HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19880808Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
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CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
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COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
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CONSENT AGENDA
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INITIATIVE PETITION REPORT
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8
MAROLT HOUSE DESIGNATION
DISCUSSION OF DISPLACEMENT REGULATIONS •
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BELL MOUNTAIN LODGE REZONING
ORDINANCE #30, SERIES OF 1988 - Rezoning Lot 6, Aspen
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Mountain Subdivision
CONTRACT AWARD - Snow Melt Site Design Work 26
REQUEST FOR FUNDS AND REPORT - Triathalon 26
NITZE/STUNDA LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 28
727 EAST HOPKINS CONDOMINIUMIZATION 28
RESOLUTION #25, SERIES OF 1988 - Lone Pine Annexation 28
REQUEST FOR BUDGET - Rio Grande Conceptual SPA 29
GMP SUBMISSION DATES - Endeavor Lodge 30
REQUEST FOR FUNDS - City Hall Carpet and Furniture 30
RESOLUTION #27, SERIES OF 1988 - Special Election 31
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Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
R_eqular Meeting _
r Pro Tem Fallin called the meeting to order at 5:05 ~p.mo~
riayo
Y
with Counci lmembe r s I saac , Gassman and Tuite presen
Stirling came into Council Chambers).
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Welton Anderson told Council there is a provisiolication nto
Code which permits Council to al old C deed if sthe pprovisions of
proceed under provisions of the
the new Code are a hardship. Anderson told Council John Werning
asked him about the process for expanding the We rdinvothe~egwasoa
the east side of town. Anderson said he told g
se arate competition for L-3 lodges and that the stacted ahimaon
P
was October 1st. Anderson told Council Werning con
Jul 22 indicating he had made progress toward the Pull ationf
Y
adjoining property and wanted to proched lanningGoffipe, and the
Anderson told Council he contacted t p
new GMP submission date in the new code is August he tCounc alrmay
told Council section 1-104 (b) (5) co forms tohthe old Code if the
adjust sections of the new Code to
Council determines meeting provisions of the new hards'h apuses
hardships or create impractical o n u to close rin mid-October,
Anderson told Council Werning g 9
and carrying the land costs make it impractical to e eP the dateP
lodge. Anderson asked if Council is inclined to mov
since there were no LP applications this year.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to add this to the ag o da Councilman
item (1); seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in fav ,
Tuite abstained, motion carried.
2. Stacy Standley, on behalf of Friends for Hunter orehavinola
Council he called the city and asked for g the f reel picnic/bi 9 h-
banner put up over Main st C eek Blast gSaturday. Standley told
day party held in Hunter
Council he was given the guidelines and asked tuba ibe a u etUpr
to city administration, and then ated nnhe waid the 50, air
Standley said the letter was accep - P
freighted a banner in from California, costing $100er said baFree
was not put up. Standley told Council the ba
Hunter Creek Picnic". Standley told Council someone in the
administration made a decision, after the letold Counc ~leno wone
accepted, to not hang the ba ere Tim McFlynnyor himself. Standley
had the courtesy to call eith
said when he called the city he was told someodin m adletter
decision the banner was politicuncilnhetdfd not e eive a letter
to Standley. Standley told Co
nor did he get an explanation.
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Regular Meeting __ Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Assistant City Manager Mitchell said his office discussed this
and felt it was a grey enough area not to hang the banner; that
it was more political than just a picnic. Standley requested
they get their $50 as well as be reimbursed for air freighting
the banner here. Mayor Stirling suggested Standley write a
letter to Council specifying the amounts they would like reim-
bursed and the reasons. Councilman Gassman asked if administra-
tion normally censors banners. Mayor Stirling said political
banners are not allowed on highway 82. Mitchell said this is
part of the guidelines adopted by the city. Councilman Gassman
said this seems like a free speech issue. Mayor Stirling said
the state has this restrictions. Mayor Stirling suggested staff
send the guidelines to Council so there can be clarity about this
issue.
3. Phoebe Ryerson suggested there may be still time for Council
to go to the Rio Grande and look at the parking lot level that is
below the jail and courthouse. If the 3 floors of garage were to
be there, there would be room for a top floor. The garage would
be put out of site of almost everyone. This is the obvious place
for a theatre to go down into the site. Ms. Ryerson asked
Council not to wedge themselves to one architect for everything
and requested something for the architecture for that very vital
section between the Jerome and the Courthouse that ought to be
public and not cars.
4. Tim Anderson, community volunteer for Coors Classic, told
Council the Coors race is mid-week this year in order to solve
some problems. This may have created some new problems.
Anderson said he has been working hard on advance notification,
which has gone well, and the business community has been very
cooperative. Anderson told Council they are trying to raise a
Coors record of prize money to be given away during the race.
ESPN will be broadcasting the race. Anderson said more v olun-
teers are needed for race day. Anderson requested Council make
August 17 an official ride a bicycle to work day in hopes of
cutting down traffic. Anderson said the race stresses Aspen is a
community that likes bicycles. Mayor Stirling thanked Anderson
in his incredible work as organizer for the community. Mayor
Stirling said it would be appropriate to proclaim August 17 as
bike day.
5. Ruth Stone congratulated the city on the wonderful job they
have done in the parks this summer. Ms. Stone said the city has
put in safe playground equipment for children. Council asked
that this be passed on to the staff.
6. Ruth Stone congratulated Council on reconsidering their
decision on the Marolt house. Ms. Stone said she hopes the
Council will decide to preserve the house.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1.988
7. Eloise Ilgen, representing People's Rights Organization
(PRO), told Council they took a poll of their members and gav e
Council a statement. Ms. Ilgen said they expect those who
represent us in decision making and public appearances to conduct
themselves in a responsible and respectful manner. Ms. Ilgen
said that Councilman Gassman has embarrassed the community with
thoughtless and undignified statements, especially about the
visit of the Wing Dingers. Ms. Ilgen said people expect offi-
cials to be an example for the town's youth. Ms. Ilgen said the
fact that Councilman Gassman is building a house for Mr. Butera,
who has sued the city over the Ritz Carlton project, is perceived
by many as a conflict of interest. Ms. Ilgen said Councilman
Gassman should abstain from any decisions made during the Ritz
Carlton process. Ms. Ilgen said Councilman Gassman's action of
dumping his old Volkswagen at the art museum was viewed by some
as funny and by other as contempt for the law. Ms. Ilgen pointed
out a car belonging to anyone else would have been towed away,
either at the government or owner's expense. Ms. Ilgen, on
behalf of PRO, requested that Councilman Gassman made a public
apology and that in the future he make every effort to represent
the people in a responsible and dignified manner.
8. Mary requested Council consider changing the ordinance which
allows construction to begin at 7 a.m. Mary said there is a lot
of noise associated with these construction sites. Mary said it
is an infringement on her rights as a citizen to have to be
awakened at 7 a.m. Mary suggested this be amended to start
construction at 8:30 a.m. Jay Hammond, city engineer, pointed
out the current ordinances deal with noise levels and limit noise
beyond a certain level from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Hammond said the
ordinances do not specifically deal with construction. Mayor
Stirling requested staff circulate a copy of this ordinance to
Council in order to determine if they want to deal with this.
Mary asked how a noise level can be judged when they are inter-
mittent. Lee Cassin, environmental health department, told
Council the noise reading has to be taken every 15 seconds for 6
minutes so that it is a continuous reading. Mary Martin said
everyone will have to bear the noise of this summer and perhaps
next, and it seems that this town is almost built out.
9. Mary said because of the traffic on highway 82 and everyone
trying to leave at 5:00, people use Bleeker and Hallam. Mary
told Council she counted 150 cars and trucks going by her house
one evening. Jay Hammond, city engineer, reminded Council staff
is looking at limitations on large truck traffic in residential
areas. Hammond said staff will have a report by the end of the
summer on this. Hammond said staff is gathering traffic informa-
tion on streets in the west end. Hammond agreed it is the
limitations of the highway that is causing this. Hammond said
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8,_1988
short of reconstruction, laws may not have a great effect.
Councilman Isaac suggested stop signs at the east/west inter-
sections to deter people.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling moved to proclaim Wednesday, August 17, 1988,
as Aspen Bicycle Day; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in
favor, motion carried.
2. Mayor Stirling went over the scheduled Council meetings;
there is a continued meeting August ~~ at 5 p.m. with the Ritz
Carlton. Council is meeting against on August 16 at 5 p.m. with
the Ritz Carlton. There is a work session on water rates
scheduled for August 23 at 5 p.m.
3. Mayor Stirling asked if there has been a contract submitted
on the Red Roof from Jack DeBoer or is that contingent out the
outcome of August 9th's election. Assistant City Manager
Mitchell said they are waiting the outcome of the election.
4. Mayor Stirling moved to add to the agenda chairs, tables and
carpeting of city hall as item (m); seconded by Councilman
Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
5. Councilman Tuite reminded voters there is a city election
tomorrow. The polling place will be at the Upper Elementary
School. There are major issues on this ballot.
6. Councilman Isaac urged voters to vote favorably for the
housing issues. Councilwoman Fallin said Councilmembers cannot
campaign from their chairs.
7 . Councilwoman Fallin said par t of the t raf f is problem on
highway 82 is that almost all employees get off at the same time.
Councilwoman Fallin said she would like staff look at instituting
staggered shifts to try and alleviate some of the traffic.
Assistant City Manager Mitchell said the city has done this on a
limited basis in some departments but the variance in time is not
enough to alleviate the traffic problem. Mitchell told Council
the state is installing manual light control at Maroon Creek and
Cemetery Lane to allow traffic to go through faster.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve the consent agenda; seconded
by Councilman Tuite. The consent agenda is minutes - July 5, 25,
1988. All in favor, motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
INITIATIVE PETITION REPORT
City Clerk Kathryn Koch told Council the initiative petition on
planned unit development was certified July 25 with at least 504
signatures. Ms. Koch told Council they have a choice to adopt
the initiated ordinance or to schedule this for an election. Ms.
Koch said the Charter states an election on initiatives has to be
scheduled 30 to 90 days from Council's last action. There are
primary and general elections, and the Colorado Municipal Code
says an election cannot be held 32 days before or after a primary
or general election. This gives the city a window of September
13 to October 4th to have a special election. The general
election, November 8, is 92 from this meeting and outside of the
parameters set in the Charter.
Joe Edwards, representing the petitioners' committee, pointed out
the Charter states once a petition has been certified, the
Council shall promptly consider it. Edwards said enough time has
gone by and requested this be set for election as soon as
possible. Edwards said a lot of people in the community are very
interested in this issue, and it is important that this issue be
resolved for everyone as soon as possible. Mayor Stirling asked
if the planning director has looked at the draft of this ordi-
nance. Alan Richman, planning director, said he has not com-
mented on the ordinance. Mayor Stirling asked if the petit-
ioners' committee is willing to pay for a special election.
Edwards said this is not an obligation and they would not be
willing to pay for it.
Mayor Stirling moved to hold a special election on September 13
on this initiative petition; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Mayor Stirling asked if this would give time for feedback from
staff. Ms. Koch pointed out the ballot wording has to be
finalized 30 days before the election, which would be this
Friday. Councilwoman Fallin said if the city is going to hold a
special election, the Council should be able to put some other
issues on the ballot. Councilwoman Fallin suggested scheduling
the election for September 20 so other items could be added. Ms.
Koch told Council the Charter states Council cannot schedule a
special election without 60 days. These two sections are in
conflict. Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, said the Charter
states special elections have to be called by resolution at least
60 days in advance of the election. Gannett said the question is
whether the initiative section supercedes the section that deals
generally with special elections. Gannett said 60 days is the
conservative ways to go.
Mayor Stirling said he would like to do the election as soon as
possible to resolve this issue. The petitioners want this issue
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
to be heard by the people and the petition has been certified.
John Sarpa, representing Ritz Carlton, agreed with moving this
on. Sarpa said there are factors within the petition which could
give rise to a challenge; however, Sarpa said they feel enough
people have spoken and at this point they are not going to
challenge the effort. Sarpa said he, too, is anxious for this to
be resolved and to let the people decide whether they want a Ritz
in Aspen. Sarpa said no later than September 12, a final product
from the Ritz will be at hand. The Council will be working with
the applicants, and this will be defined by September 12. Sarpa
said in order to provide an informed electorate, there should be
some time lag to get information out. Sarpa proposed having the
election one or two weeks later than September 13.
Councilman Isaac said his concern is that this ordinance not only
effects the Ritz project; it effects a lot of other parcels in
town. Councilman Isaac said he is not sure how this ordinance
would effect this parcels. Councilman Isaac said having the
election September 13 may be too soon. Paul Taddune, city
attorney's office, told Council the date of the election should
be scheduled within a certain period time after Council takes
final action on this initiated petition. Councilwoman Fallin
suggested looking at cleaning up the conflicts in the Charter.
Edwards told Council there is some case law which interprets the
applicability of the Municipal Election Code to cities. Edwards
said Section 2.1 of the Charter states that the Municipal
Election Code applies except where modified. Edwards said the
leading case is the Rio Grande versus the city of Denver. The
determination by the state Supreme Court was that if it is a
matter of state-wide concern, that the state law is controlling.
If it is a matter of entirely local concern, and Edwards said the
amendment of Aspen's land use code is, then the city's election
laws control. Edwards said Council can schedule a special
election not less than 30 nor more than 90 days from the date
Council last considers the initiative petition. Edwards pointed
out Council is to promptly consider this, and this petition was
certified two weeks ago. Edwards said there has been a delay
already. Edwards urged Council to deal with this as promptly as
possible. It is important to send this matter to an election.
Edwards said this ordinance states Council cannot use the PUD
process to grant indiscriminate variances to hotels.
Mayor Stirling withdrew his motion.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to accept Kathryn Koch's certification
of this petition; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
motion carried.
Mary Martin said Council is to review the Ritz project and to
give a permit on September 12. Ms. Martin asked how this can be
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
voted on by September 13. Mayor Stirling said the election will
not be an election on the Ritz Calton hotel; it will be a
generic election on the initiated ordinance. Mayor Stirling said
the permit is issued by the building department in city hall.
The September 12th vote is an extension on the PUD amendment.
Bob Hughes, representing the Ritz Carlton, said if the community
can have something defined and som~_hing to look at, there will
be a more informed electorate. Hughes said Council will have the
ability in drafting the question to add clarity to add, as long
as they are not changing the substance of it.
Councilman Gassman moved to set a special election on September
27, 1988; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Gannett said Council
still does not have final action on the petition. Council has
accepted but has not rejected it or set it for an election.
Councilman Gassman withdrew his motion.
Mayor Stirling moved to adopt Ordinance #32, Series of 1988, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Isaac. Roll call v ote;
Councilmembers Tuite, no; Fallin, no; Gassman, yes; Isaac, no;
Mayor Stirling, no. Motion carried.
Councilman Isaac moved to have the city attorney draw up a
resolution setting the election for September 27; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Tuite said this would be holding the election less
than 60 days, and can this be challenged. Gannett said yes.
Taddune said the safest thing would be to hold with election 60
days after action of Council.
Councilwoman Fallin moved that on this special election September
27, staff draft a resolution to clarify the Charter; seconded by
Mayor Stirling.
Taddune said the thinking is that a general election is set for
May. If someone submits an initiative petitions, the election
has to be called not less than 30 days and not more than 90. The
Council could then refer thi s to the elector s at the general
election. Taddune pointed out the Charter dealing with initiated
procedures does not say anything about special elections but only
the time period in which to refer it. Taddune said the Charter
provision dealing with elections requires that a special election
be called within 60 days be resolution. Taddune said the safest
thing to do would be to call the election in 60 days. The
proponent for the petitions feels the city is on safe legal
ground with have the election within the next 30 days and suffer
the prospect that it might be challenged. Councilwoman Fallin
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
agreed there is an ambiguity in the Code and it should be
straightened out for future elections.
Edwards said the safe way to do this and put it b addune aagreed
would be to set the election after 60 days. Taddune
Council should try and fall within theSeOcarCUmstan es, the fact
said Edwards opinion is that under the
that an election cannot be called within a certainconcern anddnot
of the general election may be a matter of local
of state-wide concern. It may be easier to sup Chartert cTaddune
with the state law than the conflict with the
said there still is the possibility of a challW h'the Chartere
may be more defensible than a direct conf lict
John Sarpa said they are not going to object ections ibaheld
Sarpa said they are comfortable thoutcomean Sarpa cannot bind
September 27, they will abide by the
anyone else, but those officially involved with the project will
not challenge the election. Edwards said scheduling the election
for October 11 is the best that can be done with the conflicting
provisions of the code.
Councilwoman Fallin withdrew her motion.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to reconsider setting a special
election September 27, 1988; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Gassman moved to ask the city attorney' s office to
present a resolution setting a special election for October 11;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stirling requested the planning office to bring an analysis
of the effects of this proposal to Council, the types of proper-
ties that would be effect.
All in favor, motion carried.
Council added the resolution to schedule the special election as
item (n) .
MAROLT HOUSE DESIGNATION
Mayor Stirling said at the previous discussion, July 11, Council
could have taken no action and left things status quo. Mayor
Stirling said it was pointed out at the last meeti o tthe housel
had not been apprised of the historic nature
Roxanne Ef 1 in, planning office, recommended in Maroltn house
process of landmark designation for both the Opal
and the Holden/Marolt barn lixiviation ruin site. The barn site
is the site that the historical society will be taking care of.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Ms . Ef 1 in recommended to Counc i 1 that the Ma ~S1 t Ef 1 in told
occupied to insure against a 4 Band hed barn- a 5 based on the
Council HPC rated the house
criteria established in the 1986 inventory update.
Ms. Eflin told Council the Marolt house was constructed around
1890 and retained significant historic integrMsy Efl n htold
association with both minangwath the cColorado Department of
Council the staff histori
Highways has reported that the Holden smeltingional Re lister
company complex is eligible for listing on the Nat g
of Historic places for its association with the miningsh from Ythe
Aspen and as one of the few remaining structure
industrial aspects of Aspen' s mining history. Ms • ctsl tos the
the state historian also s tial hit hwae realignment would not be
historic site from the poten g Y
extremely significant and that such impacts may one wouldanot be
landscaping. Ms. Eflin said the Marolt house al
eligible for individual National Register listinassociation awibh
considered with the complex nomination due its
the other site.
Ms. Eflin reminded Council once designated, both properties are
eligible to receive the $2,000 designation grant. Ms' historicadl
it is practical to award the 52lOe0a d a t will assist them in
society as stewards for the barn sit
their exterior renovation. Ms. Eflin said the Marolt house is
also in need of renovation, like the septic syste Ms. Eflin ctold
be funded in part by designation grant funds.
Council HPC will be having a public hearing to add these to the
inventory on September 13.
Councilwoman Fal l in moved to initiate the process se and othe
landmark designation of both the Opal Marolt hou
Holden/Marolt barn lixiviation ruins site, and direct staff to
begin the designation process; and to approv ~ load brkthesAspen
tion grants in the amount of $2,000 each f Y
historical society for exterior renovation of the main barn and
for the Marolt house; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Councilman Gassman said he favors the motion; however, rather
than put the 52,000 into the septic system for the Marolt house
Council, should discuss coming up with a reasonable use for the
house. Councilman Gassman said he is not opposed to granting the
money, but would like to know what the city is going to do with
the house first. Mayor Stirling agreed with this. Councilman
Tuite said the city is giving the money to the historical
society, but the city still owns both sites. The Council has not
made a motion to give the barn to the historical society for the
9
Regular Meetinct Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
museum. Councilman Tuite said awarding the grant money may be a
step ahead of the process.
Councilwoman Fallin pointed out Council said thandlsroundsl
society would be required to maintain the barn q
Councilwoman Fallin said giving the historical society may be in
conflict with what was asked two weeks ago. Ms'withltheacityhs
$2,000 grant for both properties is in keeping
spirit of historic preservation. Ms. Eflin pointed out the
historic society will be doing major fund rbesseed moneyhto
project. Mayor Stirling said ted. $2 Ma orc St r ling agreed about
get the historic society star Y
the grant for the Marolt house until the use is decided about.
Councilwoman Fallin withdrew her motion.
Mayor Stirling moved to initiate the process of histHolden/Marolt
designation of both the Opal Marolt d °recta sa f fe to begin the
bars lixiviation ruins site, and
designation process; and to approve landmark designation grants
in the amount of $2,000 for the barn only and designate the Aspen
historical society as the receiver for that as the seed money to
begin the renovation of the main barn; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin.
Councilman Isaac asked when the historic society is going to take
over the site and be responsible for it. Ms. Eflin said she does
not have a time frame on this project. Ms. Eflin said she will
report back on specifically how the historic society is going to
proceed.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Gassman said Council should put a discussiest~onssfrom
the Marolt house on a future agenda and ask for sugg
the historical society, HPC, and PCPA.
Councilman Isaac moved to direct Roxanne Eflin to coordinate
recommendations from the PCPA, historic society and HPC, as soon
as possible; seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor,
motion carried.
DISCUSSION OF DISPLACEMENT REGULATIONS
Mayor Stirling said last year he brought up the problem of
listings pending, purchases occurring and demolitions likely to
occur, lose of housing, and new large structures. Mayor Stirling
said he wanted the RMF zone reduced, modi kes seein nabeforeathere
ago. Mayor Stirling said it seems it to g
is any believing. Mayor Stirling enumerated lots that have
10
Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Regular Meeting
already been demolished in less then one year. Mayor Stirling
said it seems like there is little left to be protected.
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council gl ial activ tye
planning office is seeing, there . lcuss d tat f a pstudy session, and
Councilman Tuite said this was dis
staff recommended going with a land use master RichmanCsaidltwo
Tuite asked what has changed sstaff sto Ideal with this issue.
weeks ago Council directe
Richman said staff recognizes the magnitude of the told Council
the level of concern that Counciltoathe land muse policy plan
staff has come up with an approach
that it can be done in shorter time and directly.
Councilman Tuite told Council he has a potential conflict of
interest; a client is named in the memorandum. Council agreed
they had no problem with Councilman Tuite entering into the broad
land use issue.
Richman said the issue of addressing the existing ho With fo ~ca
in Aspen is one that the community halanetalkedlabout preserva-
decade. In 1979, the adopted master p
tion and better utilization of existing housing ion andm change of
that time, there was a lot of condominiumizat
The demolition activity is
ownership in affordable housing.
outright loss of the housing stock and displacement of apd pcondoa
rebuilding of much more expensive ubear•no relationship to this
minium or displacement regulations
problem.
Richman said another problem is that as the commusif rcdevelops
to build out, staff is recognizing a lack of parcel
ment of affordable housing. Richman pointed ouotleh are eonly
election has helped focus onar els for development of afford-
looking at public open space p
able housing. Richman said as parcels like 1010 Ute and 700 East
Main, two of the largest privately-owned opeecomese a ararent
disappear and provide no on-site housing - it bbut it i shaving
that not only is the city losing the inventory,
an effect of creating exclusive neighborhoods.
Richman said the city is not creating any affordable housing in
Aspen. Richman said the vision of the community in the future is
one of just the wealthy living here and not the employees. This
is not an appealing image of the community. Richman said he is
proposing in the code amendment that if units are usinllonesite
town, the new development is requiresaid not leveryo unit that is
to replace those units. Richman
demolished has to be replaced and not every unit that gets built
back has to be affordable housing. Richman said there should be
11
Aspen City Council August 8. 1988
Regular Meeting
a requirement of some percentage of what is rebuilt on-site
should be affordable housing.
Richman reminded Council they adopted some crii~rma fonothbe
cash-in-lieu may be appropriate san utf co trol back into the
appropriate. Richman said thi p
ublic's hands as to whether affordable housing will bedpl°kedto
p
on-site or to get cash-in-lieu. develo me t on vacant land and
take another step for residential P
establish a subdivision requirement that woul ent of thedunits
percentage of every new develoeStrictedkhousipgr Richman said it
built must be employee, deed
is apparent with the limited available land, if rket yunitsusthe
is not produced at the same eland afu therfb hind. Richman said
city will keep falling furthe
the housing authority has had a great deal of difficulty finding
acceptable sites. Richman said the housing authority will build
units over time using the cash-in-lieu. Richman said the cash-
in-lieu program is a viable option. Richman said ble housineebe
to provide the extra added requirement that afforda g
built on site. Richman said if on-site is not requirublichsector
much more money to be made in providing cash to the p
than providing on-site housing. Richman said this in townering
the environment of Aspen not having employees living
Richman said he is not recommending regulations°td whatlthe
people from demolishing old units•sa d i f the beyis to be new
government can accomplish. Richman
development, the city should use the Robin Hood effect. If the
new units are going to be high-end units, there number of the
margin which would provide affordable housingat sRichman said the
units can be provided as
concept is to intersperse projects into the neighborhoods and
give employees an chance to live throughout town.
Richman said the principle two code amendmeould beure baced
requirement on demolition that some peuirement that would require
on site, and second, a subdivision req
all new subdivisions to provide a percentage of employee housing
on site.
Richman told Council ideas surrounding this proposal will evolve
as Council, P & Z and the public get involved. R s hand these
Council he has only spent two weeks developing idea
are preliminary. Richman said he called the Planning Association
and displacement is a common regulation in other municipalities.
Richman told Council he will get copies of this•nedlabout demolie
does not know to what extent Council is concer
tion of single family and duplexes. Richman said in the
redevelop-ment of single family and duplex sites, the city might
12
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
be able to develop a caretaker provision or incentive ordinance
that would allow someone to build a small additionalannottiontor
house. Richman suggested this could be provided as p
when there is demolition or loss of a unit, a person much build
one of the smaller units. Richman said incenti un tsc ands not
could include FAR bonuses or allowing the second
penalizing the owner in terms of density. Richman said Council
could look at an array of economic incentives.
Councilwoman Fallin asked about allowing caretaker units in
already established houses. Richman said that is a possible
incentive. Richman told Council he has been loXkeriencer with
demolition sites. Richman said there has been e p
the caretaker provision i n the county, which hake prcon eet he
alternative source of housing. Richman said anot p
would like Council to initiate is to apply the sliding scale to
the RMF, office, and C-1 zones. Richman said having residences
built at a 1:1 ratio in the downtown areas is not a Richmanlsaid
valuable way of using commercially zoned property.
these are proposals for the planning commission to initiate and
to look at these types of changes.
Richman told Council he has included an administrative delay for
consideration. Richman said if Council feels it is appropriate,
there is a resolution to make the administrative delay immedi-
ate . There i s also an ordinance which would i dm ini st ra hive
hearing. Richman told Council one reason the
delay is appropriate is that it is incumben communithe knowy the
take a strong action in tebotho dem 1 tion hand reconstruction.
city will be addressing
Richman said staff has seen evidence of quite a f dental nGMPl
applications and a lot of activity in the rest
Richman said with the limited amount of vacant land, the city
should not go through a residential GMP without changes suggested
to the subdivision regulations. RichCa~ can reeulate demolie
what research will show about how the y g
tion and redevelopment . Richman said not taking of yem to ees
action to prevent demolition m t develo ment season. Richman
losing their home before the nex p
said he wants to avoid the loss of any more housing and to have
an opportunity to influence the course of the coming GMP datle cbe
tions. Richman suggested that the residential
altered from November lst into 1989. Richman said he would like
some time to be able to come up with the best ordinance the
Council and the community deserve. Richman said this is not
something that will be resolved in a short time.
Mayor Stirling moved to adopt Resolution #26, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilman Isaac.
13
- Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Phoebe Ryerson said the lack bed and breakfast and bandit units
have prevented smaller houses from surviving. Bil Dunaway said
single f amity dwellings should be included in Resolution #26.
Dunaway said every single family dwelling that has been demo-
lished has been the home of a permanent resident or employee.
Mary Martin said two years ago people asked for a historic
overlay over the townsite f or the purpose of watching what went
next door to a historic house. Ms. Martin commended Council for
this action because the town is eroding fast. Ms. Martin said a
historic overlay ordinance is a delay process and also preserves
a lot of the old houses.
Councilman Isaac agreed that the resolution ought to be extended
over single family and duplexes. Councilman Isaac said that
seems to be where the problem is. Councilman Isaac asked if this
is for the entire city limits. Richman said the way the resolu-
tion is drafted it is for the entire city. There is some
exemption language in order to provide opportunities that are
contrary to the city's intent to be able to proceed through the
system. Richman told Council this exemption language may not be
inclusive enough to deal with single family and residences.
Richman corrected the resolution regarding PUD applications and
building the same number of employee housing units on-site.
Councilwoman Fallin single family dwelling should be included.
Mayor Stirling amended his motion to include "detached residen-
tial and duplex" in the resolution; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to read Ordinance #31, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #31
(Series of 1988)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING AN
ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY IN THE ACCEPTANCE AND/OR PROCESS-
ING OF ANY APPLICATION FOR A BUILDING PERMIT FOR
DEMOLITION OF ANY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING IN
THE CITY OF ASPEN OR FOR ANY LAND USE APPLICATION FOR
SUBDIVISION PUD OF LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW OR
REPLACEMENT RESIDENTIAL UNITS was read by the city
clerk
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #31, Series of 1988,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Councilman Isaac asked what the city's definition of demolition
is. Richman said it is defined in the new code. Councilman
Isaac asked if the definition will give people a way to get
14
Regular Meeting _ Aspen Citv Council Au4ust 8. 1988
around the demolition delay. Richman said he will research this
for the next meeting. Mayor Stirling brought up rent controls
and told Council his company is working for rental control on
long term residential housing and MAA housing. Mayor Stirling
said rent control could be part of this discussion.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to amend the Ordinance to include the
same phrase "detached residential and duplex" as the resolution;
seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Isaac, yes; Tuite,
abstain; Fallin, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Fallin said Councilman Tuite cannot abstain.
Gannett said he can disqualify himself from the vote because of a
conflict of interest. Councilwoman Fallin said Councilman Tuite
should have left the room or he votes. Councilman Tuite said he
thought the conversation was going to be generic and then it got
very specific. Councilman Tuite said the city cannot replace
employee housing fast enough. Councilman Tuite cautioned that
employees may be treated as lepers by property owners. People
may start throwing out employees in anticipation of development.
Richman pointed out the language in the ordinance ignores the
previous use of the property in order to avoid this case.
BELL MOUNTAIN LODGE REZONING
Cindy Houben, planning office, told Council this is a request for
a rezoning from LP to either C-1 or office. Ms. Houben reminded
Council the applicant has discussed the parking issue on the Bell
Mountain block. At that time, Council indicated they did not
feel good about letting the applicant have more bulk on site for
an increase in FAR. The applicant has withdrawn their initial
application of C-1 zoning with a 1.5:1 FAR. Council is only
asked to review a request of rezoning to C-1 or office. The
proposal f or the underground parking structure has been elimi-
nated.
Ms. Houben told Council this has been reviewed by P & Z who has
recommended denial of the proposal. The P & Z resolution
outlines the reasons for denial. Ms. Houben told Council it is
felt that the proposal f or C-1 or 0, office are inconsistent with
the transportation element, which has identified Bell Mountain
block as a public parking facility. The 1973 plan identifies
this area as being within the fringe of the central area and
should be oriented toward resident-related uses. Ms. Houben told
Council there is not specific plan associated with the request
for rezoning; therefore, staff cannot comment whether or not the
uses would be resident related. Ms. Houben told Council the
15
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
existing uses in the neighborhood are local-oriented with NC
across the street in the City Market block.
Ms. Houben said the extension of the retail area from the
commercial core is inconsistent with the planning concept of
tapering down the intensity and bulk towards the residential
area. Ms. Houben said this request may threaten the viability of
adjacent uses such as the NC uses across the street. Ms. Houben
said there are no changed community conditions that warrant
rezoning. There is an abundance of build out potential for the
commercial development in town, and lodge development is consis-
tent with community goals. Ms. Houben said small lodges are
important to maintain a mix of tourist accommodations in the
town. Ms. Houben said Council's is requested to only look at a
rezoning to C-1 or 0, office from LP and not any other zones.
Sunny Vann, representing the applicant, told Council after more
than 20 years of business, the owners of the lodge have decided
to cease operations and have agreed to sell the property to the
applicants. Vann told Council when the applicants looked at the
redevelopment potential of the property, they were aware of the
city's transportation activities. The applicants decided to
incorporate a parking facility in their redevelopment proposals
and their request for rezoning. The applicants also attempted to
secure the remainder of the block to allow design flexibility and
to accommodate more parking. Vann told Council the cost of the
adjacent properties was prohibitive. Vann said as the transpor-
tation planning continued, support for the Rio Grande parking
facility increased. It became apparent little or no financial
assistance would be available from the city to help subsidize a
Bell Mountain garage.
Vann told Council implicit in this concept was the idea that
rezoning of the property from L-3 in order to subsidize a garage
would be considered. Vann said despite the fact that public
financial assistance would probably be unavailable, the appli-
cants felt it necessary to discuss public parking in connection
with their project. Vann told Council the applicants incurred
expenses in designing the project, submitted it for review. The
proposal involved both commercial and residential space in a
mixed unit development. Vann said the applicants proposed to
give the subgrade area to the city for parking purposes and to
construct a publicly funded garage in conjunction with develop-
ment of the project. In exchange, the applicants asked for
additional FAR above grade to offset the loss of the revenue from
the subgrade space. Because of time constraints, it would have
been necessary to compete in this year's GMP for both residential
and commercial space. The applicants approached Council to see
if there was interest to warrant pursuing the necessary appro-
16
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
vals. Vann told Council the applicants prepared a development
application to allow staff to review the proposal.
Vann reminded Council they indicated they were not interested in
trading FAR for parking. Vann told Council the FARs that were
proposed are allowable under the proposed rezoned districts.
Vann said given the lack of interest and the lack of funds to
develop a garage, the applicants abandoned the proposal in
pursuit of other options. The applicants have amended their
rezoning request to C-1 at the basic 1:1 FAR and for 0, office,
which the property was prior to rezoning to L-3 (LP). Vann said
he assumed the original zone category would be acceptable upon
termination of the lodge use . Vann said staf f and P & Z have
taken the position that ideally the property should remain zoned
for lodge use, despite the current owners desire to cease his
operation.
Vann pointed out staff and P & Z concur that a maximum FAR of 1:1
is appropriate for this site. Vann said all of the zone dis-
tricts, including L-3, have an FAR of l:l or less, FAR is not the
issue. Vann said the issue is if the owners use of the property
should be limited solely to a lodge; if not, what uses are
appropriate f or this location. Vann said staff concurs that a
rezoning to C-1 or O, office is consistent with the code rezoning
review criteria. Vann said the criteria where the application is
inconsistent is that which requires that a proposal be consistent
with a comprehensive plan. Vann said the recently adopted
transportation element earmarks the property for public parking,
the failure of any applicant to include parking in its proposal
guarantees it will be inconsistent. Vann said the designation of
a property for public parking can only be interpreted as a
guideline to review an application. Vann stated to deny a
rezoning because it does not incorporate an identified public
facility essentially confiscates the property. Vann said the
identification of the property for parking purposes should serve
as a signal to developers that the city is interested in a
public/private effort. Vann said it should not be construed that
no development can occur unless the private sector foots the bill
for the facility. Vann said the staff reluctantly supports 0,
office zoning, and has concluded that consistency with the land
use plan is not a major issue. Vann told Council the remaining
criteria are compatibility, community character, neighborhood
change, and public interest. P & Z's position seems to be that
the character of the area is defined by locally-oriented uses
rather than tourist related uses, and that tourist commercial
uses should not be extended to the area. P & Z also feels C-1 is
inappropriate because uses are allowed that could potentially
serve tourists, and that these uses might exert undue pressure
upon the adjacent NC zone to also be rezoned. Vann told Council
staff and P & Z also felt 0, office would be inappropriate
17
Re4ular Meeting __ Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
because residential uses are permitted. P & Z f elt residential
units would probably be sold to non-residents. Vann said staff
felt residential might not be the best use of the property;
however, the bulk and reduced intensity of the 0, office zone is
appropriate in that location and that 0, office would not
adversely effect the NC zone.
Vann said he feels that staff and P & Z do not want to lose the
lodge and they are afraid tourist/commercial or residential uses
may result if the property were rezoned. Vann presented a map
to show the surrounding land uses. The map illustrates that the
majority of surrounding uses are already zoned for a variety of
commercial and residential uses, most of which cater to the
tourists population. The immediate west is zoned C-1, which
serves the tourist population. The area to the southwest is
zoned CL with ground level uses that are tourist-oriented uses.
The area to the south is zoned NC and contains City Market, the
Steak Pit, Butcher's Block and shops all of which cater to locals
and tourists. To the east is the Buckhorn Lodge, which is zoned
CL with tourist-oriented uses. The area to the south is zoned 0,
office and the area to the east i s zoned RMF. Vann said to
represent that the immediate area is non-tourist oriented and
rezoning of the Bell Mountain Lodge would destroy the character
of this area is not borne out by the facts.
Vanrl said the staff's desire to retain the community' s small
lodges is a laudable goal, but to try and achieve it by denying
a lodge owner comparable zoning to that of his neighbors is not
an appropriate way to go about preserving small lodges. Vann
said the issue is whether this should remain a lodge if the owner
wishes to terminate his operations. Vann said the L-3 lodge were
rezoned to relieve them of a specific hardship as a status of
non-conforming uses. Vann said as a result, almost all of these
lodges represent more intense uses than their surrounding
neighbors. Vann said if a lodge owner wishes to cease opera-
tions, he should be allowed to enjoy the same zoning as surround-
ing land uses. Vann said the L-3 zone is one of the only zones
which permits no alternative uses. Vann said fairness should
dictate that this owner should be allowed to rezone his property
to a zoning consistent with that of the adjoining neighbors. At
a minimum, this zoning should be 0, office; office and residen-
tial uses are allowed in this zone district, both of which are
primarily not tourist oriented. Vann said this area is already
tourist-oriented. Vann encouraged Council to support a zoning to
C-l; uses in this zone serve both the locals and tourists. Vann
said either C-1 or O, office can be demonstrated to comply with
the city's applicable zoning criteria.
Vann told Council the rezoning of non-conforming lodges was
accomplished as a class action. Council felt the L-3 zoning
18
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
should be an inducement and not mandatory. Lodges owners were
given an opportunity to be excluded from this rezoning. Vann
told Council the record shows that the Bell Mountain lodge
initially wished to be excluded from consideration. Vann said
the owners of the Bell Mountain lodge did not follow up on this
desire to be excluded. Vann said the proposed rezoning was
voluntary. Vann told Council nowhere in the record could he find
what would happen upon termination of a lodge use. Vann said
staff feels there was some discussion that a lodge owner could
revert back to the original zoning. This is not reflected in the
record. Vann pointed out the lodge next door, the Buckhorn
Lodge, objected to the rezoning was excluded from the general
rezoning. The Buckhorn was subsequently rezoned to CL, a more
intense tourist-oriented use than either C-1 or 0, office. The
Council found in the rezoning resolution that the requested
rezoning was compatible with surrounding zone districts and land
uses in the vicinity of the site.
Art Daily, representing the applicant, told Council either C-1 or
0, office, meet the city's rezoning standards. Daily said
rezoning decisions in the city cannot be based on personal
preferences or emotional consideration. There are standards that
govern the process. Daily said it appears that a majority of P &
Z members started from the premise that a lodge is the only
desirable use of the Bell Mountain lodge property. Daily told
Council 3 members of P & Z disagreed so strongly that the
submitted a minority resolution recommending the property be
rezoned 0, office.
Daily told Council the majority P & Z resolution concludes that
the rezoning proposal is inconsistent with Aspen's land use plan.
The only inconsistency cited by P & Z is that the transportation
element of the master plan requires that this site be devoted to
a community parking facility, and the rezoning proposal provides
no public parking. Daily said this is private land and zoning
regulations cannot require that private land be devoted to public
use unless the city wants to buy the land. Daily said it is
illegal to judge a rezoning request on the basis of whether the
land ought to be put to a public use.
Daily said the proposal to rezone this property to O, office is
totally consistent with the 1973 master plan. Daily reminded
Council th e property was originally zoned office shortly after
the master plan was adopted. Office zoning was considered
consistent with the plan then and is even more consistent with
the master plan today. Daily told Council the majority resolu-
tion concludes that office zoning proposal is incompatible with
surrounding zone districts and land uses. Daily said the rest of
this block is zoned 0, office, except the Buckhorn lodge which
was granted a rezoning to CL. Daily pointed out the Bell
19
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Mountain lodge property is surrounded by three zone districts,
all of which allow more intensive uses and greater FAR than does
the proposed 0, office zone. Daily said the P & Z resolution
questions the compatibility because the neighborhood is local-
oriented rather than tourist. Daily said that is not true today.
The present Bell Mountain lodge is strictly tourist use, as is
the rest of the surrounding neighborhood. Daily said 0, office
is a compatible zone.
Daily said the majority resolution also concludes that there have
been no changed conditions affecting the subject property or the
neighborhood which support the proposed rezoning. Daily said
there is an increasing tourist-orientation of this area. The
city has seen a shif t in short-term accommodations to hotel and
large modern lodges. Daily said one cannot ignore the fact that
these are the accommodations that visitors seems to be looking
for. Daily said this is a critical change in conditions in the
community that directly affects the small lodging industry.
Daily quoted from the minority P & Z resolution which said there
are significant changes making small lodges difficult, if not
impractical, and a rezoning to office zoning, which was the
underlying zoning, would not be in conflict with the public
interest. Daily said this proposed rezoning meets every criteria
in the code.
Daily said the lodge preservation zone is the most restrictive
zone in the city. Lodging is the only type of business allowed
in that zone. Bell Mountain lodge is surrounded by residential
and commercial uses and zones. Daily said there is not another
property zoned LP for 2 blocks in any direction. The original
objective of the LP zone was to preserve existing small lodges.
Daily said that purpose was achieved by providing certain
incentives to lodges to upgrade and to expand. Lodge owners were
also given a choice of whether or not to be zoned LP. If a lodge
chose not to be included, they continued to enjoy the benefits of
their existing zoning. The LP zone was designed to support and
encourage small lodges but not to compel them to continue as a
perpetual use. Daily said it is not fair to impose a new set of
rules on the Bell Mountain lodge property. Promoting and
encouraging the small lodge makes a lot of sense, but making a
lodge use mandatory is wrong. The focus should be on preserving
those lodges that wish to be preserved. It is not fair to force
the Bell Mountain lodge to remain a single use island while it is
surrounded by properties which include broader and more flexible
zoning rights. Daily urged Council, at the least, to return the
property to its original office zone.
Albie Kern, representing the Kapellis owners of the Bell Mountain
lodge, told Council his clients are co-applicants of this
requested zoning change. Kern told Council it is doubtful that
20
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
the Kapellis would be facing this problems if the applicants were
not local developers or if P & Z followed its own master plan of
the city. Kern said Kapellis have owned and managed the property
since 1963. There are 21 units in the lodge. This property was
zoned 0, office in 1974, as was the whole block. Because of the
concerns about non-conforming lodges, the city decided in 1982 to
encourage improvement of lodges and put in the L-3 zone. This
zoning allows only one use on the property. Kern said the
October 1982 Council minutes reflect that the Bell Mountain lodge
elected not to be part of the L-3 zoning. Kern said the Bell
Mountain lodge ended up being zoned L-3.
Kern said because of economics the Kapellis could not afford to
construct improvement s on their lodge and received no benefit
from a ch ange to a conforming status. Kern said the Kapellis
desire to sell their property, which is only zoned f or one use.
Kern said he feels this zoning is at best questionable. Kern
requested that the Kapellis be accorded the same rights that the
adjacent landowners have. Kern said to do otherwise would be
unjust and unfair and inconsistent with the city's master plan.
Councilman Isaac asked how long the property was listed for sale.
Kern said it was never f ormally listed. Councilman Isaac asked
how the city would know that someone else doesn't want to operate
a lodge. Vann said the issue is why an owner should be forced to
have no other use for their property except as a lodge. Vann
said generally uses that are consistent with each other are
grouped in areas that allow the uses. Councilman Isaac said it
has been implied that the city is taking away the reasonable use
of this land. Councilman Isaac said the city has not taken away
anything; this property is zoned for lodge use. Someone may want
to operate a lodge on this property.
Mayor Stirling said this is a difficult issue because as large
commercial development are built and begin moving east, other
properties want to do the same thing. Mayor Stirling said the
L-3 zoning was done at the request of the lodges to make them
vital and to preserve them, and not something that was foisted on
the lodges. Mayor Stirling said the issue seems to be a less
intense use versus a more intense use. Currently there are only
21 units on about 20,000 square feet. Mayor Stirling said what
is looming is a much more intensive use. Mayor Stirling said
visitors are looking for quality and those lodges that have been
able to remodel or update are filled during high seasons. Mayor
Stirling said a zone change is not automatic. The fairness issue
is a difficult one; should this lodge use always have to be a
lodge use. Mayor Stirling suggested Council may want to look at
LP, redefine it and make it more fair.
21
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council August 8L_1988
Councilman Isaac said his main concern is that the city does not
know what the uses will be if the property is rezoned. Vann said
the uses would be those that any of the adjacent neighbors could
build. Mayor Stirling said the community laments the lose of a
traditional small lodge. The fairness question is can Council
deny an interest in changing the current use because of the
emotional use. Vann said office uses are less intensive than L-3
uses; however, the current lodge use is quite low. Vann said if
someone were to buy it and make the economics work, they would
apply for an expansion. Vann told Council the property has a
considerable amount of build out for a lodge. Mayor Stirling
said there is an LP GMP quota of 10 per year.
Councilman Gassman said he has a problem justifying a lump of
lodge in the middle of other zoning. Councilman Gassman said he
does not favor the alternatives; however, if zoning has a
relation to an overall plan, it is difficult to see that plan
looking at the surrounding uses map. Councilman Gassman said the
city may be asking to have a less intense use provided to the
city by the owners of this property without a lot of basis in
fact. Ms. Houben said there are other zone districts that could
be applied for other than C-1 and O, office, such as CL and NC.
Vann reiterated that CL is more intensive use than C-1 and also
allows tourist-oriented CC commercial uses. Vann said the CL
use permits tourist serving commercial operations, which the
applicant was not necessarily interested in providing and are not
consistent with the surrounding areas. Mayor Stirling said the
fundamental issue is if this property does not continue as a
lodge, what is the appropriate use.
Councilman Isaac moved to deny the rezoning application of the
Bell Mountain lodge to office zone and C-1 zone. Motion DIES for
lack of a second.
Joe Edwards, representing the Chateau Aspen, told Council his
clients have already suffered one Mazza Woods project. They are
opposed to this rezoning. Edwards said his clients feel this is
an enclave of lodge preservation, of which there are very few in
the city and that the city ought to preserve. Edwards stated
under the zoning code, an applicant is not entitled by right to
get rezoning to maximize profits on their property. Edwards
urged the Council that the appropriate criteria is in 24-12.3
number 4, which says, "an analysis of the community needs for the
proposed rezoning, and compared to an assessment of the relation-
ship of the zoning proposal to the goal of overall community
balance". Edwards said the town has all the second home tow n-
houses and fur shops that is needed for awhile. Edwards said
small lodges are a unique lodging experience. Edwards said this
property was not listed for sale.
22
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
George Vicenzi said this small pocket of lodging is v ery con-
venient for guests to walk to the slopes, to restaurants and the
commercial area. This solves a transportation problem. Vicenzi
said it is important to have a lodge in this area. Vicenzi said
the owners of this property chose the L-3 zoning. Vicenzi said
Council has to decide what is best for the community and not what
is best for developers. The best use for the community would be
a lodge.
Richman told Council the reason the Buckhorn lodge was rezoned to
CL is the uses existing on the property are unlike any other
smaller L-3 lodge. There was commercial on the bottom and
tourist above. The owners voluntarily accepted a l:l FAR, which
is the FAR allowed in the L-3 zone. Richman told Council he does
recall that the Kapellis were not interested in L-3 at first, and
does not recall why they ended up accepting L-3 zoning. Richman
said the question has come up if the city made any guarantees
that lodge owners would be able to rezone. Richman said this
action was voluntary and the city was trying to do something that
was an improvement for the small lodge owners. Richman told
Council the city made no guarantees about rezoning. When a
rezoning application comes in, staff has to look at the most
current conditions in a neighborhood and compatibility with the
current master plan. There is no way to guarantee rezoning.
Richman said L-3 rezoning was a zone to use, which is why there
are pockets of L-3. At the time it was not spot zoning because a
group of owners came in and requested rezoning. Richman said
there is no redevelopment proposal for the city to look at and it
would be difficult to find compatibility.
Daily said he agrees preservation of lodges in the community is
important; however, compulsory single use zoning is the wrong way
to achieve this. Kapelli would like to be zoned the way his
neighbors are zoned and to enjoy those benefits. Vann said
there was some discussion about the reversion of zoning con-
siderations. Vann said the changes since 1983 should be taken
into account in requests for rezoning. Vann said that the fact
that an applicant must demonstrate that the use proposed in the
0, office zone is consistent with the master plan seems onerous
given the fact that immediately behind this parcel is zoned O,
office because it was felt to be compatible with the master plan.
Vann said the same criteria should apply. If the community feels
that residential should not be allowed in the office zone,
Council should change the office zone. Vann said in many cases
it is possible to produce a development plan and come through the
process with a request for rezoning, the issues surrounding the
L-3 zone are unique. Vann said if Council approves this rezon-
ing, it is still subject to any further reviews under growth
management and any other processes. Vann reiterated that either
23
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council AuQUSt 8, 1988
C-1 or 0, office zones are consistent with the surrounding area
and fit the criteria.
Councilman Gassman said the Council is being asked to change the
status quo. This requires some benefit to the public. Council-
man Gassman said the applicants have stated the benefits to the
applicants and to the owners. Councilman Gassman said he cannot
see what the benefit is to the city of having either more office
or C-1 zones.
Councilman Gassman moved to deny the request to rezone the Bell
Mountain parcel to C-1 or O zone; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Vann told Council there is a provision in the Code which states
if Council denies a rezoning, there is a moratorium f or 2 years
in which the owner cannot pursue any further activity on rezon-
ing. Vann said since the applicants may not proceed with this,
as a courtesy to the Kapellis, Vann requested to be able to
withdraw the application. Tony Mazza withdrew his application.
Councilman Gassman withdrew his motion.
ORDINANCE #30, SERIES OF 1988 - Rezoning Lot 6, Aspen Mountain
Subdivision
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #30, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #30
(Series of 1988)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL REZONING LOTS A
THROUGH I, BLOCK 91, ASPEN MOUNTAIN TOWNSITE (ALSO
KNOWN AS LOT 6, ASPEN MOUNTAIN PUD) FROM L/TR AND CL TO
PARK was read by the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #30, Series of 1988, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council this rezones to
park the lot in front of the Grand Aspen. Councilman Isaac asked
how long the applicant has to remove the existing houses on this
site after it is rezoned. Perry Harvey, representing the
applicant, said they would become non-conforming. Richman said
there is no abatement provision in the Code, so there would be
nothing to require their removal. Richman said they are slated
for removal as part of the redevelopment of the site.
Harvey said the applicants would like to qualify the timing of
this. Currently 15,000 square feet of the parcel is zoned CL and
24
Regular Meetinct Aspen_Cit~ Council August 8, 1988
the remaining 12,000 square feet is zoned L/TR. Under the
current underlying zoning, 42,000 square feet of building is
allowed. Harvey said the designation of this parcel as park was
made as part of the approval for the lot 1 hotel. The timing on
this rezoning must be in conjunction with full approval and
issuance of a building permit for the hotel on lot 1. Harvey
said since opposition has stated they will pursue a referendum if
approval is given by the city, the applicants would like to tie
this rezoning to the uninterrupted construction of the hotel
because the park is part of the PUD approval.
Mayor Stirling said Council has scheduled an election for October
11 and asked what effect this will have on the Ritz Carlton hotel
if the petition were approved by the voters. Fred Gannett, city
attorney's office, told Council the timing is crucial. Mayor
Stirling said if Council passes the amendment within the desig-
nated time of September 12 and the applicants go for permits,
what is the effect. Gannett said the general feeling is that the
initiated ordinance becomes an ordinance looking forward not
backward and it would not effect the Ritz. Harvey said the
initiated ordinance says that anything in the PUD application,
anything in the PUD amendment application process or anything
that is in the application process for a building permit has to
go back to the zoning. Harvey said his concern is that nothing
happen on the final rezoning of this parcel until such time as
the applicants have approval, f ull building permit, and if there
is a referendum action that repeals the approval, the rezoning to
park has to be repealed, too. Harvey said 42,000 square f eet of
building is a lot of value. Harvey said the timing on the
rezoning has to be consistent with the process the applicants are
in the middle of .
Richman said staff expects that this ordinance will not be
finally approved until Council gives final PUD approval. Richman
said staff has been trying to tie the park to lot 1 as per
resolution #11. Richman said he had not considered tying this to
the building permit process. Richman said this is before Council
for first reading so that the action could be complete by
September 12. Richman told Council the applicant requested the
rezoning in the context of submitting the amendments. Richman
said it is not mandatory the rezoning occur; however, staff has
been looking for as many ways as possible to implement the
provisions of resolution #11. Richman told Council the city does
not have an application for the park or for phase two.
Harvey told Council he is concerned if this whole plan becomes
unraveled, that this parcel does not stay in the park zone.
Harvey suggested Council could tie this rezoning to a date
certain, assuming uninterrupted construction on the hotel.
Councilman Gassman said he feels it is premature to rezone this.
25
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8. 1988.
There is a record as to what the intent i s f or the park .
Councilman Gassman said it can be a condition of final approval
that the applicants apply for rezoning. Councilman Isaac said
Council could pass this on first reading and table the second
reading into the future. This would give the city reliance.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, no; Tuite, no; Fallin,
no; Isaac, yes; Mayor Stirling, no. Motion NOT carried.
CONTRACT AWARD - Snow Melt Site Design Work
Chuck Roth, engineering department, told Council this project has
been on a very tight time frame. Roth said the city advertised
and did direct solicitation for site design for the snow melt
facility. Roth said the city received 3 bids and the proposals
were offering approximately the same services. Roth said the
city selected the low bid, Schmueser, Gordon Meyer at $6,640.
The other bids were from Banner Associates in conjunction with
Aspen Design Group and High Country Engineering. Roth recom-
mended Council award the design and construction management
contract to Schmueser. Roth said he will be back in two weeks
with some preliminary designs for Council to look at. Staff will
then get the final design construction documents prepared and
advertised for construction. Roth told Council the snow melter
is due to arrive in Aspen in mid-November. Councilman Gassman
asked where this project is in the budget. Roth said it will be
very tight. Roth said he is anticipating giving Council some
choices and perhaps having to budget some of this project in
1989.
Councilman Gassman moved to award the contract for design for the
snow melter to Schmueser Gordon, Meyer f or $6,640; seconded by
Councilman Isaac.
All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST FOR FUNDS AND REPORT - Triathalon
Jim Jackson told Council the Aspen Skiing Company has been
replaced as a local title sponsor with the Aspen Club Family of
companies. Jackson said this will help they as there is a
variety of services provided that will enhance the competitors
experience in Aspen. Jackson said he feels it is the best to
promote this event wherever possible. Jackson told Council the
triathalon community has come to this event by one magazine.
Jackson said he got advice to contact ESPN, who produces a
program specifically devoted to event coverage. Jackson told
Council ESPN would like to cover the event provided they were
given broadcast quality material to air. Jackson told Council
this event has gone from 28 people to nearly 250 athletes.
26
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Jackson said this is a local event that has grown and succeeded
to the point where it is getting national attention.
Jackson requested the city fund the syndicated program. Jackson
said if Aspen subsidizes the first minute of advertising, they
have insured the production of this event. Jackson said that
advertising time can be sold to local entities. Mayor Stirling
asked if Jackson had approached the ARA about the $24,000. Mayor
Stirling said the Council's contingency is only about $24,000 for
the rest of the year, and it makes it difficult to fund a request
like this. Mayor Stirling said Jackson had done great groundwork
on this, but it is difficult to deal with at the last minute.
Mayor Stirling suggested Jackson go to the ARA to see if they
could fund part of this. Jackson said the advertising time is
wholly transferable and a way to recoup the money. Councilwoman
Fallin said she does not feel the city should be in a position of
selling advertising. That should be done through the ARA. Mayor
Stirling said he sees the opportunity for the town, but the
context for this discussion is the 1989 budget and combining the
3 events into a sports festival. Jackson asked if Council would
be interested in funding some of this if he could come up with
matching funds.
Councilwoman Fallin said she is not interested because this
should be done in context of the budget. Mayor Stirling said he
is receptive to having this as part of the budget presentation.
Councilwoman Fallin said she would prefer it come through the ARA
budget. Councilman Isaac said he is not interested in funding
$25,000 but would be interested in funding $5,000. Jackson said
the local groups have worked very hard on these events, like the
triathalon, volleyball tournament. Seeing the money go else-
where, like Coors Classic, has miffed them. Mayor Stirling said
Council would like this to come through the budget process,
either through the ARA or the 3 event organizers.
Jackson told Council the permit for the triathalon has been
granted. There has been concern regarding the safety and control
of highways. Jackson told Council the finish will be at the
Jerome. Jackson said this will cost the event another $500 in
police off duty requirements. Jackson requested a minimum of
$500 from Council to cover the police costs.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct Assistant City
work with the police chief to insure that
there up to a maximum of $500, have Mitchell
out of the police budget or wherever the
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor,
Manager Mitchell to
all the coverage is
see if it can work
money can be found;
motion carried.
27
Regular Meeting-- Ashen City Council August 8, 1988
NITZE/STUNDA LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT
Councilman Isaac moved to table this to August 22, 1988; seconded
by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
727 EAST HOPKINS CONDOMINIUMIZATION
Cindy Houben, planning office, told Council this is a request f or
condominiumization of a duplex currently under construction at
727 East Hopkins. Ms. Houben told Council P & Z recommended in
favor of this with conditions. Ms. Houben told Council staff
feels the six month minimum lease restriction should not be
waived, as requested by the applicant. There should be an
addition to the subdivision agreement which includes the six
month minimum lease restrictions.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve the condominiumization of 727
East Hopkins will all 5 conditions. Motion DIES for lack of a
second .
Councilman Isaac asked why the six month minimum lease restric-
tion should be waived. Marty Pickett, representing the appli-
cant, told Council this is the last applicant under the old Code.
Ms. Picket said this waiver is requested based upon the pre ce-
dents that have been set by the Council. Ms. Picket told Council
this is located in the office zone, in a transitional area and
close to town. Ms. Pickett told Council this application meets
the restrictions under the new code f or waiving the six month
minimum lease restrictions; however, the planning office felt if
this application came under the new code f or this criteria, they
should come under the new for other things. Norm Batcheldor told
Council the applicants are relying on the precedent set for 700
East Hyman project, which had the six month minimum lease waived
by Council. This request is based on the proximity of short term
usage and adjacent to recreational facilities. Mayor Stirling
said this is no longer a neighborhood. Council set a boundary of
Original street in the new code. Mayor Stirling said he does not
see why this should be imposed in this case when the block has
entirely changed character.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to grant subdivision exception to the
727 East Hopkins project for the purpose of condominiumization
subject to conditions 1 through 4 in the planning office and• a
new condition 5 that this is subject to a six month minimum lease
restriction with no more than two shorter tenancies; seconded by
Councilman Gassman. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor
Stirling. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #25, SERIES OF 1988 - Lone Pine Annexation
28
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Assistant City Manager Mitchell told Council this is the first
step in annexing the Lone Pine/Hunter Longhouse annexation. This
meets all the of statutory requirements for annexation. Mitchell
said Council needs to set a date for the public hearing for the
annexation. Council set September 12 for the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Resolution #25, Series of
1988; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Council asked if any of this area is in the EPA super fund site.
Mitchell said it is not.
All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST FOR BUDGET - Rio Grande Conceptual SPA
Assistant City Manager Mitchell told Council the city is the
applicant for the SPA process for the Rio Grande. Mitchell said
these items would be required of another applicant, and the city
is requesting budget authorization to spend up to 57500 for
survey work, traffic study work and title work. Councilwoman
Fallin asked if money has to come out of contingency. Mitchell
said there is a precedent to take this out of the land fund
because a big portion of the Rio Grande was bought with land fund
monies. Councilman Isaac asked if this should be contingent on
the election question passing. Mitchell said the city is still
planning to do an SPA on the Rio Grande; having the SPA finalized
has been a Council direction for some time.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve up to $7500 work on the Rio
Grande SPA, the money to be allocated from the land fund;
seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Gassman objected to funding a development proposal
from the land fund. Councilman Gassman said the city will not be
keeping this as open space, and this is not the right way to
spend the sixth penny. Phoebe Ryerson said the garage and snow
melt are only little portions of the entire 11.5 acres. Ms.
Ryerson said it is not fair to do this property piece by piece.
Mitchell said on the survey work, there are some questions about
where the property line is. The traffic work is to tie in with
the library being located on the Rio Grande. Mitchell told
Council the title work needs to be cleaned up.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion
carried.
29
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
GMP SUBMISSION DATES - Endeavor Lodge
John Werning, applicant, told Council he needs an extension to
expand the Endeavor Lodge.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to allow an extension of the submission
date to October 1 for the L-3 zones; seconded by Councilman
Gassman.
Welton Anderson, representing the applicant, told Council the
dates were changed for all GMP submissions. Anderson told
Council there were not other LP applications submitted so this
does not affect any other parties. Anderson told Council Werning
was relying on information based on the old code. Werning was
making negotiations to purchase property next door based on an
October 1 submission.
All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST FOR FUNDS - City Hall Carpet and Furniture
Mayor Stirling said this is an expenditure that has to come out
of contingency. Mayor Stirling asked if the carpet could be re-
used once the restoration of city hall is complete. Assistant
City Manager Mitchell said he does not think so. Councilman
Gassman said part of the expenditure was to buy chairs and tables
for Council room. Councilman Gassman said he does not feel the
city needs to spend money on this until the full restoration is
done. Councilwoman Fallin said she does not f avor putting new
carpet in Council Chambers. Mayor Stirling asked when work on
the entire city hall will be started. Mitchell said as soon as
the Red Roof sale in consummated, Council will direct architects
to finalize the plans. It probably will not be before April.
Councilman Gassman moved to deny the request for funds; seconded
by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mitchell said the building department really needs carpet. One
office has carpet that is dangerous. Mitchell appealed to spend
$3600 for carpet in the building department and first floor
hallway where the carpet is dangerous.
Councilmembe; s Gc~55utctri and ~~allin in favor; everyone else
opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Councilman Tuite moved to approve $3600 for the building depart-
ment and first floor hallways carpet; seconded by Councilman
Isaac.
30
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 8, 1988
Councilman Isaac said he would like to see work done in the
Council Chambers.
All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to suspend the rules and meet for 3 more
minutes; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #27, SERIES OF 1988 - Special Election
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, presented a resolution
calling a special election on October 11 for the purpose of
submitting Ordinance #32 to the electors and anything else
Council deems appropriate. City Clerk Kathryn Koch said the last
date to set the ballot language is Council's next meeting.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve Resolution #27, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling said the meeting is continued until August 9,
1988, at 5:00 p.m.
Kathryn Koch, City Clerk
31