HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20170403Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES .................................................................................................. 2
CITIZEN COMMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 2
COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS .......................................................................................................... 2
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS ................................................................................................................ 3
BOARD REPORTS ...................................................................................................................................... 3
CONSENT CALENDAR ............................................................................................................................. 3
Resolution #63, Series of 2017 – Contract for Professional Service to Acquire New Water Rights –
Wilson Water Group ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Resolution #65, Series of 2017 – Pickup Replacement Purchase ......................................................... 4
Resolution #66, Series of 2017 – Contract for Construction Roaring Fork Road ................................ 4
Resolution #67, Series of 2017 – Roaring Fork Road Waterline Replacement - Contingency Budget
Approval ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
ORDINANCE #9, SERIES OF 2017 –215 N Garmisch Street, 630 W Main Street, 1101 E. Cooper
Avenue and Aspen Pedestrian Mall – Historic Designation ......................................................................... 4
ORDINANCE #11, SERIES OF 2017 – 110 E Hallam Street – Historic Designation ................................ 5
ACTION ITEM – Call-up of HPC’s approval of Final Major Development, Final Commercial Design
Review, Growth Management, and Substantial Amendment for 422 and 434 E. Cooper Avenue, HPC
Resolution #35, Series of 2016 ..................................................................................................................... 5
RESOLUTION #20, SERIES OF 2017 – 420/422 E. Cooper Avenue – vested rights extension request ... 6
ORDINANCE #34, SERIES OF 2016 – Mountain View Planes ................................................................. 6
ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 2017 – Code Amendment – Title 9 Elections .......................................... 9
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 2017 – 427 Rio Grande Place (Aspen City Offices) – Major Public Project
Review .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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At 5:00 p.m. Mayor Skadron called the regular meeting to order with Councilmembers Myrin, Frisch,
Daily and Mullins.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Deanne Kessler, head of Aspen Ute foundation, said the 10th annual Aspen foundation pow wow will be
held in Wagner park next Saturday from 4-6 p.m. It is a free event.
Proclamation – Colorado Architecture Month – Mayor Skadron read the proclamation
CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Dr. Hassen Dager said he is looking for a solution on a local level for aging. We are not living a
lifestyle that is conducive for our lifestyles. He is asking for a government position that will 1-
create workout stations along parks and trails 2- web site and phone app that will help people at
stations 3- seminars and lectures that will bring in guest speakers 4- placards that will help people
use the stations.
Councilwoman Mullins said she has been a champion of HHS and there are a lot of different
efforts to gauge the health of the community, where the needs are and how to apply them. You
have two different ideas. We can talk with the parks department about some of your ideas.
Seminars are a partner with the nonprofit. It is not a bad idea and something the city probably
could do.
2. Peter Fornell spoke about the housing certificate program. We are seeing applicants who want to
mitigate with certificates. 20 to 30 applicants are recently mitigating with certificates. I have
about 8. You will start to see applicants asking for relief because there aren’t any available and
want to pay cash in lieu. He does not believe the statement I’m going to use certificates for
mitigation is sufficient for a land use application.
3. Ryland French said Aspen is still in the running for the Aspen Energy Challenge Georgetown
energy prize. We have seen significant energy and natural gas savings. He thanked the energy
challenge team, energy smart Colorado, CORE, Holy Cross Energy, Black Hills Eenergy, ACEs,
Aspen school district. Thanks to the community who saved energy. For those who would like to
do more join us for the launch of a new sustainability movement called High 5. High5rfv.com
4. Mario Zulian said he still does not have a place to wash and detail cars in Aspen. He would like
to do it in the public parking garage. He is unable to do it because of the zoning in the garage.
He asked council if there are some creative solutions or if the community has some private space
that he could use.
COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS
Councilman Myrin said a few years ago council built out a space in the mill building. Last week we had a
conversation about below market rates. It takes time to set rates. We should have a policy discussion on
managing commercial spaces.
Councilman Frisch apologized for missing last week. To follow up on what Bert said. He is still focused
on a broad retailer local on pop up, use of city space and it is important to do that. He always said that
issue got the short end of stick with retail chains. As far as to make substantial changes and the ease of
opening a business in town. It is iatrical to make sure we have a community. We need the commercial
aspect.
Councilwoman Mullins also suggested the city should look at assessing the spaces they own and come up
with a policy on how we rent them. She supports it also. If you see a large group wandering around town
the Urban Land Institute is having its spring symposium here this week. She also ran in to the Korean
national ski team last week and it is interesting the different groups that use our town for training.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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Mayor Skadron said ascension weekend is next Saturday and Sunday at buttermilk. It is the manifestation
of the uphill economy we rolled out. All free. No lift service. 9 vendors showing up to demonstrate. He
thanked the Tec advisory committee who helped put this together, Ski Co, Ute, Aspen Alpine Guides,
Strafe. Get out there and participate.
Election on May 2nd is coming. Thanks to the Clerk’s office who are showing up every Sunday to make
sure we are ready for the election.
He spoke about the Grand Ave bridge upcoming closure and the hour plus delay that may happen.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Steve Barwick said the Glenwood Springs troubles is scheduled for August 14th. Could be longer than the
1 hour that is predicted. Anything employers could do to decrease the amount of traffic would be
appreciated.
BOARD REPORTS
Councilwoman Mullins said RFTA met and discussed the access control plan. It involves the public right
of way and creating a balance in protecting the rail banking status. It is very complicated. Starting in the
recreating trail plans. Rural vs urban. Regional transit center and feasibility study for a transit center in
Glenwood Springs.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Reso #63 – Water rights
Councilman Myrin asked is this for drinking water. David Hornbacher, utilities, said it is the overall
integrated water supply, could be either. Deep well is more directly related to drinking water. The
second item could be used for potable water or non. Councilman Myrin said the deep water well is at
Queen Street. Phil Overeynder, utilities, said there is a test well there but it is just a test well. Not a
sufficient diameter to file for water rights. Additional development would have to occur to use the water
rights. Councilman Myrin said it would potentially turn in to a 3 million gallon a day well. Where is it
treated. Mr. Overeynder said depending on the quality of the water it would be locally treated.
Councilman Myrin asked what is the leased and irrigation portion. Mr. Overeynder said part of this is the
water we are contracted to purchase thought the Colorado river district and Ruedi. We are leasing those
rights that are released from Ruedi. Councilman Myrin said as a bigger policy question, we are not doing
this to get water for snow or the golf course. Mr. Overeynder said it is getting water for all those
purposes but the major reason is for back up supply. Councilman Myrin asked what would be the
timeframe to get 3 million gallons. Mr. Overeynder replied we haven’t developed that. Councilman
Myrin asked what is the Snyder pond use. Mr. Overeynder said right now it is fed from the riverside
ditch. There are 9 homeowners on that ditch. Now we are filing for it as an independent water right.
Councilwoman Mullins asked why is the junior rights from Ruedi being contested. Mr. Overeynder said
we are releasing water from Ruedi to make up from water that is being diverted from the junior rights.
Councilwoman Mullins asked when do these go to water court. Mr. Hornbacher stated these were already
in court. Mr. Overeynder replied the next major milestone is in May.
Reso 65- pickup purchase
Councilman Myrin said on highway mileage he does not want mileage to be the be all end all if diesel or
a fuel alternative may be a better alternative.
Reso 66 – water line replacement
Councilwoman Mullins asked what about the construction impact and the schedule. Andy Rossello,
utilities, said they have worked closely with the institute and music festival. There will be two
mobilizations to minimize impacts.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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Resolution #63, Series of 2017 – Contract for Professional Service to Acquire New Water Rights
– Wilson Water Group
Resolution #65, Series of 2017 – Pickup Replacement Purchase
Resolution #66, Series of 2017 – Contract for Construction Roaring Fork Road
Resolution #67, Series of 2017 – Roaring Fork Road Waterline Replacement - Contingency
Budget Approval
Councilman Frisch moved to adopt the Consent Calendar; seconded by Councilwoman Mullins. All in
favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #9, SERIES OF 2017 –215 N Garmisch Street, 630 W Main Street, 1101 E. Cooper
Avenue and Aspen Pedestrian Mall – Historic Designation
Councilman Myrin said he received a neighborhood notice on the redbrick. Jim True, city attorney, said
we did the same at HPC for Nora Berko. We will do separate ordinances, one for the Red Brick and one
for the rest.
Amy Simon, community development said this is the potential historic designation of landmarks of city
properties. It is a 2012 program. A voluntary program with site specific incentives. There were several
city owned properties that were potentially eligible. HPC followed up on taskforce recommendations last
year. The consultant wrote a detailed report about 5 properties. Council held a work session in February
with direction to file designation. The properties must meet at least 2 of 4 criteria with historic to
community, importance to an individual or event. Then they must meet an integrity evaluation. It is a
unique scoring system. HPC makes a recommendation and council makes the final determination. HPC
recommended council designate all 5 properties. All the properties are considered best examples of the
style they represent. Staff recommends council move forward with first reading.
Councilwoman Mullins said she is surprised the properties scored so high and filled so many of the
criteria.
Councilman Myrin said he wants to be aware of us going down the same path the Lundy house did. As
well as the Berko house did where there is not a tree or blade of grass left. For second reading he would
like some help with assurances. Ms. Simon said with Aspenmodern properties it should be a negotiation.
In this case, there is no development proposed at this time. We tried to work with the people who use
those buildings and determine what their needs are and future concerns may be. Councilman Myrin asked
for some success stories for second reading.
Councilman Daily moved to read Ordinance #9, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilwoman Mullins. All
in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #9
(Series of 2017)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO
APPROVING ASPENMODERN HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR 215 N. GARMISCH
STREET, 630 W. MAIN STREET, 1101 E. COOPER AVENUE AND THE ASPEN
PEDESTRIAN MALL
Councilwoman Mullins moved to adopt Ordinance #9, Series of 2017 on first reading; seconded by
Councilman Daily. Roll call vote. Councilmembers Mullins, yes; Frisch, yes; Myrin, yes; Daily, yes;
Mayor Skadron, yes. Motion carried.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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ORDINANCE #11, SERIES OF 2017 – 110 E Hallam Street – Historic Designation
Councilman Myrin recused himself.
Ms. Simon said this is the oldest of the buildings we are discussing.
Councilman Daily moved to read Ordinance #11, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman Frisch. All in
favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE # 11
(Series of 2017)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO
APPROVING ASPENMODERN HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR 110 E. HALLAM STREET
Councilman Daily moved to adopt Ordinance #11, Series of 2017 on first reading; seconded by
Councilwoman Mullins. Roll call vote. Councilmembers Frisch, yes; Mullins, yes; Daily, yes; Mayor
Skadron, yes. Motion carried.
ACTION ITEM – Call-up of HPC’s approval of Final Major Development, Final Commercial Design
Review, Growth Management, and Substantial Amendment for 422 and 434 E. Cooper Avenue, HPC
Resolution #35, Series of 2016
Ms. Simon said Resolution 9 of 2015 HPC granted conceptual review of the Bidwell building. The
applicant then acquired the Red Onion building and was interested in using that site for some of the
circulation of the Bidwell. They met with council in August of 2016 and during the discussion of
granting vesting rights they asked to draw that application into the Bidwell. HPC saw the application for
the Bidwell and poster shop. HPC continued the project to November 30th without staff support. We
were concerned with the mass. HPC disagreed and voted 5 to 0. Staff recommends council upholds HPC
recommendation.
Chris Bendon, Mark Hunt and Dwayne Romeo
Mark purchased the red onion with approvals in place. We came with a request for more time to convert
into a commercial property with the adjacent Bidwell property. We came back to HPC with a redesign.
He showed images of the design. The proposal went through 95 percent of what it needs to. Tonight, we
hope to remove the free market portion. Mark has been clear with us he does not want to build the
penthouse. He can’t give that up until he has a fully vested plan. We are at the point to release that right.
We are not intending to have more than one approval.
Councilman Daily asked about the brick. Mr. Bendon said there is a step with staff and the HPC monitor
to select the final choice. Councilman Daily asked what are the uses proposed for the deck. Mr. Bendon
said it is associated with the commercial on the 2nd floor. Potentially a restaurant. There is about a 15
foot setback.
Councilwoman Mullins said HPC supported this with a number of conditions, what. Ms. Simon said
some with fees that are needed at permit. Architecture, a different brick, samples of additional materials,
chicken wire glass and more information as to where that would be installed. HPC felt it is a historic
building on a corner and it would not be the same on both sides so they wanted a restudy of that. They
weren’t unusual conditions for HPC to require.
Mr. Hunt said in another HPC presentation we showed the glass. It adds shadow and is more tone on
tone. As it relates to the brick, the current brick, we want to save it and go within the same family.
Councilwoman Mullins asked if the inconsistencies have been resolved. Ms. Simon replied they will be
by the time building permit comes up. Councilwoman Mullins said for such an important location I don’t
want there to be any surprises. Ms. Simon said growth management is resolved. The issue we refer to as
double dipping. They had to provide a transportation analysis and have a proposal for street
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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improvements. The conflict we had with the proposal was a credit to public amenity for those
improvements and considered that a double dip.
Councilman Frisch said the Staff and HPC viewpoints seem pretty strong. I’ve never read such
eagerness. Is some of the difference of opinion to anchor the corner and what I see the set back on the 2nd
floor and staffs more traditional view. Ms. Simon said we’ve seen multiple designs for this building. The
difference of opinion had to do with massing and the two story presence. They were more excited about
the one story. The applicant does have a two story presence along the alley. We thought more of the
building should be two story along the street. I think the current pit works really well. I see where HPC
is coming from. Ms. Simon said this is a bigger change than you would typically see within the
comments of HPCs concerns. Councilman Frisch asked for more comment on the double dipping. Ms.
Simon said the public amenity space and minimal amount. Very little counted but they still had to
mitigate. One option was to push back, cash in lieu or physical improvement. They asked for physical
improvement along Galena Street. Our concern was to allow the improvements to happen along Galena
they were getting credits to happen for public amenity and for transportation mitigation. Councilman
Frisch said when building historic not building 1885 but we also don’t want to get to wacky. If all the
same bricks that came from the old building were used here I don’t think anyone would think they were
trying to create an old building here. It is an interesting way of using the old material here. As far as
staying away from a residence on the mall and a 3rd story on the mall I’m all for kicking that can as far
down the road as possible. I certainly don’t have a problem extending the vesting.
Councilman Myrin said the commercial space shows doors on either side of the chamfer but not in the
chamfer. Can that change. Mr. Bendon replied it can. Councilman Myrin said he likes the one story. It
reminds me of the gap building. One story prominent. The growth management issues aren’t something
someone notices when they walk past the building. This is one of the few things I really like.
Mayor Skadron said of the second floor fenestration the windows are aggressive to me. Mr. Hunt said we
are looking at it from a vantage that is difficult. The ability to see out is necessary. Mayor Skadron asked
what is the projected use of the chamfered corner. Mr. Hunt replied it can be anything.
Councilman Frisch said he appreciates the work on this and staff had issues with this. He will support
upholding the HPC resolution.
Councilwoman Mullins said she will support HPC and has faith in Amy that the inconsistencies will be
followed up. She likes the one story building and it is appropriate for that area.
Councilman Myrin moved to uphold HPC Resolution #35, Series of 2016; seconded by Councilman
Frisch. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #20, SERIES OF 2017 – 420/422 E. Cooper Avenue – vested rights extension request
Mr. Bendon said they withdraw the request to extend the vested rights. They don’t need it. They want to
make it clear they want to vacate the rights for the penthouse for a fully vested development on the other
development. Mr. True said we want to be careful how it proceeds. There is an argument once
Resolution 35 becomes effective the vacation occurs. I’m ok if council is.
Ms. Garrow said that is all fine. We received an email from Chris outlining this. We are comfortable
with this.
ORDINANCE #34, SERIES OF 2016 – Mountain View Planes
Philip Supino, community development said this ordinance is continued from the January 9th meeting.
This is the last item from LUC AACP coordination process. It will limit development in certain areas,
defining minimum impact, fore, middle and background. It will also simplify the process for applicants.
Council conducted a site visit. This ordinance will strengthen protections for view planes.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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Fore, mid and background. Distance between the impacts and treatment of development at different
distances. Created exemptions for mid and background. Specific features and elements with specific
criteria like mailboxes, garden walls and fences.
Foreground – only apply to development where view plane infringement may occur. No exemptions or
exceptions may occur. 15 foot max height – includes rooftop stuff. All variations subject to Ref 1. Work
in concert with commercial design guidelines.
Midground – board exemption for development blocked by historic resource or board exemption for
development with minimal impact.
Background – most designed based. Still historic building blockage exemption or reducing existing
infringement.
Gradient from fore to background in strictness.
Expand Wagner park view plane to capture more of foreground.
8040 greenline standards are more tied to view plane standards.
Process for accessing an application.
Determine location – fore, mid or background.
Administrative or HPC/P&Z review. With administrative review, it is either exempt or moved to
administrative review. With a board review it is either approved or denied.
Outcomes
Preservation of existing view planes. Improved defensibility of regulations. Improved clarity for
property owners and administrators. Created strict foreground requirements. Limited mid and
background development opportunities.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment.
1. Gideon Kaufman said there are 6 condo owners in his building. It is located across the street from
the Wheeler opera house. This ordinance is a strong improvement over what exists today. Their
building is stepped up with 2 steps. ADA elevators and swamp coolers are on the roof. The only
view of the mountain that is blocked is that of the St Regis and ski co building. Foreground review
able to increase in height only if it has minimal impact. If not, you need a variance and go to
referendum vote. To avoid a variance you need to avoid a minimal impact. Standards are
subjective, expensive and difficult to meet. Comply with historic district guide standards. Suggest
a minimum interior ceiling height. Don’t increase FAR. Permitted by right up to 11 feet 6 inches.
Allow city to preserve view planes and give owners certainty a modest increase in ceiling heights.
Explained by planning office that there is not currently language in the code to determine ceiling
heights. Building on both sides with significantly higher heights. Looking for a level playing field.
Fair and equitable resolution.
Ms. Garrow said it is 15 foot all in. Minimum 12 foot ceiling height. 3 foot for mechanical. Respect
council desire to see one story building without all the stuff on the roofs. It cannot be perfect for every
property. Our recommendation is the 15 feet.
Councilwoman Mullins said a single story building at no more than 15 feet. How is it applied in the view
plane. Ms. Garrow said discussion for accommodating slopped sites. A site that slopes 3 feet or less you
don’t count the 3 feet. The shorter end counts at 15 where the back end would measure up to 18.
Councilwoman Mullins said even a taller building on the site would not block more views than the St.
Regis. Mr. Kaufman said I still couldn’t go taller than the 15 feet.
Councilman Frisch said he has no problem having a minimum interior height. 11 or 12 feet is too tall.
For commercial applications why does it need to be more than what is in here. If it gets scraped 15 feet
for a true one story should be fine.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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2. Chris Bendon said the ordinance is so far better than the existing situation. Much better language in
applicability and it is a huge improvement. Reviewed some potential changes in the language.
The break to fore, mid and background makes sense. It will never make perfect sense. It is very
much workable though.
3. Toni Kronberg asked about adding a new view plane. She wants to make sure all properties are
going through an 8040 green line review.
Ms. Garrow said this is ready to go. The land use code can never predict every situation. This treats
properties more clearly. We’re supportive of the draft as is. Councilman Frisch said as far as Gideon’s
issue, I don’t have issues with 8 or 9 foot interior. I’m not sure creating better spaces is the goal of the
view plane discussion. Ms. Garrow said the reason the ordinance is drafted as is, is view planes are
critical and work with other sections of the code. We need to be very strict as to what happens in the
foreground. Mr. Supino said the discussion and feedback was how do we have the smallest building in
the foreground while maintain the view plane.
Councilman Myrin said the foreground is most important. Ms. Garrow suggested adding language
26.435.050)F)1a – no exceptions shall be provided in the measuring of height for properties in the
foreground of a view plane. The measurement of height for properties in the foreground of a view plane
shall be in accordance with section 26.575.020F1.
Councilwoman Mullins asked could you end up with a functional building. 15 foot to 7. Ms. Garrow
replied that is the issue.
Mr. Bendon suggested there is a 3 foot allowance but the number of properties with a 3 foot fall from one
end to the other is very few.
Councilman Myrin said maybe the foreground needs to be broken up into the first part of the lot and the
remainder. In terms of clarity just eliminate the 3 foot exception.
Councilwoman Mullins said we could keep the 15 feet. The safety net is the minimal impact. The 3
additional feet is not by right.
Ms. Garrow said if council is uncomfortable add the additional language. Make the changes Chris
suggested.
Councilman Myrin said p 548 max height measured from finish grade. Current code is the lower or
natural grade.
Councilman Frisch said at the start of Bert’s comments break up view planes to remove the Wheeler. Is
there a path for that. Ms. Garrow said pass the whole thing and modify that piece. Councilman Frisch
said that is something I will want to work on.
Mayor Skadron said he will not support this. There are contradictions here I need more clarity about. We
are removing incentives without fully understanding the consequences. He has reservations about
additional restrictions on the ones we just imposed. There are legitimate concerns raised here.
Councilman Frisch said he wants to be cognizant of those concerns. How do we keep the momentum
going. We want to let people change their mailbox without spending a ton of money and taking a ton of
time. I also don’t want to pass a view plane ordinance 3 to 2 without the Mayor.
Mayor Skadron said if we can find clarity and work around the issues I’m happy to do that. Councilman
Myrin said he is happy to continue this and address those issues. I don’t know I’ll get comfortable with
it.
Councilman Frisch said he won’t consider this whole exercise a failure if we have to make some changes
in the fall. Ms. Garrow said there is a pretty significant impact on the background areas. We could add
language in Gideon’s case to the 15 foot language “ or minimum building code requirements”. It could
help address some of his concerns. It is consistent with the language we added to the other code sections.
It potentially enables remodel over scrape and replace.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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Councilman Myrin said I think we are going in the wrong direction.
Councilwoman Mullins withdraws her motion; agreed by Councilman Daily. Councilman Frisch moves
to continue to April 24, 2017; seconded by Councilman Daily. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 2017 – Code Amendment – Title 9 Elections
Linda Manning, City Clerk, told the council this is clean up to the election code due to the purchase of the
new election equipment last fall.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment. There was none. Mayor Skadron closed the public
comment.
Councilman Frisch moved to adopt Ordinance #10, Series of 2017; seconded by Councilman Myrin. Roll
call vote. Councilmembers Daily, yes; Myrin, yes; Frisch, yes; Mullins, yes; Mayor Skadron, yes.
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #4, SERIES OF 2017 – 427 Rio Grande Place (Aspen City Offices) – Major Public
Project Review
Councilman Myrin recused himself
Justin Barker, community development, said this is three lots proposed to combine into one. There are
four land use reviews combined into the major public process review. This is the second step. The
applicant made a few design changes based on council comments. Mass and scale is the outstanding item
council was concerned with. Staff is recommending this move forward. Council will have the
opportunity to vet this as it moves forward.
Charles Cunniffe, architect, said this design breaks up the mass of the Rio Grande level and emphasizes
the entrance. They carried the channel glass theme down, pulled back the metal from the west along Mill
Street, reduced a portion of the upper railing the along upper level and the landscape tie in to Rio Grande
park works well with the park.
Darla Callaway, design workshop, said there is more of a park like edge along the front of the Rio Grande
edge. They reduced the pavement and opened more pockets for planting.
Councilman Daily said he finds the changes very attractive. The entrance is much more inviting.
Councilman Frisch said he supports the improvements. He is hesitant on adding any more materials. It is
borderline busy. Overall it looks great.
Mayor Skadron opened the public comment.
1. Toni Kronberg talked about the civic master plan and this application.
Ms. Garrow said this does meet the civic master plan. Mr. Barker said as part of review criteria we found
it meets the civic master plan. Creating more open space. There is an urban edge on the north side. Uses
on parking lots, one is still being preserved on the property. We found it meets the recommendation of
the master plan.
Mayor Skadron closed the public comment.
Mr. Cunniffe said he served on the committee for four years. We consider the downtown from the
mountain to the base of the river. We didn’t consider anything at the AABC appropriate for city hall.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council April 03, 2017
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Mayor Skadron said what you did with the referendums was overturn a council decision. Did they make
town better. The art museum stopped something that ended up in a worse situation. I count that as a
failure. Millennium plaza stopped the chamber. It would have been rent free. It is now ending up in this
building. Your work is single handily making this town bigger. You can pick your section of the master
plan and find opposition to it. The edge section says civic or cultural uses. This will not make the town
better. We have worked extremely carefully over a number of years. We have a serious problem that
requires serious solutions. Referendums is not a serious solution. It would be irresponsible for council
not to take this on. We had 3 years of outreach. We spent 9 million dollars to do less. We did it to keep
the heart of government in the armory because it is reasonable and responsible. While we have an
opinion that is different than yours, it doesn’t mean we are insensitive to the issues or don’t care. We do
care. We have listened, and this building will be one we are proud of and have respect for its
surroundings. Do what you got to do but reflect on your actions. While you won it has cost this
community dearly.
Leslie Lamont said if you read the whole document this is the last piece that the group was trying to
manage. A master plan is a guiding document.
Councilwoman Mullins said it was done a while ago. There is a basic intent one revitalizing the area and
making a civic campus. With any master plan after 10 years some of the parameters change.
Mr. True said it is a regulatory document but it does not mean it is so carved in stone there is no
flexibility within the plan. That complies with the regulatory nature with the document. JMs. Garrow
said it is a regulatory document that contemplates other things may happen. The zone district is public
and has been since the early 80s. as staff we feel confident it meets the requirements.
Councilman Frisch moved to adopt Ordinance #4, series of 2017 with conditions; seconded by
Councilman Daily. Roll call vote. Councilmembers Mullins, yes; Daily, yes; Frisch, yes; Mayor
Skadron, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Frisch moved to adjourn at 11:07 p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Mullins. All in favor,
motion carried.
Linda Manning, city clerk