HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19870223Rec1ular Meeting Aspen City Council February 23, 1987
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CITIZENS COMMENTS
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MANAGERS COMMENTS
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COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
ORDINANCE #3, SERIES OF 1987 - Purchase Contract/Anderson 2
Duplex
CONCEPTUAL SUBDIVISION - 1010 Ute Avenue 3
CONCEPTUAL SUBDIVISION - 1001 Ute Avenue 8
CONCEPTUAL SUBDIVISION - 700 East Hyman 11
RESOLUTION #4, SERIES OF 1987 15
RESOLUTION #7, SERIES OF 1987 - Electric Underground 15
District
RESOLUTION #3, SERIES OF 1987 - Annexation of Aspen Grove 16
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 1987 - 7.5 penny Sales Tax 16
ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 1987 - Rezoning Moses Property 18
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Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
Councilmembers Fallin, Walls and Isaac present.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
1. Ken Moore said he has written a letter to Council inquiring
if they ever informed the forest service that the Aspen area
general plan of 1966 is deficient and not working, nor is the
growth management plan and land use code. Moore said he has to
reply to the EIS on Burnt Mountain and cannot see any significant
issues given out by the forest service that have not been
addressed by either of these plans. Mayor Stirling said the
Council has drafted a letter to the forest service outlining
their concerns about Burnt Mountain. Moore pointed out the
growth management plan states growth will double every 20 years.
If skiing is not set aside to balance growth, the growth
management plan is out of whack.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
1. City Manager Bob Anderson said the County would like the
Council to add to the agenda a joint resolution on the Ruedi
release issue. (Councilman Collins came into Council meeting).
Mayor Stirling moved to add Ruedi release issue to the agenda.
Motion DIES for lack of a second.
2. City Manager Bob Anderson told Council RFTA Board is ready
to start the process of designing improvements to Rubey park. In
order to start this process, the city has to be a joint
applicant. Anderson told Council RFTA does not know what t hey
want to do at Rubey park. Bruce Abel, general manager RFTA, told
Council they have sent out request for letters of interest and
qualifications, and will be taking a list of recommendations to
the RFTA Board tomorrow. Abel told Council they hope to make a
selection by March 21 and meet with the Council shortly
thereafter. Abel told Council they plan to break ground after
Labor Day and have the improvements ready for next winter season.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct Council's representative,
Councilman Collins, to work with City Manager Bob Anderson and
Abel to bring about the city's being a co-applicant to be
involved in the process; seconded by Councilman Collins.
Abel said the Council will have to approve both conceptual and
precise SPA plans; however, before the plan can even be
submitted, it needs city approval.
All in favor, motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23, 1987
3. City Manager Bob Anderson told
discussing expanding their facility
and care. The hospital board would
with Council to discuss these plans.
a work session March 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Council the hospital board is
to deal with senior housing
like to have a joint session
Council scheduled this f or
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling said S.B. 60 tries to protect developers by
injecting some certainty into the land use process. Mayor
Stirling said he would like Council to take a stand against this
bill as it infringes on the freedom of municipal government.
City Manager Bob Anderson said this bill changes the aspect of
when a developer has invested rights from the building permit
state to an earlier stage, when f final approvals are given in
various processes. Anderson pointed out one of the deficiencies
of the bill is that this is not defined very well. Anderson
noted the 5 year time limit a developer is given might be
attached. Anderson told Council CML is opposed to this bill.
2. Mayor Stirling said the sixth penny fund totalled
$1,651.478, which was 5100,000 over the previous year and almost
a 60 percent increase since 1979.
3. Mayor Stirling reminded Council there is a goals session
February 24, 1987 at 1 p.m. There are Board interviews March 3,
1987 , at 4 p. m.
4. Mayor Stirling announced Al Blomquist has resigned from
P & Z as he feels these should be split into two commissions, one
for planning and one for zoning.
ORDINANCE #3. SERIES OF 1987 - Purchase Contract/Anderson Duplex
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. City Manager Bob
Anderson told Council staff met with Councilmembers Collins and
Isaac to make sure all proposed improvements have been made and
the proposed deal could be agreed to. City Attorney Taddune told
Council this transaction will represent a purchase price of
5186,500 to reflect the most recent appraisal. The purchase
price is to be paid by 5167,000 in cash with a first mortgage;
the remainder will be a promissory note of 518,650 with an
adjustable rate in favor of the city, secured by a second deed of
trust.
Taddune told Council the promissory note has interest and
principle to be paid in 12.5 years from closing. The interest
rate will be adjusted annually based on the index tied to the
yield on U. S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant
maturity of one year. There will be a change index applied every
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council February 23, 1987
year; the beginning annual interest rate is 7.25 percent.
Anderson told Council he took the treasury bill rate last week
and added 1.35 to it as specified to the conceptual agreement.
Taddune said on each change date the city will calculate the new
interest rate by adding 1.35 percentage points to the current
index. This will be an administrative fee. The interest rate on
the first change date will not be greater than 9.25 nor less than
5.25 percent. Thereafter the interest rate will not increase or
decrease on any change date by more than 2 ber 12n2ager entnand
The interest rate is capped on the high side y p
on the low side by 2.5 percent.
Taddune pointed out exhibit B of the purchase agreement will be
an itemization of all the items the city has paid for or will pay
for in the future. Taddune noted there are two items the
Andersons will pay for, which will be added to the re-purchase
price. One is the difference in the expense of restaining the
exterior between $800 and $1800. The second is $250 for
additional items that are already in the unit. The repurchase
price will be increased by the difference in the staining and the
5250.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #3, Series of 1987, on
second reading; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Collins, yes; Isaac, yes; Walls, yes;
Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
CONCEPTUAL SUBDIVISION - 1010 Ute Avenue
Councilwoman Fallin left the room due to a conflict of interest,
she is abstaining from items b, c, d and action item a. Glenn
Horn, planning office, told Council the residential GMP
competition started with 4 applicants. The 1001 applicant did
not meet the threshold, and staff is not recommending an
allocation to that project at this meeting. Horn told Council
1001 will be appealing the score of P & Z because they are very
close to the threshold. The other project is Cantrup's project
at the base of the mountain. This project was awarded enough
points to meet the threshold, however, the rezoning and street
vacation associated with the project is still being heard by P &
Z. Due to outside considerations, it was not possible to get
through the rezoning process prior to Council's meeting. Horn
recommended Council allocate units to that project but withhold
approval of conceptual subdivision. Horn told Council this
project is not included in the resolution allocating units. The
staff has letters from Cantrup saying he would not object to 1010
Ute and 700 East Hyman projects receiving their allocations.
Horn told Council all the applicants have agreed this process is
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Re~r~l ar Meetinq_ Aspen City Council Februarv 23, 1987
a fair way to proceed. Horn said the request at this meeting is
to allocate 18 units. If these are allocated, there will be 4
left. There are 35 units from previous years that have not been
wiped out, which are available. Mayor Stirling said Council will
be not dealing with all projects simultaneously. They are out of
context . Gideon Kaufman told Council the Code reads that the
first scorer gets his quota; the second scorer gets his quota.
There is enough quota for the first two projects. The excess
quota only comes into effect for the other projects if they meet
the further review.
Gideon Kaufman, representing 1010 Ute Avenue, reminded Council
developing land in Aspen requires a balancing of community goals
and developer goals. Kaufman said both developers and the city
have been guilty of extremes of this, trying to ignore the
impacts or to extract too much from the developer. Kaufman said
the needs of the developer, adjacent property owners and the city
should be balanced. Kaufman pointed out the inability to do this
has lead to only 2 units being developer since 1977. The goal of
GMP is growth control, not growth elimination. Councilman Isaac
said some developers have been given allocations and have not
built their projects. Kaufman said they tried to come up with a
project that balanced all three needs to get a workable project.
Kaufman told Council they spent a lot of time on this application
and did their balancing before they submitted the application.
The project is providing the cost of a new bike trail bed along
the river, a new Nordic trail, a new downhill ski trail,
dedicating land for a city park and providing improvements to
that park, providing public parking, looping the city water
system using city raw water for irrigation to help maintain city
water rights, upgrading Ute avenue with additional rights-of-way,
constructing a new Ute avenue trail, providing new fire hydrants
and improving Ute cemetery. Kaufman said these are improvements
for the city and neighborhood and will exceed $500,000.
Kaufman told Council the project voluntarily reduced FAR and
developed the site to 35 percent below allowable density.
Kaufman said they have tried to be sensitive to previous
proposals for this property. This area was going to be the base
for the Little Annie ski area and was going to have 67 employee
units, a parking lot, base facilities and free market duplexes.
This development is proposed for single family residences. The
P & Z liked the project and was unanimous in its approval.
Kaufman told Council the planning office has recommended on.e
change which would change the concept of the project and hurt its
economic viability. Kaufman said to take the most valuable part
of the property, which would be paying for the community
benefits, is unfair. Kaufman told Council the ridge, with its
view, is central to the project. They have already made
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Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23. 1987
concessions on the ridge. They have volunteered to preserve view
planes by limiting houses to one level. The highest portion of
the ridge has already been dedicated to open space, and less than
40 percent of the ridge will be developed. Kaufman told Council
the applicant is willing to comply with the P & Z request to
provide elevations and to look at design techniques for the
ridge. Kaufman said the intent of PUD is to allow usabl e
amenities for people that live there. This project is less
dense, single family, and has reduced FAR.
Kaufman said the applicant met with the planning office about the
lots in the meadow and adjusted the site location to address
these concerns. The lots have been clustered in pairs in the
meadow and the houses have been put on the edge of the meadow to
preserve the views from Ute and to leave an open feeling.
Kaufman said they feel this has been responsive to the planning
off ice concerns, and is an innovative and special way of
preserving the meadow. Kaufman told Council P & Z agreed and
removed the planning office condition on the meadow.
Kaufman said the applicant has come up with new trail ideas which
were not envisioned when the trail master plan was adopted. The
Aspen mountain trail through the park is new. The relocation of
Ute avenue and trial linkage are new. Kaufman said this
demonstrates that the trail plan should be flexible. The trail
plan does show a trail through their property. The applicant's
proposed trail is expensive but city funds may not be available
for this alternative along the river. Kaufman said if Council
feels an alternative plan is necessary, they are willing to work
with staff on this.
Dick Fallin showed the 1.6 acres the applicant is proposing to
give to the city. The other side of the parcel is 6 acres.
Fallin told Council the external concerns of the project are the
view corridors along Ute avenue, the meadow open space, the ridge
and the Roaring Fork river. Fallin told Council this plan is a
result of the terrain. They have tried to enhance the meadow by
clustering the house s around the exterior, develop the ponds,
reshape the outer area. Fallin said the paired concept is to
minimize the paving through the site. The city's parking
requirement will be met on each site. Fallin showed where the
improved bike trail and Ute avenue are proposed to be. Fallin
showed the proposed Nordic trail. There will be a parking area
adjacent to Ute avenue to be limited to daytime parking. Fallin
showed the trail option A, to provide a loop and a unique
experience along the river. The trail option B runs between the
Gant, Calderwood and this project.
Glenn Horn, planning office, told Council staff feels this is an
exceptional subdivision and is very well done. The development
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Regular Meeting- Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23. 1987
team has gone beyond the normal in trying to work with
neighboring properties and the staff. Horn said this is an
One
site
thi
unusual site. Horn said there are 4 trails on
trail would come from the Aspen mountain .
s
c
~
d
tntol
new
provide ski out access to Little Nell and link di
No
the
i
which the
trail system. There is a trail along Ute avenue,
little east and to landscape. Horn
applicants propose to move a
said he feels this would be a better trail. til
here
option A along the river. This is located on
d as
t ro er
y p P Y-
art of another
p
e
There is a bridge to be construc
subdivision, which will link the Roaring Fork portion to Ute
avenue. Horn pointed out the master plan calls for a trail
Horn said
across the site linking the bridge to Ute avenue.
staff feels this link may be important as part of the commuting
system. Horn noted the trails system serves two functions;
ith the
recreation and commuting. Horn said he has a
ressed too
it is problem w
f
a
t
p
proposed trail B because
property 1 i ne and i s too close to the Gan Calderwood
and
developments. Horn said the recommendation is
ld
h tav e d i f f e r e nt
h
ou
preliminary review, the applicant s
alternative to develop the trail. Horn suggested the trail be
internalized within the subdivision.
Mayor Stirling asked if the applicant is proposing to develop the
trail option A on city property. Fallin answered the developer
is committing to constructing the trail bed to prepare it for use
in the trail system. Kaufman said the applicant feels this is a
better alternative than just granting an easement for option B.
Horn pointed out both the Code and master plan require staff to
ask for trails outlined in the master plan, and staff feels it
would be a good attribute to the trails system to have both
trails. Horn said it is more important to obtain the easement
than to foreclose the option of getting this easement. Kaufman
said the applicant feels it works better to have the trail along
the river. Kaufman said they do not believe there will be city
funds available to build this trail by the river. Kaufman said
they would like to opportunity to explore various alternatives
and present these. Skip Berhorst, applicant, told Council the
idea of P & Z's condition was to allow the applicant to present
more detailed alternatives.
Horn said the site has two major natural features, the ridges and
the meadows between the two ridges. The developer has taken the
approach of trying to preserve the meadows. The developer has
said the houses on the ridge will only be one story. The staff
has suggested that the houses on lots 13, 14 and 15 be dropped
down so they do not protrude above the ridge. The ridge line
wil l then be maintained in its natural state f or the adjacent
property owners. Horn told Council P & Z accepted a proposal
that the applicant will prepare east elevation drawings of the
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-~ Reaular Meetina Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23, 198'7
houses at one story. The planning office still recommends the
houses be maintained below the ridge line.
Horn told Council another concern is the east meadow, lots 2, 3,
and 4. Horn said that meadow is the predominant view going up
Ute avenue. The applicant is working to minimize the impacts on
the meadow and is working on making the homesite as tight as
possible. Horn recommended approval with the conditions listed
in the memorandum.
Councilman Isaac asked w hat the purpose of the ponds in the
meadows is. Kaufman said it gives the applicants an ability to
irrigate without having to use treated water. Kaufman said the
city has excess capacity there and if the water is not utilized,
the rights could be lost City Attorney Taddune told Council a
draft water agreement has been prepared. The use of excess
capacity is to the city' s benefit. Mayor Stirling asked the
total allowable build out on that property. Kaufman said there
could be 26 units.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
John Kelly, representing Jack Davis, told Council he is not
opposed to the subdivision. However, Kelly objected to the
parking lot 30 feet within his client's door. Kelly said this is
an 8040 area and it looks as if there may be disturbance to build
this parking lot. Kelly said it appears the lot may be better
located near the tennis courts. Horn entered into the record a
letter from John Kelly outlining these concerns. Horn said the
site is subject to both 8040 and stream margin review.
Molly Campbell, Gant, told Council the developer has worked very
closely with them and the Gant is generally pleased with the
proposal. Ms. Campbell said the Gant feels this is an
improvement to the neighborhood with the park, the A option
trail, the berm and landscaping. Craig Ward, Nordic Council,
read a letter into the record from Fritz Benedict saying this is
the best design and lowest density development that has been
proposed f or this property. Ward said a good thing about trail
option A is it will stimulate the major loop system around town.
Councilwoman Walls asked why the applicant located the parking
lot where it is. Fallin said one consideration is that the
Nordic trail needs a certain grade, and they needed that
distance. The applicants felt the parking lot would be better in
closer to the house so the house would look out over the top of
the lot. Kelly said to the do that parking, it will have to be
excavated into the hill . Kelly said his clients do object to a
parking lot right by their front door. Kaufman said this will be
reviewed by P & Z during the 8040 greenline review. Mayor
Stirling suggested another condition stating during the course of
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Reaul ar Meeting __ Aspen Citv Council February 23. 1987
the 8040 review, specifically the parking lot be addressed. Ed
Zasacky, developer of Aspen Chance, told Council this is a good
development and an improvement to the neighborhood.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved to grant conceptual PUD subdivision
approval subject to the conditions 1 through 24 in the planning
office memorandum with an amendment to condition # 2 and a new
condition referring to the 8040 greenline and the parking lot;
seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
CONCEPTitAL SUBDIVISION - 1001 Ute Avenue
Glenn Horn, planning office, told Council this site is located to
the west of the previous site. This site is about 6 acres in
size, 2.65 acres of this site are located in the city, the
remaining acres are in the county. Horn told Council the staff
has ignored the county land for calculating density. The
applicant has suggested deeding all the unincorporate d land a s
ope n space. Horn told Council 8040 review on this parcel will
take place during preliminary review at P & Z. The applicant is
proposing one single family and 3 duplexes on site. The duplexes
will be on lots are that 15,000 square feet, and the single
family house will be on a 10,000 square foot parcel.
Horn told Council the applicants are dedicating a trail easement
across the parcel for the Ute trail. The applicant is granting
an easement for drainage for water coming off Aspen mountain,
which will help to resolve a problem in the area. Horn said a
problem with this site relates to a perception of density and the
feel of this site. This is a very steep site. There are 3
tennis courts on the front of the site and mine tailings on the
rear. The applicants propose to regrade the mine tailings, move
the tennis courts and put in an access road.
Joe Wells, representing the applicant, told Council the proposal
is a 4 lot PUD subdivision including 4 free market units and 3
low income one bedroom restricted units. The free market houses
will be about 3800 square feet. The lot sizes range from 14,000
to 19,000 square feet. Wells told Council P & Z recommended
conditional approval of the conceptual subdivision; however, the
minimum score is 31.8 and the project received a score of 31.67
and the applicant has filed an appeal to be heard in March.
Well s showed a drawing of the 1 imits of the mine tailing on site,
the existing tennis courts, which are subject of a joint use with
the Gant. The Gant has joined in this application so this parcel
may be treated as one parcel. The concept is to regrade the mine
tailings to a more natural configuration and to construct an
entry road by shifting the tennis courts to the west. Wells told
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Re~ula-r Meetinq__ Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23, 1987
Council the applicant will create the lots and do the
improvements and then sell the lots to individual purchasers.
Wells told Council there is no open space requirement in this
zone district; however, there is considerable open space in the
project. The common open space is the area around the entry
road, landscaping above the tennis courts and in front of the
tennis courts. Wells told Council the common area open space
amounts to 14,500 square feet. The land around the building
sites, which would be included in open space calculation, amounts
to 61,500 square feet. There is also 4.08 acres in the county,
which will be committed to open space. Wells stated the
applicant believes the open space in the county is a great
benefit; it ties up the parcel from future development.
Wells told Council this project can comply with all area and bulk
requirements. The applicant has asked for consideration in the
manner of calculating heights. The bench will be graded so the
final grade will be lower and will allow a higher building. The
applicant proposes the heights be measured from the final grade
rather than existing grades. Wells said the applicant has
suggested reducing the front yard setbacks from 25 to 20 feet
because of the grades. The closer the building sites are to the
road, the less problems there will be from a design standpoint.
Wells told Council the road can be moved so that each lot meets
the 20,000 square feet per duplex lot. The present configuration
with smaller lots is better for the city and for design. Wells
said the benefit to the city from this project are a permanent
trail easement, completing the drainage-way, and re-grading and
re-vegetation of the tailings area.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Chuck Brandt asked what the planning office recommendation for
this project is. Horn recommended this project be approved but
there be a restriction against the residences being one story in
height and prior to preliminary plat, the applicant should
prepare a site plan which depicts the footprints for review of P
& Z. Brandt, representing an Aspen Chance resident, told Council
they are not opposed to the project but are concerned about the
density. Brandt said he supported the earlier staff
recommendation that either the bulk be reduced or one site be
el iminated.
John Nichol, adjacent property owner, told Council he will be
impacted by the density of the project and by the re-grading of
the entire project. Nichol read from the PUD provisions that
residential development will encourage the preservation of site's
unique, natural and scenic features. Nichol said this
development will destroy natural vegetation. Nichol read from
9
Re~t~-lar Meeting Aspen City Council Februarv 23. 1987
the criteria that development must include open space for the
mutual benefit of the entire tract, and that the unique features
will be preserved and enhanced and be in harmony with the
surrounding neighborhood. Nichol said he objects to the density
on these two criteria. Nichol said he does not object to the
project on the whole.
Richard Luhman, representing Aspen Chance, said when Council
looks at a PUD they have to consider the issue of density, both
real and perceived density. Luhman said the perceived density in
this subdivision causes a problem and makes maximizing real
density inappropriate. Luhman said the tennis courts cause
density and are not strictly a subdivision amenity. Luhman said
he feels the property is much better developed to 3 sites rather
than 4.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Wells told Council a good deal of density on the site is removed
by slope reduction calculations, reducing the density from 15 to
7 units. Wells said the applicant has assumed that the employee
housing has very little impact regarding density. They are 600
square feet units. Wells told Council the Aspen Chance density
is one dwelling unit per .43 acres, and this project density is
one dwelling unit per .47 acres, excluding the employee housing.
Wells showed drawings of comparative density of the Aspen Chance
project and the proposed 1001 project.
Councilman Isaac asked about the geological hazards from the
avalanche path as well as the materials in the mine dump, which
may be hazardous. Councilman Isaac asked if the city has a
liability in approving a project with these hazards. City
Attorney Taddune advised under Colorado law, the approval of a
subdivision does not rise to liability; however, the issue is
still being debated. Taddune told Council in the Aspen Mountain
PUD, the Council required a disclaimer in the plat. Wells told
Council this project is not in a historic avalanche zone, but it
is being studied further. Councilman Isaac said he would like a
condition or disclaimer that the city is not responsible. Horn
told Council the employee units will be deed restricted units,
not care-taker units. Mayor Stirling said he would like to see
the whole site less dense and would rather see 3 sites than 4
sites.
Councilman Coll ins moved to approve conceptual subdivision and
PUD with the conditions outlined from P & Z on pages 9 through 13
and including as condition #1 that the applicant return with
proposals to reduce the density or the bulk of the proposed
subdivision; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
10
Reg-ul-ar Meeting Aspen -City Council February 23, 1987
Councilman Isaac said he would like to be convinced there are no
problems with the hazard areas. Taddune said the should be
addressed at preliminary stage. Richman suggested adding to
condition #15 a statement that the applicant will place on the
plat such consumer protection information that may emerge from
the studies by preliminary plat.
Councilman Collins moved to amend his motion to add that language
to condition #15; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor,
motion carried.
COi~C-E SUBDIVISION - 700 East Hyman
Sunny Vann, representing the applicant Hodge Capital Company,
said this property is 4 lots at the corner of Hyman and Spring,
consisting of 12,000 square feet. The applicant wishes to
construct two duplexes. Vann told Council the property is zoned
0, off ice, and would allow construction of an off ice building and
a multi-family structure. Vann said two duplexes is the lowest
impact use for this site. The duplexes on this site provide a
transition between the commercial core and the residential areas
to the east of the property. The proposed project is below the
FAR and is two feet below the maximum height for the zone
district. There is no open space requirement in the 0, office
zone; this project provides 40 percent open space.
This project is located within two blocks of the commercial core
and is on major bus routes. The applicant is installing
sidewalks on both street fronts and is doing extensive
landscaping. A fire hydrant is being installed and the
historical drainage pattern is maintained, if not improved by the
project. The project exceeds the minimum employee housing
requirement for competition in this zone district. Vann told
Council this project finished first in the GMP scoring
competition before bonus points. Vann told Council the
applicants have no problems with the conditions outlined in the
memorandum.
Vann told Council the applicant disagrees with the quota
interpretation the staff has given. Vann said this is an issue
of timing, consistency and fairness. The application involves 4
3,000 square foot lots which the applicant wants to split into
two parcels and end up with two duplexes or 4 units. Vann
pointed out under the GMP exemption provisions, one duplex can be
constructed on the property by right. There is also the lot
split provision which would allow a single family to be built on
each of the two lots that are created. Vann said the applicant
could build one duplex; submit an application for a lot split,
and if approved build a single family house on the remaining lot.
The applicant could then compete under GMP for the remaining unit
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trla-r - Meetn4 Aspen City Council Februarv 23 , -1987
and end up with two duplexes or 4 units. Vann said the problem
with this approach is time and money. Vann pointed out this
approach would require the applicant to actually build the units
to obtain the development objective of 4 units. Vann reminded
Council they recently removed the provision requiring an
applicant to actually build a residence to obtain a lot split.
Vann said it would be simpler to submit a subdivision
application, claim an exemption for a duplex which could be built
today. If the subdivision were approved, claim an exemption for
a single family house resulting from the lot split approval and
to compete for one unit. Vann told Council the planning office
has taken the position in order to claim exemptions, a building
permit has to be obtained first or an applicant cannot take
credit for what is allowed by right. Vann said he feels there is
precedent for the approach for that exemption which is all owed by
right, the duplex, could be part of an application without having
to construct it first. Vann reminded Council the Wesson
commercial and residential building was allowed a single family
unit by right. Vann told Council the planning office took the
position since Wesson could build a single family, by right, and
add commercial space through the GMP process, Wesson could claim
the single family unit as part of the GMP application without
having to build it. Vann said the only difference in the Wesson
project is that it is a mixed use project, but the concept is the
same.
Vann told Council the only benefit that accrues to the city is to
require the applicant to provide more employee housing. Vann
said this point is moot if the units are built first because
there is no employee housing requirement for a duplex. Vann said
this employee housing requirement is forcing the applicant to
build the units to start with, and if these units are built, the
city would not get the employee housing. Vann said it seems in
the best interest to obtain approval for a project that has the
same end result, let the market dictate when the units are built,
pay an appropriate fee for the employee housing, and mitigate the
impacts. Vann said the planning office interpretation is
inconsistent with the goals of trying to simplify the process.
Vann pointed out the planning office memorandum states if they
are allowed to do this, it would be a substantial change in the
application. If this is agreed to by Council and one unit is
required to compete for rather than two, the only change in the
application is the number of units, and the employee housing
contribution. Vann said the applicant represents they will
provide 45 percent of the employee housing requirement, which is
in excess of the minimum requirement. Vann said that commitment
will not change, they will still provide 45 percent, but the
volume will be different as a result of one unit versus two.
12
Re-a-txl-ar-Meetinct__ Aspen Citv Council February 23; 1987
Peter Rosell, representing the applicant, said the difference in
the approach is about $80,000. The applicant has been
manipulated into providing this, and it does not seem fair.
Steve Burstein, planning off ice, told Council this is an
application f or an expedited subdivision review. Burstein told
Council the applicant has committed to a good landscaping
program. The four unit development is not out of character in
the area. Burstein told Council staff and referral agencies do
not have problems with the application. Burstein recommended
changing condition #6 that soils sample analysis be submitted if
mine dump or tailing is uncovered during excavation phase of the
project. Burstein noted condition #7 should be changed that the
allocation of GMP units by Council shall be granted subject t o
f final plat approval of the project so the approvals are
simultaneous.
Burstein told Council staff's position regarding the exemption
for the GMP units is that these are speculative, new development
which does cause growth and development impacts. The purpose of
the GMP is to address impacts. Burstein reminded Council when
they adopted the new lot split provisions allowing a GMP
exemption on undeveloped parcels, it was to allow single family
development as a pressure relief valve and for minor development.
Burstein said this application does not qualify f or the same
intent of that provision. Burstein said this request is an
attempt to get out from requirements to mitigate the impacts of
the project, the employee housing.
Burstein said staf f f eel s thi s i s more than a technical
clarification of the GMP application and would amend the GMP
application. Burstein pointed out this project already received
an exemption for one duplex, getting a building permit prior to
filing a GMP application. Burstein said this project is
different f rom the Wesson project . The Wesson project was one
dwelling unit within a commercial project, which did address the
impacts as an entirety. Burstein said the Wesson project did not
set a precedent. It was not a subdivision, nor a lot split
situation. Burstein said this application would be a lot split
after the subdivision has already been reviewed.
Vann told Council the subdivision application before them for
approval meets all the criteria of the lot split exemption. Vann
said there is no prohibition in the lot split provision to
preclude f urther development. Vann said one unit is exempted,
and they would have to compete for the other unit. Vann said the
applicant could have amended his application, and the only change
would be the amount of money or how many units being deed
restricted for employee housing. Vann told Council when the
applicant met with staff and told them they would like an
13
Ree~l~r Mee-tinq _ Aspen Citv Co-unci-i - - - February 23 . 1987
additional duplex, staf f told them unless the f i r st duplex i s
built, they would have to compete for 4 units. Vann said the
applicant had to take advantage of the first exemption to make
sure they did not have to compete for 4 units. Vann told Council
the entire project was reviewed by the P & Z, and the impacts
have been mitigated for all 4 units, with the exception of how
much employee housing is required. Vann told Council the Wesson
project does not involve a lot split but does involve maximum
development on a single parcel. Vann said conceptually this
project is no different from the Wesson project.
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council a lot split
exemption must be applied for according to the Code. Richman
pointed out the applicant has not applied for a lot split, and
the third unit is a discretionary review procedure. Vann said
the subdivision criteria is the same as the lot split and would
have the same result. Vann said the applicant would have applied
for the lot split provision but it would have confused the issue
surrounding P & Z review of the application. Vann said the
applicant chose to raise the issue as one of interpretation
before Council. Vann said there is nothing in the Code that
would preclude using the exemptions together. Vann said the
applicant could use one exemption at a time, 6 months apart, and
the end result would be the same. Richman told Council the
intent of the GMP is to deal with the entire development impacts.
The intent of the lot split exemption and the previously
subdivided lot exemption is to keep people from having to go
through full subdivision and GMP competition reviews when they
want to do less development. This applicant is trying to take
advantage of all the exemptions as well as competing through the
system. Councilman Isaac asked if the applicant wanted to
withdraw their application. Vann said it is not in the
applicant's best interest, if they are gong to be allocated two
units, to do another application to achieve the same result.
Councilman Isaac moved to grant conceptual subdivision approval
for the creation of 2 lots on Block 104, Aspen Townsite for the
700 East Hyman project, subject to conditions 1 through 8, as
amended, in the planning office memorandum February 19, 1987;
seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to adhere to the interpretation as presented
by planning department to require two duplexes are in the process
of being created and to proceed on that basis; seconded by
Councilman Isaac.
Vann said the difference in the two methods is the cost. Vann
asked why force an applicant to do something they can legally do
in steps when the end result is the same. Vann stated he does
not feel this is an appropriate way to get additional monies for
14
Reutx~a-r'--Me-eJt_rna Aspen City Council February 23. 1987
employee housing. Every impact caused by 4 units is mitigated.
Mayor Stirling said this is new development and does generate
growth effects.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion
carried.
Councilman Isaac moved to accept the housing authority's
recommendation stated in the December 10, 1986, memorandum;
seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
RE-SOi,UT-ifjN- # 4 , SERIES OF - 19 87
Councilman Isaac moved to approve Resolution #4, Series of 1987,
granting residential allotments f rom the 1986 residential GMP
quota of 2 units to 700 East Hyman project and 16 units to the
1010 Ute Avenue project; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in
favor, motion carried.
i~ES6i;~I6~N -#7, S~RIE-S QF 1g87 - Electric Underground District
Assistant City Manager Mitchell said this resolution of intent is
to form a district, which staff feels is the best way to get the
secondary connections to houses before the poles and lines can be
taken down. Mayor Stirling said he thought when the original
undergrounding bond was approved, these costs were going to be
absorbed through the city. Mitchell said staff did not indicate
the $3,000,000 would cover secondary connections. It was
anticipated this would be done voluntarily or have an underground
district. Mayor Stirling asked about giving a deadline and
letting people install their own connection to minimize the
amount of bonds. Mitchell said that is the process staff
envisioned.
Councilman Collins said the meters could cost up to $3,000 to be
installed, which would be doubled if the amount were financed.
This money could double a person's electric rates per month.
Councilman Collins said when the underground project was started,
there was little information provided for extending the service
to a house. Councilman Collins said in the past, the city would
run the secondary lines up and down the alley as well as drop the
service loop from the alley to the meter to the house. Now the
city is saying the undergrounding to the house is the
responsibility of the homeowner. Councilman Coll ins said the
city should go ahead and complete the project.
Mayor Stirling suggested the city set a 9 or 12 month period and
urge citizens to comply and get the undergrounding done. City
Attorney Taddune said this resolution starts the process because
the city has to involve the other utilities that would be
15
Re-c~u-iar -Me-etina Aspen City Council -February 2-3. 1987
impacted. Following the passage of this resolution, there are
ordinances that would provide required notice in the newspaper
and written notices to the property owners. There will be a lot
of discussion prior to the time each property owner has to choose
the option to be out of the district. Mitchell said the city is
not planning on having the district formed before late summer,
which will give staff time to get information to the property
owners.
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Resolution #7, Series of 1987;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilman Collins and Mayor Stirling. Motion
carried.
RRS~LITTION -#3. SERI-ES OF- 198-7 - Annexation of Aspen Grove
Assistant City Manager Mitchell told Council this is an
applicable annexation area, according to state statues, there are
sufficient signatures, and all requirements are met. Mitchell
said staff will prepare an annexation ordinance and ask Council
not to adopt this ordinance on second reading until the zoning
issues are settled. Mitchell told Council Aspen Grove is
concerned about zoning in their area because they do not want
duplexes. Mitchell told Council staff has assured Aspen Grove
residents the city will not move ahead with annexation until the
zoning question is approved to their satisfaction.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Resolution #3, Series of 1987,
with the public hearing date April 13, 1987; seconded by
Councilman Isaac.
Councilman Isaac asked if staff has estimated how much it will
cost to give services to this area. Mitchell said when staf f
looked at all the proposed areas to be annexed, the expenses were
about 5200,000. Councilman Isaac asked if the cost could be
broken for this area. Mitchell said when staff looked at this
area, Smuggler and Mountain Valley, they determined it was an
incremental item depending on how much is annexed.
All in favor, motion carried.
~RD~i~AN~E #4, SERIES -flF 198 - 7.5 penny Sales Tax
Councilwoman Fallin moved to read Ordinance #4, Series of 1987;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, with the exception
of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #4
( Series of 1987)
16
Regular Meetin4 Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23. 1987
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING AN ADDITIONAL ONE-HALF PERCENT
SALES TAX IN THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THEREBY
INCREASING THE SALES TAX TO 1-1/2~ (ONE AND ONE-HALF
PERCENT) UPON THE SELLING OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
AND RETAIL AND UPON EVERY RETAIL AND FURNISHING OF
SERVICES IN THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, OPERATIVE AND
EFFECTIVE ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1987, PROVIDING THAT THE
ADDITIONAL REVENUE RECEIVED BY SAID INCREASE MAY BE
EXPENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR RECREATION PURPOSES IN
CONNECT ION WITH MULTI-USE RECREATION FACILITIES AND/OR
NORDIC TRAILS SYSTEM, INCLUDING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS,
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, LAND ACQUISITION, GENERAL
OPERATING PURPOSES, INCLUDING RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS,
PAYMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS INCURRED IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH, RESERVES AND FOR THE EXPENDITURES NECESSARY
TO PROTECT ANY SUCH PROPERTY AGAINST LOSS OR DAMAG E OR
DESTRUCTION, PROVIDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL MAY AMEND,
ALTER, CHANGE SAID ORDINANCE EXCEPT AS TO THE
PERCENTAGE OF TAX AND MAY REPEAL SAID ORDINANCE IF ALL
INDEBTEDNESS INCURRED HEREBY IS PAID OR PROVIDED FOR
AND PROVIDING THE DETAILS IN RELATIONS TO THE FOREGOING
was read by the city clerk
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #4, Series of 1987,
on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilman Isaac asked about sales tax on food, if this half
penny sales tax would generate enough money not to have sales tax
on f ood and not to have the f ood tax rebate . City Attorney
Taddune told Council this ordinance contains many provisions
required by state statute . Taddune told Council in order to
delete sales tax on food, this has to be specifically set forth
in the ordinance. The exemption for food is not in the
ordinance; however, it can be amended by Council. City Manager
Bob Anderson said the ordinance contains no specific allocation
for construction, operation, etc.
Councilman Isaac said the city has a number of projects that need
to be funded. Councilman Isaac urged Council to consider taking
a full eighth penny sales tax to the voters as well as looking at
not taxing f ood. Taddune said the sixth penny taxes f ood, and
the rebate system is tied to the sixth penny. The ordinance for
the sixth penny would have to be amended. Mayor Stirling said
the issue is whether an increase sales tax is fair or appropriate
for any projects in Aspen. Mayor Stirling said what the city
needs to do is demonstrate they are using the citizens' money
efficiently and effectively. Mayor Stirling said the sales tax
ha s grown almost 60 percent since 1979. Mayor Stirling said a
sales tax is a regressive tax as well as another cost of coming
to Aspen.
17
Reg-ular- Meeting Aspen Citv Council Februarv 23,_ 1987
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, yes; Collins, no; Fallin,
yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor Stirling, no. Motion carried.
Taddune said the resolution with the ballot questions will
contain the one-half penny sales tax as well as the bond issue
for the recreation facility. Councilwoman Walls said if it is
possible, the questions should be combined so that voters are
voting on the additional sales tax as well as bonds f or a
recreation facility. Councilwoman Fallin brought up the sale of
the present ice rink and the proceeds going to the recreation
facility, and should this question be on the ballot. Taddune
said he would draft some language for this issue.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the meeting to February 24,
1987, at 4:00 p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
ORDINANCE-#6, SERIES OF 1987 - Rezoning Moses Property
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #6, Series of 1987;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #6
( Series of 1987)
AN ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY ONE ACRE OF LAND
GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTHEAST OF THE ASPEN ALPS
CONDOMINIUM, EAST OF THE SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA, AS THE
BASE OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN, CITY OF ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY,
COLORADO, FROM C, CONSERVATION TO R-15/PUD RESIDENTIAL
was read by the city clerk
Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance #6, Series of 1987,
on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Gideon Kaufman, representing Gaard Moses, told Council this was
rezoned in the early 1970' s and it was probably not realized
there were existing structures. The zoning makes it non-
conforming because there are a number of units in the
conservation zone. Kaufman said the zoning next to this is R-15.
The applicant would also l ike a l of split, in order to make this
conforming. P & Z and the planning office recommend approval.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Collins, yes; Isaac, yes; Isaac,
yes; Fallin, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
All in favor, motion carried. Meeting continued at 9:05 p.m.
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