meeting ~ Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
said he would be willing to look at it, but would like to have
background information. Mayor Stirling said he would be in
favor of addressing the issue.
Fedorka said the timeshare industry is growing at a substantial
rate. Timeshare provides people with an alternative form of
real estate ownership. Timeshare projects gives Aspen a visitor
who comes more than just in the winter season.
SUNNY~ PARK NORTH SUBDIV-ISION
Steve Burstein, planning office, told Council this is a subdivi-
sion exception to take a portion of lot 7 to provide for Park
Circle road to loop over in to Centennial and add some land from
the county to lot 7 to make it 15,000 square feet. The problem
of access off Smuggler Mountain road has been addressed. The
county has committed to winter plowing. This parcel is on a
bench, and there are environmental factors if there is a building
site put on this slope. The conditions state the applicant
should develop a building envelope for this site. There has
been an effort to address the water pressure problems by looping
the lines in the area. Most of these concerns will be addressed
in the 8040 greenline review.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the Sunny Park North lot 7
subdivision exception subject to the four stated conditions;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
TAS4( FORCE ~FOR CODE SIMPLIFICATION
Alan Richman, planning director, said Council needs to appoint
members to the task force; to establish a date for the task
force report, and to adopt the resolution. Richman said staff
contacted 10 people for the task force, and 6 said yes. Richman
said Council intended to have a 5 person task force, but since 6
people want to volunteer it makes sense to appoint them.
Council agreed with appointing Perry Harvey, Andy Hecht, Gideon
Kaufman, Nick McGrath, Mike Otte and Spence Schiffer.
Gideon Kaufman said these people are willing to sit on the task
force, examine the Code and identify concerns, but the task
force should not be charged with correcting the problems and
drafting changes in the Code. Mayor Stifling agreed with that
approach, and have the task force return to Council to see if
there is support from Council to tackle these areas.
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Resolution #16, Series of 1985,
with February 1, 1986, as report date with an interim report
before the first of the year; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
All in favor, motion carried.
20
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 9. 1985
VENDORS ~ERMIT RHGGERFEST
This is a request from Rugby Imports to vend equipment at Wagner
Park for the Ruggerfest. Councilwoman Fallin said most of the
events that Council has approved have benefitted non-profit
organizations; this is strictly for profit. Councilwoman Fallin
suggested not allowing this in the park but this person be
allowed to sell equipment at headquarters at the Continental.
Councilman Isaac suggested allowing this if Rugby Imports gives
a percentage to the Rugby Club. Council agreed if the sponsors
of the Ruggerfest wants to give space within the registration
area, that is fine.
ORDINANCE #52,~ERIES OF 1985 - Code Amendment Public Notice
Requirements
Councilwoman Fallin asked if this ordinance will make the
process more cumbersome than it already is. Steve Burstein,
planning office, said this does not add verbiage but adds a step
of notifying condominium owners.
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #52, Series of 1985;
seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #52
(Series Of 1985)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 20
(SUBDIVISION) AND CHAPTER 24 (ZONING) BY REPEALING AND
REENACTING SECTION 20-10(D), CHAPTER 20 OF THE MUNICI-
PAL CODE BY REQUIRING T~AT PUBLIC NOTICE BE GIVEN FOR
SUBDIVISION CONCEPTUAL PRESENTATION BEFORE CITY
COUNCIL, REPEALING AND REENACTING ARTICLE VIII,
SECTION 24-8.8, CHAPTER 24 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE BY
REQUIRING T~AT PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BE GIVEN FOR PUD
CONCEPTUAL PRESENTATION BEFORE CITY COUNCIL, REPEALING
AND REENACTING SECTIONS 20-13(A), 24-8.20(A),
24-7.5(B), 24~12.3(C), 24-12.5(C)(2), 2-22(C)(1), AND
22-22(C)(2) BY REMOVING THE PROVISION THAT CONDOMINIUM
ASSOCIATIONS MAY BE SERVED WITH PUBLIC HEARING NOTIFI-
CATION FOR T~E CONDOMINIUM OWNERS, SPECIFYING ACCEPT-
ABLE SOURCES OF PROPERTY OWNERS' NAMES AND ADDRESSES,
AND ADDING T~E REQUIREMENT FOR LAND USE APPLICANTS TO
PROVIDE A LIST OF HAND ADDRESSED ENVELOPES FOR PROPERTY
OWNERS ENTITLED TO PUBLIC HEARING NOTIFICATION was read
by the city clerk
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Ordinance $52, Series of 1985,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
21
Regular Meeting- Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Burstein said this ordinance requires that at the PUD and
subdivision conceptual stage, there are a public hearing in front
of City Council. This makes it consistent with the SPA ordinance
passed recently. The ordinance requires the applicant submit
a list of property owners to be notified as well as pre-addressed
envelopes. This ordinance deletes allowing condominium associa-
tions to be notified in place of each individual owner. Mayor
Stirling said he would like to see the applicants pay for the
mailing and all costs associated with the public hearing process.
Burstein said the current planning office fees may cover the
cost of mailing.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Isaac, yes; Fallin, yes; Collins,
yes; Walls, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
LITTLE~NELL ELECTRIC EASEMENT
City Manager Schilling told Council he did not receive a report,
and suggested pulling this item.
JOINT FINANCE DEPARTMENT
City Manager Schilling told Council Mark Kavasch, county finance
advisory board member, asked the city if the city would agree to
his contacting the city's auditor, Alexander Grant, for the
purpose of exploring conceptually a proposed consolidated
finance department and finance director position. Schilling
said the city and county together could approach Alexander
Grant, ask them for a comprehensive evaluation, pros and cons,
implication, service level, cost benefit, etc. If all these
were positive, there could be an implementation plan.
Jerry Alger, Alexander Grant, spoke to Schilling last Friday and
advised that the city go ahead and fill the finance director
position. Alger said he feels a joint finance director is
premature, and this is not the time to pursue it. This would
require a thorough study and analysis. Alger said there are
some processes in finance that could be combined. Schilling said
it may also be beneficial to include the school district in some
of these functions.
Assistant City Manager Mitchell pointed out the past experience
with joint departments creates some problems with dual management
and dual budget processes. Mitchell said he would prefer to
approach consolidation on a service agreement basis. This has
been done with animal control, and this is being looked at for
data processing, building department, and communications. These
departments will be placed in either city or county and the
other government will contract for services. As long as there
22
Regular~ Meeting ..... Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
is the ability for each government to measure that they are
getting the services contracted for and the ability to carry out
complaints, this is a much cleaner way to go.
Mitchell recommended consolidating purchasing, with the possibi-
lity of including the school district. Mitchell said a purchas-
ing agent would pay for itself. Mitchell said things like
financial forecasting and financial reporting could be coordi-
nated. Mitchell said the finance director is a full time
position, and a joint department head would not provide the
amount of time and dedication to the operation the city is
currently is receiving, and that the position requires. Mitchell
said he feels there would be a reduction in the amount of
financial management and forecasting.
Mayor Stifling moved to review the combining of purchasing,
looking at other entities like the school district, and the
coordination of financial reporting, financial forecasting and
budget process, including review of the combining of the city/-
county finance departments based on the results of annexation
and a potential service agreement contractual basis; seconded by
Councilman Isaac.
Councilman Isaac asked about the possibility of hiring Alexander
Grant to give the city and county a recommendation. Schilling
said he could work out a scope of work with the county manager
and find out how much this would cost. Councilwoman Walls said
she feels the finance department is the last one that could be
easily combined. Councilwoman Walls pointed out the finance
department has interaction with every other department in the
city. Councilwoman Walls said trying to deal with the city and
the county, things are done a different way. Mayor Stirling
said one of his difficulties with consolidation is the confusion
about accountability and having 2 bosses. Mayor Stifling said
each department will create a first assistant, which will be
become the finance director. Mayor Stifling said this is
premature because of the process of annexation. Mayor Stifling
said he is not sure this will save any money.
Councilman Isaac said he would like to find out how much Alex-
ander Grant would charge to make a recommendation. John Eldert,
county manager, said payroll, accounts payable and receivables
are very straightforward operations, and there is potential for
some efficiencies. Eldert said Alger recommends that financial
management be maintained by the city, and this could be an
adjunct of the city manager's office.
Mayor Stifling amended his motion to ask the city manager to
investigate with Alexander Grant what it might cost to do this
study; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
23
Regular Meeting .... Aspen City Council September 9~ 1985
Councilman Collins said he had asked staff for budgets for the
joint communications department, and pointed out their budget
has increased 70% in 5 years. Councilman Collins said sometimes
the savings are an illusion. Si Smith, county financial advisory
board, told Council the FAB started looking at consolidation
about 1-1/2 years ago. Smith read the ballot question of
November 1984 regarding consolidation to Council and said it
passed by a 4 to 1 margin. Smith recommended that the city form
a financial advisory board. Smith said the two finance depart-
ments use the same accounting, the same computer and this work
could be done by a pool. Smith said the triplication between
Aspen, Snowmass, and Pitkin County in one small valley is
ridiculous. Smith said the FAB feels they have a clear charge
from the public to make suggestions where there could be improve-
ments and financial savings.
Mayor Stifling said the Council is the financial advisory board
for the city, and the Council has not seen fit to relinquish
that responsibility. Mayor Stifling said the motion addresses
combining accounting functions, where it makes sense. Schilling
said he is opposed to joint departments and opposed to the
division of one individual of managerial accountability to two
individuals. Schilling said he feels contractual government has
been very successful, has worked well, and very economically.
Smith reiterated that governments save money through consolida-
tion, not through annexation.
All in favor, motion carried.
19861BUDGET
Cindy Shafer, acting finance director, said she would like
Counc~ to adopt the time schedule for budget hearings, which has
been structured to allow Council to adopt the budget by October
31. Counc~ made some changes in the proposed schedule deleting
budget meetings on regular Council dates.
Mayor Stifling moved to adopt the schedule deleting September 23
and October 15; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
motion carried. Councilman Collins recommended some Saturday
budget meetings.
MUNICIPAL.-JUDGES.' SALARY
Mayor Stirling told Council he has a conflict of interest.
Councilman Collins moved to approve the increase in the Municipal
Judges' salary as provided for in the 1985 budget; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. Council clarified this should be retro-
24
Regular Meeting ....... Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
active to January 1, 1985. Assistant City Manager Mitchell told
Council this pay increase was budgeted but Council had said they
wanted to act on it. Councilman Collins said this should be
handled on staff level. All in favor, Mayor Stifling abstained.
Motion carried.
Brooke Peterson, Municipal Judge, questioned why the municipal
judge is singled out to have his salary approved by Council when
other department heads do not. Mayor Stirling said the reason
may be because the municipal judge is appointed directly by
Council.
Peterson said Council is exploring, through a task force,
simplification of the land use code. Peterson told Council in
his years experience as a city judge, he has found there are
other aspects of the code which need to be addressed, like the
criminal code. Peterson told Council there is a bill pending in
the legislature to give municipal judges jurisdiction over more
matters. If this is passed, it will result in a 5 to 10-fold
increase in work load. Mayor Stifling requested Peterson write
a memorandum to Council outlining both of his suggestions.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilwoman Walls moved to approved the consent agenda; seconded
by Councilman Collins. The consent agenda is liquor license
renewals - La Cocina; Carl's Pharmacy; Smuggler Land Office.
All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #20, SERIES OF 1985 - Employee Housing Unit
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Resolution #20, Series of
1985; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion
carried.
City Manager Schilling said the city has received correspondence
from the CML requesting a representative to the policy commit-
tee. Councilwoman Walls said she is the representative to CML
and has never received any correspondence from them. Council-
woman Walls said she would be on the policy committee
Schilling said the Nordic Council is applying for 8040 review on
the Ute trail, and the staff would like to waive the fee for
this. Schilling asked Council if they had any objections.
Council had no objections.
City Attorney Taddune requested an executive session to discuss
litigation. Council scheduled this for September 12, 1985 at
4:15 p.m.
25
Regular-Mee~:ing ..... Aspen City Council September 9, 1985
Councilman Collins moved to continue the meeting to September
12, 1985, at 4:15 p.m~; seconded by Councilman Isaac. Council
left Chambers at 10:40 p.m.
K~th~, City Clerk