HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19890327Regular Meetinq Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
PROCLAMATION - Child Protection Week 1
PROCLAMATION - Sunshine Kids 1
CITIZEN COMMENTS 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 3
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 1989 - Ballot Questions 5
ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 1989 - Technical Code Amendments 15
LEASE AGREEMENT - Marolt Barn 15
ORDINANCE #7, SERIES OF 1989 - Substantive Code Amendments 15
ORDINANCE #15, SERIES OF 1989 - Centennial/Hunter Creek
Annexation 17
PARKING STRUCTURE BID AWARD 18
GOLF COURSE PARKING LOT BIDS 18
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27. 1989
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 with Council-
members Isaac, Fallin, Tuite and Gassman present.
PROCLAMATION - Child Protection Week
Mayor Stirling and Council joined the county in declaring April 2 -
8 1989 as Child Protection Awareness week. Mayor Stirling read
the proclamation and presented it to the Pitkin County Child
Protection Team.
PROCLAMATION - Sunshine Kids
Mayor Stirling said the city is delighted to welcome the Sunshine
Kids to Aspen for the third year. Mayor Stirling and Council
declared March 27 to April 3, Sunshine Kids National Winter Games
week.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Eve Homeyer, representing Westec Security, requested permis-
sion to hang a banner on their building. Ms. Homeyer told Council
Westec's building, the old Mesa Store on Main street, is celebrat-
ing it's 100 year birthday. It is one of the few western-style
building extant and preserved. Ms. Homeyer said Westec plans a
benefit in the park next to their building this Fourth of July.
n
The banner will say 1889-1989 Mesa Store Building". Ms. Homeyer
said Westec is very proud of their building and would like to call
attention to it.
Mayor Stirling asked if this request has gone to HPC for their
recommendation. Ms. Homeyer said she went to the historic planner
who sent her to the zoning enforcement office who sent this request
to Council . Ms . Homeyer said she will be glad to go to HPC but she
needs Council's approval to start the process. The HPC will go
over the details. Ms. Homeyer said they would like to have this
banner up through the summer. Ms. Homeyer said the banner will
probably be 1 foot by 20 feet. Mayor Stirling said he would like
to see the design for this banner.
Mayor Stirling moved to put this on the agenda April 10, 1989;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
2. Jackie Broughton thanked Council for their decision on the
James E. Moore pool. Ms. Broughton said the pool committee still
feels they would like to go for a better bubble. This would be to
the city's advantage. Ms. Broughton asked if it is all right for
the pool committee to try and raise the additional money. Council
agreed with the request and asked that it be coordinated with
staff.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
3. Joe Edwards advised Council the 700 East Main project has been
sold. Edwards reminded Council there was a vote to extend the
final plat. Council was concerned about having additional employee
units. Edwards said the new project will reduce the free market
units from 17 to 12 and increase the employee units from 1 one-
bedroom apartment to 3 or 4 two-bedroom apartments. Edwards said
the employee units will be limited only by the number of bedrooms
that can be built on site. Edwards introduced Mr. Elmore and Mr.
Yow, the purchasers. Edwards said the underground parking will be
increased from 41 to 50 cars . Edwards presented a rendering of the
project.
4. Sy Coleman said previously he commented on the diminution of
parking spaces caused by new signs. Coleman said the new parking
garage will cost $15,000 per space and the decreased parking cost
the city $300,000. Coleman said some corners have no parking here
to corner signs and some don't. Mayor Stirling read from the city
manager's preliminary report on the observations of the corner at
Hunter and Cooper. Coleman said the standards that are used are
national standards and do not apply to a town like Aspen. Coleman
requested a review of the applicability of these standards.
Council requested staff to look at these standards.
5. Debbie Ayres acknowledged the voters who turned out for the
annexation election. As a result, a lot of new voters will be
brought into the city. Ms. Ayres thanked Jim Breasted and Fred
Gannett for the effort they put into the election.
6. Jack Hatfield told Council he is concerned about the drug
grant proposed by the police department. Hatfield said this smacks
of a philosophy that does not fit in Aspen. Hatfield said the
grant involves the encroachment of individual rights, snooping,
gathering information use of high tech gear. Hatfield said people
have found a utopia here, and he hopes that the Council will
respect the philosophy that people moved here for. Hatfield said
winning the war on drugs lies with children, not with a repressive
police force. Education and rehabilitation are the way to proceed.
John Goodwin, police chief, told Council the police department
currently gets information regularly about people dealing drugs.
Goodwin said the police department is not in a position to act on
this information due to lack of manpower and time. Goodwin said
the main reason he proposed this grant to Council is the money has
been made available from Communities for a Drug Free Colorado.
Goodwin said another reason is he sees things that need to be done
to take into consideration citizen's concerns about how the work
is done. Goodwin said it is important to get this discussion out
in the community. Mayor Stirling said the grant is subject to
final approval of Council, which will be done at a public meeting.
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Regular Meeting Ashen City Council March 27, 1989
Hatfield said he would like to see this grant used for education
of the community. Goodwin said this money has been earmarked for
enforcement. There are other grants available for education. Sy
Coleman agreed with Hatfield. Coleman said it bothers him to have
the moral leadership of the community having the point men be the
police department. Coleman said if there has been a change in the
community, this should be expressed by the citizens and Council,
not by the police department. Joe Edwards agreed with Hatfield.
Edwards said the drug trade is corrupting the entire structure of
the country. Edwards agreed the solution to the problem is
education of children. Edwards said it has been nice to live in
a community where the underground police versus the citizenry did
not exist.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling announced that the EPA has turned down the
proposed Two Forks Dam. Mayor Stirling said Council was unanimous
in it's objections to the Two Forks project and wrote letters
opposing it.
2. Mayor Stirling urged Council to consider legislation that
would ban the sale of furs in Aspen. Mayor Stirling requested the
city attorney explore this legislation. Mayor Stirling said there
is no way for the city to enforce the current legislation, which
bans the sale of furs trapped with steel leg hold traps.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city attorney to research this
and bring a report back no later than April 24; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin.
Councilman Isaac said he is concerned about how far this will go,
like leather jackets and leather shoes.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion
carried.
3. Mayor Stirling said there is a request to begin the process
of relocating the city stables. Mayor Stirling said he is
concerned about the sanitation and current condition of the
stables. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell said the request is to
allow the stables to start the process of relocation. Mayor
Stirling requested the staff do a routine inspection of the stables
to see that they meet the health standards. Terry Harp told
Council there is a period between the freeze of winter and the thaw
of spring when it is difficult to clean up. Harp said he is a
little behind time as he has had a problem getting a dump truck.
Harp said he will get it cleaned up this week.
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Reaular Meetina Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
4. Councilwoman Fallin said the city manager requested Council
write letters supporting and opposing some, state legislation.
Councilwoman Fallin requested this be done quickly.
Councilwoman Fallin moved that Council write letters supporting
House Bill 1213, opposing House Bill 1190 and seeking amendments
to House Bill 1299; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
motion carried.
5. Councilman Gassman said the city manager's memo states the
city is limiting the search for a new public works director locally
and looking for a planning director nationally. Councilman Gassman
said Jay Hammond has done a terrific job and will be hard to
replace. Councilman Gassman said there is a clear health effect
which comes from how the public works department is run. Council-
man Gassman suggested this is an influential position. Deputy City
Manager Ron Mitchell said there are very qualified people in the
valley and in city hall that may be applying for the job . Mitchell
said the city manager is trying to expedite the process. Mitchell
said if these applicants do not meet the high standards the city
has, the search will be expanded.
Mayor Stirling said there is a recommendation to appoint a Council
person to serve on the selection committee for a new planning
director. Councilwoman Fallin said she would be willing to serve.
Mayor Stirling nominated Pat Fallin to serve on this committee;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
6. Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, requested Council add
the first reading of an ordinance to enact the annexation of
Centennial/Hunter Creek/Lone Pine. Gannett said this is an
emergency ordinance and will require a second reading this week.
The ordinance will take effect immediately upon second reading.
Mayor Stirling moved to add Ordinance #15, Series of 1989, as
action item VIII(e) for first reading; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
7. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell requested that golf course
parking lot bids be added to the consent agenda. Mitchell told
Council the bids are within budget. Mayor Stirling said Council
had a meeting with the highway department last week. The highway
department said one of their earliest priorities is a new link
across the Maroon canyon. Mayor Stirling said before the city
spends $10 0 , 0 0 0 , they need to know when the parking 1 of may be torn
up. Bill Efting, leisure services department, said to get the
contractors for this spring, this project is overdue. Mitchell
said staff will contact the highway department to see if they have
preliminary plans.
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Re ular Meetin As en Cit Council March 27 1989
8. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell requested Council add to the
consent agenda Terry Harp's request to be able to start the
application for moving the stable.
9. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell said there is concern from
the lessee's about when the pay the mall leases, whether it is the
1st or 15th. Mitchell recommended this be left to the discretion
of administration for each individual lease.
Councilman Tuite moved to approve the consent calendar as amended;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. The consent calendar is
A. Deferred Compensation Contribution of Overtime
B. Hotel Aspen Amendment to Condominium Plat
C. Callahan Plat Amendment
D. Minutes - March 13, 1989
E. WAPA Power Contract Amendment; Resolution #13, 1989
F. Liquor License Transfers - (1) The Hickory House;
(2) Espana
G. Liquor License Renewals - Tenth Hole Bar & Grill;
Asia
H. Mall Leases
I. City Stables Relocation Process
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 1989 - Ballot Questions
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to approve question #1, limiting Council
to not more than 2 four-year terms; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
Joe Edwards said this is a good idea and is healthier for the
process. Chris said he feels there is a strong awareness in the
community and if people are willing to serve more than 8 years,
they are bring in a wealth to the community. Chris said it should
not be restricted. Councilman Gassman said making this a statutory
requirement takes responsibility away from the electors. Council-
man Isaac said although he is opposed to this issue, it did go to
a county vote and was passed.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman and Mayor
Stirling. Motion carried.
Fred Gannett, city attorney's office, told Council there are two
questions in a separate resolution, one changing the amount of bond
for the Red Roof Inns question, and a Charter amendment initiated
by petition. Gannett told Council he feels these can all be added
to the ordinance, rather than have an ordinance and resolution.
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Reaular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27. 1989
Mayor Stirling moved to include the Red Roof Inns question in
Ordinance ##4 ; seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion
carried.
Question #2 is the issuance of a general obligation bond not to
exceed $4,600,000 for the purpose of renovation of that property
formerly known as the Red Roof Inn for employee/MAA housing
purposes and reimbursing the city for previous capital expendi-
tures. Mayor Stirling said the costs have gone from $2,700,000 to
$4,600,000. The construction costs have increased from $78 per
square foot to $95. The rents will be increased to $275.
Jim Adamski, housing office, told Council this project is still in
the planning process. The earlier figures were based on models
only. Adamski told Council there is a task force made up of
interested citizens working on this project. Adamski said one of
the assumptions was there would be two people to a room. Adamski
said people are interested in privacy and sharing common areas.
Adamski told Council the number of people housed has gone down and
the square footage has gone up. Adamski said this will be a much
better project .
Adamski said the cost of $4,600,000 also covers $400,000 of
rehabilitation to the existing structure and $1,000,000 to pay the
city. The actual construction costs, less the tap fee, are about
$80 per square foot. Adamski said staff intends to keep the
project below $4,600,000; however, all the costs are not set.
Adamski said there will be 92 rooms in the addition. Adamski told
Council the sewer and plumbing at the Red Roofs will have to be
upgraded. The roof needs work. Adamski said most of the improve-
ments are health and safety related.
Dick Butera said there is also $1,000,000 in the Red Roof that the
city could get from selling the property, which makes the total
value of the project $5,600,000. Butera said the city would be
paying $60,000 for each person to sleep there. Butera told Council
he houses employees for $19,000 each. Butera urged Council to
think about a philosophical change in housing employees. Adamski
said there will be 142 employees housed in the winter in the
addition and 100 in the existing building. Bil Dunaway said 500
square feet is larger than many studios in town and people living
alone would be content with smaller units.
Councilwoman Fallin asked how the housing authority become the
developer rather than the catalyst to bring in the private sector.
Adamski said no private sector has come in on the Red Roof.
Adamski told Council the reason the project works is the 7.7
percent financing. The city cannot finance a general obligation
bond and give it to the private sector to own. Adamski said the
private sector will design, build and possibly operate the project.
The ownership has to lay with the city if this type of bond is
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
used. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell reminded Council they
directed the housing authority to come forward with a proposal to
develop employee housing at the Red Roof.
Jon Mulford, PCPA, told Council they support the Red Roof employee
housing project and support the issuance of the bonds. Mulford
questioned whether this is still going to be an M.A.A. project or
is going to benefit other sectors of the community. Mulford said
there is a bond counsel opinion that no long term rental agreement
should be entered into with the M.A.A. Mulford asked that Council
consider reimbursing the sixth penny 1 and fund for the value of the
land used for this project. Adamski said using this financing, the
city cannot lease to a private company. Gannett said a private
entity is where more than 10 percent of the bond annually or over
the life of the bond is secured by a long term lease.
Steve Knous, M.A.A. told Council they plan to use the Red Roof as
an interim measure for their students. If and when Marolt is
developed, they will move the younger students there. Knous said
they will still use as much of the Red Roof as they can. Adamski
said this project is designed to be flexible and the apartments can
be converted to two-bedroom apartments. Dick Butera said he is not
sure it is the obligation of homeowners to finance businesses'
employees. Councilman Tuite said if this is done properly, it
should not cost the taxpayers any money. The city is issuing a
general obligation bond to be paid back out of rents generated.
Councilman Isaac said he feels it would be helpful before the
election to have a study session and go over this proposal and see
if the cost of the bonds can be reduced. Mitchell said the
$4,600,000 is a maximum., Mitchell said in the process of
approving the development is when Council will hone down the
specifics. Adamski said the staff, task force and housing
authority are trying to create affordable housing in a quality
project. Adamski said staff will be looking at reducing the size
as much as possible.
Councilman Tuite moved to approve ballot question #2 issuing
$4, 600, 000 general obligation bonds for the Red Roof Inns; seconded
by Councilman Isaac.
Councilwoman Fallin said the city needs to have a public meeting
on this project; what the city is getting and what it will be for.
Councilwoman Fallin said at the election last summer, the voter
voted on this question thinking they were helping the M.A.A. with
their housing shortage. Councilwoman Fallin said the city should
find out exactly how much this is going to cost and what the
project will look like. Councilwoman Fallin said the project
cannot keep changing. Councilman Gassman said this seems to have
shifted from being primarily M.A.A. non-profit housing to being
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
just employee housing. Councilman Gassman said as that happens,
he questions how much the taxpayers want to subsidize the busi-
nesses. Councilman Gassman said at the same time the project has
gotten bigger and more expensive.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion
carried.
Council scheduled a work session on the employee housing projects
at the Red Roof and Marolt property for April 17 at 5:00.
Ballot question #3 is a proposal to use a portion of the Marolt
property for M.A.A. employee housing purposes. Mayor Stirling
asked if it would make more sense to have this proposal more
definite before the question goes to the voters. Steve Knous,
M.A.A., told Council they would like to get the question approved
and the dispute over the legal description cleared up before going
through the whole process.. Knous said the M.A.A. is very suppor-
tive of the Red Roof in and will use it to the extent they can.
Knous said the M.A.A. has a need for almost 1400 beds. The Red
Roof Inns can only supply 300. Knous said the M.A.A. looks at the
Marolt project as the jewel of the long term housing. Knous said
the Marolt is a good location; it is close to the M.A.A. campus and
is close to town. The bus service is a lot better in this
location.
Don Ensign, Design Workshop, presented a map indicating the history
of what has been requested for this project. Ensign pointed out
the 10 acres on the initial ballot question, the 8.5 acres the
M.A.A. originally intended, and the 6.9 acres they would like to
use. Ensign showed lot 1, initially approved in the Marolt
project. Ensign said the M.A.A. feels comfortable with the 6.9
acres but is not prepared to say exactly how much land they will
need. Ensign said this site is the least visible and the furthest
from highway 82.
Ensign said the conceptual design is for 300 beds in 50 units with
4 pods per units; one pod will be a living unit. There will be
some common areas for practice, laundry, and television. Ensign
said there will be a cafeteria of about 60, 000 square feet. Ensign
said they are planning .3 cars for music students and .6 cars for
winter residents, which is consistent with the Red Roof program.
Ensign said they are looking for an area off site to put cars.
Ensign told Council the M.A.A. has housing secured through this
season. Beyond that there is no security. Ensign as housing gets
more expensive, fewer students can come for the summer season. The
key intent in this proposal is to secure housing for the M.A.A. in
perpetuity.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
Jon Mulford, PCPA, told Council they have met with the M.A.A. and
are getting closer in terms of the parcel that may be used.
Mulford said the PCPA is concerned that in this area there is the
proposed M.A.A. project, the Castle Ridge housing, a new human
services building, assisted living facilities, and employee housing
for the housing. Mulford suggested overall planning for this area
is needed and delaying this decision until the overall plan has
been done. Mulford said in the original Marolt plat there was open
space dedicated in perpetuity. Lot 1 was dedicated for 70 units
of employee housing in the original plan. Mulford said the PCPA
feels the open space can be preserved and a project designed for
lot 1 which is not restricted to open space. Mulford said the
PCPA is recommending that lot 1 be the question on the ballot.
Joe Edwards said in the proposed Meadows plan, the race track is
proposed open space. Edwards said the race track is more than this
acreage. Edwards said the city bought the Marolt property in order
to prevent development and to preserve the entrance to town.
Edwards said this development is proposed on open space which
residents see daily as the entrance to town. Edwards said the race
track at the Meadows is a better location for a campus for the
M.A.A. Al Blomquist said this project and that at the Red Roof
will have 600 beds with no market analysis to know whether the city
needs 600 beds for the winter employees. Blomquist said this
should be taken off the ballot while planning for the whole area
is done.
Mulford said the PCPA feels the sixth penny land fund should be
reimbursed if this parcel is used for housing. Mulford said there
is some doubt that this project may have financing problems and
might not meet the long term needs of the M.A.A. Rachel Richards
said the Marolt property has the same value as the gateway to Aspen
as Stillwater east of town. Ms. Richards said there is a need for
employee housing but this type of dormitory housing may not be
meeting the needs of locals. Ms. Richards said the highway will
take a major swath through this property. Ms. Richards said the
M.A.A. will only be using this project 20 percent of the year, the
rest will be a subsidy for private developers.
Ed Zasacky questioned how much the community owes the M.A.A. when
they are only using this a small part of the year. Zasacky said
it is premature to put this on the ballot. Hal Clark said one of
the major reasons the Marolt property was purchased was to try and
reduce the congestion at the entrance to town. Clark agreed that
the major users of this site will be the businesses in town and
questioned subsidizing $4,000,000 to that program. Clark said this
will not be a benefit to existing employees but will be a major
benefit to employers. Clark said existing employees will have to
move out of the units in the summer.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
Knous said the longer the M.A.A. has to wait, the more in jeopardy
their housing situation becomes. Butera said the County Commis-
sioners have tried to protect the entrance to Aspen. There will
now be 3 violations of this, including the Red Roof and this
project. Bil Dunaway said the voters supported this question last
August. This is the least visible site on the Marolt property.
Dunaway said it would be remiss not to get this on the ballot and
clear up the technical difficulties created by the Pitkin County
Parks Association.
Councilman Isaac moved to put question #3 on the ballot as amended
with 6.9 acres with a metes and bounds description; seconded by
Councilwoman Fallin.
Mayor Stirling said last August the voters supported this on 10
acres. Mayor Stirling said the future of the M.A.A. was in
jeopardy. Mayor Stirling said it is important to view the entire
town as a campus and to stabilize housing for the M.A.A. and for
the employees. Councilman Tuite said there has been a lot of
negativism in this meeting. Councilman Tuite said the town needs
the M.A.A. Councilwoman Fallin said this was approved last August
by the voters and it is only by a legal fluke that it has to be on
the ballot again. Councilwoman Fallin said it would be wrong not
to place this on the May ballot. Councilman Gassman said he has
not changed his opposition to this but supports putting it on the
ballot because it passed the first time. Gannett said he will have
a small map printed as part of the question.
All in favor, motion carried.
Question #4 is a real estate transfer tax at 5 percent over a 10
year length, declining 1 percent every two years. The tax is
designated for the purchase of sites to be used as employee
housing, to buy existing structures for employee housing and to
repay the land fund for open space used as employee housing. Mayor
Stirling said this would apply to all sales in the city with the
exception of the those transactions exempted on the current real
estate transfer tax. Alan Blomquist urged Council put in an
exemption on the first $100,000 as an incentive for lower cost
housing and to recognize the purpose is to improve employee
housing.
Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell said the exemption for the first
$100,000 would exempt time share sales. Mitchell said if the city
is trying to exempt deed restricted units, it would be more
effective to specifically exempt those. Blomquist said in time
share, the city should require that the price paid be annualized.
Dick Butera said this is the highest transfer tax in the country.
Butera said the only persons who will not get hurt by this type of
tax are the speculators. Butera said this will penalize 2 or 3
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
percent of the population to the detriment of the rest. Butera
said these people did not cause the employee housing problem.
Butera said this tax is very regressive.
Jim Adamski, housing office, said the owners of deed restricted
units should not be penalized. Butera said there are a lot of
people who live in units which are not deed restricted. Bil
Dunaway asked if the reductions start after the ordinance is
adopted or does it pertain to ownership in the past. Gannett said
after the effective date of the ordinance, the predecessors in
title's interest will be examined. If it has been held for 10 or
more years, there is no cost to the buyer.
Rachel Richards said if the nature of this tax is to discourage
speculation and to force speculation to pay for development costs,
that is fine. If it is a mechanism to raise revenues, it is an
inequitable way to raise revenues. Ms. Richards said a true anti-
speculation tax should be 30 or 40 percent on the capital gains.
Ms. Richards said a tax like this might force a lot of convoluted
real estate deals. Ms. Richards said this tax might restrict the
flow of low income units in the market. Mary Martin said she is
opposed to this tax because it is inequitable. Ms. Martin
suggested the city go to the businesses in town and have them
contribute to an employee housing pool.
Tom Oken, representing the Commissioners, told Council the county
supports going forward with the real estate transfer tax proposal.
Perry Harvey asked if there is a review period on this tax.
Mitchell said Council could eliminate this tax. Harvey asked if
this applies to properties already under contract. Gannett said
the tax is due at closing. Harvey said people have made commit-
ments for property that may not close until after this tax is in
effect. Rick Neiley said he feels this tax is too long and would
have an inequitable effect on some segment.
Butera said tax questions on ballots have lost in the past because
there is no plan. Butera said this tax would be raising a nebulous
amount of money for a nebulous purpose. Butera said this tax is
not calculable. Hal Clark said the PCPA supports some kind of real
estate transfer tax and encourages exemptions for $100,000 or deed
restricted units. Clark urged Council to have a lower tax with an
exemption.
Councilwoman Fallin said she is concerned about pressure being put
on houses owned over 10 years . Councilman Tuite agreed if this tax
is too excessive, it will fail. Councilman Tuite said he feels 5
percent is too much and 10 years is too long. Councilman Tuite
said any one who owns their home for 5 years has not been in a
speculative market. Councilman Tuite said he would like to see an
exemption for deed restriction units and for the f first $100,000.
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Reaula_r Meetina Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
Councilman Tuite said the tax should be 2.5 percent, decreasing 1/2
percent per year and the tax is eliminated after 5 years.
Councilman Gassman said he does not feel this tax will have any
effect on speculation. Councilman Gassman said he cannot under-
stand why there should be a declining rate. If the city is going
to raise money through a real estate sales tax, it should be a flat
rate. Councilman Gassman said the exemption should be between
$250,000 to $300,000.
Mayor Stirling said a lot is going on in the city and county to try
and respond to the housing challenge. There are proposals for the
Red Roof, Marolt and at the hospital. The city has amended the
land use code and is talking about zoning relief for PMH projects.
Mayor Stirling said the city should address what they want to
achieve with this tax . The city does not have a source to purchase
units or land for employee housing, and the purpose of this tax is
to buy site or buildings and to repay open space funds. Mayor
Stirling said this is an unreliable tax and the city cannot bond
against it. Mayor Stirling said this will protect open space. If
the tax is not too high, it will not effect the market. Mayor
Stirling said he would agree with exemptions for deed restricted
units and/or $100,000, not more than 2.5 percent and a limit of 5
years.
Councilman Tuite moved the tax be 5 years; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Tuite moved that the tax be 2.5 percent, reduced 1/2
percent per year; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, with
the exception of Councilmembers Fallin and Gassman. Motion
carried.
Councilman Isaac moved to exempt deed restricted employee housing;
seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to exemption the first $100,000 of every
transaction excepting time share; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Isaac and
Gassman. Motion carried.
Councilman Isaac moved to place
transfer tax as amended on the
Tuite. All in favor, with the
Motion carried.
ballot question #4, real estate
ballot; seconded by Councilman
exception of Councilman Gassman.
Question number 5 is the lease to the Historical Society for the
barn on the Marolt property. Rick Newton, representing the Aspen
Historical Society, requested Council put this on the ballot.
Newton said the Historical Society has done a lot of work in trying
12
Regular Meeting Ashen City Council March 27, 1989
to save the structure and use the open space as a historical park.
Newton said they are not advocating changing the exterior grounds.
Newton said they feel the proposed use of the building will
generate a lot of community interest. Graeme Means said this is
not an illegitimate use of open space. Means said this building
should be open and accessible to people.
Jon Mulford told Council the PCPA voted to support this proposal.
Sy Coleman asked if there couldn't be an arrangement other than a
75 year lease to encourage the Historical Society to restore the
facility. Means said the 1.9 acres encompasses the barns and
ground associated with it. Means said the Historical Society is
willing to look at less than 1.9 acres but they feel the yard
should be included. Newton told Council the only access will be
across the Marolt bridge. There will be no motorized access except
to get exhibits in or out. Andy Bigford asked where this area
falls on the 1981 Marolt plat. Fred Gannett said this is all
within lot 2. Newton told Council most of the exhibits will be
inside the building; there will be some equipment on display
outside. The small building will be used as a shop to restore the
equipment.
Councilman Isaac moved to place question #5 on the ballot; seconded
by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved not to place question #6 regarding the city
hall annex on the ballot; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in
favor, motion carried.
Councilman Isaac requested Council schedule a study session to
address the space issue of the existing city hall.
Councilman Tuite moved to place question #7, the issue of fluorid-
ating the city's water on the ballot; seconded by Mayor Stirling.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion
carried.
Mayor Stirling moved not to place either highway question on the
ballot; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion
carried. Mayor Stirling said the EIS will not be completed until
either May or June and Council may schedule a special election in
the summer for this issue so the voters can give their preference
and have it go into the final EIS.
Mayor Stirling said the final issue is a Charter amendment petition
from Mary Martin to change the municipal elections from spring to
fall.
Councilman Tuite moved to place the issue on the ballot; seconded
by Councilman Isaac.
13
Re ular Meetin As en Cit Council March 27 1989
Mayor Stirling said Mary Martin has been working with the city
attorney's office to come up with some language to solve the
problems in this question. Fred Gannett, city attorney's office,
told Council the way the language has been structured, this
question would not effect the candidates in this May election nor
would it effect the terms of the two existing Councilmembers.
Gannett said this Charter amendment, if passed, would take effect
at a general election in November 1990. The terms would take
effect June 1, 1991, so that all presently elected people would
fill their terms. This would keep the cycles of the staggered
system in tact.
Mary Martin told Council this petition is from the People's Rights
Organization. Councilman Isaac said the people who are elected in
November 1990 will not serve for six months. Gannett said you
cannot infringe on the terms of presently elected parties. Gannett
said the way to do this is put up an election where notice is given
to all candidates that their terms may be abbreviated so that all
candidates and voters know what the length of the term will be.
Councilwoman Fallin said when she was president of the League of
Women Voters, the then Council requested they study whether it
would be of greater benefit to the people to hold the election in
November as opposed to May. Councilwoman Fallin said they found
the date of the election had no bearing on the turn out; it was the
issues . The smallest turn out was in February and the largest turn
out was in the end of April. Councilwoman Fallin said the
percentage of voters voting in the city election was about equal
to the percentage of voters voting in the general election in the
county. Councilwoman Fallin said the LWV recommended there be no
change in the election date because this allowed the city to focus
on their own issues without those being obscured by national, state
and county issues.
Mayor Stirling said he likes the municipal elections because they
are short and are not mixed up with state, federal and county
issues. Mayor Stirling said he opposes this issue. Councilmembers
Isaac and Gassman agreed. Councilman Gassman said he thought this
petition was too late to get on the ballot. Mayor Stirling said
the city was at fault in the information given out, and in light
of that he will support putting it on the ballot.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion
carried.
Robert Christiansen requested the fluoride question be changed from
"potable water system" to "public water supply". Council agreed
with that change.
14
Reaular_Meetina Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #4 , Series of 1989 , on
second reading as amended; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call
vote; Councilmembers Isaac, yes; Tuite, yes; Fallin, yes; Gassman,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #6. SERIES OF 1989 - Technical Code Amendments
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #6, Series of 1989,
on second reading, as amended; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Alan Richman, planning director, told Council minor changes have
been made to the ordinance which were discussed at the last public
hearing. Richman said a new item #24 states that parking is set
by special review for residential for affordable housing.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Tuite, Yes; Gassman, yes; Fallin,
yes; Isaac, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
LEASE AGREEMENT - Marolt Barn
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the Marolt Barn lease agreement
until after the May 2nd election; seconded by Councilman Isaac.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #7, SERIES OF 1989 - Substantive Code Amendments
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Alan Richman, planning director, said the alternative ,in the
ordinance currently is that duplexes are a conditional use in RMF,
office and C-1 zone districts. Richman said at the last meeting,
Council discussed how good a tool is conditional use. Richman said
the conditional use may not be a good tool. The compatibility
criteria with the existing mix of uses and architecture, almost
anything can be found compatible. Richman said if affordable
housing is Council's goal; conditional use is the wrong tool.
Richman said an alternative is prohibiting duplexes. This will not
provide affordable housing and will create non-conforming uses.
Richman said this is not a problem in C-1, where there is only 1
duplex; however, it would be a problem in office and RMF.
Another alternative is to keep duplexes as permitted uses but
requiring one of the two units to be a deed restricted unit.
Richman recommended a deed restriction to middle income guidelines.
Richman said this addresses the affordable housing issue and may
also do something for the scale issue. The last alternative is to
15
Reaular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
require duplexes to compete in the GMQS . Richman said this may not
be a good solution as duplexes may not be able to complete
effectively. It is a major review burden but will deal with
affordable housing and neighborhood compatibility. Richman
suggested in the C-1 is to prohibit duplexes and for office and RMF
allow duplexes but requiring that one unit be an affordable housing
unit.
Councilman Gassman said he likes the suggestion. Councilwoman
Fallin stated she opposes duplexes in the C-1 zone as she does not
want to see any more erosion of the zone which is to provide local
services. Councilwoman Fallin said the problem with allowing
duplexes with an affordable housing unit is it does not address the
compatibility with the neighborhood. Richman agreed it will not
get to that level. Richman said the allowable FAR in the RMF and
office zone is .6:1, which will make the duplexes in scale with the
surrounding neighborhood.
Mayor Stirling moved to prohibit duplexes in the C-1 zone and in
the office and RMF zone require that any duplexes require the
second unit be deed restricted; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Rick Neiley said in the RMF zone a person can build a single family
dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit and questioned why anyone
would build a duplex that had to be deed restricted. Richman said
that applies to more than just the RMF. Richman said this is an
intent to narrow the range of options in the RMF so that it is used
for multi-family housing. Richman said people would build duplexes
because they get a higher FAR. Richman said he does not feel that
middle income units are a complete loss.
All in favor, motion carried.
Richman said the next issue is the FAR bonus in the RMF zone. Rick
Neiley said one of the ways the city can mitigate the burden of
providing affordable housing is with the FAR increase. Neiley said
the Valley High property could remodel and upgrade and remove the
existing units from the employee market place. Neiley said they
would prefer to demolish the building and have a project that makes
sense for both the free market and affordable housing. Neiley said
this ordinance would require them to apply a substantial portion
of the FAR to affordable housing. Neiley proposed a 15 percent FAR
increase, which for the Valley High represents less than 2,000
square feet, and 100 percent of the FAR bonus would be used for
affordable housing. Neiley said this ordinance proposes a 10
percent FAR increase and 2/3 of that would have to be used to
increase the size of affordable housing units. Neiley said he does
not feel this FAR increase proposal will be used by anyone.
16
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 27, 1989
Neiley said there is no economic way to contribute 2/3 of the FAR
increase to affordable housing and 1/3 to free msaid the only way
to be able to get a return on your money. Neil y
the city is going to see any development of affordable housing in
the RMF district is to give some incentive. Currently there is no
incentive for redevelopment which would result i an FAR bonuslthat
housing. Richman said the city should not adopt
is not going to work. Richman said he does not feel more FAR is
needed in the city's neighborhoods right now. Richman said
Neiley's proposal of 100 percent of the FAR bonus being used for
affordable housing units means that 100 percent of the 1:1 will be
used for free market units. Richman told Council P & Z's proposal
is that a person has to provide affordable housing on site and it
is part of the 1:1 FAR; the bonus is used to increase the size of
affordable housing units, not meet the minimum requirements.
Richman said every square foot of residential space allowed in
money in the developers pocket, which outweighs the $60 per square
foot for affordable housing. Richman said the low income units is
only when a developer takes down a certain amount of units and
builds back less than half of that number. Richman said if the
1.1:1 does not work, he would be inclined not to support a bonus
at all.
Mayor Stirling moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting
for 10 minutes; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, with
the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved that this stay as it has been presented by
P & Z; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor, motion
carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the public hearing on Ordinance
#7, 1989, to April 3, 1989, at 6:30 p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman
Fallin. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the public hearings on Ordinances
8 , 10 , 13 , and 14 to April 3 , 1989 ,, at 6 : 3 0 ; seconded by Councilman
Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #15, SERIES OF 1989 - Centennial/Hunter Creek Annexation
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #15, Series of 1989;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #15
(Series of 1989)
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE ANNEXING TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF
ASPEN AS REFERRED TO AND DESCRIBED IN THE PETITION FOR
ANNEXATION ELECTION TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF ASPEN
17
Re ular Meetin As en Cit Council March 27 1989
CERTIFIED BY THE CITY CLERK
KNOWN AS CENTENNIAL/HUNTER
the city clerk
ON JANUARY 23, 1989, COMMONLY
CREEK/LONE PINE was read by
Councilwoman Fallin moved to adopt Ordinance #15, Series of 1989,
on f first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Isaac, yes; Fallin, yes;
Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the meeting to Wednesday, March
29, 1989,m at 5:00 p.m. in order to have final consideration of
Ordinance #15; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor,
motion carried.
PARKING STRUCTURE BID AWARD
Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell told Council staff met with the
two low bidders, negotiated with them and got them to come up with
some ways of lowering the costs . Mitchell told Council PCL was the
low bidder at $5,464,230. Mitchell requested Council approve that
and approve negotiating a contract with PCL and authorizing the
Mayor to sign the contract subject to the city attorney's final
approval.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve negotiations of contract with
PCL; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilwoman Fallin asked if the items taken out of the contract
will degrade the project. Mitchell said on April 3 he will have
the design consultant go over the changes with Council. Mitchell
said none of the changes will effect the representations made to
the community about the design or visual effects of the parking
structure. The changes are internal. Councilman Gassman said
reducing landscaping is a change. Mitchell said this is in minor
sizing, not in numbers. Mayor Stirling said reducing the number
of light fixtures is a safety factor.
All in favor, motion carried.
GOLF COURSE PARKING LOT BIDS
Mayor Stirling said his concern about this is putting $100, 000 into
the parking lot and then have the highway go through this parcel.
Mayor Stirling said this money may be better spent on the golf
course itself. Deputy City Manager Ron Mitchell reminded Council
the parking lot has been one of the biggest complaints for years.
The parking lot creates a lot of dust. Mitchell suggested staff
find out where the highway department plans on putting the road.
Mayor Stirling suggested chipping and sealing the parking lot to
reduce the dust. Mitchell said this project might be scaled down.
18
Re ular Meetin As en Cit Council March 27 1989
Mayor Stirling moved to direct staff to consult with the highway
department to find out as much as possible about the alignment of
the bridge, come back with a reduced proposal, and also consider
ship and seal; seconded by Councilwoman Fallin. All in favor,
motion carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to continue the meeting to March 29, 1989, at
5:00 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion
carried. Council left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Kathryn Koc City Clerk
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