HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19901022Aspen City Council Reaular Meeting October 22, 1990
AMENDMENT # 1 1
CITIZEN COMMENTS 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1
CONSENT AGENDA 2
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS 2
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Club Andiamo's to Carlos and
Pepe's 3
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Pinocchio's to Lauretta's 3
ORDINANCE #66, SERIES OF 1990 - Erdman Lot Split 3
ORDINANCE #65, SERIES OF 1990 - Moores Lot Split 4
19 91 BUDGET 4
PITKIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE BALLOT QUESTION 4
HIGHLANDS WATER LINE EXTENSIOI`r 5
IN-TOWN SCHOOL SITES 7
HYMAN LAND PURCHASE CONTRACT 9
1992 CULTURAL FESTIVAL FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE 9
SNOWMELT RECOMMENDATION 10
ORDINANCE #69, SERIES OF 1990 - Temporary Storage and Con-
struction Staging 11
ORDINANCE #70, SERIES OF 1990 - PUD amendment Hotel Jerome 11
ORDINANCE #71, SERIES OF 1990 - Code Amendment Hallam Lake
ESA 13
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT SPRING & MAIN 13
RESOLUTION #49, SERIES OF 1990 - Opposing Amendment #1 14
16
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with
Councilmembers Peters, Tuite, Pendleton and Gassman present.
AMENDMENT #1
Mayor Stirling said this amendment concerns tax limitations on all
municipalities, counties, state governments and elected groups in
Colorado. This will affect how they will be able to funds projects
in the future. Mayor Stirling'said Council can adopt a resolution
opposing this amendment if they choose to.
Ann Harris, CMC, said this amendment will limit all taxing entities
to a permanent cap of 69 mills; voter approval cannot change this.
The only way it can be changed in the future will be a constitu-
tional amendment. All counties currently over 69 mills have 10
years to reduce to that. Ms. Harris said this amendment will take
away government's authority to raise property taxes, licenses and
fees. Ms. Harris said this is a restrictive amendment and will
cripple education and city and county governments. John Steltzer,
CMC, pointed out there can be no new or renewed real estate
transfer tax after this amendment. Steltzer said the amendment
states except for voter approved debt, tax revenues cannot exceed
a prior year tax revenue adjusted for new construction. Steltzer
said the amendment does provide for emergency taxes; however,
economic conditions, revenue shortfall, salary and fringe benefit
increases are specifically excluded as emergencies.
Councilman Peters moved to add to the agenda as IX(k) a resolution
opposing this amendment; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All
in favor, motion carried.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were none
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilwoman Pendleton apologized to anyone who was offended
by her language last week.
2. Councilwoman Pendleton said she has been walking around town,
and it is scary the number of local businesses that closed and
gone. Councilwoman Pendleton suggested the city open up discus-
sions on getting affordable businesses back in town. Amy Margerum,
planning director, said there is a code change which will make it
more difficult to change from retail to office. Ms. Margerum told
Council this is also a focus of the Aspen area comprehensive plan.
1
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
3. Councilman Tuite said October 23 at 6 p.m. at the community
center will be a meeting of the landowners of the Smuggler EPA site
to form a caucus for representation on the consent decree.
4. Mayor Stirling said there are budget meetings this week. The
first community meeting on the comprehensive plan is October 29 at
5:30 at the community center.
5. Mayor Stirling asked the status of the Maroon Creek bridge.
Carol O'Dowd, city manager, told Council there are several issues
that need to be addressed. One is the surface design of the
bridge, staff and the P & Z agree the box girder design is
appropriate for the support structure of the bridge. Ms. O'Dowd
suggested this be scheduled for the November 12 agenda.
6. Mayor Stirling announced"the city has received the distin-
guished budget presentation award from the GFOA. Mayor Stirling
said this is a real coup for the city's finance department.
7. Julie Marshall reminded Council they were asked to create a
5 year plan for the art park area as part of the grant Council gave
them last year. Ms. Marshall said they have been working with the
staff on the conceptual SPA.
Councilman Peters moved to support this process in the city and the
city sponsoring it; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Alan Richman said the art park is facing fairly substantial
application fees. Richman requested waiving these fees. Mayor
Stirling requested this be on the November 12 agenda.
All in favor, motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Peters moved to approve the
Councilman Tuite. The consent agenda
A. Minutes - October 8,• 1990
B. Elks Building Encroachment
C. Towing Contract
D. Resolution #48, 1990 - LEAF
E. Hallam Lake Contract
F. Resolution #47, 1990 - ACES
All in favor, motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS
consent agenda; seconded by
is
Contract
Annexation Impact Report
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to approve the renewals for Wiener-
stube; Primavera; Aspen Grove; Aspen Paradise Corporation; Main
Street Bakery; City Market; Cooper Street Pier; New York Pizza;
2
Aspen City Council Regular Meetinq_
Mama Maria's; seconded by Councilman Peters.
carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Club Andiamo's to
Councilman Peters moved to approve the try
Pepe's; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton.
carried.
October 22~ 1990
All in favor, motion
Carlos and Pepe's
~nsfer for Carlos and
All in favor, motion
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER - Pinocchio's to Lauretta's
Councilman Tuite moved to approve the transfer for Lauretta's;
seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #66, SERIES OF 1990 - Erdman Lot Split
Kim Johnson, planning office, told Council there are revised
conditions 3 and 4 to address the drainage. Staff recommends
approval of this ordinance.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #66, Series of 1990,
with the addition of condition #10 to state, "development proposed
for new lots resulting from this lot split shall conform to the
terms and requirements of the Hallam Lake bluff environmentally
sensitive area if such ESA is enacted prior to issuance of any
building permits"; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton.
Don Erdman said he plans to support and comply as much as possible
with the proposed conditions of the ESA ordinance. Proposed lot
2 is away from the ESA or line of sight. Erdman said he would like
to avoid the review situation in an area which does not fall under
the purview of the proposed ordinance.
Councilman Peters amended his motion to add "if such ESA is
applicable"; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton.
Councilman Gassman asked if the house as built on lot 1 conforms
with the proposed ESA. Ms. Johnson said it would not. Councilman
Gassman said technically this house meets all the requirements of
code. However, the applicant is asking for some consideration from
the city and the city should ask for some consideration from the
applicant. Councilman Gassman said he does not see this considera-
tion. Councilman Gassman said Erdman has moved the house back but
not as far as the proposed ordinance will require. Erdman said his
house was half completed before the ordinance was drafted and it
was impossible to make a change after the fact.
3
Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Tuite, yes; Gassman, no; Pendleton,
yes; Peters, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #65, SERIES OF 1990 - Moores Lot Split
Kim Johnson, planning office, told Council this is adjacent to the
Erdman lot to the north. The applicants are seeking a lot split.
At first reading Council expanded the conditions to include
compliance with the proposed ESA. Ms. Johnson pointed out the
memorandum should read that no further subdivision exemptions can
take place on this property. Tom Cardamone said there is an
irrigation water easement through this property which the applicant
has moved. Cardamone said he feels this water easement will never
be used; however, this easement may be a solution for storm sewer
water to be put into the lower marsh rather than the lake.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked if the ordinance has been changed to
reflect the condition about the ESA. Ms. Johnson said it has been;
however, it was not in the packet.
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt Ordinance #65, Series of 1990, as
amended; seconded by Councilman Peters.
Joe Wells said the applicant are willing to have the easement used
for storm drainage; however, if the city wants to use it, they
agree that anything in the easement will be sub-grade because it
won't be clean water.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Peters, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
1991 BUDGET
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Mayor Stirling said the
final adoption of the budget will be November 12. Council
continued the public hearing to November 12.
PITKIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE BALLOT QUESTION
Tim McFlynn said the highlights of this ballot question are a
citizen board that has large responsibilities and powers regarding
the acquisition and maintenance of open space and trails. This
board has more than just advisory roles. The areas have to be
recommended by the open space board in order to be purchased by the
BOCC. McFlynn said the mill levy for this will be approximately
$52 for properties valued at $400,000.
• 4
Ashen Citv Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
Councilman Peters asked what the funds for active parks might be
used for. McFlynn answered playing fields, tennis courts, play
grounds. There are 8 criteria for acquisition for open space and
are mostly for passive open space. McFlynn said other uses for
this open space will have to have voter approval. Also, the land
bank will not be diminished. Land of equivalent value would have
to replaced. Mayor Stirling said guarantees this cannot be
converted is a strong, positive aspect of this ballot proposal.
McFlynn said the idea of this ballot measure is that it is an
investment, an investment in the quality of life and in the future.
That is why the land bank should not be diminished by conversions.
Mayor Stirling asked how the county arrived at the 10 percent for
stewardship of this open space, and will it be sufficient. McFlynn
said this is for new maintenance of existing or new open space
properties. Mayor Stirling said having the appointed board make
the criteria for open space troubles him because the board members
are appointed by the BOCC and are not elected. Fred Peirce said
if this fund is controlled by the Commissioners, there would be a
question in the voters mind if this is just another source of
funding for the county. Peirce said the best open space programs
in the country have a board whose sole purpose is to look at all
open space in terms of criteria and to prioritize it. The ultimate
action is still with the Commissioners. McFlynn told Council
whether land is within the city or the county, it is all eligible.
Councilman Tuite moved to endorse the proposed county open space
ballot question for November 6; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton.
All in favor, motion carried.
HIGHLANDS WATER LINE EXTENSION
Carol O'Dowd, city manager, recommended staying with the original
alignment. Bob Gish, city engineer, told Council this project is
at a standstill. Staff is still concerned about tying in Twin
Ridge this fall for occupancy 'this winter. Gish told Council the
far side of the project has got to be tied into the tank to get
adequate fire flows. The balance of the construction through
Meadowood has been stopped for this year and will not be completed
until next year. Gish said the design capacity for this line is
to provide 1500 gallons of fire protection water to twin ridge and
Meadowood. The benefit to the Highlands homeowners is that they
will have a loop system, two forms of water service.
Gish said staff has looked at several alternatives; going across
the raw water line easement, which the city has; tying into an
existing 8 inch line going up to the tank, which crosses that
alignment. This alternative does not increase the line size from
8 to 12 inch and means about 100 gallons per minutes of fire
protection will be lost. The 8 inch easement belong to the
5
Aspen City Council Rectular Meet_inq October 22, 1990
Highlands Water and Sanitation District. Another alternative goes
behind Godfrey's house up to the tank. This is the most sensitive
to the environment; however, the city does not have the easements
from Godfrey or the Highlands Skiing Company. Gish said there
is 1041 approval for the original alignment from county P & Z.
This alignment is the least sensitive to nature and requires large
trees to be taken out. Gish said staff is exploring going less
depth with an insulated pipeline, which is more expensive. Gish
said the cost estimate for existing raw water between Godfrey and
Schwartz is $152,000. The power line alignment at the original
depth including work stopping, burying the underground, trees and
revegetation is $68,500. This cost only includes the revegetation
and trees that the Highlands Water and Sanitation District wants.
This does not include additional trees going up the alignment.
Alan Schwartz said the Godfreys were willing to accommodate the
city; unfortunately the Highlands was not willing to cooperate.
The second alternative is going down the flume trail, where the
city has an easement. Mayor Stirling said Council earlier
determined the flume trail was not as environmentally sensitive as
the one across the Highlands ; however, that easement involved a lot
of exactions. Gish said the flume alignment is less than ideal,
not good engineering practices with some maintenance problems.
This also reduces the water flow. Gish said the work stoppage is
costing over $2,000 per day. Councilwoman Pendleton asked if the
city went back to the original alignment, could it be done this
fall. Gish said only from where the work has stopped to the tank.
Gish said the problem is additional funding; there is no contin-
gency left to complete the project. Gish said the revegetation
alone costs $47,000.
Councilman Peters said he thought Council had agreed to go along
the old raw water line. Gish said that is the direction the
project was headed; however, the city has not agreed with the
homeowners association on the degree of revegetation. Gish told
Council there have been threats of legal action by the homeowners
association against the city. Gish told Council this project has
been stopped. Councilman Gassman asked what the raw water
alignment costs. Gish said $152,900 including the trees the
homeowners want. Councilwoman Pendleton said this project is
getting out of hand and the city should get to a settlement.
Councilwoman Pendleton said the city has bent over backwards to
work this out.
Jed Caswall, city attorney, told Council the city has been dealing
with is the Highlands Water and Sanitation District. Caswall said
there is some question of them receiving notice; however, the San
District does not own any property adjacent to the pipeline and
does not have any legal standing to complain about the alignment
of the pipeline or any revegetation of any trees. Caswall said
6
AsAen Citv Council Reaular Meetina October 22, 1990
claims might be asserted on behalf of homeowners. The Water and
Sanitation District has no legal standing to be involved in any
negotiations with the city. Caswall said regarding the trees, this
is someone else's property and the city would need agreement of the
property owner. The Moores have not been heard on this. Caswall
said staff has analyzed this, and it is clear the present alignment
is the prudent thing to do not only from a financial standpoint but
from an engineering standpoint. Caswall said the city has gone
through a 1041 review to get permission to use this alignment.
Caswall said going through another 1041 review for a different
alignment means that Twin Ridge will not be hooked up this year.
Councilman Peters said he is surprised going along the old raw
water alignment costs so much more.
Alan Schwartz, president of the Highlands Water and Sanitation
District, told Council they thought there was an agreement. They
have been working with John Musick and had a draft of an agreement,
which calls for revegetation. The $47,000 would be incurred in any
event for revegetation. Caswall said that agreement was with the
Sanitation District, who has no legal standing in this matter.
They are not a property owner. Councilman Gassman asked if any
parties to the agreement proposing to come up with the $150,000.
Schwartz said under the agreement the city was going to pay.
Councilman Gassman asked what the benefit to the public at large
is from the additional planting. Caswall said the only benefit
would be the avoidance of potential litigation.
Mayor Stirling said he feels additional discussions are needed and
recommended a member of Council join staff in these discussions.
Councilman Peters volunteered to be in the discussions on behalf
of Council.
IN-TOWN SCHOOL SITES
Amy Margerum, planning director, said the school board, city and
county have formed an advisory committee to look at future uses for
the in-town school sites. Since February the advisory committee
has met and has come to a consensus on the appropriate uses for the
two sites which is presented in a draft policy plan. The recommen-
dation is that the red brick school site be retained as is and
maintained in school district ownership to be used for day care,
child care. If there is space left over, this should be available
for rental to non-profit and educational uses. The committee
recommended the yellow brick site be retained for community uses
and that the city either purchase or trade for that site and use
the existing building for community meetings or education purposes,
and that the recreational side be upgraded.
Ms. Margerum said the committee recommended a small implementation
committee be set up to work on implementing the day care program
7
Aspen Citv Council Reaular Meeting October 22, 1990
at the red brick site. The committee should include representa-
tives from the school district, CIVA child care task force, day
care center and city and county managers. Ms. Margerum said if
Council agrees with these basic recommendations, they should
outline a process for moving forward with implementation of the
yellow brick site.
Councilwoman Pendleton said she highly supports the recommendation
for the red brick but is having trouble with the yellow brick.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked if the housing requirements are dealt
with in the recommendation. Mayor Stirling said there is no
housing proposed on either of these sites. Some housing may be
provided by gifting land or providing housing to the school system.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked how much money is required to buy the
yellow brick school. Councilman Peters said some of these
questions will be answered after Council decides whether the policy
is acceptable to them or not. Ms. Margerum said these are basic
policy guidelines. The next step is to see if these can be
implemented, and if not, the plan will be relooked at and changed.
Councilman Gassman said he supports the land use recommendations.
The committee has done a lot of work. Councilman Gassman said he
would not like to see all the valley's day care end up in one place
but would rather see if spread out with the goal of getting day
care as close to where people live. Councilman Gassman said the
Arts Council supports this draft plan. Councilman Gassman said he
is not sure the entire yellow brick school is needed for community
meetings. Councilman Gassman supports the recreational uses at the
yellow brick school. Carol O~Dowd, city manager, said there are
cost savings from putting small programs in the same building with
the ability to share capital costs. The task force is looking at
infant/toddler, handicap, after school and pre-school.
Councilman Tuite stated he agrees with the recommendation, that the
sites should be retained in some public use. Councilman Tuite said
space for the non-profit groups is crucial. Councilman Peters said
there has been a lot of planning on the red brick site; however,
the yellow brick site has not had that attention. There are some
general goals for that site but no specifics. Ms. Margerum agreed
the language for the yellow brick site has been left open.
Councilman Peters said one goal is to keep the impacts at the
yellow brick site at below what they are now. Councilman Peters
said he would like to see Council accept the recommendation of the
committee and also to appoint two Councilmembers to continue to
process the implementation.
Councilman Gassman moved to accept the recommended land use
proposal and further recommend that the present Council representa-
tives continue representing Council into the implementation part
8
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
of the study; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion
carried.
Mayor Stirling moved that Councilman Peters and Mayor Stirling join
Amy Margerum, Cindy Wilson and Carol O'Dowd in a sub-committee to
internally work on the practical issues of how and/or if we can
make this happen on the yellow site, financially, in order to meet
the goals of the schools district and from that take a recommenda-
tion on to both the committee and to the school district; seconded
by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
HYMAN LAND PURCHASE CONTRACT
Councilman Tuite said this site seems preferential for development
for employee housing. This .is located one-half block from a
market. People would not needs cars at this location. Councilman
Tuite said this site could also be viewed as essential community
services, a mixed project. Councilman Tuite said a bid for $1.1
has been accepted and the city has a 45 day free look. Councilman
Tuite requested Council approve studying this property. Mayor
Stirling asked if staff has the personnel to do the analysis on
this property. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, said the staff can do
the financial analysis and the city attorney will continue with the
legal analysis. The planning department can do the land use
analysis. Ms. O'Dowd said Council is looking at purchasing the
yellow brick school site and a contribution to day care. There
may not be money for day care. Ms. O'Dowd suggested the city talk
to the county about purchasing or contributing to the purchase of
this land for affordable housing.
Cindy Wilson, finance director, told Council there is $1,200,000
available for housing/day care in 1991. If Council spends
$1,100, 000 for this purchase there is not much money left for other
projects. Councilman Tuite said he has initiated conversations
with the county about this land. Councilwoman Pendleton said she
is excited about this site and this project; however, there is some
question where the money is coming from. Councilwoman Pendleton
suggested the city look at some other purchases and see what are
the highest priority.
Councilman Gassman moved to ratify the contract for purchase of the
Kraut property; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor,
motion carried.
1992 CULTURAL FESTIVAL FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Mayor Stirling told Council interest has been expressed to him from
Noel Brown, director of the U. N. environmental program. Mayor
Stirling said there is a draft of the mission statement as well as
letters from groups expressing interest and support for this event
9
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
in Aspen in 1992. Karinjo Devore said there has been great
response from the arts groups in Aspen as well as the United
Nations. Ms. Devore requested Council to authorize the Mayor to
respond to Dr. Brown indicating the community thinks Aspen would
be a great location for this and to let the group proceed in trying
to put the program together.
Councilman Tuite moved that Mayor Stirling respond in a positi~
way to Dr. Brown's letter; seconded by Councilman Peters.
Mayor Stirling said 1992 will be the 500th anniversary of the
arrival of Columbus in the new world. Indigenous people are
looking for recognition for their contributions artistically and
culturally. The United Nations Environmental program feels the
decade of the '90s is the last chance for the world to turn itself
around. Events emphasizing people who have been in balance and
harmony with the environment need to be recognized. The idea is
to have a series of events in 1992 tying in with the M.A.A., the
Institute, Dance Aspen, etc. featuring things about indigenous
people world wide. Robert Hart, M.A.A., asked if the U.N. has seed
money for this project or if they will participate in funding the
project. Mayor Stirling said initially they are bringing the idea;
they are not asking the city to underwrite the project. Dr. Brown
is pursuing corporate sponsorship.
Councilman Gassman said he is very skeptical about this project.
Councilman Gassman said Aspen has their own indigenous artistic
institutions who face increasingly large obstacles to healthy life.
Councilman Gassman said he can see conflicts between local cultural
institutions and an imported one-shot cultural festival. The
summer here is very busy; space, accommodations and especially
funding are limited. Councilman Gassman said the United Nations
has funding available that local groups do not. Councilman Gassman
said Council's first obligation is to their own culture and their
own institutions. Councilman Tuite said he would like to have more
information on this and go to the next stage. Mayor Stirling said
the purpose of this is not to draw throngs of people and is to
augment not supplant the local arts groups.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion
carried.
SNOWMELT RECOMMENDATION
Bob Gish, city engineer, said staff would like to operate the
snowmelter the same way one more year. Last year was a low snow
year and not a good test for the snowmelter. Gish said a lot of
groups have expressed interest in using that land. The staff would
like to go through another winter, work with these interest groups
and see what can be recommended for next year. Mayor Stirling said
10
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
he is not at all interested in using the Marolt property for
storage or snow. Gish pointed out space for storage of snow is
being diminished and used for other purposes. Councilman Gassman
agreed about not using the Marolt property for snow storage.
Councilman Gassman moved to accept the recommendation without using
the Marolt property; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor,
motion carried.
ORDINANCE #69, SERIES OF 1990 - Temporary Storage and Construction
Staging
Councilman Gassman moved to read Ordinance #69, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #69
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 10 OF CHAPTER 24 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, BY EXPAND-
ING THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT TO
GRANT VARIANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION STAGING AND TEMPORARY
STORAGE was read by the city clerk
Councilman Gassman moved to adopt Ordinance #69, Series of 1990,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Bob Gish, city engineer, told Council this ordinance has not been
reviewed by the Board of Adjustment. Staff would like to have
their comments before second reading.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Peters, yes; Tuite, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Gassman, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #70, SERIES OF 1990 - PUD amendment Hotel Jerome
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to read Ordinance #70, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #70
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
AMENDING THE FINAL PUD DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE HOTEL
JEROME (LOTS A-I, O-S, AND THE EAST 20' OF N, BLOCK 79,
TOWNSITE OF ASPEN: ALLOWING INCREASED SEASONAL OUTDOOR
SEATING TO 125 SEATS, AMENDING THE APPROVED LANDSCAPE
PLAN TO INCLUDE A SERVICE DECK, AND APPROVING A LIMITED
LIST OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC "SPECIAL" EVENTS was read by
the city clerk
11
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt Ordinance #70, Series of 1990, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Peters.
Kim Johnson, planning office, told Council this is a request by the
Hotel Jerome to increase outdoor seating from 44 to 125 seats,
retain a small service deck, and to approve a standing list of
special events . This has gone .through P & Z , who approved the plan
with conditions. These conditions are included in the ordinance.
One area of concern was parking at the hotel. Another was employee
mitigation; P & Z felt that the calculation used by staff was
inadequate. This called for .96 employees seasonally adjusted for
the increased seating. P & Z wanted to put a limit on the weddings
and private parties to 20 events. Ms. Johnson said P & Z amended
the landscaping to require more plantings along the front side of
the decks.
Nick McGrath, representing the applicant, pointed out there is a
positive recommendation for this request and the HPC. McGrath told
Council the applicants agree to the increase plantings. Special
events are crucial to keeping the Jerome a viable historic landmark
in Aspen. McGrath said this is a permitted use in open space.
McGrath told Council staff has proposed to restrict an additional
.96 of employee housing to meet the new need created by the
expansion. McGrath said outdoor summer seating is a substitute.
The planning office has calculated the additional employee genera-
tion at the full restaurant capacity in the code. McGrath said
there is no recognition this is substitute seating.
McGrath told Council all calculations for the Jerome are based on
the 1986 PUD approval. However, things have changed since then
that lessen the prior impact. The tea room at the corner of Main
and Mill has been changed to an antique store. Restaurants are
higher employee generation than retail stores. McGrath said this
change reduces the employee impact by 1 to 3 employees, which is
more than .96. McGrath said the 2,000 square foot Silver Queen
restaurant is not used for lunch at all. The Jerome is proposing
to hire no new people to serve lunches outside. McGrath told
Council the Hotel Jerome more than meets the code requirements for
employee housing. McGrath said only 9 units at the Cortina are
deed restricted for employee housing; however, the applicant
voluntarily uses all 17 for employee housing. The Jerome has
purchased the North Star lodge, all of which is housing employees.
McGrath told Council 50 percent of the Jerome's employees bike or
walk to work. McGrath said the Jerome is working with the
employees to develop some incentives for using either the city
garage or the Jerome's garage. McGrath said they will try and
maximize the garage.
12
Aspen City Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
Councilman Peters said he has no objections to special events.
Councilman Peters said the Jerome should be required to house 2
more employees. The applicants should prove they are living up to
the PUD agreement regarding to parking in the garage.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Peters,
yes; Pendleton, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #71, SERIES OF 1990 - Code Amendment Hallam Lake ESA
Councilman Gassman moved to read Ordinance #71, Series of 1990;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #71
(Series of 1990)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
CREATING THE HALLAM LAKE BLUFF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE
AREA (ESA) OVERLAY LOCATED ALONG THE SOUTH, WEST AND
NORTH OF HALLAM LAKE, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
AND TEXT OF THE LAND USE REGULATIONS was read by the
city clerk
Jed Caswall, city attorney, said this is not in the appropriate
form and should either be tabled or amended before second reading.
Councilman Gassman moved to adopt Ordinance #71, Series of 1990,
on first reading with attachment B being included in the ordinance ;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
Tuite, yes; Peters, yes; Pendleton, yes; Gassman, yes; Mayor
Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Tom Cardamone, ACES, said they have been working on this with staff
and P & Z for 6 months. Tom Todd, representing Ann Farrish, said
the ESA is proposed to go into Farrish's property. They have had
numerous discussions about the applicability of this ordinance to
Farrish's property. Todd said he has reached an agreement with
ACES where the Farrish property would be excluded from the ESA
subject to some title restrictions. Caswall said Council his
discretion to establish the boundaries of the ESA.
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT SPRING & MAIN
Dwight Shellman, RFTA representative, said RFTA has the resources
to move people from the east to west end of town and to Aspen
mountain using their current equipment. Shellman said in order to
have this high frequency shuttle a traffic signal is needed at
Spring and Main or Original and Cooper. RFTA would prefer the
former, which would also service the parking garage. Shellman said
the state highway department will authorize this; however, RFTA
13
Asoen Citv Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
will have to purchase the stop light. The highway department would
like Council's endorsement. Councilman Peters asked if the same
thing could be done with stop signs at Cooper and Original.
Shellman said the highway department would have to approve any stop
signs stopping traffic on highway 82, and they have been reluctant
to do this. Shellman said if RFTA tries to negotiate something on
this intersection with the highway department, another winter will
be lost without this high frequency service.
Shellman said there is enormous bus seating capacity available, yet
the buses cannot be deployed irY a way that the public can use them.
Mayor Stirling said he has not seen the volume at the corner of
Spring and Main to warrant a light. Shellman said there is a
problem with sight distancing at this intersection. Councilman
Tuite said RFTA is not moving people are town as well as they
could. Councilman Tuite said he does not favor another traffic
light; however, this is for mass transit and moving people.
Mayor Stirling moved to suspend the rules and continue to 9:15
p.m.; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilman Gassman. Motion carried.
Shellman said Original street works better; however, he has been
unable to get the majority of the RFTA board to select this
alignment. Shellman said this route will enable people in both
the west and east ends of town to have frequent transportation and
to get them out of their cars. Mayor Stirling said he would rather
try the other route before putting a light in at Spring and Main.
Councilman Peters agreed he likes the other alternative. Shellman
said he has worked with the state for two years on the Cooper and
Original intersection and has gotten nowhere. Shellman said there
is a lot to do in the transportation area and something needs to
be done.
Councilman Peters moved to recommend back to the RFTA board that
Council's preference is for a workable solution with the highway
department at Original and Cooper but it will accept as a second
choice the traffic light at Spring and Main; seconded by Councilman
Tuite.
Councilman Gassman said he has changed his mind over traffic
lights. They are objectionable when one is in their car. When a
person is trying to cross the street, they are good. Councilwoman
Pendleton said she would prefer seeing the traffic light put in to
see how this program works.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Pendleton and
Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #49, SERIES OF 1990 - Opposing Amendment #1
14
Aspen Citv Council Regular Meeting October 22, 1990
Mayor Stirling moved to approve Resolution #49, Series of 1990,
opposing amendment #1, deleting section 2; seconded by Councilman
Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
Council left the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
A
I ' !~ ff ~
L~fj / Y ~ y i~, { . j//~
Kathryn Sf., och, City Clerk
15