HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20041213Regular Meetine Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ..................................................................................... . 2
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS ....................................................................... . 2
CONSENT CALENDAR ........................................................................................... . 3
• Resolution #123, 2004 -Law Enforcement Assistance Contract .......................... . 4
• Resolution #124, 2004 -Upgrade Automated Ticket Management System......... . 4
• Resolution #125, 2004 -EPA Study of Power Plant Emissions ........................... . 4
• Annie Mitchell Homestead Homeowners' Budget ................................................ . 4
• Minutes -November 22, 2004 ............................................................................... . 4
RESOLUTION #127, 2004 -Burlingame Water Line Design Contract ....... . 4
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES .................................................................. . 5
• Ordinance #47, 2004 -Bar/X Ranch Final PUD and Initial City Zoning ............. . 5
• Ordinance #48, 2004 -Fox Crossing Subdivision and Code Amendments.......... . 5
• Ordinance #49, 2004 -Highlands Villas Annexation ........................................... . 5
ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 2004 -Fox Crossing Subdivision and Code
Amendment .............................................:...................................................................... . 7
RESOLUTION #126, SERIES OF 2004 -Temporary Use Sleigh Rides at
the Golf Course ..............................................................................:.............................. .. 8
ORDINANCE #38, SERIES OF 2004 - 2005 Fees ............................................ .. 8
ORDINANCE #41, SERIES OF 2004 -Utility Rates ....................................... to
ORDINANCE #42, SERIES OF 2004 -Supplemental Appropriations........ l2
ORDINANCE #43, SERIES OF 2004 -Code Amendment, Historic
Benefits ........................................................................................................................... 13
ORDINANCE #44, SERIES OF 2004 - De-listing from Historic Inventory
308 and 719 East Hopkins ......................................................................................... 14
ORDINANCE #45, SERIES OF 2004 -Aspen Meadows ............................... 15
1
Regular MeetinE Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Mayor Klanderud called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with
Councilmembers Paulson, Semrau, Torre and Richards present.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Bert Myrin pointed out the Soiourner Ma ag zine says one of the best
things about Aspen is the Silver Circle Ice rink. Myrin said this location
looks like a construction site rather than an ice rink. Steve Barwick, city
manager, told Council he talked to the foreman who assured him the rink
will be open December 15`n
2. Jim Markalunas requested that the start of the Crosstown shuttle
coincide with the beginning of ski season. The Crosstown shuttle only
started running today. Council agreed and directed staff to look into this
change.
3. Toni Kronberg requested Resolution #127 be taken off the consent
calendar. Ms. Kronberg told Council she is very concerned about the traffic
on highway 82, especially between Buttermilk and town and with Highlands
and the School. Ms. Kronberg noted she is a proponent of an inter-mountain
gondola.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Klanderud wished one and all happy holidays and thanked
everyone in the community -tourists, residents, non-profit organizations and
city staff who made 2004 a great year.
2. Councilman Paulson said life is not measured by the number of
breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. Councilman
Paulson said he is very concerned about the future and that the Council
seems to be about growth.
3. Councilwoman Richards noted there will be another free concert put
on by the Ski Company this Saturday at the gondola. Councilwoman
Richards thanked everyone for a great and successful year.
4. Steve Barwick, city manager, reminded everyone the pools at the
Aspen Recreation Center are now open.
2
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Klanderud brought up the minutes of November 22, 2004, regarding
adoption of the code amendment, Ordinance #35, 2004. Mayor Klanderud
said the language is confusing in the amending the ordinance, which
included the maximum allowable FAR for an ADU or a maximum of 500
feet for a TDR. Mayor Klanderud noted the historic TDRs can only be 250
square feet. Mayor Klanderud said there was no discussion about being able
to use two TDRs. Mayor Klanderud suggested approving these minutes
without this section. John Worcester, city attorney, suggested reconsidering
the ordinance because it sounds as if it is a substantive issue.
Mayor Klanderud asked about the upgrade Automated Ticket Management
System contract and from whom these are being leased. Tim Ware, parking
department, said this contract is with T2 Systems. The contract of two years
ago was sold to a third party, which lease will be paid off. T2 Systems is the
company providing the services.
Mayor Klanderud asked if it is usual practice to pay funds for the
homeowners' association up front. Ed Sadler, assistant city manager, said it
is usual to front these costs until a new homeowners' association is formed.
The city has entered into short-term contracts for services for utilities in
order to get the project going. Councilman Semrau asked who wrote the
condominium declarations. Sadler said these were written by staff.
Councilman Semrau asked why the homeowners are not paying their own
utilities. Sadler said there is a period between when the project is finished
and when the new owners move in when no one will be responsible.
Councilman Semrau agreed after occupancy, the costs should be paid for by
the owners. This is only for one month. Sadler told Council there was never
a budget approved by Council to pay operating costs at Annie Mitchell from
the middle of December to the end of February. Mayor Klanderud asked
about the notion of the city working with first time homeowners so they
know their responsibilities. Sadler said staff has made those arrangements,
will hand over all the appliance manuals, warranty issues and go over the
books.
Councilwoman Richards moved to reconsider Ordinance #35, Series of
2004, Code Amendment Non-conforming structures to January 10, 2004;
seconded by Councilman Semrau.
3
Regular MeetinE Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Councilwoman Richards asked that staff let the applicants know this is not
about revisiting the issue but how it was constructed. It is not the intention
to open the vote.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Richards moved to approve the consent calendar as
amended; seconded by Councilman Torre. The consent calendar is:
• Resolution # 123, 2004 -Law Enforcement Assistance Contract
• Resolution # 124, 2004 -Upgrade Automated Ticket Management
System
• Resolution #125, 2004 -EPA Study of Power Plant Emissions
• Annie Mitchell Homestead Homeowners' Budget
• Minutes -November 22, 2004
All in favor with the exception of Councilman Semrau, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #127.2004 -Burlingame Water Line Design Contract
Toni Kronberg asked if this is just to do with the affordable housing project.
Ed Sadler, assistant city manager, said this is part of the pre-annexation
agreement and serves the free market houses. This is the design contract for
the water line. Ms. Kronberg said Council is approving a contract before the
public hearing on annexation of this land. Councilwoman Richards said the
city serves water to the airport business center, which is outside the city
limits. Water service does not require annexation. Councilwoman Richards
said if the city breaks their contract with the Zolines, the city still has an
obligation to provide the water line. This water line offers a second loop to
the airport business center, which the water department has wanted for years.
Councilwoman Richards moved to approve Resolution # 127, Series of 2004;
seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor with the exception of
Councilman Paulson. Motion carried.
Regular MeetinE Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
• Ordinance #47, 2004 -Bar/X Ranch Final PUD and Initial City
Zoning
• Ordinance #48, 2004 -Fox Crossing Subdivision and Code
Amendments
• Ordinance #49, 2004 -Highlands Villas Annexation
Councilwoman Richards noted she cannot vote on Ordinance #48 as her
property immediately adjoins the subdivision. Councilman Paulson recused
himself because he lives within 300 feet of Fox Crossing subdivision.
Councilwoman Richards moved to read Ordinances #47 and 49, Series of
2004; seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE N0.47
(SERIES OF 2004)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, APPROVING A COMBINED CONCEPTUAL/FINAL
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, SUBDIVISION, GROWTH
MANAGEMENT QUOTA SYSTEM (GMQS) EXEMPTION, AND
AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FOR THE STAGE
ROAD SUBDIVISION/PUD, CITY OF ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY,
COLORADO.
ORDINANCE N0.49
(Series of 2004)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN
TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, TO BE KNOWN
AND DESIGNATED AS THE "LOT 10, ASPEN HIGHLANDS
SUBDIVISION, FILING NO.2 PARCEL" ANNEXATION.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #47, Series of 2004, on first
reading; seconded by Councilwoman Richards.
5
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Mayor Klanderud asked if the project proposed in Ordinance #47 includes
the cultural area. Joyce Allgaier, community development department, said
the plan for the cultural center is not designated through this PUD. Mayor
Klanderud asked if this will be a gated community. Ms. Allgaier said not as
proposed in the application. Mayor Klanderud said whether Stage road will
be public or private and whether it has been public or private needs to be
resolved. Mayor Klanderud asked if the ADUs will be mandatory
occupancy. Michele Bonfils, asset management, said the ADUs are not
mandatory occupancy. Ms. Allgaier said these maybe under a previous
code and that will need to be investigated. Mayor Klanderud asked if 25
year vesting is in the pre-annexation agreement. Ms. Allgaier said it is.
Mayor Klanderud asked what percentage of the property will be continued
as a ranching operation. Mayor Klanderud questioned leaving the roads
gravel and the DRC comments the road will have to be at city standards.
Mayor Klanderud said she would like to know that the fences in both the
free market and the affordable housing developments will be wildlife
friendly. Mayor Klanderud asked if dogs will be allowed. John Lifton,
applicant, said dogs will not be allowed. Mayor Klanderud said there is an
issue with utilities and annexation requirements, that it is not a burden on the
public for new utilities. Mayor Klanderud asked if this development meets
that requirement.
Mayor Klanderud said this states there will be no phasing; however, this
development is 121ots that may not all be developed at the same time, which
seems like phasing. Ms. Allgaier said staff looks at phasing as installation of
infrastructure, building of roads. Mayor Klanderud noted the ordinances
states there have been several citizen votes on this project. There has been
one advisory citizen vote.
Councilwoman Richards requested information on total acreage of the Bar/X
ranch; how many acres are being put into conservation, how many acres into
affordable housing. Councilwoman Richards asked if the annexation of this
property and the cultural center were addressed in the pre-annexation
agreement; that this is not taking any rights away. Ms. Allgaier said the pre-
annexation agreement speaks to a cultural area by designating the area
public, which allows more uses. The PUD designation is a protection for
Council; the applicants need Council approval to put any buildings there.
Councilman Semrau said he, too, would like more specificity about the cattle
ranch. Councilman Semrau requested staff track the pre-annexation
6
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
agreement with the PUD and note any differences. Mayor Klanderud stated
she will support this ordinance in order to take it to public hearing; however,
that is not an indication of support at final reading.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Torre, yes; Richards, yes; Paulson, no;
Councilman Semrau, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #49, Series of 2004, on first
reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
Richards, yes; Semrau, yes; Paulson, yes; Torre, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes.
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 2004 -Fox Crossing Subdivision and
Code Amendment
Councilmembers Richards and Paulson left the room due to conflict of
interest.
Councilman Semrau moved to read Ordinance #48, Series of 2004; seconded
by Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #48
(Series of 2004)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND USE CODE, GROWTH
MANAGEMENT QUOTA SYSTEM EXEMPTIONS, AND A
FOURTEEN LOT SUBDIVISION TO BE KNOWN AS THE FOX
CROSSING AND GRIFFITH SUBDIVISONS ON LAND LOCATED
BETWEEN LONE PINE ROAD AND RACE ALLEY BETWEEN
WALNUT STREET AND RACE STREET 557 RACE ALLEY CITY OF
ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO
Mayor Klanderud stated she is uncomfortable with this ordinance as written
and would like to see the code amendment separated from the subdivision
application approval ordinance. Mayor Klanderud said the code
amendments are substantive enough to have their own ordinance. Mayor
Klanderud said the code amendment seems to be another special exception
for ADUs. Mayor Klanderud said she likes the idea of gaining valuable
open space by applying development rights to another parcel. Mayor
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Klanderud asked if either open space board has reviewed these code
amendments. John Worcester, city attorney, suggested splitting this into two
ordinances for public hearing in January.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #48, Series of 2004, on first
reading, the code amendments only; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll
call vote; Councilmembers Semrau, yes; Torre, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes.
Motion carried.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #50, Series of 2004, Fox
Crossing subdivision; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Semrau, yes; Torre, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion
carried.
Councilmembers Paulson and Richards came back into Council Chambers.
RESOLUTION #126. SERIES OF 2004 -Temporary Use Sleigh Rides at
the. Golf Course
Sarah Oates, community development department, told Council this
application is to allow sleigh rides on the golf course between December 15
and March 31, snow conditions permitting. This should enhance the dinner
operation at the golf course. Ms. Oates reminded Council there has been
sleigh rides on the golf course before and there were no complaints from the
neighbors.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards moved to approve Resolution #126, Series of 2004;
seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #38. SERIES OF 2004 - 2005 Fees
John Worcester, city attorney, reminded Council staff reviews city fees
every year to make sure the fees keep pace with inflation and cover the cost
of services. The packet contains an analysis of the fees and increases.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing.
Reeular MeetinE Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Toni Kronberg asked about the pool rental fees for profit, one hour, single
lane is $15 and does that include the admission fee. Tim Anderson,
recreation director, said that does not include the admission fees. Ms.
Kronberg said a family of 4 is being charged an additional $15/child on the
family pass. Anderson said family passes are based on a family of 4 and
there is a minimal additional fee on the pass, not each time.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Torre moved to adopt Ordinance #38, Series of 2004, on second
reading; seconded by Councilman Semrau.
Councilwoman Richards asked if there is a scholarship program for families
in need. Anderson said the Thrift Shop and Elk's Club have been very
helpful in providing funding. Councilwoman Richards noted the golf season
pass is going up 11 %; this is the 5`h year of increases in golf passes,
averaging 8%/year. Councilwoman Richards said staff is trying to work out
equity between people who play 200 times/year and those who play 30
times. Councilwoman Richards said the pricing of golf season pass is
costing loyalty among local players. There are changing market dynamics;
one is the number of residents who are moving farther and farther down
valley. Another change is the number of golf courses in the valley.
Councilwoman Richards said there must be some ground between a 20-
punchpass and unlimited play. Councilwoman Richards said Council talked
about the change in fee structure last year and nothing was resolved.
Councilman Paulson said annual percentage increases seem like a given.
Councilman Paulson said he would like to see a sustainable future without
constant increases. Wages do not keep up with annual fee increases. It is
not healthy for any community to have annual increases. Councilman Torre
agreed it is difficult to support fee increases to Aspen's citizens; however, in
order to maintain the service levels it seems like a necessity. Mayor
Klanderud said there are expenses related to the services the city provides.
Mayor Klanderud said a 3% increase is reasonable. Councilman Semrau
said he feels staff has done what they could to keep the increases reasonable.
Councilman Semrau said costs have gone up; utility costs have gone up,
water costs have gone up. Jeff Woods, parks director, told Council the
average pass holder plays about 44 rounds of golf. There are people who
use it many more times. Councilman Semrau agreed he would like to see a
fee structure to capture the people who play every day, and he would like
9
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
staff to look into for next year. Councilwoman Richards said she will
support this fee ordinance as long as staff works on a different rate structure
for next year's fee structure. Steve Barwick, city manager, said the golf
course committee agrees that there needs to be more options on passes and
fees; however, they would like a year more to resolve this.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Semrau, yes; Richards, yes; Torre, yes;
Paulson, no; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to continue Ordinance #39, Series of 2004 Bar/X
Annexation, to January 10, 2005; seconded by Councilman Semrau., All in
favor, with the exception of Councilman Paulson. Motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to continue Ordinance #40, Series of 2004,
AMCORD/AVLT Annexation to January 10, 2005; seconded by
Councilman Semrau. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman
Paulson. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #41, SERIES OF 2004 -Utility Rates
Phil Overeynder, water department, reminded Council this is a result of
work sessions on the business plan for the utility department. The primary
emphasis of this plan is conservation of water and electric. Council is
concerned about increasing the amount of renewable energy from 57% to
75%. The cost estimates are based on purchasing wind energy, the most
readily available energy source. There are increased capital costs in order to
meet federal and state regulations for water, the increase in renewable
energy, and the purchase costs of wholesale energy are going up.
Overeynder pointed out the business plan recommended phasing in the
utility increases over 2 years and the water rate increases over 4 years. This
ordinance only implements the first year of these increases. Council can
look at whether the rate increases achieved their objectives. Overeynder
said the increased revenue, after paying for capital costs, will be $150,000
annually in each fund. Overeynder said this is a guess because it is not
known how people will react to increased costs. The electric rates are
divided into 3 blocks; one block is up to 700 Kwh ,which is one cost;
another block is up to 1300 Kwh, which is about 30% of the residential
customers is another cast and the third block is over 2000 Kwh hours. This
to
Regular MeetinE Asuen City Council December 13.2004
is for residential users. The commercial electric rates are broken into small
and large. The large users are on demand rate.
There will be 4 tiers for the water users. The first tier captures the essential
inside the house water use. Houses will be handicapped by ECU rating and
by use. The second tier will pick up normal irrigation outside the house.
The third tier, which is an additional 15,000 gallons/ECU is above normal
irrigation. The fourth tier is 30,000 gallons, which staff considers excessive
water use. One will pay more for the privilege of using additional water.
The city's consultant looked at specialty rates, like snowmaking for raw
water, the Thomas raw water system, raw water use from the west end
ditches, and bulk water use for construction uses. Overeynder told Council
the Ski Company requested 25.16.013(a) and (b) be deleted from this
ordinance until they have had a chance to analyze the new rates.
Overeynder told Council the city only recovers 57% of the cost of operating
snowmaking. Overeynder noted the raw water rate for outside irrigation has
not been changed over the last 10 years and the fee is still valid.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing.
Bert Myrin urged Council to try for 100% green power rather than 75%.
Overeynder told Council the city is a small utility with 4 employees and a
high burden for operating the billing system. Overeynder said they felt
rather than putting money into increased staff, they would put the money
into increased renewable energy projects. The city is currently at 57%
renewable energy; Holy Cross is about 5%. Myrin pointed out that lot sizes
in the city are very different. Some property owners have more landscaping
and trees than structure. Myrin said he feels he is contributing to the
community with 40 trees on his lot and the price structure may not recognize
that situation. Overeynder said the water department can come out and
measure the area that is being irrigated and adjust the ECU. Myrin asked
when this will go into effect. Overeynder said any reading after January 15,
when the reading cycle typically starts. Myrin noted this could result in
higher charges for some days of the billing cycle. Mayor Klanderud
suggested the ordinance start on February 15. Council agreed. Councilman
Semrau asked if the utility department will supply information to users
outlining how they can minimize their utility bills. Overeynder said they
will.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
11
Regular MeetinE Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Councilman Torre moved to adopt Ordinance #41, Series of 2004, deleting
Section 25.16.013(a) and (b); seconded by Councilman Paulson.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Paulson, yes; Torre, yes; Richards, yes;
Semrau, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Semrau left the Council meeting
ORDINANCE #42, SERIES OF 2004 -Supplemental Appropriations
Paul Menter, finance director, told Council the net increase to the budget is
$1.8 million or 2% of total current appropriations. Menter noted in the asset
management fund $2 million is an appropriation for the animal shelter
project; the animal shelter has raised a portion of this funding and that
money is being passed through the general fund. Menter said there is
$600,000 in general fund departments, the largest of this is $500,000 as a
year end adjustment to the recreation center construction fund, which
includes payment for the transfer of the old youth center building to city
ownership. There is a grant to the Aspen Historical Society of $76,000. The
remainders are small requests from various departments. Mayor Klanderud
requested the clarification that the funds for the Historical Society and their
grant are not overlapping.
Menter pointed out the housing and the day care operations have been
separated for accounting purposes. They share a sales tax revenue but they
will be separated for monitoring purposes. There is an operating subsidy
transfer to the Truscott fund. Menter said the city is paying off the Cozy
Point bonds early, which will save $20,000. There is a decrease of $5.9
million in the open space bond issue as that money was not spent.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #42, Series of 2004, on
second reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote;
Councilmembers Paulson, yes; Torre, yes; Richards, yes; Mayor Klanderud,
yes. Motion carried.
12
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
ORDINANCE #43, SERIES OF 2004 -Code Amendment, Historic
Benefits
Amy Guthrie, community development department, told Council this
amends 4 sections of the historic section of the land use code. The first
amendment deals with lot splits to make it clear that the vacant lot in a lot
split is sti111andmarked and HPC has review over that lot. The second
amendment clarifies significant and no negative effect reviews, when the
historic preservation officer can sign off on those. The third amendment
clears up the references from the Uniform Building Code to the International
Building Code. The fourth amendment deals with the loans for historic
buildings, loosening up the circumstances in which this loan can be given.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing.
Toni Kronberg asked if property owners have always been allowed to build
a second house in a historic lot split. Ms. Guthrie said if the lot is at least
9,000 square feet in the west end, a property owner could do two detached
dwellings. When the lot split ordinance was adopted, it allowed a fee simple
ownership. The density allowance has been in place for a long time. Ms.
Kronberg asked if the 3 Conner lots to the east of City Hall will be going
through public hearings. Ms. Guthrie said these are 3 fee simple lots; they
will not be going through historic lot splits. Development on these lots will
be reviewed by HPC. Ms. Kronberg said the intention of HPC is to
preserve, maintain and enhance historic property, which can either be a site
or a structure. There are two historic districts, Main street and the
commercial core, which were created to maintain the look and community
feel of Aspen. Ms. Kronberg said when there are structures proposed that
are 3 times the mass and density, this would go against the historical district
for the commercial core, would this prompt Council review. Ms. Guthrie
noted Council may call up any HPC decision. Ms. Guthrie informs Council
of any HPC final decision. Ms. Kronberg asked if a citizen wanted to
preserve a site, could they ask the staff for technical assistance. Ms. Guthrie
pointed out these are already in the ordinance and are not being amended.
The only issues being considered are those listed above.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Torre moved to adopt Ordinance #43, Series of 2004, on second
reading; seconded by Councilman Paulson. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
13
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Richards, yes; Torre, yes; Paulson, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion
carried.
ORDINANCE #44, SERIES OF 2004 - De-listing from Historic Inventory
308 and 719 East Hopkins
Amy Guthrie, community development department, told Council this should
have been taken care of earlier. 308 East Hopkins, La Cocina, and 719 East
Hopkins, were recommended to be delisted by HPC. Ms. Guthrie reminded
Council there were many discussions about additions to the historic
inventory. HPC and staff stopped that procedure because of concerns about
the criteria and rewrote the ordinance. HPC recommended these properties
come off the historic inventory because they have no integrity to justify
landmark designation. Ms. Guthrie noted 308 East Hopkins scored 12 out of
100 and 719 East Hopkins scored 9 out of 100 on the criteria scale. Both
have been seriously altered, materials changed.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards said she is concerned about the character and feel
of the 300 block of East Hopkins. Councilwoman Richards said a lot of
effort went into preserving the Berko building and the buildings on either
side of La Cocina. Councilwoman Richards said her concern is that this will
someday become a large building. Ms. Guthrie said there would be HPC
review of any proposed development. This site is also in the Hotel Jerome
view plane. Councilman Paulson agreed delisting this property might
encourage redevelopment out of character with this block. Ms. Guthrie told
Council the purpose of the historic district is to deal with the character issue
rather than applying preservation rules to a building that is not historic.
Nick Lebby, 308 East Hopkins, told Council from 1999 to 2001 he went
through a lengthy process and in February 2001, HPC delisted the property.
Lebby entered into the record an article in the Aspen Times stating La
Cocina had been de-listed. Lebby said he checked with a title search to
make sure this property was not on the historic inventory. A letter from Lisa
Purdy in support of delisting 719 East Hopkins was entered into the record.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #44, series of 2004, on
second reading; seconded by Councilman Torre. Roll call vote;
14
Regular Meeting Aspen Citv Council December 13, 2004
Councilmembers Richards, yes; Torre, yes; Paulson, no; Mayor Klanderud,
yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #45. SERIES OF 2004 -Aspen Meadows
Mayor Klanderud announced she is a member of the Society of Fellows of
the Aspen Institute; she does not have any financial interest or gain in the
Institute.
Amy Guthrie, community development department, told Council this
application is for an SPA amendment and GMQS exemption for essential
public facilities at the Aspen Institute. Ms. Guthrie reminded Council
certain structures of the Aspen Institute are listed on the historic inventory.
In 1991 when the SPA was reviewed and approved, HPC was allowed to
comment on new development on the property. They were also included in
this review. Ms. Guthrie noted in 1991 one more lodge building was
approved on the site. This building was not built. The Institute has
determined they do not need another lodge building and would like to use
this allocation for a conference and meeting structure. This is a request to
convert the square footage from lodge to conference. The applicant is
leaving 1500 square feet on the table and would like to be able to use this in
the health club in the future. Ms. Guthrie said the applicants anticipate a
small, if any, employee generation from this facility. The applicants
requested deletion of one tennis court for parking. This was objected to and
the applicants have deleted that request.
Ms. Guthrie pointed out there will be some landscaping work, removal of
cottonwoods which they are working with the parks department on, a
roundabout to improve traffic circulation. Staff supports this application and
recommends approval.
Jim Curtis, representing the applicant, said these lodge units were approved
in 1991 and the Institute would like to convert them to meeting facility
space. The top priority of the Institute is to put more people into the existing
98 units on campus. The Institute wants to increase occupancy rather than
build more units. The average occupancy in 2003 and 2004 was 51%. The
peak period of occupancy is July, an average of 80%, when the Institute has
all its programs going. The occupancy in the winter season is between 40
and 55%.
is
Reeular Meetine Aspen Citv Council December 13, 2004
Curtis told Council this meeting facility is being proposed to balance the
existing facility and to give flexibility and to accommodate single big groups
booking 80 or 90 rooms. It would also allow booking overlapping smaller
groups. The goal is to increase the occupancy of the existing 98 units with
flexibility in booking. Curtis said there maybe concern about losing lodge
units. These units have never been built and are not currently used as lodge
units. Curtis said it is Council's decision whether to put these 12 units back
into the growth management pot or just eliminate them. The Institute is not
requesting to reserve these units for the future.
Curtis told Council the Institute met 3 times with HPC and had a site visit.
Curtis said these meetings were very beneficial. HPC approved the design
of the buildings. The applicants committed to working with the HPC as the
project progresses to look at the details. Curtis said at the P&Z meetings,
some neighbors from Pitkin Reserve had concerns about the visibility of the
buildings from Pitkin Reserve. Curtis said they conducted a site visit with
these neighbors and made some minor modifications to the plans and also
increased the landscaping.
Councilwoman Richards asked about increased delivery vehicles, which was
a concern in the original Meadows plan. Curtis said there will be additional
storage and golf carts will be used to ferry supplies between the buildings.
The existing restaurant building will still be the primary kitchen facility.
The new building will only have a catering kitchen. Councilman Paulson
asked how the impact of these buildings is minimized being on the edge
bluff. Curtis said stream margin review does not kick in because the
buildings are farther than 100 horizontal feet of the stream. This structure is
beyond that 100 horizontal feet. The building is on the edge; the previous
lodge building was also on the edge. The building will be minimized with
landscaping and with serviceberry plantings on the slope. Councilman
Paulson objected to buildings that stick out that and that are noticeable from
Rio Grande trail.
Councilman Torre moved to adopt Ordinance #45, Series of 2004, on second
reading, amending the ordinance that the conversion of tennis courts to
parking has been removed from the application; seconded by Councilman
Paulson.
Councilman Torre commented this is making the jewel of Aspen even better.
16
Regular MeetinE Aspen City Council December 13, 2004
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Paulson, yes; Torre, yes; Richards, yes;
Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Torre moved to continue the meeting to December 14, 2004, at
5:00 p.m. for the Burlingame design options; seconded by Councilwoman
Richards. All in favor, motion carried. Council left Chambers at 8:50 p.m.
~~
Kat S. Koch, City Clerk
17