HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19860414Regular Meeting Aspen City Council
April 14, 1986
Employee Bonus Awards 1
Proclamation 1
SPA AGREEMENT LITTLE NELL 3
CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT REVIEW 7
UTILITIES UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT 8
COMMERCIAL CORE AND MAIN STREET LIGHTING PROJECT 10
ADDITIONAL BALLOT ISSUES/VOLK UPDATE 10
ORDINANCE #13, SERIES OF '986 - Purchase Shadow Mountain Lot 13
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Aspen Mine Company 14
PITKIN GREEN ANNEXATION 14
BIODOME PROPOSAL 16
TRANSFER CITY ASSET TO NORDIC COUNCIL 16
RESOLUTION #10, SERIES OF 1986 - Castleridge Settlement 16
MAROON CREEK HYDROPOWER PROJECT 16
PROPOSED BAVARIAN VISIT CONCERT AT THE WHEELER 17
YEAR ROUND PROMOTIONAL FILM ON ASPEN 17
ORDINANCE #11, SERIES OF 1986 - Organizational Structure 17
RESOLUTION #8, SERIES OF 1986 - Fees for Banners over Main
Street 17
APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE 18
CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCEDURES 18
ROARING FORK RAILROAD SPA APPLICATION 18
FIRE FIGHTERS GOLF PASS 20
1986 GROWTH, HOUSING AND POPULATION REPORT 20
CITY MANAGER SEARCH 21
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Ap=>> 14. 1986
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 with
Councilmembers Fallin, Walls and Isaac present.
Employee Bonus Awards
City Manager Schilling said during budget, Council recognized
there are a variety of ways of encouraging excellence in the
organization. One of these is to draw attention to special
performance of employees and Council created a bonus award
program. This program has been funded for 1986 and employees are
submitted for selection process. Three employees have been
submitted to Council. Larry Thoreson, finance department, has
been selected for his work on the sales tax collection. Thoreson
found what he felt was errors in the state sales tax collection
report. Schilling told Council through Thoreson's initiative and
diligence the state recognized the errors and the benefits to
Aspen are 520,000 to 530,000 per year. Mayor Stirling presented
Thoreson a check for 5475 and a certificate of recognition as an
outstanding employee.
Schilling told Council the second employee to be recognized is
Tom Baker, planning office, who has made v ery significant
contributions to the community in a very short amount of time.
Baker has given substantial effort to the long range planning
effort. Baker has completed an open space and trails plan, has
made significant impacts on the transportation program. Baker
has established a connection with the Snowmass planning office.
Schilling said Baker represents a high level of excellence as an
employee. Mayor Stirling presented Tom Baker a bonus award of
5400 and an outstanding employee certificate.
Schilling said the third employee to be recognized is Darin
Brasch, parks department, who, in everything he does exudes
excellence and a commitment to his work. Schilling said Brasch
has an extraordinary amount of pride in his work and in his
employees' work. Schilling said Brasch is an outstanding
representative of Aspen's public service. Schilling said the
city has received numerous compliments on Brasch's work. Mayor
Stirling presented Brasch a check f or 5375 and an outstandin g
employee certificate .
Proclamation
Mayor Stirling read a proclamation supporting child abuse
prevention work and proclaiming April 14 - 19 as child protection
awareness week. Kate, Pitkin County Social Services, told
Council they have a series of events planned for this week and
said they appreciate Council's proclamation.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Apri 14. 1986
CI~I Z EI~fi COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling said Council has received a letter from the
property owners on Francis street between 8th and Castle Creek
requesting an improvement district to pave the present dirt
street. City Manager Schilling recommended referring this to the
engineering department.
Councilwoman Walls moved to refer this request to the engineering
debarment; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion
carried.
2. Mayor Stirling said Council received a letter from Tom
Oliver requesting to be designated by Council as a Club 20
representative. Eve Homeyer has been serving on this Board for a
number of years, and would like to be relieved of that
responsibility.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to appoint Tom Oliver as representative
to Club 20, and to request Council sent a letter to Eve Homeyer
thanking her for representing the city; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
3. Councilwoman Walls said Council received a request from the
county that the city contribute half the cost of a retirement
party for Patsy Newbury, who has worked for the city/county
building department for 25 years.
Councilwoman Walls moved to appropriate $350 to pay half the cost
of the retirement party, and that Council send a letter to
Patsy; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion
carried.
4. Gideon Kaufman said in the past Council has directed the
police department to stop ticketing for timed parking during the
off season. City Manager Schilling said last year, the efforts
of the traffic control officers were focused on other high
priority work rather than timed parking tickets. Schilling said
the traffic control officers did write tickets for illegal
parking. Councilwoman Fallin said Council got a letter from CCLC
who do not want the police department to neglect timed parking
because of the retail shops that stay open. Schilling told
Council last spring the traffic control officers worked on
sidewalk assessment districts, did an audit of the traffic signs.
Schilling said the staff is caught between locals during off
season and merchants to whom a parking space has a significant
dollar value. John Walla, merchant in the core area, suggested
enforcing the half hour parking in the core area, and being
benevolent in the periphery or hour area. Councilman Isaac said
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council. AAril 14, 1986
he would like to know what alternatives there would be for the
traffic control officers. Bob Starodoj suggested the possibility
of benevolence of not giving two tickets a day during the off
season.
SPA AGREEMENT LITTLE NELL
Mayor Stirling said this agreement reflects the conditions
imposed by P & Z and Council and the adjustments made between
conceptual and precise plans. Mayor Stirling said the applicants
have mitigated against projected problems and have provided
benefits for the best interests of the community. Alan Richman,
planning director, told Council staff has been working on the
final agreement; there are some language clarifications as well
as some additions to the agreement. Richman said the purpose of
the SPA agreement is to provide written guarantee of all the
improvements to the site and to provide financial guarantees that
these improvements will be adequately installed. The agreement
incorporates all the representations made by the applicant to
insure that the project presented to Council is the project that
gets built .
Richman told Council the SPA agreement also sets the development
regulations including use, area and bulk requirements f or the
site, which are set out in Section I. Richman said there is a
variation for open space, which variation is the way open space
has been calculated to allow open space to be counted which is
above 4 feet above grade. Mayor Stirling asked if there will be
public bathroom facilities at Little Nell. Peter Forsch, Skiing
Company, said there will be public facilities. Richman pointed
out there is one use variation and 3 area and bulk variations for
trash access, FAR, and open space calculations.
Section III contains the construction schedule. There will be
some demolition on site. Richman said he had hoped the
maintenance facility would be demolished this year; however,
shipping and receiving will have to occur in this facility until
the hotel is built. Richman said this section provides the city
engineer and building official to work with the construction
contractor to coordinate the construction schedule and to insure
the proper staging occurs. Councilman Isaac said he is concerned
that Spring street be available for access during construction.
Forsch said they hope to keep it open 95 percent of the time.
This will be finished and repaved by Memorial day. Forsch said
they have discussed this with surrounding property owners, who
are aware of the impacts. Mayor Stirling asked about the impacts
on Spring street during the major demolition in phase 2. Forsch
said they have not gotten into a detailed construction schedule
for phase 2.
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Regular Meeting AspenCity Council April 14t 1986
Richman said the landscaping plan for phase 1 is incorporated in
this agreement. This plan indicates the temporary improvements
for Dean street, Hunter street, the west wing under construction,
and the gondola terminal building built. Mayor Stirling asked
how much paving and planting will be involved. Bill Kane said
sheet 4 exhibit 2 shows everything that will be installed. The
existing planting on the west side of Hunter street will be
preserved and the balance will be paved with asphalt. Richman
told Council the final landscape plan has not been agreed upon
and the Council will be reviewing this plan prior to construction
of the hotel phase of the project.
Richman said Section V is to assure the improvements will be
installed by having money available to make sure they are of
adequate quality. This covers the utility, mall and landscaping
improvements. Richman said the Code states the city may require
125$ of the landscaping costs to provide for maintenance during
the first few years. Richman said staff feels phase 1 should be
covered at 100 percent. For phase 2, the applicant has provided
language that the amount could be updated. Councilman Isaac
asked if the landscape figures are adequate. Jay Hammond, city
engineer, told Council he will review the figures in detail.
Forsc h told Council these are actual bid numbers that the
applicant has signed a contract for.
Richman said Section VI covers employee housing which was set by
Council as part of the precise plan approval. The applicant will
deed restrict two rooms at the Holiday House associated with the
gondola and 15 rooms at the Holiday House associated with the
hotel. This section provides a mechanism for the city to receive
these deed restrictions. Mayor Stirling asked when the upgrading
of the Holiday House would occur. Forsch said the applicant
plans to do most of the work this summer. Richman said this
agreement should include the timing of the employee units.
Richman said Section VII covers parking, 46 spaces are required
as part of the master plan and 118 parking spaces will be
provided on-site. Councilman Isaac said he f eels 46 spaces are
vastly inadequately for the gondola and present operation. Mayor
Stirling said he is glad to see the inclusion of the statement
that the applicant indicates a willingness to consider providing
additional parking spaces is a structure is built proximate to
the ski lifts. Forsch said the applicant will contribute to
those 46 spaces in a city parking garage or build them
independently. Councilwoman Fallin asked about the 30 parking
spaces at lift lA previously discussed. Richman said these are
not included in the agreement because the commitment required in
the county's resolution has been followed through by the
applicant . The commitment to maintain these spaces or replace
them underground is attached to the land. Richman said there
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Reaular Meetina - Aspen Citv Council April- 14, 1986
will be a letter between the city and the applicant recognizing
this condition has been met.
Richman told Council Section VIII deals with site improvements
the applicant has committed to. These are areas that
improvements are occurring to public facilities. Richman said
these deal with water, sewer, fire protection and have been
checked out with the appropriate agencies. Richman said there
will be some minor language changes.
Mayor Stirling urged the applicant to readdress its existing ski
passport and suggested it be made more affordable. Mayor
Stirling pointed out there will be improved circulation on both
Aspen and Snowmass ski areas. Mayor Stirling said the applicant
has an opportunity to create good will locally, and the applicant
should be sensitive to that. An unaffordable pass does have an
adverse impact on the local employees. Mayor Stirling pointed
out the Ski Company does do some significant things, like the
Aspen Foundation, the Winternational event and public service
passes. Mayor Stirling said there is a chance for the ski
passport to be affordable. Mayor Stirling said the objection to
a season pass because of access to the mountain is no longer
true. Mayor Stirling suggested the pass be available to every
employee, not just those belonging to a certain organization.
Jerry Blann, Skiing Company, said he feels the applicant has made
strides in going with the ski passport. The applicant intends to
move slowly with this. The mountains do have a finite capacity
and the applicant wants to maintain the quality ski a xperience
for the guests. Blann said the applicant cannot give a
commitment that the price of skiing will go down. Blann said
costs are increasing in the community, and one reason is the
city's code process. B1 ann said these costs of the process are
very significant. Blann said the Skiing Company will continue to
try to make recreational activities available at a more
affordable price when and if the capacity is available. Blann
told Council the Skiing Company will discuss variations of the
passport. Mayor Stirling asked about the rebate to employees who
do not have access to the rebate because the businesses do not
belong to the ARA. Blann said the applicant feels very strongly
that this resort needs a concerted resort effort in marketing and
central reservations and the applicant wants to support the ARA
in any way possible.
Richman said Section IX covers commitments made by the owner
throughout this process. Richman suggested the applicant add the
commitment to an auto taxi dropoff at lift lA and commitments to
have vans, valet parking and employee shuttles. Richman said
these will be added to this agreement. Richman told Council the
one area of disagreement is paragraph 6 regarding improvement
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Regular Meetnq__ - Aspen Citv Counc~ April 14 ._ 1986
district. Mayor Stirling said the applicant has committed to
participate in the lodge improvement district. City Attorney
Taddune told Council this language is in all subdivision
applications. Forsch said this section was not discussed in any
part of the approval process. The applicant has committed to
participate in the lodge improvement district, which is sorely
needed. The applicant is objecting to their inability to hav e
any say so in the extent of the improvement district. This
section eliminates any ability to react within the process. This
paragraph forces the applicant to joint on demand of the city any
special improvement district or to reimburse the city on demand.
Forsch said the improvement list includes, without limitation,
signage, drainage, underground utilities, paved streets and
alleys, planting, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street lights,
traffic circulation, trails, and recreation facilities and
parking. Forsch said it is onerous to expect the applicant to
give the city the right to do any improvements and then have the
applicant pay for them. City Attorney Taddune suggested giving
the applicant the ability to protest the assessment and to delete
language regarding reimbursement. Forsch said the applicant is
willing to make a commitment and to participate to the degree
other property owners would. Taddune said this language could be
refined. Richman said Council could approve this agreement
subject to f final ization of the language by the staff . Councilman
Isaac said he would like to see the final document.
Mayor Stirling suggested voting on the concept of the agreement
and if Council approves the language f or this section, then it
need not return to Council. Councilman Isaac agreed with that
approach. Taddune said the applicant wants to be able to object
if they feel the city's assessment is unreasonable. Mayor
Stirling said he is interested in looking at different language
for this section, and have staff circulate it to Council and deal
with the SPA agreement tonight. Councilman Isaac said he would
like the agreement to include a statement by the applicant that
the drop off area will be staffed. Forsch said he f eel s thi s
area should only be staffed in the winter. Mayor Stirling agreed
it should be during ski operations. Richman pointed out any
action Council takes should be subject to the final adoption of
Ordinance X53, Series of 1985. Richman told Council the rest of
the agreement is standard language.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve the SPA agreement for the Little
Nell base development including a growth management allocation
for 92 lodge units, change of use approval for employee housing
at the Holiday House, and the specially planned area conceptual
plan approval and precise plan approval, subject to final
approval of all language, particularly in paragraph 6, page 24,
Section IX (a) , and that this be final approval to be signed by
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14. 1986
the Mayor once the language is acceptable to staff, and the above
paragraph be circulated to Council; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Hans Gramiger maintained there is too much going on on this site.
Gramiger said discussing the trade off between a gondola and a
hotel is wrong. The gondola is a corporate decision to upgrade
Aspen mountain and has nothing to do with the hotel. Gramiger
said the applicant has to earn points by doing somethin g extra
for the public benefit. Gramiger said the gondola building will
be an offense. Gramiger said the top of the mountain will hav e
an additional 14,000 square feet of building to house the gondola
cars. Gramiger proposed the Little Nell gondola 1 ift be
undergrounded and the parking for the gondola cars be under
ground. Gramiger illustrated that the gondola building will
obstruct the only remaining open space on Hunter street.
Gramiger proposed to lower the building 17 feet with the loading
platform at the same level as Durant and Dean streets and the
gondola cars would come out through a tunnel. Gramiger said with
his plan, everything would be underground.
Forsch said an underground building would preclude any repeat
skiing. Forsch said he does not feel having a subgrade building
makes sense. Kaufman said the height and location of the gondola
building works best Mayor Stirling said that paragraph 6 of the
agreement has to be accepted by Council, and the amended language
should be given to Council as soon as possible. Mayor Stirling
said Council could continue this meeting to April 21 to approve
this language if needed.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Walls. Motion
carried.
CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT REVIEW
Mayor Stirling said Council has had a work session on this
ordinance to review whether it has worked and to make a decision
on whether to go ahead with phase 2. The environmental health
department did a survey of restaurants and retail outlets. This
discussion is to decide about phase 2. Lee Cassin, environmental
health department, said the restaurant association feels the
survey did not adequately address phase 2. The primary intent of
the survey was to find out if businesses had been effected by
this law. The survey shows there is very little impact on
restaurants and retail stores. Councilwoman Fallin said she has
a problem with constructing a separate area with separate
ventilation. This will be an impact on the restaurants and will
be very costly. Councilwoman Fallin said she feels the sections
has worked well and would prefer it stay the same.
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Regular Meeting Aspen -City Council April 14. 1986
John Walla, restaurant association, said they would like to make
the law work, and phase 1 has worked well. Walla told Council
the restaurant association has contacted all the restaurants to
see how they feel about phase 2. Walla said the restaurant
association opposes phase 2. Walla said they would like a
further work session with all Councilmembers present. Wall said
they have talked to 47 restaurants; two support phase 2, 2 don't
care or have not decided. Walla said the restaurant business is
a very important segment of Aspen's economy.
Mayor Stirling moved to have a work session April 21 at 4 p. m. to
hear more details from the restaurant association; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
UTILITIES UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT
Chuck Roth, engineering department, said the undergrounding
project will take undergrounding to property lines. From the
property line to the structure is the responsibility of the
property owner. Roth told Council for the city to insure the
services do happen the best way is to form an improvement
district. Roth said this is a two year project using funds
generated from the city's utility fund. Roth said this
recommendation to form an improvement district is to get
undergrounding to the users. Mayor Stirling asked if this
improvement district would be for the entire city or just the
city's service area. Roth said this is for service drops for the
city, Holy Cross, Mountain Bell, Canyon Cable.
Councilman Isaac said he feels this is the most equitable way to
deal with everyone, and the city will know this project will get
done. Councilwoman Fallin asked about the liability about the
city doing the digging. Clem Kopf said the city should hire a
contractor to insulate themselves. Kopf said this district will
be by actual cost and could be spread over a period of time.
Kopf said this motion is just to form the district. There will
be time to adjust the master plan and the details.
Councilman Isaac moved that a special improvement district be
formed for the purpose of undergrounding service connections in
conjunction with a five year plan to underground all of the
aerial utilities in the city of Aspen; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
Roth said the Council has discussed the city could ask for
transformer easements as a donation. The drawback is people who
donated easements may be unhappy to hear that other people had
been paid for easements. Roth proposed the city should offer to
pay for easements based on the zoning of the property, and also
to provide alternatives such as donations to elderly
8
Reaular___Meetina AsAen Citv Councri.l AAr~ it 14. 1986
undergrounding services, landscaping or fencing around the
transformer . Mayor Stirling asked the justification for the
amounts. Roth said these are based on appraisals. C1 em said a
permanent easement of 36 square feet would be required.
Councilwoman Fallin moved that property owners be offered payment
for easements based on 533/square foot in R-6, RMF and office
zones; 513/square foot in R-15 and 555/square foot in- the L-3
zone; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion
carried.
Roth said the engineers' recommendation is to underground the
main feed system on Garmisch followed by undergrounding the
distribution system in the west end of town in 1986, followed by
undergrounding the east end of town in 1987. Kopf told Council
Holy Cross will be discussing with their Board undergrounding
their utilities in the west end. Holy Cross has not made a
commitment yet. They will underground the overhead line along
the base of Shadow mountain during 1986 construction season.
Mayor Stirling asked what the chances are of doing undergrounding
simultaneously. Kopf told Council the territories are separated
by areas, and there is no particular engineering reason for Holy
Cross to do that. Kent, Holy Cross, said the west end would be a
good area to start underground, but they will have to discuss
this with their Board.
Councilwoman Walls moved that the consulting engineers'
recommendations for the order of construction be followed;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Roth said the next item is formal acceptance of the master plan
proposed by Banner and Kopf and Kopf. Clem Kopf told Council he
missed one item in the bid, which are the wires to the street
lights. Kopf said the wires are very fine and hard to see. The
estimate of $2,400,000 did not include trenching and burying this
wire. The light poles will have to stay. Kopf said this will
cost 540,000 for the west end part, and recommended leaving the
wire. Councilman Isaac said he feels it is worth the 540,000 to
underground the wires at this time. It is not consistent with
the program to leave these wires up.
Councilman Isaac moved to accept the preliminary master plan as
presented and engage Banner Associates in association with Kopf &
Kopf to perform the final design and construction management of
the utilities undergrounding project and that the wires to the
street lamps be placed underground; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Roth told Council there may be a funding problem between the
undergrounding project and the street lighting project. Roth
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14, 1986
told Council the city is anticipating getting some economic
participation for sharing the trenching costs with Canyon Cable.
Roth said the city has a clear agreement with Canyon Cable, and
does not have one with Mountain Bell. Roth said staff is
discussing this with Mountain Bell. Mitchell recommended Council
approve the first year of undergrounding, and let staff return
with a program of how to fund this.
Mayor Stirling moved that X1,600,000 funding out of the bonds be
allocated to perform the design services, acquisition of material
and construction of the utilities undergrounding project for
phase 1 for the year 1986 as presented in the preliminary master
plan; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion
carried.
COMMERCIAL CORE AND MAIN STREET LIGHTING PROJECT
Assistant City Manager Mitchell told Council the CCLC conducted
interviews and had requests for qualifications. The CCLC is
recommending the award of construction manager to Banner
Associates/Ropf & Kopf and $85,000 to get started on this program
and finalize the costs. Mayor Stirling agreed the city should
keep moving on this project.
Mayor Stirling moved to accept the proposal from Banner/Kopf &
Ropf to provide construction manager services for an amount of
$75,295 plus up to $10,000 in addition testing services if
necessary and to appropriate that amount from the 1985 G.O.
electric bond; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Councilman Isaac asked what optics testing is. Kopf said one of
the proposal suggests to test the optics on some of the fixtures.
Kopf said some of the fixtures are hybrid and he feels these
should be tested. Kopf told Council if the testing on this
hybrid fixtures meets the CCLC'S needs, that will be the end of
the testing. If they don't other tests may have to be done. The
testing may only cost $1,000; the $10,000 is a topset figure.
Kopf said CCLC has a preferred fixture, and his concern is
whether this fixture provides adequate safety and 1 fight on the
ground.
All in favor, motion carried.
ADDITIONAL BALLOT ISSUES/VOLK UPDATE
City Attorney Taddune said he feels Councilwoman Fallin can
participate in the ballot issues discussion. Mayor Stirling
asked for an update on the Volk property. There is an election
schedule for June 3, and the media has reported that demolition
will start prior to that. Assistant City Manager Mitchell told
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Counc~ April 14, 1986
Council he talked to Volk, and demolition and excavation will
occur prior to the election. Mitchell told Council in order for
the Volks to have the necessary construction done before winter,
they have to follow a strict time schedule. Mitchell said the
Volks have their approvals, and if they delay the schedule they
will not get the building done. Mayor Stirling said if
demolition and excavation are occurring on site, this will have
an effect on voters. Mitchell told Council he brought that up
specifically, but Volk feels he has to stick to his plans.
Mitchell said Volk may take an appeal from Council more strongly
than his. Councilwoman Walls said Council does not have any
business asking Volk to change his decision. Councilman Isaac
said if the community votes to buy this property, what the city
has bought is a hole in the ground. Councilwoman Walls pointed
out the gas tanks have to be removed in either case.
Councilman Isaac moved to urge Mr. Volk to hold off on any
demolition and excavation until after the results of the
election;
Stephanie Davis, lessee on this property, said if Volk
demolishes, the city will not have the option of leaving the
businesses and collecting sales tax and rents to help pay for the
cost of the property. Councilwoman Walls said the city should
not be in the business of renting commercial space in competition
with other landlords. Councilwoman Walls said if the city
purchases this property, it should be made a park. Open space
implies no building.
Mitchell told Council the Volks have removed the offer they
previously made. City Attorney Taddune read a proposed question
from bond counsel, "Shall the city Council issue revenue bonds
and pledge the city's sales tax as security therefor in a
principal amount not to exceed $1,200,000 bearing interest at a
rate not to exceed $ per annum maturing over years from
the date of issuance, in order to finance the purchase or other
acquisition of property known as the Volk property at a price not
to exceed $700,000 but not in excess of some figure to be
determined, on such terms as the City Council shall deem
appropriate". Mayor Stirling said the price has to at the
minimum 5750,000. Councilwoman Walls said the price has to be
what the Volks are willing to accept. There is no point asking
people to vote on a price that is not realistic. Taddune said he
would like these ballot issues discussed at the April 21 meeting.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Walls.
Councilwoman Fallin abstained. Motion carried.
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Regular .Meeting Aspen Citv Council Aril 14. 198
City Manager Schilling presented another ballot issue. During
budget discussions Council agreed with the concept of a serial
tax. Schilling said it may not be technically necessary to refer
this question to the voters, but it would be prudent to get a
sense of the electors. Schilling suggested Council submit to the
voters a 5 year 1.5 mills increase for the restricted purpose of
street improvements, street repairs and street maintenance.
Schilling said this fund should increase annually. Schilling
said the city did not receive a very positive reaction to the
chip seal program last summer. Schilling said chip and seal was
to make the money go as far as possible. Schilling said he
feels people would be sympathetic to street expenditures.
Councilman Isaac asked if 1.5 mills for 5 years is adequate.
Schilling said this assumes the city would continue to budget for
the streets department the same level they have been doing.
Councilman Isaac asked how much this would cost property owners.
Schilling said he would figure that for the next meeting. B i 1
Dunaway said he feels it would be important to add to the ballot
question that the streets department budget would not be cut or
eliminated or spent somewhere else. Councilman Isaac said he is
concerned about combining this mill increase with an election
question about spending 51,200,000 on the Volk property.
Schilling said this can be done without a vote, but it would have
to be approved annually and does not allow the staff to do long
range planning. Councilman Isaac said he would like to see a 5
year program. Schilling said if that is a contingency of putting
this to an election, Council will have to wait for another
election because this would require a lot of staff time.
Councilman Isaac said the city should have a plan outlining what
the city will do. Councilwoman Walls agreed the city should know
what the mill increase will raise and what the city intends to do
with the money. Mayor Stirling questioned whether this work
ought to be done within the context of the capital improvement
plan. Councilwoman Walls said the justification of using a mill
levy is it benefits a property owner to have the streets paved in
front of their property.
Councilwoman Walls moved to add this question to the ballot for
the June 3 election; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Councilman Isaac said he would like to see the question have more
information. Councilwoman Fallin suggested having a simple
question for the ballot with additional information underneath
the question.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion
carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Apri 14, 1986
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #12, Series of 1986;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE # 12
(Series of 1986)
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE
(1) PRECINCT FOR THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON JUNE 3, 1986, AND SETTING FORTH THE DESCRIPTION
OF THAT PRECINCT was read by the city clerk
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Ordinance #12, Series of 1986,
on first reading ; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Roll call
vote; Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Isaac, yes; Walls, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #13, SERIES OF '986 - Purchase Shadow Mountain Lot
Councilwoman Walls moved to read Ordinance #13, Series of 1986;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #13
(Series of 1986)
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE REAL
ESTATE AND TO ACCEPT GIFT OF REAL ESTATE BETWEEN THE
CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, AND FRANR J. WOODS, III,
THOMAS E. RAFAEL, AND FREDERICK HEAD, SETTING FORTH THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS UPON WHICH THE CITY AGREES TO
PURCHASE THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN SAID AGREEMENT
FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF 5115 , 0 00 .00 AND UPON WHICH
THE CITY AGREES TO ACCEPT A DONATION OF THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE PURCHASE PRICE AND THE APPRAISED FAIR
MARKET VALUE OF SAID REAL PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$35,000.00 AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID
AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ASPEN was read by
the city clerk
Mayor Stirling brought up the clause that the purchase price
shall increase 55,000 after April 30 until closing occurs. Bob
Hughes told Council this clause has been removed from the
agreement.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #13, Series of 1986,
on first reading; seconded by Counc ilwoman Walls. Roll call
vote; Councilmembers Walls, yes; Fallin, yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Ap~j~ 14, 1986
LI UOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Aspen Mine Company
Bill Burwell, applicant, told Council he plans to run the
operation the same as it has been run. Councilman Isaac moved to
approve the transfer of the Aspen Mine Company liquor license to
William Burwell; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor,
motion carried.
PITKIN GREEN__ANNEXATION
City Attorney Taddune told Council the applicants are interested
in annexation to take advantage of the city's R-30 zone in the
city. Taddune said staff has reviewed the petition, resolution
and ordinance and they are in order. Michael Lipkin,
representing the applicant, told Council there is a more liberal
reading in the FAR in the city as well as the fact when the
Pitkin Reserve area was annexed, it was thought this was not a
developable lot and it was left it in the county. Lipkin said he
would 1 ike to include this lot as part of Pitkin Reserve
subdivision. Lipkin told Council Pitkin Reserve was initially a
PUD and they dedicated 19 acres of open space to the city and
county. This was figured into the FAR used for the 6 residential
lots. These 6 lots had an FAR of 6724 per lot. Had lot 7 been
included in the original annexation, it too would have had an FAR
of 6724 square feet. Lipkin told Council the original PUD
application was for 12 lots and has been reduced to 6 lots.
Lipkin told Council he has informed Pitkin Green homeowners of
his intent to request annexation. Lipkin said he is interested
in annexation as quickly as possible. Lipkin outlined the
annexed area of Pitkin Reserve and the location of lot 7.
Councilman Isaac asked if the wells located on lot 7 would be
given to the city. Lipkin said these cannot be given to the city
because they are the water right of the Pitkin Green subdivision.
Bob Hughes, representing the applicant, said Council should
determine whether the property is eligible for annexation and
meets statutory guidelines. If Council finds this is the case,
Council can schedule a hearing.
Taddune said if Council finds the petition for annexation
sufficient, Council could pass an annexation ordinance on first
reading. If Council finds the petition not sufficient, it can be
set for public hearing. Councilwoman Fallin said in light of the
city's annexation policy, she is not inclined to consider this
annexation. Assistant City Manager Mitchell said Pitkin Green
has voiced opposition, and the staff needs to talk with them to
see whether the entire subdivision could be annexed. Hughes said
that action would kill their pending sale.
14
Regular Meeting _ Aspen Citv Council April 14~ 198_6
Mayor Stirling said one of the items identified in the city's
annexation study is to be consistent with county zoning so the
city is not giving greater density to properties to be annexed.
Mayor Stirling said he is not interested in annexing for the
purpose of a density bonus. Mayor Stirling said he would be
interested in having a hearing so the Pitkin Green residents
could be heard from. Mayor Stirling said the Council has been
working on an annexation philosophy for over a year and should
not erode that philosophy. Mitchell said he is concerned about
alienating the Pitkin Green subdivision. Mitchell told Council
initially Pitkin Green not interested in annexation, but are
willing to hear the pros and cons of annexation.
Art Daily, representing Pitkin Green, said Council can pass a
motion stating they are not interested in annexation of this lot.
Daily said this proposed annexation directly contradicts the
annexation philosophy of the city. Hughes said when they created
the Pitkin Reserve, they did not focus on the development
capabilities of lot 7, and it is unfortunate it was not annexed
with the rest of Pitkin Reserve. Hughes said the planning office
writes that this annexation makes sense; this lot has never been
part of Pitkin Green, and is accessed through Pitkin Reserve.
Hughes said regarding the orderly development the private
covenants of Pitkin Green will still be in effect.
Larry Yaw, Board of Trustees of Pitkin Green, told Council they
are concerned about this request that this lot will have a
different set of rules than the lots located in Pitkin Green.
Yaw said Pitkin Green, including this lot, needs to be considered
as a whole. Mayor Stirling said he would be interested in having
a public hearing April 28 on this annexation request. Hughes
said the statutes require a hearing not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days after the effective date of the resolution. Mayor
Stirling pointed out if this lot were in the city, the FAR would
be about 2,000 square feet more than in the county. Taddune
pointed out Council does not have a resolution to set such
hearing.
Glenn Horn, planning office, told Council the procedure the staff
wants to follow for annexation is not clear in the state
statutes. Horn told Council it is their recommendation to pass a
resolution to send this application back to P & Z for their
study. At that time, Horn would write a memorandum analyzing
this in the context of the overall annexation and have the P & Z
pass on a recommendation to Council. Councilwoman Fallin stated
she is not inclined to annex one lot in light of the city's
pending annexation policy. Councilwoman Fallin pointed out one
of the problems with areas like Pitkin Green is if or when they
are annexed, they have no protection from the increased density.
15
Regular Meetinq__ Ashen Citv Council A,pr~-7 14. 1986
Lipkin told Council Pitkin Reserve was originally a 12 unit
subdivision on 26 acres. It is now 6 units with 19 acres of
deeded open space. Had this lot been annexed with the rest of
Pitkin Reserve, it would have had an FAR in excess of 6,000
square feet. Lipkin said even with the maximum city FAR, it
would be smaller than anything built in Pitkin Green in the
recent years.
Councilman Isaac moved to ask the city attorney to draft a
resolution stating the city is not interested in annexing this
property as it is not in the city's interest to do spot
annexation with the current annexation policies; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin.
Hughes said this lot is more closely associated with the Pitkin
Reserve subdivision than the Pitkin Green subdivision. Hughes
said the increased FAR is a benefit they would like to avail
themselves of. Councilman Isaac said he does not feel it i s
appropriate to give this lot a better build out potential than
the lot next door.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion
carried.
BIODOME PROPOSAL
Mayor Stirling moved to table this to April 28; seconded by
Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
TRANSFER -CI~'Y ASSET TO NORDIC COUNCIL
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve the transfer of title on the
1975 Ford stakebed truck to the Nordic Council; seconded by
Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOL~TI~N X10, SERIES OF 1986 - Castleridge Settlement
Councilwoman Walls moved to approved Resolution #10, Series of
1986; seconded by Councilman Isaac. City Attorney Taddune told
Council this is a significant amount of money, and once Council
approves this resolution, he will try to get it to the city as
quickly as possible.
All in favor, motion carried.
MAROON CREEK- HYDROPOWER PROJECT
Councilwoman Fallin moved to table to April 28; seconded by
Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
16
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14 f 1986
PROPOSED BAVARIAN VISIT CONCERT AT THE WHEELER
Mayor Stirling is requesting a free concert at the Wheeler Opera
House Tuesday, May 20, with a pianist traveling with the Bavarian
delegation. Bob Murray, Wheeler Director, told Council the
expenses will be minimal as this is the city's hall. The expense
would be about $65 for piano tuning. Mayor Stirling sai d
Hildegarde Stende played for the M.A.A. and Winter Concerts when
she was here in March. Councilman Isaac asked if there would be
staff costs. Murray said the city staff would be there anyway.
Mayor Stirling told Council the Winter Concert series have agreed
to handle the publicity.
Mayor Stirling moved the city and Wheeler Board make the Wheeler
available for a free concert May 20, 1986, at 7:30 p. m.; seconded
by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
YEAS ROUND PROMOTIONAL FILM ON ASPEN
Mayor Stirling suggested this would be more appropriately
discussed in the 1987 budget. Mayor Stirling said he would 1 ike
to pursue this program before the budget hearings. Councilman
Isaac agreed Council should look at this in comparison with other
requests for city money. Councilman Isaac said he would like to
know the use of the film, where it would be shown.
ORDINANCE ~-i1L SERIES OF 1986 - Organizational Structure
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #11, Series of 1986;
seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #11
(Series of 1986)
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO ORGANIZE THE EXISTING CITY DEPARTMENTS INTO FIVE
AGENCIES, TO BE KNOWN AS "PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY" , "PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY", "PUBLIC SAFETY
AGENCY", "ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENCY" AND "LEISURE
SERVICES AGENCY" was read by the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #11, Series of 1986, on
first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Walls, yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION ~8, SERIES OF 1986 - Fees for Banners over Main Street
17
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14. 1986
Councilwoman Fallin moved to table this to April 28; seconded by
Mayor Stirling.
City Manager Schilling said staff has been accepting this fee
structure since Council's action and would like this resolution
passed. Councilwoman Fallin said she initiated the X50 fee and
has received numerous complaints. Councilman Isaac said he would
prefer to have no fee because it is asking organizations that
Council contributes to to contribute back to the city.
Councilwoman Fallin and Mayor Stirling in favor; Councilmembers
Walls and Isaac opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Councilman Isaac moved that the city not charge for hanging
banners over Main street. Motion DIES for lack of a second.
Councilwoman Walls moved to approve Resolution #8, Series of
1986; seconded by Mayor Stirling. Councilwoman Walls and Mayor
Stirling in favor; Councilmembers Fallin and Isaac opposed.
Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to table this to April 28; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, with the exception of
Councilwoman Walls. Motion carried. Mayor Stirling suggested
having people that have complained about this present at the next
Council meeting.
APPROPRIA~'IOi~S ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Fallin moved to table to April 28; seconded by Mayor
Stirling. All in favor, motion carried.
CONSULTANT -SELECT ION PROCEDURES
Mayor Stirling questioned the administrative regulation and asked
if Council initiates the process. City Manager Schilling said
Council does that during the budget. Mayor Stirling said it is
not clear that it takes Council's action to initiate the process.
Councilwoman Fallin said she would like additional time to
discuss this. Mayor Stirling suggested discussing this at the
April 25 work session and the April 28 agenda for final action.
Councilman Isaac said when the city wishes to hire a consultant,
they have to advertise. Schilling said only when the fee exceeds
$5,000. Councilman Isaac said this could delay some precesses.
ROARi-NG FORK RAILROAD SPA APPLICAT-ION
Tom Baker, planning office, said this
city to be a co-applicant on the Rio
Council when the concept plan for the
applicant is asking the
Grande site. Baker told
Rio Grande is formalized,
18
Regular --Meeting Aspen City Council April 1~4. 198
the city will be an applicant as well as the Roaring Fork
Rail road. Baker said the idea of using the conceptual SPA for
public hearings is a good one. The city should not get into a
situation where there is a project driving a plan rather than
having a plan drive the project. Mayor Stirling said there is no
plan for the Rio Grande property at this time. Baker said staff
can show all the options with or without the railroad station.
Bil Dunaway said if the city is a co-applicant, it would indicate
the city wants to get rid of the Rio Grande trail, which is one
of the most popular trails in the city. Councilman Isaac said he
would be willing to look at this application but does not
necessarily agree with it. Councilman Isaac said maybe the
station should be at Woody Creek, where the tracks end. Sunny
Vann, representing the applicants, said without Council's
permission to submit an application, the project is dead in its
present configuration. Vann pointed out there are many issues
involved, like relocating the trail and the city's water line.
Vann told Council the applicants got the idea from various
proposals made there was a desire to consider this proposal.
This is not a commitment on the city's behalf to approve the
project, but an opportunity , to air the issues. Vann said he
understands the planning off ice is in the middle of a TDP as well
as looking at the Rio Grande. Vann said it is possible these
issues could dovetail, and railroad issue could go to the voters
in August.
Vann said the applicants would like the railroad to come into
town; however, if problems surface during review indicating this
is not practical they may look at something else.
Mayor Stirling moved to initiate the review process in tandem
with the Roaring Fork Railway Company and have staff carry
forward with proper procedure; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Baker said it is premature for the city to want to be a co-
applicant until the city knows what is needed at the Rio Grande.
Baker said there is no implied acceptance of rail facilities at
the Rio Grande. Glenn Horn, planning office, said the applicants
would 1 ike a sign from Council to give them permission to submit
an application on land which is controlled by the city.
Mayor Stirling withdrew his motion. Mayor Stirling moved to
encourage the Roaring Fork Railroad to approval the planning
office and begin the SPA process; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Fallin and
Isaac. Motion NOT carried.
19
Regular Mee-tins Aspen City Council April 14.- 1986
Councilwoman Fallin said at this point, she would like to avoid a
conceptual SPA process. Councilwoman Fallin said she is in favor
of the railroad going to Woody Creek. Councilwoman Fallin said
she would like to see a step prior to the entire SPA process.
Baker said Council should have input from the applicants, who are
asking only to be able to apply on city-owned land, with no other
commitment. Mayor Stirling said this would in no way commit the
Council to utilization of city-owned property but will enable the
applicant to start the process.
Mayor Stirling moved to encourage the applicant moving forward to
the planning department and beginning the process; seconded by
Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, with the exception of
Councilwoman Fallin. Motion carried.
Bil Dunaway pointed out a lot of people come to the city with
ideas and suggested it would be wise to find out how solid these
applicants are. This is a very expensive project. Vann said the
conceptual SPA process is no more than an explanation of the
concept, depicting the amount of land that would be required, and
the basic facilities. At that time, Council can decide whether
or not the project has merit or not.
FIRE FIGHTERS GOLF PASS
Mayor Stirling said the fire department had requested unlimited
passes. Mayor Stirling said this would create too much potential
use and would unbalance the local and tourist use. Mayor
Stirling suggested a compromise of 3 additional punch cards.
Mayor Stirling said he feels the fire department deserves some
recognition, and of all the taxing groups they are the only ones
not on salary. Councilman Isaac said the firemen do risk their
lives for no salary. Assistant City Manager Mitchell suggested
Council grant money to the fire department to buy these passes so
the golf course does not loss any operating funds.
Mayor Stirling moved that the city purchase 3 punch passes for
the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department; seconded by Councilman
Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
19$6 GROWTH i HOUSING AND POPULATION REPORT
Tom Newland, planning office, said the rate of growth and its
effect on the Roaring Fork Valley has been an important topic of
discussion since the inception of the growth management quotas.
Newland said this is the first time growth, housing and
population reports have been in one text. Mayor Stirling asked
the population of Aspen. Newland said 4570 permanent and 830
seasonal residents for a total of 5400. Glenn Horn, planning
off ice, told Council the permanent population is about 1/3 the
ZO
Regular Me~tin~_ Aspen Citv Council Axe 4l 198
total of the peak population. Council commended the staff for
this report, which contains a lot of good information.
CITY MANAGER SRARCH
Mayor Stirling said the city is advertising for the position in
various publications. Councilmembers Fallin and Isaac have been
designated to handle, receive and organize the applications.
COI~EN~ CAL EN~7AIt
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the consent calendar; seconded
by Councilwoman Walls. Consent calendar liquor license renewals
Abetone; Red Onion; Crossroad Drug; Aspen Club; Minutes March 10,
17,24 and 26, 1986. All in favor, motion carried.
MANAGERS COMMENTS_
Assistant City Manager Mitchell said H.B. 1343, in House
committee, is to authorize the expansion of the lottery into a
lotto game. Mitchell told Council CML supports the expansion of
lotto but the current bill changes the percent share, rather than
municipalities getting 40 percent, 100 percent of the money will
go to the state capital improvement fund. CML is asking that the
city contact their legislators, indicating support for lotto but
not to change the percentages. Council agreed with having the
Mayor call Representative Scott McInnis to voice the city's
opinion.
CO~rNCILMEMBER COMMEitTTS
1. Councilwoman Fallin asked if it would be possible to set up
microphones for the media so that they do not have to move around
the room, which is annoying to people. City Manager Schilling
said when city hall is remodeled, the recording system will be
upgraded.
2. Councilwoman Fallin said she would 1 ike to be able to donate
the wood spl fitter to the Verena project. Assistant City Manager
Mitchell said he will add this to the next agenda.
3. Councilwoman Walls brought up the concession stand at Iselin
park. Assistant City Manager Mitchell said the city put this out
to bid, and received two bids; one from the current owner and one
from the Merry-go-round restaurant. Mitchell told Council the
latter bid 5300 more a month and will do some work to fix up the
area. Mitchell said because there may be a change of operators,
the environmental health department is putting a number of
requirements on the new operator that may make it not financially
feasible. Mayor Stirling pointed out the prices for food at the
21
Regular -Meeting Asuen City Council At~,~=~ 14. 1986
concession stand are fixed in the agreement. Councilwoman Walls
said it does not seem right to take away someone s business.
Mitchell said the current operators had a one year agreement.
Councilwoman Walls said the current operators have been running
the concession stand for a long time and have built up a
following. Councilwoman Fall in agreed the current operators
began this business, put a lot of time and labor into the
business. Mitchell said the city went through an open process
and the bidders were given an equal opportunity. Mitchell said
this problem may solve itself. Mitchell told Council this is a
one year contract, it will be bid again next year and then the
city will give a 5 year contract. Mayor Stirling said the city
should be consistent, yet past effort should count for something.
Mayor Stirling said he feels the city's bid process has worked
well and has made it more clear to the community. Mitchell said
typically current operators in a bid situation have a better
chance because they are familiar with the operation.
Councilman Isaac moved to continue the meeting to April 21 at
5:00 p. m. ; seconded by Counc ilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion
carried. Council left the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
___ r _
Kathryn S.~Koch,iCity Clerk
22