HomeMy WebLinkAboutcoa.lu.an.Annexation Policy.1975ANNEXATION POLICY
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CI'I' . OF ASPEN
aspen, orado, 81611 hOX V
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 21, 1975
TO: Members of City Council
RE: Annexation of Enclaves
FROM:andra M. Stuller
Jim Breasted has itemized for the agenda a discussion
of the annexation of small enclaves within the City. He is going
to rely on the itemization of lands available for annexation
earlier prepared by Dave Ellis. Dave's memo is attached.
SS/pak
Attachment
TO: Sandra Stul_ler -______y
FROM: -Dave Ellis
DA
DATE: June 27, 1974
RE: Annexation of Enclaves, Partly Surrounded Land,
and City Owned Land Pursuant to 1963 CRS 139-21-5
There exist within the present City boundaries several
parcels of land which could be annexed under the provisions
of the above statute.
ENCLAVES - The enclaves are 1) Lots 4 and 5, Blk. 1,
Pitkin Mesa Subdivision, 2) Lot 7, Filing IA West Aspen
Subdivision, and 3) odd tract westerly of Red Red Butte
Road. These three parcels were created April 20, 1971
at the time of the Open Space Annexation. Apart from
the political consideration, I feel. these would be
logical and advisable annexations.
CITY OWNED LAND - I have discussed on several occasions
with Herb the possibilities of annexing 1) that portion
of the Thomas Property lying between highway 82 and
Castle Creek Road and 2) a small tract which is part
of Ute Children's Park. The annexation of the Thomas
Property would strengthen the City's position in
determining any future realignments of the Castle Creek -
Maroon Creek intersection and/or the approach of
Highway 82 into town. The Ute Children's Park tract
is not a critical matter either way.
PARTLY SURROUNDED LAND - At present the Hallam Lake area
appears to be in this category, although a survey would
be necessary to make an absolute determination. The
other area is the tract surrounded by Neal Ave.,
Gibson Ave, and the City boundary. This second area
has problems with street maintenance, street right-of-�:a�•,
water quality, police services, and junk, all of which
are probably more desirable in the county unless there
is a great deal of determination to improve upon the
existing conditions. I have mentioned these two areas
basically to inform you, rather than to recommend them
for annexation.
Since theme is currently
t:c)0r:�dlc ar_d the °�lour.tain
was a 9co:1 time to bring
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annexation activity for both
Fare property, I felt this
t};esc situations to light.
ciTy OF ASPEN
aspen ,col ora coo, aw"' box v
MGM(1DAMMPA
TO: Department Heads, Mick Mahoney
FROM: John Stanford
SUBJECT: Annexation Study
DATE: November 14, 1974
This memo gives a brief outline of various concerns regarding
annexations adjacent to the City.
PURPOSE:
1. To encourage natural and well -ordered development
of municipalities.
2. Fair and equitable distribution of municipal
services among those who benefit from them.
3. Extend services and facilities to areas which
form a part of the whole community.
4. Simplify governmental structure in urban areas.
5. Extend municipal regulations in an orderly system.
6. Reduce friction among contiguous municipalities.
7. To increase the likelihood of municipal corporation
in urban areas to provide services.
ELIGIBILITY:
1. One -sixth of proposed annexation must be contiguous
with the municipality.
2. Community of interest exists between the property
for annexation and the municipality that the area
MEMORANDUM
Department Heads
Annexation Study
November 14, 1974
Page Two
is or will soon be urbanized and that the area
can be integrated into the community unless,
a. less than 50" of adult residents of the
area use the municipalities public -quasi
public uses, and less than 25% are em-
ployed in the municipality;
b. one-half or more of the land is agri-
cultural and the intention by the owners
is to maintain the agricultural use for
not less than five (5) years;
c. it is impractical to extend (municipal)
services.
STUDY ITEMS:
1. Identify related problems of Aspen and the fringe
areas and degree of cooperation between City and
County officials.
2. Analyze essential planning and development controls
of the City and the fringe areas.
3. Analyze service policies and standards of the City:
Water Service - fire protection, water rates and
financing, water ordinance, water extension policy.
Sanitary Sewer Service - sewer rates and financing,
sewer ordinance, sewer extension policy, sewage
treatment policy.
Street Construction and Maintenance - storm drainage,
street improvement policy, street lighting, street
maintenance.
Police Protection - activities, programs.
Fire Protection - activities, organization, fire
insurance rates.
Recreation - program, financing.
IM A
MEMOP ,';JUM • •
Depar- ,nt Heads
Annex on Study
Noven:.::, 14, 1n74
Page arree
4. Determine methods of extending municipalservices.
to fringe areas based on City service policies a<<d
-standards.
5. Proportion of tuxes .paid by City residents .and
fringe area residents for the same services.
5_ Analysis of competitive services when they are
paid by the County, private enterprise or special
,districts.
7. Inadequacies of City policies on -serving fringe
.areas.
8. Determine costs and benefits of extending City
services to fringe areas.
9. Determine legal liabilities which the City would
acquire through annexation (ie. pending litigation).
10. Attempt to access any changes in the political
climate.
We will meet soon to discuss the responsibilities of .each department
in conr.�ucting the study and our overall procedures " lire table.
MOORE MEINO SEPTEMBER 791973 �
TO: SS,JE,DKS
SUBJECT • Alai �" TION
Discussion of annexation policy at Council study session,
Tuesday 4th September disturbs me. An agressive annexation.
can be a disruptive influence in Catty -County relations.
The RSA approach broke down and relations have not improved,
especially since Russ Campbell became City Administrator.
Any further �gr�_vation of this traditional jurisdictional jealousy
has bad vibes for GnO;dTH CONTROL which demands very close cooperation
between City and. County.This coordinated togetherness will also be
important if we are to play an effective role in regional planning.
Attached is my basic homework as a Councilman in 1963. The
results of this study, plus 12 columns written on the subject
leave me with the opinion that annexation is a means of spreading
obsolescence. It is simply seen when you realize most of our "best"
people don't want to live in the -urban city scene. They have, or
hope to find,a little place in the country. They settle for one —
class suburbs and do not miss all the city laws and services.
These out -migrants would much rather tour outside shopping centers
than venture into the congested, old-fashioned commercial center
in the cities. Their voting patterns tend to become conservative
in the sense that they are not willing to accept the risks of
rehabilitating the city, its need for physical and social subsidies.
Many of the "better class" companies and services have followed
the flight to the suburbs,eg: industrial estates, corporate HQ'--,
which take advantage of space for living and personal rapid
transit commuting by CAR. Airports presently are picking -up on
many of the downtown functions and are growing into business
meeting complexes.
The trend continues against the CITY. And don't overlook the
facts that cities have had high-powered planning and zoning since
the early 19201s, along with rapid transit, university and civic
leadership, and power and money and most of the Federal grant money.
The problems of the cities haWlcome about because they were
allowed to grow out of human scale in their attempt to be all
things to all people in a rapidly growing and changing scene
that has C7 encouraged independence and mobility.
To encourage continued`prwth is to fly in the face of our
American history. Technology will further fragment society because
it will increase communication to the point. -where y�au will be
able to do gour work.at home rather than going to the office.
Of course, the trend is to more office personnel and less assembly
line labor.
Well, enough rattling on about annexation. We should direct our
energies towards cooperation between City -County and the Districts.
County Home Rule and a professional, full-time adminstrator in
the Courthouse can effectively modernize the Courthouse along the
lines of City Hall. Ue should not work to build another layer of
bureaucracy on the local scene. A cooperative approach is essential
to growth control, we cannot allow the utilities, the schools,
the transportation,the land use and management to go seperate,
fragmented ways and expect to be able to fine tune this complex
resort economy.A costly duplication of effort between City -County
and Districts is more than a waste of money, it is to allow petty
pot,;er positions to defeat our sense of community.
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BACKGROUND FOR A�!FEXATIOH POLICY FOR ASPEN
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Annexation is not an un-mixed blessing. Expansion of an old-
fashioned government and property tax structure may create more
difficulty than we have now.
Aspen is proceeding to accept territory without clear knowledge of
the advantages and disadvantages of `,roT.ring obligations. We need a gen-
eral procedure to establish facts, prepare balance sheets, and guide
discussion on the overall effects of annexation on community life.
The following headings outline my organization of the problem in its
various aspects. They are rough and unfinished. The contributions of
public officials and interested citizens will add a ;neat deal to the
balance and completion of these check -lists. Discussion will then start
from a common ground of information and contact. 'Decisions will be
documented and more intelliLD
ible to the courts, the public and the future.
1. General Annexation Policy Questions
2. Annexation Information Maps and Balance Sheet
3. 'Sub -Division Standards and Regulations - Preliminary Plat
Check List
yr 4. Real Estate Evaluation and Land Use Direction
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5. Political Realities
TO 6. Social Concepts
7o1S'O_1 7. Utilities - Chec':.= List and Balance aheet
8. estate Legislative Action on Local Government Jurisdiction
and Finance
9. East Aspen Patent
KIdCB 1,00re 1/16/63
ANNEXATION EVALUATION
INFOR1,1ATION NEEDED FOR EVALUATION:
1. reap of subject area at scale at least 1 = 400. The map must show
CITY ', lot lines, right-of-way, and other map features within 200 ft. of
the proposed boundaries of the subject area.
ENGINEER
2. Map must have light contour lines at 2 ft. intervals.
3. Map must have 1�-st name of recorded owners of each tract and an
encircled tract number assigned by the development director for
T control purposes. Distances of all appropriate lines should be
shown.
4. On separate sheet the assessed valuation for each tract by tract
number and recorded owner should be shown as follows:
PERSONAL
NO. 01MER LAND IKPRVKTS PROPERTY-,'
1 Jones 5000 6000 9000
2 Jones 2000 4000 none
ZiT 3 Smith 1500 3000 none
�LOy
D ACTOR 4 Brown 1800 3400 none
�Z
Public Service 2000 1500 8000
Mountain States none none 9000
Total 12,300 1-1,900 24,000
GRAND TOTAL '' 4,a5 ,200 %,Commercial Property only.
Aerial photograph at scale 1 = 200 (should be same as map, f
possible). A paper print or photo of existing aerial print
satisfactory to help cut costs.
6. Door to door survey of araa for "annexation census". (Perhaps
water meter readers conduct this survey).
7. Estimate of total -population after ultimate development based on
above information. Also estimate of assessed valuation after
three years and after ten years.
8. Map overlay on facing paper showing abutting; City zoning and ex-
isting County zoning.
9. Hap overlay on tracing paper showing land use in subject area and
abutting area.
10. Map overlay on tracing paper showing possible City zoning and
right-of-way layout for future development of subject area.
ANNEXATION EVALUATION - 3
BALANCE SHEET -- 3-YEAR PERIOD
from (date) To (date)
Development Assumption: This should be a paragraph or so indicating the
basis for assuming ultimate population, development and assessed valuation.
Any other explanatory comments should appear here also.
COSTS REVENUES'
Capital Improvements
Buy Existing
;rater Lines.........
Water Lines.........
i'Sewer taps..........
Street lights.......
#Share of City Capital
Imp. over 3 years....
(10)years)
Sub -total...........
Annual Operations L. Maintenance
**Utilities Dept. --
Water L Sewer Plant
and Crews............
*Public ?•iorks--
Streets, �gineering
and Drainage.........
Refuse Disposal......
Police ...............
. Fire .................
*`Other Depts.........
Sub -total............
TOTAL .................
Capital Charges
Water taps ...............
Sewer taps ...............
'Depending on the arrangement by
tiriZich sewer was or will be installed
(separate District, City District,
private party).
;Revenue appears in General Taxes.
Sub -total ................
Annual Fees & Taxes
dater .Sills
Incl. "SC" ...............
Sewer Charges............
Refuse Charges...........
Franchise Payments.......
Hwy. Users Funds.........
Taxes ...................
Misc. Fees, Fines,
Permits, etc .............
Sub -total ................
TOTAL ....................
.,,Compute shares of total costs by WATER REVEIUE:
area and by population. Now:
Annexed:
01,Tet Loss
;�flr!Does not reflect usual increase in water usage of residential areas
after annexation.
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PRELIKINARY PLAT - CHECK LIST
Name of Subdivision
Location _ Zoning District_
Owner Address :, --Tel.
w
Surveyor or Engineer
Address
Date submitted for Preliminary Plat approval
CHECI{ LIST
copies submitted 10 days prior to hearing.
notification of hearing to subdivider and adjoinin3 property
o,.mers.
copies sent to City (or County) Engineer and City (or county
Health Officer for recommendations.
copies of private deed restrictions, if any,
Hap (drawn to scale of not less than 1" equals 200') contents:
Fame and location of subdivision.
Fames of adjoining owners and/or subdivisions.
Name of owner and surveyor.
Date, north point, and ;:raphic scale.
Acreage of land to be subdivided.
Boundary lines of tract to be subdivided.
Proposed lot lines and lot numbers.
Contours at not more than 5' intervals.
Location of platted streets and easements, within and adjacent
to the tract, Crater courses, existing sewers, water mains, and
culverts.
Proposed street layout.
__ ^, Profiles (1" equals 20') with `rades indicated if required.
0 0
ANNEXATION EVALUATION - 2
11. Map overlay on tracing paper showing existing water lines (blue),
sanitary sewer lines (brown), and storm sewer lines (green) by
size and type. On same overlay additional information should be
shown:
a. deeded water, sanitary, and stor:a sewer lines
shown in dotted color lines with size indicated.
b. Portion of existing water line to be "bought" from subject
area owners and amount to be paid.
c. Portion of future water line which must be installed
within three years and estimated cost of same.
d. Portion of sanitary sewer needed within three years
and proposed time schedule.
e. Indication of whether private party will pay for in-
stallation of sanitary sewer line or whether district must
be formed and estimated cost in either case.
BALANCE SHEET:
After the above information has been compiled it should be pictured
in concise form on two separate balance sheets, one for a three-
year period after annexation and the other for a ten-year period after
annexation. These balance sheets should be identical in format
and be made up according to the following sample: (See attached
sheet).
Source: Procedure for Annexation evaluation, Council Memo ;/29-60 and
Staff =:emo 20-60, July 18, 1960, Grand Junction, Colo., Joe
i:. Lacy, City iianager.
Preliminary Plat - Check List -- Pale 2
Cross-section (pavement width, sidewalks).
Street names.
Plans and profile of proposed sanitary sewer.
Plans and profile of proposed water system.
Building set -back lines.
Public dedications cnd reservations of land, if any.
Approved _ _ to proceed to final plat. aubject to
(date)
following modifications.
Variances -ranted:
Disapproved: _ for the f01101rinf7 reasons:
(date)
................................................................................... .
J% Ah C, 0""�
Study Session of City and County
County Commissioners.
P & Z'X Commissions, City Council and
Meeting was called to make a decision on the question of Councilman Francis
Whitaker resulting from the Zoline Annexation discussion as follows:
As relates to the growth of the valley do you anticipate changes in the
land use patterns as outlined in the 1966 Master Plan?
Bartel - One of the problems with the Plan is that its being interpreted
because there are land use shown in the plan. If all zoned as shown
for the 1985 projections, that would be a lot of zoning.
Whitaker - This is the first time I recall that the zoning changed with
annexation from the way it was zoned in the county. If this is the time
when the land use patterns should be changed than we should look at the
Master Plan. The land underdiscussion was zoned R-30 six years ago
and it was a long way from the City, now it is next door. Are we going
to stick by the Plan and if not when will we change it. Snowmass
development got me to thinking. To prevent urban development the
City bought the golf course. Think it should be cKax considered as a
buffer zone. rather than an island surrounded by urban development.
There are points on both sides of this annexation. Feel the City is
better equipped to handle urban problems. County willing to let the
City annex what they want because its an adventage to them. Herb
says Maroon Creek and the Airport are both good lines to where the City
boundaries should stop. Feel annexation should pay its own way.
Molny - To lower the density and change the Master Plan would require a
lot of support from the community.
Vidal - The reason these Plans fail is because they become static and
need to be up dated constantly. Things change faster than people
anticipate. Land use patterns shoujd be reviewed each year. We are
reacting to development rather than before development. The ground rules
now are six years old.
Whitaker - Do not want to see any play offs between the City and County.
Baxter - Further development depends on the land use studies we are
trying to get in the county. Future development has to be based on some
kind of fact or reason. With this in mined we are trying to get land use
studies in the County. It gives us a basis of saying where housing
should be built.
Homeyer - If six years ago you said that and now saying it has to be
updated, our you saying it should be less damSca dense or what.
Herb - The decision to purchase open space was afar from the Master Plan
and on that basis should have reviewed the uses in that area. Just ha --
because zoning is shown in the Master Plan it is not automatic upon
request. Should consider providing service, influence that would
development with development going on both ends of the town, same logic
would be applied as relates to timing. The government can determine
from a budget point of few and services as relates to development
pxp proposals.
Molny - If you took all the zones and applies it there would be more than
36,000 peopl.e
Homeyer - When buying the golf course we eliminated a lot of density.
We have forced housing down the valley.
2.
Adams - County last June passed a resolution that there would be no
more two family dwellings in R-15 zoning.
Barnard - The reason for the north and south side annexation was to get
eouugh population to go home rule. Must have a reason to annex.
Molny - Reasons for (1) you eliminate new districts; (2) adds to the
electorage of the City etc
Wurl - Economically they could give over and above what they are ging
to the county in sales tax, if not developed you have control over that
Whitaker - Related to cost by department which was submitted by Mr Wurl
sometime ago. Cost per acre $1,879 x 80 acres would cost the City
about $150,000 (relating to Zoline Annexation ). Would get $55.00
and acre on ad valorem x 80 would be $4400.00. This annexaton would
cost the City $145,000. Wit4 cluster development would cost the City
less
Baxter - When the City annexes, County does not lose directly. Only
thing big would be road and bridge funding. Sheiff does not patrol
that much. County would probably save money on annexations.
Homeyer - City City is surrounded by people who are using City services
without being a part of the City and not being able to vote in the City
etc
Comcowich - Are we talking about annexation before Development or after.
One of our reasons is to get control. Maybe that is not too valid.
If the P & Z's agree on policy that would alievate development before
annexation. Okt Other thing that bears on land use would be in water
as a requisite for development perhaps the way to go would be with
subdivision regulations rather than zoning. If City and County not
allow districts and with that kind of agreement feel the land use
would ha have to change drastically, and the master plan.
Baxter - Final decision on districts is up to the District Court.
Only way would stand up in court would be if done wisely. When we get
this land use program there may be areas that are idealy suited for
development but with no water. You have to consider all these factors.
If build only where there is water, all the lush areas will be built
on leaving the dry sage brush area as open space.
Vidal - This puts control into the realtor. Zoning cannot be discrimnatory.
but work in a practical sense.
Whitaker - The City has a policy established which feel is a
disadvantage to the City. We tripled our area and we have had to just
raise or increase our water rates.
Wurl - As relates to development and tap fees, most of the development
has taken place outside the City and pay the outside City tap fee
Last increse in water rates was in 1967.
Shecter - What are the City priorities east or west.
Wurl- That is up for review at this time. Prior to this was an over all
area with no real priorities
Molny - Feel it is to the west because the lumber company etc. had to
move out of the City limits which was a loss to the City.
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Bartel - The County has not considered the application that is before the
City. They denied a different application. The City is better able to
provide the service to this type of development same as around the
golf course. The validity of this annexation is there.
Barnard - Do not feel you can control development by zoning. Subdivision
regulatins and water s policy. Zoning just seperates uses. Do not
think the Plan can do that, it needs more help. When it was passed
there were somethings on there that has already happened, DRG tracks
pulled out, m dump was moved. etc.
Bartel - Each enitity shoudl go back and implement those recommendations
of the Plan that they are responsible for. Maybe down zoning, facilitie,
view control, seperation of vehicle and pedestrian. Should not wait for
the landowners but the enities should do it.
Baxter - Had we done that our zoning would allow for more density than
the density on the books today. We have been relucant to change
from A & F to R-15 or R-30 thats shown in the plan. If we change it
every year at the edge of the City and allow density there will be
growth on the edge of the City.
Bartel - Greatest danger in up dating the plan, you make it so flexible
that you don't have a plan at all.
Baxter - If the City dosen't want to lose those business f some place
in the City will have to allow for that type of zoning. They moved
out because they didn't have anyother place to go.
Adams - Feel the P & Z's should get together in small groups with the
Planning office and create a basis for redesign of the plan.
Adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
GEABRAL QUESTIONS ON Ai1P?EXbT? ??*� PO?ICY
1. Is it the City's*policy to encoura-e annexation and accept all proper
petitions? If no, under what circumstances should City discourage
annexation?
2. Should the City require a minimum area? If yes, what minimum?
3. Should the City refuse an annexation because it could not furnish City
utilities within a given period? Define and explain time period?
4. Should the City refuse annexation because of extremely high costs in
providin- municipal services to the area?
5. Should the city encourage annexation for the purpose of providing appro-
priate development controls? Was this a factor in the Riverside Annex?
Is it a factor in the Calderwood Annex?
6. Should. the City have any general plan and policy indicating areas it
would like to annex within the next few years.
7. Should the City encourage or require persons wishing to annex to include
other properties which the ot•mer may not grant annexed?
8. :That is the best way of establishing boundary lines along County roads?
(a) on the clear side
(b) on the far side
(c) center of road
(d) at .least one lot depth from road
9. if an owner wishes to annex' -only part of his property, even though all
his property is eligible, should the City require he annex the entire
parcel?
10. Should the City require surrender of water rights controlled by the
annexing property?
11. Should the City require public land donation at the time of annexation?
Or should it be required at a later date?
12. Should land needed for streets and rights of way and easement be de-
dicated at the time of annexation?
13. Should the City try to determine the future need for public land and
take steps at the time of annexation to reserve this land?
14. Where City utility lines had previously been extended beyond City limit:.,
should the City make a charge aainst the annexing property owners for
these utility lines as one condition of annexation?
15. Do you require annexing property owners to bring their streets and City
utilities up to City standards as one condition of annexation? How?
Should we allow a time period?
16. ;there sub -standard conditions exist (sub -standard housing, inadequate
sanitation, animal nuisances, etc.) should these conditions be corrected
prior to annexation? If no, hoif would they be corrected after
annexation?
17. Should the City•charge an annexation filing fee? Xlio pays for plats,
maps, copies of contracts, fact sheets, etc.?
18. How much time should be allowed for review of annexation petition be-
fore the City Council acts?
19. Should the City establish zoning at the time of annexation? :should it
adopt the same County zoning? iihat review would be needed to determine
if the County zoning should be changed:,
20. Should the City require platting or sub -dividing of all undeveloped
land in the annexing area prior to annexation? Or should density
limits be substituted for platting:
21. Is metes and bounds sub -dividing allowed by the City:
22. Should the City set restrictions on the type of the development in
annexing areas where unusual topo-raphy, water conditions, etc. limit
the suitability of the area for certain types of development?
23. Should the City establish extra -territorial jtirisdiction over all
land development within three miles -of the City boundaries as allowed
by Colorado Revised atatutes, 1953, Chapter 139, lIrticle 59?
Source: "Questionnaire on :annexation Policy and Procedures" - Colorado
Municipal League
Comments: These questions should be applied to Riverside annex to determine
what policies have already been established and what has been neglected.
Then, apply the questions to Calderwood _,nnex.
Although, Past Aspen Patent area is not a true annexation, the effect
on the City will be that of the annexation of undeveloped territory.
Precedents established in the Riverside Annex will apply to mast __spen.
As there is one tract of over 30 acres in Last Aspen, it is vital that
sub -division standards and regulations be adopted.
It is necessary that we have standards of performance and their cost
on City services (e.g., costs per block for street paving, curbs and
gutter, maintenance, snow removal, etc.) in order to calculate costs
to City to supply services to people and areas.
It is necessary that a study be made of the assessments and revenues
in the City showing a breakdown between tourist, business and residen-
tial and old and nei-r improvements.
Background Reading available:
Municipal League releases on annexation, urban problems and re-
apportionment.
"Municipal Costs and Revenues Resulting from Community Growth" - by
11. Isard and R. Couc:hlii,.
"The Planning Aspects of Annexation and of Service Areas" - by
111. Trul tz, Chief Research i•lanner, Denver, Colorado.
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For Environmental Quality
-274 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016
CONTENTS
ENDANGERED ISLAND
by Julie Paltenghe Turren tine, Educator ............. 10
SERVING THE EARTH
by McGeorge Bundy, President, Ford Foundation
and Gordon Harrison, Program Officer, Ford Foundation ... IS
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For example, we must conserve energy use without hinder-
ing the individual's mobility or his chance to improve his
station in life. With already established population increases,
there 'is no hope of "saving" our way out of our problems
with less total energy consumption. And we can only go so
far in using less energy without retarding social improvement.
But we can and must find ways of utilizing energy more
efficiently. We can use smaller cars, for example, and we
need to develop better mass transit systems, improve insula-
tion in our homes, and re -cycle, wherever possible, our basic
Industry Says —
ENERGY AND ENVIRO_N_A4ENT NEED
NOT BE IN CONFLICT
by Robert 0. Anderson, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive 0TJ'zcer, Atlantic Richfield Company ... 19
Frontiers
"SUPERCORE" TURNS HOUSE INTO RECYCLER
by Clinton G. Bush, Jr., President,
Concepts & Directions,'Inc. .................... 22
Environmental Careers
BE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
by Odom Fanning,
author of "Opportunities in Environmental Careers" ..... 26
Departments
AUTHORS............................ 2-
LETTERS To The Editor .................... 4
BOUQUET ............................8
WHAT YOU CAN DO ..................... 29
NEWS..............................30
RECENT BOOKS ....................... 40
Environmental EDUCATION AIDS ............. 43
COVER: Nantucket Island by Steven C. Turrentine _
Library of Congress Card Number: 70-22957
PUBLISHER: Nelson Buhler
Director of Advertising: Gardner A. Phinney
Consultants: John Walker Hundley Enterprises
Publication Office: CATALYST for Environmental Quality, 274 Madison Avenue,
N.Y., N.Y. 10016, CATALYST is published quarterly —Spring, Summer, Fall,
Winter.
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a recommended publication of the
resources.
We desperately need a national energy policy which will
encourage the production of more energy, hold down our
dependence on foreign nations, and still let us accomplish
our national social goals. We need a policy that also en-
courages wise usage of energy, because, even if we are success-
ful in producing more, we cannot produce enough to cover
our present extravagant consumption.
"Technology is our only hope for
solving the environmental problem. "
So we have two problems which, to some, would appear to
be in conflict: energy and environment. While technology has
been pointed to as the culprit, actually it is our only hope for
solving the environmental problem. I agree with the scientist
who recently said, "Technology and ecology are by no means
at war; it is merely that they have suddenly discovered each
other."
We cannot go back in time to a less productive society, so
we must find new ways to use energy and still maintain an
acceptable environment. We can do this only if all se -:vents
f society work together toward that common pual. The
adversary con rontation approach to restructuring public
policy will not work, for the situations created by this
approac on y threaten to sacrittce the welfare and even the
well-being of our citizens.
er aps it w791 help to note some examples of good en-
vironmental adjustments that are already well along. Over
3,000 federal agency and department actions have been the
object of environmental impact statements now on file with
the Council on Environmental Quality. The range of projects
and actions which have had the benefit of this federal and
public examination goes from dams and harbor projects to
sewage treatment plants and highways. Clearly most, if not
all, federal officials and business leaders are now having to
think more carefully about the environmental impact of the
actions being proposed.
Many major corporations have already placed the environ-
mental protection function at a key policy point in both
staff and line operations. The day of the corporate vice
president for environmental affairs has arrived, and he is not
a figurehead but a substantive policy -making officer.
P*
CATALYST
0
•
_6���,'7
C)A� 41
POLITICAL REALITIES IN ANNEXATION
Aspen is a City that is essentially a trade location at the foot of the ski
mountain. It is on the main highway and is the seat for the County government.
So, presently, we have a limited function for our City, it serves the residen-
tial trade area and the tourists. The biggest payrolls and public facilities
are in the County. The largest investments and the greater potentials for ex-
panding are outside the City. A new shopping center in the County could further
restrict the City to more entertainment and tourist functions.
The fact is that the highway, courthouse and residential shopping could be
moved, but not the ski mountain.
So actually the City has a limited function unless it can seize the political
and financial power to control the surrounding area.
Claims that the City is responsible for the growth of the area simply divides
the community because it is saying in effect, the City did more than the
County. City and County, urban and rural -suburban, call them what you will,
are both necessary parts of the community. It is a great mistake to say the
City government is a common agency that can satisfactorily solve community
growth problems.
There is a nationwide movement to give the cities more power. Suggested billc
on reapportionment and annexation are in the State legislature. These are
drafted to overcome rural -suburban resistance to the territorial and political
ambitions of the majority party.
Because big cities can deliver the vote in state and national elections, they
receive extra attention from the politicians. The federal government has a
deliberate program of building political power in its urban renewal programs,
its labor legislation and defense contract policies, federally supported public
housing and social welfare programs, etc. The forced growth of the cities
creates complicated problems, overwhelming numbers of voters and large patronage,
Thus, city politicians encourage the annexation and reapportionment legislation_
to further complicate the situation and discourage reform. It is extremely
difficult to buck the machine under these circumstances.
In Aspen, we do not have such advanced complications as there are in large
cities like Denver, but we do have the drive for power and territory in the
moves toward instant annexation. Because tax revenues are not sufficient to
pay for City services in residential areas, we have the City going into the
utility monopoly business to finance expansion with profits. The City was ad-
vised by its water engineer to use the City water system as a club to force
annexation. IThy should we tie an archaic political structure to a grater main?
Our Federal Planning grant is channeled thru the City government, although the
County actually has most of the problems and need for this program. It is
extremely unfortunate that the City -County division exists. Everything must
be done to combine these entities until they are replaced by a new system
by State legislation.
Actually, the County and rural living appeals to more people than the City
does. :then we annex suburbs, we take in voters who didn't want to be in the
City in the first place.
Political Realities in Annexation - 2
It seems that Aspen will actually be Jiving away its political balance of
power thru annexation because eventually the new residential population will
out -number and out -vote the old time City residents, the merchants and the
lodge owners.
Country home owners don't have much in common with the governmental needs
of City tradesmen, hotel managers, and bartenders. Because of annexation,
we may find ourselves forced together in an unsatisfactory system. Instead
of living together in a small friendly town, we may find ourselves joined
together in a sprawl of dis-similar interests. lie may find ourselves voting
our interests against one another.
Be sure to read the outline -- State Legislative Action
KNCB Hoore 1/18/6 3
•
�t rCIAL COi1CLPTS 1N AN l::'t li`i i:' �T
"... at this year's Design Conference, we had k1r. Robert ;leaver of the HHFA.
Kr. .leaver is dedicated to the use of the power of his agency to solve the
social welfare problems in the cities and suburbs. We are all familiar with
the _HA mortgage insurance program that led the way for huge suburban housing
sprawls. Today, Mr. :leaver says that these suburbs as a status symbol must
be destroyed. He plans to redesi;n cities and suburbs so that he can elim-
inate the attitudes of single race, economic and class exclusiveness."
Suggested Reading:
Restrictions for the Calderwood subdivision
The Death and Life of Great Yumerican Cities by Jane Jacobs
The government has the power and responsibility to plan and organize the land
we live in as a group. The exercise of this pourer has an effect on our
social framework.
If the City of Aspen establishes a policy of accepting sub -divisions into the
City it tends to encourage sub -divisions to be developed. By offering utili-
ties and services, the City actually is sponsoring annexation of residential
projects.
i:ost sub -divisions have restrictions on the use of the land and the style of
architecture. Thus, these projects attract people who voluntarily accept
these restrictions upon their private property. It is only natural that
these people are similar in taste and outlook and become somewhat segregated
from the rest of the community. For purposes of illustration it might be
said that restricted sub -divisions are the "fraternities on the community
campus". I am sure you have read of the attempts to abolish fraternities in
the colleges and universities of the U.S. Actually, there is an interesting
parallel between Mr. Weaver's indictment of artificial social status in sub-
divisions and the attempts to ban the social injustice of fraternities from
the campus. Both schools of thou-ht believe that governing bodies should en-
courage variety and diversity in social contacts and are against institutions
that foster class distinctions.
Originally, Aspen had less social stratification than it has now. ;le all
share the sentiment attributed to Mrs. Tukey Jonas by the sat Eve Post - "Go
to a party here, and, just as often as not, you're liable to find someone
like Thornton Wilder off in the corner, talkin; literature with the town
barber. That wouldn't go in the Last. Things are more informal here, more
fun, more Aspen."
,Jill the encouragement of sub -divisions with restrictions like Calderwood's
preserve the sort of thin; Tukey is saying: that Aspen is more fun because
it is more democratic and less conformist than the East? How will these
suburbanites fit into the scheme of the unsegregated city that has many of
the characteristics and people that the restrictions do not allow or encourage
in the sub -division?
As the greatest opportunity for population growth lies outside the city, and
the real estate trend is tOTTard large, self-contained developments - should
the city allow these social values to become the standard for the city when it
is impossible (and unadvisable) for the city to establish the same sort of
restrictions?
Increased pressures toward conformity may be a hidden cost in the annexation
of sub-divisons.
KNdB Koore 1 /18/63
•
•
STATE LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT JURISDICTION AND FINANCE
%rom Governor Love's message to the Colorado Le-islature: "The Denver -
Metropolitan area is an outstanding, but not the only, example of the growth
of the new urban problems of a new era. Because this tremendous urban Growth
is rapidly encompassing several counties in and around Denver, a responsible
and responsive state -overnment can no longer stand aloof and expect the
citizens at the local level to meet these problems with antiquated local
government structures and inadequate financing. Everywhere, in the midst
of unprecedented growth and progress, we see examples of government lagging
behind in the solution of problems of increasing traffic congestion, water
and sewage treatment needs, air pollution, the overlapping of small special
districts, recreation, annexation, zoning, police and fire protection and
many others with which we are all familiar.
I commend the legislature for its reconition of this important area by
the establishment of standing committees in both houses. I should like to
see the state ;overnment address itself immediately to these unique and
pressing problems of urban areas, not to serve any particular group or countir
but to begin to help bring solutions to the citizen who lives with the
problems."
From an article by Marty Iolf in Cerv_i's Journal: "Colorado needs a con-
stitutional convention and it may finally get one. The Colorado Constitution
was drawn up in 1876. There has never been a convention to update this vital
document. 1Te are operating under a cumbersome, antiquated set of rules
which desperately require revamping and modernization to meet the complex
needs of today's state government.... Problems such as reapportionment,
annexation, metropolitan and oounty -overnmental structure, taxation, the
old age pension plan, civil service procedures and election laws have all
been nailed down to some extent by the "onstitution as it now stands. Clari-
fication and modernization are needed."
From an information sheet of the Colorado Municipal League: "As Harold H.
Martin has described it in the Saturday Evening Post, ',,!hat we are witnessing
now, and will continue to witness for several generations to come ... is one
of the greatest migrations in human history, a revolution in land use which
destroys forever the old patterns of human habitation.'
If tk+e causes of many municipal headaches brought on by this incredible
mrOVTth can be summed up in a single statement, it probably would be: present
governmental, political and administrative patterns are totally inadequate
to meet the new problems. ;;ities splash across county lines. .suburb-sleep-
ini daytime populations of core cities greatly increase the cities'costs
without enhancing the cities' tax base. And police protection for at least
one urban area of more than 100,000 people is still provided by the county
sheriff system which originated in medieval England. Again to quote ::r.
Martin: 'Stubbornly cherishing the illusion that we are still a rural
nation, we are trying to impose the economic and social patterns of the
urban twentieth century on the political sub -divisions of the horse -and -
buggy days."
Nelson Rockefeller put it this way: `'As the irresistible forces of the se-
cond half of our century collide with the immovable forms and structures of
the first half, the stresses are sometimes acute. Most metropolitan areas
today have outdistanced their governments, with the result that they have no
common agency or satisfactory method of dealing with area -wide problems."
KNCB Idoore 1/23/63
• 0
UTILITIES CHECKLIST
?LATER DEPARTMENT
A qualified engineering firm should update the water report of 1956. A
schedule comparing; yearly figures should be prepared covering the following:
Gallons of water consumed showing increase or decrease 1956-1962
Number of water taps showing increase or decrease 1956-1962
Utility plant investment per tap
Operatin- revenues per tap - this could show commercial and residential
revenue
Balance of net income per tap
Gallons pumped per tap
electric power pump expense per 1,000 gals.
Gallons pumped
Total cost per 1,000 -als. pumped
Balance of net income per 1,000 gals.
These figures would analyze the present system and establish standards that
could be applied to annexation demands. The figures would also show what
our present above ;round storage should be. They could be projected to
estimate the timing for new wells, or surface supplies. This forecast would,
give us lead time for engineering, construction and financial planning be-
fore added supply is needed.
The areas proposed for annexation should then be surveyed for pipeline
supply system and estimated cost. Projections should be made on the basis
of experience showing when the capital investment would be recovered from
water taps and sales. Consumption figures should be taken into account in
the forecast for added supply. 1:ost important would be the capital needed
by the water system to keep up with normal growth and with annexations.
Riverside Annex figures could be used as an example. Calderwood and Last
Aspen would be examples for projections. In addition to the above, investi-
gations should be made into the effects of surge and air hammer on existing
piping and equipment. An analysis should be run by a water treatment firm
to determine if any treatment is advisable.
A Hunter Creek water supply system should be surveyed. A reservoir with a
slow sand filter has been proposed. Additional water rights may be available,
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
Estimate cost of condemnation of Holy Cross facilities needed to connect and
serve Riverside Annex, Calderwood, East .,.spen Patent, and all other areas in
range of annexation. Project time needed to recapture investment from sales
in these areas. Compare and analyze city rate structure with Holy ;gross.
Estimate electric department surplus available for transfer to other depart-
ments after rebuilding and condemnations. A consumer analysis comparison by
years by meter is needed on a similar basis as the above water schedule.
The proposed planning' contract covers such utility studies involved in
planning the Aspen region to 1980.
KIM iioore 1 /25/6 3
EAST r.SPLIr
In 1955, proceedings were initiated to clear up the title and political .
status of the East Aspen Patent area. In 1958 the Bureau of Land Mana;ement
granted the City a patent to the territory with the mayor as trustee.
Presently, there are some technical difficulties that prevent the city from
obtainin-, jurisdiction in the East Aspen Patent.
If and when the city does assume responsibility for the area and levies and
collects taxes, the city will have to provide services in the area.
Property owners and residents of .last Aspen Patont will be able to sell or
finance land and improvements when they secure good title. City water, road
maintenance, fire hydrants, police protection, etc. will be needed.
With the possibility that land use will be scattered and slow in developing,
the City is faced with a large investment in engineering, utilities, roads.,
etc. without much return for a number of years.
This area has the greatest possibility for mining activity, although the pre..
sent County zoning is residential. The city may change the zoning in this
area so that it is more flexible and realistic based on the historic use,
future needs of the city and the rights of the owner. Of course, resumption
of mining would bring industrial taxes and payroll to the City. It would
probably put heavy traffic on the road to the railyards and increase the
railroad frikig'.it traffic in Aspen.
If the city can gain the cooperation of the property owners in this area,
there is a good opportunity to make an up-to-date plan for a more balanced
community than is presently possible under zoning. This plan would tai.e in-
to account mining and traffic circulation, as well as parks and other nec-
essary public facilities. A school site miht be feasible in this location.
We are lucky that the land in the East Aspen Patent is not developed. It
affords the City an opportunity to show the proper use of planning and zoning_
There is the possibility that the area could be made more self-supporting by
an enlightened approach to land use and the needs of the local economy.
Actually, when you think of it, we are lucky that !aspen itself is not
hi"hly developed, planning has a more free hand because of it. Some reasons
why Aspen has not Srown as rapidly as other towns are its remote location,
its seasonal economy, its lack of 1-crge government projects, and the absence
of conventional financinS.
But in time these factors will chun-.e. The Ruedi Reservoir project will
cost in the millions and take many years to complete. The highway pro- "ram
in Glenwood Ccnyon and on Independence lass road will give _aspen more traffi(:
The price of silver, because of increased industrial usea`e and fears of
inflation may rise to the point that spen's mines will open again.
Planning is forecastinr- and tiiaing. Planning in East Aspen will have to
take into account the place for industry in the local scene. itach of this
will be predicated on the price of silver. It is a challenge to a planner
real estate and social values han` in the balance.
XNCB :bore 1 /23/63
ANNEXATION STATEMENT
Annexation provides certain real advantages for the solu-
tion of area problems because 1) it provides for area wide
performance of services without establishing an overlapping
government, 2) it broadens the geographical base for the admin-
istration and financing of local government services and 3)
its use permits the orderly development of vacant outlying
areas.
Recent studies have shown that the most significant burden
on a municipality is not brought about by growth within its
boundaries but the growth its economy generates outside its
corporate limits and governmental jurisdiction. In virtually
every metropolitan area in the country, cities have outgrown
their boundaries and they find themselves surrounded by other
incorporated towns or worse yet a host of special districts
usually servicing one function, i.e., fire, water, sanitation
and parks and recreation, as well as other. More times than
not the suburban population exceeds that of the core city.
Although the city labks governmental authority outside its
limits, it nonetheless is expected to take a large share in
sustaining the surrounding suburbs by virtue of the burden
p laced upon the city functions they utilize.
"The problems of proliferation of governmental units and
lack of cohesion which results in the inability of citizens
to pinpoint responsibility is a nationwide problem. Such
fractionalization generally means costly duplications and in-
efficiency. The country has undergone a kind of urban living
revolution, but unfortunately governmental structures have
not proven to be flexible enough to adapt and grow with the
needs of the population. Many areas of the country are almost
hopelessly ensnarled in a bewildering mesh of local government
entities.+ The metropolitan New York area is reported to have
over 1400 units of local government. Every major population
center reports the same kind of problem.
The largenumber of cities in many urban counties would
indicate that the creation of new cities has been a popular
solution to the problem of urban growth. However, experience
seems to indicate that the creation of a number of municipalities
in a contiguous urban area is a shortsighted solution which
only compounds the problem at a later date. It has been
repeatedly noted that independent -municipalities in a single
metropolitan area make areawide problem solutions very diffi-
cult, if not impossible. Multiple, independent municipalities
franctionalize the economic resources of an area. It prevents
economies of. scale. It results in reoeated inefficient dupli-
cations of effort. It calls for makeshift attempts at coordi-
nation and cooperation which add additional bureaucratic insti-
tutions and further complicates the ability of the citizen to
understand and fix responsibility for governmental problems.
E
0 0
The most common solution to the problems of proliferation
of governmental units is the annexation of urban areas into
municipalities. Annexation is generally most effective if it
is carried out a step ahead of growth in an area. In this way
the City provides services as the area grows."
The governmental structure should be 1) responsive to the
needs of the total local community,, 2) easily understood, 3)
simplified as to the pinpointing of responsibility, 4) able to
provide necessary services at a minimum burden to its taxpayers
and 5) able to provide the capability and flexibility to plan
for and meet the needs of the present and future.
The results of many studies and reports reflect that until
a better structure is developed that annexation by the existing
core city is the best answer to solving metropolitan problems.
Even though Aspen is a small community, the problems, past,
present and future are the same as in a large metropolitan area.
It is extremely important that we view the entire Aspen area as
a total community and on that basis set about to solve our
problems. In order to accomplish our goals we must have
jurisdiction over whatever we establish as our community and
to do this we must annex.
In conclusion it is -my recommendation that the Council
maintain their present policy of an aggressive annexation
program. As a matter of fact, the program should be a very
high priority and accelerated and maintained until completed.
ll/12/71
r
Leon A. Wurl
City Manager
1%•1,3 7/
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0
List of unchlorinated public water supplies that should have dates set on
them:
�.
).'Ute Ave. water
,/Red *-fountain water
Aspen Golf Course, lodge, restaurant, etc. "
-/Highlands
JT Lazy 7 `
Elk Mtn.
,Toklat Lodge '
JLazy Glen Trailer Court
Woody Creek
- - - :,�wit and Sons
!!Brown and Kellems "
vioe Fiou
v�(ekar n n -
iphillips
-` "
:Bigelow
vl}'Sahuelson Subd.
✓Gateway to Snowmass Subd. -
Snowmass Subd. - `
-= --`
✓Little Elk Subd.
�'%✓"Shield V' Subd. 4 _ - ,
` \ ` .. ; t,
Brewer Sub,? , .
1
Starwood Subd.
,:Redstone Ranch r_cres Subd.
-- '' Redstone Mesa Subd. - -
- -.-
ZBResortethower
Subd. (water district)
-/Swiss Village
/Meredith
- ✓Thomasville
i
VNorrie
.
/Horseshow bend
White Horse Springs
Pitkin Green
Riley's Subd.
✓ W/J Subd.
. D
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves
FORM �u C. F. I.OECKEL B. B. B L. CO.
Excerpt from Minutes, August 10, 1971
"Annexation Policy - Council agreed to take an agressive stand on
annexations and instructed Manager Wurl to submit at the next meeting
proposed boundaries outlined on a map and an outline."
Excerpt from Minutes, August 24, 1971
"Annexation Report - Manager Wurl submitted his recommendations on a
map of annexation to the west including up to Knollwood; to the North
to include Red Mountain; to the west to include the industrial area
(excluding the airport) and also up Castle and Maroon to include the
Marolt and Thomas properties."
Councilman Comcowich moved that the City Council go on record of being
in favor of this annexation program with the boundaries as indicated
with the provision that the Planning and Zoning review this program
for their comments. Seconded by Councilman Walls. All in favor, motion
carried."
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9
EXCERPT FROM "COMMUNITY ACTION FOR*ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY"Ma azine
ZONING
Let us now turn to the `tools for conserving the community's land and
water resources. The layman cannot be expected to master all of the
technical details, but it is important that he know the main outlines.
Because of recent enabling legislation there are more tools available
than ever before. But public officials do not necessarily know about
them, and where they do, they can be unduly cautious about trying some-
thing new. To build a fire under them you must be familiar with the
principal approaches and what they can do.
Broadly speaking, there are two ways the local government can act to
conserve its land and water resources It can use its police power to
zone land so that it won't be misused or it can buy the land or an
interest in it so that it will be well used.
Zoning is the most immediately appealing tool; it doesn't cost any -
thin , or, rather, it does not appear to. Before taking up specific
forms of zonin a word about its limitations is in order. Since
zoning can strip a piece of propertyof much of its commercial value it
is constantl under attack by Sf—OP—le who want to realize the commercial
value. Local zoning boards are not alwa s the staunchest defenders and
what they propose they can dispose of. Then there are the courts; if
ordinances are not drafted with great care, they may be upset in a court_
test. This is especially likely if the zoning has been pushed so far
as to be the taking of land without compensation.
Zoning cannot be used to compel people to keep land open simply because
it would be -nice for the community to have the land open, and zoning
which purports to do this is likely to produce a mirage. In some cases
sizable tracts of developable land have been designated as "open space
zones" and because the land is being kept open people assume the zoning
works. But the zoning has not kept the land open. What has kept it open
is the owners' disinclination to sell or develop prematurely. Later.,
when the surrounding development has driven market prices sky high, the
owners are very likely to change their minds and the open space zoning
will collapse.
Another illusion to beware of is the idea that large lot zoning will
conserve open space. It may preserve the character of a particular re-
sidential enclave but it provides no public open space and by requir-
ing large amounts of land for a house forces subdividers to leapfrog
further out into the countryside in search of space.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves
FORM SI C. F. HOECKEL B. B. B L. CO.
Excerpt from Minutes, July 20, 1970
"Meeting called to discuss general annexation policy.
City Manager Wurl outlined the benefits to the property owner and
City of annexation. Manager Wurl pointed out in the past some
annexations have met the City's subdivision regulations and some have
not, some problems can be solved prior to annexation and some you
correct after annexation.
Mr. Wurl request the feelings of Council as to whether Council des3.red
an aggressive, very active or wait and see policy on annexations. Mr.
Wurl further outlined possible boundaries for annexations as the
Airport, Red Mountain and bottom of Independence Pass. Each annexation
will have to be weighed as to the advantage and disadvantages."
EXCERPT FROM CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 10, 1970.
"Annexation Policy - Council agreed to take an agressive stand on
annexations and instructed Manager Wurl to subm t at the next meeting
proposed boundaries outlined on a map and an outline."
August 24, 1970
"Annexation Report - Manager Wurl submitted his recommendations on a map
of annexation to the west including up to Knollwood; to the north to in-
clude Red Mountain; to the west to include the industrial area (excluding
the airport) and also up Castle and Maroon to include the Marolt and
Thomas properties.
Councilman Comcowich moved that the City Council go on record of being in
favor of this annexation program with the boundaries as indicated with the
provision that the Planning and Zoning review this program for their co-
ments. Seconded by Councilman Walls. All in favor, motion carried."
i�7iu-tv✓
sumac/
Lorraine Graves, City Clerk
GENERAL QUESTIONS ON ANNEXATION 10LICY
1. Is it the City's policy to encourage annexation and accept all proper
petitions? If no, under what circumstances should City discourage
annexation?
2. Should the City require a minimum area, If yes, what minimum?
3. Should the City refuse an annexation because it could not furnish City
utilities within a given period? refine and explain time period?
4.
Should
the City refuse annexation because of extremely high costs
in
providing
municipal services to the area?
5.
Should
the city encourage annexation for the purpose of providing
appro-
priate
development controls: Was this a factor in the Riverside
Annex?
Is it
a factor in the Calderwood Annex?
6.
Should
the City have any general plan and policy indicating areas
it
would
like to annex within the next few years`.
7.
Should
the City encourage or require persons wishing to annex to
include
other
properties which the owner may not wzaat annexed?
8. ;That is the best way of establishing boundary lines along County roads?
(a) on the near side
(b) on the far side
(c ) center of road
(d) at least one lot depth from road
9. If an owner wishes to annex`,only part of his property, even though all
his property is eligible, should the City require he annex the entire
parcel?
10. Should the City require surrender of water rights controlled by the
annexing property?
11. Should the City require public land donation at the time of annexation?
Or should it be required at a later date?
12. Should land needed for streets and rights of way and easement be de-
dicated at the time of annexation?
13. Should the City try to determine the future need for public land and
take steps at the time of annexation to reserve this land?
14. ;there City utility lines had previously been extended beyond City limits,
should the City make a charge against the annexing property owners for
these utility lines as one condition of annexation:
15. Do you require annexing property owners to bring their streets and City
utilities up to City standards as one condition of annexation? How?
Should we allow a time period?
16. ;here sub -standard conditions exist (sub -standard housing, inadequate
sanitation, animal nuisances, etc.) should these conditions be corrected
prior to annexation? If no, how would they be corrected after
annexation?
0
17. Should the City charge an annexation filing fee? Pho pays for plats,
maps, copies of contracts, fact sheets, etc.:
18. Hour much time should be allowed for review of annexation petition be-
fore the City Council acts?
19. Should the City establish zoning at the time of annexation? Should it
adopt the same County zoning? ghat review would be needed to determine
if the County zoning should be changed?
20. Should the City require platting or sub-dividin- of all undeveloped
land in the annexing area prior to annexation? Or should density
limits be substituted for platting:
21. Is metes and bounds sub -dividing allowed by the City:
22. Should the City set restrictions on the type of the development in
annexing areas where unusual topography, water conditions, etc. limit
the suitability of the area for certain types of development?
23. S]iould the City esta,bllsh extra-territorkal jurisdiction over all
land development within three miles of the City boundaries as allowed
by Colorado Revised Statutes, 1953, Chapter 139, ,article 59?
Source: "Questionnaire on ..nnexation Policy and Procedures" - Colorado
iolunicipal League
Comments: These questions should be applied to Riverside .annex to determine
what policies have already been established and what has been neglected.
Then, apply the questions to Calderwood _.nnex.
Although, East Aspen Patent area is not a true annexation, the effect
on the City will be that of the annexation of undeveloped territory.
Precedents established in the riverside Annex will apply to East _-spen.
As there is one tract of over 30 acres in East Aspen, it is vital that
sub -division standards and re;ulations be adopted.
It is necessary that we have standards of performance and their cost
on City services (e.g., costs per block for street paving, curbs and
Cutter, maintenance, snow removal, etc.) in order to calculate costs
to City to supply services to people and areas.
It is necessary that a study be made of the assessments and revenues
in the City showing a breakdown between tourist, business and residen-
tial and old and new improvements.
Background reading Available:
Municipal League releases on annexation, urban problems and re-
apportionment.
"Municipal Costs and Revenues resulting from Community Growth" - by
1-1. Isard and R. Cou€'hli,.L.
"The Planning Aspects of annexation and of Service Areas" - by
1-1. Xurtz, Chief Research Planner, Denver, Colorado.