HomeMy WebLinkAboutcclc.min.101701 COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17~ 2001
Bill Dinsmoor opened the Commercial Core and Lodging meeting with
Charles Kennedy, Terry Butler and Andrew Kole present at 8:35 a.m. Jon
Busch, John Starr and Eric Cohen were excused. Staff in attendence were
Sarah Oates, Community Development Zoning Officer and Jackie Lothian,
Deputy City Clerk.
Sarah Oates stated that Heather Isberian brought complaints to her attention
about "going out of business" or "liquidation sale" signs in several business
locations, one being the Norrie Collection. The code enforcement on signs
was driven on a complaint basis. The code is specific for temporary signs
and signs in zone districts. The comnussion discussed the economy of
Aspen and that any way to get business would be acceptable to keep the
businesses in town afloat even if it meant more sale signs in windows. Terry
Butler said that the perpetual "going out of business" or "liquidation" signs
were the problem, not just "sale". All of the commissioners agreed on those
signs being problematic.
Bill stated that the complaint driven s~gn enforcement didn't work
effectively. Sarah replied that Council had to enact a policy change for the
enforcement of sign violations and be more proactive for enforcement. The
comrmssioners requested Tim Ware meet with CCLC on the possibility of
Tim himself to be the enforcement on signs. They requested Tim Ware
attend the December 5th meeting along with Sarah Oates.- The
commissioners didn't feel comfortable with the parking employees doing the
enforcement on signs. Bill thought Sarah doing her job with zoning was
more important than having to enforce sign violations. Terry encouraged
business owners to be more proactive. Andrew stated that Isberian had
better quality products but Norrie was a better salesman. Terry said that the
sign enforcement needed to be kept friendly.
Terry Butler moved to have Andrew Kole speak to merchants with the help
of Chris Bendon on opening up the Farmers Market. Charles Kennedy
seconded. APPROVED 4-0.
Terry complimented Bill on running very good meetings, this one and the
last one.
Bill brought up that questionnaires were sent to restaurant owners the day
before a meeting, which was held by Gwen Gordon Knowlton from ACRA
regarding nighttime dining on the Mountain. Andrew stated that ACRA was
COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17~ 2001
very ineffective in their processes and this questionnaire was a good
example of how ineffective they were. Terry asked how CCLC could be
more involved with ACRA and the Ski CO for that matter. Bill said that he
would speak to Chris Nolan at ACRA regarding the Mountain Top Dining.
Andrew said that Aspen was in danger of losing the HBO Comedy Fest
because of Ski CO and ACRA, The commission asked how they could be
more effective in keeping the HBO Comedy Fest and be more proactive m
bringing in more of the same kinds of things to revitalize the town. Bill said
that ACRA should be promoting business opportunities. Terry stated that
Vail worked together to market and promote their town very well. Andrew
said that Aspen was only reactive when something negative happened.
Charles said that he was surprised that this community did not promote
itself. Charles said that he worked in marking and promotions in Dallas and
thought that there should be more service and less government. Dallas lost
the major sports teams years ago because they didn't think to ask to keep the
team when other cities asked the teams to move.
Bill asked if Larry Thoreson could come in to speak with CCLC about
business failures and tax revenues.
Andrew asked if the Grottos could keep their outdoor seating for the winter.
Tim, the owner said that he would shovel the patio or do whatever it takes to
keep it open for the winter. Staff would contact the proper departments and
report back.
Terry wanted to keep businesses open and positive and have everyone work
together.
The commission agreed to cancel the second meeting in November, the day
before Thanksgiving.
Terry Butler moved to appoint Andrew Kole and Bill Dinsmoor to meet with
ACRA to actively reinstate and recruit the HBO Comedy Fest. Charles
Kennedy seconded. APPROVED 4-0.
Terry moved to adjourn She meeting at JO:lO a.m. Charles seconded.
Jackie Lothian, Deputy City Clerk
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