HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20030623Regular Meeting Aspen Cit~ Council June 23, 2003
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ...................................................................................... 2
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS ........................................................................ 2
CONSENT CALENDAR ............................................................................................ 4
· Minutes - May 27. 2003 ........................................................................................ 4
· Resolution #53, 2003 - Kids First Community Foundation Agreement ................ 4
· Resolution #54, 2003 - Accepting Easement/Carbondale Apartments .................. 4
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES ................................................................... 4
· Ordinance #32. 2003 - South Aspen Street PUD ................................................... 4
· Ordinance #33, 2003 - South Aspen Alley Vacation ............................................. 4
· Ordinance #34, 2003 - Code Amendment - Historic Lot Splits in Previously
Approved Subdivisions ................................................................................................... 4
ORDINANCE NO. 34 ................................................................................................... 5
ORDINANCE #28, SERIES OF 2003 202 S. Garmisch Request to De-list
from Historic Inventory ................................................................................................ 6
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 2003 - Code Amendment - Infill ................... 8
ORDINANCE #23, SERIES OF 2003 - Tipple Lodge .................................. 11
ORDINANCE #29, SERIES OF 2003 Dancing Bear PUD .......................... 15
RESOLUTION #55, SERIES OF 2003 Obermeyer Temporary Use .......... 22
RESOLUTION #56, SERIES OF 2003 Mascotte Annexation .................. 22
ORDINANCE #35, SERIES OF 2003 - Mascotte Annexation ....................... 23
YOUTH CENTER FEES ........................................................................................... 23
RESOLUTION #57, SERIES OF 2003 School Resource Officer ............... 24
REQUEST FOR FUNDS Fourth of July Street Dance ................................... 24
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
Mayor Klanderud called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with
Councilmembers Torte, Richards, Paulson and Semrau present.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Toni Kronberg reminded Council at the last meeting they discussed
the operation agreement with SPARC. Ms. Kronberg noted there was never
a committee to deal with the recreation facility. There was a task force in
1996-97 that developed projects for the bond issue. Ms. Kronberg stated it
is crucial to have a committee and all sports should be represented on this
committee. Ms. Kronberg said citizens were told there was a financial
feasibility study done and there was not. There was a pro forma done by
staff. Ms. Kronberg requested Council have an expert come in and work
with staff to do a financial feasibility study on the current recreation facility.
2. Sy Coleman said he appreciates the city enforces the existing noise
ordinances. Coleman said one of the evident reasons for noise ordinances
are multiple events, like jazz and classical music in the mall. If there is no
amplified music, one performance does not drown out other performances.
Coleman said many musicians need amplification and these can only occur
indoors without impacting the entire town. Coleman said there are no music
clubs downtown because the rents are so high and restaurants cannot afford
entertainment. Coleman suggested the city set up a non-profit connection,
public/private parmership to contribute to a fund to be administered by
someone like Jazz Aspen and this fund could be used to pay the salary of
bands to play in clubs. Mayor Klanderud said this suggestion could be
incorporated in revitalizing the downtown. Councilwoman Richards
suggested Coleman takes this to the CCLC for their input.
3. Les Holst told Council their job is to save the community. If Council
saves this community, everything else will fall in line. The community is
about permanent residents, people who live here.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Paulson said he just attended a conference in Banff on
sustainability. Councilman Paulson said he found Aspen to be ahead of
most communities. Councilman Paulson said the basis of the conference is
communities should know who they are and where they are. Councilman
Paulson said a definition of sustainability is when people are not subject to
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
conditions that systemically undermine their ability to maintmn a quality of
life. The other definition is carrying capacity, the capacity of the land to
carry a certain amount of people and if one defines human carrying capacity
as the maximum rate of resource consumption and waste discharge that can
be maintained indefinitely without 'impairing the functional integrity and
productivity of the planet's global infrasystem, then a case can be made that
for the claim that natural limits to growth have already been exceeded.
Councilman Paulson said he would like this to be a retreat topic.
2. Councilwoman Richards requested a report from staff on the impacts
of Jazz Aspen on Rio Grande park, how long it will take the grass to recover,
how long the park will be closed, etc. City Manager Steve Barwick said he
has requests from several Council members for information on RFTA
ridership, parking problems, police and no~se comments.
3. Councilman Torre said there are many issues facing Council that
require a lot of citizen input and gave citizens his e-mail and phone number.
4. Councilman Torre said he attended Tom Peirce's memorial service.
This was an amazing Aspen event; Peirce affected a lot of people.
Councilman Torre congratulated Food & Wine for a great event to kick off
the summer season. Councilman Torre said he is looking forward to the
report on Jazz Aspen's event at Rio Grande Park. Councilman Torre said
he would like to get citizens comments on. the Saturday Market.
5. Mayor Klanderud expressed appreciation for the arts groups, the
MAA, Jazz Aspen, The Writers Foundation, for great events through the
weekend. Mayor Klanderud congratulated Aspen Santa Fe Ballet who put
on a dance performance at the Joyce Theatre in New York City to a sold out
crowd. There was a good review in the New York Times. Mayor
Klanderud stated Aspen can be very proud of their arts groups, who provide
a soul to this community. Also there was an outdoor endurance race with 38
teams from all over the county. Mayor Klanderud thanked the McBride
Family and the Sopris Foundation for sponsoring the State of the World,
State of the State, and State of the Community conference. Mayor
Klandemd said she got ideas that may help influence Aspen's direction.
6. City Manager Steve Barwick told Council thereare several openings
on the Arts and Non-profit Grants Review committee. Councilmembers or
citizens should let Paul Menter, finance director, know if there is interest.
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Regular Meeting Aspen CiW. Council June 23, 2003
7. City Manager Steve Barwick requested to add funding the for Fourth
of July street dance and an executive session regarding land acquisition to
the end of the agenda. City Manager Steve Barwick also requested moving
VIII (d) Ordinance #28, 2003 202 S. Garmisch Request to De-list from
Historic Inventory to the first public hearing.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilwoman Richards moved to approve the consent calendar; seconded
by Councilman Semrau. The consent calendar is:
· Minutes May 27, 2003
· Resolution #53, 2003 Kids First Community Foundation Agreement
· Resolution #54, 2003 - Accepting Easement/Carbondale Apartments
All in favor, motion carded.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
· Ordinance #32, 2003 - South Aspen Street PUD
· Ordinance #33, 2003 South Aspen Alley Vacation
· Ordinance #34, 2003 - Code Amendment - Historic Lot Splits in
Previously Approved Subdivisions
Councilman Semrau recused himself from Ordinances 32 and 33, as he owns
property within 300 feet.
Councilwoman Richards moved to read Ordinances #32 and 33, Series of
2003; seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 32
(SERIES OF 2003)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE
SOUTH ASPEN STREET SUBDIVISION/FINAL PLANNED UNIT
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION INCLUDING SUBDIVISION,
GROWTH MANAGEMENT QUOTA SYSTEM (GMQS) EXEMPTIONS
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF A
DEMOLISHED MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING, REZONING TO L/TR
WITH A PUD OVERLAY, AND A SPECIAL REVIEW TO ESTABLISH
THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
PROPERTY TO BE DESCRIBED AS PARCELS 1, 2, AND 3, OF THE
SOUTH ASPEN STREET SUBDIVISION/PUD, CITY AND TOWNSITE
OF ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO.
ORDINANCE NO. 33
(SERIES OF 2003)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL VACATING THE
ALLEY LOCATED IN BLOCK 11, EAMES ADDITION, CITY AND
TOWNSITE OF ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinances #32 and 33, Series of
2003, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Paulson. Roll call vote:
Councilmembers Torre, yes; Paulson, yes; Richards, yes; Mayor Klanderud,
yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Paulson moved to read Ordinance #34, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 34
(SERIES OF 2003)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN
APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 26.480 OF THE CITY
OF ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ALLOW HISTORIC LANDMARK
LOT SPLITS ON DESIGNATED PARCELS LOCATED WITHIN
SUBDIVISIONS.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #34, Series of 2003, on first
reading; seconded by Councilman Paulson. Roll call vote: Councilmembers
Semrau, yes; Paulson, yes; Torre, yes; Richards, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes.
Motion carried.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
ORDINANCE #28, SERIES OF 2003 - 202 S. Garmisch Request to De-
list from Historic InventorY
Amy Guthrie, community development department, told Council this request
to delist 202 South Garmisch was made 5 years ago and the HPC did not
agree the property ought to be removed from the historic inventorY. Since
then, the city has adopted a new historic ordinance and has come up with a
new objective scoring system to have a better decision-making process. Ms.
Guthrie said HPC and the applicant spent a lot of time looking at this
building. This is a house from the 1800's; however, everYone agrees the
structure has been significantly altered beyond where it could be restored
with any accuracy. The HPC is unanimous in recommending this structure
be taken off the historic inventorY.
John Kelly, representing the Bishop Family Trust, said if Council wants to
hear the entire presentation made to HPC that can be done. The reason for
not scheduling this extensive presentation is that it costs a lot of money and
people have to come from out of town. Kelly said the HPC members were
unanimous that there was not enough historical integrity left to keep this
property on the list of designated historic properties. Kelly presented the
affidavit of posting and mailing.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. Mayor Klanderud entered into
the record a letter from Tom Goldberg in support of this request for de-
listing.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Paulson said he is concerned about de-listing this property.
Albert Bishop goes way back in this community. Councilman Paulson
asked if Albert Bishop!s community involvement was a consideration.
Councilman Paulson said he is afraid of delisting and what might be
replaced on this property. Ms. Guthrie noted this is only the second de-
listing brought to Council; the other was the Holland House2 Ms. Guthrie
told Council staff and HPC are being as careful as they can be. HPC
acknowledged the importance of the Bishop family; however, physically
there was not enough remaining to say the house was historic. HPC needs to
be involved in the preservation of authentic buildings.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
Ms. Guthrie said the property, is zoned R-6, which would allow a single-
family house up to 3,240 square feet. Councilman Paulson asked about the
large spruce tree on site. Councilman Paulson said there should be a
condition {o this de-listing that a certain amount of character remain with the
parcel. Kelly said the tree was one of the items that rendered this non-
historic, The tree was not the traditional landscaping, which was all
cottonwoods. Also the tree obscures the house. Kelly told Council most
HPC members went on a site visit and personally scored this structure.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #28, Series of 2003, on
second reading; seconded by Mayor Klandemd.
Councilwoman Richards asked if the standards have been set too high at 50
with the new scoring and many properties will be able to apply. Ms. Guthrie
said she does not feel the standard has been set too high. It is hard for HPC
to use an objective system rather than looking at a property sentimentally.
Ms. Guthrie told Council staff has looked at 150 miner's cottages and there
may be 8 that will not score 50 points. This structure has lost its front porch,
all windows, the siding and trim are gone, the front entrance has been
moved.
Councilman Paulson said part of the criteria is who lived in a structure and
what they contributed to the community. Councilman Paulson said he does
not like changing this comer to a structure that will not fit. Ms. Guthrie said
the criteria discusses a structure should have association with history and
have integrity. Councilman Paulson said when people add to the character
of this town, they should be honored. Councilman Paulson said there has to
be something that holds this community together and that should be its
history.
Councilman Torre suggested HPC, its goals and its aims be a topic of retreat
so Council can maximize what they are trying to accomplish. Mayor
Klandemd pointed out the major criticism of the previous ordinance is that it
was too subjective. Councilman Semrau said the applicant followed all the
roles and got staff and HPC recommendation to de-list. Councilwoman
Richards said HPC is strident about maintaining every resource they can. If
the HPC were not unanimous, she would be more hesitant.
Roll Call vote: Councilmembers Richards, yes; Torre, yes; Semrau, yes;
paUlson, no; Mayor Klandemd, yes. Motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 2003 - Code Amendment - Infill
Mayor Klandemd announced a Work session scheduled for Monday, June
30th at 5p.m. with P&Z to discuss infill further. Council is going to discuss 3
areas of the ordinance tonight. Chris Bendon, community development
department, said the 3 issues to be discussed are the C-i, NC zones and
parking, Bendon showed Council where the NC and C-1 zones are located,
adjacent to the CC zones. These zones are meant for more local businesses.
The zones do not get as much tourist traffic. C-1 has the same dimensions
as CC; there is no HPC review. Bendon told Council the C-1 zone would
not have any restrictions on uses on the ground floor; restaurants would now
be a permitted use. The dimension would be the same as the CC with a 40
foot height and 0 setback requirements. Bendon said the P&Z and infill task
force struggled with the C-1 and NC zone. Both groups concluded that the
market should define character in the lessening hierarchy of zoning.
Bendon pointed out both NC zones are covered with PUD. This ordinance
does not recommend combining or changing zone districts.
Mayor Klanderud opened public comment on the NC and C-1 zone.
Bert Myrin said the NC zone provided a transition between the commercial
core and surrounding neighborhoods. Myrin said transition is provided in
heights, density, setbacks. Myrin presented a graph showing the heights in
CC and NC. If the height is increased, there will be no transition between
the two zones. Myrin showed a graph with density/acre; the NC and C-1
zones do not have a limit on that. Myrin said the rear yard setbaCk is
proposed to be zero, which would allow commercial buildings to come right
up to residential lots.
Bendon said there are 3 zones peripheral to the commercial core, NC, mixed
use and C-1. P&Z and the task force discussed combining these. Bendon
said Council might consider making the NC more like the mixed-use zone.
Bill Wiener said in reviewing the work to date, what has become obvious is
that in almost all zones, the parking requiremeht was reduced; the maximum
height was increased, change in use of buildings was not addressed, building
size and densities have been increased. Wiener noted there are no numbers
of the existing square footage in each zone or what the existing build out
could be under the present code or the total build out using infill. Wiener
said the Council does not know if there are deficiencies in affordable
housing or surpluses. Wiener said the city shOuld hire someone to do a
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
monetary value evaluation of intangible community assets like views, open
space, parks, and trails.
Walt Madden said in combining the NC and C-1 zone, there might be a
proliferation of restaurants into these zones, which could have a negative
impact on residents. Harley Baldwin said allowing 4 story buildings would
completely change the character of the downtown and may not be
recoverable. Baldwin said it is important there is sun on the streets and a
feeling this is a small town. Waag urged Council to leave town alone. Bill
Stirling said NC and C-1 should not mimic the CC zone or those zones will
lose their purpose. Stiding said these zones help to preserve the overall
small town character of Aspen.
Bendon said one of the primary purposes of this is when there is
redevelopment, how does the town want this redevelopment shaped. Stirling
said the new Council needs to decide whether this is the way they want to
go. Julie Ann Woods, community development department, reminded
Council the 2000 Aspen Area Community Plan had 100 action items, many
of which pointed to investigating infill development. Council then directed
staff to proceed with infill.
Eric Cohen, P&Z member, noted much of the land use regulations date from
the 1970's. The downtown has many small, deteriorating buildings, and
these need to have some room to expand. Cohen said the infill code
amendments in front of Council have been pared down since P&Z review.
Ruth Kruger, P&Z member, said these amendments have been under
consideration for over 3 years, have been well thought out and community
driven. Ms. Kruger said to throw these all out will be a waste of time. Ms.
Kruger told Council P&Z spent a lot of time figuring out how each piece of
the zone district and the amendments work together. Ms. Kruger said many
buildings in the downtown are functionally obsolete.
Steve Falender agreed it is important to modify provisions of the existing
code that are too burdensbmel Falender said parts ofinfill should be kept.
Falender said it is important to keep the scale of new buildings consistent
with what is in Aspen now. Falender said the Aspen Area Community Plan
calls for rejuvenating the town but nowhere does it talks about building
bigger buildings or increasing the scale. Cliff Weiss asked why Council is
considering sweeping changes rather than just picking locations to address
problems.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
Mayor Klanderud reiterated Council is meeting with P&Z next Monday.
There will be no decisions at this meeting. Councilman Paulson asked the
two new Councilmembers if they are in accord that the discussion on infill
should keep going. Councilwoman Richards said Council agreed this public
heating should be held and there is a work session next week. Councilman
Paulson said he is concerned about allowing this code amendment to go
forward incrementally. Councilman Paulson said he has taken photos of 140
view planes that should be preserved. Councilman Paulson said this
amendment will change the town. Councilman Paulson said he does not
want to change the town unless it is an extraordinary project. Councilman
Paulson said the sustainability conference stressed one should know who
they are anc~ where they are. Councilman Paulson said infill should be
shelved and looked at in conjunction with sustainability. Councilman Torre
said breaking this ordinance into pieces is helpful towards understanding the
whole. Mayor Klanderud agreed this code amendment fits into what
Council wants this commumty to be.
Bendon said coming to a consensus on the big picture would be useful when
Council breaks this into smaller pieces. Bendon said Council should look m
parking as a public resource necessary for the health of the business
community. The blight of over parking should not overcome the
community. There will always be a demand for more parking than will ever
be available.
Bendon said the ordinance recommends providing more flexibility for the
private sector to give them an opportunity to be more creative in their
solutions and to develop ~n a more visually appealing way. There is
flexibility if one wants to develop a small site and the parking requirement
breaks the project, the on-site parking could be conjoined with an adjacent
property. In the commercial zones, parking cash-in-lieu is available at
$30,000/space. Bendon noted not all parking serves the public purpose of
helping the business community and some private parking could be managed
better and shared.
Bill Stifling said an auto free zone may be too radical for Aspen. Stifling
said alternative parking for developers will get used up. Stifling said what is
destroying the downtown are large, noisy, polluting buses. Peter Fornell
reminded Council a study was done by RFTA on where parking in the
downtown was appropriate, estimating the need for parking in the future.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
Fomell suggested Council use this study in their parking discussion. Wiener
noted that the parking requirement is diminished in every zone in this
ordinance. The amendment is diminishing parking and increasing
population - more people and less cars. Wiener said open space will be
diminished when there is more building and less spaces for parking. Harley
Baldwin asked if parking under Wagner Park has been investigated recently.
Garrett Brandt suggested parking cash-in-lieu be used by the transportation
department rather than building more parking spaces. Bendon told Council
the city cannot accept cash-in-lieu and not do anything with it. This
suggestion has been incorporated as a good one. Eric Cohen, P&Z member,
said people's uses can be changed; people will take whatever they can get
away with and if there is parking, people will drive. Cliff Weiss noted 95%
of the summer visitors come by car. The city needs to provide for them.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public comment.
Councilwoman Richards said it is a community goal to make the S-curves
work and in order to make these work, traffic congestion has to be reduced.
Councilwoman Richards said she is not interested in plans for new parking
garages but would rather see any money generated put into mass transit
systems. Councilwoman Richards supports relaxing the parking mitigation
requirements in this ordinance. Councilman Paulson said the infill code
amendments should be shelved because it is ahead of where the city is going
with transportation issues.
Councilman Semrau moved to continue the public hearing on Ordinance #5,
Series of 2003, to July 28th; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in
favor with the exception of Councilman Paulson; motion carried.
ORDINANCE #23, SERIES OF 2003 - Tipple Lodge
Scott Woodford, community development department, told Council this is
an application for 2 free market townhomes and I affordable housing unit to
be built and operated in conjunction with the Tippler Townhomes, which
was approved in 1998. The vested rights for the Tippler Townhomes were
extended in February 2003. Woodford pointed out this development would
be accessed off Galena Street in a shared access with the Tippler
Townhomes. There will be two connected underground garages with 9
spaces for the Lodge and the Townhomes. There are 2 spaces for each free
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Regular Meeting AsPen City Council June 23, 2003
market unit and 1 space for the affordable housing unit. 4 spaces will be
provided for the houses at the top of the hill. The free market units are 2500
square feet; the affordable housing unit is one-bedroom, 600 square feet.
The applicants propose to condominiumize the unit, to timeshare the 6 units
and operate them under the same timeshare management. There will be 1/6
fractional interests with 2 summer weeks, 2 winter weeks, and 3 off-season
weeks. The condominium association will own the affordable housing units,
which will be deed restricted and rented. Woodford told Council no
variances in dimensional requirements are being requested. The applicants
are requesting an exemption for teanng down the Tipple Lodge
condominiums. This structure had 2 units that housed locals and the code
requires an applicant replace 50% of the bedrooms and 50% of the square
footage.
Woodford told Council P&Z approved special review for affordable housing
parking at 1 space/unit. The community development director approved an
insubstantial amendment for the Tippler Townhomes to facilitate the access
for the two projects. The applicant proposes exemption from timeshare
regulations. The city's regulations allow projects of less then 6 units and
less than 1/7th increments to be exempt from the requirements. Staff
recommends approval.
Brooke Peterson, representing the applicant, noted this project is being
processed at the same time as the Residences at the Little Nell, which will be
before Council July 14th. Peterson said the applicants will hold this
application until the Residences is either approved or it is determined they
cannot be completed. Peterson said this is an unusual situation. There is no
prohibition in the city code against processing two applications for one
property at the same time. Peterson pointed out this application started
before the Residences.
Peterson said there are financial concerns, as well as the hope to do
demolition to the Tipple Townhomes and Tippler this fall. This will be the
backup project if the Residences does not get approval. Peterson committed
not to present final land use documents for signature until there is resolution
on the Residence at the Little Nell. Peterson said this is not the applicant's
preferred plan but will help satisfy the economic concerns of the owners.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
Sunny Vann, representing the applicant, said the Tipple Townhomes
successfully competed in growth management in 1998 and received a
growth management allocation, which included affordable housing
mitigation. The only reason the Tippler Townhomes is part of this
application is the shared application and the request for exempt timesharing
for the total of 6 units.- The Townhomes complies with all requires of the
LTR zone, it is within the allowed height, density, less than the allowed
floor area. The Tippler Lodge is designed to be operated in conjunction with
the Townhomes and also to comply with all regulations.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public heating.
Steve Falender said he is pleased to see a project that complies with all the
underlying zoning requirements. Falender said presenting two projects for
the same property does not seem right. Mayor Klanderud said there is a
code amendment in front of P&Z to disallow this. Falender requested
Council amend 2 of the conditions of approval. Falender requested the
neighbors be notified and be allowed to meet with the community
development department engineer to look at the soils study plan. Falender
also requested the applicants agree to do any monitortng requested by the
city's engineer. Falender said the neighbors are concerned about how the
construction will be handled with regard to fire access above the project.
Mayor Klanderud said there is a code requirement regarding construction
sites and access to other properties and a plan has to meet approval of the
fire marshal.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards brought up the demolition replacement ordinance
and asked if2 units is the accurate amount of replacement housing based on
historical use of this building. Vann said the code applies ifa property was
rented long term and 10 of the units of the Tipple Lodge were rented
predominantly short term. The city approved a condominiumization of this
building in the 1980's. Two units were used for long-term residents. The 10
units do not meet the definition of replacement of multi-family units.
Councilwoman Richards said she thought the units had been rented long
term for the last several years. Mayor Klanderud asked if an audit was done
on how the units were used. Vann said the applicants discussed with the
resident manager how the building had been used and 10 of the units were
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
rented short term and available for nightly rentals. Vann said he found no
long-term leases.
Mayor Klandemd said 10 lodge units are being displaced and only 6
timeshare units are being redeveloped. Mayor Klandernd noted the city is
not getting any financial impact nor is the city getting as much affordable
l~ousing as they should be. Vamr said the previous lodge operation had been
shut down as it was not financially feasible.
Mayor Klandemd said she is not comfortable with approvals on this project
while the Residences at Little Nell is being processed. Mayor Klandemd
said she would like strong assurances that there is not final approval for two
projects that could be "either/or". Vaun reiterated the documents for the
Tipple Lodge will not be recorded until the conceptual issues for the
Residences is approved or denied. Recordation of the final documents is a
requirement for getting a building permit. Vann said the applicants will
extinguish the development approval for one of the projects. Vann said they
will only build one project and they have expressed a preference for the
Residences. Vann stated as long as one of the plats is dissolved prior to
issuance ora building permit, there is only one approval on the land. Vann
said there is no incentive to pull a building permit as that triggers many other
requirements.
Councilwoman Richards said there is only one location in which to rebuild
the bed base and that is at the base of the mountain. There are residential
building rights in the lodge district and these may be an equal return to an
investor, including the hassle factor. Councilman Semrau noted this meets
the underlying zoning and is within the property owner's rights.
Councilman Semrau agreed it is a good example of the deficiencies in the
city code. Councilman Paulson said he would like to see a combination of
this project and the Residences. Mayor Klanderud said she feels there is a
better project for this location than two town houses.
City Attorney John Worcester told Council an applicant cannot get two
development orders, which is the final step before building permit. There
can only be one development order per parcel. Vann said the application for
the Tipple Lodge Was submitted in August 2002. The applicants would like
approval for this while they continue to pursue the Residences.
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Regular Meeting Aspen Ci,ty Council June 23, 2003
Councilwoman Richard moved to adopt Ordinance #23, Series of 2003, with
the provision that the neighbors be consulted at the time of the soils survey
with the engineer and that the fire marshal look at fire and safety access
during any demolition and excavation time as well as the final deVelopment
plan and that a building permit will not be issued for this unless the
Residences application has been withdrawn
Peterson asked what consulting with the neighbors on the soils survey
means. Councilwoman Richards said the neighbors would like to give
background and history when the soils study is being looked at. Vann said
the applicants are required to submit a soils evaluation to be reviewed by
city staff. Vann said the condition states the applicants will comply with the
recommendation of the soils analysis. Julie Arm Woods, community
development department, said if the neighbors are not "consulted", where
does that leave staff. Peterson said when the soils study is submitted, they
will give the Falenders a copy. Peterson said he is not comfortable with the
language "consulted".
Councilwoman Richards withdrew her motion.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #23, Series of 2003, on
second reading with the condition that prior to the issuance of a building
permit or demolition permit, the application for the Residences at the Little
Nell will be withdrawn and that the Falenders will be provided with a copy
of the soils study and invited to comment; seconded by Councilwoman
Richards. Roll call vote: Richards, yes; Torre, yes; Paulson, no; Semrau,
yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carded.
ORDINANCE #29~ SERIES OF 2003 - Dancing Bear PUD
James Lindt, community development department, told Council this is a
lodge preservation PUD to redevelop a site at 411 South Monarch street.
Council is the final reviewing body of all land use requests for this site.
Lindt showed Council where the site is, just west of Wagner park. The site
is 12,000 square feet and is zoned LTR. There is currently a one-story lodge
building with 23 bedrooms. This building has been vacant for the last 5
years. Lindt said the proposal is tO demolish the existing lodge and replace
it with an 11-unit time share lodge of 28 bedrooms. Each unit will have lock
off capabilities.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
Lindt reviewed each floor of the proposal. The first floor has a lobby and
check in area access from South Monarch street; a lounge/bar with patio
seating; one 1400 square foot, 2 bedroom lodge unit; 2 affordable housing
units of 2 bedrooms. The second floor contains 4 lodge units, two 1400
square feet 2 bedroom units; two 2800 square feet 3 bedroom units. The
third floor contains 3 2800 square foot 3 bedroom units. The fourth floor
has 3 three bedroom units and a recessed patio. The fifth floor has a glass
gazebo, which would have a hot tub and exercise area.
Lindt said the applicant proposes 3 below grade levels. The first level has a
garage access accessed from the alley, as well as a games and recreation
area, and a storage area. There are 24 parking spaces proposed on site; 5
spaces at grade on the applicant's property. The second floor below grade
contains the majority of the garage. The third floor below grade contains
more storage for the owner's personal goods, mechanical area and
conference room.
Lindt said the timeshare will be 8 shares per unit, 58 totals estates. The FAR
is 3.25:1 and a height of 57 feet to the midpoint of the gazebo. Lindt told
Council staff feels this is an appropriate use for the site. In the past this has
been used as a lodge. This project will bring vitality to a very important
comer in town. The applicant has proposed a good deal of their affordable
housing mitigation on site. The applicant has proposed greater than .7/lodge
bedroom 0fparking spaces, which is required by code. Lindt noted one
concern is the height, which is proposed at 57 feet as measured by the land
use code. Other lodges in that area are the St. Regis, which is 50 to 60 feet,
the Mountain Chalet is low 50's. Three P&Z members felt the height was
too extreme for the 28 feet as allowed in the LTR zone.
Lindt told Council the upper floors are recessed to create a wedding cake
effect, which helps lessen the mass. The building has been stepped down to
the west towards the townhomes. Lindt said staff feels the massing ~s
appropriate with the exception of the turret. Lindt told Council the applicant
proposed to use two spaces on Monarch as loading zones. Staff does not
agree a lodge of 11 units needs a loading zone and added a condition that
two alley spaces be signed as check-in parking.
The third issue is the financial impact analysis to compare the proposed
timeshare lodge with the tax revenues that would have been gained through
lodge use. Lindt said the applicant's financial impact analysis shows there
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Regular Meetin~ Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
would not be a tax revenue loss through this fractional fee change. The
city's finance director, Paul Menter, commented the projected nightly rental
rates are too high and the analysis should be redone with a lower rate.
Menter requested a condition that the city be able to do an audit after the
lodge is operating.
Mitch Haas, representing the applicant, reiterated this site has been sitting
vacant for several years and has been years since it has contributed to
Aspen's bed base. Haas said a boarded up building ~s sending an antithetical
message to tourists regarding the economy and the vitality of lodges on the
fringe of the commercial core. Haas told Council most potential purchasers
of this property wanted to build residential townhomes. This owner ~s
interested in developing something that will contribute to the vitality and
economtc sustainability of the town. The applicant proposes two above
grade employee housing units. This development should raise occupancy
levels and should attract new visitors to Aspen.
Haas noted there are trash compactors and recycling facilities access offthe
alley. There will be a decrease of 1 lodge unit from the Aspen Manor;
however, the bedrooms will increase from 23 to 28. There will be an
increase of leasable commercial space on the property including a sidewalk
patio cafd on the comer. Haas told Council the applicants propose to house
4.5 employees and the remaining fraction of employee will be mitigated by
cash-in-lieu. The management and operation of the lodge will be done with
an existing lodge or with a management company.
Haas said a strong architectural statement is important on this comer, right
across from a large park. The perceived mass of the structure is broken up by
different forms and modules, changes in exterior building materials,
balconies, different window forms and shapes, and stepping the building
back. Haas said they have tried for a classic wedding cake style building,
the structure steps down in height to the west and the southwest comer of the
lodge is only 25 feet above grade. The west side of the lodge is 3 stories as
is the northwest and northeast comers of the building. The midsection of the
building is 4 stories. The 5th story gazebo sits in the center of the building.
The building height has been lowered and the mass reduced through P&Z
review. Haas told Council the height at the comer of Monarch and Durant is
less than 32 feet without the turret.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
Haas said the height of the structure varies depending from where it is
measured. The fluctuations are a function of the topography of the site. The
highest measured height on a public right-of-way is at the northwest ~comer
along the alley and it is 39'9"; the southeast comer 31'6" exclusive of the
turret. The height is the gazebo is mitigated by using glass, by the stepping.
back of the surrounding levels and the fact it is setback 27 feet from Durant
Avenue. - This should not shadow streets or surrounding properties.
The Wheeler Opera House view plane of Aspen mountain would not be
compromised by this development. The overall height of Dancing Bear is
lower than that of the St. Regis. The Mountain Chalet addition was
approved at 52 feet to the midpoint ora pitched roof and allows 5 stories in
that building.
Haas said given the site's location and proximity to downtown and the
transportation center, there should be little need for cars. There are 24 on-
site parking spaces. The applicant commits to encouraging employees and
guests to use alternative transportation. A fleet of bicycles will be kept on
site for guests and employees. There will be provision for airport shuttle by
the applicant or by contract with another lodge who does airport shuttle.
The applicant has committed to keeping a small fleet of hybrid vehicles for
use by guests and employees. Haas said they hope to obtain LEEDS
certification, which is a national green building program, and to come as
close to possible of the gold level.
Haas summarized this is will replace an eyesore, will add hot beds, and will
revitalize the Durant/Monarch intersection. The applicants hope to set a
precedent for green building; they plan of housing 4.5 FTEs on site. There
will be over $1 million in direct tax generation in the first 5 years of
operation. The project provides community facilities, is self sufficient for
parking and storage and the project furthers the AACP goals with respect to
small lodges, affordable housing, economic sustainability, growth and the
environment.
David Brown, architect, went over the materials and the architecture of the
proposed building. Brown told Council they went through the guidelines in
the fractional timeshare ordinance and have tried to incorporate everything
the ordinances envisions.
Mayor Klandemd opened the public hearing.
18
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council , June 23~ 2003
Cliff Weiss said this building is out of scale for the neighborhood. Weiss
said he does not feel this size building will contribute to the community.
Roger Haneman, P&Z member, said this project will bring more benefits to
the community than the one Council just approved. Haneman said these
applicants made a great effort to meet the requests of P&Z.
Dale Paas, Limelite Lodge, said he is concerned about the economic
viability of the base of Aspen Mountain; however, he is very concerned
about the economic sustainability of the Limelite Lodge. Paas said a
massive building of this height and bulk will negatively affect the ability of
the Limelite to rent rooms. Paas said this building does not blend with the
neighborhood. Paas requested Council only approve 28 foot high building
as allowed by the code.
Stan Hajenga, manager Mountain Chalet, presented a letter from the owners
of the Snow Queen Lodge stating they are against the proposed height,
which goes against the principles of planning in this area. Hajenga
applauded that someone is trying to develop this comer. Hajenga said the
city needs to look at a system that allows a building to fall into disrepair for
5 years. Hajenga said the proposed height will affect many neighbors and
many businesses. Hajenga said when the Mountain Chalet addition went
through the process, they had to meet the view plane requirements. This
building does not meet the view plane requirements. Hajenga said he would
like to see this comer redeveloped; however, this proposal is beyond the
scale and height called for.
Debbie Falender said she reviewed the PUD and other land use code
ordinances. The PUD ordinances say height, mass, parking, and density
should respect the underlying zoning. The underlying zoning here is 1:1 and
the FAR for this proposed project is 3.25:1. The PUD ordinance also states
that the property shall be clustered to preserve significant open space. Ms.
Falender noted that does not mean a building should be built right up to the
borders of the property. Ms. Falender said this is too big for town.
Mayor Klandemd closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards said she appreciates all the work that has been
done; however, she cannot approve this plan. Councilwoman Richards
noted there is discussion in the in fill about creating more view planes and
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
one of Shadow Mountain and this will block the view of Shadow Mountain,
The building is taller than the surrounding pine trees. Councilwoman
Richards agreed she would like to see redevelopment on this lot; however,
this is overreaching. Councilwoman Richards said only 9% open space may
work for a one story building but it does not work for a 5 story building.
Councilwoman Richards noted part of a PUD process is to look at a greater
public benefit. This proposal does not add any extra affordable housing out
of 36,000 square feet. Councilwoman Richards said this site is on the north
side of Durant and has transitioned to a different neighborhood from the
base of the mountain. Councilwoman Richards noted this building will be
higher than the Elk's Club building. Councilwoman Richards said this is
zoned LTR and one could construct 3 residential townhomes on this site,
which would not contribute to the community either.
Mayor Klanderud said she, too, has problems with the height, especially as it
would block the view of Shadow Mountain. Mayor Klanderud said the
turret makes the building interesting. Mayor Klanderud stated she would
consider some height variance; however, this is much too high. Mayor
Klanderud said she would prefer to see all affordable housing built rather
than get cash-in-lieu for housing. Mayor Klanderud said she is concerned
there are only 2 parking spaces for affordable housing. Mayor Klanderud
agreed it is great something is being planned for this site. It is a critical
block in Aspen.
Brown said some of the benefits to the community are that this project will
provide hot beds and will bring guests to Aspen with money to spend.
Councilman Paulson agreed the structure is took tall. Councilman Paulson
said he likes the gazebo. Councilman Paulson said he would like to see the
building shrunk. Councilman Paulson asked about the trees on site. Brown
said they have met with city staff, who have identified 2 or 3 significant
trees on Durant street that should remain. The applicants will cooperate with
the parks to give them what they ask for. Haas told Council the large
conifers are not appropriate for pedestrian traffic as they grow all the way to
the ground. The parks department is recommending trees that are more
easily walked under.
Councilman Paulson asked what will keep a person from buying 6 or 12
months of one unit. City Manager Steve Barwick said that is covered in the
city's timeshare ordinance, which he will have to Council at their next
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
consideration of this application. Barwick said the city cannot guarantee
how a building will be occupied but can guarantee that one person may not
purchase all the weeks.
Councilman Semrau pointed out the infill ordinance would only allow 30
feet plus an additional 8 feet with special review and a historic TDR.
Councilman Semrau said agreed this ~s a great project in a great location bm
it is too big; the height and mass are out of scale for the site. Under the PUD
process, the applicant has the responsibility of proving a project is deserving
of an exception.
Councilman Torre asked what percentage of the total square footage is
actual lodge space and what is amenities, parking, storage. Brown said it is
50% net leaseable under the LTR definition of net leasable. Councilman
Torre said there seems to be a lot of amenity space built in and there may be
a way to lessen that, make the units smaller, and make the project smaller.
All the amenities will make guests stay on property rather than go out in
town and spend money. Brown said the intent of the amenities like the game
room and movie theatre is to give families things to do. Brown said without
the amenities, this ~s not a competitive project and would be under serious
distress. Brown said there is not a square inch that could be removed
w~thout impacting the project.
Mayor Klanderud noted when the Obermeyer project first came to Council,
there was an outcry about the height. The design team came back with a
project at the height requirement, which won broad support. Brown pointed
out applicants are not allowed to talk to Council until the end of the process.
It would be better to have a more collaborative process. Brown asked
Council what would be the right height, the right mix, the right project.
Councilman Semrau said the right use is family type lodging and the
amenities are great; however, the mass, scale and height are out of character.
Councilman Semrau said he feels 38 feet would be appropriate for the
nmghborhood. Mayor Klanderud agreed she could approve 38 feet. Mayor
Klanderud said she would also like all employees housed on site. Mayor
Klanderud said she likes the commitment to green development,
Councilman Semrau moved to continue Ordinance #29, Series of 2003, to
Iuly 28; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23~ 2003
Councilwoman Richards moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting
to 11 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Panlson. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #55~ SERIES OF 2003 - Obermeyer Temporary Use
Chris Bendon, commumty development department, told Council this
temporary use request is for a real estate office to be located on the
Obermeyer property. Bendon said staff does not sec any issues with this
request.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public heating. There were no comments.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards moved to approve Resolution #55, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carded.
RESOLUTION #56~ SERIES OF 2003 Mascotte Annexation
John Worcester, city attorney, told Council this property is located at the
base of Smuggler Mountain along Park Circle. The owner, Alain Degrave,
owns lots 2 and 5 of the Aspen election subdivision, which are already in'the
city. City Clerk Kathryn Koch reported the posting and publication are in
order. Worcester said there is 1/6th contiguity with the city and a community
of interests exists. The area is capable of being integrated within the city.
The property hasnot been subdivided into separate parcels. 100% of the
property owners have consented to annexation. There are no other
annexations pending.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Resolution #56, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards.
Councilman Paulson said he would like a neighborhood map for second
reading to make sure where this is located in reference to any possible
master plan for Smuggler Mountain.
All in favor with the exception of Councilman Paulson, motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23. 2003
ORDINANCE #35~ SERIES OF 2003 - Mascotte Annexation
Councilwoman Richards moved to read Ordinance #35, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 35
(Series of 2003)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN
TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, TO BE KNOWN
AND DESIGNATED AS THE "MASCOTTE-LODE ANNEXATION."
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #35, Series of 2003, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Semrau.
Councilman Paulson said he would like a comparison of the potential FAR
in the city and what exists in the county for second reading.
Roll call vote: Councilmembers Semrau, yes; Torre, yes; Richards, yes;
Paulson, no; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
YOUTH CENTER FEES
Tim Anderson, recreation director, told Council last fall, the city and the
Youth Center worked on a fee structure for the entire facility. The "Fun
Pass" was to cover Youth Center admissions and the Youth Center would be
reimbursed $.50 per visit. Sue Smedstad, Youth Center, told Council this
facility has been so successful that the initial set up is not working. Ms.
Smedstad told Council the Youth Center has been charging $1.00/use. The
Youth Center has had to double its staff to 4 so that the facility is closely
supervised. The Youth Center needs to change the rates so that they will not
operate at a deficit.
Anderson recommended leaving the "fun pass" rates as they are and the "fun
pass" will no longer be honored at the Youth Center. The Youth Center will
collect $1.00/daily use fee. Anderson suggested refunding a pro rated
amount on the "tim pass" for the difference in the fun pass no longer being
accepted at the Youth Center; this is about $ 50 on a full pass. Council
agreed anyone who wants reimbursement should be eligible.
23
Regular Meeting Aspen CiW Council June 23~ 2003
Councilwoman Richards moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting
to 11:30 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Torre. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilman Semrau. Motion carded.
RESOLUTION #57, SERIES OF 2003 School Resource Officer
Loren Ryerson, chief of police, told Council the school resource officer has
been a very successful program. The city has just been awarded a grant of
$125,000 from the Department of Justice for an additional SRO for 3 years.
A condition of this grant is that the city commits to matching funds and to
continuing this program for one full year after the grant expires. This totals
$188,000 city responsibility over 4 years.
Councilman Semrau moved to approve Resolution #57, Series of 2003;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST FOR FUNDS - Fourth of July Street Dance
Linda Gerdenich, community relations officer, reminded Council they
informally approved $3500 for a band for the 4th of July street dance. Ms.
Gerdenich requested additional funds for a stage and a tent with sides. Ms.
Gerdenich said the band will pay from 8 p.m. to the fireworks and from
apres fireworks to 10:30. Councilwoman Richards said this should be part
of ACRA budget next year and should not be Council's responsibility.
Council agreed to a total budget of $5600.
Councilwoman Richards moved to go ~nto executive session at 11:15 p.m.
pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a) acquisition of property and 24-6-402(4)(b)
conference with city attorney; seconded by Councilman Torre. All in favor,
motion carded.
Councilman Semrau moved to come out of executive session at 11:40 p.m.;
seconded by Councilman Torte. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Semrau moved to adjourn at 11:40 p.m.; seconded by
Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carried.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 23, 2003
C~~ Clerk
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