HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19851111Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting November 11. 1985
Joint Meeting With Fire District Board. Mayor Stirling called
the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. with Councilmembers Isaac,
Fallin and Walls present and Board members Sam Stapleton, Delbert
Copley, Holly Holloway, Willard Clapper, and Assistant Fire Chief
Peter Wirth present. Police Chief Rich Rianoshek and Assistant
Chief John Goodwin were also present.
Mayor Stifling said presently the ohief building inspector also
acts as the fire marshal. Mayor Stirling said there have been
discussions about the need to be more in compliance with fire
regulations throughout town. Willard Clapper said the fire
marshal position was put together in about 1972 to enhance's the
towns fire insurance rating. The fire district approached the
city and county, who agreed to designate a fire marshal as a part
time position. The fire marshal has helped the fire department
on specific jobs when asked.
Mayor Stifling asked if there is the possibility of funding from
the fire district to enhance the role of fire marshal. Clapper
told Council he has discussed this with the city staff and Jim
Wilson, building official, who is not enthused about the present
situation. The role of fire marshal is important to the
community as well as not jeopardizing the insurance rating.
Clapper said the Board is addressing funding personnel for the
fire district. Delbert Copley said for the district to fund
$125,000 for personnel, they will have to ask for a raise in the
mill levy. It is too late for the 1986 budget. Copley said this
person would have to be for the entire fire district, not just
the city or county.
Copley told Council due to the expenditures on updated fire
equipment, this fire district has a low insurance rating. Copley
said the District has talked about providing a vehicle as well as
an office for this person. Mayor Stifling suggested one way the
city and district could work together is the city may provide the
office space for the fire marshal. Coptey said the fire district
could look at their budget to see if they could give some
assistant money. Mayor Stifling said the staff could work with
the district on this person.
City Manager Schilling said Aspen has some of the highest valued
property in the country. Currently there are no fire inspec-
tions, no fire prevention program. Schilling said there is a
need for a full time highly skilled person in a fire marshal
capacity. Mayor Stirling said this is an important issue and
asked the Board to work on a proposed solution and report back to
Council in the next two months. Clapper said the Board is
discussing having a mill levy increase election. Copley said the
fire district has decreased their mill levy from 1.5 to 1.08 over
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As~en City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
the last 18 years. Council and the Board scheduled another
meeting for 4 p.m. January 6, 1986.
Mayor Stirling said the Council has budgeted money for a manage-
ment audit for City gall. Mayor Stirling asked about the fire
department's management audit. Clapper said the management audit
was just finished last week, and the fire Board does not yet have
the report.
Mayor Stirling said the city has given $8,000 to the ARA for the
fireworks. Peter Wirth said the volunteer firemen will be hired
by the firework company to do the displays, and the firework
company will carry their own insurance. Schilling said the city
may have some exposure through contributing to the ARA. Mayor
Stirling asked if the fire department would be interested in
putting the banners up on Main street, rather than the city's
electric department doing it. Wirth told Council he has spoken
to the city engineer and indicated the fire department is not
interested. Wirth said the fire department is a volunteer
organization and the firemen already have enough to do. Mayor
Stifling said the Council thought this may be a way for the fire
department to raise money, by charging for putting banners up.
Mayor Stifling said the Council will be the sponsors of the fire
department dinner to recognize the efforts of the fire depart-
ment.
COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
Councilwoman Walls moved to approve the minutes of September 30,
October 15, 1985; seconded by Mayor Stifling. All in favor,
motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Arthur Yuenger presented Council with another new highway
entrance to Aspen. Yuenger told Council both current proposals
for the highway have disadvantages. Retaining the existing
alignment will be expensive; four lanes across the open space is
too much paved area and is not in keeping with what the citizens
want. Yuenger proposed that the new alignment could be the
existing highway of two lanes exiting town with two separate
lanes coming into town. Yuenger presented a map of his proposal
and said he would like to meet with the Council and go into
greater detail.
Councilwoman Walls asked how this plan differs from the plan that
was voted down 4 years ago. Mayor Stifling said there was no
particular configuration in the election question. Yuenger said
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AsPen City Council Regular Meeting November 11. 1985
his proposal tries to please all the factions; there will have to
be some compromise. Yuenger said this proposal gets rid of the
traffic congestion. Councilman Isaac said he met with the
highway commission last week in Grand Junction. The highway
department is going to proceed with the EIS. They will do a
remapping of the highway from Carbondale to Aspen. The highway
department has allocated $100,000 each year for the next two
years for the EIS and remapping.
Mayor Stifling said the city has sent the highway department a
resolution indicating the city's preferences. Mayor Stifling
suggested scheduling this on the next available work session.
Yuenger suggested having a model made of this proposal and having
it in a public place where everyone can see it. Alan Richman,
planning director, told Council P & Z is in the middle of the
transportation planning element and this presentation would be
ideally suited to P & Z. Council agreed this should go to P & Z
first.
2. Gideon Kaufman reminded Council he had brought up the
problem of having to build a house on a lot in order to qualify
for a lot split, rather than being able to just split the lots.
Kaufman said Council was sympathetic to sponsoring the code
i~-~ amendment. Kaufman asked Council to direct the staff to get this
into the works. Alan Richman, planning director, told Council
this has to go to P & Z first. Other code amendments being
worked on are time share and employee housing amendments. Mayor
Stifling said he would like to see this code amendment early in
1986. Councilwoman Walls said this forces people to build when
they don't want to build, and it doesn't make sense with the
growth management plan.
Mayor Stifling moved to bring this amendment on lot splits to the
P & Z by no later than mid-January 1986; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
3. Jon Busch said he cannot be present for the trolley item
later on the agenda. Busch endorses the City Manager's recommen-
dation of covering and storing the trolleys. If Council decides
later that the trolleys fit into the transportation master plan,
they probably should be stored more permanently. Busch suggested
that law enforcement agencies be instructed to drive by and make
sure the trolleys are safe. The trolleys should be posted as
city property. Busch told Council the trolley program was given
to the administration several months ago so that corrective
action could be taken before winter. Busch pointed out that the
mall lights have not been fixed, although this has been brought
to Council's attention. Busch said Council should be angry that
their directives do not get carried out. Busch suggested Council
add an item to the regular agenda items for which an itemized
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
list is prepared by the city clerk from the previous meeting to
present to Council what has been authorized as administrative
action. Busch said this would assist Council to see items are
carried out.
4. Scott Conrad, Hensel-Phelps Construction representing Aspen
Mountain Lodge, told Council they have developed a construction
fencing diagram. Mayor Stifling suggested scheduling this for
the next Council meeting.
5. Hans Gramiger read to Council from a planning office
memorandum about the SPA designation on Little Nell, "the intent
of the SPA designation for the Little Nell area property is it a
critical piece of land in Aspen. The property provides skier
access to one of the premier ski areas in the country. Further-
more, this parcel provides a unique opportunity for Aspen's
mountain to be properly oriented and to link facilities in the
downtown lodge district. Historically, uses contemplated for
Little Nell property have included accessory ski facilities,
commercial, lodge and residential. The most important for both
the city and the Ski Company to obtain a comprehensive plan for
the area, which optimizes the accessibility of the base area for
skiers, while operating a tasteful, high quality base area.
Gramiger said Council would be short circuiting the SPA if they
approve a 4 story solid front building. Council has an
opportunity to guide the development into a taller, skinnier
building with the same square footage asked for, a setback of
150 feet which would preserve the view of Aspen mountain and the
open space.
City Attorney Taddune requested Council pass on first reading an
ordinance requested by FEMA because if this is not enacted by
December, the city will lose their ability to participate in the
national flood insurance program.
RESOLUTION #33, SERIES OF 1985 - Little Nell SPA
Alan Richman, planning director, pointed out the corrections
Council made in their previous meeting. First, Council expresses
its willingness to consider granting a multi-year allocation.
The open space condition has been changed that the 10 foot
standard is a minimum and not in addition to any area required
for the drop off facility. Condition number 3 requires an
increase of parking spaces over the proposed 77. Condition #7
addresses that the facility meets the needs of the ski area and
separate from those of the hotel guests and also be within the
property boundary.
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Aspen City Council - Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
Condition #9 requires the project take into account the needs of
emergency vehicles on site. Condition #13 addresses committing
to which lift system will be installed and giving the planning
office adequate time to review this. Peter Forsch, Skiing
Company, said they understood this condition was that the
applicant would inform the planning office two weeks before the
precise plan submission rather than adequate time. Forsch said
they feel adequate time is unspecific. Richman said if this has
to be referred to outside agencies, like the forest service, two
weeks will not be enough time. Jerry Blann, Skiing Company, told
Council the forest service has approved either a detachable or
gondola lift. Mayor Stirling agreed Council has specifically
said two weeks.
Richman said he is concerned about turning the lift issue around
in two weeks. Kaufman said this is not introducing something
new, there will be a lift, the question is what type of lift.
The forest service has already reviewed this. Councilman Isaac
said 2 weeks sounds sufficient, and the planning office could ask
for extra time. Mayor Stirling suggested changing the language
to "approximately 2 weeks" rather than adequate time.
Richman told Council condition #15 adds Spring street to the
shadow study. Condition #18 adds the words "year round" trail
facilities. Condition #20 discusses the right-of-way problem
should be in the process of being resolved, and the precise plan
shall not be approved until the pedestrian access is resolved.
Condition #23 regarding historic access through the Tippler was
deleted. The new condition #23 addresses any plans for Dean
street should be disclosed at precise plan stage.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Resolution #33, Series of
1985; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Kaufman said on condition #2, the applicant will make the
argument that there is no variation in the FAR because of the way
it is calculated. Kaufman said this condition is drafted as if
the Council has already rejected the argument, and the applicant
has not made the argument to Council. Mayor Stirling said
Gramiger has raised the issue about going beyond allowable
heights. Mayor Stifling said his sense is that there is not a
tolerance in the community for height variations. However, this
project may be an exception. Richman pointed out two years ago
the Alps had serious concerns about the project going up the
slope. Richman said he would not like to get back into the
situation of two years ago, which was discomforting to so much of
the co~nunity.
~'~ Aspen City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Walls. Motion
carried.
ORDINANCE #61, SERIES OF 1985 Lodge GMP Submission Dates
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council this has been
prepared to give additional two weeks for the lodge GMP submis-
sion given the time it has taken to process this application.
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #61, Series of 1985;
seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, with the exception of
Councilwoman Walls. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #61
(Series of 1985)
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE DATE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF
LODGE GMP DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION
24-11.6 FROM DECEMBER 1, FOR THE YEAR 1985 ONLY, AS
PREVIOUSLY EXTENDED UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 42, SERIES OF
1985 TO DECEMBER 16 FOR THE YEAR 1985 ONLY was read by
the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #61, Series of 1985;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Gideon Kaufman said the publication notice should be changed from
15 days to 7 days notice. Kaufman said the Charter requires 7
days notice; if this is a change to the zoning code, it requires
15 days notice. Kaufman said the applicant feels this is a 7 day
notice requirement. Taddune said he feels more comfortable with
15 days notice, but there is not time to accomplish this.
Taddune said the applicant is requesting this and should assume
the risk of any legal impediment. Kaufman said this ordinance
will also require a special meeting. Council agreed to have a
special meeting November 21, 1985.
Councilman Isaac moved to amend Section 3 to read 7 days instead
of 15 days; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Taddune told Council he prefers to take the conservative approach
and give as much public notice as possible; however, in this case
there is no time. Taddune said there is benefit to the city in
giving the applicant more time to present a more comprehensive
application. Kaufman told Council there is precedence for doing
this by resolution, rather than ordinance. Kaufman said this is
only a 2 weeks extension, and it seems to be in everyone's best
interest.
~1 All in favor, motion carried.
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
Mayor Stirling said the public hearing on this ordinance will be
Thursday, November 21, 1985, at 5:00 p.m. at the community
center.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Isaac, yes; Walls,
no; Mayor Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #53, SERIES OF 1985 - Little Nell SPA Boundary
Mayor Stifling opened the public hearing. Richman pointed out
that Resolution #33 indicates this ordinance will be table until
the precise plan hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved to table Ordinance #53, Series of 1985,
until submission of the precise plan; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
ASPEN MOUNTAIN LODGE PUD AMENDMENT
Alan Richman, planning director, said there are two alternatives
to the solution to the employee housing problem for the Aspen
Mountain Lodge. Alternative A includes the Hunter Creek proper-
ties, which Council has discussed before. Alternative B includes
Hunter Longhouse units as a solution. Richman told Council out
of this process, Council has initiated some code amendments for
employee housing.
The amendment for employee housing deviates by not offering
employee housing at the Airport Business Center. It is not
included in either alternative A or B. Alternative A has Hunter
Creek units substituting for the Airport Business Center as well
as Ute City Place. Alternative B has Hunter Longhouse and Ute
City Place instead of Airport Business Center.
Richman pointed out there have been some problems with the Hunter
Creek proposal. The applicant is committing that all the units
will be offered for sale through the housing authority and will
be available to all employees in the community. The applicant
has committed to renovation and marketing to begin Spring 1986.
The applicants are asking that the units be rented until they are
sold. Richman said these commitments are acceptable to staff.
The present residents of Hunter Creek have asked that the units
not be rented at all. Richman told Council the applicant has
proposed some upgrading. Richman said he feels the deed
restricted units currently there should be a standard to work
from. The applicant has not committed to a program of that
quality. Richman told Council both the current residents and the
purchasers of the unit have a right to certain expectations of
the exteriors and interiors of the units. Richman said the staff
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F'~ Aspen City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
is not prepared to support alternative A based on the upgrade
problems.
Alternative B includes Hunter Longhouse and Ute City Place.
Richman said he feels Ute City Place is very desirable for the
city, will add new quality units into the employee housing
program. Ute City Place is a very desirable location, and will
help to solve some parking for the Alpina Haus as the parking is
in excess of the requirements. Richman said he has just received
comment that the County has some reservations about Hunter
Longhouse and have not discussed this in detail. One concern is
whether this proposal will have an implication on the county's
cash in lieu program.
Jim Adamski, housing director, said Hunter Longhouse project went
into default October 2, 1985, which must be cured by November 29
in order to maintain the units as employee units. Pitkin County
issued the bonds for this project. The county, housing
authority, and the housing company met to see what could be done
regarding the default. Adamski told Council the project
defaulted because of a lack of equity, not because of management
problems. This project was put together by a group of citizens
to get employee housing on the market, and they were under
~-~ collateralized. This was initially appraised at $3,400,000 to
float a $1,600,000 bond. The latest appraisal was $1,640,000.
Adamski said they approached the Aspen Mountain Lodge group for
an injection of equity into the project. Aspen Mountain Lodge
agreed to this in consideration for 69 employee units. Mike
Vernon, Aspen Housing Company, said this project needs $250,000
to lower the amount of financing necessary to make this project
happen. Vernon said the Housing Company will commit any addi-
tional surpluses that may be generated by this financing to
construction of additional housing. Vernon explained Aspen
Mountain Lodge will give $250,000; the Company will commit to
paying this back over a 12 year period, without any return on
their investment. Vernon said if the project goes into default,
these units will be lost as employee units.
Richman said the city will gain 26 sale bedrooms at Ute City
Place, and preserves 28 units at Hunter Longhouse. Alternative B
is a replacement for the Airport Business Center project, which
would have housed 69 employees. Hunter Longhouse houses 56
employees. The other 13 employee units come from the creation of
the capital for the Housing Company. The housing office is
committing that 13 employees will be housed through the creation
of a project by the housing authority prior to completion of
phase II of the hotel. Mayor Stifling said an advantage of
alternative B is that the city gets a mix of rental and sales
F-~ units.
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
Mayor Stirling asked when phase II of the Aspen Mountain Lodge
scheduled. Richman said it is scheduled for 1991 for occupancy.
Mayor Stirling asked what the assurance is that these 13 or so
units will be built. Adamski said the city could hold the
certificate of occupancy back. Vernon told Council Hunter
Longhouse has a long term lease with the county for $1.00 a year.
If this goes to a private developer and he keeps it as a PMH
project, they will have to pay 5% of the fair market valueof the
land to the county. If it goes free market, 10% of the value of
the land will have to be paid to the county, which would be
$40,000 a year. The rents will have to go up to cover this
lease. Vernon said he feels with this infusion of capital, they
have an opportunity to turn this project from moderate income
housing to low income housing, as well as create surpluses to
create an endowment fund for future employee housing.
Adamski told the retention of rental units is important to the
employee market. Adamski told Council Hunter Longhouse has had a
.5% vacancy in the last 5 years. Adamski said he feels this
proposal has a lot of secondary benefits, will retain the rental
project, will build equity for a new project, and will enable
staff to look at rental units for seniors and dormitory style
units. Mayor Stifling asked how the $250,000 would be repaid.
Vernon said over the next two years, there will be a 5% rent
increase and in the third year they will start to retire the
$250,000. Vernon pointed out the Aspen Mountain Lodge is
participating in ownership of Hunter Longhouse, but are leaving
control with the non-profit group. Jim Pavisha, Aspen Mountain
Lodge, told Council the only thing they ask is if Hunter Long-
house is not paying off the $250,000 that they raise the rents to
moderate income.
Mayor Stifling asked if there is a specific project for making up
the 13 units. Harry Truscott said this proposal means that 13
employees have to be taken care of, and the housing authority is
looking at a mixed project of studios and one-bedrooms. This
would cost about $350,000 including grant of land from some
government. To get another project underway would require about
60,000. Truscott said the cash flow plan they put together with
the infusion of $250,000 for the equity of Hunter Longhouse
provides the housing authority with more than $60,000.
Vernon told Council with this $250,000 they will have no problem
paying off the bond holders, curing the default. Vernon said
there is $1,500,000 outstanding; there is $160,000 in reserves
with a net payoff of $1,340,000. The amount of the new bond will
be $1,250,000 with the $250,000 coming in. Mayor Stifling asked
what happens if the Housing Company cannot refinance the project.
Pavisha told Council the Aspen Mountain Lodge would like to buy
9
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
the bonds. Truscott said the housing office has a contract for
refinancing of this project.
Richman said alternative B involves a lot Of positives for
everyone involved. It is highly beneficial to have Ute City
Place built, and this is a desirable way to realizing the Aspen
Mountain Lodge project. Taddune suggested staff present the
amended PUD agreement at the next Council meeting.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to grant an amendment to the Aspen
Mountain PUD employee housing program by the replacement of the
Airport Business Center Apartments commitment with the Hunter
Longhouse subordinated equity capital investment, subject to the
condition in the planning office memorandum November 7, 1985,
with the appropriate language from the city attorney to be
presented at the next regular meeting; seconded by Councilman
Isaac.
Jon Busch said alternative B is only preserving an existing
rental employee housing. This is not providing more housing for
the Aspen Mountain Lodge project. Busch questioned how many
maids, janitors or clerks can afford to buy employee housing
units. Busch said the initial proposal, to buy 3 Hunter Creek
buildings, is the best proposal made. Busch said historically
the town has tried to preserve a mix in the community of working
classes and others. Wells requested the motion be amended to
state " by permitting the replacement of Airport business
Center"
Councilwoman Fallin amended her motion to include the word
permitting; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Mayor Stifling said this is the first employee housing proposal
to includes dormitory housing as an element of it, and Council
has tried to get this alternative available for seasonal
employees. Mayor Stirling pointed out that Ute City Place will
be new employee busing. This whole proposal accomplishes things
Council has been trying to get.
All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Stifling said the final PUD
language will be considered at the next regular meeting.
ORDINANCE-#27, SERIES OF 1985 - Water Rate Reform
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Mayor Stifling told
Council that Councilman Collins has requested this be tabled to a
date certain and to have a work session before final adoption.
Mayor Stifling said he feels Council has discussed this enough to
be able to act on it. Councilman Isaac said he would like to
know the effects of this ordinance on the individual households.
10
As~en City Council-. Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
Councilman Isaac said he has lots of comments about water rates
increasing, and would not like to see them increase again.
Paul Sheldon asked if this ordinance inverts the water rates so
that the major users pay a proportional amount of their use.
Mayor Stifling said this ordinance accomplishes this. Mayor
Stirling said this will make absentee condominium owners pay more
equitably in their contribution to the system. Mayor Stifling
said when this ordinance is in effect, there will not be annual
percentage increases in the water rates.
Cindy Shafer, finance director, told Council the water rate
structure presently is based on historical rates. The new
structure will be based on the cost to operate the system, and
monthly billing will be tied to usage; connection fees will be
designed to cover the costs of capital improvements. Ms. Shafer
said there are 7 different calculations in each individual bill;
demand charge, variable charge, fire services charge, pumping
charge, out of city service charge.
Mayor Stifling closed the public hearing.
Mayor Stifling moved to adopt Ordinance #27, Series of 1985, the
~. shortened version, on second reading; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls.
John Musick, water counsel, told Council the original ordinance
met all Council's policy objectives but contained many
calculations people found confusing. Musick said he took the
calculations and collapsed them into a single rate. The
calculations will be performed by staff and brought to Council to
be adjusted.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, yes; Fallin, yes; Isaac,
no; Mayor Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANeE #57, SERIES OF 1985 - Parking Permits
Mayor Stifling opened the public hearing. There were no
comments. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #57, Series of 1985,
on second reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilman Isaac said he would like to amend the ordinance to
allow ~the fee for temporarily handicapped persons to be waived.
Councilwoman Walls said Council discussed this two weeks ago and
did not vote in favor of it. Rocky Whitford, police department,
told Council it takes their department time to process these and
/'~ to check with the doctor. Mayor Stirling asked if this ordinance
11
Aspen City Councii- Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
should include that all service, deliveries vehicles make their
deliveries prior to 8 a.m. Whirford said his department is
working on a separate ordinance regarding loading areas.
Whitford said this ordinance should minimize the parking permits
in town.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Isaac, no; Fallin, yes; Walls,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
APPBI~ATION MR B~E~ WINE LICENSE - Mama Maria's
Mayor Stifling opened the public hearing. City Clerk Koch
reported the posting publication and file are all in order. Mike
Sura, applicant, told Council this operation will be family
dining rather than a bar-type operation. Serving beer & wine
will be for the convenience of the customers while eating pizza.
Mayor Stifling asked for opponents. There were none. Mayor
Stifling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved that based on the evidence at the public
hearing November 11, 1985, related to the beer & wine application
by Mama Maria's of Aspen, the Council finds that the needs of the
~-~ community have not been met and the license as applied for is
hereby granted; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor,
motion carried.
LIOUOR LICENSE-TRaNSfER - Pinocchio's
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the transfer of Pablo's liquor
license to Pinocchio's of Aspen; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
All in favor, motion carried.
LIQUOR LYCENSE~ERPPNSb~ER - Country Road
City Clerk Koch said this is a stock transfer of Ron Austin's
stock to James Lowe and John Martin Gancos. Councilman Isaac
moved to approve the transfer of Country Road liquor license;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
REPORT-O~PROPeSED~i~MES~ARE CODE AMENDMENTS
Steve Burstein, planning office, presented to Council two code
amendments in the area of marketing and licensing. Burstein told
Council the two projects in town have suggested there be no
restrictions on travel and lodging. The staff has recommended a
limit on reimbursement for travel. Councilwoman Walls said she
only objects to phony gifts not trips to inspect the timeshare
project. Burstein said the concern of staff was they did not
F'- want to encourage a lot of people to come just for the lure of
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Aspen CitT Council- Regular Meeting November 11. 1985
timesharing. Buzz Fedorka pointed out that any realtor has the
ability to reimburse clients for travel, and this is not
regulated by the city. That timeshare projects have a limitation
on this seems to be unreasonable. Fedorka said he feels travel
expenses are critical to be able to invite interested parties to
view the properties.
Mayor Stifling moved to allow fractional estate operators to be
allowed to fly people in and that there be no limit placed on
this; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Councilman Isaac said he would not like to see a limit on the
travel budget so that there would not be an enforcement problem
and the staff will not have to monitor this.
All in favor, motion carried.
The staff has recommended the licensing fee for timeshare
projects be reduced from $5,000 to $2,000. Burstein said the
staff feels this price is reasonable for having timeshare
projects in the community. Mayor Stirling suggested a sliding
scale based on the size of the project and the length of time the
project has been in existence. Boone Swizter said the fee is
paid by the owners and a graduated scale would be appropriate.
Mayor Stifling recommended project smaller than 10 units would
have an annual feel of $1,000; 10 to 15 units $1500; 16 to 20
units $2,00; 21 to 30 units $2500 and over 30 units $3,000; after
the 3rd year of a project, then annual fee would be reduced by
half and then would be even for the rest of the project.
Mayor Stirling moved to recommend sponsoring this Code amendment
and refer it to P & Z with a sliding scale per size and a
reduction in the fee after the 3rd year; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
City Attorney Taddune said currently there is a percentage of
timeshare units that have to be sold before a unit can be closed,
and this is causing problems at the Prospector. Taddune said
this is a condition placed on the application, and anyone
interested in changing this will have to go through the two-step
subdivision process. Fedorka reminded Council at the September 9
Council meeting they discussed the rule that the Prospector has
to sell 8 fractional estates before they may close on a unit.
This is causing a substantial amount of financial difficulty.
This was created to provide consumer protection; however, this
does exactly the opposite. Fedorka said while the Prospector is
required to sell 8 interests, Shadow Mountain is only required to
close 5 out of 15.
13
As-Den Citv- Council- Regu}ar Meeting November 11~ 1985
Mayor Stifling said one of the reasons for this condition was
that Council did not want to have a mixed project. Mayor
Stirling said he would be willing to entertain a change in the
number of units that have to be sold.
Mayor Stifling moved to direct the staff to initiate this change
and get back to Council as soon as possible; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
SUBDIVISI{)N~XCEPTION - Saurel
Mayor Stifling left the meeting due to a conflict of interest.
Steve Burstein, planning office, said this is a request to
condominiumize a duplex located on the corner of Monarch and
Bleeker. Burstein told Council when the building inspector did
an inspection, he found 3 dwelling units as defined in the Code,
there are some electrical corrections to be made, and some
encroachments to be addressed. Burstein told Council the
applicant has requested this duplex be exempted from the 6 month
rental restriction based on the history of the use. Burstein
told Council since the building was built, it has been rented
short term. It is felt that it is not reasonable in the change
of form of ownership to make the rental restrictions a condition
of approval. Burstein said staff feels this is a unique
situation, and Council can exempt this from the 6 month rental
restriction.
Bob Hughes, representing the applicant, told Council none of the
conditions are unacceptable, and they are in the process of
working them out. Hughes said they will take care of the third
unit. Hughes said they plan on straightening the fence out
rather than asking for an encroachment. City Attorney Taddune
said staff feels that the requirements of going through the full
subdivision process would be redundant and would serve no public
purpose, and is unnecessary to the land use policies of the city.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve a subdivision exception for
the purpose of condominiumization of the Saurel duplex subject to
the conditions 1 through 6 of the planning office memorandum of
November 5, 1985, including the language as outlined by the city
attorney; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion
carried.
EU~flLM~N ~OTLIN~ADaUSTMENT
Steve Burstein, planning office, this is a request to move the
lot line 3 feet from the existing house. Councilman Isaac asked
if this would resolve the litigation. Jon Seigle said it would;
this has been in litigation for 5 years. Burstein said staff
Aspen City Council Reguiar Meeting November 11. 1985
would rather see the lot line moved 6-1/2 feet so that it will
not create a non-conforming structure. Seigle told Council the
Kuehlman's encroach on Wester's land, and this is the only
solution they have come up with. Wester will not agree to the
additional 3-1/2 feet.
Councilwoman Walls moved approval of the lot line adjustment
subject to conditions 2 through 6 in the planning office
memorandum November 4, 1985; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
All in favor, motion carried.
REO[}EST -TO ~-EA~-E -C-t~i~Y STABLES
City Clerk Koch told Council 2-1/2 stalls at the stables are
presently being leased to Terry Harp; this is a request to lease
2 additional stalls by Morrison. There are a total of 6 stalls
at the city stables. City Attorney Taddune told Council this
lease should be rewritten by his office. Morrison told Council
he has a surrey he would like to do tours of town with, as well
as a horse drawn ski shuttle.
Mayor Stifling moved to instruct the city attorney to negotiate
and drawn up a lease with Mr. Morrison and return to the next
Council meeting; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stifling said the lease payments seem quite low. Cindy
Shafer, finance director, told Council the city pays the water
bills on this property and they are close to what the city
receives in rent.
All in favor, motion carried.
RE{~OLHTI(}N #29,3985 - Commercial GMP Carry Over
Steve Burstein, planning office, prepared two versions of this
resolution. One carries over quota in the SCI and
Commercial/lodge category. Two weeks ago, two Councilmembers
felt that nothing should be carried over. Staff is willing to
support not carrying any quota over. Councilwoman Walls noted
Council has voted in the past to not carry any quotas over.
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Resolution #29, Series of 1985,
carrying over quota in the NC/SCI zone; motion DIES for lack of
a second.
Mayor Stifling moved to adopt Resolution #29, Series of 1985,
carrying no commercial space forward; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls.
15
Aspen-City Council- Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
Councilman Isaac said he feels NC/SCI zones uses should be
encouraged within the city. Mayor Stifling pointed out that
7,000 square feet is available annually.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion
carried.
FINANC}AL- PERFORMANCEsREPORT
Cindy Shafer, finance department, said this report is based on 9
months of financial information. The city is in a stronger
position than anticipated. The general fund revenues will be
slightly higher and the expenses slightly lower. There is a
small increase in sales tax and an increase in interest income.
There are savings in engineering, police, streets and parks close
to $100,000.
Ms. Shafer told Council in the land fund sales tax revenues
should be greater than budget by $120,000 to $170,000. There
will be an increase in the real estate transfer tax fund. The
theatre leases will be greater than projected, but income from
the concession stand is less than anticipated. The water fund
looks good because income is over what was projected in the 1985
budget. The electric fund revenues are up and the expenditures
are less. The golf course fund is within budget. The Ice Garden
fund will require a subsidy from the general fund, based on their
operations. The ice garden was subsidized by the general fund in
1984. Ms. Shafer told Council the projections are reliable and
should be conservative. Council thanked the finance staff for
the report.
ORDINANCE #60,-~BR-I~S-OF-1985 - Appropriations
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #60, Series of 1985;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 60
(Series of 1985)
AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING GENERAL FUND REVENUES OF
$62,100, APPROPRIATING GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE OF
$107,700; TRANSFERRING $2,500 FROM THE LAND FUND TO THE
GENERAL FUND; TRANSFERRING $3,500 FROM THE MALL FUND TO
THE GENERAL FUND was read by the city clerk
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #60, Series of 1985,
on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Roll call
vote; Councilmembers Isaac, yes; Fallin, yes; Walls, yes; Mayor
Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
16
AsDe~CitTeouncit Regular Meeting November 11. 1985
WEED -DISTRICT FUNDI~NG
Jim Duke, Weed District Coordinator, told Council the
Commissioners have voted to fund the proposed weed control
district through the county's general fund. There will be no
mill levy, which should eliminate the taxation without
representation problem. The voting process has not changed; a
person still needs to own 5 acres to vote. Duke told Council he
has spoken with the city's parks department, who is interested in
having a weed control district take over any herbicide programs
currently handled by the parks department.
Mayor Stifling asked what other advantages there would be to the
city to join the weed district. Duke said the power of
enforcement. Duke said the costs to the city would be the same
whether they join the district or not. The other advantage would
be the leverage of the law so that if there were problems areas,
the city could make them do something about the weed problems.
City Manager Schilling told Council the staff has not analyzed
this proposal. Duke said the requested money is to set up the
district, have an administrator who would do the weed
applications, and sell chemicals at reduced prices.
~-~.
Mayor Stifling moved to direct this to the city manager's office
for comment and report back November 25, 1985; seconded by
Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
SNOW DUMP PROGRESS- REPORT
City Manager Schilling told Council the Sanitation Board raised a
number of issues and concerns going back to when the city was
dumping snow on their land. The most critical were objections
and complaints received from EPA concerning polluting the Roaring
Fork River. There were also complaints from surrounding
neighbors about noise and the trash problems. Schilling said the
Sanitation District has removed the treatment structures and has
built employee housing. The Sanitation Board will not consider
d
snow umping there with the employee housing.
Schilling said the city could consider analyzing the costs of
moving the housing. Schilling said on the same Sanitation Board
meeting, an architect was discussing building a maintenance
facility on this property. The Sanitation District is not
interested in getting involved in snow dumping on their property.
They feel there are too many disadvantages. Schilling said this
will have to go back to the planning stages. One alternative is
the Marolt property, which would necessitate having the staff
fighting the tourist traffic, as well as more equipment and more
~ manpower.
17
~ AsPen City eoune~l ..... Regular Meeting November tl. 1985
Councilwoman Walls asked if the present snow dump will be moved
back from the river. Schilling said it cannot be moved any
further back. Councilwoman Walls asked if the city is getting
anywhere with the state highway department about their gravel
use. Schilling said they are very enthusiastic about having the
city doing the work on Main street within the city limits. Under
contract, the state will pay the city $16,500 per year for this
work. Schilling said the state is not using washed gravel and
does not plan to, and this causes dust and pollution problems
within the city. Mayor Stifling said Council is interested in
having an alternative snow dump. Schilling said staff will come
back with updated costs for hauling from the commercial core.
Remo Lavagnino said he is concerned that the location of the
impound lot has been put off. Lavagnino said cars were stored
there, and then an illegal fence was installed. Lavagnino said
he could find no evidence of permits for this fence; also, it is
above the legal height limit. Lavagnino said this land was
purchased with sixth and seventh penny taxes, and the use of the
impound lot is not permitted. Lavagnino said he would like to
see the impound lot problem resolved. Schilling said staff has
arranged to remove the long term junkets automatically to the
dump. Schilling said they plan on berming and landscaping the
area around the impound lot. Schilling said a parking lot is not
very attractive. Mayor Stifling said both these problems are
important, citizens are concerned, and staff should keep pursuing
solutions.
TROLLEY ~TORAGE
City Manager Schilling reminded Council in August they directed
staff to make a proposal to RFTA about storing the trolleys. The
RFTA Board voted unanimously not to allow the trolleys to be
stored in their barn or outside. Schilling looked at the water
plant site, and there is no place to accommodate the trolleys
there. It would also be very difficult to move the trolleys to
the water plant. Schilling said if the city is continuing to
explore the feasibilities of using trolleys, the city should
purchase tarps and wrap them in place.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager's office to wrap
trolleys immediately and leave them at their present site this
winter, and to readdress this issue as more information on
transportation issues comes forward, and to notice these are city
property and no trespassing, and to direct city staff to check on
them throughout the winter; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion
carried.
18
~ AsDen CitV eou~c-ie - Regular Meeting November 11, 1985
ORDINANeE 4]66, SERIES-OF 1985 - Open Meeting Law
Councilwoman Walls moved to read Ordinance #56, Series of 1985;
seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #56
(Series of 1985)
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 2-3 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF ASPEN TO BE KN~qN AS "THE ASPEN OPEN
MEETING LAW" PROVIDING THAT ALL PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE
CITY OF ASPEN WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC AND SETTING
FOR THE PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION OF THE ASPEN OPEN
MEETING LAW was read by the city clerk
Councilwoman Fallin moved at adopt Ordinance #56, Series of 1985,
on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Mayor Stifling urged Council to eliminate the reference that it
is understood that the media is an observer capacity and that no
electronic recording of the session shall be permitted and that
nothing shall be discussed. Mayor Stifling said he did not feel
the press should be treated differently from any other citizen.
Bil Dunaway said he does not feel the press can morally go to a
meeting and not report on it. Dunaway said the press would not
be fulfilling its function if it went as only an observer. Mayor
Stifling said it is incumbent upon Council to be prudent on how
they go into executive sessions; however, there are some times
when an executive session is necessary.
Mayor Stifling moved to amend Ordinance #56, Series of 1985.
deleting the last three sentences of (b) and all of (c); seconded
by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried. Roll call
vote; Councilmembers Walls, yes; Fallin, yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor
Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
RESOL~J~ION #25 ~ -SERIESI OF 1985
Councilwoman Fallin said in the meeting section, she would rather
the meetings begin at 4 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. rather than 5 p.m.
to 9 p.m. Mayor Stirling said having the meeting start at 5 p.m.
accommodates working people better. All Council in favor of 5
p.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of Councilwoman Fallin. Mayor
Stifling said if Council does have a special meeting in shorter
than 24 hours notice, the public should be advised. Mayor
Stifling requested "presessions" be changed to work sessions.
Mayor Stirling suggested a change that all meetings of the City
Council should be in the jurisdiction of the city limits, except
/'~ of meetings of community-wide interests. Council was not
19
AsPen Ci{v-Coun~it ......... Regular Meeting November ll, 1985
interested in this amendment. Mayor Stirling suggested a changed
in Section III that "the city manager shall meet with the Mayor
or his designee on the Tuesday before each meeting to determine
final agenda, item location in the agenda, and time allocation"
and replace that no item shall be submitted to the Council,
except through the City Manager. Mayor Stifling said it is
important for the Mayor to be involved in setting the agenda.
All Council in favor of this change.
Mayor Stifling said in the Order of Business section, he would
rather see the Mayor's and Councilmembers' comments be at the
beginning of the meeting rather than at the end. There are more
members of the public present at the beginning, and they can be
informed by Councilmember comments. Schilling pointed out
citizens come to Council meetings because they have items on the
agenda, and if Council takes 20 to 30 minutes on their comments,
it puts the citizens off. Also Councilmember Comments was the
time Council added items to the agenda. If these rules are
adopted, items will not be added to the agenda. Council decided
to leave comments at number 9.
Council made no changes in Sections IX and X. In Section XI,
Addressing the Council, Marry Flug asked if there is anything
that indicates how much of an open invitation there is from
Council for citizens to lobby Council outside Council Chambers.
Bil Dunaway said Council has to be careful that Council business
is not done outside meetings, away from Council Chambers. Mayor
Stifling suggested clarifying ~x parte contacts in these rules.
Mayor Stifling recommended in Section XIV, Voting, the motion to
reconsider should be no later than the next duly constituted
meeting, rather than at the same meeting. Mayor Stifling said
there needs to be time for reflection, and the citizens would be
at a disadvantage if there were no time to reconsider. Council
agreed with this change.
Mayor Stifling said Section XV, procedures for debate during
public hearing may be too constrained by only giving 15 minutes
to each side to debate an issue. Mayor Stifling suggested the
Mayor set a certain time limit for each debater. City Attorney
Taddune said for complicated matters, Council may vote to suspend
the rules. Taddune said these rules are a framework for Council
for keeping discussions concise. Council suggested adding "maybe
limited" in numbers 3 and 4. Mayor Stifling said number 6, which
allows Council only to speak once and only for 3 minutes is too
confining. Councilwoman Walls agreed this section does not allow
for Council discussion. Council requested the staff add Section
22 regarding ex~p~rte contacts.
Councilman Isaac moved to table these rules and regulations until
20
Aspen-City- Counci} Regular Meeting November 11. 1985
November 25 for staff to redraft; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
APPeINTFaNT-eP-~I~AN~ DIRECTOR
Councilman Isaac moved to appoint Cindy Shafer Finance Director;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
BO~9~Ce~tS~NS ~ROV~
Mayor Stifling moved to appoint Jon Busch and Betty Farson to the
Co~ercial Core and Lodging CoEissions; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. ~1 in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stifling moved to reappoint Nick Pasquarella to the
Historic Preservation Commission; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stifling moved to reappoint David White and Welton Anderson
to the Planning and Zoning Commission; seconded by Councilman
Isaac. ~1 in favor, motion carried.
FOR~TIeN~-IeE~I~M~COMMITT~
George Pucak, Ice Garden, reminded Council they directed the
formation of an ice rink study committee during budget hearing.
The city a~uired the ice rink in 1980. Since that time the city
has subsidized the yearly o~rating budgets and has invested in
excess of $100,000 in capital improvements. Pucak said during
this year's budget hearings, the staff brought up another
$132,000 improvements facing the facility and perhaps even
greater expenses. Council r~uested a study committee be formed
to evaluate the facility and comunity future needs.
The committee would look at the present facility o~ration and
r~uirements, future needs of the comunity, options available
for on-site renovation of the ice rink, consider alternative
sites and designs for the ice rink, recommend financing
alternatives for improvements or replacement. The staff is
r~uesting $500 for this co~ittee to cover report preparation,
copies, possible travel.
Councilman Isaac moved to direct the City Manager to proceed with
the establishment of the Ice Garden study group subject to the
guidelines set forth in the staff report dated November 7, 1985;
committee members to be Jim Chaffin, Martin Flug, John McBride,
Dick Fallin, Rheta Fulton, Wendy Kneckey, Marty Kahn, David
Baxter, Chuck Torinus, Sue Michael; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls.
21
Aspen-Ci.ty--Counc~il- .... Regular Meeting November ll. 1985
Mayor Stifling suggested an end date for this report of the end
of March. Pucak said he felt the report could be completed by
the end of March.
All in favor, motion carried.
0RBINANC~P %6eF~E.$- OF-1985 - Flood Control
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #62, Series of 1985;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, with the exception
of Councilwoman Fallin. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 62
(Series of 1985)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER
7 AND CHAPTER 24 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO, TO MEET MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM BY:
*AMENDING SECTION 7-141-(C) TO SET FORTH REQUIREMENTS
FOR APPLICATIONS OF BUILDING PERMITS IN FLOOD HAZARD
AREAS;
*AMENDING SECTION 20-17 TO SET FORTH STANDARDS FOR
APPLICATIONS FOR SUBDIVISION IN SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS;
*AMENDING SECTION 24-6.3 TO ARTICULATE STREAM MARGIN REVIEW
CRITERIA TO RESTRICT DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION WITHIN
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS; AND
*AMENDING SECTION 24-13.2(B) TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE
NO RECONSTRUCTION OR REPLACEMENT OF A NON-CONFORMING
STRUCTURE WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED UNLESS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH CURRENT FLOOD HAZARD REGULATIONS was read by
the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #62, Series of 1985, on
first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
City Attorney Taddune told Council the Federal Emergency
Management Agency has demanded that the city enact flood control
legislation to their satisfaction before December 4. This will
be submitted to P & Z. Chuck Roth, engineering department, told
Council this is not adding new material but making the current
Code more clear.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Isaac, yes; Walls, yes; Fallin,
yes; Stifling, yes. Motion carried.
LIOU{)R~ LICENSE~ ~q]8~
Councilwoman Walls moved to approve the liquor license renewals
22
As~en C-itv-Council~ ...... Regular Meeting November 11. 1985
for Maurice's; Guido's; Elk's Club; Marika's; seconded by
Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stifling moved to continue to November 21, 1985, at 5:30
p.m. to have an executive session regarding personnel; seconded
by Councilman Isaac. Council left Chambers at 9:45 p.m.
K~h, City Clerk
TABLE OF CONTENTS
November 11, 1985
~oinL Meeting With Fi~Di~LLi~L Board. . 1
RESOLUTION #33. SERIES OF 1985 - Little Nell SPA 4
ORDINANCE #61, SERIES OF 1985 Lodge GMP Submission Dates 6
ORDINANCE #53, SERIES OF 1985 - Little Nell SPA Boundary 7
ASPEN MOUNTAIN LODGE PUD AMENDMENT o 7
ORDINANCE #27, SERIES OF 1985 - Water Rate Reform 10
ORDINANCE #57, SERIES OF 1985 - Parking Permits 11
APPLICATION FOR BEER & WINE LICENSE - Mama Maria's 12
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Pinocchio's . 12
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Country Road . 12
REPORT ON PROPOSED TIMESHARE CODE AMENDMENTS 12
SUBDIVISION EXCEPTION - Saurel . 14
KUEHLMAN LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT o 14
REQUEST TO LEASE CITY STABLES . 15
RESOLUTION #29, 1985 - Commercial GMP Carry Over 15
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT . . 16
ORDINANCE #60, SERIES OF 1985 - Appropriations . 16
WEED DISTRICT FUNDING . . 17
SNOW DUMP PROGRESS REPORT 17
TROLLEY STORAGE . . 18
ORDINANCE $5&,'SERIES OF 1~8~ - Open'MeetiA< Law . 19
RESOLUTION #25, SERIES OF 1985 . . 19
APPOINTMENT OF FINANCE DIRECTOR 21
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPROVAL 21
FORMATION OF ICE RINK STUDY COMMITTEE 21
,
24