HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19911209December 3, 1991
Pursuant to Section
I hereby request: a special
at noon to request an
acquisition.
4.2 of the Charter of the City of Aspen,
Council meeting Monday December 9, 1991,
executive session on real property
John S. Bennett
Mayor
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December 3, 1992
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
At the request of Mayor Bennett there will be a special City
Council meeting Monday, December 9, 1991 at 12:00 noon in the City
Council Chambers, City Hall 130 South Galena, Aspen, Colorado.
The purpose of this meeting will be a request for an
executive session on real property acquisition.
~~
Kathryn Koch, City Clerk
Notices delivered to:
Mayor Bennett
Councilmembers
Augie Reno
Frank Peters
Margot Pendleton
Rachel Richards
City Manager Margerum
City Attorney Caswall
~~ recycled paper
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
PROCLAMATION - Elk's Aspen Lodge 100th Anniversary 1
CITIZEN COMMENTS 1
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1
CONSENT CALENDAR 3
LI UOR LICENSE RENEWALS 3
REVIEW OF LEGAL OPINIONS 3
RESOLUTION #50, SERIES OF 1991 - Establishing 1992 Mill
Levy 3
RESOLUTION #41, SERIES OF 1991 - 1992 Budget 3
ORDINANCE #45, SERIES OF 1991 - Appropriations 4
ORDINANCE #43, SERIES OF 1991 - Community Center rezoning to
Affordable Housing 5
ORDINANCE #42, SERIES OF 1991 - Ute Avenue Improvement
District 5
REQUEST FOR FUNDS - Child care Committee Recommendation Early
Learning Center 6
REPORT ON COPPER KETTLE NOISE COMPLAINTS 8
VEHICLE IDLING PROVISIONS 10
ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 1991 - Electric Refunding Bonds 10
ORDINANCE #49, SERIES OF 1991 - Extending CCLC 11
ORDINANCE #51, SERIES OF 1991 - Prohibits Moving Towed
Vehicles 12
ORDINANCE #46, SERIES OF 1991 - Procurement Code 12
RESOLUTION #43, SERIES OF 1991 - Cemetery Lane Underground
District 13
REQUEST FOR FEES WAIVERS - ACES 15
ORDINANCE #50, SERIES OF 1991 - Authorizing Installment
Payments Nelson/Devore 15
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Regular Meetinq Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
Mayor Bennett called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. with
Councilmembers Reno, Richards, Pendleton and Peters present.
PROCLAMATION - Elk's Aspen Lodge 100th Anniversary
Mayor Bennett and Council proclaimed December 13 - 14, 1991 as
Aspen Elk's #224 weekend in honor of their 100th anniversary and
recognized the message of brotherhood, tradition of the Elk's Lodge
as represented by its many efforts and achievements. Mayor Bennett
presented the proclamation to Tony Merkle and Don Huff representing
the Elk's Lodge.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Bill Stirling told Council he has just returned from a
conference in Japan. While there he visited a museum in Kyoto who
fashioned their electric company after the Roaring Fork Electric
Light and Power Company of 1888. There was a display honoring this
relationship. Stirling gave the Council pictures of this exhibit.
2. Bill Martin told Council he has written a letter to the
department of Transportation about street signs on Main street.
Martin said he hopes in 1992 the city will do something about the
signs and have uniformity between signs all the way up the valley.
Martin said signs are missing or hard to read or find.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Reno said the city has issued an RFP for the animal
shelter. Councilman Reno said Buzz Dopkins has expressed interest
in giving input for what that proposal should have been. Council-
man Reno said if the RFP has been issued, he would like to postpone
the date it is due and work with PAWS so they can given input.
John Goodwin, police chief, told Council PAWS has been involved in
operating the shelter and the philosophy behind it. Goodwin told
Council PAWS expressed an interest in being one of the applicants
to run the shelter. Goodwin said it seemed inappropriate to
involve PAWS in developing the qualifications for privatizing the
animal shelter if they were going to be one of the applicants.
Councilman Reno suggested the police department contact PAWS to see
if they are still interested in being an operator. If they are the
RFQ can stand. If they are no longer interested, the city should
postpone the RFQ and get input from PAWS. Councilman Reno said he
understands why the city did the process the way they did. Mayor
Bennett said Council wants to see the operator be bound contractu-
ally to maintaining the standards of treatment to animals that the
community believes. These standards are high and rather strict.
Goodwin told Council the present standards have evolved with the
involvement of PAWS.
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Reciular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
2 . Councilman Reno requested to move VI (g) Resolution #51, 1991 -
Ratification Nelson/Devore Contract moved to an action item.
Council scheduled this IX(j).
3. Councilwoman Pendleton announced that the Galena street
shuttle will start December 16th. There will be a ribbon cutting
ceremony at 11:30 at the top of the parking garage. The shuttle
will run 7 days a week. Councilwoman Pendleton said a lot of
things have been donated and the city has not spent any money on
this.
4. Councilwoman Pendleton announced that December 18th 8 a.m. to
10 a.m. the Aspen Community Partnership is having a discussion on
drug testing in the work place. The speaker is Robert Beckey and
it is at the hotel Jerome.
5. Councilwoman Richards asked the streets department schedule of
paving potholes. North Mill street and Puppy Smith street need
some attention. Amy Margerum, city manager, said staff will report
back December 16th.
6. Councilman Peters requested to remove VI(i) Request to Waive
Fees - ACES from the consent agenda and made it IX(k).
7. Councilman Peters thanked Jed Caswall, city attorney, for the
work recently, not only routine work but also work on the compli-
cated Billings sales contract as well as guiding Council on an
administrative appeal of the Maroon Creek bridge decision.
8. Councilman Peters said a lot of work is being done on the
kayak course. Council should stop by the Rio Grande and see the
work.
9. Mayor Bennett reminded Council Senator Tim Wirth will be at
the base of Aspen Mountain at 11 a.m. There is a service for the
community to thank Senator Wirth for all his efforts with the EPA
on Pitkin County's behalf. Mayor Bennett said there is a move
afoot within the EPA task force to send a small group to Washington
to talk with the director of the EPA, Bill Reilly. The city and
county may be asked to share the cost of this.
10. Amy Margerum, city manager, told Council a site visit at the
Ritz Carlton has been scheduled for January 6th at noon. Other
meetings scheduled for Council are January 6 at 5 p.m. Goals;
January 2 0th at 5 p . m . Water ; February 3 at 5 p . m . Financial Goals ;
and February 17th at 5 p.m., Liquor License policy.
11. Amy Margerum, city manager, told Council there was a request
to the parks department to remove snow from steps coming down from
Lone Pine to the art museum. Ms. Margerum said rather than hiring
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
additional staff, the city could put money aside for contract
labor. The parks department can handle this except when there is
a big snow. Councilwoman Richards said this seems to be appropri-
ate to get people out of their cars. Ms. Margerum said this will
cost $1,000 from Council's contingency. This will be put on the
consent agenda. Mayor Bennett suggested asking residents of Lone
Pine if they would like to be the contractees.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilman Peters moved to adopt the consent calendar as amended;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. The consent calendar is:
A. Burnt Mountain EIS Comments
B. Resolution #47, 1991 - Extension of recordation Aspen
Meadows
C. Resolution #48, 1991 - Extension of recordation Clarendon
D. Towing Contract - D & D
E. Request for Funds - Armory Hall Centennial
F. Raw Water Service Agreement - Lipkin
G. Resolution #52 1991 - CCLC Regarding Newsracks
All in favor, motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS
Councilman Peters moved to approve the liquor license renewals for
Mother Lode, Little Annies, Eagle's Club, Explorer, Caribou Club,
Steak Pit, Golden Horn; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in
favor, motion carried.
REVIEW OF LEGAL OPINIONS
The city attorney's office presented opinions on requiring non-
alcoholic beverages at special events and prohibiting "All You Can
Drink" advertising. Council will discuss this at the liquor
license policy work session February 17th.
RESOLUTION #50, SERIES OF 1991 - Establishing 1992 Mill Levy
Councilman Peters moved to table this to December 11, 1991, at 5
p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, motion
carried.
RESOLUTION #41, SERIES OF 1991 - 1992 Budget
Dallas Everhart, finance director, reminded Council their first
work session on the budget was October 7th; there have been 16
sessions totalling 71 hours on the 1992 budget. When the process
started there was a deficit of $822,000. Based upon the changes
approved by Council the deficit is now only $145,000, a change of
$676,000. Everhart reminded Council they have approved an increase
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
in business license fees which will result in $4800 increased
revenues. This increase will be added to Ordinance #44 for second
reading. The fees will be for 0 to 5 employees $150; for 6 to 15
employees $200; 16 to 49 employees $400 and over 50 $750. Everhart
said this increase was not in the ordinance on first reading but
will be included for second reading.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing.
Everhart said Council is to review the parks and open space capital
budget. Everhart said this list contains costs for replacing the
Pisten Bulley. The city has received a commitment from Snowmass
and Pitkin County for their share of the capital projects. The
$250,000 for the new trail and bridge improvements staff will
return with a specific list. The $100,000 for open space new
development will also be included on that specific list. The
$200,000 for the cold storage building should be deleted. Truscott
and Marolt lights are included. The Shoaf property for $800,000
has been deleted. There is $497,000 in projects remaining. This
fits within the available funds in the parks and open space fund.
Councilwoman Richards asked if the Marolt and Truscott lighting was
going to be funded out of remaining bond proceeds. Councilman
Peters said the projects have complied with their land use approval
and have provided all the lighting they were supposed to.
Councilman Peters suggested the lighting be deleted and Council can
look at this again in 1992. Councilwoman Richards asked about
funding for completion of the Rio Grande; this should be looked at
early in 1992. Council is approving $17,000 for the Pisten Bulley;
$250,00 for new trails; $100,000 for open space new development;
$25,000 for the Marolt ditch; $25,000 for parks department raw
water irrigation. Everhart told Council the city will be using
park dedication fees to fund these projects. Councilman Peters
requested, before the money is spent on the Pisten Bulley, what
happened to the 1991 payments from Snowmass Village and Pitkin
County.
Councilman Peters moved to continue the budget hearing to December
11, 1991 at 5:00 p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in
favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #45, SERIES OF 1991 - Appropriations
Dallas Everhart, finance director, requested this be tabled until
the next Council meeting.
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to table Ordinance #45, Series of
1991, to December 16, 1991; seconded by Councilman Reno. All in
favor, motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
ORDINANCE #43, SERIES OF 1991 - Community Center rezoning to
Affordable Housing
Leslie Lamont, planning office, submitted exhibit A, the legal
description of the property. Ms. Lamont told Council this is a
rezoning from public to affordable housing. The parcel is the
current Community Center site, owned by the county, located in city
limits. The Common Ground Housing Association proposes to rezoning
the property and subsequently go through subdivision development
review. The property is 85,000 square feet. Demolition of the
Community Center will take place except for about 6,000 square
feet. The applicant proposes to put about 21 deed restricted units
of one to three bedrooms. This has been to P & Z, who recommended
approval of the rezoning.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance ##43, Series of 1991, on
second reading; seconded by Councilman Reno. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Richards, yes; Reno, yes; Peters, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #42, SERIES OF 1991 - Ute Avenue Improvement District
Cindy Wilson, assistant city manager, told Council the Blue Ribbon
Committee recommended against this project. Ms. Wilson told
Council the staff is mixed on this project. Ms. Wilson said if the
project is going to be done by the city at some time, it would be
most cost effective to participate in the district at this time.
Nick McGrath, representing the Lower Ute Improvement District,
reminded Council the lower district was approved in Resolution #33
in August. If the city does not approve the upper district, the
lower district can still be approved. McGrath said a comment was
made by the Blue Ribbon Committee that this would facilitate
development is unsound. Brooke Peterson, representing the upper
district, told Council no one presented to the Blue Ribbon
Committee what this improvement district really consisted of.
Peterson said Council is in a difficult position because it is both
a property owner and the approving entity of the district.
Peterson said an improvement district will allow the property
owners to pay for the improvements over a period of time rather
than one upfront expense. Peterson requested Council consider
allowing the district to be formed, exclude the city as a partici-
pant and those improvements the city would be responsible for.
Peterson said his clients would still like to do their improvements
using the mechanism available for an improvement district.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
Jim Martin urged Council to approve this district. This is a good
deal for the city; the adjoining landowners are funding 85 percent
of the project. The city is the largest single landowner on Ute
Avenue. Martin said the Blue Ribbon Committee did not understand
the scope of this district. Martin said the cost to the city over
10 years would be $8,000 per year. Les Holst, Blue Ribbon
Committee member, said he understood the parameters and felt this
was inappropriate.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Councilman Peters said he supports the district; however, he does
not support the city funding the district. Councilman Peters said
it is probably not entirely correct for public funds to be taxed as
part of an improvement district. Councilwoman Richards said she
supports the forming of both districts and the funding of the
districts as a property owner. Councilman Reno said the city has
been through the process and has given these property owners
information they relied on in the formation of a district.
Mayor Bennett said he contacted some residents and workers in this
area. Those he talked to are unanimously against the improvement
district. One resident feels more people will use the street if it
is widened. Some commented it should be kept rural, not change it,
the speed limit can be made lower. Mayor Bennett said the danger
in this area is the ice on the road, which will not be fixed by an
improvement district.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #42, Series of 1991,
with the city's participation; seconded by Councilman Reno. Roll
call vote; Councilmembers Peters, no; Reno, yes; Richards, yes;
Pendleton, no; Mayor Bennett, no. Motion NOT carried.
Council agreed to have staff prepare two separate improvement
district ordinance for a future Council meeting.
REQUEST FOR FUNDS - Child care Committee Recommendation Early
Learning Center
Cindy Wilson, assistant city manager, told Council she is making
this presentation on behalf of the Child Care Committee. Ms.
Wilson told Council the Committee, Early Learning Center represen-
tatives, and local providers of day care met to discuss issues of
child care. Ms. Wilson said the Early Learning Center has
recognized some problems they have and is making efficiency and
cost cutting changes. Ms. Wilson said the recommendations of the
committee are made with the intent of giving guidance to the ELC
and to help address some problems of the ELC. Ms. Wilson said the
committee would like to see community consensus developed on the
needs of child care and which of these needs should be subsidized.
6
Rectular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
Ms . Wilson said the committee is not looking to avoid subsidies but
to know about them ahead of time and to know what should be
subsidized.
Ms. Wilson said the committee's first concern is that review of
applications be done fairly. Ms. Wilson said the committee has
decided to reopen the process to allow child care providers to make
application for funds from the city. The committee has changed the
policy of these applications; any provider who is in a crisis
situation, in danger of closing, the committee will work with that
provider and will come to Council as soon as possible. This is how
the committee looked at the ELC in this situation. The committee's
recommendation is to fund the ELC of $40,000 for a six month
period. The funds are to be dispersed on a monthly basis according
to the need. This six month period will allow the ELC time to do
better planning and to work with the community.
The committee's specific recommendations are that the ELC be
proactive in working with the community and with other providers to
determine needs for child care, which needs are unmet, which needs
should be subsidized by the city, and to determine which of these
needs the ELC should respond to. The committee recommends the ELC
develop a plan for more efficient use of space and teachers. The
committee also recommends the ELC develop a short term funding plan
and work with the Aspen Foundation for assistance. A main
component of the recommendation is that the ELC develop a compre-
hensive business and financial plan for June through December 1992
and for 1993. Ms. Wilson told Council the committee recommends a
salary and rate survey and that the ELC examine their pay philoso-
phy for their teachers, and if they are getting city subsidy that
that philosophy be public information.
Linda Karaus, child care committee, told Council the committee felt
the ELC has strengths and reasons why it should be kept going.
This facility is meeting child care needs that are not being met in
the community currently. The ELC is providing service for 105
families. The location is convenient for Aspen. The ELC has a
very dedicated board trying to make this operation work. The ELC
has the opportunity to expand to meet the needs of the community in
the future. Ms. Karaus said it should not be the responsibility of
the ELC to manage the building; they are not in the property
management business. Ms. Karaus suggested the city and school
board get together to work on who should manage that building. Ms.
Wilson suggested a joint work session with the school board.
Councilman Reno asked who will be recommending what should be
subsidized. Ms. Wilson said the group of child care providers and
the child care committee will try to identify what should be
subsidized. Councilman Reno asked if management of the school
applied to the ELC or to any child care providers. Ms. Karaus said
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
the building is owned by the school board and they have some
obligation in this process and the mandate that pre-school will be
available to handicap children. The child care committee recom-
mends leasing space to other child care providers in the yellow
brick school building. Mayor Bennett said he supports the $40, 000,
which will give time to come up with a community solution.
Councilman Peters moved to approve the $40,000 grant to the ELC
pursuant to the terms and conditions and recommendations of the
Child Care Advisory Task Force; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton.
Councilman Peters withdrew his motion for public comment.
David Lockren, board of directors ELC, thanked Council for their
efforts in child care. Lockren said the ELC is pursuing the
recommendations in the report from the child care committee. Ruth
Stone congratulated CIVA and the Council for the efforts that have
been made. Ms. Stone said this is a complex issue. Ms. Stone said
she is not opposed to the ELC asking for money; they are filling a
need in the community . Ms . Stone said the ELC has been hard on
private providers this year. There have been some wonderful
recommendations made by the child care committee. Ms. Stone said
the role of the ELC in Aspen ought to be redefined. The issue of
what is an affordable need in the community ought to be addressed.
Ms. Stone suggested the city look into buying the yellow brick
building and having child care providers share in the rent and the
upkeep. Ms. Stone said she is opposed to long range money for the
ELC, so a plan needs to be adopted. Ms. Stone said she is
concerned that the community is looking at the .45 sales tax as a
windfall and a bottomless pit.
Councilman Peters moved to approve the $40,000 grant to be
dispersed over six months to the ELC pursuant to the terms and
conditions and recommendations of the Child Care Advisory Task
Force; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion
carried.
REPORT ON COPPER KETTLE NOISE COMPLAINTS
Tom Dunlop, environmental health department director, told Council
noise generated from nightclubs has been a concern of the community
for a number of years. Dunlop said the city can buy an instrument
which can differentiate between frequencies of sound. The
difficulty is in picking the right number to develop a standard, a
varying standard which would have a band of numbers per district.
These would be tied to a specific base frequency. Dunlop recom-
mended the ordinance remain the way it is with the understanding
that should information become available to investigate this type
of noise ordinance, this will be brought back to Council.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
Sirous Saghatoslami, owner of the Copper Kettle, told Council he
has tried very hard to please the neighbors. Saghatoslami said he
implemented recommendations from an engineer costing over $150,000.
Saghatoslami said all this work was in reliance on the existing
ordinance. Saghatoslami said his sound improvements over the last
2 years have made a lot of difference. Saghatoslami said the
buildings near the Copper Kettle are old and not well insulated.
Saghatoslami said there is noise generated from his establishment,
but they are within the law. Saghatoslami said the only measure-
ment from his building that was not within the law was next to the
Ski Company's property and the gondola building. Saghatoslami
pointed out the Ski Company has a noise variance for snowmaking.
Don Helmick, manager North of Nell building, said this is not a
liquor license situation but a zoning situation. Helmick requested
staff look at the permitted uses for the Tippler. Helmick said
there are logs of complaints from North of Nell guests. Helmick
told Council the former management initiated a lawsuit against the
Copper Kettle. The guests cannot enjoy the premises for what they
are designed for; the zoning is primarily residential. It is not
very practical to have people not enjoying the primary use due to
one neighbor. Helmick told Council the North of Nell has spent
about $60,000 to $100,000 to provide sound protection; however, the
base frequency goes through anything. The equipment the city has
does not measure base frequency.
Bill Butler, assistant general manager condominium rentals,
reiterated this is not commercial core and is zoned lodge/tourist/
residential. Butler said a solution for this type of disturbance
needs to be planned. Butler said Saghatoslami's attempts have had
some effect; however, the base is still a problem. Mary Faulkner,
owner of the Tipple Lodge, said the noise is loud and keeps people
up all night. Ms. Faulkner said it is hard to explain that the
city finds this legal. Dunlop told Council under the present
ordinance, the term commercial and lodge carry the same number of
maximum sound readings. Dunlop pointed out the variance for the
Ski Company is for snowmaking and has nothing to do with the night
club noise. The Ski Company has an understanding they will use the
best available technology for their ski making equipment. They
orient the nozzle so they are less intrusive to the neighborhood,
if possible.
Councilwoman Pendleton said there should be a way to solve this so
all entities can stay in business. Councilwoman Pendleton said
this cannot be the only community with this problem. Councilwoman
Richards said it is inappropriate to continue to ignore a public
nuisance. Mayor Bennett requested staff continue to investigate
changes to the noise abatement ordinance to include octave band
analysis. Saghatoslami said he is willing to continue to investi-
gate noise dampening effects as long as the surrounding businesses
9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
also do that. Councilman Peters said the Council should not be
processing a new community noise standard based on one isolated
incident. The best way to proceed is through a diligent and
thorough approach to the problem. Councilman Peters said nuisances
can be established in court that would supersede any laws and
regulations of the city. This is the responsibility of any
aggrieved parties. Councilwoman Richards said this winter's
complaints should be recorded. Also the city should be enforcing
any standards on the books. Dunlop told Council his staff will go
and make decibel readings throughout the town during the winter and
keep a record of this. Council agreed staff should keep working on
a defensible standard for the entire community.
VEHICLE IDLING PROVISIONS
Tom Dunlop, environmental health department director, requested
this be tabled to the first meeting in January in order to receive
input from the Clean Air Board.
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to table this to January 13, 1992;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 1991 - Electric Refunding Bonds
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to read ordinance #48, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Reno. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #48
(Series of 1991)
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE BY THE
CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, OF ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION
ELECTRIC REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 1991, IN THE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF $6,390,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS
FOR THE ADVANCE REFUNDING OF A PORTION OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO GENERAL OBLIGATION ELECTRIC REFUNDING
BONDS, SERIES 1985 AND THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO
GENERAL OBLIGATION ELECTRIC BONDS (MAROON CREEK HYDRO-
ELECTRIC GENERATING PROJECT) SERIES 1987, TOGETHER WITH
ALL NECESSARY INCIDENTAL APPURTENANT COSTS AND EXPENSES
THEREWITH; PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF SAID SERIES 1991
BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SAID SERIES 1991 BONDS
AND APPROVING A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT; PROVIDING A
PLEDGE OF THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF THE CITY AS
SECURITY FOR SAID SERIES 1991 BONDS; PROVIDING OTHER
DETAILS IN CONNECTION WITH SAID SERIES 1991 BONDS;
APPROVING THE FORM OF THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND A
CERTAIN ESCROW AGREEMENT; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND
PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS EMERGENCY
ORDINANCE was read by the city clerk
10
Regular Meeting Aspen City Coun_c_il December 9, 1991
Steve Jeffers, Kirchner/Moore, told Council he and staff have
looked at doing an advance refunding of the city's outstanding
electric bonds. If the city can state when it issues bonds than
it's intent would be the entire amount of bonds issued in a given
calendar year not exceed $10 million, banks can buy the bonds and
deduct the entire interest earnings on the bonds as tax exempt
income. Jeffers said interest rates are low and the opportunity
was attractive for an advance refunding. To meet the time schedule
to do this refunding in 1991, it is necessary to do this as an
emergency ordinance. Jeffers told Council the city will refund the
just the bonds after the call date in both issues. Jeffers told
Council the savings will be $200,00 in present value after all
expenses have been paid.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #48, Series of 1991, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Reno. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Pendleton, yes; Richards, yes; Reno, yes; Peters,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #49, SERIES OF 1991 - Extending CCLC
John Worcester, assistant city attorney, told Council this
ordinance extends the life of CCLC for 5 years. The ordinance
gives them the same duties and responsibilities as they currently
have.
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #49, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Reno. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #49
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A RENEWED TERM OF OPERATION FOR
THE COMMERCIAL CORE AND LODGING COMMISSION UNTIL DECEMBER
31, 1996, DESCRIBING THE COMPOSITION, TERM AND QUALIFICA-
TIONS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS, THEIR POWERS, AND DUTIES;
PROVIDING FOR APPEALS BY PERSONS AGGRIEVED BY ACTIONS OF
THE COMMERCIAL CORE AND LODGING COMMISSION AND ESTABLISH-
ING RULES OF PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE COMMERCIAL
CORE AND LODGING COMMISSION IN EXERCISING ITS FUNCTIONS
was read by the city clerk
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #49, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Reno. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
Pendleton, yes; Peters, yes; Reno, yes; Richards, yes; Mayor
Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
ORDINANCE #511 SERIES OF 1991 - Prohibits Moving Towed Vehicles
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #51, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Reno. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #51
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, AMENDING
SECTION 22-27 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO MAKE IT
UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO MOVE A VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY
MOVED, STORED OR IMPOUNDED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE II OF
CHAPTER 22 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITHOUT FIRST PAYING A
CHARGE OF FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00) FOR TOWING, MOVING,
PROCESSING, STORING OR IMPOUNDING SUCH VEHICLE was read
by the city clerk
John Goodwin, police chief, said the city needs an ordinance to
encourage people to pay the tow fees rather than just driving away.
Staff suggested rather than a fine in the ordinance that this be
set by the Municipal Judge. Council agreed.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance $#51, Series of 1991, on
first reading amending it to reflect the Municipal Judge sets the
fee; seconded by Councilman Reno. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
Richards, yes; Reno, yes; Peters, yes; Pendleton, yes. Mayor
Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #46, SERIES OF 1991 - Procurement Code
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #46, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #46
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING A NEW
CHAPTER 3 FOR THE ADOPTION OF A PROCUREMENT CODE was
read by the city clerk
John Worcester, assistant city attorney, said the reasons for the
procurement code are to make sure staff follows a single, consis-
tent policy when purchasing goods and services for the city. The
procurement code is to also insure the public has confidence in the
city's procurement system. The code sets up procurement officers
to purchase goods and services for the city. The procurement code
will also determine who has authority to purchase goods and
services and at what level. Council must approve all purchases in
12
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
excess of $10,000; the city manager will have the authority to
approve purchases between $2,000 and $10,000. The code requires
that all purchases over $10, 000 be done by formal written contract.
Worcester told Council the procurement code deals with preference;
preferences will be provided to women, minorities and local
businesses. In addition to a simple preference, if everything is
equal, there is a 5 percent preference for local business under
$10,000. The code establishes a procurement appeals board, which
is Council. The code also discusses ethics in public contracting.
Councilwoman Pendleton said she likes the idea of using local
businesses. Councilwoman Pendleton said the ordinance states for
sealed bids that the ordinance should be awarded to the lowest
responsible bidder, is there is way to give preferential treatment
to businesses in the Roaring Fork Valley. Councilwoman Pendleton
said it is a sore spot with construction people when they see out
of town trucks coming in and doing work that should be done by
local people. Worcester said over $10,000 there is a simple
preference to local businesses. If there is no bidder who lives in
Aspen, the secondary preference would go to someone who lives in
the Roaring Fork Valley. Worcester said the way the ordinance
reads is that one gets a preference if they live in the Roaring
Fork Valley regardless of the amount of the contract. If the
contract is for less than $10,000, locals get an additional 5
percent towards the bid. Councilwoman Richards -said she feels
there needs to give more leeway with the 5 percent. Councilman
Peters said a procurement code is good policy for the city and
should be adopted. Councilman Peters said the purpose of having
local preference is to reflect the value of the community of having
someone who lives in the community do the work, pay taxes, employ
local people, people who already have housing.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #46, Series of 1991,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Peters. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Peters, yes; Reno, yes; Richards, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #43, SERIES OF 1991 - Cemetery Lane Underground District
Chuck Roth, city engineer, reminded council they asked for more
information on this issue about the telephone company's participa-
tion in undergrounding, and complaints from property owners. Roth
told Council staff did two mailings on this project; the estimates
were high and the city received complaints about the costs. Roth
said staff looked at who should and should not be included in the
district. The West Aspen subdivision has already been under-
grounded; however, there are some exceptions in this subdivision
like those lots with telephone lines right in sight of their lots
who would derive a benefit from having the lines come down. Roth
said there were some property owners included in this district who
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
were already included in the previous district. These property
owners have been removed from the district lists.
Roth pointed out there are some remaining portions from an
undergrounding bond of 1985 of $65,000, which will be used as the
city's share for the Cemetery Lane project. Roth recommended
Council adopt this resolution. There was a 66 percent vote in
favor of the district.
John Worcester, assistant city attorney, told Council if the phone
company did not underground, the joint pole agreement would allow
the phone company to buy these poles. Worcester said the city
could not prevent the phone company from using these poles in the
right-of-way. The phone company does not need to come to the city
for a franchise agreement. Worcester said Holy Cross would require
the phone company and cable company to share in the cost of
trenching. Worcester told Council he researched an occupation tax.
The city' s current rate is $7 per account per year . Other rates in
the state run from $.35 to $24 per year. Worcester said the phone
company could surcharge this amount back to customers.
Doug Allen, West Aspen subdivision, said this is an opportunity to
get the Cemetery Lane area undergrounded at a reasonable price.
Fred Peirce, West Aspen subdivision, said West Aspen subdivision
should not be paying for this district because of any direct or
measurable benefit. West Aspen has already been undergrounded.
Councilman Peters said this is a neighborhood improvement and there
is an inequity if the West Aspen subdivision do not pay for any of
the undergrounding. Councilman Reno said although he is in favor
of undergrounding, the price is too high. It is unfortunate the
phone company will not contribute. Councilman Reno said these lots
do not have an alley, which adds to the cost of undergrounding.
Councilwoman Pendleton agreed this is not completely equitable; the
phone company has to be involved or this is not worth doing.
Councilman Peters suggested approving this resolution and exploring
an occupation tax on the phone company as well as to encourage Holy
Cross to put pressure on the phone company to be part of the
district.
Councilman Peters moved to approve Resolution #43, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilwoman Pendleton. Motion carried.
Councilman Peters moved to suspend the rules and meet until 9:30
p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, motion
carried.
14
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
REQUEST FOR FEES WAIVERS - ACES
Councilman Peters moved to approve the request pursuant to the
conditions in staff's memorandum; seconded by Councilman Reno. All
in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #50, SERIES OF 1991 - Authorizing Installment Payments
Nelson/Devore
Councilman Peters moved to go into executive session to discuss
real property acquisition; seconded by Councilman Reno. All in
favor, motion carried.
Councilman Peters moved to come out of executive session; seconded
by Mayor Bennett. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Peters moved to approve Resolution #51, Series of 1991,
ratification of Nelson/Devore contract; seconded by Councilwoman
Richards.
Jed Caswall, city attorney, told Council there are some corrections
in the contract. The principal amount of the note is $800,000, the
interest rate is $7.5 percent, the terms of the note call for the
city to buy down the principal by $50,000 on January 13, 1992.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #50, Series of 1991;
seconded by Councilman Reno. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #50
(Series of 1991)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PROMISSORY NOTE
PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE OF THE NELSON/DEVORE PROPERTY
AND SETTING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL was
read by the city clerk
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #50, Series of 1991, and
to delete any references to this being an emergency ordinance and
to set a special meeting of Council Thursday, December 26, 1991;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
Pendleton, yes; Reno, yes; Richards, yes; Peters, yes; Mayor
Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
15
-~ Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
Councilwoman Richards moved to continue the meeting to Wednesday,
December 11 at 5:00 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Peters. Council
left Chambers at 9:40 p.m.
Kathryn Koch, City Clerk
16
Special Meeting Aspen City Council December 9, 1991
Mayor Bennett called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m. with
Council members Reno, Richards and Peters present.
Councilman Peters moved to go into executive session for the
purpose of discussing real property acquisition; seconded by
Councilman Reno. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adjourn the executive session at
1:25 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion
carried.
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerkf
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 1991
Mayor Bennett called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. with
Councilmembers Peters, Reno and Richards present.
RESOLUTION #41, SERIES OF 1991 - 1992 Budget
Dallas Everhart, finance director, reminded Council the first
budget work session was held October 7. There have been 16 budget
work sessions. Public hearings on the budget have been noticed,
and Council has had public hearings at 5 regular meetings.
Colorado statutes require cities certify the mill levy by December
15th. Everhart pointed out the city's budget contains certain
impact fees and restricted revenues. There is $118,000 from the
highway user tax fund and $40,000 from the county road and bridge;
these funds will be used for street maintenance. Park Dedication
fees are included in the budget and recorded in the parks and open
space fund at $90,000. Council has designated these funds to be
used for capital improvements. Parking impact fees are budgeted at
$20, 000; these funds will be used for operating the parking garage.
Housing payment-in-lieu funds and housing impact fees are recorded
in the housing/daycare fund. Council will approve expenditures for
these funds as they are presented to Council. Everhart reminded
Council at the beginning of this process the city faced a $822,000
deficit in the general fund. This budget includes a deficit of
$144,000, a reduction of $677,000 gained in reduced expenditures or
increased revenues throughout the general fund.
Everhart pointed out in the budget resolution, staff is proposing
a budget which includes $203,600 in expenditures for debt payment
on the red brick school. The city shop master plan expenditures
are $200,000; payment to Pitkin County for the center com of
$84,000; GIS of $180,000 out of the general fund. The budget also
includes the Centennial sidewalk of $150,000. Everhart said this
budget includes operating and maintenance revenue raised from
property tax for street equipment, street overlay, storm drainage,
engineering bridge, and aerial topo information, pool, center com,
GIS, city hall, ice garden, red brick school and city shop. The
revenues are projected at $674,000 in the general fund for
operating maintenance. Of this amount $407,000 is approved to be
spent in 1992; the remainder of the funds will be designated and
restricted for those specific projects. The total 1992 operating
budget requires revenues of $26,245,899. Also included in the
budget is Council's support of a 10 year capital plan.
Jed Caswall, city attorney, recommended both the budget adoption
resolution and the mill levy resolution be amended by including a
title. Caswall read into the record a suggested title for
Resolution #41.
Mayor Bennett reopened the public hearing on the 1992 budget.
1
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 1991
Al Blomquist told Council the Parks Association sent a letter
supporting the cold storage building for the parks department.
Blomquist urged Council to reinstate the $200,000 for this facility
in the capital portion of the budget. Blomquist said the city has
a good parks department that works very hard. This expenditure for
cold storage replaces storage lost on the Marolt property.
Otherwise the equipment is exposed to the weather. Blomquist noted
the parks department has a large physical area of responsibility.
The new streets building does not seem to have room for the parks
equipment. Mayor Bennett said the problems are the cost and
neighborhood opposition. The city is going to spend a lot of money
for a streets maintenance building, which is where the parks
equipment will finally be located. Councilman Peters said the
capital committee felt a building on the golf course would lead the
city into conflict with the neighbors. Councilman Reno said he is
open to an idea of a parks storage facility; there will probably
not be enough space at the streets maintenance facility for the
parks equipment.
Councilman Reno stated the inclusion of the red brick school and
city shop in the budget may be premature as this has not been to
the voters. It should be taken to the voters first. The costs of
the projects should be part of the bond election. Councilman Reno
said he would like the red brick school and city shop removed from
the budget. Councilman Reno suggested waiting until a vote on
these projects, then setting the 1993 mill levy to reflect that
vote.
Councilwoman Richards pointed out the arts groups cannot abandon
their existing leases without a sure thing. Councilwoman Richards
said she is comfortable that the public wants to see the school
buildings maintained in a public use. Councilwoman Richards said
this budget has been driven by the fact that the city has had no
asset management in the past. Councilman Peters said the capital
committee was clear they did not want the city to put off the
recommendations for buying the red brick school. Amy Margerum,
city manager, pointed out if this does not get approved on a ballot
question, the 1993 mill levy can be adjusted down. Councilman Reno
said the budget not only contains the purchase of the red brick
school but the maintenance also.
Mayor Bennett said the red brick school and city shop should be in
the budget. If the city is pushing ahead with these projects, it
would not be fiscally responsible to not budget for them. A budget
is meant to reflect plans. Mayor Bennett noted the capital
committee was unanimous that the city go ahead with plans for the
red brick school and for the city shop.
David Muckinhern supported Council in their efforts to balance the
operating budget. Muckinhern said the community just had a
2
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council December 11, 1991
reassessment to more accurately reflect property values. Any tax
increase should go to the voter. Muckinhern said it is unconscion-
able to tax citizens, then ask them if they want it. Muckinhern
pointed out with the assessment, this increase and the school
district, property owners will be hit with a 100 to 200 percent tax
increase.
Mayor Bennett said the city has not raised property taxes for years
and much of the city's capital assets are crumbling and in dire
need of repair. Muckinhern said it is wrong to raise property
taxes for capital expenditures without asking the property owners.
Councilwoman Richards pointed out all revenues and services
provided by the city have been looked at and raised directly in
relation to the cost of service. The city provides service for
things that do not generate revenue, like plowing the streets.
Councilwoman Richards said when one is a sales tax based community,
they are at risk. Property taxes have been held artificially low
because of the sales tax revenues. Councilwoman Richards said she
cannot continue to let the city infrastructure crumble.
Gaard Moses told Council if this budget passes, his property taxes
will go up 300 percent. Moses said wages have not kept pace with
increased taxes. Dallas Everhart, finance director, pointed out
the actual mills allocated to capital have decreased. In 1991 3
mills was for capital totalling $750,000; proposed 1992 mill for
capital is 2.2 totalling $767,000. The difference is going into
operating maintenance. Councilwoman Richards said if there had
been more maintenance over the past 10 years, the city would not be
in the position they are in today.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Councilman Peters moved to approve Resolution #41, Series of 1991,
as amended; seconded by Councilwoman Richards.
Councilman Reno stated he supports the budget and resolution except
for items that pertain to the bond election issues.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Reno. Motion
carried.
Councilwoman Richards thanked staff for their efforts in the budget
and their ingenuity in trying to balance the budget.
RESOLUTION #50, SERIES OF 1991 - Mill Levy
Jed Caswall, city attorney, amended this resolution to include a
title stating "A resolution of the City Council of the City of
Aspen, Colorado, setting the 1992 municipal mill levy and certify-
ing same to the Board of County Commissioners to Pitkin County".
3
Continued_Meetina Aspen City Council December 11, 1991
Person agreed that infrastructure has to be taken care of but maybe
purchasing the red brick school in tough times is not something the
city should be doing.
Councilman Peters moved to approve Resolution #50, Series of 1991,
as amended; seconded by Councilwoman Richards.
Councilman Reno said he generally supports the mill levy with the
exception of that portion for the red brick school and the city
shop. Councilman Reno said he supports the red brick school;
however, if the mill levy is raised, the current assets should be
taken care of. Mayor Bennett said he supports the acquisition of
the red brick school as it seems to have large community support,
and a center for the arts fits his vision for the future of Aspen.
Councilwoman Richards said the arts and non-profits have been
ignored for years. Councilman Reno said if the voters approve the
purchase of the red brick school, the city could enter into an
agreement with the school board and lease the building in the 1993
budget.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Reno. Motion
carried.
Councilman Peters moved to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.; seconded by
Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
Kathryn S Koch, City Clerk
4