HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19800324JOINT MEETING WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Kinsley called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. with Councilmembers Michael
Collins, Isaac, Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt and Commissioner Shild present. Also present
City Attorney Stock, County Attorney Stuller, City Manager Chapman, and County Manager
Ochs.
1. A-95 Review: 1980 DOE Weatherization Plan. Gene<~Marsh told the Board there is
Federal funding of $3,900,000 for the state of Colorado for weatherization of home for
low income families who qualify. There is a financial qualification level; not very
many people from Pitkin County will qualify. Ms. March said the program has a lot of
merit; however, there have been no applications for Pitkin County in 1980. Ms. Marsh
said the program should be supported and would hope it would be better utilized in Pitkin
County. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt suggested the comment that the requirements be liberalize~
So that more people could qualify.
Commissioner Kinsley moved for favorable comment with Behrendt's suggestion, expanded to
give real support to the program; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt. All in favor,
motion carried.
2. A-95 Review: Mountain Region Emergency Medical Services Development. Pat Dobie told
the Board there is $378,000 going to Region 12 EMS. This is the second phase of the basic
life support system. The monies allocated here are going toward communications, to
purchase beepers, radioes and add training monies. There is $20,000 going to Basalt to
purchase an ambulance.
Councilwoman Michael moved for favorable comment; seconded by Commissioner Child. All
in favor, motion carried.
CONTRACT APPROVAL - Colorado West Mental Health Clinic and Ambulance Contracts
Mental Health
Gene Marsh told the Boards these contracts are basically the same as last year. The Clinic and
service hours are lower for the Mental Health Clinic as the staff has to be cut back due Ambulance
to finances. They will try to met the same service level with less staff. Councilman
Isaac asked if the money had been budgeted. Ms. Marsh answered these contracts are at
the level budgeted by both Boards.
Councilman Behrendt moved to approve the Colorado West Mental Health Clinic; seconded by
Councilwoman Michael. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilwoman Michael moved to approve the ambulance contract; seconded by Councilman
Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT/CONSOLIDATED OFFICES
George Ochs, countY manager, explained he and the City Manager and building inspector B~lding
have been working to develop a consolidated building inspection office. Ochs said with ~
a larger organization, in case of short falls, there will be staff to cover. Ochs Department
consolidation
pointed out there has been problems in the past finding electrical inspectors; the
county building inspector is a qualified electrical inspector. This consolidation would
provide an electrical inspector for the entire county. Ochs told the Boards this
consolidation would reduce the total number of staff from 8 to 6 employees. As far as
the location, the managers felt is would work best in the basement of the Courthouse and
move the two county environmental health officers over to City hall. The building depart-
ment would all be county employees with the exception of Clayton Meyring. The collection
of funds would be improved; they would all be collected at the treasurer's office.
Ochs said in conjunction with this consolidation, there could be the creation of a devel-
opment coordinator/zoning enforcement officer. The functions would be to assist those
coming in with developments, going through P & Zs, Commissioners, Council, etc., and to
make sure that the development approved is consistent with the building plans. The
person could facilitate developers, particularly in the case of employee housing project.
The person could also enforce zoning laws and codes; it would be a policing function.
With regard to the fire marshal, the recommendation is to let the building department
handle that function° Ochs said that the technical level for fire marshalling is less
than that of building inspection. Fred Crowley, county building inspector, can do fire
marshalling and will train his staff. If this does not work out to the satisfaction of
the City, they can hire a separate fire marshal later.
Ochs told the Boards they hope to do the same with the environmental health officers over
the next month. As far as the budget, staff has not worked out the exact dollars but it
will not cost more to combine the offices. City Manager Chapman said with the present
city organization, there is no provision for back up. This consolidation will improve
efforts in regards to fire code inspections, and will be insurance against being left
without anyone to turn to. The city has been trying to improve operations in this area;
the previous fire marshal trained police officers in overcrowding, lock and blocked exits.
Chapman said this is an attempt to upgrade the city's efforts. Councilman Isaac said
he thought this was a good idea. He stated he would like to see standardization of the
codes between the city and county. The city is behind in amending the code as far as
energy items.
County Finance Officer TOm Oken told the Boards that both offices essentially broke even.
In the county, revenues were $121,000 and expenditures were $96,000; in the city $72,000
in revenues and $84,000 in expenditures; however, the city's fee scale was lower at the
time. The general feeling is that these are close enough to operate equally and in fact
pay for itself.
Councilman Isaac asked if 5 inspectors is enough. Fred Crowley said someone should be
hired to do zoning enforcement. This position should be located in the building depart-
iBuilding dept. ment. Clayton Meyring pointed out if it is a separate office, it would end up having
consolidation two inspection departments. The zoning officer should be in the building department and
i i responsible to the head of the building department; otherwise there is a possibility of
friction between the two departments. Commissioner Kinsley asked if the fire marshalling
will happen under this scheme. Crowley said they will draw up a program of inspections
and it will probably be done better than in the past. Fire Chief Willard Clapper told
the Boards the fire marshal has been responsible to the building department. A big
criticism in the past was that the fire marshal was used as part of the building depart-
ment instead of letting him do fire marshalling. Clapper said he felt this was a full
time job especially if the two departments are consolidating.
Commissioner Kinsley said the integration of the departments is persuasive in terms of
efficiency. Kinsley said this should be evaluated in 6 months to a year. Commissioner
Child said there should be built in control to make sure all the jobs are getting done.
City Attorney Stock told the Boards the staff has discussed the impact of this consolida~
tion, and the only impact is one of communications. This will have to be solved and it
is not insurmountable; however, it will increase what is already a problem. Councilman
Isaac said he did not know if the building department could get their work done and also
get the fire inspections done. Ochs said if the fire marshing proves to be handled at
a level not satisfactory, he would suggest reviewing this and appointing a fire marshal.
Councilwoman Michael moved to direct the staff to write a contract creating consolidation
of the city and county building offices as per George Ochs' memo; seconded by Councilman
Isaac.
George Newell, previous fire marshal, j passed out a proposal regarding a separate fire
Need for fire marshal. Commissioner Kinsely asked if this would cost more. City Manager Chapman said
m~rshal it would; however, the real issue is not the money but the way the department is organized
Chapman said he felt it was dangerous to have only one person able to do the job.
Chapman told the Boards he would prefer an organizational mode instead of having one
person spending all time on fire marshalling, he would rather have 2, 3, 4 people who
have it as their responsibility. George Newell showed Council the numbers of fires since
1973; in 1979 there was a large jump in the number of fires. Newell said the fire marshal
spent more than 50 per cent of his time doing building department work. Newell stated
fire marshalling is far too complex a job to be done by a number of people. The building
department is not able to take the long term approach needed for fire prevention. If
the job is spread among 5 people, it will loose in integrity and efficiency. Newell told
the Boards under state law, the fire chief is responsible for fire marshalling unless he
specifically designates someone.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked what the time allocation was for fire marshalling in the
consolidation. Crowley said they plan on 40 hours per week; all the building inspectors
are certified, they know the uniform building and fire codes. Councilman Collins asked
the managers for a general description of the work the fire marshal does and what they
duties are. Councilman Collins said he felt this is a very important job and is a full
time job. This is a highly specialized area and demands a full time person.
Commissioner Kinsley requested an amendment to the motion that the managers come before
the Boards at their last meeting in June at which time they will get a reaotion from
Fire Chief Clapper as to whether or not this system is working. The Boards agreed to
the amendment. All in favor, motion carried.
REQUEST FOR SUBSIDY FOR 1980 CENSUS
Brian Stafford requested the city and county subsidize the people conducting the census
Funding request by $1.50 per hour. They are proposed to be paid $4 per hour by the Federal government,
1980 Census this will give them $5.50 per hour. Stafford said it is the local government's responsi-
bility to make sure the census takers do a thorough job. Stafford said the city's
contribution would be $2319. Councilwoman Michael asked where the money would come from.
City Manager Chapman said the way the sales tax revenues are coming in, the city can
handle $2300.
Commissioner Child moved to approve the request for subsidy; seconded by Councilwoman
Michael. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked the Commissioners if they plan on charging for storage for~
the trolley cars at the airport. Commissioner Kinsley said if the trolley cars are in
public hands, they probably would not charge for awhile.
COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the minutes of February 11, 25, 1980; seconded by
Councilwoman Michael. All in favor, motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
ISpace at 1. Dick Moore told Council there will be some vacant space in the Wheeler Opera House
!Wheeler Opera and requested office space for the Wheeler Opera House Commission. City Manager ~hapman
~'/House said the Wheeler commissiOn is setting policy on the Wheeler and they will decide.on .
requests for space in the Wheeler.
Space at WOH 2. Jeff Sachs requested space in the Wheeler for Aspen Foundation for the Arts. Chapman
told Sachs to go to the Wheeler commission.
Regular Meeting
3. Pip Kline on behalf of Earth Week requested Council for $100 contribution to bring Fund r~quest
in speakers and put on workshops. Earth Week Will begin April 19 and will be kicked off EartWeek
at the Pitkin Community Center. They had a fund raising dinner at the Little Kitchen. $t00
Councilwoman Michael moved to put this on the agenda; seconded by Councilman Collins.
All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked what benefit this was to the taxpayers. Ms. Kline said it
is an education week and provides environmental awareness. There will be a different
focus each day.
Councilman Collins moved that Council recognize Earth Week and adopt a resolution and
to direct a contribution of $100; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion
carried.
4. Jeff Sachs told Council one of the city buses was laying out an incredible amount of Bus,.
exhaust. Sachs had tried to follow the bus to get the number; however, the bus was going cc~plaint
over 40 miles an hour. Sachs said he felt that was way too fast for a bus to be going
through the city.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Isaac told Council there is a task force on renewable energy sources and
he has been serving on it. One of the tasks is to look at the differences between the
city and county building codes. Councilman Isaac asked for any suggestions to help savin<
energy in the city or in new building projects.
2. Councilman Isaac noted letters of resignation from the HPC from Lary Groen and Norm HPC
Burns. Councilman Isaac asked Chapman for letters of commendation and appreciation, resigD~tion
Groen&Burns
3. Councilman Isaac brOught up an advertisement of time sharing and asked when the city
passed an ordinance allowing this. City Attorney Stock said there is an ordinance allowi
time sharing, and if a piece of property is condominiumized with no increase in density,
they can time share without further approval. Since the city adopted the subdivision Timesharing
code, one lodge has condominiumized and is now time shared and is legal because of the
wording of the subdivision code. The approval of condominiumization for the Tipple Lodge
does not allow owner occupancy during the high season.
4. Councilman Collins brought up correspondence from James Moore about the situation at
Main and Galena, the pedestrian safety crossing Main street. There was a suggestion Main street
to put a sign on Main street cautioning people to slow down. Councilman Collins asked if pedestrian
anything has been done. Chapman told Council to put anything in the street requires the. safety
approval of the state highway department. Chapman said an alternate would be to hand
a banner. Chapman has asked the police chief to do research on the level of enforcement
on Main street. Radar enforcement on Main street has been stepped up.
5. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt said he had seen water trucks washing the street. Mayor Pro
Tem Behrendt requested a full bore attempt to clean the streets up. Chapman said the Streets,
street department is working on this; however, they have to work around the weather and cleaning
the shadows. Councilwoman Michael asked that the Christmas decorations please be taken
down. Chapmas reported the parks department took them down today.
6. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt noted that Captain Clean was not with the city. Mayor Pro
Tem Behrendt said the program was very popular and asked Chapman to report at the next
meeting what the plans are for this program.
7. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked Council to indicate which persons on the list for Rio
Grande Task Force they would like to interview and scheduled them for 9 a.m. Wednesday
March 26.
Councilwoman Michael moved to place the Aspen Institute on the agenda; seconded by
Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
ASPEN INSTITUTE
Councilwoman Michael said she, Councilmembers Isaac and Behrendt, plus city staff met Aspen
with R. O. Anderson and McKinley last week in Denver. The Council has had a number of Institute
executives sessions in the last two weeks, and it was suggested it was time to get
together with Anderson. After the good amount of work the Chamber Ad Hoc Committee has
done, it seemed like a good time to get together, and it was. Councilwoman Michael said
it was a good meeting and a number of points were agreed upon. There are points that
are yet to discuss.
Councilwoman Michael moved to direct the city attorney to draft a presentation as well as
a proposed ordinance reinstituting the Aspen Institute SPA review, that draft and ordinan(
should be before Council April 14th; the ordinance to be used as a basis for taking the
Aspen Institute proposal through the city process as required by law; seconded by
Councilman Isaac.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt requested the Joint Press Release of the City of Aspen and the
Aspen Institute bs part of the record.
March 20, 1980
At the invitation of R. O. Anderson and in an attempt to reach an understanding on the
points of disagreement regarding the Aspen Institute's future in Aspen, Michael Behrendt,
Tom Isaac and Susan Michael represented the City Council in a meeting with Mr. Anderson
on Thursday, March 20 in Denver. The meeting covered the points of concern of both
parties and was characterized by a mutual attempt to accommodate these concerns.
~gqular ~get~n9 ~pen_ci~y council March 24, 1980
Mr. Anderson joins the three members of City Council in stating that the parties are
optimistic, as a result of the give and take discussion, that an agreement can be reached
Aspen which will satisfy the requirements of the City and Institute and, most importantly,
Institute
will assure the future of the Institute in Aspen. The three members of City Council
will present, for full City Council review, the following parameters:
1. There can be a total of 265 bedrooms. There will be a specific level of housing for
Institute employees (exclusive of faculty) and that it should be phased in up to a level
of 60 per cent.
2. The City will agree to a maximum of 92 rooms for tourist use on a quarterly basis
(a total of 8,494 room days per quarter). However, the City would prefer synchronizing
the beginning of the Institute's quarterly calendar with the beginning of the Aspen
lodging season in December.
3. The entire area would be zoned SPA/Commercial-Conference Center with a deed restric-
tion on the environmentally sensitive Castle Creek area and a special agreement regarding
the use of the riding ring.
4. The City acknowledges the high quality of the Institute's programs and desires to
incorporate something similar to the Institute statement in regard to programming, made
in its 12/12/78 preliminary PUD and Subdivision application in any understanding regard-
ing this issue. This statement emphasizes the self-containment and day-time conference
aspects of the conference center.
5. Mr. Anderson assures that the Aspen Institute will remain in Aspen.
6. An opening of discussions on meething the needs of the Music Associates of Aspen
and Physics Institute.
The three members of City Council feel that these parameters address the most important
concerns of their colleagues on Council and will encourage the full City Council to
favorably consider these points of understanding.
Mr. Anderson also feels that this plan satisfies the most important concerns of the
Institute and would be acceptable to the full Board of the Institute. Mr. Anderson will
also encourage approval of these points by the Board of Trustees.
R. O. Anderson, Michael Behrendt, Tom Isaac and Susan Michael wish to express their
gratitude to the Ad Hoc Committee of the Chamber of Commerce for bringing the process
to this point. The long hours put in by the Committee served as an inspiration throughou
City Attorney Stock said there is a probabl~ compromise which neets the neets of the city
in its planning function as well as the Institute and its future role in the community.
Council cannot act to approve a settlement but must act under its rules to adopt
ordinances as code provides. Stock said he will present April 14th a resolution to
start the SPA planning process, attached with an ordinance containing the proposed
compromise. This will then be directed to P & Z for their consideration. P & Z will
be directed to return their recommendation to Council. With this time table, Council
could have a public hearmng and second reading of the ordinance by their second meeting
in June. Stock said he will need a meeting to clear with the Council the language of
the proposed ordinance. Council scheduled this Wednesday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m. Stock
told Council he would need to discuss with Council some things such as density, employee
housing numbers, etc. Councilwoman Michael said the Council should go with the proposed
format as no one wants a crash course for this.
Si Smith, speaking for the Ad Hoc Committee, congratulated Council and the city staff
for the success of the meeting. Smith said this zs an important breakthrough; the
committee wishes Council the best. If the committee can help, let us know. Mayor Pro
Tem Behrendt said the Council would not be discus~ng this without all the hard work of
the committee. Councilman Collins said the change in proposed zoning to SPA/Commercial
is quite substantial and before the attorney zs directed to draft an ordinance, there
should be response from the planning office and P & Z. Stock said all the property will
be zoned SPA/Commercial-Conference Center, there will be a section in the ordinance to
identify the property that will be deed restricted as open space and property will be
zone open space as a buffer. Council has said there must be a PUD and subdivision proces
after this ordinance is adopted. There ms a possibility after all the land is planned
for with a master plan for all the property, the land might well be divided. Karen
Smith, planning director, told Council this particular wording grew out of a choice of
alternatives between dividing the land up into different zones or having a specially
planned area with a delineation of land uses within the SPA. The planning office preferr~ d
the latter. The planning office will comment on each section of the ordinance at the
study session next week. Stock told Council after they review the draft, he will take it
to the Institute, who may have some changes.
All in favor, motion carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL - Crystal Palace
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the renewal; seconded by Councilwoman Michael. All in
Liquor license favor, motion carried.
renewal
Crystal Palace APPLICATION FOR THREE-WAY LIQUOR LICENSE - Arthur's Chinese Restaurant
3-Way applicati( Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt opened the public hearing. The applicant requested continuation
Arthur's until the next Council meeting due to lack of quorum.
Councilman Isaac moved to table the item; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor,
motion carried.
LODGE CONDOMINIUMIZATION DRAFT ORDINANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt gave over the gavel to Councilman Isaac. Councilwoman Michael Condominiumiza~
of lodges
moved to read Ordinance %14, Series of 1980; seconded by Councilman Behrendt. All in
favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~14
(Series of 1980)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 20~3(s) (2) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE
CITY OF ASPEN, BY REQUIRING SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE RESUBDIVISION OF
A UNIT PREVIOUSLY SUBDIVIDED: AMENDING SECTION 20-9[c) OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN BY DELETING THE PROHIBITION AGAINST SUBDIVISION
OF NON-CONFORMING LODGES AND ADOPTING SECTION 20-23 WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE
CONDOMINIUMIZATION OF LODGES was read by the city clerk
Richard Grice, planning office, told Council the planning office recommended approval of
this draft to allow condominiumization of non-conforming lodges. Grice pointed out
that Section 20-9(c) states nothing can be condominiumized which has non-conforming
elements. Gideon Kaufman told Council this is a two part process - the issues of condo-
miniumization and non-conforming. The issue of non-conforming the P & Z wanted more
time to consider; however, the non-conforming use section would not apply to condominium-
ization of lodges. Grice said the planning office proposed to P & Z they amend 20-9(c)
to allow for eondominiumization of any non-conforming uses that were not raw land. A
non-conforming lot would continue to be unsubdividable. P & Z wanted to do more study
in this regard. P & Z recommended amending the section to allow for the condominiumiza-
tion of non-conforming lodges. Kaufman said the only concern he had with the ordinance
is that the P & Z wanted the city to have the right to enforce the lien. Councilwoman
Michael noted in that section, the ordinance is telling the court how to award, and the
city probably cannot do that. Kaufman told Council the P & Z wanted to make sure that
people were penalized if they violated the daily rental situation. The P & Z wanted the
city to have the right to enforce the lien. Kaufman said he had a problem as to whether
the city does have that right.
Grice told Council P & Z's concern regarding the lien is if it became the city's job to
enforce this, then the city should get the money. Stock told Council this section
requires a particular document be created, which is a form of contract between the owner
of the entire project at the time of condominiumization and the buyers of the units.
These will be certain covenants that run with the property, and will allow the Associati(
to enforce requirements upon individual members. This is for the protection of the city.
Stock reminded Council they are addressing some way to upgrade lodges. The lodge
association recommended being allowed to condominiumization in order to upgrade. Kaufmar
said during the moratorium against condominiumization, members of Council, P & Z and
the Lodging Association got together to come up with an ordinance that best addressed
the concerns of everyone. Stock told Council in this ordinance a resubdivision of a
condominium unit to time share unit would require further Council approval.
Stock told Council this ordinance as presented is only part of a total ordinance. Kaufm~
told Council this ordinance does three things; adopting an ordinance to deal with condo-
miniumization of lodges; 'eliminating a section of code prohibiting the condominiumizatior
of lodges; this does not give automatic right to time share without further approval.
Grice read to Council the proposed changed in Sections 20-3(s) (2) and 20-9(c). Without
the whole ordinance in front of Council, and the moratorium does not run out until
April 28, Council decided to wait until their next meeting to adopt this.
Councilman Collins moved to table Ordinance %14, Series of 1980; seconded by Councilman
Behrendt. All in favor, motion carried.
PUBLIC RADIO
BOb Klineman, representing Aspen. Center for Public Radio, told Council they are trying
to find a location for the KSNO studio, which has been donated to them. Klineman said Public
they hoped to place it on the Rio Grande Property. Klineman said they realized there is Radio
a lang range planning effort which may not be compatible with the radio station. If request to
the city will give Public Radio 90 days notice to move, they will move. Klineman told locate at
Council they needed approximately 2,000 square feet. Their transmitter will be located Rio Grande
in Snowmass. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt said he hoped the Rio Grande Task Force will have
completed the first portion of its task in 8 months. It seems a massive expenditure
to move the building for only a short time.
Joe Wells, planning office, showed Council a map of the Rio Grande and told them he had
met with the city engineer regarding space on that property. The only space available
at the eastern side and it will be totally reworked this summer with fill. This leaves
only the existing impound lot. Utilities are extended to the Eagle's building, so they
will have to have an extension of 300 feet to this site. Klineman told Council it will
be the latter part of the year before they know about the license. Councilwoman Michael
noted the County is helping out; she would like the city to help. out too. City Manager
Chapman told Council the staff has been stymied for a suitable alternative for the
impound lot; the zoning at the current lot runs out in April. Staff is going to P & Z
to ask permission to use the Rio Grande lot in the low season. Having an impound lot
and using it for fill from North Mill street seems incompatible. City Attorney Stock
pointed out the Rio Grande porperty has an adopted SPA plan would would perhaps allow
for temporary storage but definitely would not allow for use of this type of facility
without modification of that plan.
Councilman Collins moved to approve the request provided that acceptable language could
be drafted in the agreement to relieve the city from any liability or expense of this;
seconded by Cou~cilwcm~nMi~hael. Councilmembers Michael and Collins in favor; Councilman
Isaac and Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt opposed. Motion NOT carrie'd.
~ ~=~ Aspen c~y uouncl± March Z4, 1980
PUBLIC HEARING - CITY OF ASPEN SUBDIVISION EXCEPTION/EXEMPTION Aspen Employee Housing No.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt opened the public hearing. Sunny Vann~ planning office, told
~Subdivision Council the City of Aspen owns a parcel of land on Cemetery Lane and are proposing to
exemption subdivide to create two parcels of 20,000 square feet for duplex lots. This land is zoned
City of Aspen R-15. This application was presented to P & Z requesting exception from compliance of
~mployee housir~ full subdivision procedures to subdivide the property and also exemption for the purpose
No. 1 of condominiumizing those duplex structures. P & Z granted exception in order to subdivid
and exemption for the purposes of condominiumization. This is now presented to Council
for final plat approval and subdivision exemption. Vann told Council the four units are
exempt from the growth management plan; however, they are subject to Council special
review because they are employee housing. The city proposes to proceed with special
review when the building plans are finalized.
Councilman Isaac asked if it has been decided who will do the development, who will be
the contractor. City Manager Chapman said this has not been decided. There are things
in the air, like financing. There ~s an outline of the concept and how to use the land
for employee housing.
1. Maxwell Aley, representing Pitkin County Parks Association, told Council they are
concerned because this has been part of the open space related to the golf course. The
PCPA made an investigation and are persuaded in 1971, P & Z and Council did set aside
this land, possible for development, and designated it R-15. Aley said they are concerned
that there be public hearings on what will happen on this land. Particularly they would
like a pedestrian easement through that property into the golf course from Cemetery Lane.
This pedestrian access could perhaps be part of the same corridor to the Wally Mills'
property, if that is worked out.
Stock told Council the city is being treated more strictly in that this ~s a public hear-
ing even though the Code does not require it. The P & Z requested a public hearing on
this.
2. Jeff Sachs noted during the last go around when another property in that area was
proposed to be traded, there was a question whether the city has a right to dispose of
public property without a vote as required in the Charter. Sachs questioned if it were
legal for the city to develop and sell this property, with an option to buy it back,
without a vote. Stock told Council the Charter says that no piece of property may be
sold or traded which is, "currently ~n use for public purpose". If the property is not
currently in use, there does not have to be a vote. The proposal being made from the
attorneys, Dawson, Nagel Sherman & Howard, will be that this Council adopt~ ~ a resolution
stating this property is not currently in use for purpose purpose. If Council adopts
that, they may sell the property without a vote. Stock told Council Dawson, etc., will
be advising the Council specifically on the sale, as well as documents they should have
as far as option to purchase and right of first refusal. Stock explained the reason for
this is that he may end up owning a unit. Dawson will be paid by the four employees that
purchase the units.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked the city continue to do everything in public as this is
dealing in an area of public trust. People should understand this is being done to try
to benefit the city. Stock said Council will have to allow someone to build there, eithe]
by lease or sale of deed, which will have to be approved by ordinance. If the property
is sold, there will be a resolution of statement that this property is not currently in
public use. Resolutions do not require public hearing; however, Council could have a
public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrednt closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Michael moved to approve final plat and to exempt the project from the
definition of subdivision for the purpose of condominiumization of the duplexes; seconded
by Councilman Isaac. Councilwoman Michael amended this motion to direct staff to
explore the possibility of an easement. All in favor, motion carried.
SUBDIVISION EXEMPTION - Hyman Avenue
Subdivision Sunny Vann told Council this ~s a request to condominize the Mason & Morse building
exemption which is a commercial use in the CC zone. P & Z recommended approval subject to the
HymanAvenue applicant filing a condominiumization plat.
(Mason &Morse)
Councilman Collins moved to approve the subdivision exemption with P & Z's condition;
seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor, motion carried.
SUBDIVISION EXEMPTION - JHJ
Subdivision
Exemption Vann told Council this ~s a request for condominiumization for a new office building on
J-H-J East Bleeker behind the Hotel Jerome. This has been approved by P & Z subject to the
applicant filing a condominiumization plant.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve JHJ subdivision exemption with P & Z's condition;
seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
WATER DELIVERY & DITCH MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Water delivery
~ ~& d~tch agree- John Musick, city's water attorney, told Council this agreement was necessitated by the
~-~ment statement of opposition filed by the Castle Creek Homeowners to the water rights applica-
Castle Creek tion filed by the city for the ponds located on the golf course. Musick filed water
hcn~=owners rights application for the ponds because the city desired water for the golf course for
irrigation; the Holden water right was not decreed for storage. This agreement provides
for a realistic method for apportioning the water in the ditch, permitting the city to
do what it desires to do to irrigate the golf course and insures the homeowners will
receive their 5/10 second foot of water right out of the Holden ditch. The city is to
Regular Meeting Aspen ~lsy uounu~x ~.~ ..... , ....
deliver the water to a weir, provide for ditch maintenance costs of $75 per year, which i~
an appropriate rate. The primary objection was the city's application on the ponds.
The residents objected to the way in which the city cleaned and maintained the ditches.
This has been resolved to the benefit of both parties. There are some long term obliga-
tions in the agreement, which work to the benefit of all. Councilman Isaac asked if wate~
for the community garden was coming out of this ditch. Musick told Council both the
Holden and Marolt ditch come out of Castle Creek, and either ditch can serve the communit~
garden. Both ditches serve the golf course, and the city virtually total owner Of these
ditches. This agreement states anything the city does with the water rights up to the
weir is the city's business so long as they deliver 5/10 second foot at the weir.
Councilwoman Michael moved to approve the water delivery and ditch maintenance agreement
between the city of Aspen and Castle Creek subdivision homeowners association that the
date of the agreement be changed to 1980; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in favor,
motion carried.
Musick brought up a license agreement with the Colorado Water Conservation Board which
finally received approval for the attorney for the State of Colorado. This license agree
ment carries out the terms of the agreement the CoUncil and Commissioners negotiated with
the Water Conservation Board, southeastern district, for Hunter Creek. This agreement
says the water Conservation Board may jointly with the City file for transfer of the city'
Hunter Creek flume and pipeline water rights and Droste water right to minimum stream
flows on Hunter Creek. This was part of the terms on.I.Hunter Creek and something the city
wanted. The Water Conservation Board has filed for the transfer of the McDowell water
rights. The signed applications for both transfers have been submitted to the city.
All but one remaining facet of the agreement negotiated in 1978-79 has been completed,
The remaining one is the expenditure of funds. Musick told Council he viewed this as a
materialstep forward in the maximum utilization of all waters on Hunter Creek.
Councilman Isaac moved to add this to the agenda; seconded by Councilwoman Michael. All
in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve the license agreement for Droste and Hunter Creek flume
and pipeline water rights and applications for transfer to minimum stream flow purposes;
seconded by Councilwoman Michael. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~5, SERIES OF 1980 - Emergency Alarm Systems
City Attorney Stock told Council this is different from the ordinance adopted on first
reading. Stock had distributed a letter from the attorney for PSI with recommended Ord. 5, 1980
changes. City staff met with PSI and their attorneys and adopted amendments. Stock Emergency Alarm
outlined the changes. In the definition section, a fire alarm is included as well as Systems
police alarm, under protection services, a security patrol is included as a protection
service. Under prohibited connections, two are added. These are (c) a system or device
which transmits a signal to an unlicensed protection service and which would use a tele-
phone line serving the Aspen Police Department. The second prohibition is from an alarm
system or device which transmits an audible signal to the general public.
Stock told Council in Section 4 under emergency alarm systems permit, it was changed so
that you do not need a permit for a local, residential fire alarm, such as First Alert
or other home devices. The permit fee was also changed so that there is no longer an
exception for installation by a protection agency. The initial fee is $100 with a $25
fee for people with alarms before the effective date of the ordinance. There is an annual
fee of $25 per year. Stock said they changed the initial fee because there is a shake
down period where the alarm might go off. Under false alarm fee, the first two alarms
within 30 days will not be charged a fee. The fee charged has been charged from $32 to
$50 because the person required to pay the false alarm fee is no longer the alarm system
but now is the owner-occupant of the protected premises. The finance department will do
the collection; if this is not paid, PSI has agreed they will turn the alarm off, The
reason for the change in false alarm fee is the additional burden on the finanee~,.depart-
ment. The increased rate will pay for the additional staff necessary to collect the fee.
Ms. Butterbaugh said this fee is very difficult to collect; the present $25 fee does not
pay for the cost of the police covering the call and is not very adminstratable nor
collectible. Projecting the $50 by the number cf false alarms, half of the fee will
support an additional employee to administer this. The remaining portion can be used
by the police department to cover their costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt opened the public hearing.
Bil Dunaway said this change seems another way the city will get into business of collect-
ing fees that they were trying to get out of with this ordinance. Ms. Butterbaugh said
the city has an alarm fee ordinance they are not collecting on nor even sending bills out
on. This ordinance is because the police department is having an increasing number of
alarms and needs a way to cover of the cost of this. Ms. Butterbaugh said they hoped by
forcing payment, this will lower the number of false alarms. Chapman said this shoUld
provide incentive to install better alarms. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt pointed out the
customer is not being penalized in this. Lennie Oates, representing PSI, told Council in
most cases the false alarm is not the fault of the equipment, but is the fault of the
person operating the equipment. Oates stated the idea of making the protection agency
solely responsible for these actions is what PSI objects to. Oates said it is better for
the city to collect if it is worthwhile to the city.
Chapman said it is his feeling the company is making the money; they are the ones the
city is licensing, and they should be held responsible. It is their equipment and they
are making money on it. Ms. Butterbaugh pointed out if the alarm company has to cut off
the customer, they no longer have a customer. They will try to keep the false alarms
at a minimum and to encourage customers to pay the city bill. Jim McDade told Council
that almost 100 per cent of the false alarms, once the system is burned in, are customer
error, or telephone company, or power~ failure.
aspen cl~y councl± Marc~ 24, 1980
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt pointed out that PSI has a substantial monopoly and does not
understand why the city has the onus of having to collect on this system. Chapman asked
Council to table this as he has some reservations about this change and would like to
go over the alternatives with staff and with PSI. Oates said the ordinance is well-
written and they think highly of it. The only thing it does not contain is a high enough
standard for the people in the business. Oates stated a licensee ought to establish
its qualifications. Councilman Isaac asked the staff take another look at this, see
what is being done in other communits, see what the standards were taken out and bring
it back.
Councilman Isaac moved to continue the public hearing; seconded by Councilwoman Michael.
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #10, SERIES OF 1980 - Visual Arts Center Lease
Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Pro Tem
Ord. 10, 1980 Behrendt closed the public hearing.
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #10, Series of 1980; seconded by Councilwoman
Michael. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~10
(Series of 1980)
AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ASPEN AND THE
ASPEN CENTER FOR VISUAL ARTS AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEASE OF THAT CERTAIN
PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE HOLY CROSS ELECTRICAL BUILDING was read by
the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #10, Series of 1980, on second reading; seconde
by Councilwoman Michael. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Collins, aye; Isaac, aye;
Michael, aye; Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt, aye. Motion carried.
CITY MANAGER
1. Aspen Skiing Corporation Donation. City Manager Chapman told Council he had enclosed
two letters from Tom Richardson, Aspen Skiing Corporation, offering a donation of $15,000
Rio Grande from the Ski Corp to be used to help prepare the Rio Grande Master Plan. The caveat of
Master Plan the donation is that if in the future the city receives any money from development on
Aspen Skiing the Rio Grande property, such as the sale of land, $15,000 or more; they city will agree
Corp. donation to apply $10,000 of the donation to any potential or future water tap fees for snowmaking
on Aspen mountain. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked exactly what is meant~by "development
or anything like that" means. Would it preclude the Rio Grande Commisszon from some of
their plans, such as 70/30 employee housing projects. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt said he
felt the offer,.was very nice, but' feels t~at it is written so that anything that happens
on the Rio Grande will result in a return of the money.
Councilman Collins pointed out in the first letter it appears as if the city requested
the consideration f~om the Ski Corp, and asked how was it authorized. Mayor Pro Tem
Behrendt said Mayor Edel requested help from the Ski Corp. Councilwoman Michael pointed
out the Mayor did not have specific authorization but had stated he would not give up
and perhaps there was a possibility to get money from outside sources, like the Ski Corp.
Councilman Collins said he felt thinks like this should be done at arm's length.
Councilman Isaac agreed this puts pressure on the city to approve the tap fee. Council-
man Collins said he thought the question was resolved with services in-kind, not a sub-
stantial amount. Councilman Collins pointed out in the first letter it states the amount
will be credited towards a tap fee; this is locking the city in on a tap fee. There is
nothing in either letter which indicates the Ski Corp is not expecting a tap fee. The
letter specifically states that $10,000 will be credited. Councilman Collins said he
did not feel that is the way the city government should be dealing with any entity.
City Manager Chapman told Council he felt more committed by the city's letter to the Ski
Corp than by what the ski Corp has said. The city said if they get any development fees
the first proposal was that the City would give the money back. The Ski Corp told the
Mayor there was not $15,000 in the operating budget; however, there was money in the
capital budget if the donation could be tied to a capital project. The capital project
was snowmaking on Aspen Mountain. Mayor Edel thought if this was to be a donation, it
should be a donation and asked the Ski Corp to change this. The Ski Corp either could
not nor would not change this.
City Attorney Stock explained to Council there is an agreement approved by Council that
would have allowed snowmaking on Aspen mountain. However, the Ski Corp ran into problems
at the county level. The agreement stated the city would sell water at a reduced rate
and current tap fees. In return, the Ski Corp contacted Spar Consolidated and obtained
from them the agreement to sell to the city land for the tank site. The city purchased
this at a certain price, and received easements from the Ski Corp. The concept was that
the tap fee would be the same as the cost to the city for the site. It turned out the
tap fee was much higher, and the Ski Corp told Council all they could give the city was
cash. At that time, there was a lot of snow and the negotiations broke down.
Councilwoman Michael said the issue here is whether to tie the donation to the tap fees.
Council decided to wait until Mayor Edel to return to give him a chance to discuss this.
Councilwoman Michael moved to table the issue; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in
favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion Carried.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Councll March
2. Transportation Office Space - Wheeler Opera House. Chapman told Council they are Space at
requesting office space for transportation as they are absolutely cramped and have troubl~ Wheeler
operating. Chapman told Council they will take this to the Wheeler Opera House Commission Transportation
If no space is available, they will come in with a request to lease outside space, department
3. City Hall Roof replacement Sheree Sonfield told Council there had been plans to rehabilJ
tate the entire city hall. The roof replacement was part of those plans. There are City Hall
serious leaks into the third floor on the north side and at the skylight. Ms. Sonfield roof
has applied for $27,000 grant whiCh is about 50 per cent of the cost of replacing the replac~nent
entire roof. The funding may not come through in 1980 but may come through in 1981.
Ms. Butterbaugh told Council one of the special projects br0ught~to CounCil was repair
of the roof. There was a request for $40,000 to do it at city's costs. Previous city
engineer presented an alternative proposal to spend a limited amount to slow down the
leaks; however, it was felt it did not make sense to do a partial repair. This looks like
an opportunity to get some funding as it was not funded before.
Councilman Collins moved to go foward with the grant; seconded by CouncilwOman Michael.
Ms. Butterbaugh pointed out this is a 50 per cent matching grant and the Council will nee~
to earmakr $27,000 of sixth penny money. It does not have to be appropriated. If the
funds come in in 1981, they can be appropriated at that time. Ms. Sonfield requested a
letter of support signed by Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt. CoUncil agreed.
All in favor, motion carried.
4. Study Session. Chapman told Council the county would like to have a meeting with
Council regarding the law enforcement building. Council set the study session for
Wednesday, April 9 at noon.
5. Overhead Wire Request. Chapman included a request from KSNO to temporarily hand an
overhead wire fron the northeast corner of the building. This is 1/2 inch diameter cable.
It appears Mountain Bell cannot put in telephone lines for awhile, and this is the only
way KSNO can get telephone service. The cable will be there about 9 months; Chapman said
he asked for a bond or escrow removal money. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked why this could
not be undergrounded. City Engineer McArthur explained there is no conduit system under-
ground; it is direct buried cable.
Councilman Isaac moved to approve this until 1st of January 1981 with the escrow amount
of money required to remove the wire; seconded by Councilwoman Michael. All in favor,
motion carried.
6. North Mill Street Improvements. City Manager Chapman told Council with this project
he wanted to make sure there is a good pUblic relations effort. Chapman presented the
map of improvements and the letters that will be sent to the merchants. The engineering N. Mill Street
department will publish the maps in the paper and will ha~d out letters and have dates I/~prov~ents
of the possible street closures. Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt asked about having the curbs
come out into the street so that cars cann park all the way to the corners. City Engineer
McArthur answered this system does not lend itself to the storm sewer flow and would push
water into the middle of the street. There is also a safety problem with this and a snow
removal problem. Mayor Pro Tem asked that this be mentioned to the Design Conference.
ORDINANCE #13, SERIES OF 1980 Repealing Section 20-22 (c) and (d)
City Attorney Stock told Council this ordinance eliminates the requirements that the
property be deed restricted to price guidelines if the property had previously been
rented within the price guidelines. The request for the change was the concept this is Ord. 13, 1980
penalizing the good guys and people were moving tenants out or raising the rents in Elimination
anticipation of condominiumization. Stock told Council that subdivision code amendments of deed
do not have to go to P & Z for their recommendation, and asked if Counci 1 preferred it restriction
go to P & Z. Ms. Smith, planning director, agreed the current ordinance has inequitable clause
resUlts and requested this be sent to P & Z. Ms. Smith told Council the housing task
force is working on a housing program to produce numbers of units recommended to Council.
The production rate is 67 units per year, which is double the recommended growth managemen
rate. The need is based on an assumption there will only be a certain number of condo-
miniumizations per year. Ms. Smith said she is in favor of the P & Z looking at the
possible effect of this ordinance on condc~niniumization, Councilwoman Michael said she
is fearful that decisions are made and then disappear.
Councilman Isaac moved to refer Ordinance 913 to P & Z and the housing task force; seconde
by Councilman Collins. All in favOr, with the exception of Councilwoman Michael. Motion
carried.
Councilman Collins moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Isaac. Ail in
favor, motion carried.
Kathryn~. Koch, City Clerk