HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19870323Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 23, 1987
CITIZEN COMMENTS 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 1987 - Historic Designation 2
ORDINANCE #6, SERIS OF 1987 - Rezoning Moses R-15/PUD and
Subdivision Exception 3
ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 1987 - Extending Historic Demoli-
tion Moratorium 4
GMP APPEAL - 1001 Ute Avenue 6
ELECTRIC SERVICE UNDERGROUNDING CONTRACT 13
CITY/COUNTY SPACE 16
PROPOSED NAME OF LIXIVIATION BR IDGE 17
REQUEST TO RESTORE MAROLT BARN 17
GMP EXTENSION REQUEST - Aspen M ountain Lodge 17
ORDINANCE #11, SERIES OF 1987 - Historic Preservation Code
Amendments 20
ORDINANCE #8, sERIES OF 1987 - Employee Retirement 22
WHEELER AIR COOLING CONTRACT 23
MOORE POOL IMPROVEMENTS 23
MAROON CREEK HYDROPOWER PROJECT 24
REQUEST FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE MARCH DESIGNATION 25
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 26
RED ROOF INNS REPORT 26
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Regular Meeting As,~en City Counci~_ March 23. 1987
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5: 05 p. m. with
Councilmembers Fallin, Walls, and Collins present.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Jon Busch said a critical point is approaching where there
is risk of losing the railroad. Busch pointed out the studies
over the years have always indicated a need and desirability of
both the down valley commuter link, a regional transit center,
and an alternative way to get people to Aspen. Busch said
citizens voted two to one f or a railroad coming in to town, and
there should be a more proactive position out of city staff.
This project is for the community. Busch told Council the
railroad is having some problems, which has affected their fund
raising abilities. Busch told Council the county is going to
have a work session on the railroad. Mayor Stirling suggested
the city join in this work session.
2. Roger Hunt told Council the railroad has discovered a
possibility in the defect of the transfer of right-of-way to the
county, which in turn affects the city. Hunt said it is in the
area, specifically, that the railroad will need community help.
Hunt encouraged the Council to persuade the planning office to
take a neutral rather than adverserial stance in dealing with the
railroad. Mayor Stirling suggested Hunt take this to P & Z and
have them make a recommendation to Council.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilwoman Walls announced she does not intend to run for
re-election in May. Councilwoman Walls said she feels 4 years is
an optimum amount of time to serve before losing one's perspec-
tive. Councilwoman Walls encouraged women to run for Council to
have a representative board and to have balance in the decisions
that are made.
2. Councilman Collins said last Saturday he and Mayor Pro Tem
Walls met with a delegation from China. This was a pleasant
meeting and information exchange.
3. Mayor Stirling said in the last packet there was a memoran-
dum about changes in the leisure services department. Mayor
Stirling said he is not clear if that requires a budget change.
City Manager Bob Anderson said the changes will not effect the
budget.
4. Mayor Stirling said the leisure services department is
constituted differently than others in that the agency head has
no portfolio. Mayor Stirling said the intention with the agency
heads was that an existing department head would take that job
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Regular Meeting _ __ ______-__ Aspen City Council ~ March 23. 1987
and not create a new job. Mayor Stirling said he is concerned
about the leisure services aspect as one of the purposes was not
to create any new jobs. City Manager Bob Anderson said it was
not a matter of expanding personnel when that happened. Two
employees left and two people were hired. Titles and respon-
sibilities shifted but an additional person was not hired.
5. Mayor Stirling said there was an accident as the ice rink,
which points up the need for the city to do some work on the
rink, like the swimming pool, no matter the results of the
election this spring.
6. Mayor Stirling said there is a proposed second aspect of the
Coors Classic this summer, an Aspen to Copper mountain road race
for men, going over Independence pass. Mayor Stirling said the
Coors Classic needs a letter f rom Council to the state highway
department supporting this stage of the race. Councilwoman Walls
said she would support this as long as it is not done on a
weekend when the roads are really busy.
Mayor Stirling moved that Council write a letter in support of
the road race to the various state departments; seconded by
Councilman Collins. All in favor, with the exception of Council-
woman Fallin. Motion carried.
7. City Manager Bob Anderson said Council has previously
scheduled a work session for April 6 on code simplification.
Anderson said staff believes the draft on code simplification
needs more work and they would rather not have the work session
on April 6. Council suggested moving the lodge improvement
district work session to April 6. Jay Hammond said t hat was
fine. Council cancelled the April 9 work session.
8. Mayor Stirling said the Boards dinner and Fire Department
dinners will be in April.
ORDINANCE #5, - SERIES flF 1987 - Historic Designation
Steve Burstein, planning office, told Council this ordinance
designates 8 structures to the city's local designation system.
Burstein told Council all of these structures were volunteered by
the owners for designation. P & Z unanimously recommended
Council pass this ordinance.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no com-
ments. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Ordinance #5, Series of 1987,
on second reading; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Roll call
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vote; Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Walls, yes; Collins, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE-_#6. SERIS~OF i~387. - Rezoning Moses R-15/PUD and
Subdivision Exception
Glenn Horn, planning office, told Council this rezoning request
is f rom C, conservation, to R-15/PUD as well as a subdivision
exception request to create two lots on the parcel. Horn told
Council this is an unusual site because of the topographic
situation; it sits about 70 feet below the Little Nell slope.
There are two existing duplex units on site; however, only two of
the four units have been legally constructed. Horn told Council
one of the considerations of the applicant is that they want to
legalize the situation. Horn said there are only two options to
legalize this; to remove two of the units or to legalize what is
there by making deed restrictions on two of the units to have a
single family on one side and an employee unit on the other side.
Horn said the problem with that approach is when you go through
slope density, there would not be enough square footage to make
those units legal. Horn told Council the applicant has committed
to remove a kitchen from each of the buildings and turn them into
single family units.
Horn told Council P & Z recommends this be rezoned from C to
R-15/PUD. The applicant has voluntarily placed a size restric-
tion on the units. Horn stated the zoning would be consistent
with the zoning in the surrounding area and would not be incon-
si stent with the city' s policy of zoning 1 and above the 80 40 1 ine
as C, conservation. Horn told Council in this portion of town
the spur of the Midland right-of-way is the more logical division
between conservation and residential zoning than the 8040
greenline. This is due, mainly, to topography on the site which
is far below the visual site line of Little Nell. Horn said this
site cannot be seen f rom Little Nell because of the way it drops
off, which is a major consideration in the recommendation of R-
15/PUD zoning.
Horn told Council both staff and P & Z are recommending approval
of the subdivision exception. There are some conditions w hic h
have to do with timing of construction. One condition is the
timing of the placement of the water line to the site. Horn said
it would be best to have the water line installed when the
duplexes are removed and the existing development on site is
remodeled. Horn said it would be premature to impose some
arbitrary deadline and cause the applicant to rip up the site
twice. Horn pointe d out if the remodeling and reconstruction
does not take place, there is a deadline of 18 months f or the
water line. Horn said there is the same condition for the
removal of the kitchen, which differs some from the recommenda-
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tion of P & Z but is acceptable to the planning office. Horn
recommended approval of the subdivision exception and of approval
of Ordinance #6.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Jesse Graber said the property was zoned in the zealous period.
Moses' house has been there for a long time. Graber supports the
rezoning. Ed Zasacky, representing Aspen Chance, told Council
they support and approve the efforts of Moses. Austin England,
neighbor, strongly supports this application. Tom Sharkey
supports this application. Jim Blanning pointed out the 8040
line never took into consideration the topography or the lot
boundaries. Blanning said he can see no valid reason for not
rezoning this property. Chris Lacy said this applicant wants to
live on the property and bring it up to code. Lee Forsyth
supports this application as it will allow Moses to remodel his
property.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance #6, Series of 1987,
on second reading and to grant subdivision exception for the
purpose of creating two lots subject to conditions 2, 3, and 5 of
the P & Z recommendation and conditions 1 and 6 of the staff
recommendation; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stirling asked if there are other lots in this sector above
the 8040 for which this type of request might be made. Horn the
most southerly building of the Aspen Alps is also in the C zone
everything else is zone R-15. Gaard Moses said he needs more
room in his house due to an expanding family. Moses cannot get a
building permit. Moses told Council he would like to build
something suitable and in keeping with the neighborhood. Gideon
Kaufman, representing the applicant, told Council this has to be
separate lots or it remains non-conforming. Horn said the PUD
designation is very important or the slope density reduction is
not considered. Without the PUD designation, duplexes could be
constructed on each lot. Kaufman said the applicant has no
problem with the PUD designation. Kaufman told Council currently
there are f our free market units on site; this will have two free
market units on site. Mayor Stirling asked if the applicant was
satisfied with the 3800 square foot limitation on each site.
Moses said he is.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Collins, yes; Walls, yes; Fallin,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDfNANCE-~~1-0;-_5-E-.R_~ES- ~OF 1g87 - Extending Historic Demolition
Moratorium
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Steve Burstein, planning office, said this will extend the
moratorium on demolition or removal of historic structures until
June 22. Burstein pointed out that 46 structures have already
been deleted from the list of structures that were identified on
the inventory. These structures were evaluated 0 or 1 by the
HPC. 146 structures will remain on the list. Burstein pointed
out there is a process through the demolition ordinance to allow
for structures to go to HPC and to Council for an exemption from
the moratorium. Burstein said the purpose of the moratorium is
to give the city the opportunity to work on the incentives
program for historic designation and the code amendments.
Burstein said staff believes this moratorium is necessary.
Burstein said the moratorium will create some inconveniences f or
people; however, it is in the city's general best interest to
extend it.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Sally Roach urged Council to vote against this ordinance. Ms.
Roach said going for a special review is another example of the
people working for the government, having to go through one more
review. Ms. Roach said this is a economic hardship. Ms. Roach
pointed out the city has had six months to get the historic
program together and can continue to work on it without tying
everyone up in a moratorium.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Walls moved to adopt Ordinance #10, Series of 1987,
on second reading; seconded by Mayor Stirling.
Councilwoman Fallin said this moratorium extension is wrong, and
the work should have been completed by tonight. The building
season is starting in one month, and it is wrong to keep delaying
people. Councilman Collins agreed, and said six months was
plenty of time to get something together. Councilman Collins
noted 3 months is a very short time, and unless there is some
evidence to indicate the staff and Council has brought this
further, it is not wise to extend the moratorium.
Mayor Stirling said this is a dilemma as owning an old building
is Aspen is a trust. There are fundamental freedom issues and
property right issues in this extension. Mayor Stirling said the
planning department went in a different direction than Council
intended to go. The staff got involved in a designation process,
which delayed the original moratorium. Mayor Stirling said staff
and Council should bring the incentive program forward rapidly.
Mayor Stirling said the incentives need to be strong so that
people will voluntarily designate their houses. Mayor Stirling
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suggested the city finish the incentive program as soon as
possible. Mary Martin asked if it is possible to delay the
moratorium until second reading of the code changes. B urstein
noted when staff first discussed the possibility of extending the
moratorium, they set out a time table by which time they hoped to
have the code amendments completed, then the incentives.
Burstein said staff is moving as fast as they can on the historic
program.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, yes; Fallin, no; Collins,
no; Mayor Stirling, no. Motion NOT carried.
GMP A~P~Ai, - 1001 Ute Avenue
Glenn Horn, planning office, introduced into the record letters
from Rich Luhman and from Jay Hammond to Ed Zasacky. Horn
reminded Council 1001 Ute was granted conceptual PUD approval
several weeks ago. Horn told Council in the GMP scoring at P &
Z, the application was given a score of 31.67. To receive a GMP
allocation, an applicant must get a score of at least 31.8. The
applicant is appealing their score in accordance with Section 24-
11.4, which states the applicant must demonstrate either denial
of due process or an abuse of discretion on the part of P & Z .
The applicant is appealing on both of these grounds. The
applicant' s appeal is point by point appeal of the score of P & Z
in 4 different categories of 3 different P & Z members. The
appeal implies that 3 P & Z member s scored the applicant im-
properly. Horn pointed out in land use applications it is
difficult to say one point of view is wrong and one is right.
Council has given P & Z the discretion to award the score they
feel most appropriate based on the criteria.
Horn told Council if they were to overturn the score of P & Z it
would create a precedent in which applicants in the future would
come and question the scores awarded by P & Z members. Horn said
the applicant's case may have been more warranted if there were
more disparity in the scores of P & Z. Horn pointed out in this
case, the difference is one point here and there. Horn said
these differences in points reflect the discretionary authority
of P & Z. Horn said regarding the denial of due process argu-
ment, there is a verbatim which shows P & Z's discussion. Horn
said the record shows there was not a denial of due process in
that Paul Taddune, city attorney, advised P & Z to let the
applicants speak to the points that were being raised. The
applicants were given than opportunity and chose not to.
Horn said Council has three options; one, certify the score of P
& Z, which has been recommended by staff ; alter the score of P &
Z; or, three, to remand the applicant to P & Z for them to
rescore it. Horn recommended Council certify the score of P & Z.
Horn said if Council favors the applicant's arguments, they
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should remand this to P & Z rather than rescoring the applica-
tion. Horn said Council could just remand the portion of the
application that is being appealed, not the entire application.
Ron Austin, representing the applicant, stated in the suggestion
of abuse of discretion, there is no claim of wrong doing or
misconduct on the part of P & Z members. Austin pointed out the
finding of abuse of discretion does not require that. Austin
said what has happened is a misinterpretation of the facts and a
misallocation of the language in the code related to certain
aspects of scoring. Austin said this appeal does not establish a
dangerous precedent for anyone to file an appeal without any
grounds. Austin said this applicant has significant grounds.
Austin said in GMP scoring, giving an applicant one or two points
is a big difference when the possible points are 0, 1, or 2.
Austin said there is a precedent in 1984 based on a similar
argument by the Aspen Mountain Lodge, which was successful. City
Council reviewed the scoring and added points. This is not a new
and novel approach being taken. In the public facilities and
services scoring, which is where two areas of scoring are
addressed, Austin said it is important to review the code.
Austin read the scoring criteria to Council, and noted the
approach is upon public facilities and services. The criterion
for scoring are, "for 1 point, the project may be handled by
existing level of service in the area or any service improvement
by the applicant benefits the project only and not the area in
general". To score 2 points, the criteria in the code are that
the project in and of itself improves the quality of service in a
given area . Austin said in the public services area of f ire
protection and storm drainage it could be argued whether these
are discretionary at all as long as the basic fundamental
services are provided. Austin said when Horn made his initial
presentation to P & Z in this category he said, "looking at the
public facilities and service categories first, it is really a
cut and dried category. You either make the grade in this
category or not. The key consideration is whether or not your
improvements are beneficial to the neighborhood or whether they
just service the project itself". Austin said this is an
accurate statement of the approach for these areas.
Austin said in the storm drainage category, Ramona Markalunas
scored one in thi s category; the planning office has recommended
a score of two. Austin told Council at the meeting, two things
were dealt with. The plan called for a release of water from the
site at no greater than the historic rate. The second aspect of
the proposal was that the applicant would provide to the city an
easement across the property f or the drainage facility concerning
the runoff from Aspen mountain. Austin said this easement would
fill in the missing link for these easements. Austin stated this
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proposal takes it beyond simply providing drainage for the
project itself and it calculated to improve the services in the
neighborhood. Austin said that is the basis for scoring a 2 in
this particular category.
Austin pointed out the planning office statement in evaluating
another project said, "the standard for an area service improve-
ment for 2 points would be that a system that re-introduces storm
water on a delayed basis to maintain historic rates provided".
Austin told Council planning office recommended a score of 2 for
1001 project and a score of 1 for 700 East Hyman because that
project had not provided for release of the water at historic
rates but for on-site dry wells. Austin pointed out Ms. Markalu-
nas scored the 1001 project 1 in this category and 700 East Hyman
2 in this category. Austin told Council the application for 700
East Hyman changed their application for the drainage program,
during the meeting, in contradiction t o the code to say their
would re-introduce the water at less the historic rate, thus
getting a score of 2. Austin said that seemed to be allowing
that application a different approach from other applicants.
Austin told Council he talked to Ms. Markalunas and asked why she
rate d the two projects differently and why she didn't consider
the drainage easement enough to score this a 2. Austin said Ms.
Markalunas felt the drainage from Aspen mountain is a Ski Company
problem. Austin pointed out in the growth management a pplic a-
tion, the important thing is what an applicant's proposal does
for the neighborhood. The applicant's easement provides the
missing link of easements. Austin said based on a score of 1 and
the project missing the threshold, there is not completed
easement to provide for drainage. Austin said Council has the
authority to review that score and requested this be reviewed
before going any further. City Attorney Taddune recommended
Council hear all the complaints of the applicant before acting.
Councilmembers Fallin and Walls agreed they would prefer to hear
the whole argument.
Austin said the second aspect of this appeal is the scoring by
Ramona Markalunas in the fire protection category. Austin read
the criteria from the code, "considering the ability of the fire
department to provide fire protection according to the estab-
lished response standard". The basis for scoring 0, 1 or 2 are
the same. Austin pointed out in this project, the applicant has
provided for a new fire hydrant on site that provides a backup
for the other fire hydrants in the immediate vicinity. Austin
said it has been pointed out there are gaps in the coverage of
the other fire hydrants utilizing the 250 foot radius for hose
coverage. This new fire hydrant does not just serve the project
itself but is available to improve and to serve the community.
Austin told Council he asked Ms. Markalunas why she scored this
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1, and her response was that there was not enough water supply
and an 8 inch line that is a dead end 1 ine does not provide
enough water for fire protection. Austin said the code provides
if you have a dead end line of more than 200 feet, you need to
have an 8 inch line. Austin said this project complies with the
code.
Austin told Council the issue came up during the scoring proceed-
ings whether the applicant could loop its water system as it
committed to do in its application. Austin said there was a
discussion with the adjacent Aspen Chance subdivision whether
this project could hook into their line and cause a looping.
Aspen Chance also had a dead end line. Austin told Council when
the Aspen Chance plat was recorded, it did not have language
which specifically dedicated the water line to the city. The
water lines in the Aspen Chance has been considered private water
lines, and the Chance will not cooperate to allow the 1001
project to loop. Austin told Council it was the position of Ms.
Markalunas that if this could not be looped, then there was not a
sufficient water supply. Austin said this is a misunderstanding
of what the requirements are. Austin said there is language in
the Aspen Chance subdivision that provides to the city easements
for utilities and drainage. Austin said the Chance line is 6
inches and is substandard. Austin told Council the 1001 project
is caught in a difficult situation. The project could provide
looping that would improve the service to the entire neighbor-
hood, but Aspen Chance takes the position that 1001 cannot hook
into the line.
Austin told Council the approach to be taken in a GMP scoring is
to score the application as it exists. There was a commitment in
this project to loop. Austin said if the easement provided in
the Aspen Chance subdivision agreement is a utility easement,
which is available to 1001 and runs down the boundary between the
two projects, 1001 can loop its water system through that
easement whether or not it hooks into the Chance line. Austin
said the commitment by 1001 to loop the water line is possible,
it is likely that it could be accomplished; however, one P & Z
member gave this a score of 1 because the other party necessary
to make the looping work was not willing to do it. Austin
pointed out during GMP scoring there is not an opportunity to
determine if there are other solutions. An applicant makes a
presentation, and it is scored by the Commission. Austin said
the availability of the hydrant for the use of the neighborhood
justifies a score of 2, and Council ought to upgrade the score in
this category from a 1 to a 2.
Austin said the energy area basic criteria to get a 2 score a
project must have an acceptable design but one that is standard.
To get a score of 3, a project must have an excellent design.
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Austin said in the 1001 application, the vast majority of all
aspects of the energy design are committed to be above code
standards. Austin pointed out the applicants made the commitment
that the energy things would be above standard and beyond the
code requirements. Austin told Council two commissioners scored
only a 2 for this project when they had the opportunity to give
the project a 2.5 or 3, which were warranted by some of the other
Commissioners. Austin noted this is not a solar site, but there
are solar things in the application. The primary approach in the
application was to conservation, like prevention of heat loss,
better insulation, windows and materials. Austin suggested the
project is between an acceptable design of 2 and an excellent
design of 3. The project should warrant a 2.5 score.
Austin said due process is a difficult concept to deal with. If
one accepts the fact there is not time to respond and there
isn't a specific procedure to allow a lengthy discussion, perhaps
all applicants are in the same boat and there is not a lack of
due process to one individual. Austin said in the looping
discussion, there was no ability to f ocus on what could be done
and what the options were.
Councilwoman Fallin asked if this was the last application to be
scored at P & Z. Horn said he cannot remember the order. Staff
did set up some suggested times for each application. Joe Wells
said this project was second or third. Horn told Council there
were 4 applications. The meeting was split into conceptual
subdivision one meeting and scoring the next meeting. Council-
woman Fallin said the transcript seems to indicate a tendency to
rush through the application. Wells said the city attorney feels
because the applicant was given an opportunity to respond to
public comments, that eliminated the due process argument. Wells
said the two keys regarding the abuse of due process are giving
the applicant an opportunity to respond, and having an audience
to respond to. Wells said what is not reflected in the trans-
cript is that during the applicant's responses, only one Commis-
sion member was listening. Councilwoman Fallin asked if this
applicant took the same opportunity that 700 East Hyman did
regarding storm drainage to change the application. Wells
answered the applicants felt confident in that category that they
had gone beyond the requirements, and the planning office has
supported the maximum score, and they did not spend the time to
make comments. Wells said he felt the 700 East Hyman was a
change in the application, which is not permitted by code.
Ramona Markalunas, P & Z member, pointed out in her scoring, the
project met the threshold and asked why is her score being
challenged for 1 point. Austin said the reason is the particular
scores in the particular areas where there is not a lot of
discretion in the first place as opposed to the design cate-
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gories. Rich Luhman, representing Aspen Chance, told Council at
the P & Z meeting this applicant had as much time if not more
than other applicants. Luhman said one argument centers around
the looping of the water system, yet the applicant got the
highest score for the water system. Luhman noted Ms. Markalunas
scored this above the threshold, and the planning office scored
this below the threshold. Luhman requested Council certify the
scoring of P & Z.
Mayor Stirling moved that the P & Z has satisf ied the code as
regard to due process; seconded by Councilman Collins.
City Attorney Taddune noted at the P & Z the applicant complained
about not having enough time to speak. Taddune counselled the
chairman who gave the applicant the opportunity to speak.
Councilwoman Fallin said it appears that things came up at the
meeting that the applications should have been allowed to respond
to and were not given that opportunity. Councilwoman Fallin said
any applicant should be able to respond to questions that come up
at meetings adequately. Horn told Council staf f t ried to
allocate the same time to each applicant. Horn said he cannot
tell exactly how much time was taken for each applicant but did
try to abide by the time guidelines. Mayor Stirling said due
process has not been violated. There was a time constraint, but
these are two different issues. Mayor Stirling suggested in the
future, perhaps more time could be allotted to these present a-
tions.
Councilman Collins and Mayor Stirling in favor; Councilwoman
Walls and Councilwoman Fallin opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling said there has been a challenge on 3 areas;
drainage challenging Ms. Markalunas' score requesting Council
change it f rom a 1 to a 2 , f ire protect ion challenging Ms .
Markalunas' score requesting the change from a 1 to a 2, and
energy and changing Hunt and Ms. Peyton's scores from 2 to 2.5.
Councilman Collins moved there was no abuse of discretion;
seconded by Mayor Stirling.
City Attorney Taddune pointed out the motion needed to grant
relief is a motion to grant the appeal on one of two grounds. If
that motion does not pass, the applicant does not get the relief
they are seeking.
Councilman Collins withdrew his motion.
Mayor Stirling moved to certify the P & Z scoring as it has been
forwarded to Council; seconded by Councilman Collins.
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Taddune said Council has a request by an application to grant an
appeal. The appeal is divided into two components. One is to
grant the appeal on the basis of abuse of discretion. If Council
decides to grant the appeal, they then must decide to either
grant the applicant the allotment or to send the project back to
P & Z. The other component of the appeal is lack of due process.
If Council does not grant the appeal, the next course of action
is to certify the GMP scores.
Mayor Stirling withdrew his motion.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to grant the appeal made by the
applicant; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilwoman Fallin stated this should go back to P & Z for
further hearing. Councilwoman Fallin said she feels due process
was denied by rushing the hearings, and it may have been denied
to everyone. Councilwoman Fallin said she has problems about
what happened in the 700 East Hyman project if they were allowed
to change their submittal on the floor. Councilwoman Walls said
she cannot second guess what P & Z has done but it does look
like, in reading the transcript, that there was a lot of rushing
and questions. Councilwoman Walls said it would not be too much
to ask that the P & Z rescore this project. Councilwoman Walls
said if P & Z then wants to reaffirm their scores, she will back
them up.
Council man Collins said he feels the applicant has been selective
in looking at certain scores. Councilman Collins said the
Council has to look at the total response configuration.
Councilman Collins pointed out the total scores here were the
second highest of all the groups. Councilman Collins said he
does not feel there was an abuse of discretion. Councilman
Collins said his concern is more the closeness of the minimums,
there was a difference of 13/100 below the minimum. Councilman
Collins said on the basis of that, he would consider remanding
this project back to P & Z. Mayor Stirling said it is difficult
to second guess the P & Z when they have received all the
information. Mayor Stirling pointed out there is a contest when
one is scoring, one is present and receiving information, and
then makes decisions. Mayor Stirling agreed this is a selective
challenge. Mayor Stirling said there has not been an abuse of
discretion.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion
carried.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to remand to P & Z for rescoring the
1001 Ute avenue residential project ; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls.
12
~ ~ ,_-.--_._____~_____~pe-n---~i-ty_ ~o-unciY_ __ _____ __ March-_2~3. -_l._~87
Someone asked if this would be on the entire presentation. Horn
said this particular application would be appealing the same
scores which Council considered tonight, and P & Z would consider
those . The P & Z woul d not conside r the entire application.
Taddune recommended the entire application be referred to P & Z
because the applicant says on the due process they were not given
enough time. Councilwoman Fallin said the intention in the
motion was that the entire application be rescored. Wells said
there is not a procedure for remands. The code states that
Council may change the score. The applicants are agreeable to a
remand to P & Z.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion
carried.
E~,--~T3~-i-~-~ i~f~RGR4~fiI~fiSi I~iG-~-~?i~R~~eT
Chuck Roth, engineering department, presented a memorandum in an
attempt to respond to issues raised in letters from Charles
Collins and Ramona Markalunas. Roth told Council the first issue
was to account for revenues and expenditures in the electric fund
in 1985 and 1986. The report indicates a 1985 retained earnings
for the electric fund of $2,600,000 and anticipated for 1986 of
$3,400,000. Roth explained this is not comparable to a cash
balance. Retained earnings are much like personal net worth with
no disposable cash. Mayor Stirling pointed out the cash balance
in the electric fund for 1986 is about half of the retained
earnings.
Roth told Council the second issue in the letters requested staff
to provide and accounting of the 53,000,000 bonds issued in 1985.
Rot h told Council the breakdown of that amount is mall project
$250,000, street lights 5940,000 and electric undergrounding of
52,100,000 for a total of 53,300,000. The mall project was
completed in 1985; the street light project is 75 percent
complete except for some patching and concrete ramps. The
utility undergrounding project spent 51,200,000 the first year
and there are plans to spent 5800,000 in 1987. The work is about
2/3 done; the west end is complete, the work around the Jerome is
complete. The work in 1987 will be the east end of town. Roth
noted the contingency is down to 52,000 for 1987, which is an
insufficient amount. The net available budget for 1987 is
545 ,000. Staff is requesting to be able to use some of that for
additional contingency for 1987.
Councilman Collins asked if the contracts for 1987 have been
awarded. Roth said the city plans to continue the existing
contracts, which were unit price contract. The staff has been
very happy with the work that has been done. Gideon Kaufman said
13
R-e, i-a-r - -_-----._.__. ~is-ue-rr--~ity_.~ounc..ri-... --- -.._ _M~,r~ch 23-. -_19-87
in 1982 the city entered into an agreement with his client, John
Vicenti for the alley behind his property. In exchange for
Vicenti not moving a fence, the city agreed they would unde r-
ground the utilities. Kaufman said he would like direction to be
given that the city live up to its obligation and get this
undergrounded.
Roth told Council Collins' letter requests the addresses of the
560 locations still serviced by overhead lines. Roth said there
are significantly more than 560 locations to be identified, and
this is work planned for the consultants to supply. Roth said
one question was the policy of the electric department regarding
installation and maintenance of service loops f or overhead and
underground service. Roth pointed out in general utilities only
maintain overhead service connections. Roth told Council the
city is proposing that the customer owns all the way from the
structure to the trench line when its undergrounded. The city
proposes to provide secondary service to the property line.
Roth said that meters are generally on the structures. Council-
man Collins said historically the services come in from the alley
on the secondary line with a service drop to the house, and
that's where the meter is. Councilman Collins said it has always
been the city's policy to maintain to the meter. This new policy
will be what is underground is part of the owner's respon-
sibility. There will be two policies; in the case of the city
it will be the owners responsibility to the property line and in
the case of Holy Cross, it will be the owners responsibility to
the property line and from there to the transformer. Councilman
Collins said this is a significant policy change and could be a
very expensive proposition to property owners. Councilman
Collins said the dividing point is the past has always been the
meter. Councilwoman Walls said there may a difference in who
wants to own the line depending on where it is. If it is
overhead, it is fine for the city to maintain it. If it is
underground, regardless of where the meter is, people may want to
have responsibility for this themselves because it is their yard.
Councilman Collins said it is a new policy and a new precedent.
City Manager Bob Anderson said there is no change in policy; the
change is customers are going from overhead to underground and
are going from one city policy to another city policy. Anderson
said the people that live in the west end feel that people will
voluntarily do their own undergrounding, and there is no need for
a district. Anderson said the second thing is what can the city
do in the case of people who do not do their own undergrounding.
Anderson said staff feels a district is the most expeditious and
clearest procedure. Anderson told Council the task f orce f eels
that people who want to underground voluntarily will not be hurt
by this district. This district will facilitate the job for
14
Re-uu-~ --_--- -- _-Assn---~itv__C6rm-~i __ _ _ ._- _--1~arc~ ~~ : _.1....987
people who do not want to underground voluntarily as well as
provide a means to coerce those who do not want to underground to
become part of the system. Anderson pointed out if a person or
two along the line does not underground, there will be wires and
poles still in the air to serve those people. Anderson said a
formal district is appropriate to spread the payments out and
also to have the city borrowing money to do the job.
Mayor Stirling said the city should give homeowners a certain
amount of time to see what the level of compliance there is, and
then proceed with whatever makes sense. Anderson said people
involved with this feel it would be better to do more informal
surveying before going farther. One of the issues is the
question of extent of the district. Anderson pointed out staff
feels doing the district is asking these questions. Anderson
said staff does not agree with informal questionnaires. The
issues is how much to authorize in consultant expenses. Anderson
told Council there is 120 days from passage of Council's resolu-
tion to go to the next step. The task force feels it is in the
community's best interest to move ahead as quickly as possible.
Anderson said an alternate is to do some of the questioning
informally.
Mayor Stirling moved in the follow up of Council's majority
decision two weeks ago to take the next step by using staff to do
an informal survey, surveying both the west and east ends and
make as good a determination on voluntary compliance as can be
done and extend the time if need be; seconded by Councilman
Collins.
City Attorney Taddune said the statutory procedure contains a
mechanism by which a property owner can provide his own un der-
grounding at his or her own expense. There will be an oppor-
tunity for each property owner to receive notice and to make a
decision whether or not to be included in the district. council
said they did not want to get the district started that far until
they know what the interest is and by when they want to do their
own undergrounding.
All in favor, motion carried.
Ramona Markalunas said the date by which this should be done is
crucial to property owners. Jan Collins asked if the city has
established the district. Anderson said the district has been
described graphically in maps and includes the areas under-
grounded last year and the ones that will be undergrounded this
year. Anderson said there has been a q uestion as to whether
using Banner for this informal survey is appropriate or not.
15
• _~..~_ ._ ^__~-s-~ -~i ty---C-ourrc-zl _- _ _ __ _ _._ _ -Ma-r ~h _2 3- ._. i-9 8-7
Mayor Stirling moved to set a ceiling of $10 , 000 in the informal
approach for the survey to hire Banner to assist in this, to be
used out of the electric bonds; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Anderson said the staff will use as little money as possible and
only that which will go towards a final effect and will be
saveable.
All in favor, motion carried.
Anderson pointed out the 120 days time limit is in effect. There
are other things that have to be done to get the district formed.
All the utilities involved have to get together and look at the
district. Anderson pointed out this is not a retraction of the
Council's decision to form a district. What this does is to use
up more of the 120 days on the process and to do more informal
surveying on the f ront end. Roth said there are 3 different
utilities that have to respond to the 120 days with 3 different
engineers looking at the district. Roth said these costs will
get passed on to the district. It was the city's desire to save
some costs to the property owners by having Banner perform the
work f or all 3 of the utilities. Taddune reminded Council they
have initiated the first step toward the formation of a district,
not formed the district itself.
C~~~6~3-i~~--~r~
City Manager Bob Anderson said if Council would 1 ike the issue of
not doing the basement remodelling and bringing some of the
county offices into this building, it would be prudent to spend
money doing drawings on that plan. Anderson said informally the
county has been willing to go 50/50 on that plan. Mayor Stirling
said there appears to be $500,000 savings by not doing the
basement renovation.
Mayor Stirling moved to support alternative 3, a combination of
maintaining city hall but not doing the basement and working with
the county to use the community center and city hall as offices;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Anderson said the Courthouse Plaza building is for sale, and may
be another alternative to explore. Mayor Stirling urged Council
to consider lowering the amount to be spent on city hall on the
ballot to a number lower than $2,000,000.
Mayor Stirling amended his motion to include up to $2500 to be
spent on drawings for alternate 3; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin.
16
Re-gtx ~---.- --_._.______._~.s~p+~rr~---~ity---Co-un~rl_--- ----__ _ --parch- 23 . _ 198-7
Councilman Collins asked if this proposal including trading space
in the community center, or the Red Roof for $100 a foot.
Councilman Collins noted a space is a space and someone will be
displaced. Anderson said there is 23,000 square feet at the
community center, and this proposal would only be using about
8,000 square feet.
All in favor, motion carried.
P6~S~B- ~~- -6f' -~i-~i~-~A~$it1- --$~1-D~E
Chuck Roth, engineering department, said during construction this
has been ref erred to the lixiviation bridge. Roth outlined the
history of the silver mining town and the ingredients necessary
to be a successful silver mining town, like silver ore, a train
and a smelter to reduce the ores for more economical shipments.
Roth said the Slaughterhouse bridge is also named after an
industrial facility. Roth said another suggested name f or this
is the Sawmill bridge. Roth said lixiviation is the process of
separating ingredients, which was taking ore out of the mines and
refining it to contain more silver per ton. Councilwoman Fallin
recommended asking the PCPA for their suggestions for naming this
bridge.
Mayor Stirling moved t o ask Pitkin County Park Association to
bring back to Council some recommended names for this bridge;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
RE@~E~S~--~~-~E~@R~-i~1A~R6L~---~ARi~T
Mayor Stirling said the request is that Council give acquisition
of the Holden building to the historical society for the purpose
of preserving and restoring it with the idea that it remain at
its present site. Councilwoman Fallin said she would 1 ike to
know what the historical society plans to do with this building.
Councilwoman Fallin said the historical society plans to put
their mining exhibit elsewhere.
Mayor Stirling moved to contact the historical society to have a
work session with them in the next 60 days; seconded by Council-
man Collins.
Ed Zasacky, PCPA, said their recommendation is not to have this
building moved off the Marolt site.
All in favor, motion carried.
Gi~P---E~ffiRi~i~-~-E~' - Aspen Mountain Lodge
17
R~e-gtxl-aT .
_---____~s.pen--~i ty--- ~oIIn~~ - ---- - --- -M~-rcir- ~-3 ,- _ 19 8-7
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council this is a request
for an extension to the building permit application, which was
submitted in November 1985. There have been two previous
extensions granted; March and September 1986. These extension
were both to the building permit submission requirement. The
applicant has requested an extension to September 18, 1987, due
to the pending litigation on the property. Richman recommended
Council approve this extension as there was too much put into the
approvals for this project to have it lapse under these cir-
cumstances. Richman said there is a potential for the city to
be reviewing the project again in the future, and staff would
rather let the project stand or fall on its merits rather than on
the technicality of the process.
Councilwoman Fallin said she does not see that an extension
serves the benefits of the community when the current owner keeps
throwing in legal roadblocks. Councilwoman Fallin said if it is
sold, a new owner would come in with a totally different proposal
which would throw out all the previous reviews. Richman told
Council the Code gives a strong basis to review any future
development applications on this site. Richman said Council, in
the past, has indicated a desire to let this project be processed
through its legal phases and brought to where it either could or
could not be built in its current configuration.
Bob Hughes, representing Commerce Savings and Loan, told Council
the parties have done their best to move the litigation along.
There have been complex problems in the process. Hughes told
Council there is a f oreclosure sale pending. There are issues
before the j udge, which they hope to have resolved this week.
Hughes pointed out this will not go on forever. Hughes said his
clients have a strong economic desire to get this solved as
quickly as possible. Hughes said in the community's best
interest, there was a lot of time spent by staff, elected
officials and the community getting the project approved in May
1985.
Councilwoman Fallin asked if this extension is granted, what does
that to do the lodge allocations. Richman said in the 1986 lodge
competition, there were no units available, by right, nor would
there be in 1987. The quota is eligible f or anyone to apply f or,
whether or not future allocations are granted. Richman pointed
out with the Little Nell project, Aspen Mountain Lodge, and the
Jerome being built, the lodge quota is into the 1990s. Jim
Pavisha, representing Aspen Mountain Lodge, told Council if John
Roberts were successful in this litigation, he would be able to
start the project quickly because plans and foundation drawings
are into the building department. Pavisha said the items that
were a benefit to the city when this project was approved, like
18
R~-gn-l-az-_--M~ _-._----------A~ue~r--~ity_-Courr~ii_----- -- _____Ma-rte - ~3-j- 987
infrastructure improvements and employee housing, would move
quickly.
Mayor Stirling asked how much money has been spent on this
project. Pavisha said they have undergrounded the utilities and
re-routed the water line and have spent over $500,000 on that and
have spent 5750,000 on remodeling the Continental Inn. City
Attorney Taddune told Council the judge assigned to this case is
concerned about expediting the procedures. Hughes said depending
on the outcome of the legal proceedings, Council could be dealing
with John Roberts and his development proposal. If the bank wins
the proceedings, the bank has a pending contract with Donald
Trump, who has his own plans. Hughes told Council a bankruptcy
is possible. The foreclosure sale is currently scheduled for the
next two weeks. Roberts would then have 75 days in which to
redeem. Mayor Stirling noted that would take the process into
July, which is only 60 days from the requested extension.
Councilman Coll ins asked if this extension is not granted, would
it k ill the project. Richman said it would. Councilman Coll ins
asked if it is appropriate to consider an extension with some
consideration to the city. Councilman Collins said when the
Council originally went through this process, there were parking
places in the Continental Inn parking lot that were to be used
for the bloodstone . Councilman Coll ins said he does not know
whether these are still available for public parking. There was
also the issue of parking on the old Aspen Inn site. Councilman
Collins said if Council is going to consider more extensions,
there should be some consideration and benefits accruing to the
city in exchange for this extension.
Councilman Collins said when the lodge improvement district was
first discussed, the Aspen Mountain Lodge was about 40 percent of
the district and was going to fund a certain percent of the
district. Councilman Collins said given the uncertain cir-
cumstances up there, it is not known where that project will
fall within the improvement district. Councilman Collins said he
woul d like some tangible consideration if the city is going to
continue giving extensions. Councilman Collins said he would
like to see the parking at the Continental Inn restored.
Councilman Collins pointed out there were adjustments made during
the processing of this application, and the city has conceded on
a number of points. Councilman Collins said he would like to
know what the concessions were that the city made so the city can
maintain the integrity of them until the project is ready to go
forward. Councilman Collins said he feels parking in that area
would be of appropriate nature. Councilman Collins said perhaps
the problems with insurance and the parking lot could be solved.
19
R.~~ui--ar---l~e~tng -- __~____-~sue~-rr^-Ci.ty- -~o-cm~l~--- _ _---- ~.~+iarch_ 2-3-._ i 9-5-7
Pavisha told Council, as a receiver, they do not have the funds
to do a lot of things in the project. The bank does not want to
put any money into the project. Hughes suggested there may be
some items of this type he could work on with the city attorney.
Hughes suggested the parking lot could be conveyed to the city to
solve the liability issue.
Mayor Stirling moved to extend the deadline to April 13, 1987, to
continue this discussion and to direct staff to work with counsel
for the bank and with the receiver to see what possible trade
offs there might be; seconded by Councilman Collins.
Councilman Collins said he is not talking about large expendi-
tures. There were a number of concessions made, street vaca-
tions, etc., and these should be looked at to see what can be
provided f or the city. Councilman Collins said one thing that
comes to mind it the lost parking at the Continental Inn and
restoring those spaces.
All in favor, motion carried.
(?R-D-iNA ~~-~-~F`---~~-8-~ - Historic Preservation Code
Amendments
Councilman Collins moved to read Ordinance #11, Series of 1987;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #11
(Series of 1987)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN C ITY COUNCIL REPEALING AND
RE-ENACTING SECTION 24-9 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE,
HISTORIC DESIGNATION was read by the city clerk
Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance #11, Series of 1987,
on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Alan Richman, planning director, said this ordinance is important
and has received a lot of attention over the past few months from
staff, P & Z and the code consultants. Richman said the original
direction from Council was to revise the existing historic
preservation procedures to allow for review of houses or build-
ings before they might be demolished and to place some review
procedures governing expiration of HPC approvals. Richman told
Council as this was developed, staff realized these would not
work well with the existing ordinances. Richman said the current
historic preservation regulations are a great example of why the
staf f and Council needs to be involved in code simpl if ication.
The current regulations are extremely difficult to read and
20
Reutrl-ar--Me ~t-i~rru----.. _. __~___.___~ ~n .~.i ty--_~o-unci i _ __ _ _ _ ._. _. _ marsh _.2-3~.._ -198
difficult to administer and place people in time consuming
reviews for insignificant activities.
Richman told Council putting this ordinance into effect this
spring will make HPC's work easier to handle. This ordinance
removes many unnecessary review steps from HPC and makes their
work clearer. Richman said staff has spent a lot of time with
the development community getting input for this ordinance.
Richman pointed out this new format for the ordinance is similar
to that f or code simplification and will f it in well with those
efforts.
Steve Burstein, planning department, pointed out the resolutions
of endorsement f rom HPC and P & Z are included in Council' s
packet. There are some additional recommendations that the HPC
would like Council to consider. Burstein said the four main
subsections are designation procedures, administration and
decision making entities, development review, and demolition and
removal review. Burstein told Council staff has attempted to
eliminate the cross references and the requirements. Some
redundancy results from this, as each subsection is to stand on
its own.
Burstein said the areas of significance are historic, architec-
tural importance, neighborhood and community character. The core
of the code is the review standards and submission requirements.
Three basic types of review procedures have been created;
exemption, minor development and significant development.
Burstein said presently it is fairly ambiguous where projects
fall in the review procedures. This ordinance makes more fair
distinctions in the steps. Burstein said staff's authority t o
sign off on minor reviews has been increased but has been made
more definitive. Burstein said staff feels the historic preser-
vation review function requires the committee's discretion in
most areas.
Burstein told Council the guidelines have become part of the
review process and have been incorporated into the code by
reference. Burstein showed Council the draf t guidelines, which
are still being reviewed by HPC. After HPC makes a recommenda-
tion on the guidelines, they will be adopted by Council. The
significant development is a more clear process with the public
hearing to be held at the conceptual stage. Burstein pointed out
the demolition and removal review is only for landmark historic
structures. The submission requirements are quite comprehensive
and the review standards are fairly strict. Burstein told
Council the HPC has the ability to suspend action for 6 months if
they feel the demolition is not something they would like to
approve right away. The onus is on the city to work with the
applicant to figure out what the alternatives may be.
21
Re~utx~a-r--Mge-ti-rra-~--_.____ __-_~~e~_.~_~~-~o.u~c..ri - -- -- __._. __ M-a_rch --23-.---1-987
Burstein said the city retains the ability to deny demolition
applications as well as development proposals. There is an
appeal process to take a decision of the HPC to Council within 60
days. Burstein recommended adoption of this ordinance on first
reading. Burstein said more work is needed on the public
notification process for demolitions.
Mayor Stirling asked if Council is interested in including all
Victorians in demolition review whether they are a landmark
structure. Georgeann Waggaman, chairman of HPC, said the cutoff
point for structures included in the demolition review still
should be determined. Richman said staff is looking at criteria
as to when a structure should be reviewed before demolition and
when not. Mayor Stirling said Council has to determine if they
want the HPC recommendations incorporated into this ordinance.
Bill Martin suggested that HPC and P & Z resolve their difference
in language changes before this ordinance is considered by
Council. Burstein said most of the changes HPC is requesting
regard how that body is convened.
Mayor Stirling moved to directed staff to facilitate the resolu-
tion so that P & Z has seen it and make a recommendation to
Council before second reading; seconded by Councilman Collins.
All in favor, motion carried.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, yes; Fallin, yes; Collins,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
4R~ N--#-8 :-s~~~~-~--aF`--~ ~-8~7 - Employee Retirement
Councilman Collins moved to read Ordinance #8, Series of 1987;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #8
( Series of 1987
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 2-100, 2-101 (a) (c) (f) ,
2-200,2-201, 2-202, 2-300, 2-302, 2-303, 2-400, 2-401,
2-402, 2-403, 2-405, 2-406, 2-407, 2-500, 2-600, 2-601,
2-602, 2-603, 2-604, 2-605, 2-700, 2-701, 2-800, 2-803,
DIVISION 9, 2-1000, 2-1001, 2-1002, 2-2000, 2-2001, 2-
2001 , 2-2003 , 2-2004, 2-3000, 2-3001, 2-3001, OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN TO TERMINATE TH E
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST AND TO MODIFY
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES TO PARTICIPATE IN A
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN was read by the city clerk
Councilman Collins moved to adopt ORdinance #8, Series of 1987,
on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
22
~~..-_- i~ s~e-n- -~i tv-~_~C~un-c-r3 __ _ __ __.___ __-~a~r~~r_ ~ 3 -..198-7
_ _____-
Craig Overbeck, finance department, told Council the Metropolitan
Life Insurance administered the employee pension fund from 1976
through 1986. At that time, the city's contract to make further
contributions into that plan expired. In 1981, the city con-
tracted with two companies to provide deferred compensation plans
for employees. Most of the employees withdrew from the Metropol-
itan plan. Overbeck told Council the monies in the Metropolitan
plan can stay there until 1994; however, contributions will no
longer be made to the plan.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Collins, yes; Walls,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
(Councilman Collins left the room due to a conflict of interest) .
Bob Murray told Council the bids were not closed until last
Friday. There were only two bids. Staff is recommending Council
approve the lowest bid from Rudd construction. Murray said the
Wheeler has unexpended 543,000 and the lowest bid is $10,000
above that. Murray told Council he is trying to raise the
difference from private sources. The city has budgeted for this
from the land fund.
Mayor Stirling moved to authorize the city manager to enter into
a contract with Rudd construction for 554,640 to provide all
necessary equipment and work to install the air cooling system at
the Wheeler Opera House; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stirling said this motion implies it will only cost the
city 544,352 additional monies.
All in favor, motion carried.
Bill Efting, recreation director, told Council the requested
$20,000 is a low figure. There are gaps in the plaster at the
bottom of the pool. Every year the staff has waited to see if
there are going to be greater improvements. Efting said whatever
happens, the Moore pool will have to serve the community for the
next 2 or 3 years. The safety improvements to replace the gas
chlorine system are very important. Efting told Council he has
done research and can go to 1 iquid chlorine which will work
better with the system and stay within the 520, 000. Ef ting told
Council he has talked to the environmental health department
about the liquid chlorine to make sure they can put it in
underground, and there is not a problem. Efting said as an
alternative to the plaster, he could get by this summer by
23
-_ -----~-~-~ --E..i_tp--~,..ti-nc ~___ _ -__.. ___ M~_rc h --2-3- .--.-1-~-8~
patching with electric brushes. This will only last for one
summer.
City Manager Bob Anderson said these improvements could come out
of the land fund. There is $35,000 available. The land fund is
available for maintenance and capital improvements. Councilwoman
Fallin said taking this money out of the land fund is really
stretching the definition of maintenance of park facility.
Councilwoman Fallin said she does not consider the swimming pool
a park. Assistant City Manager Mitchell said the sixth penny
maintains all the parks, city hall, the parks facility.
Councilwoman Walls moved to fund the James E. Moore pool improve-
ments at $ 20 , 000 from the land fund; seconded by Counc ilman
Coll ins.
Efting asked if the staff can bid this and oversee the bid
process and not return to Council. Council agreed with this
procedure. Councilwoman Fallin said she is in favor of these
improvements but not funding it out of the land fund. Council-
woman Fallin said she was not aware city hall was being main-
tained out of the land fund. Mitchell said it specifically says
in the land fund ordinance is can be used to maintain city
historic buildings as a valid expenditure.
All in favor, motion carried.
Assistant City Manager Mitchell reminded Council this was
discussed during the 1987 budget hearings. Council requested
staff review the figures on this project and return when there
was a decision to be made. Mitchell said staff did two projec-
tions at the low flow and high flow scenarios. Mitchell told
Council based on these projections, and compared to the cost paid
to MEAN for electricity, staff feels they can proceed with this
project without asking Council for any electric rate increase or
change in the electric fund budget. Mitchell said the money the
city is paying to MEAN right now for kilowatt power can be used
to develop this project, in the long term it will provide a
source of power that will be substantially less expensive tha n
any other source of power in the future.
Mitchell said the costs for the project include the generator,
the structure to house it, the penstock as well as an improvement
that may need to be made on the diversion pipe. Mitchell told
Council the low flows would generate about 1,000,000 kilowatt
hours of power. The high flows would generate 2,500,000 kilowatt
hours of power. Mitchell said the total debt service wold be
$525,000 for a 15 year bond at 8 percent. Staff compared it to
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_ ~ g,P ~~-f:`~u~nc-i~ ___ _. __ _ _-~a-rc-h_ ~-~-: -__1-9 8~
the budgeted amount of the current budget which is 4.6 cents per
kilowatt hour. Mitchell explained the chart showing the year by
year annual costs including the annual maintenance of the plant,
the wheeling charges, insurance, etc. principle and interest
payments. Under the low flows, the city loses a small amount in
the first few year, which would be made up in the electric fund.
the fourth year would start positive cash flow and by the sixth
year there would be cumulative profits on the project. Mitchell
told Council in the high flow, the city would start generating a
positive cash flow in the first year.
City Manager Bob Anderson said this looks like a very good return
for a project. Mitchell reminded Council when they look at
energy, it has to be looked at in the long term. This project
after the 15th year will be cheaper than any other power source
the city could find. Mitchell said Maroon hydropower project
will supply about 4 or 5 percent of the city's electric needs.
Mitchell said this project would be trading where the city spends
its money. Instead of paying MEAN 4.6 cents to buy power from
them, this money would be put into the hydropower project.
Mitchell said the city will try to structure the bonds so that
the city is not paying debt service until this project i s
operating. Mitchell told Council the start of this project will
depend on how fast the city can get a FERC license and how fast
High Country can do the final design. Mayor Stirling said this
project is at the best stage the Council has ever seen it. Mayor
Stirling said this project has more to do with stabilization of
water rights in this valley.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct staff to proceed with final design
of the Maroon Creek hydro project and develop the necessary bond
information to present to Council; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin.
Councilwoman Fallin asked if the city and homeowners have come to
an agreement. Mitchell answered the agreement has been approved
by both Council and the homeowners. This agreement will have to
be submitted with the FERC license.
All in favor, motion carried.
RitfiA~3$i~fiA~ ~CE-~RC~~~3~5 I~G NAT-i$N
City Manager Bob Anderson said there is a peace walk scheduled,
and there are several people from this area who are interested in
walking in that peace march and making a statement. Anderson
told Council only 200 people from the United States are going to
be selected to be involved in this peace march. Anderson said if
the Council picks one person for this peace march, what is the
basis to chose one person to be the city's representative.
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Re-atrl-ar- ~ _ _ -.__-.-~---~-s-ge-rr---~i ~y-~u~i~___ _ _ ------ -Marc h --- 2 3-_ .3.98-7
Anderson said if Council wants to make a statement that someone
will be walking f or the Aspen community, Council could endorse
the concept and if a person is chosen, they walk for the com-
munity.
Mayor Stirling suggested that the Council enthusiastically
support the United States Soviet Unions peace walk with a
resolution or proclamation, and give the responsibility of
selecting someone from the Aspen area to the local peace or-
ganizations to make that selection. Councilwoman Fallin said she
would go along with the resolution endorsing the peace march and
nothing else . Mayor Stirling agreed if someone f rom Aspen is
selected to go on the peace march, they could return to Council
for further endorsement.
Mayor Stirling moved to endorse the concept of the United States
Soviet Union peace walk; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in
favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Walls moved to approve the consent agenda; seconded
by Councilman Collins. The consent agenda is Liquor License
Renewals - Crystal Palace; Asia; Ski Company Banner; Minutes-
February 9, 1987. All in favor, motion carried.
F-i~A#~
Mayor Stirling requested this be put on the next agenda. Mayor
Stirling noted this report contains some very good news.
Rte}--~tf~F`-~-~E~f1Rg'
City Manager Bob Anderson told Council he is a little behind in
putting together the request f or the next stage. Anderson said
the things he will be asking are a 5 year pro forma, some
financial background on the applicants. Anderson suggested at
this stage that earnest money or a bond be asked for from the
applicants. Anderson said 510,000 would be the minimum he would
consider. Councilwoman Fallin said the Trust f or Public Property
should not be considered because it is too sketchy and there are
no names in the proposals.
Councilman Coll ins moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. ;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
1
.~ ^_ _. -- - - - ----- ~ t-
Kathryn S, och, City Clerk
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