HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20170306Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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CITIZEN COMMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 2
COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS .......................................................................................................... 2
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS ................................................................................................................ 3
CONSENT CALENDAR ............................................................................................................................. 3
Resolution #28, Series of 2017 – Contract – City of Aspen and Headwaters Corp. to develop a tool
to analyze City’s risk profile for future water supply ................................................................................... 3
Resolution #29, Series of 2017 – Funding for City Branding Project .................................................. 3
Resolution #27, Series of 2017 – Contract – City of Aspen and Headwaters Corp. to develop a tool
to analyze City’s risk profile for future water demand ................................................................................. 3
Resolution #29, Series of 2017 – Funding for City Branding Project .................................................. 3
ORDINANCE #7, SERIES OF 2017 – 540 E. Main Street; Rescinding Designation to the Aspen
Inventory of Historic Landmark Sites and Structures ................................................................................... 4
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 2017 – Update to State Mandated Building Permit Electric Fees .............. 4
ORDINANCE #39, SERIES OF 2016 – Gorsuch Haus (S. Aspen Street) – Planned Development and
Associated Reviews ...................................................................................................................................... 4
ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 2017 – Chain Store Regulations ................................................................. 5
ORDINANCE #8, SERIES OF 2017 – Double Basement Code Amendment ............................................. 9
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 2017 – 427 Rio Grande Place (Aspen City Offices) .................................. 9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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At 5:00 p.m. Mayor Skadron called the regular meeting to order with Councilmembers Myrin, Frisch and
Daily present.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Paul Coffee, Munch & Co, spoke about private cannabis clubs as a consultant for regulatory
compliance and laws to protect businesses. In the past cities have not regulated users or
businesses correctly. He does agree we need places to use correctly but is concerned we have not
looked at the laws around it correctly. How do we empower police, fire and the city correctly.
What are the laws around it. If we know we have a problem to not have a safe environment to
consume correctly he want to make sure we get ahead of the State but get ahead of the problem.
There are no guidelines around cannabis. He would like council to give direction to staff to set
the guidelines to put in safe systems to separate the non cannabis users from the cannabis users.
2. Emzy Veazy III commented on a variety of topics.
3. Dr. Hassendager propose a fitness Czar position be created. Lots of fitness trends have clouded
the fitness community. He wants to make sure visitors have a fun and safe visit while they are
here. He proposed it be an elected position. He wants to help the community maintain the
highest quality of life possible.
4. Toni Kronberg spoke on a variety of topics.
5. Jane Goettleib wanted to clarify what she said last week. She wants to see the local character of
the town preserved. How long the process takes with the building department was not a
complaint but an example of how difficult the process is.
6. Junee Kirk asked council for reconsideration on the vote of approval for the Hotel Aspen
approval. The application asked for additional height and demolition. It should go back from the
beginning and be considered a whole new application.
COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS
Councilman Myrin attended the roll out of the moratorium land use code changes meeting. Staff has a
PDF that they hand out. It is excellent. There is another one of those meetings coming up on Wednesday
in the Sister Cities rooms from noon to 1:30. I highly recommend it. On the consent agenda are two
45,000 dollar requests that are sort of dam related but not on the focus of alternative locations or sizes. In
January, I asked for a once a month update on the progress on alternative sizing and locations. I don’t
recall that happening in February. Jim True, city attorney, said he is not sure if monthly reports are
appropriate during the litigation efforts. We may be looking at quarterly reports. It is part of the ongoing
litigation efforts. We are trying to do this in step by step efforts. I don’t want the public to come away
from this discussion believing that we are trying to hide things. We are trying to do it in an appropriate
and measured manner given we are in litigation. Steve Barwick, city manager, said these are two items
that are on the workplan. Margaret Medellin, utilities, said these two contracts are a part of the resolution
that was passed and part of that is what is our real need. By developing these tools, we can refine the size
of the storage. We have begun the process of looking at alternatives to storage. We don’t want to get too
far ahead of the public. Mr. True said I want to be cognizant of the fact we are in litigation. There are a
lot of other appropriate steps. To have monthly reports on those issues, I want to make certain is
consistent with our litigation efforts, and may require confidential discussions. Councilman Myrin said
the location and sizing are things we owe the community that we will work on and an update. So far I
don’t think there has been any money spent to focus on the sizing and location and I’m losing my
enthusiasm on this. Councilman Frisch said I think some regular update regardless of what is going on is
important. Because we are in litigation I’m hearing we can’t talk about everything. Mr. True stated we
have tried to be transparent in every effort. At the present time, we are engaged in litigation that will have
some discussion in a court process. We are doing efforts such as these items that will have impact on
those decisions. Councilman Frisch asked if we have a planned quarterly that is set on the calendar.
Dave Hornbacher, utilities, replied May 15th. Part of the next update will include a recommendation on a
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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facilitation group. The contracts are one of the tools that will be useful in the community process. We
are trying to get the pieces of the work plan in place.
Councilman Myrin said at the meeting last Monday he left at 7 and missed the marathon meeting. The
adopted council rules and regulations say regular meetings shall adjourn by or before 9 pm unless a
motion is made or carried to extend the meeting to a time certain. He does not think there is any
development application that is that important to keep staff here that late. It is no longer a public meeting
once it gets past midnight. He is not sure what it takes to get us to follow our own rules. Mr. True said
Mr. Wooster suggested that there be a standing motion to not comply with that resolution. At some point,
there was a standing motion that the meetings be continued until the meetings be adjourned. It is up to
you whether you follow that resolution. It is common with our boards and commissions that they do that.
It is not an unusual provision. It is my understanding that some time ago that council decided to have this
provision. Councilman Myrin said he thinks we should provide some order to it. It is not fair to staff or
the voters.
Councilman Frisch said he lightly suggested a few years ago that we should not start an issue of substance
after a certain time. I don’t think it is out of line to have this discussion.
Councilman Daily said he agrees with Adam and is happy to have this discussion. He wants to second
Bert on the summary memo that Jessica put out on the moratorium.
Mayor Skadron said World Cup is next week, don’t miss it.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Steve Barwick said one of 2017 topics was the idea of a downtown manager. At the time we decide not
to hire. We made some changes to help towards that goal and expanded Mitch Osur’s responsibilities
towards that. He will be a liaison between businesses and downtown and support businesses in a variety
of ways. These will be additions to his current job. It is an experiment to see how this goes. I am not
comfortable hiring someone to see how this goes. Mitch will be a key component in the mall process.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 29 – Funding for City Branding Project
Councilman Myrin said he will vote against Resolution 29. The money would be better spent on
alternative locations or sizing of the dam or alternative fossil fuel for the police department.
Councilman Frisch said he is supportive of the work Mitzi is doing on the branding.
.
Resolution #28, Series of 2017 – Contract – City of Aspen and Headwaters Corp. to develop a
tool to analyze City’s risk profile for future water supply
Resolution #29, Series of 2017 – Funding for City Branding Project
Resolution #27, Series of 2017 – Contract – City of Aspen and Headwaters Corp. to develop a
tool to analyze City’s risk profile for future water demand
Resolution #29, Series of 2017 – Funding for City Branding Project
Councilman Frisch moved to adopt Resolutions #27 and #28 Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman
Myrin. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Myrin moved to adopt Resolution #29, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman Daily. All
in favor except Councilman Myrin, motion carried.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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ORDINANCE #7, SERIES OF 2017 – 540 E. Main Street; Rescinding Designation to the Aspen
Inventory of Historic Landmark Sites and Structures
Jessica Garrow, community development, told the Council there are no longer historic buildings on the
property. Ordinance 11 of 2016 approved the PD and relocation of the buildings to Holden Marolt. They
have been moved in entirety to the Marolt property.
Councilman Frisch said it is fairly unique to move properties and remove designation. How often has this
happened. He is fully supportive but wants to make sure we are not setting a bad precedent.
Councilman Daily said the action makes good sense since the historic structures are not there.
Councilman Myrin moved to read Ordinance #7, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman Frisch. All in
favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 7
(SERIES OF 2017)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO RESCINDING
DESIGNATION TO THE ASPEN INVENTORY OF HISTORIC LANDMARK SITES AND
STRUCTURES FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 540 E. MAIN STREET, CITY OF ASPEN,
PITKIN COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO.
Councilman Myrin moved to adopt Ordinance #7, Series of 2017 on first reading; seconded by
Councilman Daily. Roll call vote. Councilmembers Frisch, yes; Myrin, yes; Daily, yes; Mayor Skadron,
yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #5, SERIES OF 2017 – Update to State Mandated Building Permit Electric Fees
Jessica Garrow, community development, said these are a required fee increase that is mandated by the
state. We are working with the attorney and manager’s office to see if this process can be streamlined in
the future.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment. There was none. Mayor Skadron closed the public
comment.
Councilman Myrin moved to adopt Ordinance #5, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman Frisch. Roll
call vote. Councilmembers Daily, yes; Myrin, yes; Frisch, yes; Mayor Skadron, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #39, SERIES OF 2016 – Gorsuch Haus (S. Aspen Street) – Planned Development and
Associated Reviews
Councilman Daily recused himself. Jennifer Phelan, community development, said the applicant is
asking for a continuation to March 27 for additional time to respond to initial direction for Council. At
the public hearing Council asked them to talk more about Aspen Street, the cul-de-sac, right of way,
utilities, ski base welcoming public access, transportation options, mass and scale and background on the
lodge zone district. I have been in touch with two different third party consultants to discuss options for
bringing people to the mountain. I want to be clear on Councils expectations of the third party review.
Councilman Myrin asked when we rezone can we rezone to allow just affordable housing. Ms. Phelan
replied there is one zone that is an affordable housing planned development.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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Councilman Frisch said he remains supportive of a third party person to look at lift ideas as well as the
Ski Company’s suggestion. They should continue to have the conversations with the other people
involved.
Mayor Skadron said as far as public access, he expects a great public place. The fact a hotel entrance
must be there is secondary. Regarding size, what I expect to hear back, I want to hear back 30 percent
smaller. I want to get away from the bit by bit public hearings. I’m not interested in that. If it is going to
pass Council, those are the standards I need satisfied. I would like you to be aggressive when you come
back to us. Take as much time as you need.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment.
1. Toni Kronberg said the most important player is the City of Aspen.
Mayor Skadron closed the public comment.
Councilman Frisch said he is gone the week of the 27th for spring break.
Councilman Myrin moved to continue Ordinance #39, Series of 2016 to March 27, 2017; seconded by
Councilman Frisch. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #6, SERIES OF 2017 – Chain Store Regulations
Ms. Garrow stated this is a citizen initiated code amendment. There has been a check in with P&Z and
CCLC as well as aspencommunityvoice dialogue. The policy resolution was in February to move
forward. P&Z reviewed and recommended in favor of some regulations and requested a broader list of
review criteria. CCLC reviewed and recommended against adopted. There were approximately 100
participants at the open house at the Limelight. Most of the participants supported some kind of
regulations. The website comments are in support of the regulations.
Zoning 101
Permitted uses are uses that are allowed by right and can proceed straight to building permit.
Conditional use are allowed after review by P&Z.
Prohibited use are one that are never allowed.
Uses can be limited or allowed based on location, zone district, as well as building level. In the CC office
uses are allowed in the basement and upper floors by right. They are not allowed on the ground floor
unless set back 40 feet from the street. General retail is allowed on all building levels. Certain things fall
under general retail but are conditional uses. What is proposed here is to add additional criteria for
formula businesses.
Chain regulations as proposed would be a new conditional use review. You would fall under this by
having 11 or more of the same businesses in the United States with two or more of the following
standards:
A standardized array of merchandise,
A standardized array of services,
A standardized façade,
A standardized décor and color scheme,
Uniform apparel,
Standardized sign.
A trademark
A service mark.
There are a number of communities with these regulations. What communities that have these are the key
examples including Sonoma and Sausalito. The primary intent is to protect and preserve the charm of the
downtown plaza. Maintain unique village and diversity of their commercial district.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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Encourage a commercial mix that is diverse, vital and meets the needs of year round residents and
visitors.
Where would this apply – downtown and Main Street historic district, CC, and C1. Lodge and CL
already have a conditional use review required. Not included are SCI and NC zone districts.
Review process
A new section to the code is proposed to add to the conditional use review. The review criteria would go
to P&Z and meet the conditional review. If they are denied the applicant could appeal to city council.
Existing criteria are consistent with the intent with the zone and immediate vicinity. The review would
look at location, size, design and operating characteristics, infrastructure type things. If affordable
housing is required it needs to be provided. There can be any conditions places on it.
New criteria
Pulls four objectives from the AACP and standard to help meet them. It would need to meet all existing
criteria and three of the four objectives:
Promote diversity and variety to assure a balanced mix of commercial uses available to serve both
resident and visitor populations, including general retail, specialty retail, restaurant, bar and entertainment
uses, and service uses;
The design and improvements are consistent with the unique and historic character of the zone district,
and will preserve, and be compatible with, the distinct visual appearance and shopping/dining experience
of the zone district for its residents and visitors;
The formula use will be compatible with existing uses and permitted uses in the
zone district and promote the zone district’s purpose, economic vitality and long term
sustainability as the commercial, cultural, and civic center of the community;
and
The formula use will not result in an overconcentration of formula uses within the
zone district and within the immediate vicinity of the proposed project based on
the current inventory of formula uses.
There are a total of 13 specific review standards and the application would need to meet five of the
standards for a total of three of the four objectives and five of the 13 standards.
Exemptions
Existing structures, approved structures and structures in the pipeline.
There are four ways to lose the exemption. Demolition, reconstruction of 40 percent of the building or
structure. Staff recommends removal of this since it is the same as the demolition exemption.
Renovation or construction of existing building/structure with expansion of more than 500 square feet net
leasable and 250 square feet of floor area. Gut remodel or a remodel or construction of more than 50
percent of existing net leasable space. Staff has most concern with this. It would tend to impact a smaller
business than a chain and creates an administrative tracking nightmare. Exemptions related to code
compliance.
Effect of proposed regulation.
This does not ban chains or businesses but makes it more difficult for a chain to locate in certain areas due
to additional land use review.
Existing buildings are exempt. Prada can become McDonalds and Peach’s can become Banana Republic.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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There are work arounds that I’m not sure we can do much about. J Crew created J Crew on the mountain
and they are not a chain. There are work arounds that no level of regulation or language will affect. This
could create additional administrative burdens in checking.
If council does wish to move forward staff recommends maintain the longer list of review criteria and
remove the gut remodel trigger as well as remove the 40 percent remodel trigger.
Alternatives
Not to move forward. Revert to simpler list. Add or delete area where this would apply. Change
building levels where it would apply. Refer to the ballot.
Councilman Myrin asked if it would be harming local business under the remodel of space. Ms. Garrow
said this adds a level of complexity that currently does not exist in the review process. The pro is this
provides a safeguard from someone saying I’m not going to demo but gut my building and make my way
for a chain store. The con is I’m not a chain store but I’m remodeling my store and we catch this at
building permit.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment.
1. Bill Dinsmore, representing the CCLC, said they do not support the resolution. They would like
to see time spent enhancing better transportation, parking and shop local campaigns. Think this
causes more problems and expense than it solves.
2. Eden Vardy said he supports the resolution. It adds an extra safeguard. Very little negative
impact.
3. Peter Fornell said we have tried to regulate the CC before and failed. Tried to cap the art galleries
and ended up with a flood. We tried with the real estate offices and ended up with a bunch of
them. Now we are trying with chain stores. I have a building that is eligible for a chain store and
now I’m going to hold off for one. There are unintended consequences here.
4. Torre said this is only one piece of what needs to be done. The main complaint has been about
the permitting time and fees. There are several things we need to do. You can’t have everything.
This will not change Aspen overnight but is a mild step in the right direction. The main impetus
is protecting the character in Aspen. The main goal over the last year has been to line up the
AACP and the LUC.
5. Bill Stirling said innovative, protective and unique is who we are. 30 percent of existing retail
meet the definition of formula retail. This has a lot of exemptions that responds to a lot of people.
Jerry Murdock said we are losing the economic diversity. Recognize our brand is the core. By
focusing the legislation on new buildings, we have the opportunity to reduce the trend. We need
to do something and this is the lightest touch we could come up with.
6. Brooke Peterson, CEO of Ajax Holdings, said the fundamental disagreement with the ordinance
is that it is a discriminatory ordinance that will not address the issues that have been raised. It
will cost $1,000 a square foot to buy real estate. $1,000 to build and develop and another $1,000
to meet the exemption costs. It will not bring back and support local businesses. We will not do
any more development. They are extremely supportive of incentive measures. If council wants
to adopt the ordinance they should do so without the exemptions and should send it to the voters.
We all have Aspens best interests at heart. This is not in the short term in the best interest of
Aspen.
7. Gina Murdock said she supports the ordinance. It is a light touch. Eliminating the exemptions
makes it more complicated. We should continue the conversation. She encouraged council to
pass the ordinance.
8. Lori Winterman said in the 70s and 80s we figure out how to make it. She suggested that council
buy a building and let people apply to rent it out.
9. John Bennett said in Sonoma it is to protect, preserve and retain the unique character and charm.
In Sausalito, it is to maintain the unique village character and vitality and quality of life of local
residents. Our community plan is a commercial mix that is balanced, diverse and to ensure the
LUC results in development that protects our local economy and diverse visitor case. That is
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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what this is all about. Community character is why we live in these places. We believe it is a
step in the right direction and sends the message. This is a perfect complement to what you have
done with ordinance 29.
10. Michael Goldberg said 9 out of 10 people he talks to are against this. This would hurt his long
term investment. He does not like the idea of tinkering with people who have made the
investment. He loves the way the city is right now. We are all still here and really rely on
tourism. We are a market driven town. He understands people’s desire to participate. This is a
good statement but when you tinker with it more than this you will end up with consequences you
don’t want.
11. Dwayne Romero said it is about fairness and equity. Community cherishes many values. We try
to measure and be fair and find the compromise. From a landlord perspective, we clearly wish it
weren’t coming about but we understand the concerns. We understand the draft and think it is
acceptable. There is no decision made at this table that is fatal or uncorrectable.
Mayor Skadron closed the public comment.
Councilman Myrin said if it were up to me alone I would lean toward what Sharif suggested and have
exemptions that apply when you purchased your building. He suggested the exemptions apply for a
physical space, malls or all ground floors. It would be easier for buyers as they go through the process.
He will support whatever Council comes up with tonight. This provides a framework for the code that is
out there. If there is a piece that needs adjusted at some point it can.
Councilman Daily said he appreciates everyone’s thoughts tonight. He is comfortable supporting what
has been proposed. It is an act of leadership on the entire community. Small, moderate step that we need
to take. Sends a clear message that we care about our community and we want to preserve our uniqueness
and historic character. It is a small step but in that direction. It speaks for a wide range of viewpoints.
This is something we should get behind and honors and furthers the goals of the AACP. He is ready to
move ahead with it.
Councilman Frisch said he is supportive of something moving forward. The conditional use guidelines
continue to give me the heebie jeebies. The cleaner and clearer it can be to make it the better. There are
two issues going on and at first they may seem related but aren’t. First is sense of place. Community is
schools, hospital and the historic west end. Sense of place is really important. The second aspect is the
hurdles are too high to support locally owned businesses. This will have nothing to do with that. As
Brooke brought up the cost of doing business before you even before you buy the land does not equate to
what people need to operate a business. This is one step in it, the cost of rent is one aspect that city hall
will be really, really hard to change. Where we can help out is in mitigation costs and the costs to get a
business license. I am supportive of some type of exemptions that are in there. I think it keeps the legal
aspects to a minimum. We also need to talk about the other then rent costs. I think anything would pass
at an election. He is supportive of where we are with the exemptions. We should talk about what are the
nonrent hurdles.
Mayor Skadron said it is an imperfect ordinance. He is concerned with the potential administrative
nightmares it brings for staff and P&Z. Adopting the ordinance lays the foundations we envision in the
AACP. It is a light touch and extra safeguard. We can avoid a midgame rule change. It will keep Aspen
appealing for generations to come. It fosters a sense of small town character. He came here leaning
towards placing this on the ballot. He has been persuaded that the right thing to do is to adopt this.
Councilman Myrin still has questions about the internal remodels. Ms. Garrow said for ordinance edits,
strike through 40 percent of building or structure remodel it is the same as demo. Strike through remodel
or construction of greater that 50 percent of the net leasable area of the existing building – gut remodel.
Also, a change in the title of the ordinance.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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Councilman Myrin moved to adopt Ordinance #6, Series of 2017 with amendments; seconded by
Councilman Daily. Roll call vote. Councilmembers Myrin, yes; Daily, yes; Frisch, yes; Mayor Skadron,
yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #34, SERIES OF 2016 – Mountain View Planes
Councilman Daily moved to continue to March 27, 2017; seconded by Councilman Frisch. All in favor,
motion carried.
ORDINANCE #8, SERIES OF 2017 – Double Basement Code Amendment
Justin Barker, community development, stated this code amendment applies to single family and duplexes
15 feet and no more than one floor. It has been in practice for two years and the main issue is digging out
more excavation in a trenching effect to comply with the regulations. It creates more excavation than
necessary. It also exposes more structure above ground. The proposed ordinance removes the limitation
of one finish level below grade. It meets the original intent, removes unnecessary excavation and
maintains the maximum depth of 15 feet. A potential impact of development compresses floor to floor
heights and increases gross square feet. With 15 feet, it is almost impossible to fit two levels below
grade. Staff recommends approval as written. Council asked for the potential increase in square feet.
Staff has not had time to look into that but the applicant has.
Chris Bendon, representing the applicant, said this is to fix an unintended consequence of trenching and
benching of properties. It will stay true to the initial purpose of the code amendment. Questions from last
meeting – gross increase - because you are chasing the 15 feet it is only around four percent. It requires
you to lower the first floor. The risk is an overall loss in the marketability of the product. The second
question is can you get two floor in the basement. They would be around 6 foot 9 inches. Craig Morris
said the cost to build a seven foot basement would make the space essentially worthless.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment.
1. Toni Kronberg said one of the unintended consequences is the savings in the landfill.
Mayor Skadron closed the public comment.
Councilman Daily moved to adopt Ordinance #8, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman Myrin. Roll
call vote. Councilmembers Frisch, yes; Myrin, yes; Daily, yes; Mayor Skadron, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 2017 – 427 Rio Grande Place (Aspen City Offices)
Councilman Myrin received a notice and recused himself.
Mr. Barker stated this is the Aspen city office project. It is made up of two full lots and a portion of a
third within the Rio Grande subdivision. The project is for a 37,000 square foot office building and
redevelopment of the Galena plaza landscape. It falls under the major public project review. It is the
consolidation of several reviews into a two step process. Council is the final review. There is a request
for a 10 percent flexibility on square feet for the project. On the Mill Street access point, the preference is
to shut down except for emergency access. Staff recommends approval with conditions.
Councilman Frisch asked for the 10 percent, is it typical. Mr. Barker replied it is not atypical for some
type of request. It would not affect the mass and scale. 10 percent is a bit higher but we are comfortable
since it is not changing the mass and scale.
Charles Cunniffe, architect, showed images of the new design including the Mill Street curb cut. It will
have emergency access only.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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Mayor Skadron opened the public comment.
1. Adam Fortier, regional president for Community Banks of Colorado, said they are supportive of a
new building for the city. The new sketch will help to alleviate some of their concerns. He asked
for some signage for the access point.
2. Torre said on employee generation and flexibility in the spaces. If we don’t know how we are
going to locate people how do we know how big the building should be. He still has questions
about circulation.
3. Toni Kronberg said she wants the building brought to a vote.
Mayor Skadron closed the public comment.
Councilman Frisch said on the flexible FAR the direction from P&Z is it is ok as long as it doesn’t
change the outside appearance. I’m fine with that. On the parking lot, he is supportive of the direction it
is going. Losing parking spaces on the road is bad.
Mayor Skadron said it should reflect on a collaborative and informal community. Embody the best of
environmental and workspace design. Inspire staff through quality work.
City Council wanted Councilwoman Mullins to have the opportunity to weigh in so they continued the
meeting to March 7.
Councilman Daily moved to continue Ordinance #4, Series of 2017 to March 7, 2017; seconded by
Councilman Frisch. All in favor, motion carried.
March 7, 2017 at 4:10 p.m.
Councilwoman Mullins said Galena Plaza should be open, welcoming and interesting. The materials
work well. The Rio Grande side still looks very institutional and somewhat massive. She is not sure
there is enough variety in the façade. It is not particularly welcoming. The civic master plan says
approachable, welcoming and sense of pride. She wants this to be a building that Aspen is really proud
of. There is an improvement here. The arcade doesn’t look like a black hole. There is still room to
create more of the Aspen character. She thinks the landscape needs to be worked on. In front of the
building it needs to be integral to the building and should not be left as one of the last tasks.
Councilman Frisch said he appreciates the concerns. He thinks they did a pretty good job of trying to
minimize the bulk and mass. He talked about the color and the stone. It is a balance between monolithic
and too busy. Mr. Barker said this is a combination of conceptual and the selection of materials. In terms
of arrangement of materials that is something that can be tweaked going forward. Councilman Frisch said
we are buying into the depth and height of the walkway. Jeff Pendarvis, asset, said we met and talked
about the arcade and how to make it more interesting and welcoming. We think we have ideas on how to
make it more interesting. Mr. Cunniffe said one of the things we talked about last night was reducing the
low wall.
Councilwoman Mullins said the sense of pride is a big factor.
Mayor Skadron said the fortress feel has come up. If the second floor was stepped back and the loss
square footage was added into the arcade would that address these issues. Darla Callaway, design
workshop, said we thought about where the entrance should be and determined the center would be the
best. Mr. Cunniffe said the welcoming aspect would be enhanced in the center. Coming from town and
Galena.
Mayor Skadron said it embodies small town character. A building like this needs to welcome people not
turn them away.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 6, 2017
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Councilwoman Mullins said landscaping can soften a building. She is concerned with something this
massive that it can’t be taken care of with hanging plants and inscriptions in the pavement. It is still
somewhat institutional looking and not as welcoming.
Councilman Daily said he agrees with Ann. It could use a little more warmth. There is more that can be
done here to accomplish our objectives. He wants it to be something that invites you to come to it. He
does not want it to be a wall. It can be warmer and more fun.
Ms. Garrow said there can be a condition in the ordinance that the covered walkway can be continued to
be refined. If the direction is to carve out part of the building or more significant massing change. If it is
about refining the landscaping, walkway and how the building looks it could be handled through work
sessions.
Councilwoman Mullins said it is more than just tweaking the walkway. It could be more fun. This looks
somewhat sterile and serious. None of us are 100 percent comfortable with what is presented. I would
suggest it comes back.
Councilman Daily said it really isn’t a mass and scale issue. I don’t think we want to dictate how you
progress but we want to make sure how these changes progress.
Mayor Skadron said he is desirous of one more shot at this. Come back and we can talk about this.
Councilman Daily said when you come back talk to the landscapers and show us what can be done.
Councilwoman Mullins moved to continue to April 3, 2017; seconded by Councilman Daily. All in
favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Mullins moved to adjourn at 4:40 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Daily. All in favor,
motion carried.
Linda Manning, City Clerk