HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19810309Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 9, 1981
JOINT MEETING WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Edel cal~led the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. with Commissioners Chid, Madsen,
Klanderud and Kinsley and iCouncilmembers Michael, Collins, Isaac, Parry, Behrendt present.
1. ~spen/Pitkin County Building Department Fee Increases. Brian Stafford told the Boards
the first element of this request are the fee increases. This would generate about
~56,000 in revenues in 1981. The second element is to increase the modifier used to
value the property being constructed. Presently the modifier reflects the average cost
of construct in the state rather than in Pitkin County. Stafford talked to 10 people
in the various businesses involved, they came up with a reasonable modifier to evaluate
housing.
is now valued at $60 a square foot, it
housing. A type, five wood frame dwelling uni~ .
was previously valued at $39/square foot. The UBC allows the building inspector to change!i
the modifier. The fee schedule is raised t0 increase the cost per thousand in the more
expensive construction, Herb Paddock, building inspector, told the Boards the reason
behind this is that more sophisticated and larger buildings do cause need for more highly
qualified persOnnel for inspections. By initiating this fee schedule, Paddock told the
Boards they hoped to be able to have adequate personnel.
Councilman Behrendt moved to approve the building inspection fees; seconded by Commissione~
Kinsley.
Stafford told the Boards that on owner-built housing, there is a separate price category.
Councilman Isaac said it looked to him as if some of the costs are going down. Stafford
said in the 25,000 to 75,000 area the price is going down; the actual cost of building
department for inspecting smaller projects is not as ~much.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Isaac. Motion carried.
Mayor Edel asked if there was any objections from the people the building department talke~
to. Stafford said the only objection was that people did not want to be valued at costs
of extra costs of construction, such as architects, attorneys, costs not related to the
hard costs of contruction. Stafford said they do not feel the fees do this.
2. Amendment to Canyon Cable Franchise Agreement. Mayor Edel excused himself for a
conflict of interest. John Dady requested from the city a change or deletion in the city
franchise agreement with Canyon Cable in Section 11 which says that Canyon Cable will
not use any signal beam that is being used by the translator association, which is
channels 3, 6 and 8. Dady explained the county's interest in this that Canyon Cable
filed a petition with the FCC to keep the county from putting on PBS over the air in
Aspen. The claim was harmful interference. Cable has recognized they can solve this
problem with phase locking the translators. There is a problem in that the translators
above Aspen are the lowest quality available. Canyong Cable has agreed if they can get
Section 11 of the franchise deleted, they will provide $25,000 towards the update of the
translator equipment and the petition to the FCC will me dropped.
John Eldert explained this is basically burying the hatchet between the two systems; they
have worked out all the technical problems to have the two systems peaCefully coexist.
One remaining hurdle is to get Section 11 removed so that they can broadcast on the same
channels. Ms. Butterbaugh said she would also be looking into the franchise agreement
to see if the city is comfortable with the agreement in light of new legislation.
Councilman Parry moved to direct the staff to bring back the paperwork necessary to
accomplish this purpose and to look into the agreement; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All
in favor, motion carried.
STEIN PARK
The City and County had received requests to rename Fisherman Park to Stein Park in hon:.or
of Henry Stein. Since the resolution has been written there are some technical problems
to be worked out. Councilman Behrendt requested the staff research this because of some
public conflict with the donors.
Councilman Behrendt moved to table the resolution; seconded by Councilman Parry.
Klanderud, Kinsley, Madsen, Parry, Behrendt, Edel in favor; Isaac, Child, Michael and
Collins opposed. Motion carried.
4. Amended Ruedi Intergovernmental Agreement was not ready for consideration
COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
Councilman Isaac moved to table the minutes; seconded by Councilman Collins.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
There were none
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
1. Bernard Utchenik, representing the committee petitioning to save the Victorian houses
told Council they had tried to repeal ordinance 16, but it was too late. They have
filed a petition stating, "SHALL Section 24-10.9 (ORDINANCE ~16, SERIES OF 1980) BE
AMENDED BY THE ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING SUB-PARAGRAPH, 24-10.0(c) In the event that any
proposed development under Section 24-10,1 et seq of the Aspen Municipal Code requires
the demol, ition or removal of an existing structure that has been designated as either
having historical or architectural significance in the Inventory of Historic Sites and
Structures dated December 19, 1980, prepared for the City of Aspen by John Stanford and
Vera Kirkpatrick, the demolition and removal of the existing structure and the proposed
development shall be reviewed and approved by the Historic~ Preservation Commission
pursuant to the provisions of Section 24-9.1 et seq of the Aspen Municipal Code prior
to consideration of an application pursuant to Section 24-10.1 et seq by the Aspen Plannin~
and Zoning CoH~ission and the City Council.
Councilman Isaac moved to put this on the agenda; seconded by Councilman Behrendt. All
in favor, motion carried.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 9, 1981
2. Stan Lauriski, representing the Smuggler Mountain Caucus, was present regarding the
expansion of the trailer park. The residents adjacent are opposed to that expansion.
Lauriski said all of the interested parties have not been able to get together for a
discussion; if they cannot get together, they have come to the conclusion they will take
any means to stop the project. Mayor Edel said no one on Council has heard this. Counci~
man Behrendt said the city wants to address all concerns. Mayor Edel asked City Manager
Chapman to set up a meeting between all four parties. .~
3. Gail Mahoney, Pitkin County Housing Office, told Council they are running an employee
survey this week which is an update of the 1979 survey. This is a smaller application
to include random selection of businesses and employees so that they can sensitize the
housing program. There have been donations from the Ski Corp, Hans Cantrup, the Chamber,
Board of Realtors and Sno-engineering of either funds or personnel. This will be to see
if the housing program is meeting the needs or should be adjusted.
4. Rouhlac Garn, representing Hans Cantrup, requested approval for Cantrup to move the
Prospector lodge to the Koch lumber property. This property was annexed but never zoned.
Ms. Garn said she would like Council's approval to move the lodge and temporarily put it
on the Koch lumber property in order for the Aspen Ski Club to decide whether they want
the Prospector lodge and if they want it, where to locate it. Cantrup is in a position
to offer property to the Ski Club on Aspen mountain, provided they can get the appropriat~
approvals.
Councilman Behrendt moved to put this on the agenda; seconded by Councilman Parry.
Councilman Behrendt withdrew his motion.
Councilwoman Michael asked that City Manager Chapman look into this to see what the
potential problems are and report back. Mayo~ Edet said the adjacent property owners
ought to have an opportunity to comment.- Councilman Collins said this ought to go through
planning and building departments for their recommendations. Council suggested this go
to staff and come back to Council.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
1. Councilman Van Ness said before the city spends any money at the Wheeler Opera House,
a public hearing should be held. Council has not specifically addressed the uses of that
building. Mayor Edel said the architect will be in Aspen March 17 to explain the problems
with the Wheeler. Councilman Van Ness said before the city hires an architect, the
Council should decide what the uses area. Council will schedule a public hearing after
the architect has been here.
2. Councilman Isaac congratulated everyone involved with the Aspen Winternational. It ~
was a great job and very exciting and hopefully it will be an annual event. Mayor Edel i
said Council should set a letter or resolution to the FIS saying how pleased they were.
3. Councilwoman Michael told Council there is a meeting of the Ruedi Water Authority,
of which she is the member, and needs an alternate because she cannot attend.
Councilman Behrendt moved to appoint George Parry as an alternate; seconded by Councilwoma
Michael. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Councilman Isaac said he was unhappy about the meeting last week about the fire hazard
at the Aspen Club. Councilman Isaac said it seemed like a last minute thing and he would
like to have the procedures changed so that it doesn't happen again. Councilman Isaac
said the city should plan ahead and he would like concerns like this to come before
Council. City Manager Chapman pointed out this was an administrative decision; it is not
something Council votes on. Over a year ago, the then-fire marshal approved that site
for the concert. Councilman Isaac said he would like to have some kind of procedure where
large group gatherings come before Council. Councilmembers Michael and Behrendt said they
were not prepared to do this. Councilman Van Ness agreed with Isaac if Council is informed
at the beginning, this could save some aggravation. Councilman Parry said the Council
should get a memorandum from the City Manager of what events are going on. Mayor Edel
agreed.
5. Councilman Parry read a letter from Don Swales regarding the sale of the Wheeler
Opera House film equipment. Councilman Parry moved to put this on the agenda; seconded
by Councilman Van Ness. All in favor, motion carried.
6. Councilman Behrendt requested a water plant housing status report. Jim Reents, housin
director, told Council they are on schedule for occupancy April 1st for the first two
buildings and he does not anticipate any problem from the snow last week. They are puttin~
the carpet in some units at the end of this week. There will be an open house for the
tenants to measure and check things out. Councilman Behrendt asked the status of the
management policies. Reents said he had four management proposals to go over and will
hopefully interview next week. Councilman Behrendt asked about the policy statement for
rentals, first last and damage deposit. Reents said he had understood Council wanted
first, last and damage. Council said they had not agreed to tha~ and wanted a policy
statement from staff.
7. Councilman Behrendt asked City Manager Chapman to look into mile/kilometer signs and
see what the County's experience has been. Councilman Behrendt said he likes the
transition and would like it as a replacement policy. Everyone on Council but Councilman
Van Ness agreed to have Chapman look into it.
8. Mayor Edel requested that Resolution #13, approving the GMP allocations, be added to
the agenda.
Councilman Behrendt moved to put Resolution ~13, Series of 1981, on the consent agenda;
seconded by Councilman Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
City Manager Chapman told Council the Steamboat Springs City Council would like to meet
with this city council regarding several issues. Chapman said he would have his office
set it up. Council agreed.
PETITION REGARDING ORDINANCE #16 AND VICTORIAN STRUCTURES
Mayor Edel said the person who owns this Victorian should be brought into the discussions;
it is unfair to exclude him. Councilman Isaac said this issue goes beyond this one
application. Bernard Utchenik the particular Victorian at Cooper and Aspen is already
in the process and probably cannot be saved. This was started as a stalling procedure;
what they are now trying to do is set a pattern for older, historic structures in the city
Norma Dolle told Council she has talked to the zoning enforcement officer who told her
the six-month lease restrictions are almost impossible to enforce. If they remove this
Victorian and put in an 11 unit apartment building for employee housing, how will this
be enforced. Utchenik told Council this amendment would deal with any building listed on
the inventory of historical structures. They are concerned with the existing structures
of Aspen.
Joe Wells told Council the inventory has been completed and is a resource that is now
available to Council for consideration of additional districts. Utchenik told Council
there is nothing in Ordinance #16, (which is the residential bonus overlay ordinance)
that mentions buildings that might be moved Or destroyed. Councilman Isaac said he felt
this proposed ordinance has merit but it does not belong in Ordinance 16 Councilman
Behrendt said he is for this; however, does Council want to take a lot oK buildings in thi~
town and just freeze them forever. Councilman Parry said he would like to see these
structures stay this way but the Council has taken this particular area and make it a highli
density area. Also it is impossible to remodel a standing Victorian today and pass the
fire code. The Council should enact some legislation to keep the Pockets of Victorians.'
Mayor Edel suggested referring this committee to the city's counsel to see if an ordinancell
can be drawn up.
Sunny Vann, planning director, told Council the staff and Council will be looking at the
possibility of extending the historic district or creating pocket districts throughout
portions of the community. The mechanisms are there; the staff has not had enough
knowledge of the entire community to deal with this On a house by house basis.
ORDINANCE ~12, SERIES OF 1981 - Dormitories in RB Zone
Councilman Behrendt excused himself due to conflict of interest. Joew Wells told Council
this ordinance would amend Section 24-10, the residential bonus section, to allow dormi-
tories as a permitted use under RBO in the R-6 zone district. Dormitories are not
allowed in R-6. Initially, P & Z wanted these as a conditional use; however, they
decided there was enough protection'~ because of the review Under RBOi The amendments
are the R-6 zone district would be deleted from 24-10,4(a) and added to 24-10.4(b) taking
the R~6 zone district and putting it into a section which does permit dormitory uses.
There are some language changes necessary as a dOrmitory use cannot be defined as a
dwelling unit. There would be no way to determine the maximum allowable density; the
language change establishes as the equivalent of a dwelling unit six dormitory bedrooms.
Wells told Council P & Z wanted to add language to only permit dormitory use in R-6 under
RBO in those circumstances in which dorms complied 100 per cent with the rent&l guidelines.
P & Z concluded there was sufficient protection against abuse by virtue of the language
already existing in the regulations which only allow the application of an RBO to sites
in excess of one acre; there are very few sites to which this can apply. The intent of
the code amendment is to allow a mechanism whereby the proposed mix of employee housing
at Little Annie can be accommodated on-site; howeVer, this amendment would apply across
the city, so it has not been construed as spot zoning. The other mechanism to accommo-
date employee hOusing at Little Annie would be to upzone the site to higher density; this
could be open to challenge as spot zoning.
Councilman Parry moved to read Ordinance ~12, Series of 1981; seconded by Councilman Isaac~i
All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE ~12
(Series of 1981)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 24-10.4(a) AND (b) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE DELETING
THE R-6 ZONE DISTRICT FROM SECTION 24-10.4(a) AND ADDING THE R-6 ZONE DISTRICT
TO,SECTION 24-10.4(b) AND ALLOWING DORM~i. TORIES AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE RESIDENTIAL
BONUS OVERLAY DISTRICT WHEN THE DISTRICT IS SUPERIMPOSED OVER A SITE WITHIN THE
R-6 ZONE DISTRICT AND PROVIDING FOR DEED RESTRICTIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH RENTAL
PRICE GUIDELINES AND AMENDING SECTION 24-10.5(b) (1) TO PROVIDE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF PERMITTED DENSITY FOR A DORMITORY USE was read by the city clerk
Councilman Van Ness said he felt there should be some mechanism of limiting the number of
people per dorm room allowed. Councilman Isaac said another problem are the parking
restrictions and the number of parking places per unit. Councilman Collins said that
dormitory should be specifically defined. Also, Ordinance #16 applies to other zones
besides the R-6; there might be some other districts that are more appropriate. Wells
pointed out that in more intensive residential districts, dormitories are already listed
as permitted use provided the RBO is applied. Councilman Isaac said he wouid like a
definition of how many pillows per bedroom are allowed. Wells told Council as far as the
parking consideration, the RBO is open ended ordinance by which the staff and Council can
arrive at an appropriate level of development for the particular site. The parking require-
ments can fluctuate considerably per site.
Councilman Collins said he cannot accept dormitories in the R-6 zone. He is also concerned
that the RBO zoning can be spot zoning when applied. Councilman Isaac said he had a
problem with six units as a dwelling unit; other units have two, three or four bedrooms
and six is excessive.
.......... ~eqular Meetinq Aspen City Council March 9,
Wells suggested striking the limitation of six and having it as a review criteria.
Councilman Isaac said his concern would be dormitories that are too dense. Councilman
Van Ness said there should be some definition of dormitory bedroom. Ted Mularz outlined
to Council what a typical dormitory room and building might be like. Wells said the
Council can chose not to approve an RBO if it is offensive. Councilman Parry suggested
defining a dormitory room as having no more than two people to each room. Sunny Vann,
planning director, said the RBO is not appropriate in every site. Councilman Van Ness
asked to include a definition of a dormitory bedroom to give people an idea of what kind
of uses might be anticipated in the neighborhood. Councilman Collins stated RBO is
discretionary zoning on a case by case basis; people are not treated the same.
Councilwoman Michael moved to adopt Ordinance ~12, Series of 1981, on first reading;
seconded by Councilman Parry.
Councilman Isaac said he would prefer tabling; Council just received the ordinance and
there are already changes. Councilman Van Ness agreed. Council decided Councilman
Behrendt did not have a conflict of interest.
Councilwoman Michael withdrew her motion.
Councilman Van Ness moved to table Ordinance 912, Series of 1981; seconded by Councilman
Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #13, SERIES OF 1981 Rezoning Little Annie
Joe Wells told Council this ordinance is consideration of an application of the residentia
bonus overlay to the Little Annie base site. Wells told Council normally preliminary PUD
and subdivision do not come to Council; however, Little Annie has given written permission
Conditional use approval for ski facilities on site A-1 is a P & Z consideration, as is
the mountain viewplane reivew, the 8040 greenline review and stream margin review. The
only application reqUired to be heard by Council is the residential bonus overlay
request. Acting city attorney Bob Edmundson told Council that Little Annie has consented
to review the process now, which is not generally done. There is the problem of reliance
taking back what has been delegated to P & Z, and that is coming to Council in a prelimin-
ary stage. Edmundson said if the Council has misgivings, he is of the opinion these
should be expressed now. Council has taken on the onus of making a decision at preliminar
This will come back in final plat; however, changes shOuld be made now. Councilman Isaac
asked if there shOuld be a clause dealing with the reliance factor. Edmundson and Ron
Garfield agreed this could be added.
Bill Kane told Council P & Z has spent considerable time evaluating the base area site
plan. The proposal is to develop a ski area with first phase capacity of 4500 skiers,
which includes seven lifts with a mono-cable six-passenger gondola. The original access
proposal was to the site by Ute avenue with an operating fleet of nine Bluebird buses.
This would involve two uniformed attendants to manage traffic flows in the surrounding
neighborhood. There would be two routes, one accessing the lodging area, the other a
high volume, short haul shuttle. P & Z felt there should be a better way than this
proposal. AnOther consideration was the right-of'way improvements to Ute avenue area
required to carry the buSes, pedestrians and limosines. P & Z has asked that the actual
transportation mode selection be deferred until the area is actually built so that a more
contemporary vehicle may be selected. P & Z recommended selection criteria and enumerated
them in order of importance in their resolution.
The plan for service to the property was developed by Voorheis; this plan evaluated
reasonsable walking distances from the property, developed a mode split between pedes-
trians, bus riders, and limo and taxi riders. The transportation plan depends very
heavily upon a permit system to protect residential property and the surrounding neighbor-
hoods to insure on-street parking are kept for residents. There has been a trail plan
assembled which relies heavily on the trail between the Gant and the Clarendon and through
Glory Hole park to separate walkers from vehicular traffic. Kane told Council the employ~
housing provides for a total of 36 units at the base, 25 are free standing one-bedroom
apartment units, 8 are two-bedroom unit and 3 are dormitory units. At the summit area,
there are twolve units proposed as caretaker units. The bedroom total would be 83 and
the physical development would range a number of employees between 86 and 113.
Ted Mularz told Council they started out with 67 units, a combination of studios, 1 and
2 bedroom units and 134 parking spaces. They found the first housing plan had objections
from surrounding property owners, and these were legitimate complaints. They then
tried to improve on the housing plan with a redesign to fit the buildings into a bowl,
eliminating a building too close to the Gant, and removed the parking area away from the
property line and replaced it was green area. The plan ended up with 33 units, 68 bedroo~
and approximately 102 people at the base area. There will be 124 parking spaces, which
is more than one space per bedroom. Mularz showed plans of the lower terminal and how
they had changed this to make it a better building. Mularz demonstrated the access to
the terminal building; how they created green space. They reduced the footprint of the
· building from 27,000 square feet to 21,647 square feet; the green space grew from 55 per
cent to 64 per cent. The building design is in character with the neighborhood and at
the highest point is 44 feet.
The monocable storage is underground; the first level has offices and caretaker apartment.
There are lockers for ski storage and a skiway access. There is a clear story on top for
the sun to come in. Councilman Isaac asked who was responsible for widening Ute avenue.
Dave Farney answered it is the cost of Little Annie; the engineering has been done.
Councilman Isaac said there needs to be a discussion of the impacts of the ski area all
over, not just on this site. Mike Peters pointed out there are a variety of permits
that have to be acquired. P & Z felt it was appropriate to only address the city issues
because the bigger issues will be addressed through other processes. Councilman Isaac
said at some point the Council needs to have a public hearing on the whole development.
Wells stated there is no requirement to hold a major public hearing before Council; howevE
if Council wants one, there is no reason they cannot do it. P & Z chose not to address
the issues outside the base area.
Bill Kane said in the Colorado Joint Review Process, of which the city is a participant,
Pitkin County, State of Colorado and the City of Aspen at the site specific agreement had
an opportunity to identify those requirements which would constitute each local jurisdic-
tion. The County chose the special review procedure; the City chose the preliminary plat
subdivision and preliminary PUD as the process.
Councilman Collins stated a lot of the information in the Little Annie memorandum have to
do with concerns outside of the city. Given the impacts of this facility and some of the
other projects which seem to be in the mill, there is nothing in all the information on
the impact on the city; how much more commercial space will be needed; how many more
traffic lights on Main street; how many more police. Councilman Collins said this is a
great plan, well thought out and serves a need for skiing; however, no where is it
indicated the impact on the city; air pollution, traffic congestion. This information
should be available somewhere. All this information addresses the county concerns, but
the city concerns are a big portion of this. Mike Peters pointed out there are lengthy
consultants reports which deal with the demand and impacts on the city.
Councilman Behrendt asked about the extension of the Ute trail to the east and the
possibility of using the Riverside trail. Kane said the West End street extension will bei
used to channelize pedestrian traffic. Kane demonstrated some of the trails on the plan.
McArthur said the engineering department is requiring a 10 foot sidewalk all the way down
the north side of the street. Councilman Isaac questioned the operation and hours of the
summit facility. Ron Garfield, counsel for Little Annie, told Council this will be taken
care of through an agreement with the County; they do not yet know the hours of operation, il
These details will come later. Councilman Isaac pointed out if the gondola is to stay
open late hours, this will impact Ute avenue and the parking permit system. Farney said
they felt there would be less impact because the traffic would be spread over more hours.
CounCilman Collins asked what per cent total employees would be hoUsed by Little Annie.
Peters said approximately 70 per cent of the total number Of employees would be housed.
Councilman Isaac said he had a problem with the gondola system because people have to ride
up and down; there will be 4500 skiers with a lift capacity of 2100. Councilman Isaac
said he did not think people would wait for the gondola but would ski down, which will
affect the Castle Creek or North Star ranch areas. Councilman Isaac pointed out this is
the largest development the city has faced in ten years and the impacts will be substantial.
Councilwoman Michael said the major trade off of this proposal is to address the bed/skier
balance between Snowmass and Aspen. This should minimize some traffic on highway 82 and
to provide the type of skiing in Aspen some people travel to Snowr~ass to get.
Mayor Edel asked about the heighth of the building in the base area. Joe Wells said the
P & Z had allowed a certain penetration into the view plane of 6 or 7 feet. Mayor Edel
asked the impact on Ute Cemetery. Peters said the Little Annie group has had discussions
with the historical society about this and they feel Little Annie will add to the security
of the cemetery. Wells said this concern was a concern of the previous Council; if it is
not a concern to this Council, it can be dropped. Mayor Edel asked about the Larkin parce~
Wells explained is it 14,405 square feet and by virtue of this application, the Larkin
parcel is to be relocated at the north end of the site. Under previous zoning, the site
would be eligible for a single family dwelling. Under this PUD application, the applicant
has agreed to accep no more than a duplex.
Councilman Isaac said he understood Little Annie has no deed to water rights. Ron Garfiel~
said that is incorrect; they have conditional decrees for wells on the site. Garfield
said the drilling program has not been completed, and there are a number of wells with
water that have not been tested. Garfield told Council the augmentation plan has not beenii
approved by the Courts. Councilman Isaac said he would like the city's water attorney
to look into this because there is a possible conflict with city water rights. Wells
told Council the scope of this application exceeds far beyond anything the city has ever
reviewed at a preliminary plan level, and to what extent can the City expect the applicantl
to go to great expense to address all the problems. The planning office tried to identify
areas that have no mitigation or do not ~equire permitting to allow the application to
proceed.
Councilman Isaac asked how many total employees there would be. Bill Kane answered 164
full time with some part-time over Christmas. Councilman Isaac raised the issue of
financing, this project requires raising $30,000,000 and that Little Annie is asking for
$15,000,000 in loans that will be federally guaranteed. Garfield told Council there is
a pre-application for a FmHA loan. Garfield said Little Annie has finanCial pro formas
developed by their consultants and verified by the city's independent consultants; the
forest service has also commented these are reasonable. Mayor Edel asked what their
reaction to the performance bond is. Peters said that will be required bY the forest
service. Councilman Isaac pointed out the ratio of capital costs to skier capacity, whichli
is $6500 per skier, which is extraordinarily high. Kane said Little Annie has formally
objected to a section of the EIS which compares this figure to the 78-79 economic analysisi~
siting $1000/per skier. Kane said this $1000 is the value of the dePreciated assets in
place which is an unfair comparison because many ski areas in Colorado have lifts which
have been open since the early 1960's.
Councilman Behrendt brought up the vehicle selection and asked if Little Annie would be
contracting with the city for transportation like the Aspen Ski Corp does. Peters told
Council they would prefer that type of agreement, but if it is not appropriate they will
do something else. Councilman Behrendt said he would like to have the same type of
equipment that is already in use. Councilman Van Ness said he did not feel the overall
Positive effect on Aspen business will be as great as anticipated. Mike Peters told Council
one of the premises behind the whole area was not necessarily a generation of additional
people but displacement of people. Councilman Isaac said the stopping traffic at the east
end should be coordinated with the operating schedule of Little Annie.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council M~?3 .1~8~
Mayor Edel said he presumed a contract will be drawn up to cover many items, such as
reimbursement of the city for buses, paying a parking person, work on Ute Avenue, etc.
Garfield said the will be park of the final plat stage. Mayor Edel asked if there had
been any discussion between the applicant and the city about contributing to the Rio Gran
parking structure. Wells answered the applicant anticipates no contribution. Mayor Edel
requested some discussion about this. Mayor Edel asked if there was any commitment on th~
city's part for the second phase. Wells told Council that Little Annie has waived relian(
on the second phase, The staff is trying to keep the city protected. Mayor Edel asked
about the reco ~truction of the Midnight Mine or Little Annie road. Wells said this is
anticipated in the first phase.
Councilman Isaac asked about the season pass. Peters said Little Annie has committed to
this in the P & Z resolution. It will be an affordable season pass and will be a market
decision. Little Annie has requested Sno-engineering to research what other areas do for
a pass.
Councilman Behrendt moved to read Ordinance #13, Series of 1981; seconded by Councilman
Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #13
(Series of 1981)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
SECTION 24-2.2 BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED BY THIS REFERENCE FROM R-6 TO R-6/PUD/RB
was read by the city clerk
Councilman Behrendt moved to adopt Ordinance #13, Series of 1981, on first reading; secondE ~
by Councilwoman Michael. Councilman Isaac requested a reliance section in the ordinance.
Councilman Behrendt amended his motion to include this. Roll call vote; Councilwoman Micha ~1
aye; Parry, aye; Collins, nay; Isaac, nay; Behrendt, aye; May~r Edel, aye. Motion carried.
Council postponed the Little Annie EIS off until Wednesday March 11, 1981.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL TO DONATE LAND AT RIO GRANDE FOR PERFORMING ARTS/CONFERENCE CENTER
Richie Cohen read a memorandum to Council regarding this request. "It is a belief of a
growing number of citizens of our valley that the time has come to take the steps necessary
to begin the next phase of the development of a performing arts/conference facility and
the Rio Grande property as recommended by the Rio Grande Task Force. There is a recognize~
need on the part of the Chamber of Commerce for the promotion of the city of Aspen as a
conference center with a growing awareness of the need of the community for a year round
performance center. The Music Associates and Ballet West are studying the possibilities oi
joint usage and both organizations, as well as other organizations, are aware of the
benefits that would accrue to each of them. It is therefore requested that the City
Council pass a resolution designating a non-specified one and one-half acre parcel in the
Rio Grande property that will be set aside as the site of the future performance/conference
center. A non-specified site will not inhibit the planning process needed for the entire
parcel and will demonstrate the dedication of the city government to the center. This will
enable an effort to begin to obtain the financial commitments needed to finance the project
Tonight it is requested that Council ask staff to draft such a resolution so Council may
expedite this matter with as much speed as possible."
Cohen told Council he wa.s not specifically representing any group but a citizen trying to
get a year round operating facility within the city of Aspen. Cohen told Council he has
been meeting with a broad spectrum of people representing arts, business and both. Cohen
submitted tethers from Mike Strang, VOICE, Tom Richardson, Pam Arnold of the IDCA and the
Aspen Center for the Visual Arts all supporting this proposal.
Councilman Behrendt moved to direct the staff to write a resolution designating a non-
specified one and one-half acre parcel on the Rio Grande property to be set aside as the
Site for a future performing arts/conference center; seconded by Councilwoman Michael.
Mayor Edel said Council is saying they are behind this project and if the groups come up
with the money to build the project, the city will given them an acre and a half. Council-
man Van Ness asked what happens if in future years another Council decides they want to do
something different with the property. Mayor Edel said a Council could change its mind;
this Council feels this project should be backed. Councilwoman Michael said this is a
commitment and might be binding at some level. Councilman Van Ness said there is discussio
a performing arts center may be built at the Meadows. Councilwoman Michael suggested the
resolution be drafted to make a commitment but to protect the city from other Contingencies
Cohen told Council he is asking for a commitment from the city that if this project gets
off the ground, if the money can be raised, there will be one and one-half acres of land
on that property for this.
City Manager Chapman said he felt this would be making a significant commitment. The
Council had directed Chapman to meet with the architect to prepare site design work.
Councilman Collins questioned whether the city has that kind of land to give away, in terms
of other city needs. Also should this go to the voters. Councilman Isaac said Cohen is
not asking to get the land, just to designate the use of the land.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Collins. Motion carried.
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE THEATRE EQUIPMENT
Mayor Edel explained the lessee, Don Swales, approached the city with the opportunity of
purchasing the projection equipment for a total of $12,000. Don Swales told the Council
when the thought the building was being closed on April 1st, he went to the supply companie
who handle sales of this kind of equipment. They have offered $12,000. The sale of this
equipment would leave the city with an empty shell. If the city buys the equipment, they
can continue using the Wheeler. Swales said new equipment would cost $30,000. Councilman
Isaac asked if the city had $12,000. Ms. Butterbaugh said there was that in the RETT fund.
Council requested that City Manager Chapman check out the price of similar equipment and
get back to Council.
~egu±ar Meeting Aspen City Council March 9, 1981
ORDINANCE ~9, SERIES OF 1981 - Restaurant as conditional use in C-1 zone
Planning director Sunny Vann reminded Council this has been discussed before and Council
directed staff to draft an ordinance.
Councilman Behrendt moved to read Ordinance #9, Series of 1981;~seconded by Councilman
Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #9
(Series of 1981)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 24-3.2 OF THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE
ADDITION OF A RESTAURANT AS A CONDITIONAL USE IN THE C-1 ZONE DISTRICT was
read by the city clerk
Mayor Edel asked if this were a piece meal approach to the C-1 zone. Vann told Council
the P & Z has requested the planning office to look at all uses in the C-1 zone. They
will make a recommendation to Council. Councilman Van Ness said given the intention of
the C~i zone district, a restaurant is as much non-tourist oriented as a jewelry shop or
real estate office. Restaurants should be included as a use; it is not a deterioration
of the zone.
Councilman Behrendt moved to adopt Ordinance ~9, Series of 1981 on first reading; seconded
by Councilwoman Michael. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Van Ness, aye; Collins, nay;
Isaac, nay; Behrendt, aye; Parry, aye; Michael, aye; Mayor Edel, nay. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Michael left Council chambers.
ORDINANCE #14, SERIES OF 1981 - Code Amendment to Section 20-22
Alan Richman, planning office, told Council both P & Z and Council requested language be
developed to add an additional requirement in condominiumization regulations, thatthe
life, health and safety inspections be added as a procedure. P & Z felt it might be an
appropriate place in the process of condominiumization because of change of ownership.
The inspections would be done during the referral or review process so that by the time
P & Z heard the application, the comments would be available from the building department.
The building inspector said there is no way to restrict the inspections to life, health
and safety only; they will look at the building as a whole. The building inspector
already has the right to go into a building at anytime; this just changes the process so
the city can get comments. Councilman Behrendt agreed the building inspector could make
it impossible for the applicant to comply. Councilman Behrendt suggested adding to the
ordinance, "this inspection shall primarily concern itself with fire, health and safety
conditions~.
Gideon Kaufman told Council he is concerned about the building inspector going into older
buildings, finding a lot of things wrong and the applicant is faced with having to correct
them. People with really bad units will not come in for condominiumization because they
cannot afford the changes. This way bad units will only get worse.
Councilman Isaac moved to read Ordinance #14, Series of 1981; seconded by Councilman
Collins. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #14
(Series of 1981)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 20-22 OF THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE
ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION (e) PROVIDING SAFETY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN PRIOR
TO THE CONDOMINIUMIZATION OF ANY STRUCTURE was read by the city clerk
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Ordinance #14, Series of 1981, on first reading; seconded
by Councilman Collins. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Parry, nay, Van Ness, aye; Isaac,
aye; Behrendt, aye~Collins, aye; Mayor Edel, aye. Motion carried.
PROPOSAL FOR 19th GREEN
Councilman Isaac said this is ahead of the game. Councilman Isaac moved to table this
item. Motion DIED for lack of second.i%~
Councilman Behrendt said the concept is a good idea and is needed. The city will get
complaints if the restaurant/bar is not open to the public. Mayor Edel asked if the staff
was working on other proposals. Council requested the City Manager advertise this and
take bids and return to Council with the two best offers by April 1st.
CONCEPTUAL SUBDIVISION REVIEW - Werning
Alan Richman, planning office, told Council this is a .4 acre site on Park Avenue and Parki!
Circle and this review request is for remodellin~ and rebuildin~ the units at a hi~her
density. There are 13 units existing; they are requesting 20 units on the site, of which
10 units will be employee units. There will be a decrease in the number of free market
units. Residential bonus overlay will allow this to occur outside of the GMP. There is
no parking variation being request; there are 20 spaces for>~20 units. The curb cut violatio~
has been taken care of. There is adequate drainage. Richman pointed out 35 per cent of
the parcel is open space; however, there is no open space requirement in the R/MF zone.
The final issue before P & A was the density issue; the planning office pointed out this
would go from 32-1/2 units per acre to 50 units per acre. However, the bedroom count will
drop. Councilman Van Ness asked how the new project compared in terms of square footage.
Kaufman told Council there is a Slight increase in square footage. On the property, they
would be allowed 17 units on the property; under RBO they are only asking to increase 3
bedrooms more than the underlying zone district allows.
Councilman Behrendt moved to approve the request for conceptual subdivision approval by
the Werning Subdivision subject to the following conditions: (1) the applicant's provision
of ~ ~ ~ ten (10)~ ~ low income housing among the proposed ten deed restricted
units; (2) the applicant's signing of a lease for the proposed 10,000 square feet of open
space, said area to be shown as part of the subdivison plat; (3) agreement by the applican
to provide a water system interconnect between the King street and Neal Avenue lines; i
(4) the applicant's dedication of a sufficient road right-of-way following consUltation
with the city and county engineering departments; (5) the understanding that at the pre-
liminary plat stage, further consideration will be given to the landscaping, massing and
bulk and their relationship to the request for residential bonus overlay. The approval of
the;RBO shall be based on the provision of a high concentration of low income units among
the 10 deed restricted units proposed for the site; and (6) the applicant agreeing that he
shall coordinate planned road improvements in the area with construction of curb, gutter
and sidewalk, which shall be provided by the applicant along Park avenue and Park circle;
seconded by Councilman Parry.
Councilman Isaac said he was concerned because presently the building is being used entire y
for employee housing. Kaufman told Council all the units are outside the employee housin¢
guidelines and could be condominiumized and sold on the free market. Kaufman said this
projects provides ten employee units and tries to minimize the impact on the neighborhood
Kaufman told Council the P & Z had asked for a high concentration of low income units;
they have promised 6 low, 2 moderate and 2 middle. KaUfma.n said they could not guarantee
ten low income units because they would lose money on those units.
All in favor, with the exception of Councilmembers Collins and Isaac. Motion carried.
Council re-voted on the motion because of confusion as to whether the employee units were
to be ten units or a mix. Mayor Edel and Councilman Behrendt in favor; Councilmembers
Parry, Van Ness, Collins and Isaac opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Councilman Parry moved the emplOyee housing units be six iow; two moderate; and two middle
seconded by Councilman Van Ness. Councilmembers Parry, Van Ness and Mayor Edel in favor;
Councilmembers Isaac, Behrendt and Collins opposed. Motion NOT carried.
Councilman Behrendt moved the original motion, ten low units; seconded by Councilman Van
Ness. Councilmembers Van Ness, Parry, Behrendt. and Mayor Edel in favor; Councilmembers
Collins and Isaac opposed. Motion carried.
CONCEPTUAL PUD - City Market
Jack Johnson, planning office, told Council City Market is requesting conceptual PUD
approval for it grocery store and they are requesting approval for reduction of parking an
variances to the open space. City Market got approval from P & Z to expand their present
building by 3500 square feet. The Code would require 48 parking spaces; City Market
currently provides 33. City Market parking spaces are currently 10-1/2 feet wide; the
Code requires 8-1/2 feet; they will cUt down the size of the spaces. City Market is also ~J
proposing to have the vehicle unloading at the rear of the building.
Councilman Behrendt moved to approve the City Market conceptual PUD to include reductions
in the parking requirements, to require only 5 additional spaces and the waiver to the
open space requirement subject to the following conditions; engineering requirements as
per memo dated February 3, 1981, except that No. 4 should be changed to require 38 instead
of 40 spaces; seconded by Councilman Parry. ~11 in favor, motion carried.
CONCEPTUAL SUBDIVISION - Parker QUillen
Sunny Vann, planning director, reminded Council they approved this at a prior meeting
subject to negotiation of an agreement which would absolve the city from a pending lawsuit.
The city attorney's office has drafted this settlement. Nick McGrath said his concern
with the resolution is that it seems to unfairly curtail the public hearing at the prelim-
inary plat stage. McGrath pointed out in the second whereas, there is wording that the
city's subdivision authority is more limited than the city contends. This resolution does
not simpl~ approve conceptual because the city wants to settle litigation, but directs
P & Z of the Council's intent. McGrath said the resolution should be made clear of the
city's intent to settle the litigation but to allow his clients to be heard at the public
hearing. Bob Edmundson, acting city attorney, told Council he did not object to changing
the language of the resolution. This is a conceptual approval based on' dismissal of a
case. Jon Seigle told Council he felt the language presented was appropriate; at the
last meeting, it was acknowledged P & Z was an independent body but it was the consensus
of Council they were directing P & Z that Council Would like to see this approved. Council
was not usurping any part of the process. This was an important consideration concerning
the language Seigle required to drop the lawsuit, because they recognize the nature of the
proceeding that P & Z can still dead end this. That's the reason they agreed on the
language as presented. Seigle said McGrath still had the full ability to present his
client's view in the public process.
Edmundson said he and Paul Taddune were comfortable with the language the way it is.
Mayor Edel asked if Council was setting a precedent. McGrath told Council the resolution
implies that "you" may not consider the subdivision policy statements as ground for denyin~
this application. McGrath said the second whereas troubled him; it unduly narrows the
authority. Taddune told Council this resolution is explaning to P & Z it is Council's I
desire to have this subdivision approved, notwithstanding the policy considerations, so ~
long as the application otherwise complies with the subdivision requirements. There is
a policy aspect to this, and Council is advising P & Z of what their feeling is. ~
Councilman Isaac moved to read Resolution #12, Series of 1981, by title only; seconded by
Councilman Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION #12
(Series of 1981)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE QUILLEN CONCEPTUAL PRESENTATION TO RELOCATE AN
EXISTING PROPERTY LINE BETWEEN LOTS 11 AND 1,2, BLOCK 1, RED BUTTE SUBDIVISION
3058
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council March 9, 1981
Councilman Isaac moved to adopt Resolution #12, Series of 1981; seconded by Councilman
Parry. All in favor motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Edel opened the public hearing on the consent agenda; (1) Liquor license transfer -
Primavera Ristorante, (2) Ordinance ~66, Series of 1981 - Lease with Elder, Quinn and McGi 1
(3) Ordinance #11, Series of 1981, purchasing electricity, and (4) Resolution for the 19811
TPJesidential GMP allocations. Ordinance ~11 was removed because it is premature.
Mayor Edel closed the public hearing.
Councilman Beh~endt moved to approve items 1, 2 and 4 of the consent agenda; seconded by
Councilman Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Par~ymoved to adjourn at 10:40 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Isaac. All in
favor, motion carried.
· KathYyn~. Koch~ City clerk~