HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19900122Aspen City Council Regular Meetinct January 22, 1990
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CONSENT AGENDA 3
ORDINANCE #68, SERIES OF 1989 - Zoline Lease 4
ELECTION ISSUES INFORMATION 6
SRM CONTRACT/JIM KENT - NEPA Consultation 6
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR O'BLOCK APPLICATION 7
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST - Collins Block 8
ORDINANCE #2, SERIES OF 1990 - Enhanced 911 System 9
ORDINANCE #3, SERIES OF 1990 - Modification of Electrical
Code 11
CAPITAL WATER PROJECTS AGREEMENTS 11
ORDINANCE #7, SERIES OF 1990 - West Reds Road Homeowners 13
ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 1990 - Water Agreements Wexner 14
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 1990 - Water Agreement Aspen Butter-
milk Associates 14
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 1990 - Water Agreement Maroon Creek
Development 14
SCHEDULE COMMISSION INTERVIEWS 15
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY CONTRACT and ADVISORY COMMITTEE 15
RESOLUTION #6, SERIES OF 1990 - Affordable Housing Con-
tracts 16
ASPEN MOUNTAIN LODGE ISSUES 18
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Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with
Councilmembers Tuite, Crockett, Peters and Gassman present.
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1. Lynn Levinson told Council she got a call from a friend who
had been watching a television show, Hard Copy, in which Councilman
Crockett called tourists who come to Aspen parasites. Ms. Levinson
said many people make their living from the tourists who come to
this town. Ms. Levinson said she was upset over this comment.
Councilman Crockett said he did not see the program and cannot
respond. Mayor Stirling suggested Councilman Crockett investigate
this and respond to citizens individually.
2. Bob Walker, representing the Pitkin County Builders Associa-
tion, told Council on December 19, the city P & Z recommended that
five articles in the city land use code not be deleted. Walker
said he thought this was on tonight's Council meeting and asked
what happened to it. Amy Margerum, planning director, told Council
it is still in the planning office works and will be brought
forward to Council.
3. Terri Hart, Pitkin County Wildlife Committee, told Council
they have a request for funds and would like to be added to
Council's agenda. Ms. Hart said the urgency of this request is
that a biologist has been hired. There are current development
pressures. The committee is concerned if they do not begin the
research during this winter season, the opportunities will not be
available.
Mayor Stirling moved to put this on the February 12 agenda;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Guy Gervais, Lazy Glen homeowner, thanked the 3 Councilmembers
who showed up at the housing authority meeting. Gervais said he
will keep Council apprised of developments at Lazy Glen.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Gassman asked for a report on the housing
authority's actions regarding Snowmass. Jim Adamski, housing
authority, told Council they are set up as a multi-jurisdictional
authority, and this enabled them to assist in the funding of sales
and rental projects. Adamski told Council the Snowmass housing
authority approached them to do financing for them of 37 units of
sales in Snowmass. Adamski said the housing authority will have
fiduciary authority and will float the bonds for this project.
Councilman Tuite said he is concerned that they are giving
preference to people who work in Snowmass. Adamski said the first
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Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
preference for the first month is to give preference to Snowmass
employees. Councilman Tuite said he would like to see all
employees treated fairly. Councilman Gassman said he housing
authority is just beginning to talk about the annual guidelines and
he will take Council's concern to the housing authority.
2. Councilman Peters said the initial numbers for the Marolt
ranch financing have come in higher than anticipated. Councilman
Peters said the housing office is trying to preserve the quality
of the project and cut back on the cost. Councilman Peters said
the M.A.A. has tendered a letter on how they might want to par-
ticipate in the project. Councilman Peters said he would like to
gather all the data and have a Council work session after the next
Council meeting.
3. Mayor Stirling said there is a formal written draft Meadows
master plan available at Design Workshop. Council has a work
session January 24 at 5 p.m. on the Meadows.
4. Mayor Stirling said the scattered site affordable housing will
have its first public hearing January 29 at 5 p.m.
5. Mayor Stirling told Council he has discussed the city manager
search with the Jim Mercer. Mercer has requested Council have an
executive session to go over the characteristics Council would like
to see in a city manager. Councilman Peters said if Council is
discussing names of applicants, he would prefer to have this in an
executive session.
Councilman Gassman moved to schedule an executive session February
1 at noon to discuss city manager applications; seconded by
Councilman Crockett. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor
Stirling. Motion carried.
Phoebe Ryerson told Council the Institute people have said they
will make contract for one year only and if the consortium and
Hadid were not given the right to continue, they will take the
Institute to Wye Plantation.
6. Mayor Stirling said Winterskol week went very well and the
events were successful.
7. Bill Efting, acting city manager, requested information item
(c) Pedestrian walkway plan contract/advisory committee, be moved
to the action items. Councilman Tuite moved to move information
item (c) to action item (m); seconded by Councilman Crockett. All
in favor, motion carried.
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
8. Bill Efting, acting city manager, told Council at the CAST
legislative tour the major topic of discussion was the skier
liability bill.
9. Bill Efting told Council the group from the comedy festival
is requesting an ice sculpture across from the Wheeler. Efting
said this group is willing to pay for it, but they want the city
build the box and fill it with snow. Efting said this will cost
about $1,000. Efting said this will be 16 feet across. Staff is
worried about the liability around the ice sculpture. Councilman
Gassman said, depending on the subject matter of the sculpture, if
this group is willing to pay the city's cost, he will leave it up
to the manager and the parks department to make sure this is not
going to create any problems. Council agreed.
10. Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, requested agenda time
to address two affordable housing items her office has been working
on and has under contract.
Councilman Peters moved to add these to the agenda as action item
(n); seconded by Councilman Crockett. All in favor, motion
carried.
11. Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, reminded Council they
have approved resolution #46, which authorized the continuation of
work permitted on the Aspen Mountain PUD but not the processing of
any further applications. Ms. Stuller said 3 issues have arisen
that she would like Council's approval on. One issue is a request
from the director of public works who is responding to a request
from the construction company to reduce the escrow for the
landscaping work done on Galena place, which is completed. The
second request is for staff to process and approve a condominium
plat for Galena place. Ms. Stuller told council this was given a
subdivision exemption earlier by Council. The third issue is that
one escrow agreement expired on January 19. The applicants have
tendered a proposal to substitute $800,000 in cash in lieu of a
letter of credit.
Mayor Stirling moved to add these three items as action item (o);
seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
12. Bill Efting, acting city manager, reminded Council they have
scheduled a work session on council goals and on the city's
transportation program February 19 at 5 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Peters excused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Councilman Gassman moved to approve the consent calendar as
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Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
presented; seconded by Councilman Crockett. The consent calendar
is
A. Minutes - December 19, 1989; January 8, 1990
B. Liquor License Renewals - Sardy House; Hotel Lenado
C. Liquor License Transfer - Hotel Jerome
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #68, SERIES OF 1989 - Zoline Lease
Councilman Gassman moved to read Ordinance #68, Series of 1989;
seconded by Councilman Crockett. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #68
(Series of 1989)
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ASPEN AND THE MAROON CREEK
DEVELOPMENT CORP. SETTING FORTH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR THE LONG-TERM LEASING OF THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN
AS THE ZOLINE PROPERTY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
OF A GOLF COURSE was read by the city clerk
Councilman Gassman moved to adopt Ordinance #68, Series of 1989,
on first reading.
Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, asked for Council's under-
standing on the $50,000 a year option and whether it was a credit
against the lease payment or over and above. Councilman Peters
said he thought it was a credit against the lease payment; Council-
man Gassman and Mayor Stirling agreed it was a credit against the
lease payment. Mayor Stirling said this was to be non-refundable.
Ms. Stuller pointed out that the trails use is secondary to the
golf course use. Ms. Stuller said there is a new provision in the
lease, which is an obligation for the city to provide treated water
in the event the irrigation waters are insufficient. Ms. Stuller
pointed out later on the agenda is a separate contract for the city
to provide water to the project. Ms. Stuller suggested this be
included in the water contract rather than the lease. Andy Hecht,
representing the applicant, said that is fine.
Ms . Stuller pointed out in the right to terminate, the lease is for
100 years and the payout on the note is 10 years. Ms. Stuller said
the understanding is if any of the things outlined in the lease
happen after the 10 year period, the city does not get a refund.
Hecht agreed. Ms. Stuller said she would like the lease recorded.
Hecht agreed.
Andy Hecht said in the public use section of the lease, the golf
course will be available to non-members who are employed a minimum
of 30 hours a week, over 60 years and full time residents or full
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
time students. Hecht said the applicants would like to enable the
public to use the course from the time it is open until noon; 9
a.m. is an artificial time. Council agreed to change it to "course
opening". Mayor Stirling said his notes indicate if there was no
community oriented public event, the public had 100 percent
opportunity to use the golf course in the afternoon. Hecht said
they would agree if there is time available, they can play.
Hecht said the applicants will agree to charge less if carts are
required. Chuck Vidal, representing the applicant, said they feel
on a seasonal basis, play may need to be speeded up. In this
event, they would require golf carts at a lower rate for the
public. Council suggested their golf cart rate be the same as
the municipal course. Vidal agreed. Vidal told Council the
applicants are concerned because of the vertical aspect of this
course that electric carts will not be powerful enough. Vidal said
they would like the option of bringing in a pollution control
standard, so that they are not precluded from looking at other golf
carts. Vidal told Council the applicants have a preference for
electric carts. Hecht said the applicants will agree to have
pollution mitigation acceptable to Council. Council agreed. Vidal
said on the 3 holidays (Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day), the
agreement means for the whole weekend. Vidal said they will
_ clarify this paragraph further. Hecht requested a paragraph if
there is confusion in the lease, the applicants can appeal to the
city manager. Council agreed.
vidal told Council in the construction of the golf course, they
want the ability to be able to move the trails about to accommodate
their design. In this concept, the golf course takes priority.
Vidal said the applicants bear the cost of moving the trails and
making them work. Hecht suggested changing the language to say,
"tenant agrees to link such trails to other trails in the area".
Ms. Stuller said she is concerned the applicants will interfere
with the public's use of the trails. Vidal said the applicants
would not have a problem saying they cannot preclude the prescribed
uses but they do not want them expanded. Hecht agreed that the
water rights are more appropriate in the water agreement.
Mayor Stirling brought up the use of pesticides and pointed out he
has proposed to eliminate all pesticides on the city's golf course.
Hecht told Council he will have to address this in the county
review. Vidal said as part of the detailed submission, they will
submit a herbicide and pesticide program acceptable to the county.
Mayor Stirling asked if the applicants have any idea what the toxic
waste talked about in (m) are. Vidal said the do not know what to
anticipate. Hecht said this will be a very ecologically sensitive
course.
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Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
Roll call vote; Councilmembers crockett, yes; Tuite, yes; Peters,
yes; Gassman, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ELECTION ISSUES INFORMATION
Mayor Stirling said recent litigation indicates Councils cannot use
taxpayers money to be advocates for particular ballot issues;
however, cities can provide objective information for the public.
Councilman Peters said printing the ballot is as far as he would
go. Councilman Crockett said he feels the city should make sure
there is information available to the public; some of these issues
are very complex. Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, said the
Campaign Reform Act authorizes Council to spend public money to
make contributions to dispense balanced information on any issue
of official concern before the electorate.
Councilman Gassman moved to publish the ballot two weeks before the
election in two local newspapers and spend up to $2,000 out of
Council's contingency fund; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in
favor, motion carried.
SRM CONTRACT/JIM KENT - NEPA Consultation
Councilman Peters said this proposal is an outgrowth of the NEPA
seminar given by Jim Kent to Council. Councilman Peters said some
issues raised are there federal monies available for mitigation of
federal permitting in the valley, including highway construction
and skiing. Councilman Peters said there may be a way to expand
Kent's field of expertise into the railroad issue by asking Kent
to help create some down valley consensus. Councilman Peters said
the proposal has a variety of tasks. Councilman Peters said he
would like Kent to concentrate on the availability of federal funds
for constructing a railroad and for helping to create down valley
support for the railroad. Councilman Peters said he feels there
is a need for someone whose sole responsibility is to help facilit-
ate and build a railroad. Councilman Peters said he would like to
pursue the contract and to work with Kent and manage the contract
to develop criteria for performance.
Mayor Stirling asked who are the contributors to the $38,000.
Councilman Peters suggested a split between the city and the
county. Bill Efting, acting city manager, told Council the county
has just said they will not contribute; however, they would be
willing to work with the group as a contact. Councilman Crockett
said involving all interests parties between here and Glenwood
would be a Herculean task. Councilman Crockett said the transpor-
tation issue is the single most critical issue in this valley. The
success of its implementation will hinge on how thorough the
elected officials have been in education and coordination in the
valley.
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Aspen City Council Rectular Meeting January 22, 1990
Councilman Peters said it has been reported that RFTA is going to
ask the three counties in this valley how they want to fund
transportation and if they want to fund it by sales tax. Mayor
Stirling said he is concerned the county is not willing to help
fund this. Mayor Stirling said he is also concerned about the
tasks being very vague and about rumor control system. Mayor
Stirling said he would like a higher level of detail before he acts
on this contract. Councilman Peters said the city should explore
how they are going to work through the Roaring Fork Valley forum.
Councilman Peters said Council should decide what it is interested
in pursuing down valley, and what they want to accomplish.
Councilman Gassman said he feels the NEPA part is worth doing some
research on and going farther. Councilman Gassman said it is hard
from reading the proposal to tell what is going to be done and how
to tell what has been done after it is done. Councilman Gassman
said there are about a dozen agencies in the valley involved in
transportation. To get anything done, it will take a large amount
of coordination. Councilman Gassman said he is not sure the city
should take the lead in coordinating transportation. Councilman
Gassman suggested this coordination and support could develop out
of the Roaring Fork Forum. Mayor Stirling suggested Council go to
the next Roaring Fork Valley forum and explain the city's willing-
ness to be the lead agency and to seek support for the program.
This meeting is February 8, 1990 at 7 p.m.
Councilman Crockett said he feels a sense of urgency in this and
would feel more comfortable if the city hired someone to be
coordinating all the transportation efforts. Mayor Stirling said
there is an interest in bifurcating the tasks between NEPA and the
knowledge Kent can bring to that and the valley wide coordination.
Mayor Stirling said setting goals and measuring them will be an
important part of this. Mayor Stirling requested this be on the
February 12 agenda with more specificity. Jim Kent told Council
he works as a community organizer.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR O'BLOCK APPLICATION
Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, told Council there is a
proposed development on the O'Block property which did not carry
forward an affordable housing. Ms. Stuller said she was requested
to issue an opinion whether or not this applicant has to comply
with new requirements in the land use code and provide affordable
housing. Ms. Stuller told Council said she went through the
history from 1980 to try and determine whether or not it was the
intention of the parties that new employee regulations might apply
in this instance. Ms. Stuller said the legislative history on this
is sketchy. Ms. Stuller told Council she talked to people who were
involved in this, and it is fair to say they did not anticipate
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Ashen Citv Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
employee housing regulations that would require replacement. Ms.
Stuller said it was their understanding that by reason of coopera-
tion of the developer the opportunity would be afforded in the
future for 18 residential units, free of those requirements, even
though that intent is not specified in great detail. Ms. Stuller
said she wanted Council's concurrence on this issue.
Councilman Gassman said he felt since 1980 that this was a lousy
deal, but that is what the deal was. Councilman Crockett agreed
and said he hopes Council learns something from this not to tie
future Council's hands. Councilman Crockett said he sees afford-
able housing being lost because of this prior agreement. Council-
man Crockett said Ms. Stuller's recommendation is a fair one.
Mayor Stirling asked if this uses all the tdr's. Ms. Stuller said
there are two more outstanding.
Councilman Peters said this agreement contemplated the conversion
of Smuggler mobile home park as the employee housing and was the
centerpiece of the deal. Councilman Peters said the only housing
requirements then were contemplated through GMQS and not with any
future subdivision requirement. Councilman Peters said he does not
want to change the deal. Mayor Stirling agreed. Councilman Tuite
pointed out part of the mitigation was the creation of Smuggler
Run, 17 additional employee units. This also saved the 88 existing
units. Councilman Peters pointed out the 10 new units for the
O'Block application will be built on vacant ground rather than
demolishing some existing units. Council agreed with Ms. Stuller's
recommendation.
Leslie Lamont, planning office, told Council this application is
for 10 free market and 4 accessory dwelling units. Ms. Lamont said
an accessory dwelling unit requires a GMQS exemption; however, in
the code the language addresses an accessory unit for a duplex or
single family structure. Ms. Lamont said she does not have the
ability to exempt these accessory dwelling units in a multi-family
structure. Ms. Lamont asked for Council's direction on whether
they want staff to process a code amendment or try and clean up the
existing language. Ms. Lamont recommended a code amendment which
enables staff to process accessory dwelling units in multi-family
buildings.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the planning office to begin to
process a code amendment as referenced above; seconded by Council-
man Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST - Collins Block
Elyse Elliott, engineering department, told Council this is an
encroachment request for an awning over the Collins Block, the old
hardware store. Ms. Elliott told Council this colonnade was built
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
in 1963. This was reviewed by HPC who voted to allow it to remain
even though it is not historical. Ms. Elliott told Council the
trade off might be to provide a storage room for their dumpsters.
Ms. Elliott said there was not a place on site to accommodate this
dumpster; however, there are other buildings in this block owned
by the applicant. Joe Wells, representing the applicant, told
Council HPC felt very strongly the colonnade should remain on the
building. Wells said this encroachment request for is a building
under permit which has no alley frontage. Wells said his client
has filed a separate application for a lot line adjustment so that
contiguity can be established with a building on the alleys. If
that is approved, it is their intention to tear down an existing
building and reconstruct a project that would include trash
storage, two off alley parking spaces, and two affordable housing
units.
Councilman Gassman moved to approve the encroachment license for
the Collins Block building; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in
favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #2, SERIES OF 1990 - Enhanced 911 System
Mayor Stirling moved to read Ordinance #2, Series of 1990; seconded
by Councilman Crockett. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #2
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CHARGE UPON
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITIES WITH THE CITY OF
ASPEN; AUTHORIZING SERVICE SUPPLIERS TO COLLECT SAID
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CHARGES; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO SIGN AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT CREATING AN
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO ES-
TABLISH AND OPERATE AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE SYSTEM
IN THE CITY OF ASPEN was read by the city clerk
Councilman Crockett moved to adopt Ordinance #2, Series of 1990,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Peters.
Councilman Peters said this is expensive but useful. Mayor
Stirling said this will enable an authority to collect up to $.50
per month from each telephone line. Mayor Stirling said the public
will perceive this as a tax. Mayor Stirling asked if this service
is absolutely fundamental, and is this the appropriate way to fund
it or should it be funded by current tax dollars. Brent Finster,
communications director, told Council this is fundamental. Finster
said they plan on collecting $500,000 over the next 7 years.
Finster pointed out state law allows this mechanism of funding;
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Aspen City Council Reuular Meeting Januarv 22. 1990
this has been construed as a charge as opposed to a tax by the
county attorney.
Finster said the purpose of the state law is to allow cities,
counties and special districts the ability to collect this charge
from the users of the service knowing that in lean budget times
there will still be a funding mechanism. Finster told Council with
this new 911 service, if someone dials 911, the communications
department will get a screen showing the phone number and the
address from where the person is calling.
Councilman Crockett said this is essential. Councilman Crockett
told Council the emergency services group has been working on this
for a couple of years. Councilman Crockett said the enhanced
aspect of 911 is particularly important in a resort community where
many visitors do not know where they are. Councilman Crockett said
this has support from all the emergency services groups in the
valley. Councilman Crockett said the people paying this charge
will be getting the benefits of it.
Finster pointed out there is also an intergovernmental agreement
in the packet. One change in that agreement is that 4 out 5
members will have to approve any capital expenditures over $25, 000.
Mayor Stirling asked why there is a need to create this new
authority. Finster said this is the mechanism the state has put
in place to encourage different entities to get together and form
a jurisdictional system. Finster said the authority board takes
the responsibility from these agencies and becomes a separate legal
entity. Finster said Section 12 has a change about termination,
"providing however, if in the event that any party hereto elects
to participate in emergency telephone service authority other than
the authority created hereby, such party shall have the right to
utilize any and all network equipment installed in service supplier
facilities and paid for by this authority without charge or
reimbursement to this authority subject, however, to any or all
costs charged by the service supplier." Finster said this allows
Basalt or Carbondale an out to go with Eagle or Garfield county
enhanced 911 system once they have one. It allows the equipment
to be used for those systems.
Councilman Tuite said this service makes sense; however, this is
creating yet another authority. Councilman Tuite asked how the
city and county keep track of this to make sure it is not an on-
going fee with which the authority decides what to do. Finster
said the authority board is made up of the sheriff, chief of
police, Snowmass Village police or fire chief and two representa-
tives of other agencies. Mayor Stirling agreed he is concerned
about another taxing authority. Mayor Stirling said he is not
completely convinced of the need to do this and to do it through
an authority mechanism.
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
Finster said none of the districts have given him any negative
comments. Councilman Crockett said this has come through the
public safety council, who has over 60 agencies, and was supported
unanimously by that council. Councilman Gassman asked if staff has
looked at any other way of funding this, rather than setting up a
new taxing district. Finster said this could be handled through
the budget process. Finster said some of the smaller agencies
could not afford to pay any more for communication than they
already are. Finster said there may be liability in the future for
cities and counties that do not have this system because it will
be the standard.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Tuite, yes; Gassman, yes; Peters,
yes; Crockett, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #3, SERIES OF 1990 - Modification of Electrical Code
Mayor Stirling moved to read Ordinance #3, Series of 1990; seconded
by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #3
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REENACT SECTION 7-157,
AMENDMENT, SO AS TO PERMIT ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING IN GROUP
A, E, I, H AND B OCCUPANCIES, AS DEFINED IN THE UNIFORM
BUILDING CODE, TO BE ENACTED IN APPROVED RACEWAYS AND
REPEALING AND REENACTING SECTION 7-108 CONCERNING THE
REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS was read by the
city clerk
Councilman Gassman moved to adopt Ordinance #3, Series of 1990, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Tom Parry, building department, told Council the original ordinance
did not recognize the technology of plastic. The trades are using
pvc conduit because it is a much better system and using a plastic
tubing in the walls. This would not be allowed under the old
ordinance. Parry told Council in the registration fee, the state
passed a law which outlawed cities from collecting this fee, which
is why this is being repealed.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Crockett, yes; Peters, yes; Gassman,
yes; Tuite, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
CAPITAL WATER PROJECTS AGREEMENTS
Bob Gish, city engineer, reminded Council this is a continuation
of the capital project and budget hearings . Council directed staf f
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Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
to go ahead with the projects; however, they wanted to review
specific agreements . Gish pointed out all of these projects are
physically located in the county. Some of the projects are still
in the approval stage. The city will parallel any work with the
county.
Gish told Council the West Reds Road agreement will extend the
city's water service into the county. There will be no water
service agreement until approved by the Commissioners along with
the 1041 review. This agreement will pay the city $159,530 within
30 days of the agreement date. Gish said the homeowners will
convey to the city their water system and the water rights that
they own. The water system will meet the city's standards. The
homeowners will pay a monthly charge.
Gish said with the approval of the above agreement, there can be
an agreement with Wexner. The waters rights negotiated from West
Reds will allow Wexner to continue to irrigate his landscaping.
The city wants to develop water transmission lines, to put in a
storage tank and attendant facilities near Wexner's property. The
city needs to acquire easements. Gish said the city wants to
maintain the existing raw water irrigation for lawns and landscap-
ing and accent that with the water rights received from West Red.
Gish told Council Wexner will provide the easements for the tank,
will pay up to $70, 000 to bury the tank. Gish pointed out the city
recognized they need to provide additional fire service to the Red
Mountain residents. Gish said this is not a growth cost but an
existing services cost. Wexner will pay all landscaping costs
around the proximity of the tank and will pay connection charges
at such time he connects to the municipal system. Gish told
Council the city will enter into a new agreement for the raw water
use. Wexner will have the rights for city water if he should build
a guest house with the appropriate fees. Gish said all the
extensions will be at Wexner's costs. Kevin Patrick told Council
Wexner believes he is getting adequate consideration and can also
see a benefit to the city.
Gish said the city has justified the need to develop water trans-
mission lines, route system, pump station and additional storage
capacity to serve the existing customers at the Airport Business
Center. Gish said the potential developments between the airport
and the city are the Maroon Creek Development, Buttermilk sub-
divisions, snowmaking, and Aspen Buttermilk. Gish told Council
these subdivisions have the ability to put in their own water
systems . Gish said the city has the plant capacity to handle these
subdivisions. Gish said Maroon Creek Development and Aspen
Buttermilk have the potential of offsetting 50 percent of the
capital costs.
12
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
Gish said the Aspen Buttermilk will pay for extension of service
past the city's line. County approval will be required before the
city proceeds. Gish said the easements required are in the
agreement. Water rights will be conveyed to the city; the city
will lease these back to Aspen Buttermilk.
Gish pointed out there is a similar agreement for Maroon Creek
Development corporation for extension of water for their develop-
ment. Easements are part of the agreement. Water rights will be
conveyed to the city, there are some very senior water rights in
this agreement. The water rights will be leased back to Maroon
Creek Development.
ORDINANCE #7, SERIES OF 1990 - West Reds Road Homeowners
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #7, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #7
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL WATER
UTILITY TRANSMISSION LINES TO THE WEST REDS HOMEOWNERS
AS LOCATED IN, OR ADJACENT TO, PORTIONS OF THE RED
MOUNTAIN SUBDIVISION was read by the city clerk
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #7, Series of 1990, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Gassman said he would like to see a paper at the public
hearing that has the pros and cons from the city's point of view.
Councilman Gassman said the city keeps expanding the water system,
and he has a hard time seeing the benefit to the city. Councilman
Gassman said there is money in the budget every year to expand the
water system and to serve areas that the city is not serving. Gish
said the basis of these projects is adding service to the customer
base the city already has, specifically fire protection. Gish said
he will present the pros and cons at the public hearing. Counc-
ilman Peters agreed and noted this is very complex and inter-
related. Councilman Peters said he would like to have a work
session and would like to hear from the city's water counsel the
guiding principles he is following in developing these plans.
Council scheduled the work session for February 7 at 5 p.m. with
the city's water counsel.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Peters,
yes; Crockett, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
13
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 1990 - Water Agreements Wexner
Councilman Tuite moved to read Ordinance #6, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #6
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL WATER
UTILITY TRANSMISSION LINES TO THE LESLIE WEXNER PROPERTY
was read by the city clerk
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #6, Series of 1990, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Crockett. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Tuite, yes; Crockett, yes Peters, yes; Gassman, yes;
Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 1990 - Water Agreement Aspen Buttermilk
Associates
Councilman Tuite moved to read Ordinance #5, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #5
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL WATER
UTILITY TRANSMISSION LINES TO THE ASPEN BUTTERMILK
ASSOCIATES PROPERTY was read by the city clerk
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt Ordinance #5, Series of 1990, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Crockett. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Crockett, yes; Peters,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 1990 - Water Agreement Maroon Creek
Development
Councilman Tuite moved to read Ordinance #4, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ## 4
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL WATER
UTILITY TRANSMISSION LINES TO THE MAROON CREEK DEVELOP-
MENT CORPORATION PROPERTY was read by the city clerk
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt Ordinance #4, Series of 1990, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Peters. Roll call vote;
14
Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting Januarv 22, 1990
Councilmembers Peters, yes; Crockett, yes; Tuite, yes; Gassman,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Tuite moved to direct the engineering department to
initiate contracts with a consulting engineer to prepare drawings
and bidding documents on all of the capital projects in anticipa-
tion of a spring award of the contracts; seconded by Mayor Stirl-
ing.
Mayor Stirling asked if it would be better to wait until after the
work session and deal with this issue on the February 12 agenda.
Gish said he would like to have an early spring award to the
contract.
Councilman Tuite in favor; everyone else opposed. Motion NOT
carried.
SCHEDULE COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Council scheduled interviews for the Clean Air Board, Roaring Fork
Transit, CCLC on Wednesday, January 31 at 4 p.m.
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY CONTRACT and ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Roxanne Eflin, planning office, requested authorization of the
contract in Council's packet for the consultant. Ms. Eflin
requested an additional $9500 for a total of $19,500 for the
contract. Ms. Eflin said there are also citizens requesting to be
on the advisory committee. Ms. Eflin recommended Council appoint
one member from each of the 8 sub-areas in town and from Parks
Association, P & Z, CCLC, and Clean Air Board.
Mayor Stirling moved to approve a budget increase of $9500 for the
neighborhood plan and that some research be done to see if this
might be a valid sixth penny allocation, otherwise it should be
taken from contingency; seconded by Councilman Peters.
Amy Margerum, planning office, said this project will result in a
map, which will be transferrable to GIS, as well as a set of
policies and priorities for trail links as well as schematic
designs for each neighborhood. Ms. Margerum said the trees and
ditches are included in the plan. Ms. Eflin told Council the Ute
Avenue Improvement District representative has been apprised of
this and will be involved. Mayor Stirling asked how many local
groups applied for the planning contract. Ms. Eflin answered 3.
Mayor Stirling asked what the criteria was that awarded the
contract to Winter & Company. Ms. Eflin said staff felt his
presentation and work in this field was superior and that he would
provide the best information. Councilman Gassman said although he
15
Aspen Citv Council _Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
generally favors hiring local people, there may be an advantage to
hiring someone with an outside view.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Gassman moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the
contract; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion
carried.
Ms. Margerum suggested Council could appoint a member and an
alternate member from each neighborhood area. Ms. Margerum told
Council staff is trying to keep the committee at 11 members.
Councilman Gassman moved to appoint Roger Hunt as primary and
Welton Anderson as alternate from the West End; seconded by
Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
The Main Street representative will be David Melton; the Commercial
core representative will be Jon Busch.
Mayor Stirling moved to appoint Molly Campbell as primary and Larry
Fredrick as alternate from the east end; seconded by Councilman
Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Peters moved to appoint Mari Peyton as primary and Hans
Gramiger as alternate for the Shadow Mountain representative;
seconded by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Tuite moved to appoint Cliff Cannon as Smuggler represe-
ntative. Motion DIES for lack of a second.
Councilman Gassman moved to appoint Patricia Scott as primary and
Susy Ellison as alternate for Smuggler/Centennial; seconded by
Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
Charlie Tarver will be the representative for Snowbunny/Cemetery
Lane; Skip Hamilton will be the representative for Lower Maroon
Castle Creek are. The Parks Association is Al Blomquist; P & Z is
Richard Compton; Clean Air Advisory Board is Bob Wade.
RESOLUTION #6, SERIES OF 1990 - Affordable Housing Contracts
David Myler, city attorney's office, told Council there are two
properties, which were identified on Chuck Vidal and Glenn Horn's
inventory as likely candidates for affordable housing, under
contract. This contract is subject to Council ratification and
gives the city about 30 days to evaluate the feasibility of
developing affordable housing on these properties. Myler said he
has put together a team which will come back to Council at a work
16
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting January 22, 1990
session in the next two weeks to present a variety of development
options.
Myler told Council one property is located at Seventh and Hopkins,
which is vacant, and the other property is at the far east of
Hopkins just this side of the footbridge, which has on it a single
family dwelling. Myler reiterated the city has the ability to
cancel the contracts in the next 30 days without penalty. Mayor
Stirling said he is concerned about the city taking every role in
the development of production of affordable housing units. Mayor
Stirling said Myler has done a good job outlining the density the
properties would hold; however, each one requires a subsidy. Mayor
Stirling said he would like the city to consider using the afford-
able housing zone and allowing more density/bulk and mass in order
to get to a joint public/private partnership. Mayor Stirling said
he would like to spend the next 30 days seeing if private deve-
lopers would come forward.
Mayor Stirling said these two sites are ideal because there are in
the middle of multi-family areas. Councilman Peters said what the
city can offer to private developers or other groups like the
school district is bonding, development expertise, the housing
authority. Councilman Peters said that is why the city should be
taking the lead. Councilman Peters said he feel the city should
also be putting together the pro forms and the financing packaging.
Councilman Peters agreed the work session will be very valuable.
Myler said he does not want to preclude the mechanism for bringing
in the private sector. Myler said the city may be able to sell the
property at a discount and stepping back, which would be the city' s
subsidy. Councilman Peters said he is more interested in producing
housing with a lower sales prices than he is in creating oppor-
tunity for someone to get a unit for their employees.
Mayor Stirling moved to pass Resolution #6, Series of 1990,
ratifying two contracts presented for acquisition of real property
to be developed for affordable housing purposes; seconded by
Councilman Peters.
Councilman Gassman asked where the money will come from. Myler
said at this point the subsidy required will come out of the GRETT
to be made available to the housing authority. The housing
authority will negotiate additional financing out of the sale
proceeds. Council will not have to make any decisions until they
are aware of what funding is available. Council scheduled a work
session February 6 at 5 p.m.
All in favor, motion carried.
Myler said the team will be~himself, Glenn Horn, Wayne Stryker and
Joe Barrows. Each member of the team has had some experience with
17
Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting Januarv 22. 1990
the city and with affordable housing project. Myler said he needs
assistance in the areas of land planning and architecture in order
to do cost estimates and what can be done on site. Councilman
Tuite asked if the city goes ahead with the design team if they are
precluding the private sector from giving an offer. Myler said he
feels this would facilitate the private sector development.
Councilman Gassman said he has misgivings about this and would
rather use a more rationale consultant selection process. Council-
man Gassman said these are two substantial projects and should have
some fairly clear request for proposals and opportunity for other
professionals to submit proposals. Councilman Gassman suggested
the extent of the city's involvement might be to buy the land and
rezone it.
Councilman Peters said Council has given Myler a lot of leeway in
looking at affordable housing projects. Councilman Peters pointed
out in order to rezone the land affordable housing zone, it
requires a development plan. Myler said he feels the city should
know as much about the potential on the property as possible.
Mayor Stirling suggested these consultants continue until the work
session. The Council can make a determination at that work session
on how to go forward.
Mayor Stirling moved to give Myler the authority to go ahead and
prepare for the work session on February 6, 1990; seconded by
Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ASPEN MOUNTAIN LODGE ISSUES
Mayor Stirling said there is a request to reduce the escrow at
Galena Place. Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, said it is
reasonable Council would authorize the city engineer to review the
applicant's numbers and to verify that a reduction in the land-
scaping escrow for Galena place is appropriate. Ms. Stuller
recommended Council do this with the conditions imposed in Resolu-
tion #46, which says they are proceeding at their on own risk and
the fact the city is authorizing the applicants to do this will not
come back and haunt the city in any litigation.
Councilman Crockett moved to authorize the city engineer to proceed
under the conditions of Resolution #46, 1989; seconded by Council-
man Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
The second request is for a subdivision plat for Galena Place. Ms.
Stuller recommended that staff be authorized to review the plat and
to issue approval subject to the conditions imposed in Resolution
#46.
18
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting Januarv 22, 1990
Councilman Gassman moved to authorize the staff to review the
subdivision plat for Galena Place; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
All in favor, motion carried.
Ms. Stuller told Council the escrow documents expired January 19
for the $800,000 part of the overall $1,800,000 escrow. Ms.
Stuller suggested Council approve this request with the conditions
imposed in Resolution #46; (2) the affirmations made in Bob Hughes
letter of January 15, and (3) that the requirement for $650,000 in
order to refill if the project does not go forward should remain
intact. Perry Harvey, representing the applicant, told Council the
agreement was until the applicants poured the top slab over the
ball room, which they are in the process of doing. Ms. Stuller
said she would like the language regarding the $650, 000 back in the
agreement. Harvey agreed.
Councilman Peters moved to approve the substitution of the cash for
a letter of credit subject to the 3 conditions; seconded by
Councilman Gassman.
Harvey said they would like to do the same thing Council just
approved for Galena Place. Harvey told Council the applicants have
installed about $370,000 worth of the improvements that are
guaranteed by the $800,000. Harvey said they will have all the
invoices and would like to pursue reducing this escrow by the
amount already installed. Harvey said this will be based upon the
city engineer's review of the work and of the invoices and amount
paid. Harvey said this will reduce the escrow to about $430,000
in cash. Harvey said the $650,000 will still be in escrow. Ms.
Stuller said if she can see that the $650,000 is secured by the
escrow agreement, this request for reduction is fine with her. The
letter of credit will have to be modified to make sure the $650, 000
can be withdrawn. Ms. Stuller said she will prepare a resolution
covering these points and circulate it to all the Council members.
All in favor, motion carried.
Elyse Elliott, engineering department, pointed out the 1990 paving
proposed under serial levy. Council agreed with the program for
1990.
Council continued the meeting for an executive session to February
1, 1990 at noon. Council left the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
~~
J ' ~ v"'
Kathryn S-' Koch, City Clerk
19
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council January 29, 1990
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 with Councilmem-
bers Tuite, Gassman, Peters and Crockett present.
Acting City Manager Bill Efting told Council the Commissioners have
requested Council meet with them at dinner either March 6 or 20 to
discuss the school district buildings. Council said they would
rather meet with the Commissioners either at City Hall or the
Courthouse. Mayor Stirling requested an agenda be put together
prior to the meeting. Council suggested revenue sharing and office
space as topics.
Mayor Stirling read a letter dated January 25, "In speaking with
many residents in the community concerning the upcoming February
13th special election, an often asked question is the city
potential liability from the lawsuit from the developer if option
B of question 5, a smaller hotel, is approved. I feel it would be
beneficial to the community and assist a more informed election if
the city's legal counsel could address this question. Therefore,
I respectfully request the City Council ask legal counsel for a
statement on this matter that could be reviewed by the public prior
to the election" signed, Jim Curtis as treasurer Aspenites for a
Smaller Hotel.
Mayor Stirling asked if there is information that the city
attorney's office could provide that would be helpful to the
citizens. Sandy Stuller, city attorney's office, said she feels
offering the hotel in the alternative form of approval is defen-
sible. Ms. Stuller said she can explain the rationale for doing
that or for defending that approach. Mayor Stirling said he feels
this would be very useful to people. Councilman Peters said this
is a fair request.
Mayor Stirling moved to respond to the request and direct the city
attorney to prepare a response to that letter and to provide that
information to the Council just as soon as possible; seconded by
Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1, SERIES OF 1990 - Affordable Housing
Mayor Stirling said there have been a series of changes proposed
to the ordinance, which are in the planning office memorandum.
Mayor Stirling said the purpose of Ordinance #1 is to preserve the
diversity of the town, to preserve the town's character, to keep
traffic off highway 82, to keep people closer to their work. Mayor
Stirling said there are 970 full deed restricted unit in Pitkin
County, housing about 25 percent of the work force. Mayor Stirling
pointed out one of Council's goals is a vacancy rate in affordable
housing by 1991 and to house 50 percent of the work force by 1995.
1
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council January 29, 1990
Mayor Stirling said the issues are production, stabilization,
challenge of attrition, density increases, "not in my backyard",
cyclical changes, and the role of the commercial sector. Mayor
Stirling said he feels this ordinance is a good start towards
solving the affordable housing problem.
Amy Margerum, planning director, reminded Council they wanted to
look at the big picture of affordable housing, not just one
element. The city has adopted an affordable housing zone district
and has made some progress on housing production and the buy down
program. Ms. Margerum said staff has been trying to get a handle
on the need for employee housing to match that to what is being
done. Tom Baker, planning office, presented a chart identifying
the current employee units, the demand for units, short fall for
1989, demand in the next 6 years. Baker said 1,000 unit between
now and 1995 will be needed to meet the employee housing need.
Baker gave Council a chart which identifies programs the Council
either has in place or is proposing through this legislation.
Baker pointed out there is about a 200 unit shortfall. Baker
presented a map with potential affordable housing sites and those
that have already been approved.
Baker told Council the multi-family demolition and replacement
section of the ordinance is the same as it came out of P & Z.
Baker told Council staff recommends that if someone demolishes a
multi-family structure that they replace 50 percent of the bedrooms
and 50 percent of the residential square footage as deed restricted
affordable housing. Baker said Ordinance #1 includes options for
mitigating employee housing impacts on single family, which are
either cash-in-lieu or providing an attached or detached accessory
dwelling unit. This was to be at the city's discretion. Baker
said for duplex the options are cash-in-lieu, providing 2 free
market and 2 accessory dwelling units or 1 free market and 1
resident occupied unit.
Baker told Council Ordinance #1 in first reading also contemplated
an 80 percent exemption for a single family or duplex development
where 80 percent or below of maximum build out, you would be exempt
from the housing mitigation aspects. Baker reminded Council at the
last meeting they directed staff to try and develop incentives,
especially in the single family and duplex areas. Baker said one
concern about the 80 percent exemption rule, once a person it is
at 81 percent, they are dealing with mitigating the entire
affordable housing impact. There was no incremental approval.
Baker said since first reading staff has spent time reviewing
employee generation from single family and duplex. Staff has
determined that the city can expect new residential construction
to generate .5 employees per 1,000 square feet of new construction.
Baker said this change would only require people to mitigate the
2
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council January 29, 1990
impact associated with the expansion, not with the entire struc-
ture.
Baker told Council staff is suggesting cash-in-lieu be at the
property owners discretion rather than the city's. Baker said this
is one incentive the city can offer. Baker said if the applicant
is a working resident who is rebuilding or enlarging their primary
residence, the fee be deferred until that unit is sold to a non-
resident. Baker told Council originally staff was looking at
mandatory occupancy of accessory dwelling units. Baker suggested
occupancy be if a unit is rented, that person must be a qualified
employee of the community. Baker said an owner would not be
required to put someone in an employee unit. Baker told Council
P & Z felt strongly the units ought to be rented. Baker said after
discussion with property owners, staff felt this was a disincen-
tive . Baker told Council staf f feels it is important to get the
inventory in place in the community. Baker said the units will
ultimately be used and the community will benefit from these units .
Baker said a lot of residents have been concerned this will double
the density of the community. Baker told Council the planning
office retained the services of Glenn Horn to identify how many
lots would be affected by this ordinance. Baker said Horn
identified 100 lots in neighborhoods in Aspen that could be
affected by this ordinance. Baker said the duplex option that
allows for 2 free market and 2 resident occupied units is inap-
propriate. Staff is recommending this option not be considered.
Baker pointed out staff is recommending a sunset provision or 2 or
3 years at which time staff be required to give an evaluation of
the impacts of this ordinance.
Baker showed photographs of a variety of cottages throughout the
west end where employees are housed. Baker said the cottage infill
program would allow someone who has a single family or duplex unit
to provide a detached cottage on site up to 750 square feet. Baker
said staff is working on variations that would be required in the
zone district, like allowing them to be set in the alleys or on top
of garages. Staff is also looking at variations for rear yard
setback or height or lot coverage or parking. Baker said in the
R-6 or R-15 if someone wanted to do an attached accessory dwelling
unit, the code would allow that structure to go to the maximum FAR
of the site plus a bonus of 50 percent of the accessory dwelling
unit that would be provided up to a maximum floor area bonus of 250
square feet. Baker said this would give some relief to the
property owner that wants to provide an accessory dwelling unit but
without impacting the neighborhood with excessive floor area. This
bonus would only be given to people providing an accessory dwelling
unit above grade. Baker said for a detached accessory dwelling
unit, the code would provide a maximum 375 square foot bonus.
3
Continued Meeting Aspen Citv Council Januarv 29, 1990
Baker said a concern brought up is that as long as cash-in-lieu is
discretionary with property owners, they will always opt for cash-
in-lieu. Baker suggested the city look at a decrease of maximum
FAR to do that.
Baker said Council has put on the ballot two fund raising issues
for affordable housing, the GRETT to 1 percent RETT and the
additional .45 sales tax. Baker said this will give Council the
opportunity to provide financial incentives for people who would
like to do accessory dwelling units. Baker suggested a $20,000
grant to someone providing an accessory dwelling unit that is both
price and occupancy restricted and required to be occupied.
Baker said the next issue is the grandfather aspect. Baker said
one way is if a person has already mitigated their employee housing
impacts through the growth management plan, they are exempt; if a
person is vested, they are exempt; if an application is in the
building department prior to P & Z's approval of this resolution,
they are exempt. David Myler, city attorney's office, this
exemption should also apply to projects that have been determined
to be exempt from GMQS and were approved as either subdivision or
PUD .
Baker told Council he has had discussion about the R-15B zone
district, annexed a few years ago. Baker reminded Council the
residents were very concerned about preserving the single family,
locally oriented quality of these areas. The residents made
several concessions in creating a new zone district. Baker said
a typical R-15 zone would allow 4500 square feet on a 15, 000 square
foot lot; the R-15B zone allows 3100 square feet. It also has a
prohibition against duplexes in that zone district. Baker said the
residents feel they would like to diminish the potential of having
large speculative homes or duplexes. Baker said staff considered
not allowing the accessory dwelling unit in the R-15B zone;
however, to be consistent that option will remain for residents of
this area.
Baker said this is a community and neighborhood preservation
ordinance as well as an affordable housing ordinance. Baker noted
that demolition and replacement is only one piece of Council's
overall program for affordable housing. Baker said this code
amendment will be only one of a few that can effectively put
residents back into neighborhoods and keep year round residents in
the community.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Nick McGrath, Aspen Grove resident, said this ordinance started out
to deal with demolition in the central core and may have gone awry.
McGrath asked whether it is appropriate to exact from single family
4
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council January 29, 1990
homes at this level. McGrath said he feels $3,000 to add 300
square feet is excessive. McGrath told Council he favors taxation
for employee housing and would favor a property tax that falls
uniformly on everyone as the burden of the tax follows a public
benefit. McGrath said Aspen Grove is not appropriate for duplexes .
McGrath said the 80 percent trigger in the ordinance goes to what
one's FAR is. McGrath said the FAR in Aspen Grove, by their own
request, is already 70 percent of everyone else gets. McGrath said
there is a difference, not recognized in the ordinance, between
undeveloped land and employee impacts and a simple remodel. This
penalizes the person who has an older home, not someone who just
comes in and has a higher impact.
Larry Fredrick said he feels the burden for employee housing should
be dispersed in a more fair and equitable manner. Fredrick said
the people already living here in moderate homes should not bear
such a large burden. Fredrick said this ordinance would make it
difficult for some locals to remain in this community. Fred Peirce
said there is a flaw in the ordinance in how it is applied to
single family and duplexes. Peirce said this ordinance will
discourage the community format. Peirce said a deed restriction
ruins the value of a property because people cannot get mortgages
on deed restricted properties. Peirce said the city should pay
attention to those employees they are trying to help. Peirce said
the ordinance should include incentives rather than disincentives.
Ms. Margerum told Council the planning office is not proposing to
go with the 80 percent anymore. Ms. Margerum said local residents
living in their homes would not be penalized and would only pay the
fee when the house is sold to a non-resident. Ms. Margerum said
one also has to look at what the price of an addition is worth on
the market.
John Lasalle said the only fair way to handle this is through a
broad based property tax. This ordinance would be putting the
burden on a small number of people. Lasalle said this ordinance
will encourage people to build extremely small accessory units or
pay cash-in-lieu, which has not generated many units so far.
Lasalle said for the city to provide employee housing, they should
be looking at an FAR bonus.
Penney Evans said Council has worked hard to find ways to provide
employee housing; however, this ordinance is defeating that goal.
Ms. Evans said this ordinance will make additional expenses to
local residents. The accessory units will be built in the least
attractive part of the structure, like in the basement. The
density impact is more than just square footage, it is parking and
storage. Ms. Evans told Council she has spoken to 8 lenders who
have said it would be near impossible to find an investor for a
deed restricted property. Ms. Evans said if Council will not drop
5
Continued Meeting Aspen Citv Council Januarv 29, 1990
the single family and duplex requirements from the ordinance, they
should include incentives and make this as voluntary as possible.
Linda Conger said this is asking a very small section of the
community to bear the burden that should be community-wide. Chris
Bigley implored Council to allow the free enterprise to the private
sector to create affordable housing. Gideon Kaufman said this
ordinance breaches the trust of the newly annexed Aspen Grove.
Kaufman said Aspen Grove negotiated smaller FARs and no duplexes.
Kaufman asked what increased value for persons homes has to do with
the city's ability to tax people for employee housing. Kaufman
said the ordinance is unfair as it relates to single family homes.
This is not a community preservation ordinance but is a locals
small home owners persecution ordinance. Kaufman said if this is
a community problem, all people should contribute to its solution.
Sally Roach asked Council drop single family and duplex from this
ordinance. Brian Harper said he has not seen much support for
this ordinance. Joan Livingston questioned that businesses are
getting the advantage of employees but are not housing any of them.
Jim Markalunas suggested if the expansion is family-oriented or for
members of the family that there be an exemption. Mark Friedberg
said some people do not want to have an accessory dwelling unit on
their property. Friedberg suggested the commercial sector house
more than 60 percent of their employees. Friedberg said the city
is trying to solve problems placed on the community by the
commercial sector. Putting this solution on the single family
owner is the wrong place to put it. Friedberg said he does not
have a problem with this covering duplexes, as these owners have
already chosen to live next to other people.
Bill Lipsey said housing is a national problem. Every community
has to recognize they will have to increase the density in order
to solve this problem. Lipsey questioned what kind of ordinance
will work to encourage people to build accessory dwelling units.
Lipsey said in order to do this, Council will have to open up and
to give positive incentives and no penalties. Jeffrey Shoaf
supports earlier comments and stated that single family and duplex
should be exempt.
Howie Mallory said there is limitations to financing deed res-
tricted housing. Mallory said in the Snowbunny Lane area one of
the largest concerns is impact. In some cases there could be
triple the density. Mallory said housing for families is different
than for single people. Mallory asked Council why something like
Midland Park is not being investigated by the city. Joe Wells
pointed out in the commercial core there is a provision which
limits to 1 bedroom per 1,000 square feet of land, which makes it
difficult to provide housing in the commercial core.
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Continued Meeting Aspen Citv Council Januarv 29. 1990
Bil Dunaway said the provision to allow postponement of the housing
impact fee solves a lot of the problems brought up by the single
family owners. Ramona Markalunas said she would like to see a
model of a city block with the added density of affordable housing
units with the maximum FAR allowed.
Mayor Stirling continued the public hearing to February 12, 1990.
Councilman Peters said it is not the intention of this ordinance
to solve the housing crisis with this ordinance. Councilman Peters
said he likes what the planning office has recommended for
incorporation into this ordinance. Councilman Tuite said he does
not feel remodels or add-ons should be taxed or penalized in any
way. Councilman Tuite said he likes the recommendation on bonuses
but does not like the 300 square feet unit size. Mayor Stirling
said he is wrestling with if the city would get as much production
of units by simply providing options and incentives on a volunteer
basis as opposed to requirements.
Council left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Kathryn Koch, City Clerk_
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