HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19840130 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 30, 1984
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with Councilmembers Collins,
Blomquist and Walls present.
MINUTES
Councilwoman Wails moved to approve the minutes of November 14, 18, December 12 and 22, 1983;
seconced by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried. ~
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. John La Salle, representing the Ute City Place, requested his agenda item be tabled
until the next meeting as they are proceeding through the Board of Appeals. Councilman
Blomquist asked for staff's recommendation on this issue. City Attorney Taddune said he
feels this application is one for resurrection rather than extension. Taddune told Council
the applicant's dispute is with the building department. The applicant submitted plans and
apparently there was a miscommunication. Taddune said this is a matter for the Board of
Appeals to handle. Taddune recommended to Council that they not resurrect any GMP applica-
tions as he feels the language in the Code does not give Council the ability to resurrect
expired GMP allotments. Councilwoman Walls said she would abstain as Jack Walls was the
architect.
Mayor Stirling moved to table this item; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor,
with the exception of Councilman Blomquist. Motion carried.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Blomquist said he would like placed into the record what actually trans-
pried over the previous weekend in terms of superceding two Councilmembers in what was
essentially Council business. Councilman Blomquist said he and Councilman Knecht do not
iiknow exactly what transpired and would like it clarified as to the steps taken by whom,
and when. Councilman Blomquist said he would like to wait until Councilman Knecht returns.
2. Councilman Blomquist moved to appoint Dwight Shellman to the Roaring Fork Transit
Agency to replace Michael Gassman; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion
carried.
3. Mayor Stirling said he would like to compliment the community and the ARA for a really
great Winterskol parade. Mayor Stirling said there was great participation in the parade.
4. Mayor Striling moved to add to the agenda the procedure for hiring a new city
manager; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
5. Mayor Stirling said the resignation of the City Manager signifies something that shoul~
have been done by Council earlier. Mayor Stirling said he believes the manager's decision!i
this was not done in
to resign is in the best interest of the city. Mayor Stirling said
secret meetings. Mayor Stirling said had Wayne Chapmen not resigned, he would have
proposed to terminate him at that meeting.
ASPEN MOUNTAIN LODGE CONCEPTUAL PUD
Mayor Stirling said Council needs to give very clear direction to the applicants so that
they know what is feasible. Mayor Stirling said the Little Annie application was very
painful; the elected officials told the applicants what their concerns were, the applicant!~
recitified them, and then there was a new series of concerns. Mayor Stirling said in
this application the Council needs to be straightforward and clear. Mayor Stirling said
he feels this developer is responsible and highly motivated and deserves Council being
very square. Mayor Stirling said one question is if the community wants and needs a new
large hotel on this proposed site. The Council needs to decide what they are willing to
live with, what compromises they might make, and what variations they are willing to live
with.
Mayor Stirling said the GMP is flexible, but he does not believe in making a mockery of
it. Mayor Stirling said he would like to applicant to address what the Council should
grant any concessions at all. Mayor Stirling pointed out small project have to conform
to the GMP; this project is asking for 25 per cent more FAR for this site than is allowed.
Mayor Stirling said this applicant is asking for variances and exemptions and exceptions.
Mayor Stirling said the controls in the GMP are designed to monitor large project.
Conceptual approvals given applicants the authority for further study on the project, and
the applicant needs to know what is possible before they go on to preliminary. Mayor
Stirling said it is important for Council to be in touch with what the community wants and~
needs.
Alan Richman, planning office, said the applicant will discuss the architecture, the bulk
and massing of the building. Richman will discuss the P & Z's ten points in their review,I!
many of which are key growth related issues. Alan Novak, representing the applicants,
said they had asked their planners whether it is possible to do the program they wanted
without bending any rules, and they feel that is what they have done. Novak said the
c~ty's zoning code contemplates the PUD process, which allows flexibility from a matter
of right zoning. The PUD contemplates large projects with deviation from some rules.
Novak told Council thais project went to six P & Z meetings, and the P & Z concluded
unanimously that asking for future years growth management allocation was both appropriate
and would not damage the growth management plan; this is permitted by the GMP and has a
historical precedent.
Joe Wells told Council the architecture presented at the last meeting was in response to
suggestions made by public and P & Z through a series of meeting. Wells said at first,
the designers were trying not to make an architectural statement, and the building
presented was a quiet solution. P & Z felt since this was an important building to the
community, it should make an architectural statement and should have architectural features
that emphasize the building. The applicants are willing to respond further to Council's
considerations. Wells pointed out the height along Durant street has been reduced from
the original proposals. The corners of the building have been turned so that the apparent
bulk of the building is reduced in length. The building steps up the hillside more, is
emphasized in some locations and drops down in others. The architectural character tries
to pick up some forms that are typical to Aspen.
Mayor Stirling asked why Council should allow the height to be 14 feet above the height
allowed in this zone. Wells said the specific areas and bulk considerations, height,
FAR, and open space are outlined later in the review. Richman presented the P & Z's ten
points to Council. Richman said these points give a sense of how the project affects the
community and the growth management plan, and community policies. The first reason the
P & Z felt comfortable with a project this size is based on the short term accommodations
report. The report finds there is a need for upgrading in the overall quality in accommo-
dations, and any upgrading which involves expansion should keep the balance between
accommodations and ski capacity.
Richman presented charts on the short term accommodations. There are 54 lodges in the
metro area containing 1727 units, plus other units being rented containing 1041 units for
a total of 2768 units. There is a total of 10,750 pillows. The three mountains in the
metro area have a ski capacity of 11,500 people. The report says there is a good balance
between pillows and skier capacity, not over utilizing the mountains. Richman said
taking the Continental, Aspen Inn and Blue Spruce and the Alpina Haus and Copper Horse
about 1100 pillows will be rebuilt or taken out of the short term accommocations market.
Richman said the peak occupancy of the proposed lodge is 980 pillows and the peak occupancy
o~ the entire PUD is 1189 pillows.
Richman pointed out the increase in number of pillows is very slight for the entire PUD.
There will not be a substantial change in the accom~aodations/ski capacity balance. P & Z
felt an increase would be reasonable if there is an upgrading in quality of the project.
Over the last five years, the city came to the conclusion it should be providing incentives
for upgrading. Over the last five years, 285 lodge room have been upgraded which is 15
per cent of lodge rooms and 10 per cent of total accommodations that have been upgraded.
Richman said this is progress, but there is need for additional upgrading. Richman told
Council this project plus the Hotel Jerome, added to the already upgraded units, would
total 35 per cent of the lodge inventory. This would go towards the community objective
of upgrading lodging. P & Z expressed concern about losing affordable units in the area.
However, two thirds of the units would remain the same as they area.
Richman said the P & Z felt this project is consistent with the short term accommocation
report. John Doremus quoted from the short term accommodation report. "The concept of
balance is predicated on the need for moderate level of growth in short term accommoda-
tions to keep the community's ability to accommodate tourists somewhat below or equal to
the skiing capacity." "Future short term accommodations in the metro area should be confined
to the existing location of these facilities and areas zoned for tourist accommodations
which are vacant or not fully built out." "The basic mix of condominiums, large hotels,
small lodges, and houses should be supported to provide a variety of quality, cost and
location for the visitor."
Doremus pointed out the report acknowledges there has been no growth in lodge development.
The lodge inventory has been frozen at the mid-i970 level. Doremus did an analysis of
lodges which either don't exist or are not used as lodges, adding up to 282 rooms which
have been lost since 1972 survey. Doremus told Council there was a survey done in the
winter of 1982-83 bY CU, and in the area of quality of lodging it was found guests wanted
better quality rooms, larger rooms, amenities, and room service.
Richman told Council P & Z's second point is consistency with the 1973 Aspen Land Use
Plan. Richman told Council Aspen has had two land use plans done; the 1966 basic area
general plan, and the 1973 land use plan. Richman explained the difference between the
thinking of the two plan. The 1966 plan looked at an ambitious area for accommodations
and recreation, including the entire east end of town, the entire base of the mountain,
and the Shadow mountain area. The 1973 master plan dramatically revised the 1966 plan
and said the area at the base of the mountain is appropriate for accommodations. The
reasons for this are proximity to skiing, transportation, and shopping facilities. Richman
said this project sits directly inside the accommodations/recreation area and is well
situated to skiing, Rubey park, and shopping. The plan eliminates two short term accommo-
dations currently in residential areas and proposes to turn them into employee housing,
which is also consistent with the master plan. P & Z felt comfortable with this project
from a land use standpoint.
Richman told Council he has done an analysis of the areas for lodge development in L-l,
L-2, CC and CL and it is extremely limited. Joe Wells told Council P & Z was concerned
whether future allocations for this project would deny other applicants. Wells showed
Council the lodge areas available for lodge quota; a map showing ownership as part of
this agreement, a map showing within the L-1 zone that are condominiumized at the present
time which are unlikely to undergo further development. Wells showed Council a map of
single family and other uses, and showed sites identified for build out of lodges. Besides
those the applicant owns, there is a site owned by Lyle Reeder, which has an allocation
of 31 units; Carriage house site with 26 unit allocation, site owned by the Ski Company,
and a site for a single family house. Wells said the Ski Company is supporting this
application, There are some areas for minor potential build out. Wells said the sites
available to be developed is very limited.
Mayor Stirling asked if the Ski Company is contemplating building on Little Nell. Jerry
Blann told Council the Ski Company is supporting this application~ as they feel this site
is much more acceptable for a major hotel. Blann said the Little Nell site is very small
considering maintaining the integrity of skiing. Richman reminded Council the L-3 quota
is a separate quota, so future year's allocation would not disadvantage those lodge owners:.
Richman said the next points are the overall benefits this project is proposing to the
community, relating to concession the applicant is asking for, and the time period of the
project helps to off set the multi-years allocation. Richman said next week the applicanti
will discuss the transportation issue, which is the most significant growth impact that
the P & Z was concerned about.
Doremus told Council the hotel development will take place over a 2% year period and the
entire PUD will take place over 5 years or more. Doremus said the design period is 12
months; the applicants have set an objective of starting construction in May 1984, which
will be demolition; the entire construction will take at least 18 months. They would
like to be open by January 1986. Doremus told Council the P & Z has recommended approval
for the allocation of 35 units for 1983, 32 units from prior years, 44 units from the
Alpina Haus conversion, and 2% years future allocation.
Doremus presented a list of benefits proposed by this project. 1) conference facilities
with ballroom of 22,500 square feet with a commitment this will be available for community
use; 2) 3 or 4 food service operations of 15,000 square feet; 3) 4500 square foot on-site
health facilities for the guests 4) two swimming pools; 5) ice rink; 6) convenience
commercial shops; 7) 24 hour front desk service; 8) room service; 9) 380 car underground
parking; 10) hotel shuttle service and other auto disincentives; 11) automatic sprinkler
system with state of the art fire control; 12) energy conservation measures; 13) rooms
over 400 square feet; 14) removing the unslightly substandard facilities; 15) integrated
landscape and street scape plan; 16) committing to become part of a lodge improvement
district; 17) construction of a major trail link; 18) undergrounding the utilities;
19) providing large open space easement of 163,000 square feet; 20) providing a ski-in
easement for the entire neighborhood; 21) the project is proposing major water and sewer
improvements in the neighborhood. Doremus said besides those, the project will bring
more business to the community, improve Aspen's image, provide more tourism year round,
and greater revenues to the city.
Richman said point 7 discusses the historical precedent of awarding multi-years allocation!s,
and in 1978 in both residential and lodge substantial multi-years allocations were
awarded. Joe Wells showed Council how the applicant is proposing to divide the overall
PUD site of 11 acres. The lots have been defined on the basis of logical ownership.
Lot 1 has an FAR of 1.57:1; summit place has an FAR of 1.46:1 ; Top of Mill has a calcula-li
tion of FAR with and without the C zOned land. The Code does not discuss overlapping zone
district. The FAR of Top of Mill is .72:1 without the C zoned land; if the C zone land
is included the FAR would be .41:1. 700 South Galena, the FAR is .89:1 for an overall
FAR of 1.27:1 or 1.01:1 if the C zoned land were included.
Richman told Council that the reason the C, conservation, land is not included is the
proposed uses, lodge and multi-family, are not allowed uses in the conservation zone and
to use land not zoned for these purposes in the calculations of FAR was felt by the planni~
office to be inaccurate. Wells pointed out some FAR comparisons; the Aspen Mountain lodge
above grade FAR is 1.49:1; North of Nell is 2.87:1; Aspen Square is 1.80:1. The existing
above grade development at the Continental is 1.36:1.
Wells said the lodge has been criticized that all the open space is internal. The appli-
cants have done an analysis of open space for all four parcels. Wells point out that none
of the land in the internal courtyards is counted in the open space. The lodge proposal
has 31 per cent open space; Summit Place is 46 per cent open space; Top of Mill 75 per
cent open space, 700 South Galena is 40 per cent open space for a total of 53 per cent of
the site in open space. Some of this open space is above the 8040 green line.
Larry Yaw said changes in the hotel were presented last week and were made for perceptual
reasons for how the building appears as well as how it integrates into the neighborhood.
Yaw pointed out that the architecure as existing will not change the view of Aspen mountai~i
from Wagner park. Existing buildings in the horizon line will be dominant. Larry Stricker
showed the entire footprint of the hotel, with areas where the height is 30 to 40 feet,
areas between 40 and 50 feet and some in excess of 50 feet. These taller ones are elevator
areas and help break up the height. The building steps back toward the back of the project~
and the effect of the height is diminshed as it goes up the mountain. Doremus told Council
these changes are in response to concers from the P & Z. Originally the building was more
sensitive to maximum heights but is was a monotonous structure. The suggestion came from
P & Z to experiment and play with varying the roof height to keep it low were it is
important.
Richman told Council the Code requires to units allocated under GMP within two years of
the date of the submittal, which was October 1, 1983, the applicant has to be to the build-
ing department with plans sufficient to obtain a building permit. The applicant and staff
have proposed this will expire on June 1, 1985 rather than October. This will allow an
applicant to know in June 1985 they will have the ability to compete in the GMP, which
means that 1984 no competition would take place. Richman said he feels this will help otheir
land owners in the L-l, L-2 district.
Councilman Blomquist said the size of the FAR at 1.5:1 is allowed because the applicant is
combining three projects into a PUD and requesting an exception from the 1:1 for the under-
lying zone. Councilman Blomquist said the city has had unsatisfactory experiences in
granting FAR bonuses. Councilman Blomquist questioned whether there is justification for ~n
FAR more than is currently allowed on the site. Councilman Blomquist said the excess FAR
is doubled again by combining three projects into one and taking the FAR on the entire
acreage. Councilman Blomquist said he does not feel comfortable with this FAR request.
Councilman Collins said he would like to see the project stay within the present require-
ments as established. There is an FAR and a maximum height, and the closer the applicant
stays within these the better. The Council has a responsibility to the Code. Councilman
Collins said the negative comments he has heard have to do with the sacle, massing, bulk.
Councilman Collins said the Council should stick to what the Code allows, and not grant a
25 per cent increase in FAR.
Alan Novak said the purpose of a PUD regulation for large projects is to approach the
project from planning considerations. The work on this project with the planning staff is
because this is a PUD and it is a vast site, that the applicant would not deal strictly
with height and FAR; it is a matter of proportion. Novak said he would like Council to
approach this from the quality of the plan. Councilwoman Walls said she does not understand
why the city would have regulations and then excuse people from following them.
Graham Means said if Council is granting exceptions to the Code, the city should get some-
thing back in return. The Council should have real reasons for varying the code. Means
said he feels the area is already over developed. Francis Whitaker, Board of Adjustments,
said he is concerned about the granting of variances. Whitaker told Council the Colorado
statutes and the city Code set forth criteria for granting variances. Whitaker quoted to
Council from these criteria. One of these is that the granting of a variance is essential
to the enjoying of a property right enjoyed by other properties in the same vicinity but
denied because of extraordinary circumstances. Whitaker said in this case the reverse is
true, the applicant wants privileges other property owners do not enjoy. Whitaker said the!
Board of Adjustment has not granted any variances in FAR because the city has held them
where they are.
Michael Strang said the intent of planned unit development was to provide an opportunity
for jurisdictions to plan something better because conventional planning would not work.
ichard Butera read a statement of position to Council, first listing his credentials.
Butera said Aspen needs a first class hotel is a conclusion but does not say anything.
Questions should be asked; what is a first class hotel, what kind and size does Aspen
need, what type visitor should be attracted, should Aspen have more than one first class
hotel, what are the goals of the proposed venture; is the hotel economically feasible.
Butera said there have not been answers~to these questions. Butera said the proposed
hotel exceeds setbacks, FAR, height, parking and density of the existing code. Why have a
code if these items are to be considered each time a developer has to justify excessive
land costs
Butera said if the visitors to be attracted to the hotel for conventions, other questions
should be asked; does Aspen want convention-type visitors, do convention visitors want to
come to Aspen; can they afford these room, is transportation to and from Aspen adequate.
Butera said it appears these room costs will be $200,000 per room, which indicates a $200
per night at 65 per cent occupancy. Otherwise, the project will fail. Butera said he
feels the numbers are unrealistic and no prudent lender will accept the numbers. Butera
said there is talk of raising money through tax shelter syndication, which is admission
that the numbers won't work.
Butera said he does not believe the project can be financed as proposed. Butera said if
this is approved, all hotel zoning for the near future is given away, and buildings will
continue to deteriorate. Good opportunities for moderate sized hotels will pass. Butera
said many towns attract all the tourists they need with beautiful small and medium sized
hotels, Butera urged Council to consider the economic and broader questions in their
deliberations.
Novak said the applicants have every indication the hotel can be financed. A smaller hotel
would not be viable because of the cost of the amenities. Novak said the applicants have
worked out with the planning staff a program that would make sense. Mayor Stirling said
this issue will be again on the February 6, 1984 agenda.
ORDINANCE #78, SERIES OF 1983 - Towing Agreement
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. City Attorney Taddune told Council all parties
are meeting this week to work out the problems, so the ordinance is not ready for second
hearing.
Councilwoman Walls moved to continue the public hearing and table Ordinance ~78, Series of
1983, until February 13, 1984; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion
carried.
ORDINANCE #79, SERIES OF 1983 - Snow Removal
City Attorney Taddune told Council there are changes from the second draft. In Section
19-181, requires whoever is in charge of the building abutting the sidewalk area intended
for pedestrian use must remove snow and ice at least five feet in width. Taddune said
they used sidewalk area so that it will apply to an area whether it is paved or unpaved.
Taddune said the snow and ice shall be removed on the same days as cessation of fall of
snow, ice or within the first three hours of daylight, whichever period is longer.
Taddune pointed out 19-183(c) contains a provision that if the person in charge of the
building does not remove the snow, someone appointed by the city will do it. This section!i
assesses the cost of snow removal plus a 100 per cent penalty.
Taddune said the staff wants to discourage people from using the city as a snow removal
service. Taddune said in this ordinance, it is indicated specifically any person violating
this ordinance could be guilty of a misdemeanor. Taddune told Council he has defined the
accumulation of ice and snow on the sidewalk as a nuisance.
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing.
Francis Whitaker said this problem has gone on for at least ten years, and it is time
something is done about it. Whitaker pointed out many of the older sidewalks are less
than five feet, and people should be required only to clear the sidewalk. Whitaker
suggested eliminating the word cessation of snow and insert instead "by noon". Whitaker
said it is easier to clean the snow before noon and before it becomes compacted. Whitaker~
said if the city makes one serious effort to get the sidewalks cleaned, there will be
compliance. There has not been an overall effort to enforce the snow removal ordinance.
Gideon Kaufman asked how this ordinance would be implemented.
Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing.
Taddune said the staff did consider the two changes proposed by Whitaker. Taddune agreed
about less than five feet sidewalks, but there are areas used for pedestrians that are
not paved and the city would have a problem guessing how large an area should be cleared.
Taddune said the staff felt five feet was the width of five feet. City Manager Chapman
said if someone cleans a sidewalk, and it is less than five feet, the city is not going
to make someone clean two feet into the street. Taddune said the staff was very sensitive
on the point of when to remove the when. The staff felt the city needed something to
indicate when a person would be in violation of the ordinance. Taddune said the staff
tried to come up with a solution that best meets the needs of the community.
Mayor Stirling said clearing sidewalks is a matter of pride and a spirit of cooperation.
The more specific the ordinances gets, the more difficult it becomes to enforce. Council-i
man Blomquist said 90 per cent of the problem can be handled by ordinance. Councilman
Blomquist said all penalties should be the responsibility of the owner. Chapman said the
staff discussed a lot about who to cite for this problem; the nub of the problem has always
been who to enforce this against. Taddune told Council this ordinance is better than the
current ordinance; this gives enforcement options and gives the city the ability to
remove snow in a hazardous situation.
Councilman Blomquist moved to adopt Ordinance #79, Series of 1983; seconded by Councilwomain
Walls. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Collins, aye; BlOmquist, aye; Mayor
Stirling, aye. Motion carried.
SPA ZONE DISCUSSION
Councilman Collins moved to table this item; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. All in
favor, motion carried.
ASPEN CHANCE SUBDIVISION
Mayor Stirling said this is conceptual application for an R-15/PUD subdivision; if approve!d
it is authorizing further study and review by P & Z. Colette Penne, planning office, toldI
Council there are other reviews associated with this application; GMP exception for three
employee units, 8040 greenline review. P & Z deferred action on these until preliminary
plat because they need more detailed information. Ms. Penne said this project is not
competing in GMP because it went through verification of existing units, and the staff
verified seven units. Msl Penne said this is located across from the Aspen Alps with
several small cottages on the bottom, the durant mine building, and a single family dwell-
ing.
ReguLar Meeting Aspen ~lEy ~ouncl± o~nu~zy ~u,
Ms. Penne told Council the applicant is asking for three employee rental units that will
be part of the free market structures. There is no employee housing requirement for this
property. Ms. Penne said part of this parcel is in the county and part in the city. The
applicants did not count density for any property in the county or any property above the
8040 line. The applicants intend to give a trail easement to connect with the Aspen Club
trail. The applicant has preliminary geological studies and is working on more detail.
One of the questions is that there will not be any impact of old mine shafts, the question il
of the toxic nature of these mine tailings. These items will come out at preliminary plat.i
Ms. Penne said the basic question in subdivision is the suitability of the land for subdiv~!-
sion. Ms. Penne said the applicant has been very sensitive to the people living on this
land, and some of them have indicated interest in the employee units. Ms. Penne said
access will be from Ute avenue and from Aspen Alps road. Ms. Penne said access and parking!
for the Aspen Alps tennis courts should be formalized through agreements. The applicant
plans parking at one space per bedroom, which meets the Code requirement. There will be
small lots delineated and eXtensive common areas. Ms. Penne said the applicant has
addressed the purposes of the PUD, has done some innovative site planning, and the structurles
will fit well on the site.
Ms. Penne told Council the structures will be sheltered, the majority of trees will be kept~.
The utilities will be underground. Councilman Blomquist said he would like to consider
annexation for the parts of this property not in the city. Councilman Blomquist said he
would also like dedication of the land above the 8040 greenline as a park. Councilman
Blomquist said he would like the city to begin acquiring small parcels of land around
the 8040 area as a green belt. Ms. Smith said the applicant has no problem with annexation
would like to do it subsequent to this subdivision as they would like to construct this
summer. Ms. Penne told Council the planning office and P & Z recommend approval of the
conceptual sugdivision with 16 conditions.
Councilman Blomquist moved to approve conceptual subdivision for the Aspen Chance subdivi~i
sion with the 16 conditions listed in the planning office memorandum of January 23, 1984;
seconded by Councilman collins. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. MotiQn
carried. Mayor Stirling said he would have liked to table this for all the Council to havel
a site visit and to address some of the concerns.
HANNAH DUSTIN CONDOMINIUMIZATION
Councilman Collins moved to table this item; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor,.~
motion carried.
MENDENHALL SUBDIVISION EXCEPTION
Richard Grice, planning office, said this is a request for a lot line adjustment between
two adjacent lots owned by the Mendenhalls. At the time the house on lot 2 was constructedl
there was a building error. The applicants would like to correct the situation on the
public re~ord and have proposed a lot line adjustment and a 628 square foot of property
exchange between the two lots. Each lot will continue to be the same size. Grice told
Council no potential development rights will be increased or decreased.
Councilman Collins moved to approve the Mendenhall subdivision exception subject to the
preparation of a plat meeting the final plat requirements of section 20-15 to be approved
by the city engineer prior to recording and subject to the preparation of a statement of
subdivision exception to be approved by the city attorney prior to recording; seconded
by Councilman Blomquist. All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST FOR ENCROACHMENT - Congdon
Jay Hammond, engineering department, said the location of the fence has been staked and
the fence is behind the existing cottonwood trees. Hammond said he talked to the parks
director, who has no problems with this. The city does have the opportunity to ask ~' for
the removal of the encroachment. The staff recommends approval. Mayor Stirling said many
people in the west end have encroached as their own risk. Councilman Blomquist said in
order to get a building permit, the applicant has to have encroachment permission.
Councilman Blomquist moved to grant an encroachment license at 202 West Francis subject to
conditions 1, 2, and 3 in the engineering memorandum of December 20, 1983; seconded by
Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
CASTLE CREEK STOPLIGHT
Jay Hammond, engineering department, told Council there was a request from Aspen Highlands
for a stop light at Castle Creek and Highway 82. City Manager Chapman said Highlands
feels in the morning and during ski season people turning left onto highway 82 have a
difficult time, and for safety reasons and ease of access, a traffic light would provide
better floW. The state has concluded a traffic light is warranted, but they won't put in
a light unless there is a request from the municipality. Hammond said this used to be in
the county's jurisdiction and they have been reluctant to put in a light. Mayor Stirling
pointed out the county has authorized a traffic study, and both P & Z's are studying
the traffic question. Councilman Blomquist pointed out with the school people also using
the intersection, it does become dangerous.
Councilman Blomquist moved the city request the state to install a traffic light at this
intersection; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilman Collins said he would like to see other options besides huge traffic lights.
Council agreed they would like more information before having a light installed. Council
requested accident data at this intersection, a copy of the state's warrant information,
and what types of signals are available.
Councilman Blomquist moved to ask engineering to submit a report to Council on the state
highway's warrant study, maps of traffic accidents in the Aspen area, and signal options;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
36"43
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 30, 1984
AGENDA FOR COUNCIL ADVANCE
Mayor Stirling said he is opposed to going to Redstone as it makes it inconvenient for
Council and for the public. Mayor Stirling said he does not think it should be an a week-
end. This should be in the immediate area and during the week. Mayor Stirling said he
feels a whole day is very important, as is the Advance. Mayor Stirling said it would be
less expensive to hold the meeting in the immediate area. Councilman Collins said he has
been to both kinds of meetings, and he prefers going away; it gives a different flavor.
Mayor Stirling moved not to have the meeting at Redstone but within Aspen all day Friday,
February 10th, but not overnight. Motion DIES for lack of a second.
HIRING CITY MANAGER PROCEDURE
Council directed staff to advertise in the ICMA, the CML journal, the Western States job
finder, and local papers for a city manager.
Councilman Collins moved to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. All
in favor, motion carried.
och, City Clerk