HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19840827 JOINT MEETING WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Commissioner Kinsley called the meeting to order
at 4:05 p.m. with Commissioners Madsen, Child and Blake, and Councilmembers Walls, Collins,
Blomquist, Knecht and Mayor Stirling present.
1. Transit Sales Tax. Commissioner Kinsley said the sales tax issue was on the ballot
last spring; althought it passed, there were complications with the overlap in Basalt.
Pitkin County proposed an approach to Colorado Counties, and they had some problems with
the proposed approach. Pitkin County met with CCI's attorney, a representative from CML,
Sam Mamet, and Councilman Blomquist to try to resolve where this is going. Kinsley said
the County hopes to get legislation passed this fall through the assistance of CCI and CMl.
Tom Smith, county attorney, told the Boards he has sent a letter to Chuck Heim, the attorney
for CCI, outlining how Smith disagrees with Heim's position. Smith said he needs to meet
with the Town of Basalt so that they are aware of this approach. Smith said there are
eight other counties in Colorado with similar situations. Smith is writing letters to
those counties asking for their support. Smith said he will meet with the Department of
Revenue on asking them to change their mind about the sales tax, but this is probably not
an option.
Smith told the Boards that CML does not think there will be a problem with this proposal
as far as CML is concerned. The attorney for CCI is concerned about equal protection and
if it is fairly imposed. Smith pointed out this proposal is talking about where the tax
is collected; one pays the tax on products depending upon where they buy these products.
There are differing sales taxes throughout the state; this proposal is not creating a tax
exemption. Smith said Heim's other point is the cost of the tax versus the benefits of
the tax. The benefit here is derived from those that use the bus system; the tax is
equally imposed on everyone. Smith said the CCI attorney might see this as an attempt
to circumvent the 7 per cent limitation; this is not going around that limitation.
Councilman Blomquist said it is imperative the county and city have a good relationship
with state groups like Colorado Counties and Colorado Municipal League. Smith said Heim
would like to support the Jefferson County proposal; CML feels that Pitkin County's
proposal is better and would like to pursue that. The staff said they would keep the
Boards informed of the progress.
2. Henry Stein Park. Commissioner Child said in 1981, Dwight Shellman asked the city
and county to rename Fisherman Park, "Henry Stein Park". Subsequently, the BOCC recommended
the park be renamed. The park belongs to Park Trust Limited, and the county recommended
to them the name be changed. Park Trust Limited has taken action to rename the park, and
this is a report to the Boards. Child said the sign should be changed and there should be
a dedication. Councilman Blomquist said the city should clean this park up; the city has
agreed to take responsibility for the maintenance. Councilman Blomquist said the park
should be cleaned up before the dedication.
Mayor Stirling moved to instruct the city manager to have the parks department as soon as
possible shape up the park and advise the Boards Of a date for the dedication; seconded
by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
Commissioner Kinsley pointed out as a result of the spring runoff, the trail is in really
bad shape. Kinsley said he has asked the engineering department to make an alternate
route around this bad spot. Kinsley said there is a newspaper article about the city
taking over the trails. City Manager Hal Schilling said he will get together with the
county manager and prepare maps and suggestions. Councilman Blomquist said he would like
to discuss the county deeding the right-of-way along the Roaring Fork River to Hunter
Creek to the Slaughterhouse Bridge. Councilman Blomquist said he would like the city to
annex all that land as well as re-initiate talks about annexing A.C.E.S. A.C.E.S wanted
to be annexed but the city was insisting on getting the water rights. Councilman Blomquist
said he did not feel the city should insist on A.C.E.S water rights, because water rights
is the reason for A.C.E.S. existence.
3. Highway 82 Recommendation. Commissioner Kinsley said the BOCC made a final recommenda~
tion on Highway 82 to the highway department. The Board voted unanimously to recommend
the highway department begin purchasing rights-of-way between Brush creek and Maroon creek
on the west side of the runway for four lanes; that they begin immediate construction of
two-lanes in that area, with commencement on an immediate basis between the intersection
of old highway 82 and new highway 82 at the south end of the runway in the vicinity of
Owl creek turn off and Maroon creek bridge; that the future of existing highway 82 between
Shale Bluffs and the bus barn would be the second Phase to consider for either moving it
east or eliminating it. The road would be two-way on each side of the runway, starting
out. Kinsley showed the recommendation on the chalk board.
Council said they were not pleased with this recommendation and did not feel it was what
the P & Z's recommended. Councilman Blomquist said this alternative would open the Owl
Creek corridor open to development. Kinsley said this does not touch the Owl Creek
corridor. Mayor Stirling said this recommendation has thrown aesthetics, environmental
protection and protection of this end of the valley out the window. Mayor Stirling said
this is an example of creating an urban environment at this end of the valley. Blake
said the county P & Z has been through this, had site visits and recommended this alterna-
tive. Blake said the aesthetic issue is the one that moved him to this recommendation.
Councilman Blomquist said making a cut for a four-lane highway would eliminate the meadows
and wreck the valley. Councilwoman Walls agreed a highway through a meadow will totally
change it and ruin the spot. Kinsley said he could not find a way to make the highway
work in its existing alignment. The grade separation approach would work but would be a
concrete corridor. An alternative would be a series of four traffic lights, which would
make an unworkable traffic situation. Councilman Collins said if the highway is four-
laned, it will make town a real mess.
Mayor Stirling said the approach to the village is as important as the arrival point.
Kinsley conceded there are strong arguments on both sides as to which solution is more
aestheically pleasing. Mayor Stirling said the easier it is for traffic, the more traffic
is encouraged. There should be a balance in the question of auto disincentive. Blake
said he feels the present alignment is leading to signalized, strip urban experience up
the highway.
ReguLar Meetlng Aspen u~ty ~ounc~± augus~ z/, ~u~
Mayor Stirling said this alternative seems to make it difficult for people to get to both
the airport and the Airport Business Center. Child said the Commissioners see this
solution as being the best from all points of view; the Commissioners were unanimous in
their support of this recommendation. Madsen pointed out both the Council and Commissioners
are concerned about upgrading the resort experience. The Commissioners are concerned about
upgrading to make sure the visitor experience is not stuck in traffic somewhere, as well as
the safety consideration. Councilman Collins said the real improvements should be made
below Bruch creek, where the road is not safe. Child said the Phillips Curve was supposed
to be improved this summer, but has been put off because of the flood damage. Mayor Stirling
agreed safety is the most important issue.
Councilman Collins said he has received a performance report on the UMTA project, and it
is very well done. It has a nice breakdown on line items. Councilman Collins said all
Council and Commissioners should get this.
COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
Councilman Knecht moved to approve the minutes of July 23, 1984; seconded by Councilman
Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Mike Clement requested help from the city on Main street with pedestrians. Clement
said he sees things happening on Main street that are life threatening. Stop signs cannot
be seen because of vegetation and cars parked too close to intersection. Cars on Main
street do not yield to pedestrians. Clement suggested the police department ticket cars
parked too close to stop signs, the city remove excess vegetation, and have police on Main
street to ticket cars that do not yield to pedestrians. Jay Hammond, city engineer, told
Council the traffic committee is discussing these issues. The state will be repainting the
crosswalks. The city will relocate the pedestrian signs that are hidden by trees.
Mayor Stirling said this Council has always felt putting police on Main street is an
excellent idea. Mayor Stirling said he would like the city manager to take this up with
the police chief. Councilman Collins said he would like th original Main street committee
to comment on these issues. Councilman Knecht said he supported having police out on Main
street 100 per cent, and this should be accomplished immediately. Councilman Knecht
requested the traffic committee look at painting the crosswalks more heavily than just two
lines.
Councilman Blomquist moved that Council request the State Highway Department and planning
office to jointly prepare a plan for landscaped traffic and pedestrian safety islands the
full length of Main street; seconded by Councilman Collins. Councilman collins and Blomquist
in favor; Councilmembers Knecht, Walls and Mayor Stirling opposed. Motion NOT carried.
2. Chuck Carleton said the Council has put back as a low priority covering of the James
E. Moore swimming pool. Carleton presented a petition of people who would use the swimming
pool on a year round bases. Carleton urged Council to reconsider their priorities.
Councilwoman Walls said she is in full support of this and feels Aspen should have a year
round swimming pool. Councilwoman Walls said she would like Council to get together with
the school board and try to make arrangements for enclosing the swimming pool. Mayor
Stirling said the city manager will get together with the school board to see what can be
done. Mayor Stirling said he would like to know how many communities over 8,000 feet have
year-round operated pools. Carleton said not too many. Carleton suggested the city look
at user fees or maybe the city could try a blanket on an interim basis. Councilman Collins
said this has been looked into many times; the city has done some economic studies and the
costs of operating and maintaining the pool are high. The deficit to operate it would be
significant amount of money.
3. Mark Joseph told Council he is working on a bicycle race for September 16. They will
be using the course on Hopkins and Hyman; this is a small criterium course. Joseph said
he expects 200 - 300 riders. The course will be closed from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and will
allow two accesses between races.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Collins reported on RFTA; at the meeting last week, the general manager
tendered his resignation explaining he feels he has lost his effectiveness as manager.
This was taken under advisement by the Board. Councilman Collins reported there were two
employees involved in a pie throwing incident. One employee was suspended for two months;
the photographer was suspended for one month. This employee appealed and the Board reducedl
the suspension to two weeks.
2. Mayor Stirling said the Coors Classic contacted the city and expressed interest in
having Aspen as a site for the bicycle race next year. Mayor Stirling said he has asked
Monroe Summer to bring to Council a result of the post mortem on the 1984 Coors Classic
so that Council can make a decision.
3. Mayor Stirling said a towing case against the city has been resolved; Council received
a memorandum from City Attorney Taddune with the ramifications. The city has been vindicated
in taking the actions they have.
4. Mayor Stirling said there was a bus maintenance facility tour and the radio mentioned
that the City Council boycotted the tour. Mayor Stirling pointed out the invitations were
delivered one hour after the tour was finished; the Council had no notice of this.
4. Mayor Stirling said Aspen had a visit from representatives of Wengen, Switzerland.
There were interesting ideas proposed, these will be followed up with reports.
5. Mayor Stirling said the M.A.A. just had their last concert. The M.A.A. was well-attended
and feels the Wheeler Opera House played a role in the high success this summer.
6. Mayor Stirling said last Wednesday the CCLC sponsored a lighting tour of the downtown
area and Main street. Mayor Stirling asked Council how they would like this followed up.
Council suggested a work session with CCLC, which was scheduled for Monday, September 17
at 5:00 p.m.
7. Councilman Blomquist requested the electric rate increase from PSCo be added to the
agenda, as well as the Martin/Fenton election issue. Councilman Blomquist said he would
also like to add a discussion about appointments and reappointments to City Boards and
Commissions. Councilman Blomquist requested an executive session after the Council meeting
on a personnel issue.
Mayor Stirling said the city has an ordinance in which increases in electric rates to the
city can automatically be adjusted to city customers. This item is to give Council notice
of the rate increase.
Councilwoman Walls moved to place the electric rate increase on the agenda; seconded by
Councilman Knecht. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Blomquist move to add the election issue; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All
in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
Councilman Blomquist moved to add an executive session regarding personnel; seconded by
Councilman Collins.
Mayor Stirling said he is not in favor of executive sessions on personnel and would like
notice to be given on the matter involved.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
PROCLAMATION - OUTSTANDING CITY EMPLOYEE - Gary White
Mayor Stirling said the city is very proud to have a~proclamation for a member of the police
department. Mayor Stirling introduced Gary White and read the proclamation.
Mayor Stirling moved to add golf passes for Ballet West; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
All in favor, motion carried.
~aun~lIman .Coll~s.~move~ to add to the agenda Ordinance ~27, 1984, regarding backfill,
~~-9-~7~-~i-7-~-~6~'~ed by COuncilman Blomquist.
CoUncilwoman Walls asked why t~is was so urgent and comes at the last minute; Council has
not had a chance to review this. City Attorney Taddune said this is firSt reading; it will
then go to second reading and public hearing. Councilman Blomquist withdrew his second.
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE REPORT
Jay Hammond, city engineer, said the traffic committee would like to have three ballot
questions for a special election in November dealing with the entrance to twon and two
questions on the parking situation in town. In order to have these on the November ballot,
Council must consider these at this meeting; the wording of the questions can be decided
in the next month. Hammond told Council other issues the committee has discussed, like
painting the parking lots and setbacks at intersections, are tied to the greater issue of
parking. Hammond said parking impacts off-street parking, circulation in downtown.
Hammond said the entrance to town has been discussed many times previously; Voorheis in
1973; Halperin in 1975; busway feasibility in 1983. All these studies recommended changes
to the entrance to Aspen and that it be more direct than it is now. Hammond pointed out
the P & Z has recommended an examination of the entrance to town from the Maroon creek
bridge into Main street. As discussed earlier, the County Commissioners have recommended
realigning the highway into town.
Hammond told Council on the highway by the Castle Creek bridge, it has been found that in
1983 traffic flows are in excess of 22,000 vehicles per day; low season counts are approach-
ing 18,000 vehicles per day. These counts have been growing consistently at 8 per cent
per year. The Colorado Department of Highways has a design standard for a two-lane highway
and their recommendation is not to exceed 1,000 vehicles per hour; highway 82 in this area
is running in excess of 1800 vehicles per hour. Hammond pointed out the current highway
configuration creates side road conflicts, a bottleneck situation. The entrance poses
problems of both safety and convenience. Hammond said granting of rights-of-way in this
area would start the process with the department of highways. A minimum time frame would
be five years. Hammond said another consideration is the potential ability of the state
to take matters out of the city's hands. The city should establish a plan to give the
highway department an indication of what kind of solution the city would like. Hammond
said in some proposals, the city would be trading rights-of-way with the department of
highways and may have the ability to reclaim some of the roadways for open space.
Peter Forsch, Aspen Skiing Company, said there is a consensus from studies, task forces,
P & Zs that this is an area of utmost priority. Forsch pointed out the goals task force
recommends the city's transportation problems be given the highest priority by local
governments. The task force report on the role of the city in the resort states, "hassels
in transportation and overall vacation, strongest consumer complaints." Forsch said he
feels an intolerable situation has been created for both the guests and the locals. Forsch
said he realizes there are no easy alternatives; any solution would necessitate relocation
of some people and property.
Forsch presented maps and alternatives of work on the entrance to town the committee has
done. The committee looked at all alternatives and presented three different plans.
Forsch said the committee recommended an alternative for the "straight shot" into Aspen.
This plan has the ability to combine two intersections into one with a traffic light.
This could create a parkway, pleasing experience into town. There are some negative
impacts on some residences. Forsch went over some of the other alternatives, on of which
is the existing alignment and smoothing out the two curves. This would take quite a bit
of property. Mayor Stirling pointed out alternative 4 would be to leave the entrance
exactly the way it is. Forsch said the committee does not feel this is a viable alterna-
tive.
Councilman Blomquist suggested perhaps the bridge is the bottleneck, not the two 90 degree
turns. Councilman Blomquist suggested the bridge be four laned and leave the two turns
the way they are. Councilman Blomquist pointed out the traffic on Main street cannot be
handled if the entrance is opened up. Mayor Stirling said two years ago, the voters voted
clearly they wanted to continue the alignment as it now exists. Mayor Stirling said it is
important to respond to the people's desires. Mayor Stirling said most people don't
complain about the entrance but complain about highway 82 below Brush Creek. People do
not want a different entrance to town. People like the aesthetics of the entrance and the
pastoral approach. Mayor Stirling said the easier it is for the traffic, the more traffic
is encouraged.
Mayor Stirling said the major bottleneck is the stoplight at Cemetery Lane and would
recommend removing the light. Mayor Stirling said a new bridge is needed, and the road
should be Widening for turning lanes. There should be traffic control officers at
Cemetery Lane in the morning and afternoon. Mayor Stirling said the proposed alternatives
will wipe out $3,000,000 just spent on open space, which lends an unusual character to the
community. Alternatives 1 and 2 will allow a speedway on Main street. The current approach
slows cars down, it retains the feeling of the town, and makes it pleasant coming into to
town. Councilman Blomquist said he would like to see the speed limit on Main street be
reduced to 25 mph.
Len Olander said experts and committees that put in a lot of time do present valid situations.
Olander said the question here is whether the state will be in control of the situation
or will the city of Aspen be in control. David White, P & Z member, said he is concerned
about the Ostrich approach. The town has to plan about the future of this community;
there has to be planning for safety improvements. Tim Brennan said this town has a certain
character about it; if a direct alignment would change the character of the town, it is
detrimental. Brennan said if this does come to a public vote, the public should be
thoroughly educated. Brennan pointed out the state may come out with a standard that fits
the state, not Aspen.
Jeff Evans, committee member, said there is an emotional reaction anytime four lanes are
mentioned. The committee is recommending merge lanes from Castle and Maroon creek and
from Cemetery Lane. The committee is recommending a parkway treatment, which would make
the entry to town more attractive than it is now. Evans said sitting in a traffic jam
on highway 82 does not lend to the image of this town. Evans said this problem has been
with Aspen for over a decade and it should be solved. Evans pointed out that the voters
two years ago voted on something entirely different. Councilman Blomquist said the voters
did not want a straight shot into Main. Councilman Blomquist said this issue can be
settled by Council asking the state highway department to four-lane the Castle creek
bridge in its present location. The Council would then reject going through the Marolt/
Thomas property or through the golf course.
Leslie Lee, planning office, said the staff supports the efforts of the traffic committee
as well as planning the entrance to town. It is a critical area, and to disregard it is
wrong. The planning office does feel that a ballot issue might be premature, as the staff
is in the process of sketch planning and public education.
Councilman Collins moved not to put this question on the ballot for November election;
seconded by Councilman Blomquist.
Mayor Stirling agreed more public discussed is needed to follow the efforts of this
committee. Mayor Stirling said these may be better as ballot questions in the May 1985
regular municipal election. Councilman Knecht agreed these issues would be better on the
May elections. Councilman Knecht said he does want these to be ballot issues at some
point, and November may be too soon. Evans said the Council should decide which alterna-
tive they are going to take to the voters.
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Collins brought up the busway feasibility study of 1982 and one of their
alternatives was a one-way pair option, which is not mentioned in this report. Councilman
Collins asked what happens when the traffic gets to Main street. Evans said the traffic
committee is going to address that next. Mayor Stirling suggested the traffic committee
set a date in the next two months for a public hearing on the issues brought up in this
meeting, clarify the election issues, Main street, removing the light at Cemetery Lane.
Councilman Knecht moved to put a question about the new entrance to Aspen on the May
election ballot; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. Councilmembers Knecht, Walls and
Blomquist in favor; Councilman Collins and Mayor Stifling opposed. Motion carried.
Councilman Blomquist moved not to hold an election in November on the parking structure
and to request engineering and planning departments for fresh information on parking needs
and solutions; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Knecht moved to put items 2 and 3 On the ~ay election ballot; seconded by
Councilman Blomquist.
Mayor Stirling said a parking structure has been taken off the capital improvement list
as Council felt other items were more important. Councilman Blomquist said he would like
to see solutions from the staff in the next six months for Council to consider. Council-
woman Walls agreed it is appropriate to have this on the May ballot.
~gular ~ee~lng Aspen ~lty ~ouncl£ August 27, 1984
Councilmembers Blomquist, Knecht and Walls in favor, Councilman Collins and Mayor Stirling ~
opposed. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #27, SERIES OF 1984 - Aspen Mountain Lodge PUD/Employee Housing
Sunny Vann, planning director, presented the resolution with the three specific actions the
Council must take. Councilman Blomquist said he has a problem with the parking exceptions
at the Copper Horse and Alpina Haus. Councilman collins asked if the Copper Horse is
individually designated "historic". Vann said it is, and there is a provision in the' Code
which allows individually designated structures to be exempt from GMP for change in use.
Councilman Collins said this employee housing proposal only satisfies 15 per cent of the
employees generated, and the growth impacts are not negligble. Vann said there are criteria
in the Code, which the P & Z addresses; these criteria do not address secondary impacts.
Councilman Collins said he does not agree that the impacts are negligble as stated in the
resolution.
Vann said the first set of conditions deal with Council's endorsement of the employee
housing solution as part of the overall PUD concept and GMP application. Council had no
problem with condition ~1. Vann pointed out the applicants are proposing to replace housing
that is being torn down on the site. When the applicants come to Council for condominiumi-
zation, the replacement criteria will have been met. This is condition #2. Council had
no problem with condition ~2. Council changed condition ~3 to include "City's employee
housing guidelines". Council had no problems with conditions #4, 5, and 6. Vann said in
#7 the applicants have represented they will upgrade the Alpina Haus and Copper Horse to
enhance their desirability as employee units and more information will be available at
preliminary. Council had no problem with condition #7.
Vann said in the parking there are 11 off-street parking spaces at Alpina Haus; four off-
site parking spaces at Copper Horse and at Ute City Place there will be one per bedroom and
one additional for 23 parking spaces. There are 32 parking spaces at the Airport Business
Center. There are a total of 70 parking spaces at all four sites. There are 14 rooms at
the Copper Horse; 43 at the Alpina Haus; 32 at the Airport Business Center and 22 at Ute
City Place for a total of 111 units. The proposal is a mix of dorm and residential units.
Mayor Stirling said he feels there is a difference in parking requirements for dorm units
over residential units. Vann pointed out the Copper Horse and Alpina Haus are existing
structures and given the circumstances, it is not likely any more parking will be provided.
Vann said the Code recognizes the difficulties in L-3 lodges for providing parking and
gives a way to provide less than the parking required in exchange for upgrading the
facilities.
Councilman Blomquist said he would like to recommend a standard of parking to be achieved
before preliminary. Councilman Blomquist said there is a tendency for employees to have
a car, whether they drive to work or not. Vann said the Code excludes a minimum standard
for parking in employee housing because it is examined on a case-by-case basis.
Councilman Blomquist moved to amend condition ~8 be amended to require Alpina Haus to
provide at least 23 parking spaces, which is ½ parking space per employee; that the Copper
Horse minimum standard of parking be 22 spaces, which is ½ space per employee; and that
the same standard apply to the Ute City Place; seconded by Councilman Collins.
Councilman Knecht pointed out one of the principles in employee housing is to use already
built buildings so that the requirements are different. Councilman Blomquist said the P & Z
stated they did not like the parking solution and asked the applicants to proVide a solution
at preliminary. Councilman Blomquist is suggesting a standard for the applicants to meet.
Mayor Stirling said the objective is to mix the employees throughout the town, without
building a large complex. This proposal will have deed restricted dormitory employee
housing. This proposal is using existing inventory, which Council had said they would give
a premium to in GMP applications. Mayor Stirling said he is willing to give up some
parking in order to make this application work. Len Olender, Brass Bed, told Council when
the Alpina Haus was used for employee housing, it turned Durant street into a parking lot.
Olender said Council has to look at where the projects are and where employees are going to
park.
John Doremus said P & Z and the staff recommended that the applicant be given the opportunity
to find solutions, which might be other than parking spaces. Doremus said the applicants
would like time to find other methods of mitigating the parking. Councilman Collins said
there is a possibility that in the future there will be no parking on Main street; if this
happens, it will exacerbate the parking situation.
Councilmembers Walls, Collins and Blomquist in favor; Councilman Knecht and Mayor Stirling
opposed. Motion carried.
Council requested conldition ~9 be changed to ~eflect "city's housing guidelines". Council
had no problem with #10. Vann explained in condition ~11 P & Z said conceptually, they
wanted the applicant to augment the county bus system and give details at preliminary.
Councilman Knecht moved to accept the 12 conditions with the amendments as indicated;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
Vann told Council section 2 deals with Ute City Place, with is 100 per cent deed restricted.
In order to be exempt from GMP, this requires Council approval. P & Z has recommended
Ute City Place be exempt from GMP with two conditions. Council requested the same change
of "city's housing guidelines".
Councilman Knecht moved to accept section 2 with two conditions with the change above;
seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
ReguLar Meeting Aspen u~ty uouncl± augus~
Vann told Council the Ute City Place is a multi-family structure and is subject to the
city's subdivision regulation. The conditions in section 3 are from the prior subdivision
review of the project with minor changes. Condition ~2 the engineering department requests
the applicant to re-evaluate the parking access before preliminary. Mayor Stirling pointed
out condition #7 requires the applicant to do things before preliminary that cannot be done,
Vann agreed to change conditions 1, 3, and 4. Vann said the Council will have to reconfirm
the rezoning of this property to RBO at final plat. Vann said this project could be
constructed as a free market project with the RBO right now. This proposal is for a smaller
footprint with better parking and better access. This project will be within the FAR,
although there will be more dwelling units on the property. This application is for 100
per cent employee housing, rather than free market and employee housing. Council suggested
having a condition that the applicant receive a RBO overly rezoning for Ute City Place.
City Attorney Taddune said Council has to retain the prerogative to consider any input
disclosed during the public hearing process.
Councilman Knecht moved to accept Section 3 addition condition 98 on the rezoning issue
and taking 1, 3, and 4 so these conditions do not have to be physically in place before
preliminary review; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
Margaret Albouy read a statement to Council regarding employee housing. Mrs. Albouy
recommended Council shift the focus of housing to the kind of facilities needed for seasonal
employees to provides for all their basic needs under one roof. Mrs. Albouy said the city
should encourage seasonal employees to be truly seasonal. This facility could be used by
the music students in the summer.
Councilman Blomquist moved that staff bring the resolution back to Council for review of
the specific language changes; seconded by Councilman Collins.
Councilmembers Walls, Knecht and Mayor Stirling opposed; Councilmembers Collins and
Blomquist in favor. Motion NOT carried.
Councilman Knecht moved to~ adopt Resolution ~27, Series of 1984, with the outlined amendments
and have the Mayor sign it; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Councilmembers Knecht, Walls
and Mayor Stirling in favor; Councilmembers Blomquist and Collins opposed. Motion carried.
ASPEN MOUNTAIN PUD - Request for Staged PUD Review
Sunny Vann, planning director, reminded Council the applicants submitted the conceptual
stage in two parts; the lodge component, and the residential component. There are two
different dates in the Code for lodge GMP and for residential GMP. Vann said after
conceptual, the planning office wanted the project to come together for preliminary and
final. Vann said it has become difficult for the applicants to follow this course and they
have requested the preliminary PUD be separated as in conceptual. The main reason is the
time is has taken to complete the conceptual process. Vann said staff has concluded there
is the flexibility in the Code to allow this. There are some drawbacks, such as not seeing
the entire project. Vann said the applicants have presented arguements to proceed in a
staged review in order to start construction next spring.
Mayor Stirling said the benefits of putting the application together at preliminary are
full disclosure, proper notice, the interrelationship of the two components, clarity,
avoiding duplication, and making the process less tiring. Councilman Blomquist said during
conceptual review of the hotel, the Council inserted a provision that the hotel was not
approved until the whole PUD was approved. Councilman Blomquist said he feels the prelimin-
ary can use the same step-by-step process. Councilman Blomquist said he is in favor of
staging the review, and there is no preliminary approval until all stages are through.
This will not proceed to final plat until all the steps have been met and the entire project
reviewed. Doremus said staging this review will save more than one season, which is a
benefit to the community. Councilman Collins said he would like a schedule of approvals,
drawings, construction, etc. Councilman Collins said he throught the object was to have
the entire project built at once and to have it fit in with the lodge improvement district.
Doremus said there have been problems because of the bankruptcy; the applicants have not
owned the property nor had conceptual approval~ Doremus said now they have conceptual
approval, they will provide a schedule.
Councilman Knecht moved to allow the applicants for the Aspen Mountain PUD to phase or stage
the submission and review of their preliminary PUD/subdivision application; seconded by
Councilwoman Walls. Councilman Blomquist requested the motion be amended to add, "provided
any preliminary stage shall not be approved until the preliminary for the entire PUD has
been approved'!. Councilmembers Knecht and Walls accepted the amendment.
Doremus said the amendment is fine if the implication is that the city will review and
comment on the various stages. Councilman Blomquist agreed with this. Vann said he would
like direction from Council that this addresses only preliminary PUD submission. Vann said
this approval does not automatically guarantee the applicant's right to piecemeal subsequent
reviews, such as final of building permit. Council agreed. Mayor Stirling said he feels
a staged review would benefit the community.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~25, SERIES OF 1984 - Nugget Rezoning
Colette Penne, planning office, told Council when the class action rezoning for L-3 lodges
was done, the legal description for the Nugget missed the east half of lots E and O.
Councilman Blomquist moved to read Ordinance ~25, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilman
Knecht. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~25
(Series of 1984)
AN ORDINANCE REZONING TO TO LODGE PRESERVATION (L-3) THE EAST ONE-HALF OF
LOTS E AND O, A~D ALL OF LOTS F, G, H, I, P, Q, R AND S, BLOCK 58, CITY
AND TOWNSITE OF ASPEN, ALSO KNOWN AS 110 WEST MAIN STREET was read by the
city clerk
Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance #25, Series of 1984, on first reading; seconded
by Councilman Blomquist.
Ms. Penne pointed out this parcel has been completed considered in terms of rezoning
criteria at the time of the L-3 rezoning.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Collins, nay; Knecht, aye; Blomquist, aye;
Mayor Stirling, aye.
CONDOMINIUMIZATION - Nugget Lodge
Colette Penne, planning office, told Council this is an L-3 lodge; it is below the permitted
FAR at .53:1. The intent of condominiumizing lodges is to maintain the units in the short
term rental market; there is evidence of compliance with this in the condominium declara-
tions. The Nugget Lodge has proyided an 520 square foot employee housing unit; this
application is providing a 584 square foot unit,wkichlwitt supply two pillows of employee
housing. Ms. Penne said the Code requires a minimum of two employee pillows or the amount
of employee housing provided for the last three years. Gideon Kaufman, representing the
applicant, said the housing office's condition addresses the verification and qualification
of the employees for this housing. Kaufman said rather than have the employee qualified
by the housing office, these units may be rented to seasonal employees, like maids.
Kaufman said they are willing to charge the l~w income as long as they can rent to seasonal
employees. Kaufman said the intent is to make sure the employees of the lodge have a place
to stay.
Councilman Blomquist said the lodge owner should be free to make the choice of Who stays
in the unit; it might be a higher income employee, like manager. Kaufman said the intent
of the lodge condominiumization ordinance was to have full-time employees living on site.
Mayor Stirling said he would like to hear from the housing authority on this issue and
whether this should be low or middle income guidelines. Councilman Blomquist said the
committee's intent was that the housing in the lodge be for employees of the lodge.
Councilwoman Walls said the housing office feels low income housing is what is needed.
Mayor Stirling suggested leaving condition ~6 in and getting a report from Jim Adamski
at second reading of the ordinance.
Mayor Stirling asked why there is no parking condition. Ms. Penne explained the Nugget is
not requesting any new units. Kaufman pointed out there are 22 spaces in the city's
right-of-way because this street is twice as wide as other streets. Kaufman said he has
been discussing vacation of the alley with staff. The alley is vacated on the map but
there is no formal proof of vacation. The engineering department has requested information
on utility locations, etc. Ms. Penne broughtl up a condition added by P & Z. There is a
Code section which states subdivisions should not be named similarly to other subdivisions.
The name chosen for this is "Hotel Aspen" and P & Z suggested the name be changed because
Aspen is used a lot with other inns and lodges and is a source of confusion for visitors.
Also the name connotes a full hotel, which this is not. Mayor Stirling said he thoroughly
agrees but does not feel the Council has any real jurisdiction over things like this; it
is the applicant's choice. Kaufman said the Code addresses recorded subdivision plats
and it is stretching to use this section of the Code. Kaufman said the Secretary of
State has granted permission to use this name. Councilman Blomquist suggested P & Z look
at the sign code to see if this problem could be addressed in the sign code.
Mayor Stirling moved to delete condition ~7; seconded by Councilman Knecht. Councilmembersl
Collins, Knecht and Mayor Stirling in favor; Councilmembers Walls and Blomquist opposed.
Motion carried.
Councilman Knecht moved to approve the subdivision exception for the purpose of condominium-
izing the Nugget Lodge, dropping condit±on ~7 and waiting for a report from the housing
authority on condition ~6; seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, with the exception
of Councilwoman Walls. Motion carried.
SUBDIVISION EXEMPTION - Mary Karen Euler
City Attorney Taddune said this is a court order decree that this lot be exempt from the
definition of subdivision regulations. Taddune said he takes exception because he was not
given notice of proceedings. Lennie Oates, representing the applicant, said these lots
A and B are adjacent to one and other. A couple, who jointly owned the property, got a
divorce; as part of the decree each person got one detached single family dwelling. The
Code says a subdivision created by a court order is exempt from subdivision. However, the
judge divided the property the wrong way. Taddune said the court should not order a decree
without giving him an opportunity to comment on the ramifications. Taddune said he is
comfortable with this if he has a statement of subdivision exemption and the planning office
reviews the maps.
Councilman Blomquist moved to grant the exemption for the southerly half of lots A and B
subject to a statement approved by the attorney's office and maps approved by the planning
office; seconded by Councilman Knecht.
Taddune said he would like a Code amendment that the city be provided with notice and an
opportunity to be heard in Court cases regarding land use.
All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #24, SERIES OF 1984 - Denying Smuggler Mountain Annexation Petition
Mayor Stirling pointed out there is a letter from the owner of the Centennial project who
would like to know the ramifications of annexation before he commits to being part of the
annexation. City Attorney Taddune said there was a petition in opposition to the petition
for annexation election. A representative of that group is present to discuss this
position. Mick Ireland said he felt the city ought to annex Silverking and Centennial
areas as these areas are part of the city. Ireland said he opposed the annexation because
that was not the proper tool to stop Centennial, and the people behind the annexation
petition were motivated for other reasons than annexation. Ireland said he would withdraw
his opposition and would like to see Council go forward with annexation of this area.
Taddune reminded Council this annexation petition has a lot of problems; one is the opposition
filed by Ireland. Council can find the petition is not in compliance and approve this
resolution. Council can ask Ireland to withdraw his statement and Taddune will present
a petition to approve the annexation and move this forward. Taddune said all the ramifi-
cations of annexing this area are not all known. Mayor Stirling asked about the staff
report on annexation policies. City Manager Schilling said he would report back to Council.
Councilman Blomquist moved to approve Resolution #24, Series of 1984, changing the title
and substance to find the annexation petition sufficient; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Councilman Blomquist said Taddune should redraft'the resolution for Council. Schilling
said it is important for the city to have an annexation policy and a procedure for
assessing the implications of annexation.
All in favor, motion carried. Council directed staff to get started on annexation of this
ORDINANCE #23, SERIES OF 1984 - Appropriations
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Stirling closed
the public hearing.
Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance #23, Series of 1984, on second reading; seconded
by Councilman Blomquist. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Blomquist, aye; Walls, aye;
Collins, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried.
BUDGET WORKBOOK PRESENTATION
Finance Director Sheree Sonfield, Dallas Everhart, and Cindy Shafer presented the budget
workbook and schedule. Council changed the budget hearings to 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. three days
a week, starting this week.
RESOLUTION #29, SERIES OF 1984 City Manager Agreement
City Attorney Taddune told Council the only outstanding item is the amount of the life
insurance. Council discussed the city,s policy and amount other employees are covered.
Mayor Stifling moved to approve the city manager's agreement as written, leave section
12(F) open and direct the Mayor and City Attorney to work it out, and to adopt Resolution
#29, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, with the exception
of Councilman Knecht. Motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS - City Market; Magnifico's
Councilman K~echt moved to approve the liquor license renewals; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #26, SERIES OF 1984 - Refunding Bonds
Finance Director Sheree Sonfield said Council looked at this earlier; however, the bond
market changed and action was postponed. Ms. Sonfield told Council the bond market is
favorable and she is recommending proceeding with refunding the bonds to save the city
about $200,000.
Councilman Knecht moved to read Ordinance #26, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls.
ORDINANCE #26
(Series of 1984)
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, SALES
TAX REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS SERIES OCTOBER 1, 1984, IN THE PRINCIPLE AMOUNT
OF $11,980,000 FOR REFUNDING PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR THE PLEDGE THERETO OF
THE INCOME DERVIED FROM THE CITY BY THE CITY FROM DESIGNATED SALES TAX
PRESCRIBING DETAILS AND COVENANTS CONCERNING THE BONDS, THE TAXES AND THE
REFUNDING PROJECT; RATIFYING ACTION PREVIOUSLY TAKEN REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
IF ANY IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE HEREWITH was read by the city clerk
Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance 926, Series of 1984, on first reading; seconded
by Councilwoman Walls.
Ms. Sonfield said the savings to the city would be a direct reduction of payments seen
in the long range plans for the land fund. Mayor Stirling asked how this savings would
allocated. Councilman Knecht said he feels it should go back to the land fund; Councilman
Blomquist agreed. Ms. Sonfield told Council should would prepare proposals. Joe Barrows,
Kirchner/Moore, said the numbers in the ordinance are based on current market conditions
and the details will be completed by second reading. Barrows said these are the same
terms and conditions of the 1982 bonds, and pledges all the sales tax revenues except
those of the transit funds. Barrows said he feels the financing makes sense.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Collins, aye; Knecht, aye; Blomquist, aye;
Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried.
3781
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council August 27, 1984
LOT 17, WPW SUBDIVISION - Floor Area Ratio
City Attorney Taddune said this is a request for Council to clarify some Council minutes
which changed the FAR on this property from .3:1 to .4:1. Taddune said he would like
Council to confirm the FAR on this property is .4:1. Taddune said the applicant has a
better design for the property rather than the one the HPC approved with the .4:1 FAR.
Jon Seigle, representing the applicant, told Council the applicant could get a building
permit without any city approvals for a previously approved design.for a 4700 square foot
residence. Seigle's client would like the same square footage with a different architectural
plan. The plan would have to go to HPC for their approval. Seigle said he feels it is
clear Council approved a .4:1 for this property and would like that confirmed by the
Council.
Colette Penne, planning office, said when the WPW subdivision was created, the Council
imposed an FAR of .3:1. One of the owners of these lots came to Council with a set of
plans and had Council approve a .4:1 FAR. Since all this, the FAR ordinance was passed
and:~the :maximum ~AR for~this~ ot in the R-6 zone is 4703 square feet, slightly less than
the original design. Ms. Penne said she feels the new design is preferable and is 4703
square feet, which would fit the allowable FAR but is greater than .3:1. The minutes
allowing the .4:1 FAR refer to a specific design for the properties. Mayor Stirling said
he feels the FAR for the R-6 zone should prevail. Seigle agreed with this.
Councilman Blomquist said he feels the more restrictive should apply. Councilman Collins
said if the subdivision was covenanted to .3:1 FAR, he does not think Council can~ change
that. Councilman Collins said he would like more information.
Councilman Blomquist moved to table this issues; seconded by Councilman Collins.
Se~gle said there is a cloud on the title; the applicant would like this matter clarified.
Seigle said Council approved a condominiumized duplex on this property, which is not
built.
Councilmembers Collins and Blomquist in favor; Councilmembers Walls, Knecht and Mayor
Stirling opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to have the existing FAR in the R-6 zone prevail on this lot;
seconded by Councilman Blomquist.
Councilman Collins said when this was first presented to the city, there was much discussion
and Council imposed an FAR. Councilman Collins said it is unfair for a subsequent Council
to change the FAR without going through the process. Seigle said he is asking from Council
a confirmation that the zoning applies.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion carried.
ELECTION ISSUES
Councilman Blomquist moved to table the Martin/Fenton election issue to 30 days hence;
seconded by Mayor Stirling. All in favor, motion carried.
ELECTRIC RATES
Mayor Stirling asked if, when the city goes with MEAN, the city could lower the electric
rates. Ms. Sonfield said the budget assumes this electric rate increase. Ms. Sonfield
said the city will have more say and more forewarning about rate increases through MEAN.
Ms. Sonfield said the staff did fight this rate increase.
Councilwoman Walls moved to endorse the existing ordinance; seconded by Councilman Blomquist.
All in favor, motion carried.
DONATION OF GOLF PASSES
Mayor Stirling said this is a request from Ballet Aspen to donate two golf passes as a
prize for their golf tournament this weekend. This is a value of about $650. Councilman
Blomquist suggested this donation come out of the arts budget.
Mayor Stirling moved to give two golf passes for Ballet Aspen and not designate which
fund until the budget hearings; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, with the
exception of Councilman Knecht. Motion carried.
Councilman Blomquist moved to adjourn into executive session; seconded by Councilwoman
Walls. Council adjourned at 10:30 p.m. All in favor, motion carried.
Kathryn s:K~ch, City Clerk
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council September 10, 1984
Mayor Stifling called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. with Councilmembers Walls, Blomquist
and Knecht and Commissioners Klanderud, Child, Kinsley and Madsen present.
1. Trails Trade Discussion. City Manager Schilling requested this be continued to the
next joint meeting. Mayor Stirling moved to table the trails trade discussion to September
24, 1984; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. All in favor, motion carried.