HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19841009Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 9, 1984
Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with Councilmembers Blomquist,
Collins, Knecht and Walls present.
MINUTES
There were none.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
No Comments.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mayor Stirling announced that October 10th at noon, the Roaring Fork Transit Agency
is formally dedicated the bus maintenance facility and Council is invited.
2. Mayor Stirling said he and the city manager have been discussing the idea of when
there is no joint meeting with the County Commissioners, to have meetings with the school
board, sanitation district board, hospital board, and Snowmass town Council. Mayor
Stirling suggested meeting with the sanitation district board first because Council has
been discussing uses of their site by the river. Council agreed.
3. Mayor Stirling said October 30th a delegation from Sapporo, Japan, will be arriving
in town. People are hosting them and introducing them to town. City Manager Hal schilling
is organizing this.
4. Mayor Stirling said the Council has set two debate nights for the ballot issues,
October 16 and 23. Assistant City Manager Ron Mitchell is contacting the League of Women
Voters to help sponsor this.
5. Mayor Stirling said the task forces are not ready for the scheduled meeting October 17
and would like it rescheduled for the first week in November.
6. Mayor Stirling asked City Manager Schilling to schedule a work session for the capital
improvements budget.
PROCLAMATION - Aspen High School
Mayor Stirling said this Friday, October 12, is being proclamed Aspen High School day; it
is their homecoming. There will be a parade at 2 p.m. and the game is 1:30 on Saturday.
PLANNING OFFICE DISCUSSION
Mayor Stirling said Council has a memorandum from the City Manager discussing the three
alternatives from an earlier discussion on the planning office. Mayor Stirling said he
feels accountability and responsibility is at the heart of the issue. Mayor Stirling said
he wants the planning office to be accountable to the citizens, and the manager to be
accountable to Council for carrying out its function. Mayor Stirling said the planning
office is a quasi-independent agency and are too isolated. Mayor Stirling said serving
two bosses, the city and county are not always getting the best work. With the mixed urban
and rural character, the city and county are at odds with their two goals. Mayor Stirling
said the city and county need to combine totally with one set of elected officials, or the
city annexes the urban areas around town.
Councilman Blomquist moved for alternative #1, the city would establish its own planning
office; seconded by Councilman Collins.
Harry Truscott told Council the joint housing office has reduced the operating cost by
more than half. Truscott said he believes the planning can be done more efficiently and
deplores the possibility of planning being done separately. Truscott said the city and
county Codes are quite similar, and the general philosophy should be keeping the two
governments together as much as possible. Chuck Vidal said there is a benefit in a joint
planning office; planning issues do not stop or start at the city line. Planning issues
transgress these lines and should be done jointly. Vidal said he is concerned about the
Council having captive staff, where Council is making the decisions and then directing
staff to come up with rationale. This eliminates staff objectivity. Vidal said there
should be more areas of working together with the county rather than having conflicts.
Phoebe Ryerson seconded the comments, and pointed out during budget discussions one of
the concerns is duplication of salaries. Planning issues are a mutual problem to both
city and county residents.
Jim Curtis said he is not supportive of dividing the planning office which may lead to
a competitive process of "us versus them". Curtis said the problems in the community
are not an "us versus them" situation. It will be too easy to ha~e communication break
downs in trying to solve problems that impact the whole valley. Jasmine Tygre told
Council in her term on P & Z , they have been working on making the planning process more
comprehensive, logical and coherent so that things happening in the valley are coordinatedl
splitting the planning office would negate any progress that has been made in that
direction.
Vidal said if Council's problem is the responsiveness of the planning staff to their
desires, they should deal with this problem driectly rather than changing the form.
Roger Hunt said he has been on P & Z for a long time and has seen the evolution of planning.
Hunt said the Council has made no attempt to communication with the P & Z. Hunt said this
decision will not be in the best interest of the community and will eliminate all the
positives that have occurred in planning. Hunt suggested before deciding this issue,
Council should have a joint meeting with P & Z to discuss this.
Gideon Kaufman said Council has strong feelings on this, but it is important to keep in
public comment on this issue. Kaufman said he has heard a lot of positive public support
to continuing the planning office as it is. Kaufman said objective planning is the
responsibility of the planning office. Kaufman said he is a citizen of both the city and
county, and it is important to have planners who understand what is going on in the entire
valley. Kaufman said two separate planning offices would be detrimental for the whole
community. The split will create extra work, is not necessary, and is not in the best
interests of the community.
Lee Pardee, P & Z member, said the community wants continuity in policy and thinking; the
decisions are Council's but the work should be done and advise given by professional.
Pardee said the planning office has been doing a good job. David White, P & Z member,
told Council he has not heard the citizens requesting the planning office be split. The
important issue is long term planning; splitting the Planning office is a short term
benefit.
Councilman Collins said 10 years ago the city had a master plan setting the parameters for
the city to develop. Councilman Collins said in the intervening years ther has been a lot
of change, which has been policy planning originating from Council. As a result, the
goals are not longer effective. A lot of the things the city has done do not fit into
the master plan. There is the residential bonus overlay, which has been a disaster ever
since. As a result of housing on the Marolt property, the city came up with a new zone
R-15A. The Council introduced dormitories in the R-6 area These decisions all came from
the political body not the objectivity of the planning office. Councilman Collins said
the city has certain interests and needs aside and apart from the county. Councilman
Collins said there are a lot of activities going on in the county which will impact the
city. Councilman Collins said it is time for the city to look to their interests because
the city is a different entity. Councilman Collins said the city's interests are somewhat
diluted and lost. Councilman Collins said he wants to see the planning efforts. Council-
man Collins said he does not think there has been any planning going on, everything is
reactionary.
Mayor Stirling said over the last year, it has become apparent there needs to be more
focus on the city's goals and needs. Mayor Stirling said he is seeking objective, profes-i!
sional planning and does not want a rubber stamp. Mayor Stirling said there are differenci~s
of opinion between the city and county. The city's planning focus is entirely urban.
Mayor Stirling said he would like to go forward with annexation. Mayor Stirling said the
planning office has too many bosses and it is not clear where accountability is. Mayor
Stirling said the city is not getting the long-range, comprehensive planning it needs.
Mayor Stirling said the city's goals are distinctive from the county's goals.
Councilman Knecht said the city is spending $275,000 and not getting their money's worth.
Things the Council asked for have not been addressed like annexation, transportation,
highway 82, RUbey Park, neighborhood planning, parks, trails, Smuggler, capital improve-
ments, etc. Councilman Knecht said before Councillwrecks the system, he would like to
try a new planning director. Councilman Knecht said if Council cannot get the answers
with a new planning director, then the city should have their own planning department and
sub-contract to the county their planning needs.
Councilman Blomquist concurred and withdrew his motion. Councilman Collins accepted.
Councilman Knecht moved to leave the planning system as it is set up presently and that
the city start with a new planning director and have communications with the county to
that effect; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Mayor Stirling said the city manager should begin discussions immediately with the county
concerning a personnel issue in a joint department. Mayor Stirling said he feels the
original motion would accomplish the same goal that is being suggested. Councilman
Blomquist said the joint agreement provides that the planning director serves at the
pleasure of both City Council and Board of County Commissioners. If the Council withdraws
its pleasure, then the planning director ceases to serve because he does not serve at the
pleasure of both. Councilman Blomquist agreed that much of the difficulty created for
the planning director is caused by structural problems.
Lee Pardee encouraged Council to have a joint meeting with the P & Z before they consider
a personnel change. Pardee said the P & Z has spent one night a week for almost a year
on all the things the Council has mentioned. Pardee said the planning has been going on
and everything mentioned is about to be delivered. Jasmine Tygre supported Pardee and
said the P & Z has gotten into overall planning, has citizen input in neighborhood planningI
and would like to discuss this with Council. Ms. Tygre told Council alot of the progress
in the planning has been due to Sunny Vann's efficiency. Chuck Vidal said Council is a
manager and they ought to meet with the staff and tell the staff what they expect. Gail
Weinberg urged Council to meet with P & Z before taking this action. Phoebe Ryerson
said each Council and commissioners requires acres of paperwork from planners rather than
asking for the planning they have been trained to do. Gideon Kaufman said it is the fault
of Council that has lead to the lack of planning. The items listed by Council are items
implemented by Council with direction to staff to work on. Harry Truscott said the
intergovernmental agreement should be specific on what should be done and when. Roger Hunt!i
agreed Council should meet with P & Z.
Councilman Collins said he is looking for a master plan and does not see it. John Eldert,
county manager, pointed out Council is the managers of the planning office. It is Council's
obligation to state explicitly what Council wants the planning office to do and to evaluate
whether or not they are getting what they want. Eldert said he feels the planning depart-
ment has been under-managed and should be managed by the city manager and county manager,
who have the time and expertise to do the job.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried. Council directed
city manager Schilling to report back on how to proceed.
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing on the 1985 budget. Council has spent about 50
hours going over the budget. Mayor Stirling said the total city budget for all funds is
$19,288,242. There is no proposed increase in the mill levy, which is 3.88 mills.
Pete Murphy, communications department, played a tape of an emergency to give Council an
idea of how much work is generated in an emergency. Murphy told Council one example there
are 59 ambulance calls between 3 am and 7 am. Mayor Stirling said he supports thorough
emergency coverage, but whenever a department is receiving a challenge the recommendation
is to hire another staff member. Mayor Stirling said he feels the solution is training
and rescheduling the 12 members of communications. Murphy said in a serious situation, it
is impossible for one human being to handle everything that is going on. There are 14
telephone lines, 8 radio channels. Murphy said in the interest of public safety, it is
better procedure to. have two people handling the situations.
Flint Smith, EMT, said having just one person handling the communications is not a wise
idea. This town has a lot of large size emergencies. Murphy said rescheduling can be
done but there are vacations, etc. and he is doing administrative work and cannot work the
console as a regularly scheduled person. Murphy said the county manager and Commissioners
have approved the additional person. Gary, paramedic, said dispatch runs sheriff's office,i
police department, Snowmass and Aspen fire departments, Snowmass marshal, ambulance,
mountain rescue. If there is more than one entity going, one person cannot handle it.
Gary told Council Denver General has two dispatchers for five ambulances.
Bunny Wiley, sheriff's department, pointed out that as well as emergencies the public and
press call in. John Eldert, county manager, said he appreciates the budgetary constraints
and pointed out the city is paying for a communications system in city hall, with a full
time position. Eldert said the idea of a receptionist is archaic. Eldert said the
switchboard closes at 5:00 p.m. Eldert said spending money for a full time person is a
waste of money when the phone lines can come right in. Murphy told Council that these
dispatchers also enter all information into the computers. Murphy told Council he runs
the console whenever possible.
Councilman Collins said the budget for communications in 1980 was $165,000 and the budget
for 1985 is $331,000 and asked why this budget has almost doubled. Eldert said this is
due to some increased personnel but is also inflation. Councilman Knecht said if the
county has made a commitment to this, he would agree.
Councilman Knecht moved to add this $9,000 to the city's budget as long as the county has
funded their share of $9,000. Motion DIES for lack of second.
Mayor Stirling said the Council will not formally approve the budget until October 22nd.
John Eldert said he lives within the city's water district but outside the city limi{s and
is charged double the water rates that are Charged within the city. Mayor Stirling said
the Council is going to have a session to deal exclusively with water and electric rates
and where to go. Council scheduled this for November 5th. Councilman Blomquist requested
a clear explanations with examples of EQR's.
Mayor Stirling continued the public hearing on the 1985 budget to October 22nd.
AUDIT BID
Finance Director Sheree Sonfield told Council for the last six months, the staff has been
working on request for proposals to determine who is qualified to do the audit, has the
right staff, and the right price. Ms. Sonfield said they sent the first phase to 44 CPA
firms; 12 firms responded. The staff evaluated these and determined four firms qualified
to proceed further. These were Alexander Grant, Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, Fox and
Company, and Lehman, Butterwick. Ms. Sonfield said the staff requested specific prices,
timing, staff, etc. The four firms were interviewed. Janet Roberts helped the staff
evaluate these and the staff and Ms. Roberts recommended hiring Alexander, Grant, who
came out a lot ahead of the other firms. Alexander, Grant has been the auditors for the
county for 10 years and was the city's auditor from 1970 to 1976.
Mayor Stirling asked for examples of prices from local firm. Ms. Sonfield said the first
phase was request for qualifications only, not price. Mayor Stirling asked if the
qualifications were too rigid. Ms. Sonfield said no, the city, financially speaking,
presents a challenge to any auditor. The city needs strong experience in governmental
auditing. Ms. Sonfield said additional points were given for proximity, Reece Henry and
Dalby Wendlon. Ms. Sonfield said there are few firms in Colorado that can provide this
service. City Manager Schilling told Council there is great benefit to the city is
receiving a strong management letter, as well as having a firm that can get the city a
GFOA certificate of conformance. Schilling said he felt the review procedure was very
neutral and professional.
Ms. Sonfield said a critical factor to the city is a time that is spent helping the
auditors. The more qualified firms will spend less time disrupting the city staff.
Councilman Collins said he feels there is a great deaI of talent in town and would like
to see a local firm do the audit. Councilman Collins said he would like to see the
Council make the selection of the auditors. Councilman Collins said hiring a big firm
may not give Aspen the leVel of service they would like. Councilman Collins brought up
a newspaper article about Alexander, Grant and Fox considering merging with net revenues
of $250,000,000. Also Fox is viewed as being vulnerable because of problems with the SEC
and that some audits were not conducted within the auditing standards.
Ms. Sonfield agreed there are talented people in Aspen and have contributed to the
community. Ms. Sonfield said she looked at the staff members proposed from the two
local firms and compared them to staff members in other firms. Ms. Sonfield said there
was no comparison in staffing. Ms. Sonfield said the merger and the SEC matter was
disclosed in the interview and discussed extensively. Ms. Sonfield said the level of
service for the city was also discussed. The city and county will be a major client of
Alexander Grant. Ms. Sonfield checked out other cities serviced by Alexander Grant and
is satisfied the city will be served.
Janet ROberts said Alexander Grant has an edge over the other firms as they already
ha~e a knowledge of the computer operations and should be able to save personnel time.
Ms. Roberts said she feels very good about what Alexander Grant will be able to do for
the city. Ms. Roberts said her firm did not make a bid for the audit. Ms. Roberts agreedl
the money and work should be kept in the valley, but there is no one firm in Aspen who
would be capable of doing the city and county. Ms. Roberts said for t~e taxpayers, it
is important to keep the cost of the audit as low as possible, and to do that needs a firm
capable of doing the audit for the city and county both. Ms. Roberts said local firms
do work for both the city and county for some jobs.
Councilman Blomquist asked if the audits were done separately, is there a local firm that
could do the job. Ms. Sonfield said she did not feel there is, and it comes down to the
staff and their experience in government accounting. Councilman Collins said he would
like to see this work stay in the area.
Councilman Collins moved to ask for proposals on bids from any parties locall? that are
interested for Council to look at and compare with the others; seconded by Mayor Stirling.~i
Councilwoman Walls said the staff and Janet Roberts put a lot of time and work into this
and it is disrespectful of the work that has been done not to consider the recommendation.ii
Mayor Stirling agreed with supporting local firms, but has been persuaded by these
arguments. The city will save money and may increase the potential for the bond rating.
Councilman Collins in favor; everyone else opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Mayor Stirling moved to accept the staff recommendation of Alexander Grant for the 1984
audit; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman
Collins. Motion carried.
Ms. Roberts brought up the idea of having a citizens committee be advisory to the finance ~
department. Mayor Stirling said Council has discussed this, and feels Council is the
financial advisory board. Mayor Stirling said having committees can turn into a govern-
ment by committee. Ms. Sonfield said this would be broad and investigate investments,
accounting procedures, budgetting, etc. This may bring more resources to the finance
department.
TROLLEY TASK FORCE REPORT
Councilman Knecht moved to table this to October 22, 1984; seconded by Mayor Stirling.
All in favor, motion carried.
DISCUSSION P & Z GOALS RESOLUTION
Councilman Knecht suggested scheduling a meeting with P & Z to discuss this resolution.
Councilman Blomquist passed out a memorandum "Comprehensive Plan Goals and Ojectives".
~ux~ ~v~ee~ng Aspen City Council October 9, 1984
Councilman Blomquist suggested a goal and objective for growth by annexation, resolution
of fringe issues, a goal and objection to stop the destruction of historic buildings in
the townsite, edit of the land use codes to clarify how negative impacts might be mitigated,
strengthening of the public facility reSort and capital improvement provisions, that city
responsibilities would be planned, a goal and objective to integrate the city planning
process into the city management process, inter-relation of other planning processes.
Councilman Blomquist said he took the P & Z resolution and edited it to make it a Council
resolution.
Mayor Stirling moved to subtitute the SPA study session on Monday October 15, joint with
P & Z and discuss the goals resolution; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. All in favor,
motion carried.
WOGAN LOT SPLIT
Colette Penne read into the record two correspondences, one from Ann and Victor Lundy
objecting to this sUbdivision. Gideon Kaufman told Council he is discussing this currently
with A.C.E.S. and asked to be put off for awhile.
INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS - Aspen Skiing Company
Jerry Blann, president Aspen Skiing Company, told Council several years ago the Skiing
Company approached the city, Snowmass and Breckenridge with a similar proposal. The
Congress has provided a financing vehicle through indisutrial development bonds, sports
facilities bonds, to allow construction of sports related facilities. The Skiing Company
would like to issue $30,000,000 worth of bonds, get a delegation agreement from Aspen and
Snowmass to Summit County, who would issue the bonds. The proposal would provide upgradin¢
facilities on Aspen mountain, additional and upgrading at Buttermilk, new and upgrading
at Snowmass and at Breckenridgeo Blann told Council they plan to spend 1/3 at Aspen/
Buttermilk, 1/3 at Snowmass and 1/3 at Breckenridge. Blann told Council this money has
to be spent over a three year period. Blann said this will add debt service to the
Company, but they feel it is the proper time.
Gene Hohensee, Kutak, Rock and Campbell, told Council IDBs are a vehicle for a city or
county to act as a faciltator for industry to gain advantage of lower cost financing for
capital construction costs. The bonds are issued by a city or county, the proceeds loanedl
to the company, who has to pay back the bond proceeds. The statutes provide that the
bonds cannot be a debt of the city, cannot have effect on financial liability, taxing
powers, debt limitation. Hohensee said the skiing Company is not asking the city to issueii
the bonds. Hohensee said this is a multi-sited project, and they are trying to find the
most expeditious way to get the financing accomplished before the end of the year. The
delegation agreement allows Aspen and Snowmass can transfer their ability to issue bonds
to some other political subdivision. Summit County was chosen because they ~are a
statutory county and they can issue bonds by resolution wihtout a referendum per~od.
Councilman Blomquist moved to read Ordinance #34, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilmah
Knecht. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #34
(Series of 1984)
AN ORDINANCE DELEGATING TO THE COUNTY OF SUMMIT, COLORADO, THE AUTHORITY
TO ISSUE REVENUE BONDS UNDER THE COUNTY AND MUNICIPALITY DEVELOPMENT
REVENUE BOND ACT ARTICLE 3, TITLE 29, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, TO
FINANCE A PROJECT FOR THE ASPEN SKIING COMPANY AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY BY THE CITY OF ASPEN OF A DELEGATION AGREEMENT
IN CONNECTION THEREWITH was read by the city clerk
Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance #34, Series of 1984, on first reading; seconded
by Councilwoman Walls.
Mayor Stirling suggested adding two sections that the Skiing Company agree to spend "no
less than" $8,500,000 on Aspen/Buttermilk improvements and that the Company agrees if the
bonds are sold on schedule all improvements be completed no later than December 1987.
Blann said four years ago there were a number of conditions and stipulations put on the
bonds. Blann said the Skiing Company would like not to have contingencies placed on this
money. Blann said the quid pro quo is that they will be able to accelerate this work
with benefits to the community and to the Skiing Company. This step is very risky to the
Skiing Company. The financial impact to the city is nil. Councilman Knecht said he wouldII
favor leaving the ordinance the way it is.
Mayor Stirling said he wants to be sure the city gets what the Skiing Company outlined
for the benefit of Aspen mountain and the community. Mayor Stirling said if the bond
goes forward it will stimulate the economy and raise the image of the resort. Mayor
Stirling said he would like to feel comfortable knowing that Aspen will get the amount of
money to do the projects on Aspen mountain. Blann said given the risk and debt service
to the Skiing Company, they need to maintain the business flexibility. Blann said he
cannot agree to the conditions at this point. Councilwoman Walls said these conditions
add an unnecessary complication.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Blomquist, aye; Collins, aye; Knecht, aye;
Mayor Stifling, aye. Motion carried.
PFISTER TANK SITE
Mayor Stifling said there is a request from Art Pfister for a special deal on city water
out of the tank on his property to pay a maximum of $720 a year for water with no
increases ever or replace his old storage tank and re-route the lines. City Manager
Schilling said there are some problems with the request; one is singling out an individual
property for special treatment with respect to utility rates. Schilling said there will
be lost revenues to the city, the flat rate would be $340 a month, metered would be $150
per month, schilling told Council the cost of replacing the tank would be between $8,000
and $10,000. Schilling said the original agreement between the, city and Pfister has no
stipulation to special consideration for service charges. Schilling said there are three
tap fee waivers in the agreement, and Council should consider what to do with these
waivers if the agreement is amended. City Attorney Taddune said the city had extensive
negotiations with Pfister about the water tank on his property. Pfister is not happy with
the present arrangement. Taddune said staff consensus is that the city would Offer to
replace the cistern in return for Pfister wai~ing the taps. Pfister would pay the tap
fee when connecting on the city system.
Taddune said the original agreement was that the city could build the tank, Pfister would
get three tap fees and the city would restore any damage. Pfister received a tax credit
for donating the tank site. Taddune said in terms of development potention, the location
of the water tank on Pfister's property would be attractive. Taddune said the staff agreesl
the original agreement is very fair and adequate. Pfister would lika something different.
Taddune said the amendment requested is the city would build a cistern for $8,000 to
$10,000, Pfister would forego the water taps and come on line. Taddune said he would like
to analyze this further and report back to Councilm Mayor Stirling asked if the money is
available in the water management program. City Manager schilling said the staff would hame
to investigate the source of the funds.
Mayor Stirling said having a 2 million gallon water tank on site is significant in terms
of development potential and adds value to the property.
Mayor Stirling moved to refer this to the city manager and have him report back tolCouncil
as soon as possible after consultations with Pfister; seconded by Councilman Blomquist.
All in favor, motion carried.
Taddune told Council Pfister does not want metered water service, and the agreement calls
for metered water service. Mayor Stirling said this should be part of the report back to
Council.
WOGAN LOT SPLIT
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Colette Penne, planning office, read a mailgram~
from Lundys into the record opposing separating the Wogan lot into two parcels. Ms. Penne
read a letter from Ann Altemus opposing another building on Lake Avenue. A letter from
Charles Nichola with no objection to the application was read into the record. Ms. Penne
told Council there will be a parcel of over 13,000 square feet with an existing house and
subdividing off a parcel of 8500 square feet, which would only allow a single family
house. The larger lot could contain a duplex, if the owner goes through GMP competition
or it could contain an employee unit with a GMP exemption.
Ms. Penne said this meets the criteria for lot splits; there is an existing dwelling, there
are no more than two lots being created, and this lot has never been the subject of a lot
split. The utilities are accessible. Ms. Penne said the planning office recommends ~i
approval with five conditions. Gideon Kaufman, representing the applicants, said he has
been meeting with Mrs. Paepcke and A.C.E.S. to address their concerns on impacts on Hallaml
Lake. Kaufman agreed to three conditions to mitigate impacts on Hallam Lake. They will ii
refrain on both lots from any lighting that might effect Hallam Lake. Any construction ~
on this property will be supervised to preclude any construction materials from going downil
the hill. They will work on language addressing screening and architecture. Ms. Penne
suggested these be added as part of the motion. Mayor Stirling said the last condition is
vague, at this point. Kaufman said he would work out an agreement with A.C.E.S., wh° is
concerned about what will be built on this lot.
Councilman Knecht moved to disapprove the subdivision exception for the purpose of a lot
split for the parcel as submitted; seconded by Councilwoman Walls.
Ronnie Marshall, adjacent property owner, opposed the lot split. Ms. Marshall said this
area is special, and if the lot split is allowed it would set off a lot of problems. Ms.
Marshall said most of the property owners in this area are opposed to this. Henry
Pedersen, adjacent property owner, said he is against the proposed lot split. Andy Hecht,
representing Mrs. Paepcke, said she is concerned because the situation at the sanctuary
of Hallam Lake is very precarious. Over the last five years, there has been building
that has had impacts on Hallam Lake and are encroaching on Hallam Lake. Hecht said he
feels they can work out an agreement with the applicant that will satisfy the concerns.
Tom Cardamone, A.C.E.S. said Hallam Lake has become a living room centerpiece for fancy
houses. Cardamone said Hallam Lake tours have turned into a house tour, rather than a
wildlife tours. Cardamone said some day there might not be any wildlife at Hallam Lake.
Cardamone said they would like to keep Hallam Lake as pristine as possible. Cardamone
said they have lost a quantifiable amount of animals, like the great blue herron and snowy
egret. Cardamone said if there has to be another house, they would like it to be discreet!
with low visual impaCt. They would like clearly defined restrictions on height and
visibility and screening and give Hallam Lake someprotection.
City Attorney Taddune said this is an expedited review and a request for an exception from
the full subdivision process. Ms. Marshall said she lost part of her property in a storm
and if a house is built there, more land will go down the hill. Kaufman said the applican{
has the right to build a duplex on this property. The way the lot split is configured,
the development will be closer to the front. Kaufman said there has been the precedence
of lot splits before; they have complied with the requirements of the code. Kaufman said
they are willing to meet the concerns of A.C.E.S and will get better protection than if
a duplex is built. The capability for development is inherent on this lot. Kaufman said
there is no evidence presented to justify a denial, and asked Council approve this with
the conditions presented.
~egu±ar ~eeslng Aspen ~lty uouncl£ october 9,
Councilman Collins said Lake avenue is very narrow, is on a curve and multi-intersections.
Councilman Collins said putting more cars and traffic on this street is hazardous.
Councilman Knecht said Council agreed at an earlier meeting that there would be no more
lot splits. Councilman Blomquist said this can go through the subdivision process.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling.
ME~RRIAM LOT SPLIT
Colette Penne, planning office, told Council this is a one-step review. This parcel is
in the R-15 zone, is 2.76 acres of 120,225 square feet and is located at 850 Roaring Fork
road. There is an existing dwelling. Ms. Penne said a lot split is a very low density
alternative for this parcel as it is so large. No more than two lots are being created;
this has not bean the subjeCt of GMP provisions or gone through a lot split. The new
lot can have 'a single family dwelling; there are large enough for the possibility to
compete for a duplex under GMP. Ms. Penne pointed out the configuration of the new lot
gives a very small area for frontageon Roaring Fork road, it is only 20 feet. Councilman
Blomquist asked if the subdivision regulations set a minimum front lot. Ms. Penne said
this is not in violation of the subdivision section. Chuck Brandt, representing the
applicant, told Council if the Code requires more than 20 feet, they will provide it.
Andy Hecht, representing Mrs. Pa~pcke, told Council this Would have an impact on Hallam
Lake depending on how this is built. Mayor Stirling pointed out there is not a proposal
for a trail on this property. Tom Cardamone, A.C.E.S., pointed out where the Aspen Institute
trail system is and where the Hallam Lake trail system is.
Councilman Knecht moved to disapprove the subdivision exception for this lot split; seconded
by Councilman Blomquist.
Councilman Blomquist asked if this parcel is part of an existing subdivision plat. Brandt
told Council this is part of two subdivision plats. Councilman Blomquist asked if there
are any restrictions on the parcels. Brandt said there are no restrictions. City Attorney
Taddune said part of this request is for expedited review, rather than going through the
full subdivision review. Brandt suggested rather than denying this request, Council could
ask for a two~step process and have P & Z~review this. Brandt said there is no opposition
to this lot split. Councilman Knecht said ke has problems with lot splits, and people have
depended on only having one house on this lot. Councilman Knecht said people get lot
splits, add duplexes, employee housing and offend other people's views. Councilman Knecht
said he feels it is bad business for the town to have lot splits. Brandt said the applicants
intention is to gift the other lot to their grandchildren. Councilman Knecht said he is
not interested in lot splits; it is ruining the town.
Mayor Stirling said until Council addresses a change in the Code, people have a right to
lot splits. Councilman Knecht said this can go through full subdivision. Councilman
Blomquist said this issue has been raised by many citizens, the over-densifying of the
town. Councilman Blomquist said he would like to direct planning to come up with a solution
to this problem. Councilman Collins said the road serving this parcel is sub-standard.
Councilman Collins said there is a need to look at the sewage infrastructure in this area.
All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #26, SERIES OF 1984 - Refunding Bonds
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Finance Director Sheree Sonfield told Council
there are too many bonds on the market and requested this be tabled for two more weeks.
Councilman Knecht moved to continue the public hearing and table Ordinance #26, Series of
1984, for two weeks; s~conded by Councilman Blomquist. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #30, SERIES OF 1984 , ~ppropriations
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Stirling closed
the public hearing.
Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance #30, Series of 1984~ on second reading; secondedli
by Councilman Blomquist. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Knecht, aye; Blomquist~
aye; Collins, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #31, SERIES OF 1984 - Water Extension/Owl Creek Club
Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. City Attorney Taddune told Council he is trying
to work this out with the applicant and requested this be tabled for two weeks.
Councilman Blomquist moved to continue the public hearing and table Ordinance #31, Series
of 1984, until October 22; seconded by Councilman Knecht. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #32, SERIES OF 1984 - Appropriations
Councilman Knecht moved to read Ordinance #32, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilman
Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #32
(Series of 1984)
AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING GENERAL FUND REVENUES OF $85,000; REVERSING
A TRANSFER OF $85,000 FROM THE REVENUE SHARING FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND;
RECOGNIZING LAND FUND REVNUE OF $9,000; APPROPRIATING LAND FUND
EXPENDITURES OF $18,000; REDUCING REVENUE SHARING FUND REVENUE OF
$85,000; APPRPORIATING EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT FUND EXPENDITURES OF
$25,000; APPROPRIATING ASSET REPLACEMENT FUND EXPENDITURE OF #33,100
was read by the city clerk
3804
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council October 9, 1984
Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance #32, Series of 1984, on first reading; seconded
by Councilman Collins. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Collins, aye; Knecht,
aye; Blomquist, aye; Mayor Stirling,aye. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #33, SERIES OF 1984 - Annual Liens
Councilman Knecht moved to read Ordinance ~33, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilman
Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~33
(Series of 1984)
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ASPEN, COLORADO, CERTIFYING TO THE TREASURER
OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO, CERTAIN DELINQUENT MUNICIPAL CHARGES OWING TO THE
CITY OF ASPEN FOR COLLECTION WITH COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES, PURSUANT TO SECTION
31-20-105, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES (C.R.S.) 1973, AS AMENDED.
Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance #33, Series of 1984, on first reading; seconded
by Councilman Collins.
Mayor Stirling said there are only six outstanding and there are no park dedication fee
liens. City Attorney Taddune said he is working on one with the threat of a lawsuit.
Councilman Knecht complimented the finance department for the very few amounts of liens.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers collins, aye; Knecht, aye; Blomquist, aye; Walls, aye;
Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried.
ADDITIONAL TRAFPIC CONTROL POSITION
City Manager Schilling told Council the amounts in his memorandum are conservative.
Schilling said there is a cost and service benefit in this additional person; it will bring
revenues in in excess of costs. Mayor Stirling asked if this position would help the city
adequately enforce the snow removal ordinance. Schilling said it would, however, when
this person does other duties, it lowers the revenues. Schilling said he is projecting
for the rest of 1984, there would be revenues of $1700 in excess of costs.
Councilman Knecht moved to approve the request; seconded by Councilman collins. All in
favor, motion carried.
COUNCIL RETREAT/ADVANCE
Mayor Stirling said Council has discussed having this Council retr~ Friday November 2
evening and most of the day Saturday November 3. Councilman Blomquist said he liked having
the retreat at Redstone. Charlotte Slater, KSPN, objected because it makes it difficult
for the press to attend. Mayor Stirling agreed Redstone is too remote and is not fair
to the general public. Councilman Knecht said it is better to get out of town so that
Council does not get interrupted.
Councilman Blomquist moved to hold the meeting in Redstone on the dates indicated; seconded
by Councilman Knecht. Councilmembers Walls, Blomquist and Knecht in favor; Councilman
Collins and Mayor Stirling opposed. Motion carried.
Councilman Collins moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Knecht. All in
favor, motion carried.
City Clerk