HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19890213Re u a~-Meet' n _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _.. A . e Cit Cou c' _ _ _. _ Fe r ar 13 19$-9
EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARDS 1
C I T IZ EN PARTICIPATION 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 2
CON SENT AGENDA 4
ORDINANCE #47, SERIES OF 1989 - Affordable Housing/Displace-
ment 5
LEASE AGREEMENT - Marolt Barn 8
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCING ALTERNATIVES 11
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST - Martin 710 North Third 13
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST - 200 East Main 13
REQUEST FOR FUNDS - Acquisition of Vacuum Sweeper 14
USE OF IMPOUND LOT/SNOWMELTER 14
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE STREET CLOSURES 15
ORDINANCE #3, SERIES OF 1989 - Rezoning Mountain House 15
ORDINANCE #2, SERIES OF 1989 -Zoning Block 19 17
RESOLUTION #6, SERIES OF 1989 - 516 East Hyman GMQS Allocation
GMQS Exemption 17
ASPEN MOUNTAIN PARK (PITKIN RESERVE) PUD AMENDMENT 18
RESOLUTION #3 , SERIES OF 1989 - Rio Grande SPA 18
PARKING STRUCTURE LEASING AGENT 19
CENTENNIAL/ASPEN LETTER OF AGREEMENT 19
20
Rggular Meetin4 Aspen City Council - February 13. 1989
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 with Council-
members Gassman, Isaac and Tuite present.
EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARDS
Mayor Stirling and Council presented the outstanding employee bonus
awards for the fourth quarter 1988. Gregg Holmbeck, streets
department, was nominated for the hours he spent on the 7 day work
schedule, which has worked very well. Judy McKenzie, building
department was nominated for her efforts during continued staff
shortage, by implementing the computer information screens, which
increased the efficiency of the department. Brian Emmen, finance
department, was nominated for long hours spent in new computer
software conversion, and in the training for departments of this
software. Dallas Everhart, finance department, was nominated for
the time spent in learning the new computer software conversion and
for the 1989 budget document. Council presented the employees with
bonus checks and with certificates.
CITIZ EN PARTICIPATION
1. Mary Martin said Council rescinded their vote to put a Charter
amendment on the May ballot to eliminate the position of Mayor and
hay e this be Chairman of Council. Ms. Martin suggested a Charter
amendment limiting the Mayor to 2 two year terms. Ms. Martin
requested this be scheduled as an agenda item for February 27.
Council did not sponsor this as an agenda item.
2. Mary Martin told Council she is very distressed over the look
of the town and has fought very hard for a historic overlay over
the old townsite. Ms. Martin said the purpose of this was to be
able to look at houses that went in next to Victorians and to
protect the Victorians themselves. Ms. Martin said she would like
to see the historic overlay re-introduced. Ms. Martin said she
would like Council to consider either the historic overlay district
or architectural review board. Mayor Stirling said he is enthu-
siastic about a historic overlay. Mayor Stirling suggested a joint
work session with P & Z on this issue. Mayor Stirling said there
is a work session on March 6th on growth rates.
Mayor Stirling moved to have architecture review or historic
overlay discussion on the March 6 work session; seconded by
Councilman Tuite. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman
Isaac. Motion carried.
3. Marty Pickett said the 700 East Main item on the agenda is
there at her request and asked Council to table this to February
27. (Mayor Stirling withdrew due to conflict of interest). Fred
Gannett, city attorney' s off ice, told Council he spoke with Ardith
1
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council February 13. 1989
Ware and Dorothy Mikkelsen who agreed this be tabled but no later
than February 27. Gannett said it is in the city's interest as
well to get a clear understanding of what the motion regarding the
extension of time was.
Councilman Tuite moved to table 700 East Main to February 27;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Mary Martin asked if Council is considering selling spaces in
the new parking structure. Council said the only thing they are
considering is monthly passes. Ms. Martin said it should be first
come first serve.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Isaac said several communities have banned the use
of Styrofoam food containers for environmental reasons. Councilman
Isaac said he would like the city to look into this. These
containers are filling up the sanitary land fill and are not
biodegradable at all. Mayor Stirling agreed and said he has asked
for copies of other legislation f or Council to look at.
Councilman Isaac moved to have the city initiate banning styrofoam
and polystyrene f ood containers and direct the city attorney to
follow up with sample legislation; seconded by Mayor Stirling. All
in favor, motion carried. Council requested this be done by the
first meeting in April.
2. Councilman Isaac said he would like to initiate a rezoning of
the southeast corner of Mill and Hopkins. Councilman Isaac said
the building on this corner is very predominant in the community
and the city is in danger of losing its use. Councilman Isaac
suggested the building be rezoning to hardware preservation.
Councilman Isaac moved to incorporate this on the March 6 work
session; seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, motion carried.
3. Councilman Tuite said several weeks ago traffic was backed up
on highway 82. Complaints were received from the Ski Company that
the buses were tied up. Councilman Tuite said that day the light
at Maroon Creek was not working. Councilman Tuite said it took
awhile to get a law enforcement officer to the stop light.
Councilman Tuite req uested Council consider using the police or
sheriff's department 2 hours each morning to see if this would
improve traffic. John Goodwin, police chief, told Council they can
do this; however, it will cut into timed parking enforcement.
Councilman Tuite requested this be done through the end of the
winter. Councilman Gassman asked if this will do any good.
Goodwin told Council earlier this year, staff did a study on the
traffic going out of town with someone on the light and with no one
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Fe,~ru. arv 13~ 1989
on the light. Goodwin said there was very little difference in the
traffic flow. Mayor Stirling suggested staff experiment with
having someone at the light for the next two weeks and report back
at the next Council meeting. Goodwin said for the next two weeks,
he will use community service officers at both lights.
4. Councilman Tuite moved to move to the consent agenda the RFTA
resolution regarding bus lanes. This has been discussed at a
public hearing. Council agreed to put this on the consent agenda
as item (f) .
Mary Martin asked if Council will have someone at the light during
the afternoon traffic backup as well. Councilman Tuite said if it
works in the morning, he will be glad to consider this in the
afternoon as well. Goodwin told Council they tried this in the
afternoon and found it made no difference whether they worked the
light or not. Ms. Martin said in some cities during peak traffic
hours one lane of traffic is closed. Ms. Martin suggested the
light not be activated for traffic-in hours and for traffic-out
hours.
5. Mayor Stirling said he was interested in reading about the
auxiliary police officers. John Goodwin, police department, told
Council the requirement for any reserve or auxiliary officers is
at least 260 hours of training. Goodwin said the selection will
be the same as for paid police officers .
6 . Mayor Stirling moved to move action item (q) Affordable
Housing Financing Alternatives to action item (a-1); seconded by
Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
7. Mayor Stirling asked if the community's best interest is
served by the change the hospital is requesting to be allowed to
sell the 3 employee units. Jim Adamski, housing director, told
Council the hospital will put these units on the market and will
have 6 units at the new project .
8. Mayor Stirling moved to table item (0) resolution regarding
Global Warming to February 27; seconded by Councilman Gassman. All
in favor, motion carried.
9. Mayor Stirling said the city of Aspen has been nominated by
the Government Finance Officers' Association and has been presented
with an award of financial reporting achievement. Mayor Stirling
said this award is presented to individuals who are instrumental
in their government in achieving excellence in finance reporting.
10. Mayor Stirling said there was a civil case in municipal court
where a restauranteur was found guilty of not displaying no smoking
signs in a restaurant . Mayor Stirling requested Council think
3
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council February 13. 1989
about addressing the issue of signs in the ordinance. Mayor
Stirling said the issue is not smoking in restaurants, not signs.
11. Councilman Gassman said he has had conversations with members
of the golf association. There is some interest iaidethere may
operation of the golf course. Councilman Gassman s
be advantages to the city and the public. Council indicated they
are interested in looking at this.
12. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell requested that Resolution #4,
Hunter Longhouse Deed restrictions, be moved to the consent agenda.
Mitchell said Council has already amended the deed restrictions;
this is changing the closing date to March 15, 1989.
Mayor Stirling moved to add this to the consent agenda as item (g) ;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
13 . Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell req uested Council add to the
agenda the Centennial-Aspen letter of agreement. Mitchell said he
has negotiated a settlement on this and would 1 ike to move forward
to finalize the payment .
Councilman Isaac moved to add Centennial-Aspen letter of agreement
to the end of the agenda; seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in
favor, motion carried.
14. Councilman Tuite questioned the suggested dates for the
Centennial annexation and asked if this will get the area into the
city in time for anyone to run in the election. Fred Gannett, city
attorney's office, told Council he has gotten the cooperation of
the district court to move this along as quickly as possible. If
the time table is followed, people will be able to vote and to run
as well .
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt the consent calendar
seconded by Councilman Isaac. The consent agenda is:
A. Minutes -January 23; February 6, 1989
B. Liquor License Renewal -The Grill
C. Liquor License Expansion of Premises -
D. Dates for Centennial Annexation (Fred
E. Hospital Housing Project
F. RFTA Resolution- Bus Lane s
as amended;
Cache Cache
Gannett )
G. Resolution #4, 1989 - Hunter Longhouse
Restrictions
All in favor, motion carried.
Deed
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council February 13. 1989
15. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell announced that the city's
public works director, Jay Hammond, has resigned effective March
31.
ORDINANCE_ # 47 , SERIES OF 198 9 - Affordable Housing/Displacement
Alan Richman, planning director, reminded Council several issue s
arose at the last public hearing. Richman told Council he has
responses to these issues and has brought up some other issues.
Richman said the first issue was a concern about the provision that
multiple ownerships have combined into a single ownership for the
purposes of demolition. Richman said this provision should not be
invoked for lands that are zoned SPA. Richman pointed out this is
included in section 5-702 of the ordinance. Richman said the
second issue was whether the 50 percent requirement would ever
require an applicant to rebuild more than the number of units
demolished on property. Richman said it was agreed that in no case
should more than the number of units demolished be required to be
rebuilt. This is also included in Section 5-702.
Richman said another issue is to whom do the demolition provisions
apply. Richman said this applies to demolition of a unit which has
been a tourist accommodation and is this what Council has been
concerned about . Richman said staff has always q uestioned whether
this ordinance should get into tenure. Richman said there was
concerned expressed about the tourist accommodation issue. Richman
submitted language which describes the units having been exclusive-
ly occupied as a tourist accommodation or by an owner who does not
meet the definition of resident. Richman said tourist accommoda-
tion is not a defined term and this would be the burden of the
applicant to demonstrate what is meant by that. Richman said staff
feels the only time the demolition provisions would be invoked
would be if the building were torn down in its entirety. Mayor
Stirling said it has been important for people to be able to
upgrade tourist accommodations. Richman said the ordinance was
sending mixed messages, talking about internal renovation that
might change the status of a unit, kicking the provisions of the
ordinance in. Richman said he tried to move from "habitable" in
the definition to when a unit is razed. Richman said razing 3
units and replacing it with 1 would invoke the provisions of this
ordinance. Councilman Gassman said he feels it makes sense to use
the def inition of demolition. Councilman Isaac said he feels the
tourist units which are being rebuilt need to be outside this
ordinance.
John Kelly asked why Council is concerned about tourists units that
someone may want to amalgamate. Kelly said these units have never
been in the rental pool. Richman said if tenure is placed in the
ordinance, this will give out mixed messages to owners of the
units. Richman said there is language on page 2 of the memorandum
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Reaular_Meetina Aspen City Council Februarv 13. 1989
which addresses units that were built for and have been exclusively
occupied as tourist accommodations. Kelly suggested the city have
an exemption procedure; most of the requests will be obvious to the
city. Councilman Isaac said he likes the language in Richman's
memo, "Demolition of a unit which the owner demonstrates has, since
the time of its initial occupancy, been exclusively occupied as a
tourist accommodation or by an owner who does not meet the housing
designee's definition of resident, shall not cause the requirements
of this division to apply" . Councilman Isaac said this would keep
the tourist-type accommodations out of this ordinance. Gannett
said he would rather see an exemption process that roblem with
matter of public record. Gannett said there is p
showing records for all the predecessors in interest. The language
is written so that it applies since the occupancy of the building.
Richman said this could be demonstrated to the planning director
through the consent of Council. This could be approved through the
consent agenda to make a public record.
Councilman Isaac moved to amend Ordinance #47 , by adding to section
5-702 the paragraph on page 2 as read above including the language
with the consent of Council and the planning director's review;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Tuite moved to amend Ordinance 47 by adding, "Demolition
means to tear down completely, to do away with or to raze. Any
partial removal of a structure which the planning director and
chief building official find has the effect of completely razing
a unit, even while some portion or portions of it remain in place,
shall be considered demolition. Renovation of a unit in place
shall not be considered demolition" and "The standards of this
division shall apply when a dwelling unit is demolished, is moved
outside of the City of Aspen or when the number of units on the
site is reduced. Moving a dwelling unit to another location within
the City of Aspen shall not be considered demolition, provided it
meets all of the requirements of this chapter in its new location";
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
Richman said a question since the public hearing is with the 50
percent requirement, one might end up with a fractional requirement
for bedrooms. Richman said this is an instance in which the cash-
in-lieu be permitted for the fractional requirement. Council said
this is fine. Richman said he will add this to 5-703.
Richman reminded Council at the last hearing, they reached a
decision to eliminate the commercial reconstruction credit from the
quota system. Richman said there is concern that on Council' s
concern for affordable housing, it will make it more difficult for
commercial space to be built. Richman said a citizen has suggested
if Council's problem is that they do not want to credit a building
that has never provided housing and parking, they should take away
6
ReQUlar_ Meeting Aspen Citv Council - Feb~uarv 13 ._ 1989
those credits and not take away the square footage credits.
Richman said the way the ordinance is written, to s bu ld 1Om000
fishes 5,000 square foot building and wants
building, they have to compete for 10,000 square feet of space.
Sunny Vann has suggested that this person still have a 5,000 square
foot credit but does not have a credit toward employee housing or
toward parking.
Councilman Isaac said he feels it might not be good for the
community not to encourage people to renovate their space. This
would take care of the employee and parking mitigation. Councilman
Tuite said he could go along with Vann's recommendation. Richman
said he will go back to the original language in Ordinance #47 and
add language stating that credit shall not be given towards housing
and parking requirements.
Councilman Tuite moved to allow the demolition credit for FAR to
stay in existence, the owner does not have to compete for the right
to rebuild; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, with the
exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
Richman reminded in the administrative delay, Council moved the
date for the submission of GMQS from November to May 1. Richman
said the administrative delay was supposed to end February 8, so
this is only one week off. Richman said Council can award some
extra weeks for application.
Mayor Stirling moved to set the GMQS date for 1989, to May 15;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, with the exception of
Councilman Isaac. Motion carried.
Richman said Council referred 3 things back to P & Z at the last
meeting. P & Z dealt with them all and are recommending in favor
of demolition of an existing unit in the CC, C-1 and office
district be subject to a conditional use review. P & Z added that
construction of a duplex in the C-1, Office or RMF zone will also
become a conditional use . P & Z recommended in favor of a 1.1: 1
FAR in the RMF zone if 2/3 of the additional FAR is used to
increase the size of the affordable housing units beyond the
minimums. P & Z rejected the idea of parking in open space for
affordable housing projects. P & Z felt that both parking and open
space are important and should be provided. Richman told Council
these recommendations will be before Council at their next meeting.
Richman told Council P & Z looked at various FAR bonuses. They
were not anxious to encourage a lot of additional FAR.
Councilman Tuite asked how the 2/3 came about. Richman said it is
2/3 of the 10 percent. Richman said P & Z felt that a majority of
the bonus should go towards employee housing but the owner should
get some for free market.
7
Re ular Meet' n A en Cit Counc' 1 Fe ruar 13 198
Rick Neiley, representing Valley Hi, told Council the more this
ordinance is whittled down, the more unfair it becomes and the more
site specific it becomes. Neiley said he cannot see this ordinance
working to create affordable housing without incorporating into it
a reasonable FAR bonus and addressing the parking requirements.
Neiley encouraged Council to go back to the drawing board and come
up with a comprehensive ordinance. Neiley urged Council not to
adopt Ordinance 47 without full consideration of an FAR bonus and
something that will prompt people to redevelop their property.
Councilman Tuite said he would 1 ike to see more incentives.
Richman said the FAR bonus will be a separate ordinance at the next
hearing. Richman reminded Council there is a density bonus in
Ordinance 47 which has been created for this ordinance. Richman
said parking for affordable housing is set by P & Z and the
applicant can work with the city on parking required.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #47, Series of 1989, as
amended, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Mayor Stirling said he feels this legislation lacks equitability
in not addressing all ownership in the same way. Mayor Stirling
said the majority of the changes that have occurred have been in
single family and duplex ownership. Mayor Stirling said he does
not feel this ordinance goes far enough.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Isaac, yes; Tuite,
yes; Mayor Stirling, no. Motion carried.
LEASE AGREEMENT - Marolt Barn
Roxanne Eflin, planning office, told Council this is a proposed
lease between The Aspen Historical Society and the city for the
area known as the Holden/Marolt barn site. MS. Eflin said the
community is very fortunate to have this historic structure still
existing. Ms. Eflin said for the Historical Society to take on
this project as a museum is very commendable. Staff recommends the
city approve the lease for 75 years to demonstrate their commitment
to such an important community asset. Carl Bergman, Historical
Society, introduced the committee of John Moore, Mark Follard,
Graeme Means.
Bergman told Council the Historical Society has been working on
this proposal for a number of years. Council approved Resolution
#20, 1988 giving the Historical Society the Marolt barn. Council
also designated the barn historic and gave the Historical Society
a grant of $2, 000. Bergman told Council they have a structural
engineer working on the building. Bergman said their proposal is
8
Re4ular- Meetinct Aspen City Council - -February 13 . 1989
for 1.9 acres of the Marolt parcel which consists of the barn and
the salt shed. Bergman said not included in this proposal are the
ruins and the assay house. Bergman said the Historical Society is
restoring the lixiviation site which started in 1891. Bergman said
at the time this plant was built, it was the most complete of its
kind in the United States. Bergman said this will be put on the
national historic register.
Bergman told Council the Historical Society will restore the
outside of the barn and as much of the inside as possible. Bergman
said this barn will become a ranching exhibit building to retain
the history of this valley. Bergman said this barn can be used for
meetings, picnics, outdoor recreation. Bergman said the existing
bike path circles the entire barn. Bergman said they will involve
the Nordic people in this proposal. This will be an area people
will see and will be a plus for the community. Bergman said the
Historical Society will be getting grants to help this project .
Bergman said in the initial stage they will fix the roof and the
deck. Bergman requested Council for a 99 year lease on the barn.
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, reminded Council there was
a Charter provision adopted saying the city shall not dispose of
property without a vote of the people. Gannett told Council
disposal has been categorized in some lawsuits as a long term
lease. Gannett said he cannot give Council a figure of "long
term". Gannett said the Historical Society has worked very hard
and they need was they are asking for. Gannett said a 99 year
lease sounds pretty close to disposal. Gannett said if Council
goes with less than a 99 year lease, they could put a 1 iq uidated
damages provision in the lease. Gannett said he is concerned about
Council tying up the use of the property; however, the Historical
Society should have the benefit of a security deposit which would
allow them to plan for a new site. Gannett said the Historical
Society plans on putting a lot of time and money into this project.
Gannett said an alternative is for the city to deed the land to the
Historical Society, which would involve a vote of the electorate.
Councilman Tuite said he would be willing to put this on the ballot
in May to deed over to the Historical Society. Mayor Stirling said
he questions whether this is the right location for this ranching
museum. Mayor Stirling said the PCPA lists 3 conditions; two are
that the use is not in violation of zoning, plattings or open
spaces uses of the property, and that the use does not conf 1 ict
with or inhibit public use of open space. Mayor Stirling asked if
the public will still be able to use the property . Bergman said
there is no plan to bring cars on to this property. Mayor Stirling
said another issue is how the city would preserve and maintain the
barn without this type of joint project. Bergman said he does not
see a conf 1 ict of this use with the public use .
9
Regular Meet' - A e C' t C unc' Fe r 13 1989
John Moore said the bike/skiing path will remain and will bring
visibility for the museum. Graeme Means said the trails and open
space would be used more. Means said if the open space is going
to be used by people, this is an excellent project to do that. The
project does not have a lot of negative ramifications. Means said
without a long term lease or ownership of the land, the money and
grants will not be available. Aft Pfister suggested the city give
this land to the Historical Society and let them develop the
project. Ramona Markalunas told Council this is one of the truly
historic buildings left in the community. Ms. Markalunas said the
Historical Society has a good track record in preservation and
rehabilitation.
Jay Baxter said he feels this is a good project. Baxter said a lot
of people are enthusiastic about this project. Baxter said he
feels open space will be saved if the city goes with this project.
Les Hol st said he 1 i ke s the idea of the museum but does not know
if this is the appropriate place for it. Holst said he feels this
particular project would be better down valley on a working farm.
Bergman said the project has to be accessible to town. A historic
barn cannot be moved. Moore said the city will be getting a museum
and will be getting a building that will be fixed up. Moore said
they will preserve the barn as much as possible and will not be
making any additions with the exception of possibly restoring a
cupola that was there. Means said the best way to restor an old
building is to make it useful. Means said the Historical Society
would be the best stewards for this building. Mayor Stirling said
he heard from Delores and Dick Stutsman who are in favor of the
project. Jerry Gerbaz also indicated his support for this project.
Gannett said he is not sure the PCPA would not file suit or expand
their present suit to include the proposed museum use. Gannett
said one of the issues in the PCPA's present suit relates to the
platting of the property. Councilman Isaac said he talked to a
PCPA member who indicated they favor the use of the barns by the
Historical Society. Councilman Tuite said he would like to give
the land to the Historical Society in the best possible way,
including a lease and a ballot question for deeding the property
over. Councilman Isaac said he favors a long term lease for the
property, but it should be kept in city ownership. Councilman
Isaac said this lease should be taken to the voters for ratifica-
tion. Councilman Isaac said taking this to the voters would also
get the community involved in the project .
Coun Gilman Gassman said this proposal is a good use of the barn;
however, he is concerned about the effect on the open space.
Councilman Gassman said he is concerned about vehicle access in the
future. Councilman Gassman said there are always uses proposed for
the city's open space. Councilman Gassman said stewardship for
this property rests in prudence and caution. Mayor Stirling said
10
Regular Meeting Aspen City Counct~ February 13. 1989
his preference is for a lease rather than a deed, and going to an
election.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city attorney to ref ine the
lease and address issues of vehicles and vehicles access, length
of the lease, liquidated damages, statements about not expanding
or adding on to the building, and bring this back February 27;
seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Isaac said the length of the lease can be 50 or 99
years, whatever will help the Historical Society. Councilman Isaac
said he feels $1.00 per year for the rent. Councilman Tuite said
he would support a minimum lease of 50 years at $1.00 per year.
Councilman Isaac asked if there is a reverter clause to the city.
Gannett said there is a default clause which states if the
Historical Society fails to honor the terms and conditions of the
lease, it reverts back to the city. Gannett said the amount of
liquidated damages is important to the Historical Society. Gannett
said in the event of termination, the Historical Society wants a
minimum termination period to give them time to find a new site.
Mayor Stirling said he would like the lease to address a period of
due diligence so that the city is not locked into this for years
and the project does not happen.
All in favor, motion carried.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCING ALTERNATNES
Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell said Council directed staff to
ref ine information relating to the potential revenue sources for
funding affordable housing. Mitchell requested direction from
Council on which alternatives they prefer so staff can present
additional information. Mitchell said sources of funding discussed
are county property tax, city sales tax, city real estate transfer
tax, as well as waiver of fees to make housing projects more
affordable. In his memorandum, Mitchell listed different levels
of funding. The housing element uses as a goal for affordable
housing $12,000,000. Mitchell said the property tax would be 1,
2, or 3 mills, the sales tax ranges from 1/4 cent to 3/4 cent, the
real estate transfer tax ranges from 1/2 percent to 1-1/2 percent.
The Council has the ability to waive fees on a project by project
basis. Mitchell told Council regardless of the revenue source,
the best way to maximize this is by issuing general obligation
bonds .
Councilman Isaac said his preference is to tackle this on a county-
wide basis. This would narrow the funding down to a mill levy as
the county cannot do a transfer tax nor raise any more sales tax.
Councilman Isaac said he would like the property tax to start at
1 mill. Councilman Tuite said the Council should be looking at
11
Regular- Meeting Aspen City Council - February 13: 1989
rezoning in order to encourage employee housing. Councilman Tuite
said even if the city reduces the GMP, 50 affordable units per year
are needed. Jim Adamski, housing director, told Council they are
going to P & Z with an AH, affordable housing, zones woffice, ltobd
coming to Council. Fred Gannett, city attorney
Council all the sites for affordable housing that have been
identified by the staff are located in the county.
Al Blomquist requested Council ask staff to identify the annual
loss of housing over the last 5 years to determine how many homes
have been lost to the second home market and the investment
activity in the community. Blomquist said the goals of the
planning office are to preserve existing housing, produce addi-
tional housing and reduce the demand for housing. Blomquist said
if this is applied to the suggested taxes, only one meets the
goals, to produce additional housing. None of the taxes does
anything to preserve existing housing or to reduce the demand for
housing. Blom~uist said the PCPA suggests a graduated real estate
transfer tax. Blomquist requested Council have staff analyze this
and present it as an alternative. Blomquist said the graduated
tax tends to preserve existing housing, to produce additional
housing and t o reduce the demand problem. Blomq uist said the
graduated tax will slow the speculative process and will enable the
city to get a gain in the new housing they are able to produce.
Blomq uist said the loss in housing has been occurring for years.
Buzz Dopkin suggested Council get a task force of individuals in
private enterprise to participate in solving this problem. Dopkin
said if the opportunity is given to many builders, they would build
these projects with their own financing. The city needs to give
these builders the pro per zoning. Adamski pointed out there has
been a housing zone in the county and no one has taken advantage
of it. Adamski said the real issue comes down to density. Adamski
said if the city keeps the density down, they have to create a
subsidy.
Councilman Tuite said if there is to be a property tax, he would
favor it encompassing larger than the city limits. Councilman
Tuite said he could support an anti-speculation tax in the city.
Councilman Tuite said he supports a housing zone category.
Councilman Gassman said he is uncomfortable sitting and picking a
tax. Councilman Isaac said the free market has not provided any
housing. The Council needs to show leadership and push this. If
the city does not designate land for employee housing and put seed
money into it, the projects will not happen.
Mayor Stirling said he does not favor a tax at this point. Mayor
Stirling said there is a crisis, and that crisis is what it costs
to rent. Mayor Stirling challenged Council to tackle the issue of
controlling rents rather than trying to raise money with taxes.
12
ReQUlar= Me t-' _ A en Cit Co c' - - _ F r -13 1-989
Mayor Stirling said there is employee housing being put into
motion, the Red Roof, the Marolt project, the hospCouncilowantsato
Hunter Longhouse. Councilman Tuite asked if the
try and integrate employee housing within neighborhoods of the
city. Doug Allen, housing authority, told Council incentives need
to be given to developers. Tom Baker, planning office, said
P & Z and Council have consistently said they want housing
dispersed throughout the community. Baker said if the city creates
an affordable housing zone, there is an opportunity to zone a
particular area without the spin off effects for future upzoning
requests.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to pursue the AH
zone, to pursue the issue of price controls and feedback from the
planning office, get further information about the annual loss of
housing, and to give a specific proposal on a graduated, specula-
tive transfer tax, with a report back by March 13; seconded by
Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Isaac said he is not interested in rent controls at all.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion
carried.
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST - Martin 710 North Third
Elyse Elliott, engineering department, told Council when this
property was condominiumized, staff noticed the house encroached.
Staff requested the Martins get a license for this. The Martins
have requested an additional encroachment for parking spaces in
front of their house. Ms. Elliott said staff supports the
encroachment for the historic structure but not for the parking.
Councilman Gassman moved to grant the encroachment req uest for the
porch but not for the parking; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Bill Martin asked if he has to eliminate the parking spaces. Ms.
Elliott said the city did not want to give Martins exclusive right
to the parking spaces since they are public parking.
All in favor, motion carried.
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST - 200 East Main
Elyse Elliott, engineering department, told Council this encroach-
ment request is for a building to be built. The applicants are
bound by their GMP application to provide 5 parking places. The
applicants would like to provide 7; they can provide 5.5 on their
property and would 1 ike to put the other 1.5 spaces on city
property. Ms. Elliott said staff supports this because it would
13
Regular- Meeting - - Aspen City Council. - - February 13 ; 1989
be public parking and a condition of the permit would be that the
parking would never be signed for private parking. Councilman
Gassman said it looks like one of the spaces is one the sidewalk.
Ms. Elliott said this would cut down on the sidewalk but there
would still be a 4 foot sidewalk.
Councilman Gassman moved to deny the encroachment license; seconded
by Councilman Isaac.
Councilman Tuite said he could support this if the remaining 5
parking spaces were not rented out. Councilman Isaac pointed out
this is only 2 blocks from the new parking structure. Councilman
Isaac said he does not want cars taking up spaces designated for
pedestrians.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Tuite, Motion
carried.
REQUEST- FOR- FUNDS - Aoq ui si ti on of Vacuum Sweepe r
Councilman Gassman asked what kind of sweeper the city bought last
spring. Ebby Tacker, streets department, said it is a broom
sweeper, for the larger particles, which cost $78,000. This is a
vacuum sweep for the fine dust. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell
told Council the streets department runs two sweepers, one to pick
up the larger particles and then one to pick up the finer par-
ticles. Mitchell said this is replacing an old sweeper. Mitchell
told Council in order to maximize the sweeping and address the
sanding issue, the city has to have two types of sweepers.
Councilman Tuite asked if this needs water to operate. Tacker said
it does.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve purchase of the Elgin premiere
whirlwind vacuum sweeper and to appropriate $19,000 from the
contingency fund for purchase in 1989. Motion DIES for lack of a
second .
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the Elgin premier whirlwind
vacuum sweeper and $19, 000 to come out of the general fund fund
balance; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Swede, FMC, told Council the machines need the water as a lubricant
in order for a sweeper to 1 ast .
All in favor, motion carried.
USE OF- IMi~OUND- LOTf SNOWMELTER
Councilman Isaac said he is not ready to proceed as he would like
more information. The machine has been down a lot. Deputy City
14
Reauiar- Meeti~q= - - _ - - _ _ _ Aspen- City Council- - - - February 131 1989
Manager Ron Mitchell told Council one of the major inhibitors to
maximizing the operation is the size of the pit. Chuck Roth,
engineering department, said there have been various reasons the
pit has not operated, operator problems, cold weather, not being
able to get parts.
Mayor Stirling suggested Council discuss this in a work session at
the end of the winter and look into the details; seconded by
Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ST-.- PATRICK' ~-~ OAY- PARADE S'~REET CLOSURES
Patricia Hill told Council she is proposing a St. Patrick's day
parade to give people an outlet for their creative energies and to
provide activities for children. Ms. Hill said she is planning to
join with one of the substance abuse programs for sponsorship for
this parade. Mayor Stirling said he thinks the parade is a good
idea. This needs more work to let Council know exactly what is
needed. Ms. Hill told Council she met with the Resort Association
and they will support this in whatever way they can. Ms. Hill said
the proposed parade route is the usual one starting at Paepcke park
and dispersing on Cooper street. Ms. Hill said she is hoping there
will be an activity at the end of the parade.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to appoint the
appropriate staff person to work with Ms. Hill on this and to do
everything they can to support it; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Tuite read into the record a letter from O'Leary's
supporting the concept but not to anything else or any specifics.
Ms. Hill said the Resort Association was under the impression that
O'Leary's was going to provide t-shirts. These will be sold.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE- #3-,- SERIES OF 1989 - Rezoning Mountain House
(Councilman Tuite left due to a conflict of interest) . Cindy
Houben, planning office, said this proposal is to add an additional
12 guest rooms to the Mountain House. This will entail acquiring
the next door property. Ms. Houben told Council there was a great
deal of neighborhood interest at the P & Z level. The neighborhood
was concerned about the existing parking situation, the massing of
the building, and the activity level of having a lodge in a
residential area. P & Z is recommending approval with conditions
that take care of several of these concerns. Ms. Houben told
Council initially the applicant proposed a restaurant that would
be open to the public. This will not be limited to guests of the
lodge. The applicants have cut back on the square footage about
7 50 square foot and the room count has gone from 18 to 12 .
15
Regu~.ar Meeting- - - - Aspen City- Council February- 13 . 1989
Ms. Houben said staff feels this does support the intent of the LP
zone district, which encourages the maintenance of small lodges and
a 1 invited expansion of small lodges. P & Z feels with the
conditions listed, this lodge could work and co-exist with the
neighborhood. Ralph Melville told Council there will be employee
units that can handle the employees of the lodge. Mayor Stirling
said he feels it is appropriate the applicant control these units.
John Werning told Council the applicants are making every effort
to find a location to move the log house next door. They will
donate this house. Welton Anderson, representing the applicant,
told Council they studied integrating this log cabin into the
lodge. It would not be architecturally consistent with the lodge.
Anderson said condition #4 needs clarification. Anderson said he
called the sanitation district who told him at some time they are
planning on upgrading the sewer service in that alley. The
sanitation district does not know when nor how much a pro rated
share will be. Anderson said he feels it is premature to ask the
applicant to pay up front when the sanitation district does not
know how much money they will want. Anderson requested the
condition be changed to state the applicant will agree to join an
improvement district when one is formed for that neighborhood. Ms.
Houben said that is reasonable.
Mayor Stirling moved to read Ordinance #3, Series of 1989; seconded
by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE # 3
(Series of 1989)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL REZ ONING LOTS A,
B AND 1/2 OF LOT C OF BLOCK 32 OF THE CITY OF ASPEN FROM
RMF (RESIDENTIAL MULTI FAMILY) TO LP (LODGE PRESERVATION)
was read by the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #3, Series of 1989, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Councilman Isaac said he is concerned about the neighborhood
impacts in a residential area. Mayor Stirling said this is a mixed
neighborhood. Mayor Stirling said it is preferable to have small
lodges in the community rather than empty second homes. Ms. Houben
told Council there are only 5 single family homes left in this
area.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
16
Re u ar-Meet' - - - - - - A e Cit C u c' F ~ b r13 1989
ORDINANCE- #~:- EERIES OF- 1989 - Zoning Block 19
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #2, Series of 1989;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #2
(Series of 1989)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL ZONING THE BLOCK
19 ANNEXATION AREA R-6 IN THE CITY OF ASPEN was read by
the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #2, Series of 1989, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Cindy Houben, planning office, told Council P & Z felt with the lot
size and R-15 zoning would not give anyone good buildable area.
R-6 fits better in this area. Ms. Houben told Council when this
area was zoned, the idea was to zone the land at the hill side
R-15/PUD to preserve the quality of development . Ms . Houben said
no one took a good look at the other side of Hopkins. Ms. Houben
said staff has recommended to P & Z to look at this entire area;
however, because this was just annexed, it needs to be zoned within
90 days. Mayor Stirl ing said he would like to hear more about the
background of this at the public hearing. There is a mix of zones
in this area.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Isaac,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
RESOLU`IION-~#6; SERIES -OF -1989 - 516 East Hyman GMQS Allocation GMQS
Exemption
Ms. Houben told Council this was one of two applications in the
commercial growth management this year. Ms. Houben said the
applications are requesting 1571 square feet of additional square
feet. The applicants have found 400 square feet for an employee
unit in the building.
Councilman Tuite moved to approve Resolution #6, Series of 1989;
seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Mayor Stirling asked why this building was not done all at once.
Kim Weil, representing the applicant, told Council the owners
decided to build the first floor as a reconstruction and then apply
for GMP for the second floor. Weil said the applicant does not
have any problems with the conditions.
All in favor, motion carried.
17
Regular- Meetinct- - _. _. _ - A~.pen- City Council- _ ~ - Februarv 13 ; 198-9
ASPEAI- MOUi~I~~IA1_PARK_~ ITKiN-~ RESERVE) -~ PUD- AMENDMEAIT
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, said this will accomplish the
city's purpose making this part of the chain of title and accom-
plishes the applicant's purpose as well.
Mayor Stirling moved to accept the clarification in the form of a
recorded instrument referencing the original PUD book and page;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION- #3,- SERIES- 0F- 1~$9 - Rio Grande SPA
Tom Baker, planning office, told Council staff revised the resolu-
tion to reflect Council concerns about snowmelting for the access
road off of Mill street. Baker said the condition about the
library serving the parking structure with an elevator has been
deleted because the library has made that commitment. The remain-
ing conditions deal with utilities concern, environmental health
concerns. Council has indicated it is the city's responsibility
to do the alley and not impose that condition on the library. The
1 ibrary is showing a drop off which was agreed to by Council .
Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell said the staff may ask for an
amendment to the resolution relating to the generation of employees
depending on the fare structure for the parking structure.
Mitchell said there will be 2 additional employees generated for
traffic control and 2.6 for fare collecting. Mitchell said this
latter figure may be lower.
Councilman Isaac said he would like to make sure the SPA plans have
a spot for a recycling center. Baker said this is only 2 dump-
sters, which will not be a problem. Baker said if the program gets
larger, staff will come in for an amendment to the SPA. Baker said
this is the final SPA approval for the parking, library and
transportation center. Mayor Stirling asked how the city is going
to proceed with the rest of the Rio Grande. Baker told Council
when this SPA started, there was no information on the youth center
and arts facility. Baker said these will be required to go back
through the conceptual steps so that P & Z and Council have an
opportunity to direct these groups. These two uses will be allowed
to come in independent of other groups because footprints for their
uses have been identified. Simone Genatt told Council they are
working on a center designated for arts usage and will submit an
application this summer . Mayor Stirling asked about the rail road
group. Baker told Council the Western Slope Railroad Association
is making an effort to reinvigorate the concept of commuter rail.
Baker said the railroad only went through conceptual and has a lot
of conditions to meet for final SPA.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve Resolution #3, Series of 1989;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
18
Rec~ula~r- Meeting- _. _. _. _. _ _ _ Aspen City Council- _. _. _. February.. 13 , 1-989
PARKING- ~TRETCTURE- LEASING AGENT
Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell told Council there will be 5,000
square feet of space that will be leased out. Mitchell told
Council there is a proposal from Ross Consulting, part of the
original team, to act on that behalf. Mitchell told Council the
other option is to go out to bid. Mitchell said staff does not
have the qualifications to handle this. Mitchell recommended staff
request bids to have a leasing agent to work with firms to have
these spaces occupied and operating when the parking structure
opens. Mitchell said he feels the city will enhance their revenues
and do a better job if they hire a professional in this area.
Councilman Gassman moved to ask for bids for a leasing agent;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
CENTENN3AL~ASPEN- LETTER- OF- AGREEMENT
Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell reminded Council they had a work
session on this about a month ago. There were 4 outstanding
issues; 2 relating to city claims against Centennial for a water
charge and additional tap fee, and the claim from Centennial for
the conservation rebate. Council directed staff to try and resolve
these issues. Mitchell said staff negotiated a settlement that
resolved the water charge, additional tap fee and conservation
rebate where the city is to pay Centennial $11, 000. Mitchell said
the ECUs that are added to the Rubey interconnect will continue to
operate as the contract indicates. Mitchell said he would 1 Ike
approval of the draft agreement subject to the city attorney's
reviewing it. Mitchell said the money will come out of the water
fund.
Councilman Tuite said if the city does employee housing and decides
to help this housing along with water tap fees, he would hate to
see the city pay back this $450 per ECU. Mitchell said t he only
area this refers to is part of service area 2 bounded by Hunter
creek, Roaring Fork. There is a maximum of 200 ECUs and a limit
of the year 2007.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve the draft agreement subject to the
city attorney's review; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in
favor, motion carried.
Council adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p. m.
Kathryn S Koch, City Clerk
19