HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19921013Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
Mayor Bennett called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. with
Councilmembers Peters, Pendleton, Richards and Reno present.
PROCLAMATION - Energy Awareness Month
Mayor Bennett and Council declared October 14, 1992, as energy
awareness day in the hopes of promoting a greater understanding and
awareness of energy resources, efficiency and conservation.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Jeanette Darnour, on behal f of the Sister City delegation
travelling to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the 25th anniversary of
Aspen and Garmisch assister cities, presented Council with gifts
from Garmisch. Ms. Darnour suggested these be placed in a display
case in the new entrance to city hall. There is a porcelain lion,
which is the symbol of Bavarian, and a mug presented by the
restaurant association.
2. Scott Writer said Thursday October 15th there is a transporta-
tion meeting between the city, Snowmass and Pitkin County to try
and reach a consensus on what funding to ask CDOT for in 1993 - 94.
Writer suggested a park 'n' ride between Buttermilk and Carbondale
if the Owl Creek corridor is going to be used. Writer said if
Council makes a request for $5 million for high occupancy vehicles
lanes, this will result in a four-lane. Writer said he feels a
request for $5 million for temporary HOV lanes is a waste of money
and CDOT will probably feel that way too. Writer suggested this
money should be put into a new Maroon Creek bridge.
3. Les Holst thanked Council and staff on behalf of the Berko
Group for making the process work to save the Lily Reid house. The
Lily Reid house is back on site. This shows this historic
preserva tion is financially viable.
4. Fred Peirce brought up R esolution #48, 1992 - Intent to form
Utility Underground Improvement District on the consent calendar.
Peirce said the costs for the homeowners will including burying
U. S. West service. Another concern is that once this resolution
gets passed, it is hard to stop the project. Peirce said the West
Aspen homeowners have already had their primary and secondary
services buried and they should not be included in this district.
Council gave Peirce the resolution and said the city will again be
polling the residents on this issues.
5. Liz Barbatelli, committee for Wagner Park skating rink, gave
Council packets of information containing their proposed ordinance.
Ms. Barbatelli requested comments from the city before she goes
ahead with circulating the petitions. Ms. Barbatelli also
1
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
requested a date by which this might be reviewed. Jed Caswall,
city attorney, told Council he has not had a chance to review this.
Caswall told Council he is not in a position to review this
because if it is circulated and turned in, Council may ask him to
render a different legal opinion. Caswall said if there is
something wrong with the petition, he is not sure it is in the
city's interest to review it now. Caswall pointed out this group
has a former city attorney advising them.
Councilman Reno said Council has made a decision on this issue and
he does not want staff involved. Ms. Barbatelli said the proposed
ordinance is not setting the rink in stone but would allow it to go
through the PUD process. Councilwoman Pendleton said she does not
have a problem with a citizen's group bringing this back up but
does not want staff involved with it. Councilwoman Pendleton said
if this group feels strongly about this issue, then the ball is in
their court.
Councilman Peters said he feels this rink is a bad idea and would
discourage people from signing this petition. Council and staff
are not obstructing the petition effort; however, Council is
disinclined from using staff time to promote this. The majority of
Council did not want to spend any more staff time in reviewing
this.
6. Rebecca Caillouet told Council she found the manner in which
street entertainers were attacked this year to be very unfriendly
and not what Aspen was in the past. Ms. Caillouet told Council
street entertainers were treated like criminals. There have been
street entertainers on the same corner for the last 8 years without
complaints. Ms. Caillouet said there was one problem this year and
they tried to meet with the police and with the complainant to work
it out. Ms. Caillouet said there needs to be a clear definition
between public open space and private/public open space. Ms.
Caillouet requested this be an agenda item in the future.
Councilman Peters said the city's goal with street entertainments
was to get everyone to get along. Councilman Peters commended the
police department because they handled this with great restraint.
Councilman Reno said he feels street performers are great for the
town; however, everyone needs to get along. Councilman Reno said
there is some question if open space for a development is open
space for use by the public. This property is still the property
of an individual owner and is not public property.
Mayor Bennett said the city put off acting for the entire summer.
Mayor Bennett said the city is not going to change their policy,
which has been the same for the last 20 years. Mayor Bennett
agreed this is not an agenda item. Councilwoman Richards said
2
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
there should be a balance between this property used for the
enjoyment of everyone and allowing street performers.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Peters said Council should endorse the county
acquisition of the Reeder property for a trail and request staff to
prepare a resolution for the next meeting. Council agreed.
2. Councilman Peters asked when Council is going to consider the
bond ordinance to purchase the Red Brick school Amy Margerum, city
manager, suggested October 14 at 5 p.m. before the first budget
hearing. Council agreed.
3. Councilman Reno thanked the staff for running the city
government smoothly in the absence of 4 Councilmembers.
4. Councilwoman Richards said she has received calls from
citizens about the lighting at the affordable housing project on
east Cooper being constructed by the Ritz Carlton. The lighting is
not copasetic with the surrounding area. Councilwoman Richards
requested staff pass this on to the developer. Ferd Belz,
representing the Ritz Carlton, told Council they are aware of this
and are working on changing it. Councilwoman Richards said there
is also concern about paved parking on the side yard of the
project.
5. Mayor Bennett requested consent item (c) Resanctioning $75,000
for Pioneer Park be pulled from the consent agenda and added at the
last action item.
6. Amy Margerum, city manager, requested Council add a discussion
of PM 10 and the state health regulations as the last agenda item.
7. Amy Margerum, city manager, requested Council move the first
action item, East Cooper affordable housing, to the public hearing
section. It has been noticed as a public hearing.
8. Cindy Wilson, assistant city manager, told Council the amount
in Resolution #48 Intent to Form Utility Underground Improvement
District should be $515,850.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to approve the consent calendar as
amended; seconded by Councilman Peters. The consent calendar is:
A . Minutes - September 14, 1992
B . Roaring Fork Forum Resolution
C . Resolution #47, 1992 - Gould Contract Backwater Metering
3
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
D . Approval of WAPA Contract Amendments
E . Resolution #48, 1992 - In tent to Form Utility
Underground Improvement District
All in favor, motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING - HAP Holdings Inc. d/b/a Paradise Club
Chairman John Bennett opened the public hearing. City Clerk
Kathryn Koch reported the posting, publication and file to be in
order.
Brooke Peterson, representing the applicant, filed petitions with
an excess of 50 signatures in support of the application. Peterson
pointed out there has been a license in this location for the past
18 years. The previous owners lost their license in a revocation
hearing. The applicants are the owners of the property and were
the operators of the Paradise Club prior to the sale. Jim Hunting
and Bob Bowden will operate the club in the fashion in which it was
operated prior to the sale to Constance Moreno.
Peters pointed out HAP Holdings supports local community activities
by making the club available to the Ski Club and Winter Club and
for the Homecoming Dance at the Club. Rachel Richards asked if the
club will be on the market. Bob Bowden said this is doubtful. Ms.
Richards said there seemed to be problems with the previous
establishment being for sale and interested parties coming in and
trying to run the club. Ms. Richards said she would like the
owners to find out the number of people allowed in the club under
the fire code and make sure to stick to that. Peterson said the
applicants will work with the fire marshal to make sure the
occupancy limitations are not exceeded. Bowden pointed out they
ran the club for 4 years and did not have any incidents on their
record. Augie Reno asked how many managers there will be. Bowden
said he and Hunting will be responsible for the management.
Bennett closed the public hearing.
Peters moved that based on the evidence presented at this public
hearing relating to the application of HAP Holdings Inc. for a
tavern license, the liquor license authority finds that the needs
of the neighborhood have not been met and the license is hereby
granted; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion
carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING - Savanah Limited Partnership d/b/a Ritz
Carlton
Chairman John Bennett opened the public hearing. City Clerk
Kathryn Koch reported the file, posting and publication to be in
4
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
order.
Larry Levin, representing the applicant, requested the application
be made a part of the record. Ferd Belz, executive director of
Savanah Limited Partnership, told Council this will be a 281 room
hotel with 19,000 square feet of meeting space. There are two
restaurants on the lobby level. This hotel could not operate
without a liquor license to meet the expectations of the patrons
and the conferees. This hotel could not operate without a liquor
license given the nature of the lodge tourist industry and area in
which it is located.
Joseph Violi, manager of the Ritz Carlton hotel, told Council he
has spent the last 19 years in the hotel industry. Violi has
already attended the TIPS training and will have all employees
serving alcohol participate in TIPS training. Violi told Council
the food and beverage will be complete service for the hotel.
Violi said there are no Ritz hotels this size without liquor
licenses. Charlie Moss told Council he favors the issuance of this
license.
Max Scott, Oedipus Inc., told Council his firm is a professional
survey firm and has done about 4,000 liquor licenses in Colorado.
Scott said his firm was retained by Ritz Carlton. The petitions
were circulated last weekend. The surveyors talked to 114 people
who signed these petitions in favor of the issuance of the Ritz
Carlton liquor license. Levin entered the petitions and letter
from Lee Miller, adjacent property owner, in support of the
application into the record.
Jed Caswall, city attorney, asked if the premise to be licensed is
ready for occupancy. Belz said it is not. Caswall requested the
license be conditioned up the applicant receiving a certificate of
occupancy.
Frank Peters moved that based on the evidence presented at this
public hearing relating to the application of Savanah Limited
Partnership for a hotel and restaurant license, the liquor license
authority finds that the needs of the neighborhood have not been
met and the license is hereby granted, subject to be held until
final completion of the physical premises and inspection by city
staff; seconded by Augie Reno. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #18, SERIES OF 1991 - Institutional Controls Smuggler
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to continue this ordinance to November
23, 1992; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion
carried.
5
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
ORDINANCE #56, SERIES OF 1992 - G. O. Bond Refunding
Dallas Everhart, finance director, asked that Council not approve
this ordinance. Staff will present this refinancing at the special
meeting of October 14th.
Councilman Reno moved to adopt Ordinance #56, Series of 1992, on
second reading. Motion DIES for lack of a second.
ORDINANCE #58, SERIES OF 1992 - Historic Designation 434 W.
Smuggler
Councilwoman Pendleton to continue this to November 9, 1992, at the
request of the applicant; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All
in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #59, SERIES OF 1992 - Appropriations
Dallas Everhart, finance director, told Council this ordinance has
been amended to include the approved expenditure of $15,324 in
streets to process a land use application for the snow storage site
in the county. The ordinance also include $5,000 to complete the
Council Chambers and $861 for alley signs from the contingency
fund. There is a wage reduction in parks of $14,000 and an
increase to the white water course budget of $14,000. There is an
increase in the water fund expenses of $665,800 for work required
on the renovation of the east plan. There is also an appropriation
to the Christmas party of $3,000 out of contingency funds.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #59, Series of 1992,
on second reading as amended; seconded by Councilwoman Pendleton.
Councilman Reno said he will not vote on this because of potential
conflict with city hall. Mayor Bennett asked there was is $665,000
in the water fund. Everhart said yes.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Peters, yes; Richards, yes;
Pendleton, yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
Everhart passed out budget work books and reminded Council the
introduction to the 1993 budget is October 14th.
ORDINANCE #60, SERIES OF 1992 - Code Amendment Office Mixed Use and
GMQS Exemption for Historic Landmark
Leslie Lamont, planning office, told Council this land use code
6
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
affects the permitted use section of the office zone and the GMQS
for historic landmarks. This amendment will create an additional
incentive in historic landmarks in the office zone allowing mixed
use development include free market residential. This also allows
expansion of the historic landmark which adds either a commercial,
office or lodge unit and an attached residential dwelling unit
exempt from GMQS competition but subject to mitigation for growth
impacts. The code presently allows expansion of a historic
landmark but not mixed uses.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards asked if this would cause a conflict with the
existing historic structure by adding on extra square footage. Ms.
Lamont said there is still floor area regulations. These will be
reviewed by the HPC. Councilwoman Richards said the growth
committee for the AACP seems to be recommending exemptions from the
GMQS should be reduced. Ms. Lamont said the growth committee is
asking the planning office to look at the exemptions. This
exemption is consistent with the exemptions in the historic
preservation program and is not in conflict with what is coming out
of the community plan.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #60, Series of 19892, on
second reading; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Reno, yes; Pendleton, yes; Richards, yes; Peters,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
EAST COOPER AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONCEPTUAL PUD
Kim Johnson, planning office, told Council this is the second
private sector affordable housing development to go through review.
The parcel is 2.35 acres and lends itself to development in two
areas. The free market portion would be located on the upper bench
and the area closer to the highway and separated by the irrigation
ditch would be 16 deed restricted town home units. P & Z recom-
mends conceptual approval with 23 conditions.
Ms. Johnson reminded Council the AH zone district allows incentives
to the free market sector to be involved in providing affordable
housing. The incentive is to allow up to 30 percent of the
development to be free market exempt from growth management. Ms.
Johnson told Council this is the second step of a four-step review.
After Council determines conditions of approval, the applicant
will make a final development submission.
Tom Stevens, representing the applicants, told Council the
7
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
developers let the expectations of affordable housing help with the
goals for this project. Stevens said they hope the 7 free market
lots are bought by local residents rather than second home owners.
These lots are not within the affordable housing guidelines but
are patterned after the lots in the adjacent Riverside subdivision.
Stevens told Council there are buyers waiting for all 16 deed
restricted units and for 6 of the 7 free market units. These
buyers are all local workers.
Stevens said in order to target the local market, there are a lot
of balances in this project. The land and infrastructure costs
will remain constant; the density design is what allows the
development of achieve this market. Stevens said in trying to
match the free market units with Riverside subdivision, they also
have to deal with 40 years of market appreciation. One of the ways
to do this is to make the lots smaller, which will restrict the
allowable FAR. These lots will be under 3500 square feet. The
number of lots can be reduced; however, the price will go up and
these will probably go into the second family home market.
Stevens pointed out there are significant site constraints. The
majority of the buildings will have to be built into the hillside.
There is a 10 foot drop from the riverside ditch to the front of
the buildings. Stevens said in order to try and keep the AH units
at category 2 and 3, the density grew. Stevens said 16 AH and 7
free market units is the maximum for the site. Stevens said they
have tried to use the density to the advantage of the community and
the project.
Michael Gassman, architect for the project, told Council this is a
difficult site; it is uneven, there is an old lake on it. Gassman
pointed out something that comes up over and over again in
affordable housing projects is livability. Gassman said he
designed the buildings with livability and simplicity in mind.
People need space, storage and parking. The buildings all have
full basements. Gassman pointed out the outside space is limited
and they are trying to make it all usable.
Stevens told Council the developers held neighborhood meetings. One
of the residents concern is access. Riverside Drive is narrow,
site distances are bad, there are a lot of children on this road.
Stevens said they reconfigured the access from Riverside Drive to
Highway 82. Stevens said they have discussed this access with
CDOT. Stevens told Council there are 3 resident occupied units
proposed in the project. Resident occupied units would allow an
employee of this community to buy in the project. Stevens said
they do not know what the price of these units would be and are
planning to see what the market for 3 bedroom 2 bath units are.
8
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
Stevens said the developers have been through the conditions and
feel they can handle them. Stevens pointed out that rezoning is
not a review at conceptual; however, they would like this reviewed
as a threshold issue and would like some comfort that this is a
site Council feels meets the objectives of an affordable housing
district as this project will go straight to final submission.
Stevens pointed out the deed restricted units are between the
Crestahaus and an apartment building. This is the same land use as
the surrounding areas. The upper portion is adjacent to the
Riverside subdivision and the free market units have been tailored
to the Riverside subdivision. Stevens said they are compatible
with surrounding land uses. This project is within walking
distance of downtown. One of the goals of the AH zone district is
dispersed housing, which this certainly meets.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing.
Lennie Oates, Riverside resident, said the residents are apprecia-
tive the access was moved off Riverside Drive. However, the
density of 7 free market lots is too much. The density on the
upper bench is being doubled by creating 7500 square foot lots.
Oates pointed out the road is a private road and the applicant is
using the road in his lot size calculations. Oates said the
residents are not objecting to the AH portion of the project.
Oates said he would like to se a model of the project with maximum
sizes of the houses in relation to the deed restricted portions.
Oates pointed out there is no screening of the project from highway
82. Oates questioned a family-oriented project in this particular
location.
Oates compared the affordable housing on Cooper Avenue of 11,000
square feet of building on 15,000 square feet of lot area, which
translates to 72 percent. Oates noted the affordable housing on
this parcel is 18,000 square feet to 42,000 square feet of lot,
which translates to 49 percent. The free market is 25,000 to
60,000 which is 42 percent. The Riverside subdivision has an
average house size of 2,000 square feet which translates to 29
percent lot coverage using the above formula. Oates noted this is
a PUD, which allows variance in some factors. Oates said they
would like to see the affordable housing spread out more on the
site and 4 free market lots. Oates said the neighbors would like
to see the building envelopes staked on the lots and have Council
and P & Z look at these lots. Oates said lots 6 and 7, because of
the configuration, may be extremely difficult to work with. Oates
said the residents would like a significant buffer strip between
the two subdivisions.
Jim Curtis said he believes in and supports affordable housing and
9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
the AH concept on this property. Curtis agreed the density on this
property is too high. Curtis said the housing board has made
strong recommendations to encourage quality over quantity. Curtis
said the community needs to move away from the stigma of affordable
housing in one's neighborhood. Doug McCloskey agreed the density
is overkill. It will be a difficult area to access off highway 82.
Mark, Aspen Edge apartments 1235 E. Cooper, said he is concerned
about parking in this area. It is already crowded. Mark pointed
out this is a bad intersection. Cars will be infringing on the
existing developments. Kathy Welgos, 1295 Riverside Drive, said
the developer has been sensitive in re-routing the access to the
free market lots off Riverside drive. Ms. Welgos said there is a
concern about density in this project. Ms. Welgos said the
Riverside residents had to live through the Aspen Club development,
which put up a huge wall between the two develop ments. Ms. Welgos
agree the free market portion should be reduced to 4 lots.
Pete Stone, adjacent resident, said the affordable housing is fine
and is needed by the community. There is going to be a lot of
traffic in this development to be using it as a area for children.
P & Z felt this development was too dense. Stone agreed the
developer should stake the lots and do a model. Stone said the
average size of the homes in Riverside is 1400 square feet. This
area ought to be compatible with the existing neighborhood. It is
not compatible to have new houses twice the size on lots that are
half the size. Stone said the free market lots should not be sold
at a discount at the neighbor's expense. Stone said he would
prefer to see both components less dense.
Jay Lusan said he is concerned about the quality of life for the
new affordable housing residents if they are jammed into this area;
they should not treated as second class citizen. Dusty Hamrick
said she is concerned about the potential for large homes. Ms.
Hamrick said the residents have been overwhelmed by the Aspen Club
homes. Donna Fisher said she is not sure this is the right spot
for children and families. Ms. Fisher said the community needs to
slow down and watch what people are being put into. Ms. Fisher
said the density is too much for the neighborhood.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Councilman Peters said when Council looked at this site, they felt
it was an appropriate site for affordable housing. Councilman
Peters said he thought P & Z would downscale the density, which
they have not done. Councilman Peters said some of these problems
can be taken care of with design, like FAR which could be sacri-
ficed for setbacks. Councilman Peters commended the development
team for changing the access; however, this has caused some design
10
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
problems with the site. Councilman Peters said he feels this
development has promise and would like P & Z to try improve the
quality in the lower portion and to decrease the free market units
or to make these houses an appropriate scale with the neighborhood.
Council man Peters said he feels a model is a good idea.
Councilwoman Pendleton said it is hard to envision 7 lots on the
upper bench of the property. Councilwoman Pendleton said she too
would like to model of this project as well as having the property
staked. Councilwoman Pendleton said she agrees with the concept
but does not want to see a wall of development. Councilwoman
Pendleton said she is willing to give extra density but would like
to examine some alternatives.
Councilwoman Richards thanked the applicants for trying to do a
good AH project. Councilwoman Richards said she has some criti-
cisms but would like the applicants to continue through the
process. Councilwoman Richards said she would favor AH zoning for
this site but the upzoning must merit the expansion. Councilwoman
Richards said this proposal does not merit this right now.
Councilwoman Richards said this is too much to impose on the
surrounding neighbors. Councilwoman Richards said her concern is
to have a larger setback from highway 82. Councilwoman Richards
requested the FARs be reduced if the higher density is maintained
and that the concreted area be reduced and perhaps more green space
be added.
Councilman Reno said in reading the P & Z minutes and the notes of
the neighborhood meetings, they all dealt with the density. These
concerns were put aside because the community wants employee
housing. Councilman Reno said he feels this community has pushed
for numbers of units rather than quality, which has given employee
housing a stigma. Councilman Reno pointed out the location makes
these units more pedestrian oriented. Councilman Reno said he
would like to see either a reduction in the density of number of
units or a reduction in FAR to make these more compatible with the
Riverside lots. Councilman Reno said he feels the concerns about
massive homes are valid.
Mayor Bennett agreed he is bothered by the density and by the
comparisons to the adjacent developments of 1010 Ute and the Aspen
Club. Mayor Bennett said this project is too dense and the FAR
should be cut or the number of houses should be reduced. Mayor
Bennett said he likes the idea of having the property staked. Ms.
Johnson pointed out the Riverside lots are about 15,000 square feet
and the allowable FAR is 4500 square feet. The houses in Riverside
could be re-developed to 4500 square feet. Mayor Bennett said this
proposal does not feel like what the community wants.
11
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
Stevens said there have been comments about slowing down in
affordable housing. The applicant has been working on this project
for one year and it could be another 1-1/2 years before it is
complete. Stevens reminded Council the Ute Park project started at
16 deed restricted and 7 free market and at final was dropped to 7
and 3 units. Stevens said the applicants tried to design houses
and buyers, not design lots. Stevens said they would be willing to
stake the site and provide models.
Stevens pointed out these affordable housing units, at 18 by 42,
are larger than typical units. The applicants decided to make the
units larger and the site smaller. The development can go back to
smaller footprint and loosen up the site. The trade off is smaller
units. Stevens said he does not feel this is a step in the right
direction, but it can be done. Councilwoman Richards said she is
more interested in fewer units. Stevens said if the number of free
market units is reduced, the number of affordable units will be
reduced.
Stevens pointed out if the free market lots are fewer but larger,
this will be directed at second home buyers rather than the local
market. Stevens said the developer tried to match lots size with
family income. Stevens said he feels 7 homes at 2500 square feet
is compatible with Riverside subdivision. When units are reduced,
category 2 and 3 units are lost.
Councilman Peters said the idea of resident occupied units is
moving ahead of the thinking. The community does not know how to
make it work and what it is going to do. The housing board has
debated the issue. Councilman Peters said there are too many
resident occupied units in this project. Councilman Peters said he
could accept raising the lower category units. Councilman Peters
said rezoning is conceptually all right; the site is appropriate
for affordable housing. The basic concept of the plan for
affordable housing is okay; however, the development on the upper
bench is too dense. Councilman Peters said there is some argument
to increase density, however, P & Z can scrutinize this and make
recommendations.
Councilwoman Pendleton said she agrees with the rezoning and with
the project. Councilwoman Pendleton said she would like a model or
the site staked, where the buildings would end, the heights of the
buildings, etc. Councilwoman Pendleton said she may be able to
live with the density if the FARs were reduced some.
Gassman said this development is not twice as dense nor are the
houses twice as big as the Riverside subdivision. It may be about
10 percent more dense. Gassman said there is no control over what
may happen in the future in Riverside. There could be houses of
12
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
4500 square feet, which would be twice the size of these proposed
houses.
Councilman Peters said he does not feel density reductions are
absolutely necessary. There may be another way to accomplish the
same ends by using FAR and setbacks. Ms. Johnson pointed out the
applicant has offered to increase the setback in the rear of the
property from 10 to 25 feet. The R-15 zone district has a minimum
setback of 10 feet.
Councilman Reno suggested there be story poles in the corners with
the setbacks and different colors for different lots. Councilwoman
Richards said she does not want to move this forward without a
reduction in both the free market and the affordable housing. The
project is too dense.
Amy Margerum, city manager, recommended Council approve conceptual
with some guidance and give this back to P & Z. Council could also
continue this hearing until the project is staked or the applicants
come back with another design. Ms. Margerum said the latter would
delay the process. Mayor Bennett said he would like to approve
this conceptually with the direction to P & Z to look at reducing
the density. Councilwoman Pendleton said she is not sure she
agrees the density should be reduced. Councilwoman Pendleton said
she would be willing to look at other arrangements. Mayor Bennett
said he feels 23 units on this property are too many. Councilwoman
Richards said she will not give final approval to 23 units.
Mayor Bennett moved to approve East Cooper affordable housing
conceptual PUD with the 23 conditions recommended by planning and
zoning commission with the directive to the applicant that Council
believes that the density should be reduced in some form or fashion
before it goes back to P & Z; seconded by Councilwoman Richards.
Stevens said he will look at any type of reduction, from FAR caps,
reduction of the units, reduction of the size of the AH units, etc.
Councilwoman Pendleton agreed there may be creative ways of making
this project look less dense. Stevens said there may be a number
of design things that can be done to accomplish this.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #57, SERIES OF 1992 - 1000 E. Hopkins
Kim Johnson, planning office, reminded Council they saw this item
on September 14, at which time they decided not to adopt on first
reading until the level of improvements could be examined. Ms.
Johnson said staff made a site visit and is satisfied the improve-
ments are being done. Staff recommends adoption of this ordinance
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
at first reading with the second reading November 9, at which time
the entire renovation should be complete.
Rick Neiley, representing the applicant, told Council this is
substantially a different project than 30 days ago. The applicant
moved forward as expeditiously as possible and committed a lot of
money and time. The safety issues like fire alarms systems, were
added. This project offers considerable benefits to the community
as a reasonably priced de facto affordable housing project. The
project contains 19 units with 22 bedrooms and space for 40 people.
Neiley said the applicants have gone a long way in addressing the
problems Council brought up at the earlier meeting. Neiley told
Council they are looking for new management with a program that
will provide a better project.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #57, Series of 1992, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Reno. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Richards, yes; Peters, yes; Reno, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #65, SERIES OF 1992 - Special Improvement District Bonds
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #65, Series of 1992;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #65
(Series of 1992)
AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING CERTAIN SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL ASSESS-
MENT LOCAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS WITH RESPECT TO UPPER UTE
AVENUE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, LOWER UTE AVENUE
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND PITKIN MESA SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENT DIS TRICT; PRESCRIBING DETAILS IN CONNECTION
WITH SUCH ASSESSMENT, BONDS AND DISTRICTS, INCLUDING THE
MANNER OF ADDITIONALLY SECURING AND EFFECTING THE
PAYMENT OF SUCH BONDS; PRESCRIBING DUTIES OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH ASSESSMENT,
BONDS AND DISTRICTS; APPOINTING A PAYING AGENT AND BOND
REGISTRANT; RATIFYING ACTION HERETOFORE TAKEN IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH; PROVID ING OTHER MATTER RELATING
THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY was read by the
city clerk
Dallas Everhart, finance director, reminded Council the city has
been involved in different improvement districts and in 1991
approved a budget of $213,000 for the upper Ute district, $328,000
for the lower Ute improvement district. Everhart said at that time
the thought was the city would pay for the district and then issue
14
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
bonds to cover the exact amount. Everhart said staff recommends
issuing these bonds because of the possible limitation that may be
placed on the city. This bond will also include the Pitkin Mesa
improvement district. Everhart requested this be an emergency
ordinance as it will not be published this week.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #65, Series of 1992,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Peters. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Pendleton, yes; Reno, yes; Peters, yes; Richards,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
Steve Jeffers, George K. Baum, told Council he will modify the
offering document. It will be complete this week and the bonds
will be offered next week.
15
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
PARTIAL RECALL - 1980 Housing Bonds
Dallas Everhart, finance director, told Council that due to the
current market staff has been looking at different investments as
well as interest rates being paid on different items. Staff
recommends Council spend $1.6 million out of the housing daycare
fund for a partial recall of the 1980 housing g.o. bonds. This
reduces the investment interest the city will be paying. Craig
Overbeck, assistant finance director, pointed out there is a
memorandum outlining all the possible uses for the housing day care
fund. Overbeck said if this refunding is done out of the housing
daycare fund, it will leave the general fund fund balance in tact.
There are monies available in the housing day care fund. Overbeck
proposed the housing fund lend the general fund the $1.6 million.
Starting in 1995 the general fund can pay back the housing fund.
Staff is recommending bonds be called for 1997 through 2000.
Councilman Peters moved to suspend the rules until 9:30; seconded
by Councilwoman Pendleton. All in favor, motion carried.
Overbeck said staff feels there is enough cash in the housing fund
to covers all possibilities listed in staff's memo and well as to
recall the bonds. Overbeck said these bonds can only be called
November 15 or May 15 and there has to be a 30 day notice in the
paper. Council has to decide this issue tonight or wait for 6
months. Councilwoman Richards said she has hesitations about
moving forward without more consideration for the projects in the
housing daycare. Councilman Peters said he shares these concerns
but agrees with trying to find ways to get more money for the
city's investments. Councilman Peters pointed out the plan for the
housing fund omits any expenditures for Castleridge.
Council agreed with not doing anything on this tonight and looking
at it again in 6 months.
ORDINANCE #61, SERIES OF 1992 - H Designation 529/531 E. Cooper
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to read Ordinance #61, Series of 1992;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #61
(Series of 1992)
AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATION 529 EAST COOPER AND 531 EAST
COOPER AS "H" HISTORIC LANDMARK PURSUANT TO DIVISION 7,
SECTION 7-701 OF CHAPTER 24 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE was
read by the city clerk
16
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
Kim Johnson, planning office, noted this is the first project
requesting designation which meets all 6 review standards.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #61, Series of 1992,
on first reading; seconded by Councilman Peters. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Peters, yes; Reno, yes; Richards, yes; Pendleton,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #62, SERIES OF 1992 - Aspen Electric Subdivision/Rezoning
Councilwoman Pendleton stepped down due to conflict of interest.
Councilman Reno moved to read Ordinance #62, Series of 1992;
seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor, motion carried.
OR DINANCE #62
(Series of 1992)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL GRANTING SUBDIVI-
SION, REZONING FROM MODERATE-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL PUD (R-
15) TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING (AH), GMQS EXEMPTION AND
CONDOMINIUMIZATION, LOT 3, SUNNY PARK NORTH SUBDIVISION,
PARK AVENUE, ASPEN, COLORADO was read by the city clerk
Leslie Lamont, planning office, told Council the applicant proposes
to subdivide his property to create a new parcel for a deed
restricted triplex. P & Z reviewed this and recommends approval of
the subdivision and rezoning. The P & Z established the parking by
special review. This is located at lot 3 of Sunny Park north
subdivision. The county commissioners approved a lot line
adjustment between the county property and the Siegel parcel to
give 8,000 more square feet in order to make this a conforming lot.
There will be an existing single family house on one lot and an AH
triplex on the other lots. There will be 2 two-bedroom units of
840 square feet in category 2 and 1 four-bedroom unit of 1065 in
category 4. The subdivision also includes condominiumization.
Councilman Peters moved to adopt Ordinance #62, Series of 1992, on
first reading; seconded by Councilman Reno.
Councilman Peters said Pitkin County should be commended for making
this happen.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Peters, yes; Reno, yes; Richards,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #63, SERIES OF 1992 - Amending the Powers and Duties of
the Wheeler Opera House Board
17
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
Councilman Peters moved to read Ordinance #63, Series of 1992;
seconded by Councilman Reno. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #63
(Series of 1992)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CIT Y OF ASPEN, COLORADO, REPEALING
ORDINANCE NO. 10 (SERIES OF 1982) AND RE-ENACTING AN
ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE was read by the
city clerk
Jed Caswall, city attorney, reminded Council this arises out of a
discussion they had with the Wheeler Board as to what authorities
were vested with the Board. This ordinance will make those
authorities consistent with that discussion. Amy Margerum, city
manager, said the city manager will be responsible for management
on a daily basis.
Councilman Reno moved to adopt Ordinance #63, Series of 1992, on
first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Pendleton, yes; Reno, yes; Richards, yes; Peters,
yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #64, SERIES OF 1992 - Reorganization
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to read Ordinance #64, Series of 1992;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #64
(Series of 1992)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 56 (SERIES OF 1990)
TO REFINE THE CITY MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE was read by the
city clerk
Councilwoman Pendleton moved to adopt Ordinance #64, Series of
1992, on first reading; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. Roll
call vote; Councilmembers Peters, yes; Pendleton, yes; Richards,
yes; Reno, yes; Mayor Bennett, yes. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Richards moved to suspend the rules and extend the
meeting to 9:45 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor,
motion carried.
RESANCTIONING $75,000 DONATION TO PIONEER PARK
Mayor Bennett said he is not questioning the donation but is
questioning the city doing the upkeep and maintenance, which was
18
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
not part of the original negotiation. Jed Caswall, city attorney,
reminded Council there was an executive session to discuss the
settlement of the lawsuit. One of the potential elements was in
fact if a deal could be put together, would the city be willing to
do the maintenance. Caswall said it was his understanding if this
was the only thing holding up the deal, Council agreed.
Caswall said the settlement is that the purchaser will buy lots 1
and 2 of Pioneer park, do a plat amendment which will shrink the
size of the open space parcel, reducing the cost of that parcel to
the trust. The trust will purchase the open space. The purchasers
of Pioneer Park will contribute a portion of the price of the open
space as a tax donation.
Les Holst said the trust will get 3 lots for $500,000 as opposed to
$600,000. The open space has shrunk about one-quarter. Councilman
Peters asked if the city will be maintaining the park as an amenity
for the neighbors rather than city open space. Holst said the
demographics to the tent will be changing and this is one of the
major corridors to the tent. A monolithic structure on this parcel
will be a detriment to the neighborhood. Councilman Peters asked
what assurances there are that the lot will not be redeveloped.
Holst said the purchasers feel the financial viability of Aspen is
tied into historic preservation. Caswall said the purchasers will
not get any additional development rights as a result of increasing
their lot by 20 percent. Caswall suggested the planning director
not approve the plat amendment unless the purchasers give up any
development rights.
Mayor Bennett asked if staff has an estimate of what it will cost
to maintain this park. Amy Margerum, city manager, said it will be
marginal; however, all the marginal things add up to another staff
person eventually. Councilwoman Pendleton said she wants this park
to be available to the public and to look like it is available, not
just someone's backyard.
Councilwoman Richards moved to resanction the $75,000 donation for
Pioneer Park for 45 days; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in
favor, motion carried.
PM 10
Amy Margerum, city manager, told Council staff attended a meeting
in Denver October 1 with the CDOT, state health department and
state attorney general's office to talk about the PM 10 plan. At
that point, the state was proceeding with submitting a state
mandated plan that Aspen/Pitkin County felt did not have much to do
with Aspen. They had given up on the plan where Aspen would have
until next spring to come up with the control strategies. EPA did
19
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
not accept that and said Aspen needed to proceed immediately with
ordinances that the state could enforce as opposed to the locali-
ties. The purpose of the trip was to allow Aspen and Pitkin County
to go forward with control strategies staff and the Clean Air Board
has come up with and use the state plan as a default plan.
Ms. Margerum told Council at the meeting they agree to that
approach; however, it is not known whether the EPA will accept
that. There is a hearing in Denver for the state air commission to
adopt the Aspen element of the state implementation plan. Ms.
Margerum said this will be a first reading of the proposed rule
with a 60 day notice period. Ms. Margerum said Council should
review the control strategies going into this plan to make sure
they are comfortable with them. The state default plan is very
close to Aspen's plan except the state feels strongly about
imposing mandatory regulations on restaurant grills. Ms. Margerum
said this would be very costly to restaurants and would not make
much of a difference in the air quality. Ms. Margerum proposed to
come back with a resolution at the special meeting October 14th.
Councilwoman Richards moved to suspend the rules and extend the
meeting to 9:55 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Peters. All in favor,
with the exception of Councilwoman Pendleton. Motion carried.
Lee Cassin, environmental health department, told Council this has
been a horrible process and has not served the city well. Ms.
Cassin noted there are 4 strategies in the default plan proposed by
the state. These are requiring precipitators on restaurant grills,
which are at most 3 percent of the problem. The state is looking
for a 50 percent improvement, this is 1.5 percent. The second is
requiring hard sand, the state's definition of hard sand is about 3
times dustier than that currently being used by the city. The
third is a voluntary no-burn on high pollution days. The fourth is
a sweeping program which is unrealistic and does not jive with the
conditions in Aspen in the winter.
Ms. Cassin said the city is proposing these go into effect on April
1st if Aspen does not adopt other regulations. Ms. Cassin said
staff tried to get credit for measures the city is already doing
and things the transportation implementation plan has recommended.
These are sweeping highway 82 out to the airport, sweeping Maroon
and Castle Creek bridges, sweeping on a more realistic basis,
continuing the voluntary no-burn program, instituting a voluntary
no-drive, a parking program combining residential permits and pay
for parking in the downtown, new buses and the cross town shuttle.
Ms. Cassin said after this winter, staff will know more what the
new sweeper can do and can make recommendations to amending that
program.
20
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
Jed Caswall, city attorney, told Council staff has been told two
different things in as little as 24 hours. Caswall said the EPA
just told staff this is the first they have heard of Aspen's
proposal. Caswall said the EPA intended to adopt these regulations
on an emergency basis without a public hearing or public notice.
Caswall pointed out there is a strategy that requires the city to
impose $1 per hour paid parking in the commercial core.
Ms. Margerum said the EPA is threatening the state if the plan does
not go forward, the state will not be able to proceed with their
rule making and may have to adopt a federal implementation plan.
The state is afraid they will lose federal funds. Ms. Margerum
said staff representatives as well as restaurant representatives
will attend the meeting Thursday.
Councilman Peters moved to continue the meeting to October 14th at
5 p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion
carried. Council left the meeting at 10 p.m.
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk
21
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
PROCLAMATION - Energy Awareness Month 1
..........................
CITIZEN COMMENTS 1
................................ ...............
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 3
................................ .........
CONSENT AGENDA 3
................................ .................
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING - HAP Holdings Inc. d/b/a Paradise Club 4
.
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING - Savanah Limited Partnership d/b/a
Ritz Carlton 4
................................ ..............
ORDINANCE #18, SERIES OF 1991 - Institutional Controls
Smuggler 5
................................ ..................
ORDINANCE #56, SERIES OF 1992 - G. O. Bond Refunding 5
...........
ORDINANCE #58, SERIES OF 1992 - Historic Designation 434 W.
Smuggler 6
................................ ..................
ORDINANCE #59, SERIES OF 1992 - Appropriations 6
.................
ORDINANCE #60, SERIES OF 1992 - Code Amendment Office Mixed
Use and GMQS Exemption for Historic Landmark 6
..............
EAST COOPER AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONCEPTUAL PUD 7
..................
ORDINANCE #57, SERIES OF 1992 - 1000 E. Hopkins 13
...............
ORDINANCE #65, SERIES OF 1992 - Special Improvement District
Bonds 14
................................ .....................
PARTIAL RECALL - 1980 Housing Bonds 15
............................
ORDINANCE #61, SERIES OF 1992 - H Designation 529/531 E.
Cooper 15
................................ ....................
ORDINANCE #62, SERIES OF 1992 - Aspen Electric Subdivi-
sion/Rezoning 16
................................ .............
ORDINANCE #63, SERIES OF 1992 - Amending the Powers and Duties
of the Wheeler Opera House Board 16
..........................
ORDINANCE #64, SERIES OF 1992 - Reorganization 17
.................
RESANCTIONING $75,000 DONATION TO PIONEER PARK 17
.................
22
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 13, 1992
PM 10 18
................................ ..........................
23