HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19890109Re~-u-3ar -Mee-ting _._.____. -._- A~~n Cit,~ Coin-ci-1 - - _ - 3-~nuary. 9,- 1989
PROCLAMATION - Aspen Highlands 30th Anniversary 1
CITIZ EN COMMENTS 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 2
CON SENT AGENDA 4
ORDINANCE #47, SERIES OF 1988 - Affordable Housing/Displace-
ment 5
ORDINANCE #56, SERIES OF 1988 - H Designation Smith/Elisha 9
ORDINANCE #57, SERIES OF 1988 - Williams Addition Annexation 9
10 O1 UTE AVENUE LOT SPLIT/PUD 10
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL - Andre's 13
APPEAL OF CLEAN AIR BOARD DECISION - The Log Cabin 13
REQUEST TO USE WHEELER - Aspen-Vail Interconnect 13
REPORT ON CHARTER AMENDMENTS 14
RESOLUTION # 4 9, SERIES OF 1988 - Sheehan Condemnation 14
CONCRETE WORK AT ICE GARDEN 17
PR CONTRACT AIR POLLUTION CAMPAIGN 18
ORDINANCE #l, SERIES OF 1989 - Use Tax Agreement 19
ESTATE PLANNING MERGER ISSUE 20
EMPLOYEE HOUSING CASH-IN-LIEU BUDGET 20
22
ReQUlar__Meeting Aspen City Council January 9. 198.9
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
Councilmembers Isaac and Gassman present.
PROCLAMATION - Aspen Highlands 30th Anniversary
Mayor Stirling and the Council declared Monday, January 9, 1989,
Aspen Highlands Day. Mayor Stirling read a proclamation for
Aspen Highland into the record and presented it to Dick Merritt.
(Councilmembers Fallin and Tuite came into the meeting).
CITIZ EN COMMENTS
1. Pat Milligan presented a letter and petition with 148
signatures regarding RFTA services. The petition requests the
addition of a 9:15 and 11:15 bus every evening. Ms. Milligan
told Council she obtained signatures only on the buses and if she
had gone to shops and restaurants, she could have presented 1,000
names. Ms. Milligan told Council retail shops close at 9 p.m.
and employees have to wait over an hour for a bus. The res-
taurants close by 10 p.m. and have clean up after and people must
wait until 12:30 to catch a bus. Many of these people drive
instead.
Ms. Milligan told Council while collected these signatures, she
heard a number of stories of inconvenience from people who have
to live down valley. Ms. Milligan said more buses are needed
during the rush period, express buses are needed to El Jebel and
Basalt, and hourly service is needed from the morning until 2
a.m. Ms. Milligan said the ridership has tripled over the last
year. Ms. Milligan said there are government grants for programs
like this. Ms. Milligan said RFTA is set in their way and does
not want to hire more drivers. Ms. Milligan said RFTA has been
turning a blind eye to the obvious. Ms. Milligan said she hopes
Council will give this serious consideration. Councilman Tuite
said he will go over this with the other city RFTA representative
and will take these suggestions to the RFTA board and will report
back as soon as possible.
2. Stan Mathis, representing the owners of Callahan/cordon
subdivision, (Mayor Stirling stepped down due to a conflict of
interest), told Council the motion passed at the last meeting was
not quite what the owners had in mind. Mathis told Council he
has met with the owners and has been able to address some
concerns Council had. Mathis said the applicants would like to
come back w ith a revise d plan f or conceptual rat he r than a
revised final plat. Councilwoman Fallin asked if this has been
discussed with staff . Mathis said the planning office suggested
the applicants prepare a final plat with the revisions. Mathis
said that could be fruitless if Council does not like the final
plat. The applicants would like to bring back a final revised
1
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 9, 1989
conceptual plan. Mathis said they will be bring back the total
picture of the subdivision. Fred Gannett, city attorney's
office, told Council this should be a reconsideration of the last
decision.
Councilman Tuite moved to reconsider and schedule this for
Council in February; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
motion carried.
3. Richard Roth inq uired about an election complaint filed in
November. Roth said at that time there was not a full election
commission. Roth said if the election commission is not con-
stituted, Council should hear this complaint in a work session.
City Clerk Kathryn Koch told Council she had two applications for
the election commission, Michael Christopher and Mary Martin.
Mayor Stirling moved to appoint Michael Christopher to the
election commission; seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in
favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling asked the city clerk to circulate Christopher's
application to Council and to set up a meeting of the election
commission to address this issue.
COUNCI-L MEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling said there have been a series of bomb
threats in Aspen over the last week. Mayor Stirling said staff
moved quickly to respond to these threats. Mayor Stirling said
these threats create a genuine fear in people; there is an
enormous loss of work and use of taxpayer's money. Mayor
Stirling said he feels these are terrorists messages. Aspen has
had a long, wonderful history of great debate and great disagree-
ment. The community is known for its individualism and it's
great independent expression. Mayor Stirling said these are not
the kinds of messages that are appropriate for the town; they are
destructive and have a violent edge to them. Mayor Stirling
urged anyone who is f eeling this strongly there are other courses
of action to be taken .
2. Mayor Stirling moved to take the Red Roof Inns PUD process
of the consent agenda and to add it as item (j) if there is time;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Mayor Stirling said he does not
agree with shortening the process. Councilman Gassman said he
does not feel there is enough information to decide whether the
process should be shortened. All in favor, motion carried.
3. Mayor Stirling said there is an application f or a final SPA
for the library which will be considered by P & Z January 10th.
Mayor Stirling said Council has heard nothing of the specifics of
2
Regular Mee~inc~_ Aspen Citv Cou cil Januarv 9. 198.9
this plan. Mayor Stirling said he is concerned about the plan as
it is being proposed. Mayor Stirling said he would rather see
the library stay w here it is rather than on the Rio Grande.
Mayor Stirling said the library is a significant, new public
building. It should be the best building the community can put
forward and should make a statement.
Councilman Gassman agreed this is a major public building.
Councilman Gassman said he is afraid the building is just
happening without a lot of scrutiny and input from the community.
Councilman Gassman said it has been suggested the city look at
putting some housing on the roof of the parking garage. Council-
man Gassman said he feels this is a good idea and should be
looked at. Councilman Gassman the parking garage will have 4,000
sq uare feet of commercial space as well as the garage . The city
should look at providing housing for this facility. Councilman
Gassman suggested a work session to look at the roof of the
garage, how does the library work, and to look at housing.
Tom Baker, planning office, told Council they should ask for
additional drawings from the library. Baker pointed out the city
has been very cooperative with the library. Baker said housing
was discussed early in the process and started to be overwhelming
to look at it. Baker said the land exchange agreement with the
county is tied up with guarantees that the county will hav e a
site appropriate for 10,000 square feet of office space. Baker
said the roof of the parking garage has been looked at for this
space. Councilwoman Fallin said she would rather see this area
remain as a civic plaza rather than adding housing. Baker
suggested Council can separate the roof of the garage, the
garage, and the library.
Council scheduled a work session for Wednesday, January 18 at
5:00 p.m.
4. Mayor Stirling said the AVIA has req uested 30 minutes on the
January 16th work session to make a presentation on a monocable
system. Council added this at 7 p.m. on January 16.
5. Councilman Isaac commended the Mayor on his comments about
the bomb threats.
6. Councilman Tuite told Council RFTA has had the high occupan-
cy vehicle lane study completed and has cost estimates on phases.
Councilman Tuite said the recommendation is to go with the first
phase, which is a HOV lane f rom Castle Creek to town. The
savings make sense even if there is a four-lane in the next
couple of years. Councilman Tuite said RFTA would like to bring
this to the Council and Commissioners and get the elected
officials to agree this is an acceptable program. Councilman
3
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 9. 1989
Tuite told Council the highway department is not in favor of
HOVs. Council agreed to schedule a public hearing at 5 p.m. on
January 30th with RFTA and the Commissioners.
7. Councilwoman Fallin said in watching Grassroots film of the
public hearing last week, it is difficult to hear anyone from the
audience speaking. Grassroots aid they will turn up the micro-
phones.
8. Councilman Gassman said the snow melter has been operating
for a few months and requested a report from staff on how this is
going. Jay Hammond, city engineer, said the city is having some
difficulties. A start up problem has been repaired. Hammond
said staff sees nothing to lead them to believe that the problems
cannot be resolved. Chuck Roth, engineering department, said the
snow melter has been in operation 34 days. Roth said this is a
complex piece of eq uipment and it will take some time to get the
problems ironed out. Dan from Trecan is in Aspen to help iron
out the problems. City Manager Bob Anderson said t he w ay t he
operations stands, the city cannot dump trucks directly into the
pit with one melter. Anderson said there should either be two
melter s o r a redesign of the pit . Councilman Isaac asked if
there have been noise complaints. Roth said he received one call
from Oklahoma Flats complaining about the back up beeper. The
city shop has put a damper on this and turn it down to low.
Phoebe Ryerson said the impound lot has been cleared of cars and
suggested this lot be used f or trucks to back into and dump the
snow into the melter.
9. Mayor Stirling said he will be meeting with members of the
state legislature and Colorado Association of Ski Towns. Mayor
Stirling said the main topics will be transportation and the
economic report on ski towns and revenues to the state.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Stirling moved to take Andre's liquor license renewal off
the consent agenda and make it VIII (a-1); seconded by Councilman
Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve the consent calendar without
the Red Roof and Liquor License renewal- Andres; seconded by
Councilman Tuite. the consent agenda is
A. Minutes - December 12, 19, 1988
B. Liquor License Renewals - Home Plate; Crossroads;
Milan's
C. Liquor License Transfer - Charlemagne
D. Special Event Permit - Restaurant Association
E. City Manager Salary
All in favor, motion carried.
4
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 9. 1989
ORDINANCE #47. SERIES OF 1988 - Affordable Housing/Displacement
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council he has taken all
the suggestions he heard in the meetings and listed them as
options f or the ordinance. Richman reminded Council the purpose
for the administrative delay was to address single f amily, duplex
an d multi-family demolition actions and to req uire on-site
housing to be produced. Richman said Council determined any
ordinance that was adopted should work toward incentives for the
production of affordable housing.
Richman said the replacement housing program as currently written
requires a 1:1 replacement ratio, 50 percent of the bedrooms and
deals enly with multi-family. This is option A. Another option
would be to adopt the original program, which is a l:l replace-
ment for multi-family and a mandatory caretaker unit for single
family and duplex units. Richman said option C is to do the l:l
requirement and require 25 percent on-site affordable housing.
Richman said this does not deal with how many units were on site,
only how many units are proposed to be built. Richman said he
feels 25 percent requirement is too little when there is demoli-
tion. Richman said when there is demolition and loss of units,
at least half of the project being built should be affordable
housing. This is option D.
Richman presented some add-on options. Option E is if there is a
multi-family program, when there are 3 units beings demolished or
units being assembled to be demolished, the replacement housing
requirements should apply. Richman said option F is to allow
replacement to occur outside of the city. Richman said option G
is in a replacement program, there ought to be incentives to make
it work. The only incentive in the current program is increased
density. It has been suggested to allow increased FAR, height
and lesser open space. Richman said option H is to drop the
program entirely and replace it with a 24 to 36 month ban on
demolition of any unit in Aspen. Option I is to drop the
program and replace it was a q uota or lottery system to limit the
number of demolition permits annually.
Councilwoman Fallin said option G of allowing incentives seems
like a growth generator. Richman said P & Z discussed this and
does not feel comfortable with bonuses. Richman agreed it is not
time for that type of approach. Councilwoman Fallin said Council
has spent a lot of time on setbacks, height and open space in the
R-6 zone. Councilwoman Fallin said she does not favor this
option.
Councilman Isaac asked if option D, 50 percent of the project be
on-site affordable housing, would apply to condominiums that have
5
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Januarv 9. 1989
been used for short term use. Richman said the way the ordinance
is written, there is no differentiation based on tenure of units.
Richman said this could apply to condominiums. Richman said
reports indicate that multi-family condominiums generate more
service req uirements than local-oriented housing and have not met
a housing need in the past. Councilman Gassman said it will be
difficult to tell condominium owners that their units have to be
replaced with employee housing. Richman said the 50 option
allows the density bonus to kick in. Units would not be elimina-
ted but sq uare footage would be used. There could be a mix of
employee units and free market units.
Councilman Isaac said he favors options D, E and some of G, like
additio nal floor area and reducing open space. Councilmembers
Fall in and Gassman said they do not favor FAR incentives.
Richman said the density bonus in this ordinance is written as a
matter of right. The other incentives would have to have special
review and notices. Richman said he does not feel it is the
answer to trade away values that keep neighborhoods compatible.
Councilman Gassman said he likes the idea in option E and seems
to getting at what Council was trying to do when they started.
This does not effect an owner who wants to tear down a house or
duplex and replace it. Councilman Gassman said this option gets
at what brought everyone's attention to the problem, when half a
street is torn down at once. Richman said the code consultant is
more comfortable with the more comprehensive ordinance. The city
has a clear public purpose they are trying to deal with.
Councilman Gassman asked about having the ordinance in effect if
two lots are combined. This would leave an individual owner
unaffected but gets at the problem of assembling properties.
Mayor Stirling said Council received a letter from Richard
Compton suggesting that houses below a certain size be exempted.
Richman said every time an exemption is put in regulations, that
is what draws the most attention. Richard Compton said owners
with small lots and small houses may want to rebuild and the
requirement for some kind of accessory unit would be onerous.
Councilman Isaac moved to revise section 1 to encompass options D
and E and change option E to change "when 3 or more detached
units" to "2 or more detached units"; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling.
Motion carried.
Councilman Isaac stepped down on sections 2 and 3 due to a
conflict of interest. Richman said by eliminating single f amily
and duplex above, this has made the accessory dwelling unit
program a voluntary program and would legalize bandit units.
6
Regular Meeting Asx~en Citv Counci~.___ Januarv 9. 1989
Richman said the bandit units would be reviewed to have them meet
the minimum saf ety req ui rements .
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the planning office to take option
A, adopted as written, legalize bandit units, add a density
bonus, and fees waivers; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in
f avor, motion carried.
Dan Arrow said the housing problem is urgent and the community
has to handle it. Arrow said he feels the problem is much bigger
than has been brought out.
Richman said section 4 is a minimum 25 percent on-site affordable
housing requirement for all subdivisions. Richman said develop-
ers are in the business of producing housing and they must
produce on-site housing to help this community solve its problem.
Mayor Stirling moved to adopt section 4 as written; seconded by
Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
Richman said Section 5 currently has a density bonus when the
project is 50/50 affordable housing to free market. Richman said
it was suggested to look at greater density when the project is
100 percent affordable housing. Richman said this greater
density would be of right.
Mayor Stirling moved that a second bonus provision be added when
development is 100 percent affordable housing to the existing
language that is already in section 5; seconded by Councilman
Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling asked how far off-site would be an acceptable
solution to provide affordable housing. Richman said the code
req ui res thi s be within the city limits and would need to be
expanded if Council agrees. Mayor Stirling said he would be
willing to see something happen outside the city limits. Richman
suggested the annexation area. Councilwoman Fallin said she
would agree with the Aspen Metro area. Council req uested this be
defined by the January 23 meeting.
Richman told Council sections 6 through 11 are mainly housekeep-
ing items. Section 7 adds dormitory as a permitted use in the
RMF and off ice zone . Richman said section 12 - 16 address the
revised FAR sliding scale. Richman said t his is an important
aspect of trying to provide disincentive to people demolishing
small homes in the downtown area. Richman said the current FARS
in the CC, C-1, LTR and office zone are incentives to peopl e to
avoid growth management and avoid housing req uirements and build
a duplex on land that someday may be necessary for commercial
purposes. Richman said the sliding scales are very appropriate.
7
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 9. 1989
Mayor Stirling moved to adopt sections 12 - 16 as written;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
Richman told Council there are 4 items in the economic incentives
program. The first is to waive land use and building permit
application fees for 100 percent affordable housing. The second
is to waive water tap fees. The third incentive is to send staff
or Council to the Sanitation District to req uest they look into a
fee waiver for sewer tap fees. The fourth is a recommendation to
go forward with some type of tax initiative to help implement the
affordable housing production plan. Councilwoman Fallin asked
what waiving the water tap fees does to the city's budget. City
Manager Bob Anderson said there will be less money. Councilwoman
Fallin said this is an incentive but there is a cost the city
will have to absorb. Council asked the finance department
address this on January 23.
Mayor Stirling moved to consider waiving land use and building
application fees, water tap fees, and appealing to the sanitation
district to j oin; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion carried.
Councilman Isaac said for a funding mechanism, his preference
would be a property tax but have it extend beyond the city
limits, like having a housing district. Mayor Stirling asked
Council if they wished to pursue a form of levy that would be
earmarked for the purchase of ground targeted for the building
of employee housing. Councilmembers Tuite, Fallin and Isaac said
they were interested. Councilwoman Fallin said she would like to
be discussed at a joint meeting with the county. Mayor Stirling
said he would like Council to also look at the annexation of the
Airport Business Center and the revenues that are generated
there.
Richman said if Council is interested in other ideas, like
increasing the affordable housing requirement for commercial and
lodge development or to move residential/duplex from permitted to
conditional uses in commercial zones, they should direct staff to
work on these with P & Z . Richman told Council he would not
recommend increasing the housing req uirement beyond 60 percent at
this point. Councilman Tuite suggested looking at taking away
credits in demolition. Phoebe Ryerson said there is money in
cash-in-lieu awaiting use and there is land the city and county
owns that can be used for housing.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the public hearing to January
23, 1989; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
8
Regular Meeting- Aspen City Council January 9.1989
Rick Neiley said the burden still falls primarily on RMF and
Council could simplify this to apply to any demolition going on,
25 percent of that replaced has to be affordable housing. Thi s
would bring in single family and duplex. Richard Roth commended
Council for moving ahead with this ordinance. Roth encouraged
Council to stay with the single family and duplexes in this
ordinance.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #56, SERIES OF 1988 - H Designation Smith/Elisha
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Roxanne Eflin,
planning office, told Council this house has been determined to
be eligible for listing on the national register. This is the
last remaining exceptional structure to be designated in the Main
street historic district. Mayor Stirling closed the public
hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #56, Series of 1988, on
second reading; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Tuite, yes; Fallin, yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve the historic designation
grant of $2, 000; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
motion carried.
ORDINANCE #57. SERIES OF 1988 - Williams Addition Annexation
Mayor Stirling moved to open the public hearing.
Assistant City Manager Mitchell reminded Council this annexation
had been tabled due to superf and considerations. Mitchell said
no one can say what the result of the city's annexing into the
superfund will have on the city. Mitchell said the city will be
taking ownership of the public rights-of-way in this annexation.
Jon Busch requested Council put pressure on Holy Cross to
underline the one power line in Williams addition. Busch told
Council the Williams addition residents met with the planning
office to discuss appropriate zoning for the neighborhood. Busch
said the lots are 30 by 125 and qualify for an R-6 zone. Busch
told Council 3 owners of larger parcels of land want RMF zoning.
Busch requested Council zone this area R-6 to keep a small type
neighborhood. Richman told Council P & 'Z has a public hearing
scheduled for January 17 to initiate the zoning process. The
ordinance will then come to Council. Busch supports this
annexation.
9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 9, 1989
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #57, Series of 1988,
on second reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Isaac, yes; Fallin, yes;
Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
1001 UTE AVENUE LOT SPLIT/PUD
Roxanne Ef 1 in, planning office, told Council the applicants are
in agreement with the staff's conditions of approval. The
proposal is to make two individual home sites on a 6.73 acre
parcel zoned R-15/PUD. The PUD zoning is to address the stee p
slope which consists of historic mine tailings. Ms. Eflin said a
deed restricted open space area is proposed for common use of
these sites. Ms. Eflin said this is conceptual review and will
return to Council for final PUD and lot split approval. Ms.
Eflin said an area of concern is calculating heights based on
natural grade. The mine tailings have altered this natural
grade . Ms . Ef 1 in recommended P & Z reserve the right to deter-
mine how the height of the structures should be measure d until
f i na 1 PUD .
Ms. Eflin said this project came to Council in 1986 and was
denied due to the high density proposed. There are some landsca-
ping concerns due to environmental sensitivity of the site. Ms.
Eflin said staff is requiring further analysis of the landscaping
plan . Staff is also req ui ring basic schematic drawings and
elevation to determine mass and scale relative to the adjacent
Aspen Chance homes. Ms. Eflin said in the condition, the ap-
plicant is to include a statement in the PUD agreement to
indemnify and hold the city harmless f rom any environmental
liability including superf and designation and associated clean up
costs.
Sunny Vann, representing the applicant, told Council the previous
project was 4 lots on which 4 duplexes were to be constructed.
This has reduced the density to 2 single family units, which is
less than 50 percent of the maximum allowable density on site.
The lots are 30,000 and 32,000 square feet. Vann said the
applicant tried to address all issues that were raised during the
previous review. Vann said the portion of the property which is
not being sold as a fee simple lot will be deed restricted
against further development. Vann said there will be landscaping
adjacent to the public right-of-way. Vann said the project
complies with all requirements of the underlying R-15 zone
district as well as for subdivision. Vann said this area is
essentially the same as that of Aspen Chance. It is a continua-
tion of the same mine tailings. Vann said they will resculpt the
10
Regular Meeting Aspen City _Cou_~c_~.~ Januarv 9.__1989
mine tailings. This will look as an expansion of the Aspen
Chance subdivision.
Mayor Stirling asked why this is a planned unit development and
what are the public benefits. Vann said the site is designated
PUD as are many sites in town that contain steep slopes. Vann
said the benefits are that this project is substantially below
allowable density, those areas which are not developed are deed
restricted against further development, the site will be cleaned
up and the neighborhood improved, and it exceeds all underlying
criteria of the R-15 zone. Vann said the applicants have not
asked for any variations under the PUD process.
Vann said in the Aspen Chance, the buildings are measured f rom
the recontoured grade. Vann told Council in this site, existing
grade is 30 feet below the pilings. Vann said it would be
unreasonable to remove everything back to the way it was in
1890s. Vann said the applicants are trying to bring this into
compliance with what the natural topography would look like and
are suggesting they measure the height from the recontoured
grade. Vann said during 8040 greenline review, they will provide
additional inf ormation about the mass of the houses. Vann said
the individual owner may be responsible for getting the final
8040 review. Councilman Isaac asked if there would be a cap on
the height limit. Vann said they propose to establish some basic
landscape guidelines, some building mass and architectural
controls.
Vann said the plan is to create 2 lots for sale. The PUD
regulations require for basic criteria, not for finish architec-
tural drawings. The problem is coming up with enough information
that these can be reviewed by still giving a degree of flexibil-
ity to accommodate an individual's taste. Vann said the total
FAR for the two lots is 10,520 square feet. Mayor Stirling asked
if there is any proposal for residential worker housing to be
built in this subdivision. Vann said there is a deed restriction
against any further development in the open space. Vann said
there is a possibility one owner could req uire a caretaker unit
under the voluntary program. Vann said additional employee units
are not a mandatory req ui rement of the code, and if it doesn' t
apply to other individuals, these applicants should not be
restricted from having the flexibility that other property owners
have. Vann said to impose this restriction would be unfair.
Mayor Stirling said he would like a caretaker provision that is
more than voluntary. Vann said he had a problem in not applying
regulations evenly across the board. Vann said to use the
subdivision review process as an exactionary method without
adopting a mandatory req uirement is trying to accomplish som e-
th i ng through the back door which Council is unwilling to put
11
Regular Meotina AsAen City Council-- Janua_ry9. 1989
into writing. Councilman Gassman said the city is just about to
adopt provisions that requires subdivision to provide 25 percent
of the housing. Richman said lot splits in terms of processes
are defined as subdivision exemptions. Richman said it was his
understanding that lot splits would not receive the 25 percent on
site requirement. Richman said if Council wants to include lots
splits, he should be given that direction.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Richard Roth encouraged Council to give Richman direction about
lot splits because voluntary measures are not going to work.
Vann said if an individual purchaser wishes to avail himself,
the voluntary program is available. Councilman Isaac asked about
a trail easement. Vann said the applicants have offered to give
an easement. The Midland right-of-way crosses the property and
the applicants are giving a 30 foot drainage easement. There is
a trail above for which there is not an easement, and the
applicants have agreed to convey that easement. These will be
ref 1 ected on the plat .
Councilman Isaac brought up the environmental liability and
geological hazards and asked if the city can be indemnified.
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, said this is problematic at
best. Gannett said the idea was that because this site was
created on a potential superfund site, the fact that the city
granted approval was not an acknowledgement that the city had a
1 iabil ity . Vann said there is a requirement the applicants have
to provide additional soil information to the environmental
health department and that the applicants have to come up with a
plan for the disposition of it. Councilman Isaac said he is also
concerned about the geological and avalanche hazards. Vann said
the applicants are providing additional information. To the
extent the engineering report requires specific mitigation
measures, these will be incorporated as part of the approval.
Vann said this is a developable site, the proposed project is
below allowable density. The proposal takes into account all
comments. The P & Z had no problems with the project.
Mayor Stirling moved to recommend conceptual approval of the PUD
application for 1001 Ute with the 12 conditions including the
additional one added by planning, adding condition # 13 requiring
it be mandatory that an accessory unit be built on site for each
of the two units; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Tuite asked how the city will guarantee these units
will be for employees and do not become a guest house. Council-
woman Fallin said if the condition is left as is, Council has
added density to this project with no guarantees these will
benefit the community. Richman suggested these be called a
12
Regular Meeting Aspen -City Council January 9, 1989
resident occupied unit, which is defined in the ordinance.
Councilman Gassman said he f eels this proposal is a subdivision
and the applicant should meet the standards f or subdivisions in
Ordinance #47.
Mayor Stirling amended his motion to add to condition #13 this be
an accessory unit in which a worker resident occupant would be
living; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Isaac said his problem with this application is the
environmental problem. Council man Isaac said he does not feel
the site can be totally mitigated. Vann reiterated the ap-
plicants have a report that identifies some areas of concerns.
The report outlines the issues which should be resolved. P & Z
concluded the problem can be resolved.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman I saac. Motion
carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL - Andre' s
John Goodwin, police chief , told Council over the last two months
the police department has documentation that there have been at
1 east 3 instance s of Andre' s serving peopl a underage and 2
instances of serving of ter hours. Councilwoman Fallin said she
would like to have a formal hearing this on renewal.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to have a public hearing on January 23,
1989; seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion
carried.
APPEAL OF -CLEAN AIR BOARD DELI S i0N - The Log Cabi n
Mayor Stirling moved to table this to January 23, 1989; seconded
by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST TO USE WHEEL ER - Aspen-Vail Interconnect
Councilwoman Fallin moved to grant use of the Wheeler for the
Aspen to Vail Interconnect Ski January 26, 1989, from 5:30 to 10
p.m.; seconded by Mayor Stirling.
Councilwoman Fallin asked if this was without pay. City Manager
Bob Anderson said yes. Councilwoman Fallin withdrew her motion.
Councilman Isaac asked if they are charging for this show. Mayor
Stirling said they are charging for the reception.
Mayor Stirling moved to make this a free evening in the Wheeler
as long as public has access to the event in the auditorium with
13
Regular Meetin4 - -Assn -City- Council Jar<uar~ 9, 1989
no costs; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilmembers Fallin and Gassman. Motion carried.
REPORT ON CHARTER AMENDMENTS
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, told Council the main issue
is the timing of a Charter amendment question that affects the
position of Mayor. Gannett said the best method would be to have
how this would effect the Mayor contained in the question itself.
Gannett said if PRO submits a q uestion that does not contain this
information, Council could draft a second question. The first
question, which is that no one could serve more than 2 four years
terms, would go into effect in June. Gannett said if people are
going to submit petitions to run for Mayor, they should know what
the position will be prior to campaigning for that position.
Gannett said the question should answer these issues. Councilman
Isaac said he would like the city attorney to work with the PRO
group to help draft a petition that would meet the attorney's
criteria and also be acceptable to the committee. Councilwoman
Fallin said she would support these questions being put on the
ballot without a petition effect. Mayor Stirling said he has no
interest in supporting either of these Charter amendments.
Councilwoman Fallin moved that Council sponsor two questions for
the May 1989 municipal elections and to direct the city attorney
to draft language that would be acceptable to both Council and to
PRO; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilman Gassman and Mayor Stirling. Motion
carried.
RESODUTiON #49, SERIES OF 1988 - Sheehan Condemnation
Assistant City Manager Mitchell reminded Council a year ago there
was a study session to review alignment questions on Shadow
mountain to determine how to proceed to obtain appraisals and to
acquire easements for a trail. Mitchell said the issue on the
west end of the trail was whether or not to go with the higher
alignment, which Council approved at that time, or to take a
lower alignment which would go down and run along Hopkins.
Mitchell said there were representatives f rom the Nordic Council
and from PCPA, who advocated the existing alignment that was
approved based on the alignment was pref erred from the standpoint
of the type of use of the trail and that the trail would be more
aesthetically pleasing. Mitchell said there were questions about
the use of the trail on Hopkins because of turns in the trail,
driveways that would have to be crossed, and crossing Seventh
street. The staff proceeded to get appraisals, which were
presented to Council in the last 60 days, on what it would cost
to acq ui re the higher alignment. Mitchell said acquiring the
Sheehan easement was the first step. Mitchell reminded Council
14
ReQUlar-- Meeting _ AsAen City Counc-l- - -- January -9. 3 98
at another study session, they reviewed the alignment and whether
to start at the west or east end of the trail. Mitchell told
Council staff met with representatives from the Nordic Council
and PCPA and looked at the alignment Al Blomquist was talking
about and the appraised alignment and resolved the differences.
Mitchell told Council there is an application in the county
currently that may allow trail easements to be acquired.
Mitchell said when all this was reviewed, Council knew the higher
alignment was going to be more difficult to acquire because a
number of property owners said they would not be willing to grant
or donate the property necessary for a trail. Mitchell told
Council he anticipates another 2 to 4 condemnation procedures.
Mayor Stirling asked how much the city has spend in legal fees on
this condemnation. Mitchell said if this condemnation is
pursued, the city will be setting a number of precedents that can
be used in future condemnations.
Hans Gramiger presented a proposed stipulation. Gramiger said
since this city is not ready with bulldozers, this would give a
truce in which the city and property owners could talk things
over. This stipulation would not prejudice the city in any way.
Gramiger also gave the Council comparative cost analysis on the
two alignments. Gary Esary, special counsel, told Council if
they are not comfortable with the previously approved trail
alignment, then a delay makes sense.
Mitchell told Council Tucker has an application in the county.
Based on getting that trail section, it would appears the city
can obtain easements that would take the trail all the way to
Gramiger's property with the existing funding. Mitchell said at
the meeting a year ago, Council went through the pros and cons of
both alignments. There were issues with the Hopkins alignment
with the turns, the crossing of driveways, being adjacent to the
street and possibly having to elevate the trail to alleviate any
conf 1 ict with the street, and the crossing of Seventh street.
The higher alignment would be more costly to acquire. There
would also be some costly cutting of the slope to construct the
trail. Mitchell said the Nordic Council and PCPA were unanimous-
ly in favor of the higher alignment and convinced the Council to
approve the higher alignment. Staff has been working on that
basis and presented appraisals to Council on that basis.
Mitchell said one alternative is that the alignment would go
through to Sheehan's property and then drop down through
Sheehan's property to Hopkins and run along Hopkins. Gramiger
had offered to give that easement without any charge . The
easement would be in between his berm and Hopkins street. The
trail would then go across Seventh street and use the county's
dedicated right-of-way, run along the west side of Hopkins to the
15
Reaul ar- -Meeti-na __ Ae_pen City -£-aun~l --- -- - Janua r-v 9, l 98:9
Marolt bridge. Mitchell said when Council looked at this, it was
reviewed on the basis of which was the best trail, would attract
the most usage and would be best aesthetically. Mitchell said
the city never did an engineering analysis to determine the
exact construction costs because there was not a design for
either trail. City Manager Bob Anderson said the lower trail
would be cheaper, but that was not what convinced Council.
Gramiger said Council should have a bid from engineers to get a
total appraisal that would be acceptable in court for condemna-
tion with the values justified; have the appraiser talk to
property owners to see what development they have in mind or what
they are allowed to do under zoning code. Council can then make
a decision based on facts. Al Blomquist told Council they should
get costs of both the lower and higher alternative so that they
have costs to compare. Blom~uist said this would be the costs of
the entire trail from the Koch park to the Marolt bridge.
Blom uist said least cost is determined on the basis of cost and
benefit, the benefits the city would get from money spent .
Blomguist said the issues are the quality of the trail, the
qual ity of the program, and the benefits that would accrue.
Mayor Stirling agreed it is a question of appeal and investment
and balancing these two issues. Mitchell told Council it would
cost about $20 , 000 to find out the difference in cost between the
upper and lower alignments.
Councilman Gassman moved to adopt Resolution #49, Series of 1988;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stirling said he is concerned about cost and whether the
upper trail would be used by enough people . Councilman Isaac
asked how long this litigation will last and how much will it
cost. Esary told Council the petition was filed in September .
Esary told Council it is hard to estimate how long it will take
as this is not a cut and dried litigation. Esary told Council
the city will be able to use these issues in other condemnations,
if there are any. Councilman Tuite said he would prefer to see a
re-evaluation of this. Councilman Tuite said the costs given to
Council by Gramiger seem to indicate it will take 3 times the
amount of money to go with the higher alignment.
Councilmembers Fallin and Gassman in favor; Councilmembers tuite,
Isaac and Mayor Stirling opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling moved that Council accepts Mr. Gramiger's proposal
to put the litigation in abeyance to direct staff to try to
identify what engineering costs would be on the upper trail, and
Council would need to determine whether to spend money on this;
seconded by Councilman Tuite.
16
Reaul ar Meeting AsA~n City Cotxneil - - Janua-rv 9,__1959
Mayor Stirling said he would like to earmark some of the $150,000
in the trails appropriations for a precise study to determine
what it would take to engineer the higher trail. Mitchell said
the city would have to do both trails in order to determine what
the difference is. Mayor Stirling requested staff come back in
two weeks to give Council an idea of what an analysis would cost
to do both the upper and lower alignments. Fred Gannett, city
attorney's office, asked if Council is directing the city to
enter into the stipulation and to have it made an order of the
court. Mayor Stirling asked for recommendations on this at the
next meeting.
Councilmembers Isaac, Tuite and Mayor Stirling in favor; Council-
members Fallin and Gassman opposed. Motion carried.
CONCRETE -WORK AT -iCE-{-GARDEN
George Pucak, Ice Garden, reminded Council he explained original-
ly staff would not know the scope of this project until they had
an engineering report. Pucak said the recommendation is for a
new curb; the existing curb will not support the new dasher
boards . Pucak told Council he wrote the bid specifications on
the new curb and the regrading of the inside of the rink. The
new curb to support the dasher board is to make sure the boards
stay in position relative to the refrigeration slab. Pucak said
he received bids from 3 construction firms. The low bidder on
the project is Red Mountain Corporation. The walkways will have
to be covered with rubber.
Pucak said the original funding from Council is $192,000. The
refrigeration has been let at $86, 914, the dasher board bid is
$86,450. Pucak asked for $43,864 more to complete the concrete
work. Pucak said the concrete work is basic to the rest of the
improvements. Assistant City Manager Mitchell said this ap-
propriation could come from fund balance in 1988 and savings in
1989. Mitchell told Council the fund balance carried forward for
1988 will be larger than reported. Mitchell said this allocation
will not jeopardize anything else Council has planned to do.
Councilman Gassman moved to allocate $43 , 864 to the Ice Garden
fund for the complete of concrete work and to award the construc-
tion contract to Red Mountain construction; seconded by Council-
man Isaac.
Mayor Stirling said this bid is low by almost 30 percent. Mayor
Stirling asked if staff has discussed that everything will be
completed within that amount. Pucak said the contractor has
children in the skating program and is interested in seeing the
program completed. Dan Levinson, Red Mountain Construction,
asked that in return he would like the city to waive the dum p
17
R~au-iar -Moetina- _ Aepen Cit-v Counei-l--- - Januarv -9, 199
fees. Mayor Stirling said the city cannot waive the dump fees,
but will direct the city manager to make that request of the
county .
All in favor, motion carried.
PR -COAITRAC'r -Ai-R POLLUTi{}A~F--C~iMPAiFN
Mary Isaac, Clean Air Board member, told Council a selection
committee appointed by the environmental health department met
last week to select a public relations firm. Ms. Isaac said the
charge to the chosen firm will be to develop an air pollution
awareness campaign to assist in the reduction of small particu-
lates and PM 10 in the air and public education. Ms. Isaac said
this campaign is necessary to comply with a commitment in the
local implementation plan by the city to foster voluntary
compliance among visitors and citizens. Ms. Isaac said there
were 27 request for proposals sent to firms in the Roaring Fork
Valley and in Denver. There were 9 replies, 3 chose not to
compete in the final process; 5 firms presented their proposal s
to the committee. Four of these firms were from the Roaring Fork
Valley and one from Denver . Ms . Isaac said a number of committee
members went into the process prejudiced against hiring outside
the valley.
Ms. Isaac said the decision was to offer the contract to Barnhart
Advertising. Ms. Isaac said they presented a well thought out
campaign, which addressed the major issues facing Aspen's air
pollution sources, vehicles and woodburning. Ms. Isaac told
Council Barnhart qualified under all the categories and also
indicated they could generate additional ad revenues at no
additional costs to the city. Barnhart estimated for every
$1.00 spent, he could generate another $.50 to $1.00 contributed.
Ms. Isaac presented a proposed schedule of the public relations
work. Ms. Isaac told Council the agency is being asked to
develop some sort of measure to assist in determining the success
of the program.
Councilman Tuite said it is already January. The big issues
facing the community are street cinders and woodburning. The
city's mandatory odd/even no burn program ends in April.
Councilman Tuite said if the city comes up with a campaign and is
not sure where the program is going, won't the city be working
with incomplete data. Councilman Tuite said he had envisioned a
campaign starting earlier. Councilman Tuite suggested the city
wait to see the data that comes in, f ormulate a plan, then go out
to the community with a program. Tom Dunlop, environmental
health department director, reminded Council there is a commit-
ment in the local implementation plan to get something going
quickly. Dunlop told Council the ad agencies were instructed to
18
Regular M-eetine~- - - - Aspen City--Cahn-cil - ___._._. _January 9. 1989
be aware of both major elements of the air pollution issue,
fireplaces and street sanding. Dunlop told Council the agency is
going to work with the city and RFTA on sanding, and will review
all the data gathered on solid fuel burning and make proportional
assignment of their time. They are aware of the percentage share
that has been modeled by the state health department and are
prepared to deal with that in their campaign. Dunlop said the
campaign will continue through 1989. Dunlop said the agencies
are prepared to develop a program that the city can carry on
without any financial support to an agency. The ad program will
be the property of the city.
Mayor Stirling asked if the campaign is going to address automo-
bile use and carbon monoxide. Dunlop said the ad agency is
prepared to address this and it will be attached to the automob-
ile disincentive efforts of road sanding. Si Coleman, Clean Air
Board member, told Council he was impressed by the work the
Barnhart agency did on cars. Mayor Stirling asked Council if
they want to comment on the ad agency proposals. Coleman
suggested the elected officials that are interested meet with the
Clean Air Board.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to authorize staff to negotiate a
contract with Barnhart subject to the city attorney's approval;
seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Tuite said he would like a final review of the
program. Mayor Stirling agreed. Councilwoman Fallin amended her
motion to include Council review; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
All in favor, motion carried.
O1~F}~NANCE #1, --&ERIES -OF-,-x-98-9 - Use Tax Agreement
ORDINANCE # 1
(Series of 1989)
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL USE TAX
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO, AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO WITH RESPECT TO A COUNTY USE
TAX SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE VOTERS ON NC~IEMBER
8, 1988, APPROVING SAID TAX FOR A TEN-YEAR PERIOD
COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 1989, AND TERMINATING JANUARY 1,
1999, SUBJECT TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT THAT
THE COUNTY RETAIN THE FULL PROCEEDS FROM THE USE TA X
was read by the city clerk
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #l, Series of 1989,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote;
19
R-ea~rlar -Meeting _ _ --Aspen--Cit-y CQttn-c-l ----- _. __ _-Janu~:r-y -.9...1..98-9
Councilmembers Fallin, yes; Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Isaac, yes;
Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ESTATE PLAA~A~ING MERGER---~;j&UF
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, told Council this is being
raised by a local attorney to try to devise out portions of
property that are effected by a merger clause. Gannett said this
should be tabled until after it goes to P & Z .
E MPL-C33~E E -HOU S i Nor- CA-S H- i N- L I E U- B-i~HG ET
Assistant City Manager Mitchell said at the last Council meeting,
it became obvious sta f needed approval for projects the housing
authority has been wo king on. Mitchell said in the future, this
will be part of t~e nnual budget process. Mitchell said in some
of the projects, r enues will cover any costs incurred by the
project . Mitchell encouraged Council to approve the presented
budget. Councilman Tuite asked why the city would not expect any
revenues on the Marolt project. Jim Adamski, housing director,
said there will not be any revenues for the Marolt project in
1989 but there will be in future years.
Adamski told Council the housing office sees cash-in-lieu as seed
and leverage monies. The city has about $800,000 and with the
expenditure of half of that is leveraging homes for about 200 to
250 people. Adamski said they would like to recoup every penny
that is put in the effort. Mayor Stirling said he does not
accept the basic assumption that the cash-in-lieu funds of the
city and county should be combined. Mayor Stirling said the city
should borrow the money to cover the city projects and keep the
ledger balanced. Mayor Stirling said there are advantages to
keeping the cash-in-lieu money separate so that no one feels
compromised in a particular project. Councilman Gassman agreed
that there needs to be accounting where the money comes from and
where it goes. Councilman Gassman said it seems like some of the
projects listed could have been or were going to be funded some
other way, like the hospital project. Mitchell said when the
financing is in place for the hospital project, this money will
be reimbursed. Mitchell said the Council is being asked to
approve expenditures out of the city's cash-in-lieu money.
Adamski the monies are segregated under city payment-in-lieu and
county payment-in-lieu. Interest is accrued to each account
individually. Adamski said this proposal is the total housing
activity. The funds are accounted for separately.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve the 1989 housing development
program budget and authorize the expenditure of $643,785 and
proceed to discuss further the issues of allocation and city and
20
Re-au-i-ar -Meebin4 --~--- -- Asp=~-noun-ei3--~ -- --- Ja~ruarv 91-_ 3-989
county responsibility for their own contributions with the next
30 days; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin.
Richard Roth asked that Council take a position that whenever
public funds are being used for housing, that leases be let to
individuals and not to employers. City Manager Bob Anderson said
this should be looked at in a different context that this
discussion. Anderson said there are some cases when housing goes
with employment. Councilman Isaac said he feels it would be a
good idea to have an elected official on the housing board.
All in favor, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p. m.
~~
Kathryn S - Koch, City Clerk
21