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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19870209Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Februarv 9, 1987 Outstanding Employee Awards 1 FINANCE DEPARTMENT AWARD 1 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 1 COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 2 ORDINANCE #l, SERIES OF 1987 - Lodge Improvement District 3 Ordinance #3, 1987 - Purchase Contract/Anderson Duplex 9 EIGHTH PENNY SALES TAX 9 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REPORT 12 CCLC SIGN PROGRAM 13 IN-KIND SUPPORT FOR CIRCUS FLORA 14 REQUEST TO USE CITY PROPERTY - Aspen Theatre Company 14 APPROVAL OF LETTER TO FOREST SERVICE - BURNT MOUNTAIN 14 BOARDS AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS 15 OPEN SPACE INFORMATION AND PURCHASE 15 SISTER CITIES WORKING COMMITTEE 16 WHEELER AIR COOLING VARIANCE 16 RED ROOF INNS 17 18 Regular Meeting Ashen City Council Februarv 9, 1987 Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with Councilmembers Fallin, Isaac, Collins and Walls present. Outstanding Employee Awards Mayor Stirling presented fourth quarter outstanding employee awards. Becky Roy, police office, police department, received $200 for consistently exceeding normal job requirements. Ms. Roy's radar detector research on her own time effected service improvements to the department. Chet Zajac, police office, police department, received $200 for consistently exceeding normal job requirements. Zajac's concern for others has aided in the peaceful resolution of volatile situations. Beth Seeman, detective, police department, received $250 for exceeding normal job requirements and creating a favorable reflection on the police department. Ms. Seeman has become a role model within the department. Michelle Carline, administra- tiv e assistant, environmental health department, received $250 for performance outside normal job requirements. Ms. Carline developed an improved revenue collection system and a categoriz- ing system f or sewage disposal that will become part of the land data base system. Bill Efting, recreation superintendent, received $300 for his exceptional manner in carrying out the ice sculpture project in Wagner park. Efting recruited volunteers and obtained discounted services and paid personal attention to the Japanese visitors. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem Walls presented plaques and checks to these employees. FINANCE DEPARTMENT AWARD Mayor Stirling presented a certificate of achievement in excel- lence in financial reporting. This award is given through the Government Finance Officers Association to governmental units whose financial reporting is judged to be substantially above standards. Mayor Stirling presented this to the finance direc- tor, Cindy Shafer, and the entire finance department. Ms. Shafer told Council this is a whole department effort. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 1. Georgie Leighton asked Council to withhold permanent approval for Circus Flora for a week or 10 days. Ms. Leighton told Council she has initiated some investigations to determine if this is a bona fide operation. Ms. Leighton told Council she would like to be sure there have been no public complaints and the operation has not been cited. 2. Phoebe Ryerson presented a letter to Council regarding the uses of the Rio Grande property, that this area is Aspen's last 1 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council February 9. 1987 chance for a wonderful combination of culture and nature and should be cleaned up and preserved. 3. Jim Ward brought up the Hunter Creek trail. Ward told Council because of his association with the Tenth Mountain Division, he has knowledge of how the trails in Hunter Creek are supposed to work. Ward said this fall he started to define the trails in Hunter creek and to install some signs. Ward told Council more signs are needed. Ward said he has some commitments from local people for equipment and time to work on these trails. Ward said he would like some consideration from Council for planning, direction and funding for this project to update the signing of and maintenance of access into the Hunter creek valley. Council requested Ward to put this in a more specific proposal for further consideration at a Council meeting. COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1. Mayor Stirling proposed a goals session with the city manager. Council scheduled for this Tuesday February 24 at 1 p.m. at city hall. 2. Mayor Stirling said the voluntary air quality program in Aspen has not gone real well. Mayor Stirling said he is v ery concerned about the street dust, a lot of which is being cause by materials the city is putting on the street. Mayor Stirling urged the city not put any more gravel on the flats for the rest of the winter and use gravel only on the hills. Mayor Stirling agreed with an earlier suggestion of leaving snow on the streets. City Manager Bob Anderson said the city has been flus hing and sweeping the streets. Anderson said he feels it would be a mistake to only sand the hills in town because of the accident potential at other intersections. Councilwoman Walls asked if the city has information proving that sanding is the big problem. Anderson sid there is evidence to show it is a problem. Councilman Isaac suggested looking at a harder material that does not break down to sand the streets. 3. Mayor Stirling said there is a Board of Adjustment request for variance for the Wheeler Opera House. This is a height request, and he would like to see where and how high this is. Council added this to the agenda. 4. Councilman Isaac said he has visited Davos, Switzerland, with Jerry Blann, Skiing Company, Spence Videon, Resort Association, and Klaus Christ. Councilman Isaac said it was a very successful trip. Councilman Isaac said Davos and Aspen have similar problems and are working on similar solutions. Councilman Isaac gave presents from Davos, a copy of the signed affiliation agreement, and a copy of the local newspaper showing 2 ReQUlar Meet_ina Aspen Citv Council February 9. 1987 the signing of the agreement. Councilman Isaac said Davos is planning to send visitors to Aspen this summer. Davos has an extensive Nordic trail system and an excellent ice rink. Councilman Isaac said they hope to make a presentation of the trip at an ARA luncheon. 5. Mayor Stirling reminded Council of a joint work session February 10 with the County Commissioners to discuss Ruedi and joint off ice space. 6. City Manager Bob Anderson reminded Council there had been discussions with Holy Cross about the possibility of changing the city's electric supplier. Staff is exploring this, as well as the reliability of Ruedi. It may be a long time before the city can get out of the contract with MEAN. Staff is investigating a different contract with MEAN to get flexibility on the demand question. Anderson said it is not easy to go from one electric supplier to another. 7. City Manager Bob Anderson pointed out Council had set target for accepting proposal on the Red Roof inns. Anderson requested a deviation in the time table. Anderson presented a copy of the request for proposals. Council added this to the agenda as item (k) . ORDINANCE #l, SERIES OF 1987 - Lodge Improvement District Jay Hammond, city engineer, said one of the issues raised at the first hearing was that of parking within the district. Hammond said staff has met with the consultant and with the task force. There is potential to make modifications within the plan to maintain the plan and the current volume of parking. The total number of parking spaces will not be changed, but the configuration and location of that parking may be amended. Hammond pointed out part of the current parking problem is caused by management and enforcement rather than by the actual availability of that space. Hammond pointed out that the notice provisions met the legal requirements. In addition, staff, task force and the consultant team tried to contact ask many properties within the district as possible, prior to public hearing. Hammond said there was concern about the avail ability of city funding. Bond counsel has indicated it is possible for the city to be involved in the district bonds. Bill Lamm, bond counsel, said one question is whether the bond issue can include the city's share of the project cost. Lamm said a Charter provision allows the city to levy a mill levy each year for the purpose of paying f or the general benefits to the city. The improvement district portion of the city's share could be included in the bond issue. 3 Reaul ar Meeting Aspen Citv Council Februarv 9-; 1987 Mayor Stirling asked about the issue of requesting permission from the voters for the city's contribution. City Attorney Taddune said the city has the ability to assess itself as a participant in the district. Joe Barrows, Kirchner Moore, told Council funding the city's share of the Smuggler improvement district was done through that type of assessment. Councilman Collins pointed out the special improvement district in 1979 for Mill street did go to a vote. Taddune said this arose out of the consequences of what if a general obligation bond issue failed for the city's share of the funding. Taddune said bond counsel has rendered the opinion that the city is in a position to assess itself. Lamm said the question is whether the creation of a special assessment district is a debt of the city and would require a vote under the Charter. Lamm said the creation of a special assessment district does not create a debt. Bonds can be issued for that district without their being a debt. The amount of the city's share of this district can be paid from a 4 mill levy in any year and is authorized in Section 10.7 of the Charter. This has been upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court as not creating a debt. Hammond brought up the issue of the commercial use factor and the increased factor for commercial properties. Hammond said the basic premise was to base the assessment formula on the impacts associated with a given property. The task force imposed a comparable use factor for lodging and residential purposes; the logic was these are essentially the same use and same type of impact. Hammond stated the capacity to house people and impacts of the number of people housed on the district was related to the size of the structure. The task force used a structure size assessment as opposed to a front frontage or land area on the premise that a single family home would not be unduly assessed. The number of people and impact on the district was considered in the assessment formula. In commercial properties, the thought was these generate more and have considerably more traffic and more use of the improvements than a residential use. The task force imposed additional use factors depending on where the commercial property was located relative to street level. Hammond point out if Council is inclined to make adjustments to the assessments formula, the recommendation would be to table this for about 30 days to provide for additional notice to amend the formula. The assessment formula was contained in the resolution of intent. To reduce the formula in one area, it will have to be increased in other areas. Hammond told Council residential and lodge properties carry in excess of 80 percent of the district. Hammond said another issue is the relationship of the lodge improvement district to the proposed downtown development authority. Hammond told Council 4 Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council February 9.- 1987 under the financing mechanism for the proposed DDA, there is no conflict in an individual owner's assessment between the district, which results in an additional tax, and the dow nt ow n development authority, which would not result in an additional tax to an existing property. This is based on tax assessed on new development within the DDA subsequent to when the district levy is frozen. Hammond told Council at this point, the staff is dealing with cost estimates based not on specific construction documents or bids. Hammond said staff feels these numbers adequately reflect costs associated with the construction. Hammond presented a list of properties, indicating levels of support or protest f or the district. There is confirmed support from property of a single owner or support of a simple majority. There is a category of indefinite support indicates a homeowners' board or property manager may have shown support but there is not direct evidence from each owner. There are the same types of categories for protest. Hammond told Council the combination of confirmed and indefinite support amounts to 55.9 percent of the total square footage in the district. The confirmed or indefinite protests amounts to 10.6 percent of the total square footage. The remaining properties of 33.5 percent are "no comment". Hammond told Council the paving and reconstruction of the streets will be the city's responsibility through the portion the city is funding. Hammond said the city will be paying for drainage related to street imrpvoements. The drainage along the base of the mountain is a matching fund within the district, which will be made available if the city, county and Ski Company come to an agreement on that project. If not, these funds will be rebated to the district . Councilman Coll ins said the drainage on the mountain is a city-wide concern and the city has allowed development within the 100 year flood plain of the major drainages. Councilman Collins said it is important if the city is the sponsor of the improvement district that they make provisions to do something about the drainage. Anderson pointed out that was part of the original district; however, because of Council's reaction, the plan was scaled down to include o m y a contribution by the district. Mayor Stirling said Council felt it was not entirely incumbent upon the citizens to pay f or t he drainage problems. Hammond said the task force felt this was of sufficient importance to the district to include a contribution within the district levy. Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Chuck Brandt, representing Michael Dingman, owner of lots 1 and 6 in Aspen Chance subdivision, said his main concern is whether the formula is equitable. Brandt endorsed tabling the formula aspect 5 Regular Meetina_ Aspen City Council February 9. 198 of the ordinance for 30 days. Brandt said using the assessment formula on his client's house would yield an assessment of $13,000. Jon Mulford, representing Harry Uhlfelder owner of property at the end o:E Waters avenue, told Council there are several areas they feel are inequitable. The cost of improvements for this block would be $99,000 and the block north would be 598,000. The assessments for these two block wold be 5245,000 and 5302,000 which arE~ inequitable for the benefits derived from the improvemE~nts. Mulford said these properties are mainly residential. Mulford said the assessments should be differentiated between residential and lodge rooms as residential units haves less impact than lodge units. Peter For:~ch, Aspen Skiing Company and task force member, said they feel there is a great need in this area of town for improvements. Forsch urged Council to support this as it is equitable as the task force could make it and the benefits are tremendous;. Ralph Melville, Mountain Chalet and Carriage House, stated thE~re is a parking problem in this area and it needs to be addressed before the district is installed. Melville said the street lights that the city just installed don't fit into the new plan and will have to be replaced. This should be looked at to see if thE~ cost can be lowered. Hammond said the parking will be redistribL~ted throughout the district. Ed Zasack~~, representing lots 3 through 7 Aspen Chance, told Council these lots are serviced by a private road and have no frontage on Ute Avenue. These will be single family, long term rental properties. Zasacky told Council this subdivision is already installing many of the improvements in the district, like util ities,~ landscaping and paving. These improvements would be double ta:Xation for these residents. Andy Hecht, representing Ajax Mour.~tain and Durant-Galena buildings, told Council all commercial. owners on the north side of Durant are opposed to this district . Hecht pointed out the mall was installed with city monies an~3 the benefits of the mall have inured to owners of property who are not participating in this district, which is inequitable. Hecht said the commercial owners on Durant street have installed improvements, which are functional, and it is redundant to charge for these improvements again. Nick Spal~~ing, representing the Chateau Roaring Fork, said they cannot see any direct benefit for their property. The owners of the Chateau Snow voted not to support the district unless they could be ~~ssured they would not lose any of their parking spaces. The Shadow Mountain and Dolomite Villas voted not to support the district ,because they could see no benefits from it to their properties. Bruce Kerr, owner of Aspen Manor and Inverness, 6 Re-aular Meeting Aspen Citv Council February__9~_1987 raised the fairness issue. Kerr said he feels the notice procedures were faulty and the timing of these notices for a hearing December 30th was when a lot of people were out of town. Kerr said the presumption has been that people are in favor of forming the district, needing a 50 percent protect to kill the district. Kerr pointed out the 6 largest property owners, who all favor the district, equals 48 percent of the district. Kerr said a more fair way to assess property owners is to draw concentric circles around a center point of a district so t hat those on the fringes of the district are not paying the same os those who need the improvements the most. Kerr said he feels the boundary lines are too broad and include too much area. There are many lodges in town that are not part of the district. Lennie Oates, representing commercial spaces on the north side of Durant in Aspen Square and all of Block 106, said his clients do not feel they should be part of the district. The assessment formula is unfair in terms of the commercial properties owners, and assumes the benefits to be gained are 1 invited to these properties within the district, rather than being spread within the downtown area. Oates said Block 106 is zoned neighborhood commercial and need use permits for businesses, and are penalized by being zoned N/c, rather than CC or C-1. The parking proposed is peripheral and maringally unacceptable. Check Severy, Aspen Townhouse Central, told Council they are located on the most western edge of the district and every owner in t hat block is 100 percent opposed to being in the district. Severy said this building is all long term rental or owner occupied. Severy said they will receive no benefits from this district. The building has parking on the south side, where there is a sidewalk proposed to be installed. Severy said the district was formed to increase taxes and bypass the voters. Tam Scott, representing Margaret Day, told Council his client only found about the district in early January and is vehemently against the district. Scott said because of his client's location in the district, they do not feel they need the improvements nor do they want them. Jim Pavisha, representing Aspen Mountain Lodge, Alpina House, and Mine Dumps, told Council they are in favor of the district and see it as an opportunity to bring balance between users and improvements being made. Pavisha said if all the properties in the district were putting in their own improvements, these would not be coordinated. This district is good, progressive and helpf ul to the town. John Simmons, operator of Holland House Ski Lodge, said they are on record in opposition to the project. Simmons said they feel the methods by which this district is being f ormed are dubious. Simmons said the large property owners in this district are 7 Reaul ar _Meetina Aspen Citv Council February 9. 1987 covered by the growth management plan and are supposed to put in these improvements through the GMP. Simmons said he feels the district should be one person, one vote rather than square footage. Simmons said the Holland House wishes to be excluded from the district. Chuck Frias, representing Aspen Club Lodge and member of task force, said he feels this is a unique opportunity for Council to get input from absentee owners. Frias told Council most people he has spoken to are in favor of the district. It is an opportunity to install improvements outside their property to enhance the experience in Aspen; increase safety and other valuable amenities. Charles Severy, Aspen Townhouse Central, said their property should be eliminated from the district; it is on the very edge. Nick McGrath, representing the Gant, said this property proposed a distance formula, because being on the periphery of the district the formula was not fair to the Gant. Much of the monies are being spent in the center of the district on properties that were built before the growth management plan was adopted. McGrath said the Gant has compromised and the Board has approved the existing formula and existing expense because it was a level their owners could afford. If the formula is changed, they may change their position. Howard Aurey, Skier's Chalet, told Council the part of town that needs improving should be improved; however, his area should not be improved. Pat Smith, Aztec, asked what would happen to the existing sidewalks and landscaping. Olof Hedstrom, Old 100 Condominiums, pointed out they submitted a remonstrance. They will receive no benefits because they already have paved streets, storm drainage, curbs and gutters, landscaping, sidewalks and lighting. Fred Smith, Lift 1 condominiums, said they have supported this from the beginning hoping it would solve the problem of tourists making it to lodges south of Durant street. Smith noted the plan does not deal with solving the problem of sidewalks on both sides of Durant street. Mayor Stirling moved to continue the public hearing and to direct the city manager to analyze the use factor as related to both commercial and residential and to take into consideration size, location, and single family dwelling contrasted to a lodge unit, and to bring to Council the issues of allocating the actual costs of this to owners in the district; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Councilman Isaac asked what specifically the Council would get as a result of that action that they do not have now. Hammond said staff would like to bring in John Wallace, the assessment 8 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council February 9. 1987 consultant, to confer on these issues and discuss the alternatives with Council. Council suggested a work session with the consultant bef ore the public hearing. Mayor Stirling moved to amend his motion to continue the public hearing for at least 30 days; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Councilman Isaac requested sample assessments for the next meeting. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion carried. Jon Mulford said the city engineer's office and task f orce have been operating on a cost estimate prepared by Schmeuser. T his estimate includes a figure f or burying underground utilities at 5580,000 and spread this across sub-districts without any regard for how much work it would take for this project in any one district. The storm drainage is also apportioned across the district without regard for how much work is needed on each street. This gives a distorted view of the real costs in each area. Mulford said section 19-156(e) requires the city to start over with the project; any substantial change requires starting over and re-notice. Mulford pointed out the notices sent out in November stated the burying of utility lines was part of street paving and that the city would pay for that. Mulford stated the lack of distinction between lodge rooms and residential units should be looked into. Ordinance #3. 1987 - Purchase Contract/Anderson Duplex Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. City Attorney Taddune told Council staff is requesting this be tabled for two weeks due to some financing transactions. Councilwoman Fallin moved to table Ordinance #3, Series of 1987, to February 23, 1987; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried. EIGHTH PENNY -SALES TAX Assistant City Manager Mitchell presented two options for an eighth penny sales tax, if Council wishes to place this issue on the ballot . These options are (1) a capital improvements equipment replacement, or (2) recreation/arts capital and operating cost eighth penny. Mitchell told Council staff selected the projects that have been discussed, like recreation facility and perf orming arts facility, and presented f financing these under the financial targets the Council has adopted. 9 Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council February 9. 1987 Mitchell pointed out in either option, operating costs are shifted from the general fund to the eighth penny. City Manager Bob Anderson presented a chart showing what annual revenue a fraction of a penny up to one penny will generate, as well the debt capacity represented by that fraction of a cent. Mayor Stirling said the issue is not the merit of any project but is whether an increase in tax is appropriate. Mayor Stirling said Council needs to make government more economical and to spend smarter. Mayor Stirling said the city has more work to do to demonstrate they can be more efficient and cost effective. Mayor Stirling said he f eels the government is too big. Mayor Stirling said he does not support an increase in tax, especially a regressive tax. Mayor Stirling said since 1979, the city has collected in volume 60 percent more sales tax. Mayor Stirling said it is important to indicate that skiing and living in Aspen are affordable. Councilman Isaac agreed no one wants to raise taxes. However, the city needs to look at their facilities. They are getting older, they are not attractive, and are not competing with other ski areas. Councilman Isaac said the city is not in a position to build new structures. Councilman Isaac said it is up to the voters to decide if they want new facilities and want a new tax. Councilman Isaac said the city needs alternatives besides skiing to bring people to Aspen. Councilman Isaac said he would like to put this question to the electorate to see if they are willing to fund new capital projects. Councilwoman Fall in said she f eel s thi s should be strictly a recreation tax, perhaps not a full penny, f and the recreational facility and provide yearly income for operating costs. Councilwoman Fallin said when the question goes to the voters, it should be for very specific uses. Councilwoman Walls said she is not in favor of increasing sales tax, but is in favor of letting this go to the electorate. Councilwoman Walls said she would favor funding the recreation center if some of the unnecessary frill s are eliminated f rom the proposal and include money to cover the operating costs. Councilwoman Walls said she does not see any point in going for a whole penny if it is not needed. Councilman Isaac said if Council asks only f or 1/2 penny, they are leaving out opportunities to improve city facilities. Councilman Isaac said he would like to see the issue broad enough so that it will have community support. Councilman Isaac said he does not feel an eighth penny sales tax will increase the amount of government in Aspen. Councilman Isaac urged Council to put to a vote a full eighth penny. Mayor Stirling said he feels any project should come from existing revenues. The proposals may be larger than the city is able to manage. 10 Regular - l~eetirrq Aspen City Council February 9. 1987 Will Wilkinson said the city has the potential f or geothermal energy. Jon Busch said he feels the recreation complex itself is rather excessive. Busch said if Council is considering some additional sales tax, there are many specific issues the Council has been talking about. The parking structure is needed to preserve the well-being of the business community. Busch said there are people who would like to see a performing arts center. Busch urged Council to construct a ballot questions so that one or more of the projects can be funded. Marty Kahn agreed for purposes of this election, the ballot question should be as specific as possible. Kahn said there are serious problems with the existing facilities. The committee, which Council appointed, concluded the city should have a new facility. Richie Cohen said there are a list of needed things in the community, and sales tax should go for things that help the sales of the community. Cohen said he feels capital improvements should be paid for by property taxes. Cohen said this issue is moving too fast and trying to force something to the voters, and asking the voters for something that has not been looked at thoroughly. Roberta Allen said the ballot question should give the electorate the opportunity to vote on several different facilities, rather than just a recreation center. Councilman Isaac moved to take a ballot issue to the community asking f or an eighth penny sales tax for capital expenditures supporting a recreation facility, parking structure and other possible municipal uses and operations for those facilities. Motion DIES for lack of a second. City Attorney Taddune said staff will have to draft and bring back to Council an ordinance f or 1/2 or 1 cent to refer to the electorate. Council may also sent to the electorate a more advisory question. Councilwoman Fallin moved to have City Attorney Taddune draft an ordinance for 1/2 cent for the construction of a recreation center to include operation of that recreation center and Nordic trails; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Councilwoman Fallin said she feels the Council should ask the electorate for 1/2 cent for a recreation center. If Council finds at a later date they need the other half cent, they can ask the voters at a later time. Councilman Isaac said he feels this is too narrow, and the community perceives there are other items in need. Mayor Stirling said Council is elected to make decisions, and a lot of citizens have said they oppose increased taxation. Councilwoman Walls pointed out a sales tax increase has to go to the voters. 11 Regular -Meeting - Aspen CitX Council - February 9-. 1987. -, Councilman Collins said he feels this is an unnecessary tax; however, he has no objection taking it to the voters. Councilman Collins said he would rather see this issue go to a vote of the community rather than just the city. Councilman Collins pointed out there is a county-wide transportation district, funded and administered on a county-wide basis. Councilman Coll ins said he is concerned about what an extra tax does for the city's competitive advantage. Councilman Collins said there are certain city infrastructures that need to be addressed which are urgent. Councilman Coll ins said any ballot question or sales tax should include enough money to get these structures into shape. Councilman Coll ins pointed out only 50 percent of sales tax revenues comes from tourists, the rest come from residents. Councilwoman Fall in and Councilwoman Walls in favor; Councilmembers Isaac, Collins and Mayor Stirling opposed. Motion NOT carried. Councilman Isaac moved to prose a full eighth penny sales tax. Motion DIES for lack of a second. Councilman Collins said he would like to see the questions before voting on this issue. Councilman Isaac moved to reconsider the motion for 1/2 penny sales tax; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in f avor, with the exception of Councilman Collins and Mayor Stirling. Motion carried. Councilwoman Fall in moved to have City Attorney Taddune draft an ordinance for 1/2 cent for the construction of a recreation center to include operation of that recreation center and Nordic trails; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion carried. DOWN~.'OWN DE~IELOPMENT AUTHORITY REPORT Assistant City Manager Mitchell said the staff found little support for tax increment f financing either from the other taxing districts or the business community. Mitchell told Council staff met with the downtown community to see if there was interest in another method to fund parking and/or circulation improvements in the downtown area. Mitchell told Council the business representatives at the meeting indicated they are willing to pursue other methods of financing, like property tax for a downtown development authority or formation of a parking authority. Mitchell said there is a lot of support in the business community to solve the parking problem. 12 Rectul-ar Meetlna Aspen City Cnunci -February-- 9. 1987 Councilwoman Fallin moved to direct Mitchell to continue working on other alternative f financing techniques for parking and circulation improvements; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried. CCLC- SIGN PROGRAM Councilman Isaac said he inspected the sign program in Davos, and their signs are very simple and not costly. Councilman Isaac said he does feel a sign program that is coordinated is needed, but questioned the amount of the request. Jon Busch, CCLC member, told Council they have a good perspective on what the Council would like to se accomplished. The CCLC agrees that the key is simplicity. Their goal is to reduce the number of signs. Councilwoman Fallin said she would like to see this tracked with the sign code. Councilwoman Fallin said she would 1 ike to see the use of awnings as signs addressed as well. Elyse Elliott, engineering department, told Council this is a separate project from revising the sign code; however, they could happen simultaneously. City Manager Anderson said simplicity is the result of good design, which does take time and money. Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve this phase of the signage program and that this be coordinated with the work done on the sign code; seconded by Councilman Collins. Mayor Stirling said he has misgivings about this program and there are parts of this program that should be done by other sectors, like county and private enterprise. All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Walls, Isaac and Mayor Stirling. Motion NOT carried Mayor Stirling moved to instruct staff to continue working with the CCLC and that the city get the streets signed with the traditional wood signs. Councilman Collins said this proposal is for a study to bring alternatives back to Council. The city has a sign pr oblem and this study is to make some sense out of the signs. Jon Busch said if Council adds to staff' s responsibility coming up with a determination where signs are needed and what kind of signs are needed and what they are to be made of, it wi ll cost more than 58,000. Councilman Isaac moved to approve the budget for Wood/Monte to draft a sign program for not more than 58230; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Walls and Mayor Stirling. Motion carried. 13 Re~ul-ar Meeting Aspen Citv Council February 9, 1987 IN-KII~fiD SUPPORT FOR CIRCLI-S FLORA Mayor Stirling said there was a citizen present earlier urging the Council to wait for a week to determine whether there was any inhumanity in regards to this circus. Mayor Stirling said this is a contribution to Les Dames d'Aspen and should come from the contingency fund. Councilwoman Fallin noted the in-kind requests total $1000 not including police security. Mayor Stirlin g suggested setting a ceiling amount and let Les Dames decide to what it will apply. Councilwoman Fallin suggested Les Dames see if they can get the trash pick up and portable toilets donated. Councilwoman Fallin moved to allow Les Dames D'Aspen to hold Circus Flora July 17 through 19, at the snow dump site and that they work with the Aspen Theatre Company, and this be contingent upon Georgie Leighton receiving verification that Circus Flora is not in violation of humane statutes where they have performed, that the ceiling be $1200, that waste issues and trash are excluded; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried. REQUEST TO USE CITY-PROPERTY - Aspen Theatre Company Kent Reed, Aspen Theatre Company, requested to use 1/4 of the snow dump property for a tent for their performances. ATC is without space and has not found a place for performances. Reed said he feels this will be a nice addition to the site and will have low impact on the area. Reed told Council he would 1 ike a tent that holds 100 people. Mayor Stirling moved that the Council accept the proposal from Aspen Theatre Company for the summer 1987 only, and determine how this works out to see if the city wants to continue it; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried. APPROVAL OF LETTER T~ FOREST SERVICE - BURNS MOUNTAIN Mayor Stirling noted several years ago, the Council strongly urged the Skiing Company to f ind other alternatives to the proposed Burnt Mountain development, to better address the issues of the skier/bed imbalance between Aspen and Snowmass, and the transportation impacts. Mayor Stirling said the planning office is asking Council to look at the inconsistencies with the overall master plan and the proposal to expand Burnt Mountain. Glenn Horn, planning off ice, told Council he did not feel he forest service was being sensitive to the inconsistencies between the expansion of Burnt Mountain and the city and county's growth management policies. Horn told Council in an EIS, the forest service only has to identify the off-site impacts, but not mitigate them. In an Environmental Assessment, the forest 14 Re-aula-r Me-etina Aspen City-Council -- February 9, 1987 service has to identify the impact as well as mitigate them. Horn told Council rather than get the forest service to change their decision favoring Burnt Mountain, the city ought to try and get the best mitigation recommendations possible. Horn suggested re-submitting Resolution 85-4 and request the forest service address in detail the issues and concerns in the letter from Council. The Council is allowed to comment in detail on the draf t EIS. Mayor Stirling said he still subscribes to Resolution 85-4. Councilwoman Fallin asked if the city P & Z has commented on this. Horn said they have not, but he will take it to them: Councilman Isaac asked that the section on the airport be expanded, because the airport will get a major impact. Mayor Stirling asked that it be made clear that Resolution 85-4 is attached and is being reaffirmed by the Council. Council requested the final letter draft be brought back to the February 23, 1987 meeting. BOARDS Ai~1D COi~MISSION -APPOINTMENTS Councilwoman Fallin said Council should consider getting new blood on Boards rather than re-appointing the same people. The philosophy with the Wheeler was to appoint new people. Councilman Collins said Shellman has served the city very well and has continuity on this Board. Councilman Isaac said he has spoke to other RFTA members, who are supportive of Shellman remaining on the Board; he is well prepared and takes it seriously. Councilman Isaac moved to reappoint Dwight Shellman for a three year term; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Walls and Fallin. Motion carried. Council pointed out Rick Head, currently a Board of Adjustment member, applied for the HPC. Council said they felt uncomfortable about having citizens on more than one Board. Councilwoman Fallin moved to appoint Bill Poss as a regular member of HPC; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried. Council scheduled the Board interviews for CCLC from Tuesday, March 3 from 4 to 6 p. m. OPEi~Y -SPACE INFORMA3`I-OIL AND- PURCHASE Assistant City Manager Mitchell said 1986 budget, they approved 5350,000 All that has been spent except 534,00 when Council approved the for open space purchases. 0 which was carried over to 15 Re~ttxlar Mc-etina Aspen._e~.ty Co-ancil Februarv 9. 1987 1987. The city purchased the Shadow Mountain property, the access to the trails and transferred $100,000 to trails improvements. Mitchell said based on the amount of money available and the priorities Council has established, one of which was to purchase property to complete the trails system, staff is recommending not to purchase of this property. It has been indicated that this property price is in excess of 5200,000. Mitchell recommended Council include looking at this property in the next capital budget review f or 1988 along with other possible purchases. Councilwoman Walls asked if this is in the EPA clean up area. Mitchell said it is, and the city would be liable for any clean up. Councilwoman Fall in said PCPA would 1 ike a chance to review this purchase to see if it is in line with other purchases. Mayor Stirling said Council' s goal has been to complete the trails system, and the city does not have the available cash for this purchase. Councilwoman Walls moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting 15 minutes; seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion carried. SISTER- -CITIES WORKING COMMITTEE Mayor Stirling said this committee is reorganizing and they would like Council to formally appoint a member. Councilwoman Walls suggeste d Council advertise and accept applications 1 ike other committees. Council agreed. WI~EI;LER AiR---~6OL ING VARIANCE Mayor Stirling said he is concerned about anything going higher on the roof of the Wheeler. Councilwoman Walls noted Council discussed this in October and was informed this request would have to go to the Board of Adjustment. Wayne Pleasants, Wheeler technical director, showed the unit proposed for the roof of 5'6" high by 8' by 12' long. Pleasants told Council this is the only unit that will handle the 57 tons of air that has to be moved through the Wheeler to cool it. Pleasants told Council this unit is 1/3 the cost of any type of refrigerating cooling system. Pleasants said this will also act as a heating unit in the winter and will help to cut the heating bill. Pleasants told Council if they do not receive the various approvals this month, the cooling system will not be installed for this summer season. 16 R~qul-ar Meet~i-rrcr -- -Aspen amity- Council ~ - -February 9 , -1987 RED --RQOF--INN S City Manager Bob Anderson told Council when he was putting together the request for proposals, he consulted with a number of people and came up with going to a two step proposal process. Anderson told Council this has been advertised in newspapers. Anderson said he would like to ask for responses to the first phase of the proposal in very broad terms. The second phase would narrow the proposal down and ask for specific items. Anderson said asking for too specific things in the first phase may eliminate some people. Anderson said he would 1 ike responses to the first phase by March 9. The staff by March 16 would narrow the group to about 10 proposals. These responses would be due back to the city by April 10. These would be analyzed with the Council so that they could make a decision by April 27. Anderson pointed out this is only two weeks later than the original time table. Anderson told Council this schedule puts no one at a disadvantage. Mayor Stirling moved the dates for the Red Roof Inns requests for proposals are acceptable; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried. Councilwoman Walls moved to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Councilman Collins. The consent agenda is liquor license renewal - Poppie's Cafe; Special Event Permit - St. Mary's Church; Minutes - January 12, 26, 1987. All in favor, motion carried. Councilman Coll ins moved to adjourn at 9 :15 p, m.. ; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried. __._ ~~ Kathryn S Koch, City Clerk 17