HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19880912Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12,__1988
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCE 1
CITIZEN COMMENTS 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 2
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING - Club Andiamo 4
BUDGET SCHEDULE 5
RESOLUTION #29, SERIES OF 1988 - Amended Aspen Mountain
Lodge PUD 5
COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX 13
620 EAST HYMAN APPEAL OF CODE INTERPRETATION 17
ORDINANCE #34, SERIES OF 1988 - Water Rates 18
ORDINANCE #35, SERIES OF 1988 - Amending Alarms 19
ORDINANCE #36, SERIES OF 1988 - CBS Subdivision and Final
Plat 20
777 UTE AVENUE FINAL PLAT 22
BRAND B UILDING CONDOMINIUMIZATION 24
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with
Councilmembers Isaac, Fallin, Tuite and Gassman present.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCE
1. Assistant City Manager Mitchell introduced Bob Gish, the
new chief building inspector. Mitchell said Gish is already
having a positive impact on the department.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. John Doremus, representing the Mikkelson estate, asked for a
policy decision from Council. (Mayor Stirling left the table due
to a conf 1 ict of interest) . This is a matter of an approved
project and to whom do the approvals go. Doremus said he would
like a work session with Council. Fred Gannett, city attorney's
office, told Council the developer for the 700 East Main project
has a vested rights in the property but has failed to file the
plat and PUD agreement. Gannett said this developer no longer
has an option on the property. Gannett said the question is if
the third party has the ability to step in and complete the
process by filing the plat and PUD agreement. Gannett said this
is a Council decision.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to schedule this on the September 26
agenda; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion
carried.
2. Stacy Standley told Council there is a new foundation called
the Aspen Fund for Wilderness Access, sponsored by PCPA, Tenth
Mountain Trail Association, Wilderness Workshop, Environmental
Research Group and Friends of Hunter Creek. Standley told
Council they are having a fund raiser on September 22 to create
the funding base for the Aspen Fund for Wilderness Access.
Standley asked for permission to hang a banner over Main street
for this fund raising event. Standley said this new group of 5
environmental groups in the community feels the need to start a
fund that has a pool to either give money to get access or deal
with issues of public access. City Manager Bob Anderson said he
does not feel this is the same political nature as Friends of
Hunter Creek.
Mayor Stirling moved to allow this banner to be hung over Main
street; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Councilman Isaac said this appears to be a political interest
group as opposed to an arts or athletic group. Councilman Isaac
said the city has stayed away from any political questions,
whether non-profit or not. Standley said this group is not
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
taking a political stance. They are raising funds to deal with
access issues.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Tuite and
Isaac. Motion carried.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling said the Aspen Resort Association and the
lodging community have requested a lodging tax. This has to be a
county-wide initiative. Mayor Stirling asked if Council is
interested in having a discussion on this issue as it will have a
far reaching effect on the community. Councilwoman Fallin said
she has questions about this and any public hearing that can be
held will benefit everybody. Councilman Tuite said he would
rather have a work session on the October 11th special election
first. City Manager Bob Anderson told Council GRIP has turned in
a petition for a Charter amendment. This was not turned in time
to go on the November ballot. Anderson said this is a potential
item to be discussed at a work session.
Council scheduled a work session for Wednesday, September 28 at
5:00 p.m. to discuss the October 11th ballot; 6 p.m. to hear a
report from the committee to review the building department; and
6:30 p.m. to discuss the bed tax.
2. Mayor Stirling said tomorrow, September 13, at 5:00 p.m.
there is a work session scheduled with the PCPA to discuss open
space, proposal for a new 1/2 cent sales tax, and the possibility
of rescinding the election on the Marolt property.
3. Councilman Gassman said he would like to remove the contract
for the city hall renovation from the consent agenda. Councilman
Gassman moved to add this to the regular agenda as item VIII(p);
seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Councilwoman Fallin said the last weekend in August was the
Windstar Symposium. Councilwoman Fallin said she had the
privilege of being a host for that weekend. Councilwoman Fallin
said there were 1800 participants. Councilwoman Fallin thanked
Windstar for bring the symposium to Aspen and hopes that it is
kept in Aspen. It is a wonderful way to close the summer.
5. Councilman Tuite moved to take the budget schedule off the
consent agenda and to schedule it as the first action item;
seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, motion carried.
6. Councilman Isaac said there has been a lot of discussion
recently about ecology, global warning, and he would like to see
the city initiate a recycling center. Councilman Isaac requested
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
staff prepare a report on this. City Manager Bob Anderson said
this is part of the private contract that the county has for the
landfill. It has already started. Anderson said he will report
on the status of this project. Mayor Stirling said next summer
will be the 40th anniversary of the Aspen Institute and there is
a proposal to have global warming as its theme.
7. Mayor Stirling brought up the Little Nell parking addition
in the consent agenda. Mayor Stirling asked if this is in the
best interests of the long term parking solution for the town to
have the additional spots under the hotel or would it be better
to have these additional parking spaces in a community-wide
parking facility. Alan Richman, planning director, told Council
it would be in the better interest to have these in the Rio
Grande parking structure. Richman told Council the requirement
placed on the Skiing Company in 1985 in conjunction with the
master plan did provide options for the Skiing Company and did
not require these spaces be provided in a public parking struc-
ture. Richman said Council had accepted that those spaces would
be located underneath Little Nell if they could be fit under
there. Mayor Stirling asked if these spaces will be free to the
general public. Richman said he would not think they would be at
no charge. Richman said these spaces should be treated dif-
ferently than those for the hotel. Mayor Stirling said he would
like the city to pursue that these spaces should be accessed by
skiers.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the planning director to work with
the Aspen Skiing Company to designate a special kind of use for
those parking spaces and come back with a recommendation to
Council; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion
carried.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve the consent calendar as
amended; seconded by Councilman Isaac. The consent calendar is
A. Liquor License Renewals - La Cocina; Smuggler Land
Office; Cache Cache; Carl's Pharmacy; Molly Gibson;
The Steak House; Pepi's Hideout
B. Minutes - August 16, 22, 24, 1988
C. Special Event Permits - St. Mary's Church;
Filmfest
D. Little Nell Parking Addition
All in favor, motion carried.
8. City Manager Bob Anderson
disposing of chairs that could
meeting rooms. Anderson said th
and to donate the rest.
told Council a local lodge is
be used by the city in their
e lodge has agreed to sell some
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Regular Meeting Aspen City_Council September 12, 1988
Mayor Stirling moved to have the city manager negotiate with the
Mountain Chalet to purchase 60 chairs for up to $500; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
9. City Manager Bob Anderson said the new carpet is in in the
Council Chambers. Anderson asked if Council wants staff to work
on getting a different table arrangement for them. Council
agreed.
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING - Club Andiamo
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing on Club Andiamo located
at 517 East Hopkins. City Clerk Kathryn Koch reported the file,
posting and publication are in order. Bill Jordan, representing
the applicant, submitted two sets of petitions f or the record;
one is signed by residents stating that the requirements of the
community have not been met and this license should be granted.
This is signed by 260 residents. Jordan said there is also a
petition signed by employees who do not live within the city or
visitors and there are 201 signatures. Jordan said there are
presently 57 three-way liquor licenses, down from at least 58 so
Council has already approved the need for 58 liquor licenses.
Jordan told Council Mario and Robin Daniele have in excess of 10
years experience each in the restaurant business in Aspen. Mario
Daniele told Council this will be an Italian medium-priced
restaurant. The space is about 6,000 square feet, almost half of
which will be kitchen, office and storage. Daniele told Council
he is hoping to do a more year round business and they plan to be
open at least part of all 12 months. Daniele told Council he
plans to do some live jazz entertainment. Mayor Stirling asked
if the Danieles have concerns with underage drinking. Daniele
told Council he volunteers some coaching work at the high school
and has been involved with being with students after their games
to make sure they are not drinking. Daniele said he is against
underage drinking in licensed establishments.
Mayor Stirling asked f or opponents to the license. There were
none. Councilman Isaac said this space has never been used for a
restaurant. This location is inaccessible to wheelchairs.
Councilman Isaac asked if the applicants have any plans to make
the restaurant accessible. Jordan said this space was designed
for a restaurant when accessibility was not required. Jordan
told Council in January 1988, the Board of Appeals acknowledged
that no additional access was required for this location.
Councilman Isaac said the code the city is currently working with
states any space used as a restaurant or retail space must be
accessible. Councilman Isaac asked that the applicants make this
space accessible. Jordan said he would be willing to discuss
with Councilman Isaac what could be done on a economically
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Re4ular Meeting __ Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
feasible basis. Jordan said the code the city is working wit h
now is the code in effect when the Board of Appeals unanimously
decided it did not apply to this space. Jordan said he does not
believe accessibility is required by law and the applicants are
not willing to stipulate to it as a requirement. Jordan said
they are willing to meet with Councilman Isaac to see what the
alternatives are.
Councilman Tuite moved based on the evidence presented at a
public hearing held September 12, 1988, relating to the applica-
tion of Daniele Imports, Ltd for a three-way liquor license, the
city Council finds that the needs of the community have not been
met and the license as applied for a hereby granted; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, with the exception of
Councilman Isaac. Motion carried. Mayor Stirling said the
applicants should discuss with Councilman Isaac as a representa-
tive of the handicap community to see what can be come up with
for accessibility.
BUDGET SCHEDULE
Council went over the budget schedule, approved the schedule
except moved the October 11 through October 27 meetings to
November 1 through November 11.
RESOLUTION #29, SERIES OF 1988 - Amended Aspen Mountain Lodge PUD
Mayor Stirling said Council has received a letter from the
Committee to Preserve Aspen's Zoning, w hick addresses the
adoption of the PUD amendment. Council was also hand delivered a
letter from Bob Hughes regarding the previously mentioned
memorandum. Mayor Stirling suggested Council deal with the PUD
first. Alan Richman, planning director, told Council most of the
changes in th e PUD agreement are in response to Council's
requests at the last meeting. There is a change on the first
page which was a request by the city attorney to clarify the
nature of the Savanah Ltd. partnership.
Richman pointed out page 6 inserts the date October 3, 1988,
which Council agreed to at the last meeting. Richman reminded
Council at the last meeting there were discussions about the
language regarding the sequential building permit. Richman said
the staff indicated they were comfortable with the language.
After discussions, staff felt this might be compromising some
legal positions about the excavation versus the foundation
permit. Richman said this language places the city in a better
position.
Richman told Council on page 7, Council raised some questions
about the construction schedule, that it was very open ended with
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
the dates not being commitments. Staff suggested the dates be
more definitive. Richman pointed out on page 14 there is the
insertion of dollar amounts for financial assurances for phase
one. The amounts have been increased by 5135,000, $100,000 of
this is for 25 percent additional for landscaping, the additional
535,000 is for paving and other updated costs. Richman said this
also states that $135,000 has already been escrowed with the city
as part of the 5650,000 to fill in the hole should construction
not proceed. Richman told Council the reason for the language is
that the excavation and landscaping, site improvements are really
two distinct phases of the project. Richman said if the appli-
cants get through the excavation and the project is brought up to
grade, there is no longer a need for that 5650,000 and there will
be no need for the 5135,000 until the project gets beyond that
phase.
Richman pointed out that page 16 on financial assurances requires
Council's approval for substitute of that assurance. Bob Hughes,
representing the applicant, told Council the escrow instructions
provide that as soon as the project goes to the next phase
permit, the money kicks back to the applicant. Richman told
Council this will return 5515,000 of the 5650,000 at such time as
th e structural and foundation work comes to an at grade slab.
The 5135,000 will remain with the city f or on-site improvements.
Richman said on page 20 the owner is acknowledging that if Ute
City Place should not be constructed or should not be completed
by the time the Ritz is completed, that the 37 employee housing
spaces should be secure. This page recognizes that if Ute City
Place is not ready at that time, the owner is obligated to
provide the 37 spaces elsewhere to the city's satisfaction.
Richman said page 22 addresses also that Ute City Places is not
in the ownership of the applicant at this time.
Richman said page 25 clarifies the method of calculation to get
to the 198.5 employees housed. Richman pointed out that the
amount for site improvements and landscaping for Summit Place
have not been identified yet. Perry Harvey, representing the
applicant, told Council he has provided amounts to the staff to
be verified. Harvey said the site improvements are 54,000 and
125 percent of the landscaping is 515,500. Richman said the
applicant is verifying that that money is due at the time of the
building permit application, which is normal procedure. Richman
said page 30 is a restatement of the requirement that if there
are substitutions for that financial guarantees, this requires
Council approval. Richman told Council on page 33 the financial
assurances for Galena Place are 527,500.
Richman pointed out on page 43, the applicant has agreed to
-~ secure the demolition of the Grand Aspen by a lien on lot 5 in
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
case the city is required to spend funds to demolish it. Gannett
told Council there was no subrogation sign off clause by the
lender on the Grand Aspen. Gannett said the applicants have
agreed to add a sign off clause f or the lender.
Richman said page 45 has the date April 1, 1989, for the estab-
lishment of the escrow account that the city can draw from f or
drainage improvements. On page 48, there was additional language
for the improvement district. Schedule 8 is being prepared by
the- engineering department establishing what the requirements are
for that project and the owner agrees to complete those improve-
ments to the satisfaction of the city engineer.
Richman said page 50 has the verification of previously demolis-
hed units, which the owner is agreeing and confirming the
residential units. The 275 hotel units are verified in scheduled
9. Richman said the park dedication fee will be verified prior
to the issuance of a building permit. Councilman Isaac said
there is no park dedication fee for phase one, and asked if is
this the ice rink and the park. Richman said phase one is all
lodge units. This development was reviewed under the previous
land use code, which did not have park dedication fee require-
ments for lodge units.
Richman said Resolution #29, Series of 1988, grants approvals
including confirmation of the growth management allotment of 172
lodge units, amended plats and agreements, exemption for the
conversion of 4 units at the Grand Aspen hotel. Richman said the
rezoning and subdivision for the park and ice rink is not taking
place at this time. Richman said in section 2 of the resolution,
the Mayor is authorized to sign the plat agreement, and any
other documents for recording. Staff is recommending this action
take place by resolution.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve Resolution #29, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Gassman asked if this resolution is approved, what
effect does this have on the petition or the election. Gannett
said the position the city has taken with respect to the election
is if Council passes this resolution, the election will not
effect the approval of the approval of the amendment process.
Gannett said the vote of the electorate will not retroactively
effect the approvals granted by the city. Gannett told Council
whatever action the city takes, there will be legal action to
define whether or not this was appropriate. Gannett said his
position is if the Council grants approval of thi s amendment
process, the election will not effect it. Gannett said if
applicants do not file the plat and obta~n a foundation permit by
October 3, it pulls away the approvals given.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
John Sarpa, representing the applicant, said they feel the
approvals of phase one help to clarify this phase vis a vis the
impending special election. Sarpa said there are parts of the
agreement which are part of the first phase. Sarpa said if the
applicants had not had a dialogue with Council on phase two, they
would not be at this stage of the discussion. Sarpa said the
applicants dropped units and FAR on phase two as well as dedi-
cated a park to the city as part of phase two. Sarpa said the
park and phase two will go back to P & Z and Council and will be
pending for some time. Sarpa said there could be a situation
with approved phase one, but the park and phase two would be in
question and how does this effect the full PUD. Sarpa said the
applicants feel the election is critical to what happens with the
Ritz phase one. Harvey said the ballot question states anything
in the amendment process has to go back to underlying zoning.
The underlying zoning right for the Grand Aspen hotel is 155
hotel rooms; the applicants have agreed to 50 units. The
underlying zoning for the park block is 40,000 square feet of
floor area.
Councilman Gassman said the desire of the petitioners is to have
an election on the hotel and maybe the petition could have said
something else. However, the desire in the community is to have
a voice on this project. Councilman Gassman said if this is
approved before the election, it will cause time, expense and
difficulty for everyone involved. Councilman Gassman questioned
doing that if everyone is serious that the community should have
a voice in this project and why be afraid of letting the com-
munity have a voice. Councilman Gassman said there are more
people that signed the petition than elected the Council.
Councilman Gassman said if one denies that a sizeable portion of
the community is asking the city to let them have something to
say about a project that will have a tremendous effect on the
community, it is an untenable position. Councilman Gassman said
it is hard f or him to sit in a democratically elected position
and to deny people the ability to comment on something they think
is important. Councilman Gassman said the only reasonable thing
to do is delay action on this resolution until after the elec-
tion, which is only 30 days. Councilman Gassman said if the
election shows there is measurable opposition to the hotel then
this is back at the beginning and approval of the resolution has
not gained anything. If the referendum is not successful and the
hotel is approved, then Council can approve the resolution. This
will save everyone a lot of trouble and will be more direct.
Sarpa said the applicants know there are a lot of people in the
community who feels strongly about the hotel and who are opposed
to it. Sarpa said the applicants want to have a clear signal
from the community and expect to get it from the election. Sarpa
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Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council September 12, 1988
said an extremely important part of the democratic process
relates to all the efforts and thousands of hours people have
spent in the process, following the rules and extensive inter-
action and response with the community. Sarpa said the appl-
icants have responded reasonably in many areas. Sarpa said the
applicants feel that the community's ability to interact through
the process and through the elected officials has been an
adequate one. Sarpa said the applicants reached an agreement in
May with the Council on what had to be done by September 12. The
applicants and the city agreed that on September 12 the issue
would be decided. Sarpa said there is no reason for an interven-
ing motion to offset the earlier agreement. The people of this
community will have the opportunity to vote. There is some point
at which Council has to take the responsibility and meet the
obligations they committed to. Sarpa said the applicants have
worked very hard in the intervening months to do what they could
to bring this to a culmination today. Sarpa said as an official
process, there is no reason to delay the decision any further.
Councilman Gassman said he is not being critical of the way the
process ha s worked. The applicants have been very responsive.
It is the applicant's misfortune to have inherited a big project.
Councilman Gassman said the community will get to vote on this
but the difference is whether the vote means something or not,
whether it has an effect on the hotel or not.
Mayor Stirling said the removal of 105 rooms from phase two and
the dedication of a block between Dean and Durant were both
significant. Adding Ute City Place as employee housing of phase
one was significant. The new financial assurances are also
significant. Mayor Stirling said he felt this summer that all
systems in Aspen were on overload and there was an incredible
amount of congestion and busyness that was pushing to town to its
limits. Mayor Stirling said what is threatened by this is the
quality of life and the quality of visits. Mayor Stirling said
the fundamental issue is density and size and a question of
balance. Mayor Stirling said it could be argued that the
community has had sufficient voice through the entire PUD process
because of the public hearings. Mayor Stirling said in this case
there is a significant segment of the community that has lost
confidence in the Council and has brought f orward an initiative
petition. Mayor Stirling said his original suggestion was to
extend the PUD approval process to October 15 to allow plenty of
time and to integrate the election as well.
Jim Curtis said f or a proposal of this magnitude that will be
impacting the community for 50 to 100 years, it is appropriate to
get additional feedback from the community and to have a public
vote. Curtis said this decision is an important as any other
major decision that will impact the community. Curtis said he
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Re4ular Meeting Aspen Citv Council September 12, 1988
feels there has been an abuse of the PUD process primarily in
overloading the development in one location that is not consis-
tent with the image and the character of the community.
Richie Cohen said the citizens have charged the Council as
elected officials to represent the community in whatever way they
feel. The Council was questioned during the election process on
how they f elt about this project. Cohen pointed out the Council
recently approved a code amendment on the zoning codes. There
were not complaints about the PUD at that time. The Council is
being asked to give up one of the most valuable tools that a
legislative city government has in controlling how things are
done . Cohen said th i s i s a dense project but is no where as
dense as what the alternative may be. Cohen said the petitioners
already got some additional time. Delaying this would be giving
them an unfair advantage over an applicant who has worked for 5
years on this project. Cohen urged Council to do their job and
vote on this application.
Bob Hughes, representing the applicant, said there has been a
lot of money invested by the Savanah group in reliance upon an
approval process that took over 30 months of meetings. This
approval had been reaffirmed without reservation on several
occasions. Hughes reminded Council last May a majority of
Council invited this applicant back into the process and told the
applicant if they did their work, there would be a decision by
September 12. Hughes said to tell the applicant they are not
going to get a decision because there was an intervening group of
people does not seem fair. Hughes said the processes should be
fairly applied.
Mayor Stirling said the reality is that this application requires
another extension. Sarpa said after the resolution was adopted
in May, it was to finish the approval process by September 12.
Sarpa reminded Council they had a work session to determine what
that meant. Sarpa said it means this resolution of approval that
the applicants are asking for tonight and that in all probability
the staff would not be able to complete their work for the
permits.
Jon Busch said whenever there has been a controversial issue in
this community, there has been a movement by a core of opponents
to come before Council and try to derail the process. Busch said
that months and months of planning often end up at the last
moment getting thrown out. Busch requested Council look to their
legal advisor and take the action which protects the city in the
best possible way.
Bruce Kerr said if the election happens, he would be placed in
the position where if he is an opponent of the hotel but against
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
the amendment to the land use code, he cannot win. Kerr said the
ballot issue as drafted is very unfortunate and will mislead the
voters. Kerr said the only fair way to do this is to approv e
this resolution and let the October 11th election become a Ritz
vote.
Tony Whaley said she is in favor of the Ritz Carlton proposal.
Ms. Whaley said if Council does not approve Resolution #29, it is
an abdication of their responsibility and of what they were
elected to do. Ms. Whaley said the park is a generous contribu-
tion and is needed in the area. Ms. Whaley said the October 11th
election is confusing.
Mary Martin said the principals of the PUD amendment 10 years ago
forced a change in the county home rule charter that would
prohibit any citizen from initiating a change in land use, which
is ironic. Russ Newell told Council people in business make
their money in 6 or 7 months of the year. Newell said this
process has been going on long enough and this should be voted on
tonight.
Fred Smith, Aspen Skiing Company, said it is important that each
Councilmember has made their educated opinions about what they
have heard and seen in this process. Smith said this entire
process has been extremely extended. The land use process
requires education and is akin to a quasi-judicial proceeding.
Smith said the Skiing Company is in favor of the Ritz Carlton.
Smith said it is important that Council proceed with the process
and proceed with the agreement made in May.
Joe Edwards, representing the petitioners, said he would like the
opportunity to comment on whether this should be approved by
ordinance or by resolution. Edwards said what is going to happen
if this resolution is approved because of the mandates of the
procedures, the October 11 election will probably not effect
phase one, although courts will comment on that in the f ut ure.
The election in October will only have the effect on confirming
future approvals, phase two and other approvals, to the point
where they may not exceed the existing zoning. Edwards said what
will happen if Council approves this, within the next 30 days, a
referendum petition will be circulated to refer to the voters
Council's action of approval. This will require only 330
signatures and Council will be required to adopt this or to set a
second election. This will result in a two election process,
with a separate election to determine whether the voters will
sustain or reverse this approval.
Edwards said another impact is that within 30 days they will have
to file another lawsuit questioning the legality of Council's
action. The committee has raised the issue that under PUDs by
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Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council September 12, 1988
the code, Council is not authorized to grant increases in density
or increases in floor area that can be devoted to a particular
use. Edwards said the committee believes the code does not allow
this type of increase. Edwards said if Council chooses to adopt
this by resolution rather then by ordinance, this will precipit-
ate another lawsuit. Edwards said the opposition has the
opportunity to raise the question of whether or not a referendum
on a resolution can be done. Edwards told Council Margolis says
that it can and the City's Charter only talks about ordinances
being referred. Edwards said the proposal is that Council
continue this f or 30 days. Edwards said many continuances have
been granted at the request of the applicant. The request to
Council to continue this for 30 days will simplify the process.
Edwards told Council if the October 11 initiative fails and the
hotel wins, that will probably be the end of this. One election
and that is it.
Edwards said he, too, experienced a gridlock this summer of the
traffic. To add another hotel of this magnitude within an
already high dense area will bring it to a stop. Edwards said in
all other dimensions, phase one of this hotel is larger than the
Roberts hotel. Edwards said the magnitude of this hotel is
unimaginable. The city would be retreating from its best
marketable product in the community, which is smaller lodges and
quietude. This project would be killing the unique thing that
Aspen had to sell.
Richard Roth asked Council if they were elected by developers or
by citizens of this community. Council's main question has to be
what can they do that is fair to a large part of the community.
Roth asked if a project which has a totally negative impact on
every aspect of the community is good for the community. This
project will make every problem the community has worse and
solves no problems. Roth urged Council to reject this project on
its merits.
Bruce Baldridge said he feels Council is more qualified than the
voters after all these meetings to make the decision on this
project . Phoebe Ryerson said Aspen' s economy depends on the
courtesy given to those people who come to ski. Ryerson said she
feels it is incredible to stall and stall. Bill Martin said he
supports passing the Ritz Carlton project. Richard Compton said
this project will exacerbate the serious problems in the com-
munity and asked Council how they could approve a project that
will create problems that Council does not know how to solve.
Councilman Tuite said he feels fairness and good faith have to
take precedence over waiting f or an election. Councilman Tuite
said if this hotel does not go in, another hotel of 200 rooms
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Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council _ September 12, 1988
will go in. Councilman Tuite said it is an economic reality that
small hotels are gone.
Councilman Isaac said when he took an oath, he stated he would
uphold the Charter and the laws of Aspen. Councilman Isaac said
in May Council made an agreement with the proponents stating
they would give a decision by September 12. The Council should
vote.
Councilwoman Fallin said it is Council's duty to act on this
project tonight. Councilwoman Fallin said through all the
previous projects she has sat through, never once did people
feel these project or PUDS or SPAs warranted an election. The
people trusted the public debate and there have been input of the
public and changes made in the projects. Councilwoman Fallin
pointed out when an election is held, the outcome is either yes
or no. There is no input from the public on negotiated issues.
Councilmembers Fallin, Gassman and Tuite in favor; Councilman
Gassman and Mayor Stirling opposed. Motion carried.
Gannett said Council has proceeded historically on motions,
resolutions and ordinances. Gannett said the code does not
mandate an ordinance. Gannett said the committee's interpreta-
tion of the Charter is not accurate. Council has discretion to
go forward as they fit. Adoption of this project by resolution
is defensible.
COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX
Tom Oken, county administrative services director, told Council
the Commissioners want to place on the November ballot a proposal
for an additional 1 percent county sales tax. Oken said this
tax will be used for open space acquisition and maintenance of
real property, water rights, development rights and other
interests in land. Oken told Council this additional 1 percent
county sales tax requires recision by the city and Snowmass of
their 1 percent sales tax. Oken told Council the county proposes
that this open space tax will be collected to insure the city
loses no revenues. Oken said there is an agreement to this end.
Bil Dunaway asked if this includes the lodging tax. Oken said
this is a separate proposal for 2 percent tax solely on short
term lodging. Mayor Stirling asked if it is not possible for the
county to make open space purchase with their existing revenues.
Oken told Council the county has been fairly strapped since the
implementation of the "Fenton" amendment and does not have
discretionary funds to purchase open space. Oken said the last
major purchase the county made way the North Star and since 1983,
the country has not made any open space purchases. Oken told
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12,__198.8
Council the county does not have funds available to support
financing. Oken said this tax would generate about $400,000
annually for the county. Mayor Stirling said there seems to a
tendency to use the city's open space for other things. Is there
a safeguards proposed to protect county's potential open space.
Oken said the resolution states the funds can only be used f or
open space purposes. Oken said the county would welcome any
recommendations to beef up that language.
Oken told Council the state collects the sales tax. The state
will send the city a check for the same amount as it would
without this county sales tax. Oken said the city would see no
difference in terms of cash flow and would get exactly the same
revenues. Councilwoman Fallin said in recent times, the city's
major land purchases have not been in the city. Councilwoman
Fallin asked if this tax would enable the city to do a joint
venture with the county. Oken said the county would have funds
to contribute to purchases.
Mayor Stirling asked how the share that comes back to the city
would be computed. Assistant City Manager Mitchell said the
collectors would have to identify where they are collecting the
tax from and the state would be able to determine if this
collected inside or outside the city limits. Mitchell said an
outstanding issue is whether the city can rescind the tax based
on the encumbrances the city has against this tax. Mitchell said
this will be ref erred to bond counsel. Mitchell said there is no
language in the existing bonds to allow this to happen. Fred
Gannett, city attorney's office, told Council if they want to
take action on this request, it should be discretionary on report
of bond counsel. Oken said without the city's approval, there is
no sense in the county placing this issue on the ballot.
Councilwoman Fallin said she has problems with the fact that the
city's collection of the open space tax is already encumbered.
Councilwoman Fallin said she would like to know more how this tax
will be distributed. Oken said the state knows where the point
of collection is and where the business is located. Oken said
the state does this procedure with the existing sixth penny tax.
The state reports exactly what is collected of that county tax
within the city limits. Mayor Stirling asked if there is an
allowance made for the upkeep of properties the county might
purchase or if it is the county's intention to do the maintenance
on the trails instead of the city. Oken said the resolution and
the ballot question provide for the acquisition and the main-
tenance of properties that are acquired. Mayor Stirling said the
county is requesting the city's participation in two revenue
raising issues. Mayor Stirling said the city has been asking to
work on redistribution of revenue with the county on annexations.
Mayor Stirling said this might be a context to talk about a
14
Reaular Meeting Aspen_City Council September 12, 1988
commitment from the county on this redistribution. Oken said he
has received a direction from the Commissioners to discuss this
redistribution.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the agreement contingent upon
approval of city's bond counsel; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Councilman Tuite said he would like some assurance from the state
on their collection that they can handle this.
Councilman Isaac added this as an amendment to his motion;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, with the exception
of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
Oken said the use tax is similar to a proposal that was defeated
by the voters two years ago. Oken told Council at that time the
use of the tax was exclusively f or county roads. This proposal
has been expanded to include use of at least half of the proceeds
for highway 82 improvements. Oken said the state legislature has
turned down the Governor's request for high priority highway
improvements. Oken said the Board's aim with these funds for
highway 82 to is reserve more design options than applying
general highway standards to four-lane. These funds could
mitigate the impact on the county of a four-lane highway. Oken
said two years ago when the proposal was put before the elec-
torate, there was a published road management plan. This is the
same plan the county is trying to fund with this tax. Oken told
Council the cost of upgrading Brush Creek road will add $500,000
to these costs.
Oken told Council the use tax is proposed to be either 3 or 4
percent use tax contingent on whether the sale tax issues passes
or not. This would match the amount of the county sales tax that
is in place. Oken told Council the use tax would generate
$600,000 at the 3 percent level net of collection costs because
the county has to collect this tax or $800,000 per year at the 4
per cent level. Oken told Council this tax would only be in
place for 10 years. City Manager Bob Anderson said in this
instance the city is going to give up some revenue potential.
Anderson asked if the county has calculated that. Oken said the
city would be giving up the possibility of imposing their own use
tax. Oken said because the city is home rule, they could impose
an additional use tax on top of this one. Oken estimated half
would be a reasonable estimate the city could generate from a use
tax.
Oken told Council the county has a limited number of different
taxes it can turn to for revenue sources. Counties can only tax
in ways that are authorized by state statute. Mayor Stirling
asked the total road and bridge budget for 1988. Oken said it is
15
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
approximately $2,000,000 with $1,000,000 for operations.
Councilman Isaac asked if this use tax would free up some of that
money so it could be used for other projects. Oken said the
funds would go solely to capital purposes on roads. At the
$300,000 level, this would enable the county to do the projects
that are already in the plan. Oken told Council the current
plans show the county to be short more than this $300,000
annually. The plan for the next 5 years has about $4,000,000 of
road projects in it; the use tax would be funding about half of
what is in the current road plan.
Councilman Tuite said he likes the funding for highway 82 but has
a problem that funding highway 82 is only 50 percent of what is
being generating. The city will not be sharing in any of these
revenues. Councilman Tuite said as the city annexes and takes on
more road and bridge, there is again the issue of distribution.
Oken said the question is structured to state "at least" 50
percent of the funds go to highway 82. Oken said city residents
do drive on county roads. Oken said if the funding is in place,
the city would be in a better position when they are looking to
annex and asking the county to improve the roads before the city
takes them over.
Councilman Isaac asked if the city has any responsibility in
collecting the revenues. Oken said the city would through the
building department. The county would reimburse the building
department for the costs of collection. Anderson said the city
has put priorities in their budget process like supporting arts
and non-profit groups. Anderson suggested if the city agrees
with this, the county would be in a difficult moral position to
not deal with the sales tax splitting issue and also taking over
the entire cost of welfare and social services that the city is
currently putting money into. Anderson said one could argue that
some of the money spent from the county's general fund f or road
projects should be re-directed. Councilman Gassman agreed with
this.
Councilman Gassman said he has reservations about the building
department becoming a collection agency. Councilman Isaac asked
if this can be tabled until after the November 8 election. Oken
said the county needs approval from the city before putting it to
the electorate. Oken said without approval of the municipal-
ities, the use tax would have to be shared based on the under-
lying sharing of the sales tax. Mayor Stirling suggested
discussing this with the Commissioners at the September 19th work
session. Oken said September 19th is the county's deadline for
ballot issues.
Mayor Stirling said he has difficulties with new taxes. Mayor
Stirling said these are inflationary, and he has a lot of
16
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
misgivings about both of these. Mayor Stirling said highway 82
is everyone's responsibility but through the state highway
department. Mayor Stirling said he feels the Governor will move
aggressively next year to deal with highways. Mayor Stirling
said doing something like this will take the pressure off the
highway department. Oken said the county has a public hearing
scheduled September 19 on all the ballot issues. Council agreed
to discuss this with the county September 19.
620 EAST HYMAN APPEAL OF CODE INTERPRETATION
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council this is a small
application of a rather significant principle. This request is
being brought to Council under the interpretation provisions of
the new Code. Richman told Council there are a large number of
non-conforming buildings in the community, structures which are
over FAR. Richman said with the changes in the Code over the
last year to definition of FAR and open space, none of the
buildings will have the potential to enclose areas under decks or
overhangs.
Richman told Council it is not clear with the language of the
non-conformity section whether that was Council's intent. The
language states, "a nonconforming structure shall not be extended
by an enlargement or expansion that increases the nonconformity".
Richman said the city has not done well in defining what is meant
by increasing the nonconformity of a structure. Richman said
staff normally uses does this increase the FAR or reduce the
setbacks between structures as a way a measuring the increase of
nonconformity. Richman said this has not been clear in the code.
Richman said the area in question, an area under an overhang of
more than 3 feet counts towards FAR. The question is if an
applicant should have an opportunity to take an area that is
covered by more than 3 foot overhang and enclose it.
Art Daily, representing the applicant, presented a memorandum and
a photograph to illustrate this request. Daily told Council the
applicant proposes to move the windowed area on the second story
out 2'8" about 50 feet across. Daily told Council the existing
overhang is 5' 8" in depth. In the present code, the 2' 8" is
counted toward the floor area of the building. Daily said the
entire 5'8" was counted when the building was constructed. Daily
said this is being brought to Council to raise their awareness of
the potential problems of this type request in the future. Daily
told Council the code states, "a nonconforming structure may be
extended or altered in a manner than does not change or that
decreases the nonconformity". Daily said the nonconformity in
this instance is that this building is over its allowed floor
area, which is because of code changes since the building was
constructed. Daily said the applicant's proposal does not
17
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
increase floor area. This is enclosing 133 square feet which has
been counted against the floor area of this building already.
Daily said the applicant is willing to propose a trade off.
There is an overhang behind the building of about 300 square
feet, which is also included in the building's FAR. The appl-
icant is willing to covenant that that 300 square feet will never
be enclosed. Richman said he feels more comfortable with a trade
off of space that is under an overhang. Richman told Council he
came close to approving this at a staff level, but the important
point is to get Council feedback on buildings that already exceed
FAR having the opportunity to increase their internal floor area.
If Council is not comfortable with that, staff should do some
work on the code. Councilman Gassman said he does not have any
problems with this application; however, to enclose every
balcony in town is something Council should look at.
Councilman Tuite moved to accept alternative 3 as amended in this
meeting and as identified in the planning office memorandum dated
September 7, 1988; seconded by Councilman Isaac. This extension
is for 2' 8" with the trade off on the back of the building. All
in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #34, SERIES OF 1988 - Water Rates
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #34, Seris of 1988;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #34
(Series of 1988)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 23-101(a) OF THE MUNICI-
PAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN TO ESTABLISH MONTHLY
WATER RATES AND CHARGES FOR METERED, NON-METERED, AND
CONSTRUCTION RATE CITY OF ASPEN WATER CUSTOMERS FOR THE
BILLING PERIOD BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 15, 1988, AMENDING
SECTION 23-43 (a) 5 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN TO MODIFY THE EXTRAORDINARY WATER USAGE DEFINI-
TION, REPEALING SECTION 23-43 (a) (7) , AMENDING SECTION
23-42 (b) TO MODIFY THE WEIGHTING FACTORS ASSIGNED TO
SERVICE AREAS, AMENDING SECTION 23-42(c) TO REMOVE THE
OUT-OF-CITY CHARGES AND DELETE REFERENCE TO UTILITY
INVESTMENT CHARGES, AND AMENDING SECTION 23-58 (b) TO
ESTABLISH WEIGHTING FACTORS BY SERVICE AREA TO BE USED
IN CALCULATING UTILITY INVESTMENT CHARGES was read by
the city clerk
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #34, Series of 1988,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
18
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council September 12,___1988
Councilman Isaac asked why the weighting factors in sections 4
and 6 are different. Cindy Wilson, finance director, said the
weighting factors in section 6 apply only to the tap fees. Ms.
Wilson said what Council has been discussed for the past several
months apply only to the monthly rates. Councilman Gassman said
he is misgivings about the whole water ordinance. Councilman
Gassman said every time Council talks about this, it gets more
and more complicated instead of getting simpler. Councilman
Gassman said he feels the city is making some mistake with this
ordinance and suggested going back to the original system.
Mayor Stirling said as much as he disliked the 10 or 20 percent
annual increases, that may be the most straight forward way to
proceed. Councilwoman Fallin said f or most people, their water
bill has been more than all other utilities combined. Council-
woman Fallin said she does not f avor passing this. Councilwoman
Fallin said the city has tried to make this system equitable, and
it has not worked out. Councilwoman Fallin asked if the city can
solve the problem in the water department budget by going back to
straight increases.
Ms. Wilson told Council the rates proposed in Ordinance #34 are
designed to generate more revenues than under the current rates
in order to build the fund balance. The current rates give
credit to customers for some refunding of the water bonds. Ms.
Wilson reminded Council they looked at going back to the pre-
water management system at the July 12th work session on a
modified basis. Ms. Wilson said about a 20 percent increase in
the old system would generate the total revenues Council is
discussing. Ms. Wilson said under the old rates, out-of-city
customers were charged double rates on their usage. These
customers will see an increase compared to the July rates.
Council suggested a work session on September 20th after the
water department budget session.
Councilwoman Fallin withdrew her motion. Mayor Stirling moved to
table this to September 26, 1988; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #35, SERIES OF 1988 - Amending Alarms
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #35, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #35
(Series of 1988)
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND RE-ENACTING SECTIONS 8 1/2-
2, 8 1/2-6, ADDING SECTION 8 1/2-1.1, 8 1/2-6.1, AND 8
1/2-7.1 was read by the city clerk
19
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
John Goodwin, police chief, told Council the basic difference
from the existing ordinance is that Ordinance #35 is specific
about the police department not responding to alarms where
people have not complied with the permit requirements. This
ordinance also specifically states that alarm companies have the
responsibility for making sure their customers obtain the permits
and comply with the requirements.
Mayor Stirling moved to adopt Ordinance #35, Series of 1988, on
first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Fallin, yes; Tuite, yes; Isaac, yes;
Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #36, SERIES OF 1988 - CBS Subdivision and Final Plat
Cindy Houben, planning office, said this is first reading of the
vested rights ordinance and final plat consideration. Ms. Houben
said staff would like to change the ordinance to indicate that
vesting will occur at the time of recordation of the final plat.
This application was reviewed by P & Z and was submitted under
the old code. This went through a shortened process because
there were no subdivision issues other than everyone is aware of
the demolition and displacement issues. Ms. Houben recommended
approval of the application although the staff would like the
applicant to reconsider and put in some employee housing if they
can make that change. Ms. Houben said there are conditions
requiring the applicant to show the parking spaces on the final
plat and the existing utility sources and metering on the
project.
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #36, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Mayor Stirling said the
important issue is whether Council wants to talk about employee
housing as part of this proposal. Sunny Vann, representing the
applicant, said the issue is whether employee housing has to be
provided. Vann said there i s no r equ i t ement i n the code f o r
mandatory provision of employee housing.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #36
(Series of 1988)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN
APPROVING TH E F I NAL PLAT AND VESTING THE DEVELOPMENT
RIGHTS FOR THE CBS SUBDIVISION IN THE SITE SPECIFIC
PLAN/FINAL PLAT was read by the city clerk
20
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council September 12, 1988
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt Ordinance #36, Series of 1988, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Vann told Council the conditions about parking spaces and
utilities are acceptable to the applicant. Vann told Council the
applicants would like to make minor adjustments to the lot widths
on the plat. This project consists of 7 lots which were sub-
divided into 3 and they are trying to keep the lots relatively
even. Vann said this request has no material effect upon the
application, the size of the buildings, open space, etc. Vann
told Council staff has agreed to this minor change. Council
agreed with this change.
Vann reiterated there is no requirement for employee housing.
This project is in full compliance with the specific requirements
of the subdivision review. Vann told Council the project is
scheduled to proceed this fall and is designed as 3 duplexes
which meet the allowable FAR of each lot, approximately .75 to 1.
Vann said there is an ability to go through special review and
get a small increase in FAR which could be used for employee
housing. Vann said there is no existing regulation to allow
additional density on these lots. Vann said staff is contemplat-
ing legislation like this but it will not be before P & Z until
the end of the year. Vann told Council the applicant is not in a
position to delay this project for 6 months. The applicant
requested exemption from the moratorium to proceed.
Mayor Stirling asked how many workers were displaced by this
demolition. Vann said he does not have a count of the employees
that were displaced. Vann said there were 20 legal bedrooms in
this project. Mayor Stirling said he knows there is no employee
housing requirement; however, is appealing to the applicant to
see if there is something that could be done to address the issue
of displacement. Mayor Stirling asked if the applicant is
willing to participate with the city and work on the employee
housing issue.
Vann told Council this applicant has been delayed since the
beginning of 1988 due to circumstances beyond their control. The
applicants have carried the land for the entire time. Vann said
the employee housing ordinance has not even yet been discussed.
Vann reiterated that the FAR question is not a right; it is a
special review to be approved by P & Z. Vann said the FAR
required to incorporate employee housing unit may not be accept-
able. Vann said to the extent that the projects proceeds and
regulations come forward that would be favorable to the appl-
icant, the applicant would be willing to look at these regula-
tions. Vann said when this project was pre-apped, the code had
just been changed to remove the displacement of employee housing
issue and to substitute a cash-in-lieu. Vann told Council when
21
Regular Meetinct Ashen City Council September 12, 1988
this project is condominiumized, the project will pay a cash-in-
lieu fee. That is the regulation on which the applicant has
relied during the process.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Tuite, yes; Isaac, yes; Gassman,
no; Fallin, yes; Mayor Stirling, no. Motion carried.
777 UTE AVENUE FINAL PLAT
Cindy Houben, planning office, told Council this is the final
plat stage of a growth management project which was approved to
be built in phases. There are 3 units to be built in 1988, and 6
units to be built in 1989. Ms. Houben told Council this appl-
icant is not requesting vested rights because they anticipate
application f or a building permit immediately. Ms. Houben said
the staff wants to make sure the 3 large cottonwoods on site are
not taken down without being replaced on site. This is not shown
on the present landscaping plan. Ms. Houben said the engineering
department wants to work out a situation on the southeast storm
drainage inlet to take care of the storm drainage that comes off
the Aspen Mountain road.
Ms. Houben said the applicants did not address an irrigation
system on their landscaping plan. This needs to be addressed.
The subdivision agreement should address bonding for the irriga-
tion as well as bonding for the entire site not just the land-
scaping within the public right-of-way. Ms. Houben told Council
the applicants will pay cash-in-lieu for employee housing of
$300,000. Ms. Houben recommended approval with the conditions.
Sunny Vann, representing the applicant, told Council the issue is
not whether the applicant must provide landscaping, which is a
requirement of approval. The issue is whether the applicant has
to bond the on-site improvements. Vann told Council the code
requires bonding for public improvements. Under the PUD, there
is a requirement that a bond may be required for landscaping on-
site as well. Vann said the applicants did not include in the
subdivision agreement an estimate for bonding of the landscaping
on-site, which also includes irrigation and walkway lighting.
Vann maintained this is not a requirement under subdivision
regulations. Vann said this has been corrected in the new code
by saying Council may, if they elect to, require this. Vann said
the applicants have to put up 125 percent of the landscaping
which has to sit until next spring because there will be con-
tinuous construction for 2 years. The applicants also have to
maintain for 2 years 25 percent of the bond. Vann said he feels
this is an unreasonable request.
Vann told Council the applicants originally represented to
install a storm sewer in the Aspen Mountain road with the storm
22
Regular Meeting Aspen City_Council September 12, 1988
inlet at the southeast property corner. This was approved at
preliminary plat, and was scored at growth management. The
engineering department requests this inlet be moved up the road.
Vann said the applicants do not want this as a requirement of the
final plat and would like the plat approved as originally
submitted. Vann requested the conditions be amended to reflect
that the applicants are only required to bond public improvements
including landscaping and irrigation within the public right-of-
way and that the storm sewer inlet requirement reflect the
original commitment. Vann said the applicants are willing to
work with the engineering department on the latest problem of the
storm sewer. Vann said the remainder of the conditions are
acceptable to the applicant.
Mayor Stirling asked why the 3 trees have to be removed. Vann
said he is not aware of this; however, there is a requirement
that any tree over 6 inches in diameter receive permit for
removal and has to be off set by some additional landscaping.
Mayor Stirling said he would not like to see any of these trees
removed. Vann said this is a small site and is not sure exactly
where the trees are. Vann said there are plans for extensive
revegetation of the site and will be an extension of the adjacent
Glory Hole park in terms of appearance.
Councilman Tuite said he does not have a problem with the bonding
the public improvements issues. Councilman Tuite said there is a
severe flooding problems in this area and is concerned about the
storm drainage requirement. Councilman Tuite said if placing the
inlet where the applicants proposed to is not going to help the
problem, there is no sense in that. Vann said there is a sheet
flow problem coming down a mud road. Vann said the applicants
will improve the width of the road, put in paving and curb and
gutter so that water will channel to the proposed inlet. Vann
said the question is whether it makes sense to put another pipe
from that point up to an undefined point. Vann said it is in the
applicant's best interest to participate with the city if it
improves the quality of the project. Vann said he has a problem
with coming up with this at the last minute and making it a
mandatory requirement in the absence of knowing the details and
the costs.
Councilman Gassman said this may be premature because of the
trees and drainage. Vann said Council does not review the trees.
Charles Cunniffee brought a photograph of the site and explained
the trees are on an arm of the parcel that will not be built on
and will not be effected. Mayor Stirling said in the past the
city has just required bonding of the public improvements. Ms.
Houben said most growth management projects are also PUDs; very
rarely does the city see a residential GMP with a PUD associated.
This property is not zoned PUD and did not go through the PUD
23
Rectular Meeting Aspen Citv Council__ September 12, 1988
process. Ms. Houben suggested since the majority of the work
will be done in 1989, that bonding not be required until the
second building permit phase. Vann said the regulations are
clear; if it is a subdivision application, it is required to bond
the public improvements.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve 777 Ute Avenue application for
GMP approval with conditions (1) as written; (2) as written; (3)
to be modified to only include bonding f or public landscaping;
(4) excluding (a) and (b) modified to re-write #1 to address the
new issues that has come forward, and the final approval and sign
off is subject to participation on some level; seconded by
Councilman Tuite.
Vann said if condition #3 is as stated, then condition #2 is not
required. Mayor Stirling amended his motion to exclude condi-
tion #2; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Vann asked if Council
would accept the city engineer's approval for #l. Mayor Stirling
amended his motion to include that; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Tuite moved to suspend the rule and extend the meeting
30 minutes; seconded by Mayor Stirling. Councilman Tuite and
Mayor Stirling in favor; Councilmembers Fallin, Gassman and Isaac
opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the meting to 6:30 p.m. Septem-
ber 13, 1988; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, with
the exception of Councilman Gassman.
BRAND BUILDING CONDOMINIUMIZATION
Cindy Houben, planning office, told Council the applicant is
requesting to pay the entire housing f ee f or the 7 units. The
planning office has come up with a compromise of using 516,750,
which is the moderate income housing figure in growth management,
and subtract that from the fee to be paid on the free market unit
fee of $ 32 ,17 5 . Ms. Houben said staf f does not feel the city
should waive or eliminate the fee for the free market units
because it has been determined there is an impact on affordable
housing when free market units are condominiumized.
Jane Ellen Hamilton, representing the applicant, said the
applicant is allowed to pay a fee in its entirety as opposed on
each unit. Ms. Hamilton said the applicant would prefer to deed
restrict an as-built one bedroom unit. This does not appear to
be possible and the applicant would like to pay the complete fee
and leave open the possibility if the Code is amended, to allow
the deed restriction of one unit. Ms. Hamilton told Council the
24
Regular Meet_ing Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
applicant does not want the compromise as they end up paying a
lot of money and cannot give one unit.
Ms. Houben told Council when the P & Z reviewed the conditional
use review to allow lifting of the 6 month minimum rent restric-
tion, it was the understanding there would be an on-site employee
manager. Ms. Houben said if this unit is to be turned into an
office, the application has to be taken back to P & Z because of
th e change in circumstances. Ms. Hamilton said this was not a
condition of approval but was mentioned during the P & Z discus-
sion. Ms. Hamilton said the level of services will not increase
with an on-site manager. The applicant will have on-site
management from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ms. Houben said the application
stated there was an employee unit on site. It was not a condi-
tion of approval because when an applicant makes a representation
in an application these are to all spelled out.
Councilman Isaac moved to send this back to P & Z; seconded by
Councilman Gassman.
Ms. Hamilton said the worst consequence would be that P & Z would
refuse to lift the 6 month minimum lease restrictions. The
applicant still wishes to condominiumize. This would not impact
Council's decision on condominiumization.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Fallin. Motion
carried.
Mayor Stirling said if the city changes the code to address a
situation like this, the applicant is saying he will look at
dedicating that unit to a moderate income unit. Ms. Hamilton
said as long as the applicant is not using this as on office, he
will commit to dedicating it. Jim Adamski, housing office, asked
if this would be open to all employees. Ms. Hamilton said the
applicant would like to have the ability to place their employees
first. If there was not an on-site manager, the condominium
association would have the reasonable right to evaluate a tenant.
Mayor Stirling moved to accept the $36,000 with the above
addenda; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion
carried.
Chuck Roth, engineering department, requested Council pass their
condition requiring the application to provide a dumpster on
their own property.
Councilman Isaac moved to suspend the rules and extend the
meeting 5 minutes; seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor,
with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion carried.
25
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 12, 1988
Roth said he has a hard time seeing this dumpster issue is much
of a preservation issue. Roth said the preservation language is
very discretionary and there is nothing which would prohibit this
request. Roth suggested the dumpster be placed in the corner of
the building furthest away from the street. The side of the
building is extremely unsightly and would be improved by having
the utilities and dumpsters recessed into the building. Roth
told Council the emergency access requires 20 feet, and the
dumpsters are encroaching on that 20 feet.
Ms. Houben said this concern came out of the conditional use
review done with P & Z. P & Z determined they did not want to
see any alteration to the side of the building. P & Z passed a
resolution to try and initiate an alley-wide clean up of
encroachments into that particular alley. Ms. Hamilton told
Council P & Z did not accept the engineering department's
recommendation recognizing this is a 100 year old building, which
is built lot line to lot line. Ms. Hamilton said the Brand
building has one of several dumpsters in the alley, all of which
encroach. Ms. Hamilton said to tear out a wall of a National
Historic Register building to put one dumpster in seem ludicrous.
Ms. Hamilton said the applicants have agreed to put in a compac-
tor to help with the problem. Ms. Hamilton said the applicants
would like to work on this as an alley-wide concern rather than
destroying part of the structure. Councilman Isaac agreed with P
& Z. Councilman Gassman said the reason alleys are not streets
is that is where the trash is put.
Mayor Stirling moved to wait for the next 60 days to see the
results of the alley-wide program and let Council evaluate
whether this is working; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in
favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion carried.
Council left Council Chambers at 9:10 p.m.
Kathryn Koch, City Clerk
26