HomeMy WebLinkAboutLift1A Study_Memo_1.16.18Lift 1A Study_Phase 2
January 16, 2018
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Skadron and Aspen City Council
FROM: Jennifer Phelan, Deputy Planning Director
THROUGH: Jessica Garrow, Community Development Director
RE: Lift 1A study
MEETING DATE: January 16, 2018
The purpose of this work session is to have City Council review the
proposed scope and costs associated with undertaking a second phase
of the Lift 1A study and to verify that staff may move forward with the
study and expenditure of funds.
BACKGROUND & SUMMARY: Since the October work session
staff has worked with the consultant (Chris Cushing, SE Group) and
stakeholders representing Gorsuch Haus, Lift One Lodge, and Aspen
Skiing Company to develop a scope based on the direction provided
by the City Council at the work session.
The proposed scope (Exhibit A) will provide additional analysis,
building upon the initial feasibility study, of three scenarios identified
by City Council at the 10/30 work session including:
• 1) Scenario 1 (a lift extension south of Gilbert Street),
• 2) Scenario 7 (a lift extension south of Dean Street), and
• 3) Scenario 7A (Scenario 7 with the addition of a mid-station).
Scope
The three scenarios will be analyzed both for physical planning requirements (for example, ensuring a ski
run meets minimum dimensional requirements for safety) as well as qualitative parameters stake holders
have provided (for example, the ideal width of a ski run for skier experience). The qualitative comments
have been provided as Exhibits B, C, and D.
Due to concerns expressed by some stakeholders on the feasibility of a mid-station, the stakeholders are
suggesting conducting a general vs. detailed study of the mid-station. All stakeholders agreed to this
approach and are suggesting this change in the scope for Council to consider. No other scenarios are
proposed to be evaluated.
The detailed options will look at the best lift technology dependent on the proposed location and the
specific design aspects needed to locate any infrastructure, will look at grading and retaining requirements
in more detail, provide for more detailed pedestrian and skier circulation, identify skier operation needs
Lift 1A
Lift 1A Study_Phase 2
January 16, 2018
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and placement of those services, incorporate qualitative concerns and provide 3-d renderings. A more
general review will not include 3-d renderings, the qualitative issues and provide for a less detailed
physical planning analysis.
As part of the study staff will be conducting outreach with various neighbors and analyze any land use
implications with regard to the historic resources, Lift One Lodge entitlements, and the resultant
development scenarios that may be necessary due to the results of the study.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed cost of the study is $42,500.00 and is expected to be completed
within eight weeks of signing of the contract. The stakeholders have committed to provide $10,000.00
each (or $30,000.00 total), with the city providing the balance. Similar to the last study, an open house
and work session with the consultant will be part of the roll-out of the completed study. If Council
approves the scope, staff will request $16,000.00 from City Council as part of the spring supplemental to
cover the balance of the cost of the study and to provide funding for public outreach costs associated with
project.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:
Stakeholders are anxious to move forward, and staff is looking for approval from Council to move forward
with the contract, recognizing that a supplemental will need to be requested in the spring. A representative
for each stakeholder is anticipated to be at the work session to answer any questions about their qualitative
considerations with regard to the proposed study.
QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL:
1. Does Council support the scope with the suggested general review of the mid-station option
as proposed by the stakeholders? A more detailed review would be undertaken for Scenarios
1 and 7.
2. Does Council support staff pursuing a signed contact and expenditure of funds, recognizing
that staff will be returning at a later date to formally request the allocation?
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A – Draft scope
Exhibit B – SkiCo qualitative parameters
Exhibit C – Gorsuch Haus qualitative parameters
Exhibit D – Lift One Lodge, qualitative memo