HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19910422Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
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OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARD 1
PROCLAMATION - Smuggler Superfund Citizen's Group 1
PROCLAMATION - Victims' Rights Week 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR 6
LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION - The Gant 6
SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS - Aspen Chamber Resort Association;
IDCA 7
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS 7
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 1991 - Braden Stream Margin Review 8
RFTA SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION 8
ROARING FORK FORUM RAIL TASK FORCE APPOINTMENTS 8
RESOLUTION #18, SERIES OF 1991 - Delinquent Parking Ticket
Amnesty 9
ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 1991 - 1001 Ute Subdivision Final
PUD 9
ORDINANCE #11, SERIES OF 1991 - Historic Designations 10
ORDINANCE #12, SERIES OF 1991 - Parking Permits 11
LIMON, COLORADO, RECOVERY EFFORT 11
HOUSING AUTHORITY STAFF REPORT ON CITY PROJECTS PROGRESS 11
AIR QUALITY REPORT 14
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Regular Meetinq Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
Councilmembers Pendleton, Peters, Tuite and Gassman present.
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARD
Leon Murray, police department, was presented with an outstanding
employee bonus award for his work in pursuing the city's share of
money and property seized by the federal government. Mayor
Stirling and Council presented Murray with a certificate and check.
PROCLAMATION - Smuggler Superfund Citizen's Group
Mayor Stirling and Council presented the proclamation to Jay
Hammond, chair of the caucus. Hammond said the outstanding issue
is liability for lending institutions. The caucus is continuing to
work on this.
PROCLAMATION - Victims' Rights Week
Mayor Stirling and Council declared April 21 to 27 Victims' Rights
Week and presented the proclamation to Peg McGavock, RESPONSE.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Bill Greenwood told Council he would like to see them tighten
up the vehicle idling ordinance. The current ordinance allows 15
minutes. This is difficult to enforce and is widely ignored.
Greenwood pointed out a lot of pollution is created by vehicle
idling. Greenwood suggested the limit be 5 minutes. Greenwood
told Council the Clean Air Advisory Board supports the 5 minute
limit.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to work with staff
and the Clean Air Advisory Board to analyze this proposal and come
back with recommendation; seconded by Councilman Peters.
Mayor Stirling said he would like to get input from RFTA about
this. Tom Dunlop, environmental health department director, told
Council he has drafted a county idling ordinance with a limit of 5
minutes and will share it with Council.
All in favor, motion carried.
Council requested this by the second meeting in May, if possible
2. Brady Bancroft, representing Pitkin Pickin' Picnic, requested
the city be a sponsor for the third annual picnic. The first one
-~ was privately financed; last year the city of Aspen recreation
department gave money. Bancroft told Council they were planning on
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Reqular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
being funded by the Arts Council ; unfortunately the Arts Council is
going through tough times and do not have money available.
Bancroft requested $500 to rent the PA, for poster design and
advertising. Bill Efting, assistant city manager, told Council
last year this was funded out of the special event budget. The
sponsors were told it would not be done that way this year.
Mayor Stirling moved out of the contingency fund to grant $250 to
the Pitkin Pickin Picnic and to encourage Brady to come forward
through the budget process in future years; seconded by Councilman
Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Peters said when Council awarded the $60,000 grant
for the early learning center, it was to be administered through
the school district. Councilman Peters pointed out the early
learning center board has convened, has hired a director who is
putting together a program for controls and professional service.
Councilman Peters said he would like the restriction about the
school district taken off the money.
Councilman Peters moved to add this to the consent calendar,
language to remove the restriction that the school district be
financially responsible for the grant given to the early learning
center; seconded by Mayor Stirling.
Jed Caswall, city attorney, pointed out Council cannot take any
formal action on anything not published on the printed agenda
unless they waive the rules.
Councilman Peters withdrew his motion and requested this be ready
for formal approval at the next Council meeting.
2. Councilman Gassman said the plan for the Maroon Bells bus is
going to be to use the parking garage and Rubey Park as a beginning
point for the trip. Councilman Gassman said he hoped this is not
viewed as a temporary solution. It is a better solution and will
keep cars out of the Maroon Creek valley altogether. Councilman
Tuite said RFTA needs to experience one season of the program to
make sure this does not force a lot of people to wait until 5 p.m.
and drive up Maroon Creek.
3. Councilman Gassman said Council canceled a work session with
the Wheeler Board last month and they would like it rescheduled.
Council scheduled this for May 22 at 5 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera
House.
4. Councilwoman Pendleton thanked the streets department for
fixing a lot of potholes over the last two weeks.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
5. Councilman Gassman thanked the golf course staff for getting
the golf course in such good shape. Bill Efting, assistant city
manager, told Council Monday and Tuesday the golf course will be
free. The course opens for paid play on Wednesday, April 24th.
The rates have not gone up from last year.
6. Councilman Tuite said he heard some criticisms about public
play at the proposed Zoline golf course. Councilman Tuite said the
lease states there will be public play all day Monday and up to 11
a.m. the rest of the week.
7. Mayor Stirling said today is earth day and earth week.
8. Mayor Stirling said last week there was a delegation from
Banff, Alberta, Canada visiting Aspen. Banff is the only munici-
pality that is 100 percent inside a national park. The Mayor, a
Council person, City Manager and Planner came and met with staff,
who were very helpful.
9. Mayor Stirling said he has circulated a proposal for the
purchase of the east end of Pioneer Park. Mayor Stirling urged
Council to look at this and to share any comments.
10. Mayor Stirling told Council there is an exchange group working
between the USSR and United States. There is a Russian mezzo
soprano who would like to perform in Aspen. Mayor Stirling
proposed Council sponsor a free concert at the Wheeler and to
allocate up to $1,000 for this event. Mayor Stirling said the
Council has tried to hold a free event for the community every
year.
Mayor Stirling moved to allocated up to $l, 000 from the contingency
to sponsor in the Wheeler Opera House as a free concert the Russian
mezzosoprano between now and May 25; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Gassman said the city has been trying to get the wheeler
to be more community oriented. This request is not coming from the
Wheeler Board or the M.A.A. Councilman Gassman said he is hesitant
about getting the city involved in the concert business. Council-
man Gassman said he would rather spend $1,000 on a local mezzo-
soprano. Councilwoman Pendleton agreed and said she would rather
charge $2 a ticket. Mayor Stirling pointed out the citizens of
Aspen own the building and he would like to have an event that
costs them nothing. Mayor Stirling said this could be a great off
season event.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Pendleton and
Gassman. Motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Ashen City Council April 22, 1991
11. Mayor Stirling said Lee Cassin of the environmental health
department has given an air quality report which is very alarming
and indicates violations of the PM 10 standards and the local
implementation plan.
Mayor Stirling moved to move information item (b) to action item
(h); seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
12. Mayor Stirling said there is a request for a joint study
session with the County Commissioners on issues related to highway
82 and the EIS. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, said this is a follow
up to meetings in which the Boards made a decision on the Maroon
creek bridge. There are issues about the highway between the
airport and Aspen. Council scheduled this for Monday, May 6 at 5
p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
13. Mayor Stirling reminded Council there will be a continued
meeting Monday April 29 at 5 p.m. for the first reading and final
presentation on the Meadows proposal.
14. Mayor Stirling asked about follow up on the energy meeting.
Tom Baker, assistant city manager, told Council he is putting
together an outline which he will go over with staff and Council
before going back to a larger group.
15. Amy Margerum, planning director, introduced Diane Moore the
new deputy director of planning primarily working on city projects .
16. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, told Council for Earth Day/Week,
the city will be picking up trash throughout the city. Any citizen
can schedule a pick up by calling 920-5130.
17. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, told Council she has met with the
highway department about Main street improvements. The highway
department is willing to reschedule their work around the M.A.A.
schedule and do the work starting after Labor day. Ms. O' Dowd told
Council the only caveat is if the weather is bad, the city will
have to help with the remobilization costs. Ms. O'Dowd told
Council a portion of the S curves will be concrete; the rest of
this will be addressed through drainage improvements. Ms. O'Dowd
told Council city staff would like to see additional drainage and
more concrete and will continue to work with the highway department
on this.
18. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, noted Council has received a
report from finance on monies available for work on city hall. Ms.
O' Dowd said due to efficient budget controls, there is usually a
year end savings of $100,000 to $200,000 and has been as high as
$400,000 for a variety of reasons. Ms. O'Dowd said the savings for
1990 will be $500,000; added to the city hall fund, there will be
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
$1,500,000 which is needed for structural repairs, mechanical and
electrical. Mayor Stirling said it is terrific this amount of
money is found; however, to find significantly more than ordinary
surplus is worrisome about the budget process. Mayor Stirling
pointed out this is more than 5 percent of the general fund. Mayor
Stirling said he would like to see a list of where this money comes
from. There may be too much discretion on staff's part on what is
being brought to Council during the budget approval.
Ms. O'Dowd told Council a portion of this figure has been carried
over since 1989. Councilman Peters said he does not want to be in
the position where agency and department heads are making decisions
about programs and services for the benefit of funding city hall.
Councilman Peters agreed he wants to know where this money comes
from; what the effect has been, if any, on programs. Councilman
Peters said this money should be allocated to the general fund and
dealt with at budget time. Mayor Stirling said his preference is
to allocate it to city hall; however, he wants to see where the
money comes from first.
Mayor Stirling moved to place the surplus that has been found and
that it is accounted for and Council sees that, in the city hall
maintenance fund and that the city manager be directed to prepare
a proposal for Council review; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked about the structural analysis of city
hall. Bill Efting, assistant city manager, told Council this
should be done next week. Mayor Stirling noted the city is below
projected revenues for 1991 and before this is earmarked, Council
may need this surplus to apply in other areas. Councilman Peters
said if the savings are this large, they should come to Council as
a whole for allocation. Councilman Gassman said that is what this
is. Council did set up a fund for city hall. Councilman Gassman
said Council is not spending this surplus without having another
report.
Mayor Stirling amended his motion to say the direction would be to
direct the manager to give Council a report on what were the
reasons for the surplus, and that it be earmarked tentatively for
city hall contingent upon returning to Council with specific ideas
for the $1,000,000 and this additional amount, and the recommenda-
tions on how the 1991 sales tax will be addressed; seconded by
Councilman Gassman.
Councilman Peters said Council had earlier told the city manager
that if there were budget savings at the end of the year, these
could go into the city hall maintenance fund. Councilman Peters
said it seems the amount of money is so large, he would prefer not
to have the automatic transfer policy.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
All in favor, motion carried.'
19. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, requested Council delete (e)
Resolution #17, 1991 - Roaring Fork Forum Solid Waste IGA from the
consent calendar. There may be a change in the entity who will
actually manage the agreement.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to approve the consent calendar as
amended; seconded by Councilman Tuite. The consent calendar is
A. Minutes - April 8, 1991
B. 1991 Street Improvement Contract
C. Correction Deed Approval - Lane vs. Brien
D. Roaring Fork Forum Trails Letter
All in favor, motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION - The Gant
Mayor Stirling said this is a request for a tavern license from
Destination Resort Management located at 610 West End street.
There is a lease between the Gant and DRM for the conference
center. DRM will be running the conference center as a principal
business at this location.
Mick Ireland, representing the applicant, told Council this is a
tavern application primarily intended to serve guests of the Gant.
Ireland said they do not intend to advertise and to solicit public
business. The license is intended to serve guests and their needs.
Ireland submitted a petition in support of this license with 121
signatures. Ireland said this license will help the Gant compete
with other resorts. Ireland told Council this is an accessory use
permitted within the R-15/L overlay zone. This Council has found
a liquor license is an accessory use at the Molly Gibson, the Aspen
Club and the Aspen Club Lodge.
Ireland said the state has said one cannot have a tavern license
unless the tavern is architecturally separate from the rest of the
premises. The conference center is totally separate from the rest
of the Gant. Ireland told Council there is a 1959 case which
states if it is not a club license, it has to be open to the
public. Ireland said the Gant will comply with the public access
requirement. They will not advertise, solicit business or put up
signs.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Molly Campbell, manager of the Gant, told Council the intent is to
serve the customers better. Ms. Campbell said presently they have
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
to go through a rather cumbersome process to order to have alcohol
at their events. Ms. Campbell told Council she has documented
times when the Gant has lost business to other communities because
they could not provide the level of service.
Mayor Stirling said the difference between the examples cited is
that it is not a disparate group of owners and is a lodge. Ms.
Campbell told Council DRM has been the managing agent for the Gant
since 1973 and as the managing agent they have had an operating
agreement, which includes the operations of the conference center.
The operating agreement is a 5 year renewal. Jed Caswall, city
attorney, said in this case the condominium association could apply
for a club license, which may be more appropriate. Mayor Stirling
asked about the food requirements. Ireland told Council the state
has made it clear that light snacks and food be available anytime
the tavern is open, not the converse. The Gant will meet this
requirement. Mayor Stirling asked if this will set a precedent for
other condominiums with conference facilities. Ms. Campbell said
except for the Aspen Alps most condominiums are not strongly in the
conference business. Councilman Peters said the applicant has
demonstrated their willingness to provide food and access to the
public. Councilman Peters said as a resort community there are
certain needs that have to be met in terms of providing service to
visitors, guests and conference visitors.
Councilman Peters moved that based on the evidence presented at a
public hearing held April 22, 1991, relating to the application of
Destination Resort Management for a tavern license, the liquor
authority finds that the needs of the community have not been met
and the license as applied for is hereby granted; seconded by
Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor
Stirling. Motion carried.
SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS - Aspen Chamber Resort Association; IDCA
Councilman Gassman moved to approve the special event permit for
the ACRA June 14, 15, 16 for the wine classic and International
Design Conference June 16 - 21 for their picnic at the Institute
parking lot; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor,
motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS
Councilman Gassman moved to approve the liquor license renewals for
the Wheeler, Aspen Art Museum, Black Diamond Cafe, Renaissance, and
Aspen Mine Company; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor,
motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 1991 - Braden Stream Margin Review
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #5, Series of 1991, on
second reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Pendleton, yes; Gassman, yes; Peters, yes; Tuite,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
RFTA SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Dan Blankenship, RFTA general manager, told Council Resolution #4
appropriates $94,000 to cover 1990 operational expenditures created
by increased fuel prices and increased levels of service provided
to respond to major increases in ridership. Resolution #4 also
cleans up the 1990 capital budget by unappropriating funds for
projects that were not completed, which frees up $217,000.
Resolution #5 carries over into 1991 $113,000 of capital projects
that were not completed in 1990. About $37,000 has been spent for
bus shelters which were not delivered until 1991. There is also
$22,000 to fund bus shelter installations, improvements to bus
stops and to park 'n' rides. $65,000 is being carried forward to
fund a senior van budgeted in 1990 and not purchased.
Councilman Tuite moved to approved RFTA resolution 91-4; seconded
by Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Tuite moved to approve RFTA resolution 91-5; seconded by
Councilman Gassman. All in favor, motion carried.
ROARING FORK FORUM RAIL TASK FORCE APPOINTMENTS
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to appoint Lee Ambrose to the Roaring
Fork Forum Rail Task force as the regular member; seconded by
Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Pendleton said it would be prudent to have an
alternate. This will be an intense process. Councilman Peters
said every applicant was qualified and enthusiastic. Councilman
Peters said there is no lead agency representing the city's or
county's interest separate from staff support. Carol O'Dowd, city
manager, said each entity of the forum will appoint a member to the
committee. The county manager is the staff person coordinating
staff support; each entity will be contributing staff support to
this task force. Councilman Tuite said with a representative and
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
an alternative from every entity, there will be 20 people from the
valley working on this. Councilman Peters said there seems to be
a lot of support in the community for giving the railroad the
city's best effort. Part of this effort may be using citizens who
are informed and making them an advisory panel to Council. Phoebe
Ryerson reminded Council the Western Slope Railroad Association is
in existence. This Thursday there is a meeting at 5 p.m.
Councilman Gassman moved to appoint Roger Hunt to the Roaring Fork
Forum Rail Task force as the alternate; seconded by Councilwoman
Pendleton. All in favor, motion carried.
Ms. O'Dowd told Council the city's staff support will be Tom Baker
who has been working on the rail group with the county. Mayor
Stirling said it is important the entire valley have some staff
representation and support in this. Councilman Peters said he
feels RFTA's interests have to be represented throughout the
process. Ms. O'Dowd said RFTA's general manager attends the
meetings.
RESOLUTION #18, SERIES OF 1991 - Delinquent Parking Ticket Amnesty
Jed Caswall, city attorney, told Council this is an aggravated
situation with an outstanding balance of unpaid parking tickets of
$561,000, $440,000 of this is Colorado fees. Caswall said there
will be a 30 day amnesty period for people to take care of their
tickets. After that, if cars with outstanding tickets are found on
the streets, the cars will be booted or towed until people pay
their tickets.
Councilwoman Pendleton moved approve Resolution #18, Series of
1991; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
Mayor Stirling said the amnesty will be in effect until May 22 at
5 p.m. Councilman Gassman requested there be some advertising.
Caswall pointed out the city clerk will publish the resolution at
least twice.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 1991 - 1001 Ute Subdivision Final PUD
Mayor Stirling moved to read Ordinance #10, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #10
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
GRANTING SUBDIVISION, SUBDIVISION EXEMPTION FOR A LOT
SPLIT, AND FINAL PUD PLAN APPROVAL AND VESTING OF
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
DEVELOPMENT RIGHT FOR 1001 UTE AVENUE was read by the
city clerk
Kim Johnson, planning office, told Council the applicant is seeking
development rights for two single family residences and to
establish a third lot to encompass tennis courts which occupy a
long term lease by the Gant. P & Z is recommending approval of
final PUD and subdivision. P & Z approved 8040 greenline review
and conditional use for accessory dwelling units. Ms. Johnson said
the lease on the tennis courts constitutes a de facto subdivision
already and this project cannot come back for a lot split as
intended. Staff included the two-step subdivision process to allow
for a 3 lot division and subdivision exemption for 2 development
rights for the single family dwellings. In 1988 this lot was
reviewed under 8040 greenline for one single family house. Before
that this was taken through conceptual but was abandoned before
final approval. Glenn Horn told Council in 1985 an applicant came
in for a GMP allocation for 4 free market and 4 employee units.
This was denied after it failed to meet the threshold.
Rich Neiley, representing the applicant, told Council the tennis
court lease was in place in the late 1970's when other applications
were filed. The interpretation was that this lease constituted a
lot split. The tennis courts will be deed restricted as will a
separate parcel in the county against further development rights.
Horn pointed out the mine tailings start behind the tennis courts
and go up steeply. The houses will sink down into the tailings
rather than sit up on top of them. The tailings will be covered as
required by environmental health department. The tailings will be
dug out and regraded. Horn told Council they would like to
understand how the sanitation district has come up with the $6,000
charge before second reading.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #10, Series of 1991, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Peters, yes; Pendleton, yes; Tuite,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #11, SERIES OF 1991 - Historic Designations
Mayor Stirling moved to read Ordinance #11, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #11
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING 716 W. FRANCIS ST., 620 W.
HALLAM ST., AND 214 W. BLEEKER ST., AS H, HISTORIC
LANDMARK PURSUANT TO DIVISION 7, SECTION 7-701 OF THE
LAND USE CODE was read by the city clerk
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #11, Series of 1991, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Roxanne Eflin, planning office, told Council this brings the total
to 111 landmarks. Each of the properties is applying for the
$2,000 grant, which will be discussed at second reading.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Peters, yes; Tuite,
yes; Pendleton, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #12, SERIES OF 1991 - Parking Permits
Councilman Gassman moved to read Ordinance #12, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #12
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING SECTION 22-12.1 OF
THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE PROVIDING FOR THE WAIVER OF
PARKING LIMITATIONS AND THE ISSUANCE OF PARKING PERMITS
was read by the city clerk
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #12, Series of 1991, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Peters, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
LIMON, COLORADO, RECOVERY EFFORT
Mayor Stirling told Council Governor Romer has asked cities in
Colorado to help Limon, who suffered in a tornado. Mayor Stirling
said the city could send money. Councilman Gassman suggested
calling Limon and seeing if there is something in the city's
inventory that they need.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to investigate this
idea and report back to Council; seconded by Councilman Gassman.
All in favor, motion carried.
HOUSING AUTHORITY STAFF REPORT ON CITY PROJECTS PROGRESS
Carr Kunze, housing director, corrected his Development Schedule
for City affordable housing projects memorandum that $440,000
should be $291,300 on page 3, second line. Kunze told Council the
housing office has determined they can keep moving ahead on West
Hopkins. This will be a tight process; however, they can bring
West Hopkins in for a late October construction start. This is
realistic considering the review process for development, putting
together bids, contracting for architectural services, etc.
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Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council April 22, 1991
The Kraut property should follow right behind West Hopkins with
submittals. The earliest this would be ready would be February.
Kunze told Council staff has looked at the Austin and East Hopkins
properties. These have historical issues, reviews and additional
development issues so they are farther in the future in the
process. The construction start for Austin would be May 1992 and
East Hopkins June 1992.
Kunze requested Council designate these as priority projects in
order to facilitate the process and emphasis of timing and that
staff be directed to form a team in order to analyze mechanisms by
which staff can keep the projects on track and work out schedules
for reducing the amount of time, if possible. Kunze presented an
analysis of the Kraut property. Staff used 20 to 32 units on the
property, assuming an average of two-bedroom units for analysis.
Kunze told Council this is not a program recommendation. Kunze
noted 16,500 square feet seems feasible and within the zoning.
Kunze said with a full write down of land costs, staff estimates
this project in a category 3 and a total development costs of $104
per square foot, based on brick and mortar costs of $55 per square
foot and developer's cost of $75 per square foot. Kunze said this
is good quality construction and compares against current pricing
estimates and is analyzed against projects that have recently been
bid and allows for a one year inflation figure.
Kunze said if Council were to go with a category 2 on this project,
the additional cost write down to reduce the capital cost of the
project would be $14,500 per unit or a total of $300,000. Kunze
told Council category 2 straddles the median income, serving
households with incomes of $37,000 and $46,000 annually. In order
to get this to category #1, the city would have to put in a larger
subsidy. Kunze recommended alternative subsidies, like getting in
on Farmer's home 515 program.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked how Council will determine which
category they are going to build. Councilwoman Pendleton said she
would like to hear from the housing staff which units are needed.
Councilwoman Pendleton said when the housing office tells Council
how many 2 and 3 are needed, Council can decide what the subsidy is
going to be. Councilman Tuite asked what the allowed FAR is. Bob
Nevins, housing office planner, told Council it is 1:1 with a bonus
achievable to 1.1:1. Councilman Tuite said he would like the city
to maximize the amount of housing on this site; the more density,
the more the overhead costs are reduced. This is another way of
subsidizing a project. Councilman Tuite said this is an ideal site
for no cars. Nevins said depending on the bedroom mix, the 16,500
square feet can achieve 20 to 30 units. Kunze said he would like
indications right now that Council has the potential of moving
ahead on this project.
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Rectular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
Mayor Stirling said the cost of $70,000 per unit at the $87 a
square foot is very attractive. Councilman Peters encouraged the
housing staff to pursue the track of trying to develop all
alternatives for Council. Councilman Peters said the context is
not only the needs assessment but also an awareness of the other
sites owned by the city and how to plan the units effectively.
Councilman Peters said one idea that has come up is to try and
consolidate common areas and utility storage areas and laundry in
basements to have more available net leasable or net purchasable
square footage above grade. Councilman Peters said he will rely on
staff to pursue the planning process using all these parameters and
trust they will come back with the most efficient package.
Councilwoman Pendleton said Council has not decided whether to turn
the Kraut property over to the housing authority. Mayor Stirling
asked if independent developers have come forward to talk about
housing. Kunze said only a non-profit group. Mayor Stirling said
Jessica Cato is developing affordable housing in the Basalt area
and she should be contacted to see if she is interested in
developing housing in Aspen. Councilwoman Pendleton said Council
needs to decide if this schedule is fast enough and if this
property should be turned over to the housing authority. Council-
woman Pendleton said the public process seems to move at a snail's
pace. Councilwoman Pendleton and Mayor Stirling said they favor
category 2.
Kunze told Council there are 2 forms of tenure; ownership versus
rental. Kunze said the Kraut property lends itself to rental,
cooperative ownership or condominiumization. Kunze said the
cooperative ownership has not been done in this area but is one in
which to assure long term affordability through limited equity.
Kunze said the Kraut property is of sufficient size 20 to 30 units,
that it could be a self-managed development. Kunze said the West
Hopkins property of 11 units is very small and would be better with
a sale approach. Kunze said the 20 to 30 unit size is a good size
for going through the Farmers Home program. Kunze noted the West
Hopkins site could also be structured as a cooperative with the
condition it ultimately be folded into a partnership with another
development to be operated as a cooperative. Mayor Stirling asked
if staff has researched the legality of cooperative ownership in
Colorado. Kunze said cooperatives have been done in the state but
none in Aspen, and he has looked at some legal research on the
issue. Councilman Peters said long term affordability is an issue
that has arisen in the production plan. Councilman Peters said
staff has new creative approaches, which he would like to see
investigated and brought back to Council. Mayor Stirling said a
property owner in the 900 block of east Cooper has approached him
about this property, for sale at $749,000 with 10,050 square feet
zoned RMF. Mayor Stirling said they may be interested in trading
the east Hopkins site plus some cash. Mayor Stirling reminded
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 22, 1991
Council the city paid $650,000 for east Hopkins. Mayor Stirling
asked for assessment of that site from Council and from the housing
office.
AIR QUALITY REPORT
Lee Cassin, environmental health department, told Council the city
had the highest level of PM 10 of anyone recorded in the state in
the last 3 years. Ms. Cassin said there are health implications as
well as implications for meeting the requirements with the EPA.
Council adopted an local implementation plan, which the EPA had to
be convinced would bring the city into compliance with the
standards. Aspen hit a 236 and the standard is 150. Ms. Cassin
said it is clear that since Aspen has implemented the plan and has
hit a 236, the EPA cannot say the plan is sufficient. Ms. Cassin
recommended the plan be changed from a health point of view, also.
Ms. Cassin told Council the city manager has put a lot of emphasis
on this problem with the staff. Staff has come up with some new
ideas, as well as how to get the dirt off the street better with a
flush.
The Clean Air Board has asked different staff representatives to
talk about more innovative approaches to street cleaning, the
liabilities and the limits of this. The CAB is convinced if there
is a greater effort at what the city has been doing in the past, it
will not solve the problem. The CAB recommends the city looks at
reducing sanding, cleaning it up differently, and most importantly,
reducing traffic. CAB has suggested a different treatment to the
pavement so the city does not have to sand as much. CAB also
suggested changes to how the streets are cleaned; closing Main
street to parking so that it can be thoroughly cleaned. The bottom
line is if traffic is not reduced, the problem will not be solved.
Councilman Gassman said the problem is sand on the streets and the
city went for weeks this winter when there was no sweeping at all.
Councilman Gassman said the streets have to be sweeped when its
warm enough and there will be no problem. Mayor Stirling said he
feels the recommendations of the CAB are long overdue. Mayor
Stirling said the city has to reduce vehicle traffic, reduce
sanding, pick up more of the sanding and be more inventive with all
street cleaning practices. Mayor Stirling said he would like to
see more specific programs from these recommendations . Councilman
Tuite said there must be a dry vacuum with filter machine that
works. Carol O'Dowd, city manager, said staff is looking at more
modern technology and what is the best of vacuum--street sweepers.
Ms. O'Dowd told Council staff has introduced polymers into the
water, which helps hold the dust and coagulates much quicker. Ms.
O'Dowd said part of the solution is new technology as well as
enhancing what the city has been doing.
14
Reaular Meeting Aspen Citv Council _ April 22, 1991
Mayor Stirling said the general public will probably support
increasing funding because there is greater need for more bus
ridership. Councilman Tuite told Council there is enabling
legislation for transit tax. Both the Ski Company and train
advocates would like that for their projects. RFTA is working on
getting this source of revenue into place. Councilman Tuite said
the decision would then be to lower the bus fares or to buy more
equipment to have more frequent buses.
Mayor Stirling moved to direct the city manager to follow the CAB
recommendations and come back to Council with a specific program
including the recommendations of Councilman Gassman, to pursue more
approaches, more equipment, technology on picking up sand in the
streets; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Councilman Peters said there may be some political consequences of
some recommendations, like no parking on Main street, that Council
needs to indicate to staff they are willing to address. Councilman
Peters indicated he would 1 ike to see what it is the staf f can come
up to clean the streets better.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Gassman.
Mayor Stirling continued the meeting to April 29 at 5 p.m. for the
first reading of the Aspen meadows SPA ordinance. The housing
board interviews will be May 8th at 5 p.m. The applications should
remain open.
Council left Chambers at 8:20 p.m.
.._--
Kathryn Koch, City Clerk
15
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
Councilmembers Pendleton, Peters, Tuite and Gassman present.
ORDINANCE #13, SERIES OF 1991 - Land Use Code Amendments
ASPEN MEADOWS SPA FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to read Ordinances #13 and 14, Series
of 1991; seconded by Councilman Tuite. All in favor, With the
exception of Councilman Peters. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #13
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL
CODE, LAND USE REGULATIONS, BY CREATING AND ADDING NEW
ZONE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATIONS, AMENDING PROVISIONS
APPLICABLE TO EXISTING ACADEMIC ZONE DISTRICTS AND
SPECIALLY PLANNED AREAS, AND AMENDING PROVISIONS FOR
GROWTH MANAGEMENT QUOTA SYSTEM EXEMPTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL
PUBLIC FACILITIES was read by the city clerk
ORDINANCE ## 14
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL OF THE ASPEN MEADOWS
SPECIALLY PLANNED AREAS (SPA) FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN,
SUBDIVISION APPROVAL, REZONING AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS,
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT ALLOTMENT, EXCESS GROWTH
MANAGEMENT ALLOTMENT, GROWTH MANAGEMENT EXEMPTION FOR
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES, CONDOMINIUMIZATION AND
VESTING OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS was read by the city clerk
Councilman Tuite moved to adopt Ordinance #13, Series of 1991, on
first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton
Amy Margerum, planning director, told Council the first amendment
in this ordinance is to the academic zone district as currently in
the land use code. The applicant has requested the academic zone
district be amended to include as a permitted use any uses that are
approved within the final development plan for the specially
planned area. This is necessary in order that the development on
the Meadows property be considered conforming with its underlying
zone district. The applicants are proposing to rezone the non-
profit academic portions to academic and want to make sure that
~ development is consistent with the underlying zone district. Ms.
1
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
Margerum pointed out an SPA allows one to vary uses within any zone
district; however, the applicants were concerned about being
considered a non-conforming use. Staff has no concerns with this
code amendment.
Councilman Peters said he feels this amendment is redundant and
duplicates what an SPA overlay does, which is to allow for various
uses. This is a re-statement to reassure the applicant. Ms.
Margerum said the reason for this amendment is to insure the
development is consistent with the underlying zoning and not just
consistent with the SPA overlay. It is not technically necessary;
the uses could be accommodated by the SPA overlay. The applicant
was concerned with getting financing for the project. Gideon
Kaufman told Council the non-profits will have to raise a lot of
money. The underlying zoning is academic. Kaufman told Council
the applicants asked to change the academic zone, which turned out
to not be appropriate. Kaufman said the non-profit organizations
did not want to be placed in the position where their use was non-
conforming and only made conforming by the SPA overlay. The
applicants felt it was important for the uses being approved in the
SPA to be permitted uses within the zone district.
Ms. Margerum told Council section 2 deals with a proposed new zone
district, the open space zone. The code currently has two similar
zone districts, conservation - which allows for one single family
home, and park - which allows for active and recreational type
uses. The city does not have a zone district intended purely for
open space. This zone district will be applied to those portions
of the property which were designated on the master plan as open
space. The purpose of the open space zone is to preserve, protect
and enhance lesser or undeveloped areas within the city containing
unique naturally occurring or man-made landscape features which
provide visual relief and enjoyment while reflecting or presenting
community artistic or architectural statements. Ms. Margerum
pointed out the permitted uses in this district are quite limited.
The zone district was designed to be used in other areas of the
city. The staff does not have specific properties in mind.
Ms. Margerum told Council section 3 is a new zone called wildlife
preservation. The purpose is to secure and protect undeveloped or
less developed areas within the city from traditional development
activities so as to provide for the nurturing and preservation of
naturally occurring vegetation, topography, wildlife and wildlife
habitat while permitting controlled and limited human use and
activities. The permitted uses are very limited because the intent
is to keep these areas as habitat preservation areas; only unpaved
walkways and trails, benches and pedestrian bridges would be
allowed.
2
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
Ms. Margerum told Council the final development plan of SPA is
being amended to allow within an SPA overlay variations to be
allowed from the subdivision standards of the code. The subdivi-
sion regulations in the land use code are very specific in terms of
curbs, gutters, street design, lights, etc. The code is being
amended to allow the SPA to be varied with design standards of
Section 7-1004(C)(4) for streets and related improvements. This
is to allow more creativity in roadway design in the Meadows area.
Ms. Margerum told Council Section 5 deals with exemptions to the
growth management quota system. The code currently allows for
Council to exempt from growth management competition the construc-
tion of essential public facilities. The code also states these
essential public facilities need to mitigate the impacts of the
facilities. During the master planning process one item was that
Council would exempt from mitigation as well as competition those
facilities being proposed by the M.A.A. and the Aspen Institute.
Council directed staff to come back with a code amendment that
would accommodate this type of exemption. This addition gives
Council the discretion to exempt non-profits from the requirements
in GMQS of mitigation if they are located in an academic zone
district. This amendment is very limited in terms of applicabili-
ty.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Peters,
no; Pendleton, yes; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to adopt Ordinance #14, Series of
1991, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Tuite.
Ms. Margerum told Council the SPA submission is broken down into
separate elements being proposed by the various non-profits. The
Music Associates of Aspen are requesting an expansion of the
existing tent to provide a larger backstage area. Ms. Margerum
pointed out the master plan allowed for an expansion of the tent
itself; however, the applicants are not asking for that expansion
at this time. The M.A.A. will reconfigure the seating inside the
tent. The M.A.A. is also proposing a new performance rehearsal
hall of about 11,000 square feet. This rehearsal facility is
mostly underground and surrounded by a berm. The uses include
rehearsals, public facilities and performances. The parking lot
will be reorganized to accommodate more spaces, 274 up from 258.
This will also be improved to enhance the pedestrian experience
through the parking lot and to accommodate a bus drop off area.
The gift shop will be expanded by 100 square feet.
The Aspen Institute lodge and restaurant is proposing a total of 50
new lodge units of 42,410 square feet. The 3 existing chalet
buildings will accommodate a portion of these new lodge rooms.
They will not be renovated but will be demolished and rebuilt with
3
Continued Meetinct Aspen City Councl_ _ April 29, 1991
some expansion. The Institute is also proposing an expansion of
2,000 square of the restaurant area. This was not in the master
plan and was not considered at conceptual SPA review. Staff has
determined it does meet the criteria of the master plan that
insubstantial amendments amounting to a minimal amount of square
footage can be added to the development and still be consistent
with the master plan.
The health club is being expanded 1800 square feet which includes
new mens and women's facilities and a hot tub outside north of the
facility. The residential portion being proposed, the existing
trustee homes will be renovated and increased to 2500 square feet
and 3 new trustee units will be added; 2 on the north and 1 on the
south. Seven new 2500 square foot 3-bedroom townhouses are being
proposed across from the tennis courts; four single family lots of
12 , 000 square feet at the southern portion of the race track are
also proposed.
Ms. Margerum reminded Council the SPA calls for a new Seventh
street access, approved at conceptual review. The old Meadows road
will be converted into a pedestrian bike trail. Seventh street
will parallel the old Meadows road to the east of the cottonwood
trees. There is a trails plan to link the west end to the Meadows
property and continues to the conservation land, which is being
purchased by the city. Ms. Margerum said staff has asked for an
extension from Seventh street onto the racetrack oval in addition
to the trails already reviewed by Council.
Ms. Margerum said the SPA application includes a traffic mitigation
plan, which the applicants will review. The mitigation plan has
been done in conjunction with RFTA. There will be a drop off and
a small shuttle service going down Fourth street to the Meadows.
The applicants are proposing a semi-underground parking lot with 97
spaces under the existing tennis courts. The existing tennis
courts will be replaced by 6 new courts. The applicants propose
bicycle storage and rental in the parking garage. The traffic
mitigation plan also calls for limitation on large truck traffic to
the Meadows property. Deliveries will be restricted to certain
hours.
Ms. Margerum told Council the applicants are requesting subdivi-
sion. The Meadows is to be divided into 10 lots; conveying
ownership to the 3 non-profit organizations and to facilitate
subdivision of the 4 single family lots, the tennis townhouse and
trustee parcel. The applicant is proposing rezoning. Ms. Margerum
reminded Council the SPA zone has no underlying zoning except for
the piece by the river zoned conservation. It is proposed to zone
the 4 single family lots R-15 and the townhouse parcels RMF. The
bulk of the non-profit land will be rezoned to academic. The race
track and conservation land will be rezoned to WP, wildlife
4
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
preservation. Anderson park, marble garden and the area southeast
of the tent will be zoned OS, open space. There are requests for
variations that are permitted under SPA; varying the lot zone in
the R-15 zone from 15,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet;
varying setbacks for a more creative design; varying the subdivi-
sion standards for the roads.
Ms. Margerum said P & Z reviewed the residential portion of the
property for residential GMP allocation. P & Z scored the proposed
14 residential units at 35.7 which is above threshold. P & Z
recommends Council grant a residential allocation to the project.
Ms. Margerum told Council staff has counted the single family homes
that are exempt from the quota . The quota this year is 2 0 free
market units; there were 22 free market units built under exemption
from GMP. There is technically no quota available; however, the
code requires the city allocate 30 percent of the quota. This
leaves 6 units for this allocation. P & Z has recommended these 6
units be granted to the Meadows project as there were no other
projects competing for these units. The applicant is seeking
additional future allotments to accomplish the residential portion
of the project. The code allows Council to grant excess develop-
ment allotments as long as the cumulative total over 5 years does
not exceed 25 percent. Ms. Margerum said Council can grant excess
development allotments to this project. The code is silent on
whether the 25 percent of the quota that can be granted for excess
allotment comes from the free market portion of the allotment or
from the total of the allotment, which is 39 units. If it is the
total allotment, there would be 9 units available to allot to this
project; however, 25 percent of 20 is 5 units and Savanah would
need to compete in future years for the additional 3 units. Ms.
Margerum pointed out in order to make a multi-year allotment,
Council needs to make a finding that the project cannot be phased.
Ms. Margerum told Council the applicants are planning on phasing
this project rather than building it all at once. Ms. Margerum
told Council P & Z stated no public benefit would be gained by
requiring a phased allotment for this project.
Ms. Margerum noted there is GMQS exemption for essential public
facilities. Ordinance #13 will allow Council to grant this
exemption. Council needs to look at the development proposals
associated with the Aspen Meadows to determine whether the projects
should be exempt from GMQS competition and mitigation. The
proposed expansion by the Institute and the M.A.A. consists of 50
new lodge units, expansion of the health club and restaurant,
expansion of the tennis shop and new restrooms; 1500 square
expansion to the rear of the music tent, new rehearsal facility and
expansion of the gift shop. The applicants are requesting
condominiumization of the existing trustee and new town houses and
vesting of development rights.
5
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
Roxanne Eflin, planning office, told Council HPC has granted
conceptual approval subject to specific conditions to be met at
final reviews scheduled in May. HPC has required a cross section
and additional narrative on the fox mound relocation. The most
significant condition deals with the rehearsal performance hall.
In response to a number of public concerns and to protect the
tent's integrity, HPC required the relocation of this rehearsal
hall to the north of the proposed east location and reductions in
height of both the architecture and the land forms, and a re-study
of the berming and the landscape treatments around it.
Perry Harvey, representing the applicant, said when they went
through the master planning process, they looked at the property
from an internal view point, from the standpoint of preserving the
internal interior campus configuration, maintaining the buildings
on the fringes of the property to keep the race track open,
Anderson park intact, and the views from inside the property the
way they have been. Harvey told Council there are 7 separate
parcels of land; (1) the Institute parcel including the track,
Anderson park, Paepcke, Boettcher and the lodge, health club and
restaurant, (2) the M.A.A. parcel including the tent and the M.A.A.
lot, (3) Physics Center drawn carefully to include and preserve
their circle of serenity; (4) the conservation land which the city
will be purchasing, 25 acres encompassing all the land along the
Roaring Fork and both sides of Castle Creek, (5) trustee town
houses including 3 new, (6) seven tennis town homes, and (7) four
single family lots with one homeowners association.
Harvey told Council a major consideration is maintenance and
improvement of public access to the land. There is a new extensive
trail system, including using the existing Eighth street which will
become a trail and be maintained by the city, there are two bridges
to connect the Rio Grande trail and the property. The property
will be completely surrounded by trails. Harvey pointed out the
institutions need to keep their sanctity in order to conduct their
business. There will be private parcels of land with internal
trails and circulation which will be maintained internally. Harvey
said the Institute and M.A.A. have allowed the public through the
land and will continue to do so with reasonable controls.
Harvey reminded Council Seventh street is the new access road and
will parallel Meadows road on the east side of the cottonwood
trees. The Seventh street vehicular access will come into the
restaurant area and will stop. The parking structure under the
tennis courts is to keep the traffic and cars on the periphery of
the property. There is some employee parking on site. Harvey said
the applicants will market the parking and van system to guests
before arrival. There will be a bike rental shop located on site.
Harvey told Council the applicants have worked with RFTA to develop
a loop system, using a natural gas vehicle. Prior to and after
6
Continued Meetinct Aspen Citv Council April 29, 1991
concerts Fourth street will be maintained for pedestrians into the
concerts and pedestrian and bus egress to give buses an uninter-
rupted way out of the area. This has been coordinated with the
redesign of the parking lot. There will be increased parking and
an internal bus pull off; bike racks will be installed. Harvey
told Council this plan will start this summer and will come back in
for review as the applicants go through the process.
Harvey presented a blow up of the lots for the four single
residences, indicating the area for the 15,000 square foot minimum
lot in the R-15 zone. The applicants have reduced these to 12,000
square feet; the southern 3,000 square feet has been taken off all
of the lots. The building envelope allows a 50 percent increase in
the rear yard setback and will be deed restricted to maintain the
natural vegetation. All building activity will take place within
the building envelope. There is a 25 foot setback on the front of
the lots; this is an R-15 requirement. Harvey told Council they
are developing covenants for architectural control of the build-
ings . Harvey said the lots have been staggered so that a wall will
not be created. Harvey told Council they would like to push the
building envelops of lot 1 to the property line on the east, and
lot 4 to the property line on the west. This will allow more
visual breaks and 2 0 and 3 0 feet between the homes . Harvey pointed
out from the property line to the edge of Eighth street is 19 feet,
3 feet of shoulder, 6 feet of swale and a 10 foot buffer to create
planting.
Nicki Finholm presented drawings of the 7 tennis town homes. Ms.
Finholm told Council the FAR is 2500 each. They are sited at the
edge of the slope on the west of the existing parking lot. They
are sited to minimize the visual impact of the buildings from the
road. Ms. Finholm pointed out an earth berm for the covered
parking to conceal the buildings from the road. Everything was
done to minimize the impacts of the buildings. All required
parking, 3 spaces per unit, will be on site. The existing trees
and ditch will be maintained. The building design is in a style in
keeping with the rest of the Meadows. There is a proposed trail
down to the conservation land. Ms. Finholm showed some elevations
and siting showing how the buildings step down the hill, the earth
berm with the parking lot cut into it. Ms. Finholm showed the
existing grade from Meadows road. It is 5 feet down to the
entrance of the town houses.
David Finholm told Council the original townhouses were radiated to
take advantage of the hill side. The buildings are stepped down 2
feet for every new building. Finholm told Council 8 feet has been
added to the living room; a new suite has been added under the
patio. There has been some internal renovations. The carport has
been covered by earth forms. The original town houses were 1750
square feet; the newly renovated town houses will be 2500 square
7
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
feet. The materials will be the same. There will be one new unit
on the south and two units on the north.
Fred Smith told Council the tennis courts will be in the same
configuration with a parking lot underneath. The southern edge
will be pretty much at grade. There is no facility underneath the
first tennis court; the second two courts are on surface with an
under surface parking structure holding 97 cars and 75 bicycles
under cover. The new pro shop will be predominantly rock on the
south and north side; the front facade will be predominately glass.
The pro shop is about 13 feet high and replicates the existing
facility. The uses in the pro shop will be expanded to include
valet parking control, tennis pro shop, bicycle rentals and bell
station activities.
Smith pointed out 14 parking spaces across from the trustee homes;
the road continues to the health club. Smith told Council at the
14 parking spaces there will be a gate access into the lower
section. The roadway is 13 feet wide with some turnouts and access
to each individual building for handicap access or maid drop off.
Smith told Council buildings #1 and #2 are located in the same
location as today but will be extended 4 feet to provide for
program. The buildings will have the new configuration of units
which are accessed from the north side. Building #3 is a new
building near the health club with the same configuration as
buildings #1 and #2 as to room type. In order to preserve the
existing landscape and pond, the units have been reconfigured to
move around the landscaping. Building #4 takes the place of the
300 unit building; building #5 is a new building and separate from
building #4 to preserve the existing conifers. Building #6, Kresge
building, will stay in basically the same footprint with some
renovations. Buildings #6 and new building #7 are slightly
different in room configuration with rooms entirely oriented to the
north and to the south.
Smith said the dirt pile from the excavation of the Kresge building
will be relocated and minimized just south and east and will
provide a landscaped berm to separate the project from Anderson
park and the sage meadow. Smith said the only building that will
entirely stay is the Kreske; buildings 1, 2, and 4 will be demol-
ished to their foundations in order to get sound protection. Smith
showed a site plan of building #4. The buildings will have stone
walls and materials and colors used in the original buildings.
Smith told Council the only place one can look into the parking
garage is at the entrance. The entire structure has been lowered
to the extent possible with having it mechanically ventilated. The
tennis courts are on level so that when driving down the road one
will see tennis courts. Smith pointed out the north elevation has
8
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
a berm added to it; behind that is the opening into the parking
structure. The berm blocks the view from buildings #1 and 2.
Smith told Council the applicants, given success in funding, is to
phase the project over 3 years starting September 1991. The first
phase will take care of buildings 1, 2, Kreske and the new Kreske
facility. During construction in all phases, the existing tennis
courts will be used for construction staging and mobilization.
Council had indicated concern about what areas would be used for
construction phasing in order to minimize the effects on open space
and landscaped areas. During construction, the tennis courts will
not be available. The first phase will be completed by June 1,
1992. There will be some upgrading done to the reception area.
During the 1992 summer season, the existing parking of 103 spaces
for the lodge will continue to be used.
The second phase will have work on buildings 3 , 4 , 5 and the health
club. There may be some parking expansion during this season for
the Kreske building. The only parking that will be lost the second
season will be 8 spaces where building #5 is. There will still be
95 spaces available. Smith told Council they anticipate starting
the bike rental and transportation program the first two summers.
The third season of construction is the parking structure, tennis
courts and the area internally will be restored and landscaped.
Harvey told Council they plan to do the road and utility work, get
all the improvements in for the single family homesite in this
fall. The construction will begin on the tennis town homes either
next spring or the following fall depending on what is worked out
with the Institute. The renovation of the trustee houses and those
additional units will be the next phase. Councilman Tuite said
there has been some concern about utility and drainage and where
they will be crossing or be installed for the new buildings. Smith
said the utility plan is being finalized and indicates none of the
open areas need to be crossed. The applicants have tried to use
existing roadways wherever possible.
Gideon Kaufman told Council during the HPC process, it was apparent
that the concern had to do with the front, which had some wonderful
Bayer traditions, the initials HC, the colors. It was determined
the most appropriate thing is to preserve 100 percent of the health
club in the front; any additions would take place in the back. The
HPC liked bifurcating the buildings. The applicants are proposing
two separate pods in the back of the building. This will preserve
the entire front of the building. Kaufman noted when the health
club was designed and built, the Institute programs were predomi-
nantly male oriented. Currently there are a lot of women partici-
pants; therefore, there are needs to upgrade the facilities. This
can be accomplished in the back without changing the front. The
water features in the front can also be preserved. Kaufman said
9
Continued Meeting Aspen Citv Council April 29, 1991
what has been approved is the footprint and the concept. The
building has not been designed yet.
Kaufman told Council the building with the restaurant is also a
reception building, meeting, offices, administration and also
serves as a restaurant function. Kaufman said the building has
been analyzed; it is not functioning well. Kaufman said the most
intensive use takes place during the summer when there are
meetings, receptions, dinner and lodge uses all going on at the
same time. Kaufman said they want to keep the restaurant building
as much the same as possible. There is an existing deck, which
will be enclosed. This will not change the footprint but will give
2,000 extra square footage that is needed. Kaufman told Council
this change will enable all Institute participants to eat dinner at
the same time and to get to know each other. Kaufman said of the
2,000 additional square feet, part will be for office, for lodge
uses, meeting rooms, bar and additional eating capacity. Kaufman
told Council the view from the front will not be affected at all.
The pool will be taken out and there will be a pool on the north
side of the health facility.
Harry Teague, architect, there are 3 components to the music
changes. There will be a back stage addition to the music tent.
There will be a 1500 square foot extension, 30 by 50 feet, an
extension of the same shapes of the current back stage, continuing
the same roof treatment, the same wall materials. Teague said the
bath room facilities on the north end of the tent will be improved.
There will be modifications to the landscaping, including seating
berms around the outside of the tent. These berms will provide an
improved experience for the outdoor listener and will also prevent
increased outside noise filtering into the tent. This may allow
the tent flaps to be left up to help cooling of the tent.
Teague said there has been a lot of concern about the outside
seating. The eastern seating is divided by trees into segments.
The area to the north will be impacted by the new rehearsal
facility. The other area will remain exactly as is. Teague showed
the current path running inside the trees; a new manicured surface
outside the trees will be installed. This will increase the
outdoor seating perhaps as much as 50 percent in the informal
sense. There will not be a loss of seating, but the impacts will
be different. Teague said the service area will be improved by
moving some functions into the basement.
Teague reminded Council the master plan shows the location for the
rehearsal facility on either the west or east side of the tent.
During conceptual, staff recommended and a condition of approval
from P & Z was to put the rehearsal facility on the east side of
the tent. At Council, conceptual approval was given for the
facility with the condition the building be located on the east
10
Continued Meeting Asnen Citv Council April 29, 1991
side. Teague told Council at an HPC meeting during their process
and with input from public discussed at length the merits of
putting the building on either side. From a historic point of
view, it was decided it would be most appropriate on the east side.
Teague told Council from these meetings, the applicants have
continued to plan and elaborate the site plan with the rehearsal
facility on the east side of the building. Teague showed a
vegetation plan with the facility; only one bush will be lost.
Some vegetation will be added. HPC recommended the building be
lowered. By moving the building to the north, they have been able
to lower the building 3 feet, this, coupled with redesigning the
building, lowers it 8 feet. Teague showed an elevation of the
structure showing the virtual height of the tent and the virtual
height of the rehearsal facility.
Teague showed a plan of the rehearsal facility with lobby with
raisable glass doors, which allows it to become an indoor and
outdoor lobby. There are additional bathrooms. These both should
augment the current facilities. Teague noted the stage will
accommodate 150 musicians in rehearsal. There are 500 seats for
performances. The stage can be closed down to accommodate soloists
and small ensembles. Teague told Council the necessity of having
volume in order to obtain the correct acoustics has been driving
the nature and height of the building. Teague said they have
attempted to preserve the quality of the space, otherwise there
would be no reason to build the facility. Teague showed elevations
in the new lower configuration of the rehearsal facility from
different viewpoints around the Meadows. Teague showed slides of
the area as it has evolved; showed the tent and how the rehearsal
facility will relate to it, to the grass area, to the service area
and from various points around it, including inside the tent.
Councilman Tuite said the single family houses are 25 feet from the
roadway to be consistent with R-15 and asked if the applicants have
looked at bringing this closer to the road. Harvey said they have
looked at this. Because the building envelopes have been restrict-
ed they cannot get the parking on the sites. Moving the houses
closer will also start to encroach on the feeling while driving
down the road. Harvey said the building envelopes range from 6400
to 6100 square feet on a 12,000 square foot lot, which is a 20
percent reduction from the R-15 zone.
Councilwoman Pendleton said the planning office memo states the
current proposal shows the race track zone to be smaller than
presented on the master plan. Ms. Margerum said the planning
office memorandum shows the variations between the master plan and
this development proposal. Ms. Margerum said the master plan
identified the general areas for rezoning but was not specific.
There are now specific areas and these are smaller. Staff would
11
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
prefer they go back to the original areas proposed in the master
plan. Mayor Stirling asked for calculations of acres.
Councilwoman Pendleton said in the RMF zone, the applicants want to
waive the 6 month lease restrictions for condominiums in that zone.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked if this will cause problems in the
winter if this will be a short term hotel. Ms. Margerum said it
should be understood the applicants are proposing year round use of
these facilities as a hotel. Councilwoman Pendleton asked if the
year round uses have been spelled out . Ms . Margerum said they have
not. Councilwoman Pendleton said she thought this was summer use
only. Harvey said traditionally the trustee houses, Kresge and
chalets have been short termed for winter use. Harvey said during
the master plan, the year round use of the facility was discussed
and it was brought up that for this to survive on its own it had to
operate year round. Councilwoman Pendleton said perhaps the city
should spell out year round use so that citizens are aware of the
plans.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked about the water rights and installing
an 8 inch interconnect line. Larry Ballenger, water superinten-
dent, said all the improvements will be on private property for
private development and will not serve any of the city' s long range
expansion plans. Ballenger said one goal of the city has been to
develop an interconnect to the Black Birch line, which is a
singular feed dead end line. Ballenger said Section 23-56(g)
addresses water rights dedication to the city. Harvey said during
conceptual, no mention was made of either of these conditions nor
was there mention made during the GMP and scoring. The extension
is a huge expense; however, if the water department is indicating
they want to work with the applicant and get easements, that is
fine. Harvey said asking for a large expense for a water line
extension at this late date is not fine. The applicants are doing
a lot of improvements and upgrading the neighborhood. Harvey said
they have a plan with a delicate balance and cannot accept more
conditions at this late date. Harvey said one of the main features
of this property is the irrigation water, the ponds and ditches.
Irrigation provides for landscaping as well as water features.
Harvey said to give that up is not something the Institute is
interested in. Savanah has committed to transfer the appropriate
water rights when the land goes to the Institute. Kaufman told
this may be more appropriately discussed at the public hearing.
Councilwoman Pendleton a~
said the applicants have
conservation land due to
will be provided before
tion land. Ms. Margerum
has for the conservation
the city within 30 days
~ked i f al l surveys have been done . Harvey
not completed their final survey on the
snow in the area. The legal description
she city takes ownership of the conserva-
said there is a requirement that Savanah
land that it be surveyed and conveyed to
of the final SPA approval. Ms. Margerum
12
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
said the concern on staff's part is to speed up the property
conveyances between Savanah and the non-profits. Harvey said the
subdivision plat is not difficult; however there are some things in
the SPA that can take the entire 180 days in order to record.
Councilwoman Pendleton asked why the 30 day requirement is
included. Ms. Margerum pointed out it is because the agreement for
the conservation land has a 30 days requirement.
Councilman Peters said the relationship of the Aspen Meadows to the
Aspen community is driving Council's involvement in this process.
Councilman Peters said Council should be looking out for the
community's interest. Council has taken a number of actions in
order to preserve the Aspen Meadows, like spending over $2,000,000
to buy the riparian area. It is incumbent upon Council to make
sure the community interest is served and that the final product
does not lose it's community character. Councilman Peters asked
what is the public access to areas like Anderson park, areas around
the tent, to and through the Institute and down to the riparian
area. Councilman Peters said the planning office has raised the
issue of a relocated trail down to the riparian area, which staff
considers not an improvement, stating the current rail is preferred
down to picnic point. Councilman Peters said also he wants the
applicants to address what public access will be to the Meadows,
generally.
Councilman Peters said there may be some questions who actually
owns the Meadows interest, and Council should know exactly to whom
they are awarding the development rights and whether they will be
able to deliver the deeds to the properties to the non profit
organizations. Councilman Peters said Council has yet to see that
the ultimate result, transferring land to the non-profits, will be
accomplished. Councilman Peters said short terming of the hotel is
a significant issue. Councilman Peters asked if when the new
condominiums were scored for GMP, were they scored for mitigating
their housing as residential or commercial. Councilman Peters said
the Meadows road is unnecessary and is an acquiescence to the needs
of a few property owners. Councilman Peters said the old Meadows
road would have served quite well had the city been more strict
about limiting development. Councilman Peters said the rehearsal
facility has improved; it is appropriate to move it to the north.
Councilman Peters said the Aspen Center for Physics has asked for
little out of this process except to be able to enjoy peace and
quite. They have been given a subdivision and a road. Councilman
Peters said it is inappropriate to put a building on the west of
the music tent, which would block views of the sunset and the sky.
Councilman Peters said he would prefer the parking on the surface
around the hotel units; a parking garage is inappropriate and out
of place at the Aspen Meadows. Councilman Peters said he will
reserve judgement on the excess allotment until conferring with
staff.
13
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council April 29, 1991
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Gassman, yes; Tuite, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Peters, no; Mayor Stirling, yes. Motion carried.
Council adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Kathryn S Koch, City Clerk
14