HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20030414 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14~ 2003
BARILOCHE SISTER CITIES ................................................................................. 2
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH ....... ~ .................. ........................ ,. 2
CITIZEN PARTICIPATIONi ................ i .................................................................... 2
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS ....................... ii ............................................... 3
CONSENT CALENDAR ............................................................................................ 4
· Resolution #29, 2003 - Mall Leases ....................................................................... 7
· Resolution #30, 2003 - Add AVLT land to Burlingame COWOP; additional
COWOP Members ......... .~. ......................... i ..................................................................... 7
· Resolution #31, 2003 - Contract - Design Puppy Smith Affordable Housing ...... 7
· Resolution #32, 2003 - ASW Contract Burlingame Parcel D ................................ 7
· Resolution #24, 2003 - Brush Creek park and Ride Lot Expansion ................ ~..~.. 7
· Minutes - March 24, 2003 ...................................................................................... 7
ORDINANCE #20, SERIES OF 2003 - Park-Dale Subdivision ...................... 7
ORDINANCE #17, SERIES OF 2003 - 321 West Bleeker Lot Split ..............8
ORDINANCE # 18, SERIES OF 2003 - Obermeyer Place COWOP Project 9
RESOLUTION #33~ SERIES 0F 2003 - The Residences at Little Nell
Conceptual Approval ...... ............................................................................................ 16
RESOLUTION #34, SERIES OF 2003 - Little Ajax Annexation .................. 18
JAZZ ASPEN NOISE REQUEST ........................................................................... 18
MCDONALD'S TREE REMOVAL PERMIT .................................................... 19
· RESOLUTION #33, SERIES OF 2003 - The Residences at Little Nell
Conceptual Approval .................................................................................................. 20
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14, 2003
Mayor Klanderud called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
coUncilmembers Paulson, Semrau, McCabe and Hershey present.
BARILOCHE SISTER CITIES
Don Sheeley, president of Sister Cities, reminded Council Aspen and
Bariloche, Argentina, have had a trial relationship for 2 years. This week
members of the Bariloche Council and Tourism bureau are in Aspen to sign
the official documents to make Aspen and Bariloche sister cities. Griff
Smith, sister cities, noted the formal signing ceremony is Wednesday at 6
p.m. at the St. Regis. Mayor Klanderud introduced Alberto Icare, Intendente
of San Carlos de Bariloche Gustavo Ezquerra, president of Sister Cities,
Bariloche, Reni de Ezquerra, Representative of the Bariloche Adaptive Ski
Program and Guillermo Estevez, Representative of Emprotur.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
Mayor Klanderud and Council proclaimed April Sexual Assault Awareness
Month and recognized all those who respond to these types of crimes.
Mayor Klandemd and Council presented the proclamation to Peg
MacGovock, RESPONSE.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Ernzy Veazy III noted Council did not pledge allegiance to the flag.
Veazy said Council seems to forget voting groups like pro Americans,
affordable housing, religious groups, senior citizens and the unemployed.
Veazy said the city does not have a senior citizens commission. Veazy said
Aspen should stop their American-phobic attitude because traditionally this
is an American city. Veazy said there is a lot of conflicts of interest and
there should be more recusing.
2. Shirley Ritter, Kid's First, told Council decisions are being made at
the state and federal level that will reflect on the well being of children. Ms.
Ritter requested Council write letters or make phone calls tomorrow to state
legislators to urge them to let the Colorado Department of Education
determine the best way to allocate the Colorado pre-school program spaces
for at risk kids. Ms. Ritter said this has been the responsibility of the
Department of Education. Aspen benefits from 25 of these :spaces.
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Regular Meeting Aspen, Ci.ty Council April 14~ 2003
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Klanderud thanked everyone involved in bring to fruition the
Aspen Recreation Center. Mayor Klanderud noted 1200 people attended the
grand opening last weekend. The ARC staffand city staffvolunteers
worked hard to make it a great event.
2. Councilman Hershey agreed the Aspen Recreation Center is a
tremendous facility and it has to be seen to be appreciated.
3. Councilman Hershey stated he is an employee of the Aspen Skiing
Company and he has spoken to the city attorney's office and the Ski
Company Attorney regarding the application of the Residences at the Little
Nell. Councilman Hershey said the Ski Company will be selling a sliver of
land and will be managing the project. Councilman Hershey said he will
recuse himself from the Residences of the Little Nell. Councilman Hershey
said he has recused himself from all business having to do with the Ski
Company over the past 4 years.
4. Councilman Semrau said the Aspen Recreation Center is fabulous and
thanked everyone who worked to make it possible.
5. Councilman McCabe said in May 1999 there was a $13 million sales
tax election question to pay for construction ora new swirmning pool at
Iselin park, golf and Nordic center improvements, renovation of the Ice
Garden and trails and parks. $4 million of this bond went to replace the
Moore pool. Later the city asked voters to be allowed to retain excess
property taxes for this project, which was also approved. The Aspen Youth
Center affected a property swap and became part of the new recreation
center. The ice hockey group raised $8 million to have a new sheet of ice
included in the center. This was a collaborative effort of the entire
community and one of the best examples of public/private partnership. The
result is phenomenal.
6. COuncilman McCabe said the flags on Main street have been flying to
honor the disabled veterans who are in the Aspen Snowmass area, not for the
war in Iraq.
7. Councilman McCabe noted the U. S. Congress passed[ the Clean
Water Act in 1972. There is currently an attack on this; President Bush is
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14~ 2003
going after the bill to try and weaken it. The comment period ends April
16t~. Councilman McCabe suggested citizens contact their U. S.
representatives about this bill.
8. Councilman Paulson said the U. S. Postmaster kicked petitioners off
U. S. land. Councilman Paulson requested the city's legal stafflook into the
possibility of allowing this type of activity on federal land as long as it does
not interfere with U. S. post office business. Council agreed to direct staffto
look into this.
9. Councilman Paulson said he would like to make comments on VIII(c),
The Residences at Little Nell. Mayor Klanderud suggested he wait until that
topic comes up on the agenda.
10, City Manager Steve Barwick told Council staff has been approached
by Councilman McCabe and members of the Smuggler Mobile Home Park
about replacing the water system and undergrounding utilities. Barwick
asked if Council is interested in approving staff work of about 10 to 15 hours
to look into this. Barwick said there are a variety of alternatives, like special
improvements districts, running the bonds through the city. Councilman
McCabe said one reason to help out with this is that it looks like the city is
pumping processed water into the ground. Council agreed to direct staff to
work on this.
I 1. Mayor Klanderud passed out ACRA's summer vacation planner that
was put together with city's marketing dollars.
12. Councilman McCabe told Council the Burlingame Housing Inc.
approved next year's budget and extended the management contract for two
years. There is $100,000 surplus in the budget.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilman Hershey pulled Resolution #30, Adding AVLT land to
Burlingame COWOP. Councilman Semrau pulled Resolutions 31 and 32,
Contracts - Puppy Smith Affordable Housing and ASW Contract
Burlingame Parcel D. Councilman McCabe pulled offResolution #29, Mall
Leases.
RESOLUTION #29, SERIES OF 2003 Mall Leases
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council ....... April ~4, 2003
Councilman McCabe suggested that instead of allowing restaurants to use
the mall April and May free, April be free and May be 50%. Councilman
Paulson opposed the 3% increase because of the economy. Mayor
Klanderud, Councilmembers Semrau and Hershey were in favor of
approving the resolution as is. Councilman Semrau noted a 3% increase is
11-cents/square foot. Mayor Klanderud said the mall lease amount was not
raised last year.
RESOLUTION #30, SERIES OF 2003 ~ Add AVLT land to Burlingame
COWOP; Additional COWOP Members
Councilman Hershey suggested Councilman Semrau be a COWOP member
rather than Mayor Klanderud. Councilman Semrau has experience in
constructing affordable housing. Councilman Hershey noted all Council
may attend the COWOP meetings. Councilman Paulson said why appoint
Councilman Semrau when all Council may attend; why not list all Council
members. Councilman Semrau said Council has voted to go forward with
Burlingame infrastructure. Councilman Semrau said he feels he can use his
experience to advance Burlingame with the specifics of w]hat Council has
agreed. Mayor Klanderud said she would like to attend the Burlingame
COWOP meetings and supports Semrau's appointment. Councilman
McCabe said he will step down so that Councilman Semrau and Mayor
Klanderud could be the voting members on the Burlingame COWOP; these
two Council members represent two different points of view. Councilman
Paulson agreed.
Councilman Hershey moved to appoint Tim Semrau and Helen Klanderud to
the Burlingame COWOP; seconded by Councilman McCabe.
Councilman Paulson said he would like to make sure there are not more
problems with RO units and corporations. Councilman Semrau noted
Council already agreed on the mix for Burlingame units. Councilman
Semrau noted if Councilman Paulson is interested in a change of policy, the
proper place to initiate this is at the Housing Board. Councilman McCabe
said he is not a big fan of RO units; however, they are what make the project
financially feasible.
Mayor Klanderud said the resolution makes it sound as if tl~[e AVLT land
was purchased to exceed the approved number of units. Councilman
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14, 2003
Paulson said the electorate approved 225 units and the project should be
consistent with that number. Michele Bonfils, asset management, told
Council the purchase of the AVLT land would allow the :number of units to
increase fi.om 225 to 330. Mayor Klanderud requested "not to exceed the
330 units identified in the pre-annexation agreement". Councilman Paulson
said he would like language stating this will be a dense project, not a sprawl
project. Councilman Semrau said this is in the first statement of the adopted
COWOP. Councilman Paulson said his goal is to have this project be the
smallest footprint possible.
RESOLUTION #31, SERIES 2003 - Contract Loris & Associates Puppy
Smith Affordable Housing
Councilman Semrau asked if this was purchased with open space funds and
will be built with AMP funds, which is the owner. Ed Sadler, asset
manager, told Council this will be built with a variety of fimds administered
through AMP. Councilman Semrau said Council has decided to build
housing in a developer procurement process. It is possible to consider this
model even though this is only 3 units. Sadler said the rules have been
anything over $2 million goes through that model. This is only 3 units and
will not cost that much. Sadler told Council the city purchased packaged
plans with the help of CORE and approved by COWOP. There will be
restoration work on the existing building. Sadler said this contract is to
made amendments to the packaged plans to make it fit with the
neighborhood. Councilman Semrau requested the architect be given the
design template and the target cost per square foot. Sadler said the older
building might make this difficult. Councilman Semrau stated he would like
the plans to meet the city's minimum requirements for affordable housing.
City Manager Steve Barwick said he has no problems with meeting the
minimum qualifications and staff can have the architect look at that.
Barwick cautioned Council about expecting this to come al~ywhere near the
cost of Parcel D as Council directed staff to push green construction. Mayor
Klanderud said this is open space and there will be an election question on
the use of this open space.
RESOLUTION #32, SERIES OF 2003 - Contract ASW Burlingame
Parcel D
Councilman Semrau said he understood the solar water heating will only be
added if it is to come out of REMP funds. Councilman Semrau asked why
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14, 2003
the city should sign a contract including $172,000 for solar water heaters.
Ed Sadler, asset manager, told Council this is only budget authority to spend
that $172,000 if approved by REMP. Sadler noted when REMP funds are
approved for projects, the money comes to the city and then the project is
paid for. CORE has not yet reviewed this. Councilman Semrau said staff is
asking for approval of a contract of $6.7 million, which includes up to
$172,000 to be paid by CORE. Sadler said if CORE chooses not to pay the
$172,000, the solar water heaters will not be part of the design.
Councilman Hershey moved to approve the consent calendar; seconded by
Councilman Semrau. The consent calendar is:
Resolution #29, 2003 - Mall Leases
· Resolution #30, 2003 - Add AVLT land to Burlingame COWOP;
additional COWOP Members
· Resolution #31, 2003 - Contract - Design Puppy Smith Affordable
Housing
· Resolution #32, 2003 - ASW Contract Burlingame Parcel D
· Resolution #24, 2003 - Brush Creek Park and Ride Lot Expansion
· Minutes - March 24, 2003
All in favor, Councilmembers McCabe and Paulson vote no on Resolution
#29, only. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #20~ SERIES OF 2003 - Park-Dale Subdi~rision
Councilman Hershey moved to read Ordinance #20, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilman McCabe. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDrN^NCE No. 20
(SERIES OF 2003)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL ?LPPROVING
THE SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 4A AND 5A, OF THE INDEPENDENCE
NO. 2 SUBDIVISION TO CREATE LOTS 1, 2, AND 3. OF THE PARK-
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Regular Meeting Aspen CiW Council April 14~ 2003
DALE SUBDIVISION, CITY OF ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY,
COLORADO.
Councilman Paulson moved to adopt Ordinance #20, Ser~,es of 2003, on first
reading; seconded by Councilman Hershey..
Mayor Klanderud asked if this includes the results of an earlier Council
discussion on curb and gutter and width of the street. James Lindt,
community development department, said it does. Councilman McCabe said
he would like to see the plans included. Julie Ann Woods, community
development department, told Council this is a subdivision only; the
applicant is requesting approval of a 3-lot subdivision.
Roll call vote: Semrau, yes; McCabe, yes; Paulson, yes; Hershey, yes;
Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #17, SERIES OF 2003 - 321 West Bleeker Lot Split
James Lindt, community development department, told Council this is a
12,000 square foot parcel and the request is to split it into two 6,000 square
feet lots. This is located in the R-6 zone, which requires a minimum 6,000
square feet lot size. Lindt said the applicants propose to build a single-
family residence on each lot and to meet the residential design standards.
They will either pay cash-in-lieu or build ADUs on site. Lindt noted there is
an existing residence that will be bisected by this lot split. The residence
will be maintained and given an easement agreement until 'the new lots are
developed.
Councilman McCabe noted under the GMQS exemption, there are 5 choices
and he would like the choice for the attached and/or partially or fully
subgrade ADU be eliminated. Councilman McCabe said Council has been
trying to get away from unlivable subgrade ADUs. Lindt said Council could
change condition 3(b) to remove choice b from Section 26.470.070.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Paulson asked if there are any implications to the historic
inventory. Lindt said this was reviewed and not put on the inventory.
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Regular Meeting Aspen Ci,ty Council April 14~ 2003
Councilman Hershey moved to adopt Ordinance #17, Series of 2003,
amending condition 3(b) to remove (b) from Section 26.470.070; seconded
by Councilman Semrau. Roll call vote: Paulson, yes; Hershey, yes;
McCabe, yes; Semrau, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #18~ SERIES OF 2003 - Obermeyer Place COWOP Project
Chris Bendon, community development department, reminded Council the
city adopted the Convenience and Welfare of the Public (COWOP) for
projects of significant public interest. This process would allow projects
deemed to have significant public interest to proceed by involving all
interested parties at the beginning and throughout the process. At the
beginning of a project, Council determines the particular project to be
eligible for the COWOP process and at the end, Council adopts an
ordinance.
This was the first project to go through the COWOP process and in March
2002, Council determined it eligible for the COWOP process. At the same
time, Council approved the 20-member task force, which included
Councilman McCabe and Mayor Klanderud. There were a total of 15
meetings, all of which were publicly noticed. During this process, there
were 3 check ins with Council. Since the final decision with Council and the
COWOP, the planning staff has taken the project through DRC. Staff has
also been checking with the referral agencies. Bendon reminded Council in
this process, a series of issues were balanced and a recognition gained that
those issues has a connectedness.
The Obermeyer project proposes a replacement of all the service/commercial
and industrial space on site. There is affbrdable and free market housing, 2
layers of underground parking, 9,000 square feet of medical office space.
Bendon told Council one goal throughout the project is that Klans
Obermeyer wanted to replace all existing businesses on site. Some of these
uses are non-conforming and the ordinance replaces these and reinstates
· their non-conforming use status. There is a request for temporary use of 3
city properties, the Zupancis property, the former Youth Center, and the
recycling center. Council must grant that temporary use and as owners of
the property, decide the terms of these temporary uses. Council will discuss
the terms of these temporary uses tomorrow night.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14, 2003
Bendon showed East Bleeker street, which is very narrow and the applicants
propose to vacate this street. Bendon said in researching this, the project
team found a 3,000 square foot section of land with no claim to it. The city
may issue a Mayor's deed for that parcel and add a section to the ordinance
reflecting that. Bendon told Council Mayor's deeds are used to give titles to
land when the land has no claim to it other than city interest. Bendon noted
the following should be added to the ordinance, "The city of Aspen City
Manager is hereby authorized to execute and issue a Mayor's Deed to
Obermeyer Place Holding Company LLC on behalf of the city of Aspen for
that portion of land South of Rio Grande subdivision lot #9 as described on
the Obermeyer Place Mayor's Deed parcel exhibit map. The exhibit map
shall be recorded with the Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder".
Bendon pointed out under the city code, minor amendmentts would go
through P&Z, who has had no history of this project. Bendon said staff
recommends the COWOP task force team be reconstituted if an amendment
needs to be processed. Major amendments will go through Council.
Bendon said this project has benefited from the involvement of tenants,
neighbors, and P&Z members. All the input made this a better project
Klaus Obermeyer agreed this was a positive experience and hopefully will
be a win/win/win solution. Leslie Lamont said the AACP update, the infill
program and the civic center master plan all identified the need to protect
Aspen's few remaining small businesses and to preserve those elements ora
working town. This encouraged Obermeyer to think seriously about the
renovation of the Obermeyer property, which will put the largest small
business park in Aspen on a more stable foundation. Obermeyer purchased
the building adjacent to this property and convinced the two property owners
to the south to participate in the project.
Ms. Lamont pointed out this project will provide a pedestrian connection
from town, to the park, to the trails and to the river. There will be 21 deed-
restricted units and the housing board has endorsed this. T]here are two
levels of underground parking which will meet the parking the parking
requirement plus an additional 56 spaces, 20 of which will go to the city for
use for municipal vehicles. The additional 36 spaces may be used for off-
site parking for infill or other purposes. The applicant is giving $125,000 to
upgrade the recycling center, which has been a commitment from the
beginning of this project.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14, 2003
Ms. Lamont said there will be room for new small businesses in this project.
The Aspen Valley Hospital has committed to renting office space for use for-
local physicians. The focus of this project is locally serving businesses and
medical office space meets that goal. Ms. Lamont noted this application
does not propose rezoning from S/C/I nor does it propose to change the
allowed uses in S/C/I. Ms. Lamont said when this project is redeveloped,
the rents will go up to reflect the upgraded conditions; however, it is
Obermeyer's goal to preserve the existing tenants and provide a space in
which to relocate. It would be counter productive to raise the rents beyond
what those tenants could pay.
Steve Semanski told Council they have made a commitment to work with
the tenants to relocate them during construction and to move them back into
the new project. Semanski said relocation of businesses is as important to
this project as is the financing.
Bob Schiller reminded Council they reviewed this project in October. There
have been refinements, review by city agencies, meetings with COWOP and
meetings with the tenants. Schiller noted Rio Grande Place will remain in
its existing alignment with some minor improvements. The recycle center
will remain where it is on city property. The team did investigate
rearranging the recycle center in order to turn some land back into parks;
however, this did not work out. All involved parties will work to redesign
the recycle center to improve the screening, appearance and operation to
make it less visible. The city has agreed to remove the snowmelt area and
this area will be returned into a parks use.
Schiller proposed the vacation of East Bleeker street, which is one-way,
congested, narrow, and creates dangerous intersections. Another design
determinant is the pedestrian link from Hunter through the site down to the
park and the river. The applicant proposes to improve the existing
pedestrian corridor to the west of Concept 600 and that the city grant an
additional 10 foot easement through the Zupancis property to allow an
improved pedestrian access. One of the original goals of the COWOP task
force was to improve traffic safety, pedestrian safety and way finding.
Schiller showed the 5 buildings, parking underlying the entire site of the 5
buildings. The central building is one-stow to preserve the 'view planes and
is proposed to have a sod roof. The other buildings range from 2 to 3
stories; there is nothing higher than the 35-foot height limit from existing
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Regular Meeting Aspen City. Council April 14, 2003
grades. There is commercial space fronting on Rio Grande place with
parking outside the storefronts. This will be for businesses that have the
most need for in and out traffic. There is a pedestrian commercial district on
the western portion of the site on plaza level. This will be for businesses
that do not need vehicle access, like the gym and martial arts studio. On the
east side is the pedestrian residential neighborhood, consisting of deed
restricted housing with entrances at grade and patios or open space. There is
interior commercial space, areas for businesses in the parking levels, which
do not need high visibility. There are 37 on-grade parking spaces in 4
locations. There is parking underground, the lowest level has 82 spaces and
the upper parking level at street front on the north side with 66 parking
spaces on the upper level.
Schiller pointed out the proposed 9,000 square feet of medical office space.
This space was found by decreasing space between the buildings, adding a
lower parking level, and switching some residences around. The second
floor level is all residential. Schiller showed Council presentation boards
of the projects, showing proposed materials, open spaces, :facades, and
varying roof heights. Schiller said the tenants will all have different needs
and things to mitigate, like venting, noise, fumes. Schiller pointed out that
this project does not block the view of Independence Pass from the Rio
Grande playing fields.
Schiller told Council the applicants are committed to exploring energy
efficient development. They may use a gas-turbine generator to create
energy. They are investigating geo-thermal wells, and photovoltaic cells.
There will be accessibility to this site.
Councilman Semrau asked if this project completely meets the 35 foot
height limit. Schiller told Council there are some existing allowances for
mechanical equipment, solar collectors. The ordinance contains some
allowances over the height limit for things like elevator heads as long as they
are I0 feet back from the edge of the buildings. Schiller said they propose
skylights for energy efficiency and quality of space and have asked that
these be allowed to exceed the height limit.
Councilman Semrau asked if medical offices are currently an allowed use in
the S/C/I zone. Bendon said the ordinance approves a specially planned area
overlay to allow for uses and rehousing of non-conforming uses. Medical
offices will be allowed in this project in S/C/I only. Mayor Klandernd said
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14~ 2003
the task force felt allowing these medical offices was not taking away from
the S/C/I uses already there. The medical offices were included by
rearranging space. The proposal for the medical offices provided an
economic benefit to the developer and did not sacrifice any S/C/I space
planned for this project.
Councilman Paulson asked if this will look like the hospital is keeping space
from other doctors. Schiller said this space was created on a request from
the hospital in order to be able to consolidate several practices. Councilman
Paulson asked about doctors not associated with the hospital. Belinski said
the Obermeyer project is not committed to anyone in particular.
Councilman Paulson said he would like to make sure this is a fair process.
Councilman Semrau asked about the potential for 50 extra parking spaces on
the Zupancis property. Bendon said the applicants want to preserve the right
to build a garage under the Zupancis property, if the opportunity arises,
Schiller told Council they are not proposing these parking spaces as part of
their project; however, they are designing their project so the garage can be
accessed through their garage.
Councilman Semrau noted the proposal states they will determine the RO
and deed restricted prices by a focus group, allocated costs and a
methodology prior to building permit. Councilman Semrau asked why the
applicants are not just following the housing guidelines. Schiller said the
applicants do not know what any part of this will cost. They are in the
process of more detailed costing. Belinski said the category pricing recently
adopted by the housing office will be close. Schiller said the RO units will
be priced by the applicants.
Councilman Paulson asked how the businesses will be protected from the
homeowners. Schiller said the first way is to design the building to contain
the impacts and deal with this up front. The buildings will be vented, there
will be thick concrete floor systems to contain noise. Schiller pointed out
the 42 residential tenants will buy their units being aware of the mixed use
nature of this project. Mayor Klanderud asked how the hospital's housing
mitigation for this project will be resolved if the city does not agree. Ms.
Lamont told Council the hospital needs to provide a plan that can be
approved; the plan will be based on the Code requirements.
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Regular Meeting Aspen Ci.ty Council April 14~ 2003
Mayor Klanderud asked if this ordinance is approved, where is the assurance
that the deed restricted homeowners will have equity with the free market
owners and the commercial owners. Mayor Klanderud asked about
COWOP task force approving any amendments. Mayor Klanderud said she
does not want to create another standing board. Councilman Semrau
suggested this should be P&Z. Bendon said the task force team felt their
institutional memory might be better than P&Z who has no history with this
project. This is only through construction.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing.
Marcia Goshorn, COWOP member, told Council she is comfortable with the
mitigation of this project because it is preserving locally serving businesses.
Ms. Goshorn said the ordinance should be amended so that any "bought
down" units should be sold through the lottery rather than at the owner's
discretion.
Debra Moore, Oklahoma Flats resident, thanked the Obemneyer team for
listening to the neighbors on their issues and their values. Ms. Moore asked
the city to have sensitivity to the neighbors, when the recycle center is
designed. Rich Wagar said this project speaks to having friendship between ,,
the different segments of the community. Jim Pomeroy said he likes the
idea that someone is willing to take a chance on a project like this. The
developer is trying to make this affordable to commercial uses.
Terry Young, tenant, said taking precautions in building and over-insulating
and venting will hopefully solve the residence/commercial problem. Young
said he is looking forward to the future of the ski tuning business in the
community. Beth Gill, tenant and COWOP member, said every tenant was
invited to every meeting. There was listening and compromise in the
process.
Toni Kronberg said staffdid a great job of pulling all the different entities
together in this process. This application is a hearing on Aspen's values,
character and goals. This project protects the mountain's views, is a project
that residents can walk to anywhere in town. Ms. Kronberg said the
ordinance states the city will pursue alternative locations for the location of
the recycling center within the city's master plan. Ms. Kronberg pointed out
everyone drives to this recycling center, which goes against the city's goals.
Ms. Kronberg said there are solutions for alternative locations.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council , April 14~ 2003
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Hershey said he has never seen an instance where the
community worked together and came up with compromises. There are
great assets and one of them is the owner of the project, Klans Obermeyer.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #18, Series of 2003 with the
following amendments; (1) P&Z instead of the COWOP task force is too
approve amendments to the plan; (2) city will have the right of first refusal
to purchase the extra 36 Parking spaces not sold within th,: project itself; (3)
not to grant the easement until after the project is built; (4); the applicants
will draft language to insure that the dues for the affordable housing units
are reasonable; this agreement must be approved by the housing board prior
to building permit; (5) the conditional use approval will expire when the
current lease expires; seconded by Councilman Hershey.
Councilman Semrau added language "in the event of buy downs, the unit
will go to public lottery per APCHA guidelines"; Councilman Hershey
agreed.
Bendon suggested the section regarding temporary uses be, pulled out of the
ordinance and continued to tomorrow night. Councilman Semrau agreed to
continue that portion until 4/15. Councilman Paulson said he would like the
easement on Zupancis property not to be eliminated. Mayor Klanderud
supports giving the easement. Councilman Semrau said he supports a trail;
however, it could be in the wrong location and he would like to wait until a
building envelop is determined. Hoefer suggested the city reserve the right
to revoke the easement at their discretion. Councilman Semrau said he
would accept that as he does not want to limit the options on the Zupancis
property.
Ms. Lamont told Council there is an existing 10 foot easement on the west
side of the Concept 600 building. The ability to add 10 feet to that easement
will greatly enhance the pedestrian trail.
Councilman Semrau amended the motion to make the easement revocable;
seconded by Councilman Hershey.
15
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 14~ 2003
Councilman McCabe said if the city purchases the extra parking, there is no
assurance that the businesses in the Obermeyer project will be able to
purchase more spaces, if needed. Belinski said these are extra spaces
beyond the required by city code. Councilman Semrau asked if these are in
a location that would be usable to the businesses. Belinski suggested the
city have a right of refusal on the parking spaces after they are offered to an
existing tenant. Council agreed.
Schilling noted the applicants plan to offer spaces for sale to purchasers of
the free market units. Council said their right of refusal would be after the
offer to the purchasers. Mayor Klanderud said she does not agree with the
revocable easement; however, she will vote in favor of this project.
Schilling requested the COWOP task force be allowed to approve the
amendments rather than the P&Z. Schiller said the P&Z has not been privy
to all the discussions over the last year and are being asked to approve the
consistency of something when they do not know what the starting point
was. Once the project is built, the P&Z and will have ability to review the
project and the amendments. Mayor Klanderud said the task force is a
floating group, not always the same members are at the meetings. Mayor
Klanderud said she has confidence in the city's P&Z. They deal with
amendments all the time.
Councilman Paulson said this is a great project. The applicants used the
existing rules and made it work. The neighbors had input and got changes.
Councilman McCabe said this project will be a benefit to tihe community.
The applicant's willingness to be flexible has been astonishing.
Roll call vote: Paulson, yes; Semrau, yes; Hershey, yes; McCabe, yes;
Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #33, SERIES OF 2003 - The Residences at Little Nell
Conceptual Approval
Councilman Hershey said the Aspen Skiing Company has an interest in this
project and as an employee of the Skiing Company, he will recuse himself.
Councilman Hershey left the room.
Councilman Paulson said a letter from the Aspen Skiing Company was sent
out endorsing 4 candidates, 3 present members of Council received that
endorsement. Councilman Paulson said this is not like one :individual
16
Regular Meeting Aspen Ci,ty Council April 14~ 2003
endorsing another individual. This is an employer, 3,000 of these letters
went out. Councilman Paulson requested this application~ be continued until
after the election so it does not put a weird light on the Council, or that this
issue be continued until the next meeting so that everyone has been able to
read the letter and knows what the consequences will be. Councilman
Paulson said it is a problem with a big company endorsing candidates
because if that company has a proposal before Council, the candidates
endorsing this come across as pro-development, which the Ski ComPany is.
The Ski Company has always had an interest in trying to control the politics
in Aspen, development procedures, etc. Councilman Paulson reiterated
Council should not proceed with the project until after the election.
Councilman Paulson said perception is everything and sometimes perception
wins out over truth.
David Hoefer, assistant city attorney, said Council should look at the basis
of conflict of interest. The basis of conflict of interest is that one should
recuse themselves if they cannot be fair to the applicant and to the public. In
this case, the Ski Company is exercising their First Amendment right to
endorse candidates and as along as Mayor Klanderud and Councilman
McCabe feel they can be fair to the public and to the applicant and this
endorsement has not prejudiced them, they do not have a conflict.
Councilman Semrau said anyone could endorse any member of Council and
that Council persons would have to recuse themselves all the time.
Councilman Paulson said this is different because a major employer in the
upper valley is making a statement about the candidates they support.
Mayor Klanderud said one has a right to support candidates. Councilman
Paulson said he feels this has put the candidates that were endorsed in a pro-
development mode. Hoefer said it is not fair to the applicant to postpone
this for two months.
Mayor Klanderud said she does not feel this endorsement affects her ability
to be unbiased and to make a decision on this application in fairness to the
applicant and with the good of the community in mind. Councilman
Hershey recused himself because he is an employee of the Ski Company.
Mayor Klanderud asked what would be the different in postponing this until
June, the perception of bias would still be there in June. Councilman
Paulson said it would take it out of the political arena and being part of the
industrial complex the Ski Company wants to pose for this valley.
17
Regular Meeting Aspen Ci,ty Council April 14, 2003
Mayor Klanderud stated she is not going to recuse herself. Councilman
McCabe said Council is advised to avoid the appearance ora conflict.
Councilman McCabe said he has not heard the discussion of this project and
does not know his vote. Councilman McCabe said he wi~.l recuse himself.
Councilman Semrau moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting
until 10 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion
carried.
The applicants withdrew to consider their action.
RESOLUTION #34, SERIES OF 2003 - Little Ajax Annexation
City Clerk Kathryn Koch reported this annexation has been published and
mailed to the appropriate parties. There are no other annexations pendi~nt~.
Julie Ann Woods, community development department, said there is 1/6
contiguity, this Mil not result in detachment, and it is not more than 3 miles
from the city bonndary. David Hoefer, assistant city attorney, stated the
requirements for annexation have been met.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing.
Donna Fisher stated the only reason for annexation is for more development.
Ms. Fisher said there are many people who want to keep Shadow Mountain
as open space and are very much against annexation. Councilman Hershey
noted if this is annexed, the city will have more control over development.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public heating.
Councilman Hershey moved to approve Resolution #34, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Paulson said he does not feel this is the right thing for the city
to do. The county should have jurisdiction over this rural property.
All in favor with the exception of Councilman Paulson; motion carried.
JAZZ ASPEN NOISE REQUEST
Regular Meeting Aspen City, Council April 14~ 2003
Jannette Whitcomb, environmental health department, toJ[d Council the
special event committee has approved a request for Jazz Aspen to have their
summer concert in the Rio Grande Park June 19 to 22. The recently adopted
ordinance allows non-profit organizations to have noise levels up to 100
decibels until 9 p.m. There is no appeal provision. Jazz Aspen is
requesting to have their concerts until 10:15 p.m. all 4 nights.
Jim Horowitz, Jazz Aspen, said they will make this as minimally impactive
as possible. The tent is entirely closed, which should minimize the noise.
Horowitz pointed out they have scheduled all performances so as not to
conflict with the Music tent.
Donna Fisher said this should be approved, let there be noise. Don Roth,
MAA, said they understand Jazz Aspen is in a bind for locations this year.
The MAA is not opposing this request as Jazz Aspen has agreed to be silent
when the tent is being used. Roth said they have concerns about a June
event being located in Rio Grande Park. Andrew Kole said he favors Jazz
Aspen being allowed to do the best job to find out if this is something the
city wants to continue.
Janet Ferrara, Given Institute, said they are concerned about the noise. They
are having a conference at the same time; however, the readings will be at
Paepcke Park.. Alan Osburn, Theatre in the Park, told Com~cil they will not
be able to open their season until after Jazz Aspen. The Board of Directors
would like the city to look into the possibility of no events in Rio Grande
park that would conflict with other users.
Mayor Klanderud entered letters of support from Bill Stirling, Ron Erickson,
Georgia Hanson, and Lorrie Winnerman.
Mayor Klanderud said she would like to support this request and allow Jazz
Aspen to try it this summer. Council agreed.
MCDONALD'S TREE REMOVAL PERMIT
Stephen Ellsperman, parks department, told Council staff has been in
discussion with the McDonalds since November 2002. Parks staff denied
the tree removal permit, the McDonalds disagreed. Ellsperman noted there
are conflicting goals in tree protection, like solar light, which is not
addressed in the tree code. Ellsperman said the issue is whether Council is
19
Regular Meetin~ Aspen City Council April 14, 2003
interested in scheduling a work session to go over the tree code. Cotmcil
agreed this shOUld be scheduled for a work session to go ,over differing goals
like historic preservation, solar light, tree replacement.
RESOLUTION #33, SERIES OF 2003 - The Residences at Little Nell
Conceptual Approval
Councilman Hershey and Councilman McCabe left the meeting. Brooke
Peterson, representing the Applicant, requested Council open the public
hearing and continue it to April 28th.
Councilman Semrau moved to open the public hearing on the Residences at
Little Nell; seconded by Mayor Klanderud. All in faVor, motion carried.
Councilman Semrau moved to continue Resolution #33, Series of 2003, to
April 28; seconded by Mayor Klanderud. All in favor with the exception of
Councilman Paulson; motion carried. Councilman Paulson said this should
be put offuntil June.
Councilman' Semrau moved to go into executive session at 10:20 p.m.
pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a), acquisition of property; seconded by
Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried. All in fhvor, motion
carried.
Councilman Semrau moved to come out of executive session at 10:30 p.m.;
seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carded.
Councilman Semrau moved to adjourn at 10:30 p.m.; seconded by
Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried.
City Clerk
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