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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20011210Regular Meeting Aspen Cit~ COuncil December 10, 2001 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION .......................................................................... 2 COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS .......................2 ............ ~ ........................ 2 CONSENT CALENDAR ................................................................................ 2 · Resolution gl 14, 2001 - State Rehabilitation Tax Credits - Historic Preservation ................................................................................................. 3 · Resolution gl 15, 2001 - Amendment to Silver Circle Ice Rink Covenants ..................................................... ~ .............................................. 3 · Resolution #116, 2001 - Animal Shelter IGA with Pitkin County ......... 3 · Minutes - November 12, 26, 2001 .......................................................... 3 RESOLUTION #117, 2001 - IGA for Continued Operation of the Ruedi Reservoir Water and Power Authority ............................................................ 3 HOUSING AUTHORITY 2002 BUDGET .................................................... 3 ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 2001 - 2002 Fees ........................................ 3 ORDINANCE #49, SERIES OF 2001 - Supplemental Appropriation .......... 4 RESOLUTION gl 12, SERIES OF 2001 - 2002 Budget ................................ 5 RESOLUTION gl 13, SERIES OF 2001 - 2002 Mill Levy ............................ 6 APPEAL OF SPECIAL EVENT COMMITTEE - Winter Polo in Wagner Park .................................................................................................................. 6 BOARD APPOINTMENTS ........................................................................... 9 1 Regular Meetin~ Aspen City Council December 10, 2001 Mayor Klanderud called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with Councilmembers Paulson, Hershey, Semrau and McCabc present. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION There were no comments COIJNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1. Mayor Klanderud congratulated everyone who worked on 24 Hours of Aspen; it appears that the was a successful race. 2. Councilman Hershey noted it is the second night of Hanukkah and he had presents for Council. 3. Councilman Semrau reported the housing board was able to get the Woody Creek trailer park project moving along. 4. Councilman McCabe said he would like to pull Resolution #117, IGA for continued operation of Ruedi Reservoir Water and Power Authority from the consent calendar. 5. Mayor Klanderud said the ACRA board met last week and everyone is working hard to make this a successful winter season. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilman Semrau said he would like to pull the Housing Authority 2002 Budget. Councilman Hershey moved to approve the consent calendar as amended; seconded by Councilman Semrau. The consent calendar is: 2 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 10, 2001 · Resolution #114, 2001 - State Rehabilitation Tax Credits - Historic Preservation · Resolution gl 15, 2001 - Amendment to Silver Circle Ice Rink Covenants · Resolution #116, 2001 - Animal Shelter IGA with Pitkin County · Minutes - November 12, 26, 2001 All in favor, motion carried. RESOLUTION #117, 2001 - IGA for Continued Operation of the Ruedi Reservoir Water and Power Authori.ty Councilman McCabe said while he agrees with this IGA, he would like staff to look at the agreement and clarify that the operation of the utility is 100% the city of Aspen enterprise fund. John Worcester, city attorney, told Council RWAPA has been in existence for years. This IGA has been worked up between all the member organizations, formalizing a more equal share in costs. The city has been asking for this for the last 9 years. Worcester said he will send a letter to all the governmental entities stating Aspen does not expect them to get involved in the city's power plant. Councilman McCabe moved to adopt Resolution #117, Series of 2001; seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor, motion carried. HOUSING AUTHORITY 2002 BUDGET Councilman Semrau requested when the Council gets the master plan back early next year, he would like Council to revisit the budget to makes sure it fits in with what will be the adopted long range plans. Councilman Semrau moved to adopt the Housing Authority 2002 budget; seconded by Councilman McCabe. All in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE #48~ SERIES OF 2001 - 2002 Fees John Worcester, city attorney, reminded Council every year staff looks at their department's fees and increases them to cover cost of operation. Mayor Klanderud noted the parking fee increases are not included in this ordinance. 3 Regular Meetin~ Aspen City Council December 10~ 2001 They will be looked at as part of the 2002 transportation budget. Councilman Hershey said he would like to look at the set asides for rail to cover increases in the transportation budget rather than increases parking fees. Mayor Klanderud said she has some reticence in this uncertain economy to be raising fees when other businesses are holding tight. Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. Bill Stirling said he is concerned about the costs in Aspen. Stirling said Council could send a message by not increasing fe6s. Stifling pointed out there have been successive reduction in skier days over each of the last 3 winters. Toni Kronberg said this would be a great opporttmity to look at fees for the new swimming pool. Mayor Klanderud noted those fees are not included in this ordinance but will be looked at as part of the 2003 fees. Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing. Council asked staff how not adopting this ordinance would affect the 2002 budget. Bill Powell, finance director, said the fees are geared toward recovering costs of programs. These fees probably only generate $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Councilman Hershey moved to adopt Ordinance g48, Series of 2001, on second reading; seconded by Councilman McCabe. Councilman Semrau said he would favor sending a signal to the community that the City is not increasing fees, especially since this does not have a large impact on the budget. Councilman Semrau said he would be willing to re- examine the fee increases after the first quarter. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Hershey, no; Paulson, no; Semrau, no; McCabe, no; Mayor Klanderud, no. Motion NOT carried. ORDINANCE #49, SERIES OF 2001 - Supplemental Appropriation Councilman Semrau asked about the request for funds for an employee generation study, noting that the city's housing consultant is working on this 4 Regular Meetin~ ASpen City Council December 10, 2001 as well. Julie Ann WoOds, community development department, said she has not disCussed this bUt will make sure that the work is not duplicated. Mayor Klanderud. opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing. Councilman Hershey moved to adopt Ordinance #49, Series of 2001, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Paulson. Roll call vote; Councilmembers McCabe, yes. Paulson, yes; Semrau, yes; Hershey, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried. Mayor Klanderud noted there is an additional request from Grassroots for $50,000 worth of capital for equipment. There is a letter agreement from KAJX and Grassroots stating the franchise fees from cable television will be split 70/30 with 70% going to Grassroots. Council will consider the capital request for Grassroots after the first quarter of 2002. RESOLUTION #112~ SERIES OF 2001 - 2002 Budget Bill Powell, finance director, illustrated the city's anticipated revenues by category - sales tax is the leading component, following by Utility fees. Powell showed 2001 revenues versus 2002 revenues and 2001 expenditures versus 2002 expenditures. Powell noted all funds in the city are in balance. The sales tax revenues are projected at 5% less than 2001. Councilman McCabe asked about the increase in water revenues. Powell said there is an increase in water demand rather than an increase in water rates. Mayor Klanderud opened the public heating. Toni Kronberg said the new pool and ice facility needs 600 people per day above the current users to bring in revenues. Ms. Kronberg said the city needs to find private funds so that new outside pool can open with the new facility. Powell said it would be prudent to wait until 2002 to see how Aspen's economy is going: Powell noted there is not a great deal of money available for new facilities at this time. Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing. 5 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 10, 2001 Councilman McCabe moved t9 adopt Resolution # 112, Series of 2001, the 2002 budget; seconded by Councilman Semraul All in favor, motion carried. RESOLUTION #113, SERIES OF 2001 - 2002 Mill Levy Bill Powell, finance director, told Council the mill levy will remain at 5.40 mills, which is the same as it has been for the past 10 years. Mayor Klandemd opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing. Councilman Paulson moved to adopt Resolution #113, Series of 2001; seconded by Councilman McCabe. All in favor, motion carried. APPEAL OF SPECIAL EVENT COMMITTEE - Winter Polo in Wagner Park Steve Barwick, city manager, said several years ago a request was made of Council to hold winter polo in the Plum Tree golf course area. Council denied that reqUest saying they did not feel it was appropriate to hold winter polo anywhere in the city. Council said that Cozy Point was a more appropriate location for polo. This is a recent request to have winter p01o in Wagner Park. The special event committee listed the following reasons for not approving this special event: 1. As noted on the application, "Any NEW events may not be scheduled at Rio Grande, Iselin or Wagner Park". 2. The event is scheduled for December 22 and 23 and public safety staff indicated that they are already extremely busy at this time and would not be equipped for a special event. 3. Staff stated they were concerned about the goal posts in the midst of the polo field and horses trying to avoid them. 4. There is a concern for sturdy enough fencing to keep the horses in the park and spectators out. The applicant had said they would put snow fencing around the park; however, the committee felt more fencing was needed for safety. 5. There is concern that this fencing will not hurt the field or the sprinkling system when it is staked in. 6. There is a construction project on the east side of the field. 6 Regular Meetin~ Aspen Ci,ty Council December 10, 2001 7. Major concern is what winter polo will do to the field. 8. This is an urban area and there are rural areas more appropriate for polo. Tom Rubel, parks department, said one big issue is concern over the turf and if Wagner Park had to be resodded, it would not be ready for Food & Wine or for the summer season. Loren Ryerson, police department, told Council his concerns are safety, both of spectators and players. Ryerson said this is a very busy time of the year for his staff. Barry Stout, Roaring Fork Polo Club, said if Council does not find Wagner Park suitable, they request Rio Grande as a location for winter polo. Stout pointed out early in the twentieth century, the Roaring Fork valley had a lot of polo going on. Stout said winter pol° is exciting and perfect for Aspen. This is a local committee event proposed for Aspen. Stout said polo needs spectators; when they have the event out of town, people do not come out and watch the event. Stout said he feels he can meet all the concerns of staff to make sure the event is carried out in a proper manner. Stout said Cozy Point has been overrun by gophers and is dangerous to play on. The intersection has been changed, which makes it difficult to get to Cozy point for events. Stout said he feels Rio Grande or Wagner Park would be better for television coverage. Stout said they will put double fencing up to keep spectators back from the field. Stout said they will cushion the goal posts to make them safe. Polo horses are well trained and trained not to charge crowds. Stout said the winter polo events he has been to have never torn up the turf because of the protection from the snow. Councilman Semrau asked if the event producers would be willing to post a damage bond. Stout said they would. Rubel said the problem is not so much resodding as the time it would take and the fact that the fields would be offline. JeffWoods, parks director, said without protective flooring, the city has had problems with the grass coming back the next year. Barwick pointed out the reason there has not been an appeal of the Special Event committee is that staff tries to work to make events happen. Every special event carries risk. Barwick said the primary risk in this event is damage to the field, which may jeopardize other events planned for Wagner Park. Barwick told Council Rio Grande, Iselin and Wagner parks are way 7 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December 10~ 2001 over-used, which is why they are not available for new events. Any event that jeopardizes the grass from going first thing in the spring will mean other events may be canceled. Stout said the only area the field may get hurt is where the people are, not where the horses are. Stout said they will drag the field. It can be aerated if staff feels there will be compaction. Councilman Semrau said this event would only need a portion of Rio Grande. Councilman Hershey said one of the most popular events in the community is Food & Wine in June in Wagner Park and anything that would jeopardize that event would not be good community planning. Councilman Hershey said he would not approve this event at Wagner Park but would be willing to look at Rio Grande. Councilman McCabe said he likes that this is a new, exciting event. Councilman McCabe said maybe signs that parks are being used are that they are not in perfect shape. Councilman McCabe said he would like to see if accommodations can be made to allow this event to happen. Councilman McCabe suggested having the event at Cozy Point this year and working on an in-town event for next year. Councilman Semrau said he does not favor the policy of no new events at Iselin, Wagner and Rio Grande parks and would like to see that policy reversed. Councilman Semrau said Aspen is about innovation. Councilman Semrau said the applicants could hire private security to alleviate the concern of impact on the staff. Councilman Semrau said he does not want to risk Wagner Park but would be willing to allow the event at Rio Grande. Councilman Semrau said the applicants can put up a letter of credit or cash bond. Councilman Semrau said staff can work on alternatives for protecting the grass. Councilman Semrau moved to allow the winter polo event at the Rio Grande park December 22 and 23 conditioned upon: (1) satisfying the parks department on the layout, what is going where; (2) posting a $25,000 letter of credit or other financing assurance acceptable to the city attorney; (3) the parks department inspection before the event to make sure the conditions have been met; (4) a representative from the parks department be present at the event and if it is determined the turf is being damaged, the event will be stopped; and (5) the city of Aspen is named as a co-insured; seconded by Councilman Hershey. Regular Meeting Aspen City Council December l0T 2001 Mayor Klandemd said Rio Grande as a location'has less traffic concerns than wagnei Park. Mayor Klandemd noted the concern abOut field is not just damage but time, staff and loss of a playing field. City Attorney Worcester asked when staff will determine whether the field has been damaged or not and return the letter of credit. Rubel said this won't be done until May. Worcester asked if the applicant will be willing to leave a letter of credit until May. Stout said he does not have a problem putting up $25,000 letter of credit or bond until spring. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Klanderud. Motion carried. BOARD APPOINTMENTS Councilman Hershey moved to appoint Michael Hoffman as a regular and Paul D'Amato as an alternate to Historic Preservation Commission, and Larry Winnerman as a regular and Steve Goldenberg as an alternative to the Liquor License Authority; seconded by Councilman McCabe. All in favor, motion carried. Councilman Hershey moved to go into executive session for the purpose of land acquisition for Burlingame Ranch, and Smuggler Mountain, C.R.S. 24- 06-402(4)(a) and for personnel 24-6-402)(4)(0(1) at 7:20 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Paulson. All in favor, motion carried. Councilman Hershey moved to come out of executive session at 10:10 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor, motion carried. Councilman Hershey moved to adjourn at 10:10 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Semrau. All in favor, motion carried. Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk 9 THE CITY OF ASPEN December 11, 2001 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING · Al the request o'f Mayor Helen Klandemd. there will be a special City Council ~heeting Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 4 p.m. meeting in the City Council Chambers, 130 South Galena Street, Aspen. Colorado. The agenda for this meeting will be I. Burlingame Ranch Pre-Annexation Agreement - Executive Session Kathryn S. Ko ~ty Clerk Notices delivered to: Mayor Helen Klandemd Councilmembers Terry Paulson Tim Semrau Tony Hershey Tom McCabe City Manager Barwick City Attorney Worcester special.not 130 SOUTH GALENA STREET ASPE~ COLORADO 81611-1975 PHONE 970.920.5000 ' FaX 970.920,5197 printed on Recycled Papc~