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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19840625Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 25, 1984 JOINT MEETING WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Mayor Stirling called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. with Councilmembers Walls, Collins, and Blomquist and Commissioners Madsen, Child, Blake, Klanderud and Kinsley present. 1. UMTA Funding/Capital Pro3ects. Mike Slugocki said a transportation development plan has been done to identify improvements made to the transit system and to use the $1,500,000 under budget for the bus barn and acquisition grant. Slugocki's memorandum lists the projects recommended from the TDP. First is $290,000 to finish the bus maintenance facility, including a computer system, equipment and change overs. Second and third are Rubey park transit and Snowmass Village transit plaza. The res~ are major bus stops, minor bus stops, E1 Jebel vehicle storage, park and ride facilities, and elderly and handicap vans. These projects would require a local match of $432,000. Slugocki said this would require $338,000 from the city and county; $69,000 from Snowmass, and $25,000 from other jurisdictions. Slugocki said if there are requirements outside the county, matches from Eagle county and Basalt could be S60,000, which would lower the city and county contribution. UMTA may not approve engineering and design for Rubey park, but it is included in the grant. If.UMTA does not approve the engineering and design, this could be covered by the $60,000 from other jurisdictions. Slugocki said he needs to have Aspen, Snowmass and Pitkin County agree on the prioritization oi pro~ects in the UMTA grant, which would make it easier for UMTA to approve the grant. Slugocki said this grant was approved in 1981 and will expire or be called back in 1984. The list needs to prioritized in case UMTA only approves part of the request. Mayor Stirling asked what caused the city and county to have $1,500,000 over and was the original request for money over loaded. Slugocki said the construction atmosphere was different when the bids were actually opened up. Most of the money comes from the bid being lower. The bus barn was almost $1,000,000 under budget, and there was $600,000 in contingency. Dwight Shellman said he pointed out when the bond was issued, it seemed the city and countyt were applying for about $400,000 more than was needed. Shellman said more money was raised than was needed with the apparent intention of doing this application. Shellman said the city and county might consider not spending all the money and reducing the $60,000 a year this costs the bus system. Commissioner Klanderud said the contingency was build in for a number of reasons, like the Ski Company's contract, ski conditions, and other unknowns. Councilman Collins said if contingency funds are provided for but not needed, these should be returned to their source or used for a reserve for RFTA. Commissioner Blake said the governments are committed to a transportation system and spend-~ ing this money on improvements is appropriate. Mayor Stirling asked if the operating and maintenance costs had been examined. Greg Fitzpatrick said most of these item won't cost money; there will be heating and cleaning costs associated with Rubey park. Commissioner Child said there will be some savings, like the E1 Jebel vehicle storage which will save on payroll. Councilman Collins said Rubey park is questionable; the Council had three alternatives from $100,000 to $500,000. There was negative feedback on Rubey park. Council- man Collins said because Rubey park is controversial it should be lowered in priority and given a less dollar amount. Councilman Blomquist said he would like to prioritize the list by (1) what increases rider-'i ship and identification and (2) what would improve operations. Councilman Blomquist said he would prioritize them (1) Rubey park (2) major bus stops (3) minor bus stops (4) elderlyli and handicap vans, (5) bus maintenance facility, (6) E1 Jebel vehicle storage, (7) Park ride, (8) Snowmass Village transit plaza. Councilman Blomquist said items 1 through 4 would increase ridership, and 5 through 8 would improve operations. Commissioner Blake suggestedi! these could also be divided into tourist and down valley employees. Jeff Tippett, mayor of Snowmass Village, told the Boards the Snowmass Council supports the list as presented, and that the Snowmass transit plaza in third place is logical. Tippett said the transit plaza is an essential element to the RFTA system. Mayor Stirling asked about the possibility of Snowmass becoming a member of RFTA. Tippett said as soon as it is shown that Snowmass can save money by putting their system into RFTA, they will do so. Tippet said when the Snowmass Council looked at this last year, there did not appear to be any economies. Councilman Blomquist said as Snowmass is not a part of RFTA, it will weaken the UMTA application. Shellman said Snowmass is an important hub of the overall transpor- tation system. It is a destination/origin point and they are part of Pitkin County. Shellman said there is no substantiation for the $290,000 for the bus maintenance facility. This was not approved by the RFTA Board. Councilman Collins said he would like to see the maintenance and operating costs attendant to these improvements. Mayor Stirling moved to add the UMTA funding/capital projects to the Council agenda; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Stirling moved that all the projects listed are important; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Blomquisto Motion carried. 2. Forest Service Use Permit & Collection A~reement/Ruedi. Councilman Blomquist moved to approve the forest service road permit and collection agreement for the Ruedi project; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Councilman Blomquist-mo~d to approve'the minutes Of ~ay 14, 21, 1984; seconded by Council- woman Walls. All in favor, motion carried., CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 1. David White, P & Z member, told Council he has been visiting P & Z's in California and said he feels Aspen's P & Z has been doing a good job for the city. 2. Craig Ward, member of the U. S. ski team on cross-country, told Council he has travelled all over and has seen incredible cross-country trail networks linking resort to resort, village to village. Ward said he feels there is something lacking in Pitkin county with the Nordic trails. Ward said there are trails at Snowmass, Ashcroft, high school track, golf course system and the Aspen Club. Ward said he would like to see the systems connected and to promote cross-country skiing by forming a Nordic counsel. Ward said he is in the process of forming a Nordic counsel, and one of the first projects is to develop a trail network to joint the four mountain. Ward showed the proposed trail system for the valley. This may utilize the Rio Grande corridor, the existing bike paths, and open spaces. Ward said he has talked with private land owners, who are interested in granting winter rights- of-way for this system. Ward said he would like to work with the city to see how his plan can be incorporated into the city's trail system. Ward said he would like a Councilmember be on the board of directors. Mayor Stirling invited Ward to participate in the work session on the city's role in the resort. COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 1. Councilman Knecht said the bridge sidewalks over Castle creek has not been swept. Jim Holland, parks director, told Council the city only sweeps the north side of the bridge. Councilman Knecht said it is dangerous for bicyclists. Holland said this should be part of the county's trail maintenance, but it hasn't been. Holland said they will try to sweep it once. 2. Councilman Knecht asked when Gibson and Neale streets will be paved. Jay Hammond, city engineer, said the city has a verbal commitment from the contractor to pave these streets early next week. ~guiar ~ee~mng Aspen C~ty Council June 25, 1984 3. Councilman Knecht asked what the schedule for picking up the balance of the branohes is. Acting City Manager Ron Mitchell said the parks and Streets departments are working on this and it will take three to four weeks before it is completed. 4. Councilman Collins commended the city engineer for two projects completed; fixing the sidewalk on Durant street, and clearning the alley behind the Paragon. 5. Councilman Collins said Council received a memorandum from the Roaring Fork Vietnam Veterans regarding a site for the memorial. Councilman Collins asked that staff look at some sites that might be appropriate and let the Veterans Commission inspect them. 6. Mayor Stirling proposed a work session for Monday July 2, 1984, on the commercial core and main street lighting program as wall as the city's role in the resort. This work session will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 7. Mayor Stirling proclaimed July 8, 1984 "Aspen Camp School for the Deaf Day" and read a proclamation to that effect. 8. Mayor Stirling said Council had five qualified applicants for the P & Z alternate position. Council interviewed for this position and appointed Mari Peyton Reiner as the alternate. 9. Mayor Stirling said there are 400 beds committed for the Coors Classic. The require- ment is 600 beds. If anyone can assist with beds or with food, they should contact Monroe Summers. 10. Mayor Stirling asked for a report on the bankruptcy decision. City Attorney Taddune told Council Judge Matsch granted Hans Cantrup's appeal. The specifics are not known, and the attorneys are waiting for a written opinion. This does add confusion to the bankruptcy. 11. Councilman Blomquist said he would like the city engineer to write the Colorado geo- logical survey and request a proposal from them to study the problem of Aspen mountain; the slide, slide path and alluvial fan, and the appropriate remedial action. Jay Hammond, city engineer said he has spoken with the Colorado geological survey and the city needs to ask them for a scope of work and a budget. This is not a commitment to spend money at this time. Councilman Blomquist moved to ask the engineering department to write the Colorado geologi- cal survey for a proposal; seconded by Councilman collins. All in favor, motion carried. THE ASPEN ART MUSUEM - FLOODING Chuck Roth, engineering department, said they would like guidance from Council as to what to do about this problem. The staff came in Saturday to prevent the building from being washed away by flood waters. Work was stopped as soon as it was determined they had prevented any problems. Roth asked if the staff should get some permanent bank work and relandscaping done. Laurel Jones, art museum director, thank the staff for their success- ful efforts. Ms. Jones said the concerns are Short and long term. The short term concern is a growing drainage problem with water coming from the river and entering the art museum's drainage system. The art museum needs top soil and sod to put the sidewalks into operation. Ms. Jones said the drainage problem can be addressed, and the top soil and sod could be put back together for $5,000. Mayor Stirling said he does not want to spend too much money on the short term basis. Councilman collins said it is important to get the grounds in shape for the summer. The long range problem is more difficult; the hydrology of the river through the city should be looked at. Councilman Collins said engineering should look at all the potential troubleI spots and the pattern of the river. Mayor stirling moved to pass a ceiling of $5,000 for immediate work at the art museum and have it coordinated by the engineering and parks department for the short term solution with top soil, sod, etc; and to direct the city engineer to bring to Council by August 1 an in depth proposal about the long range ramifications and how the city might proceed, and to look at the river from Mill street bridge to the bridge by the Aspen Club; seconded by Councilman Collins. Councilman Collins said the problem by the Arts Museum was caused by pushing fill out. Councilman Collins asked if the channel could be straightened out. Roth said it might be more economical to put a riprap wall on the corner~ Jay Hammond, city engineer, told Council the fill on the Aspen One property does impact a number of different properties in the area. Hammond said recreating the channel would have a wide ranging impact on the properties in a positive way. Paula Meyer said the river in front of the art museum used to baa tributary. The city side filled the bank perpendicular and the water has no recourse except to flood Oklahoma Flats. Denise Reich, Oklahoma Flats, requested that the Roaring Fork river be put back to its natural course. Ms. Reich gave Council a survey map of the Willetts addition, which shows islands in the river. Ms. Reich presented other exhibits. Ms. Reich said the city-owned land across the river is much higher than the Oklahoma Flats side. Ms. Reich said she could not have done what the arts museum did without stream margin review. Ms. Meyer said the city's side of the river has been filled to one-half the original river. Fritz Benedict told Council he has done a number of plans for the Rio Grande property and all plans propose that some of the dirt be taken out. Councilman Blomquist said the city has a responsibility to restore the river. Remo Lavagnino, Oklahoma Flats resident, said there have been many abuses to the river on the south side. The Riverside trailer park at one time disposed raw sewage into the river. A spring and bird sanctuary were destroyed by bulldozers. There was a cement plant, which cleaned their trucks into the Roaring Fork river. Islands have disappeared. Lavagnino said the city has not been a good steward of the land and has exacerbated the situation by dumping the snow, leaving dirt and gravel. Also, there is the visual impact of the impound lot, whiCh was to be Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June zD, ±~ temporary but has existed six years. Lavagnino said abuses on the south side of the river should be corrected where possible. A feasible place to start is the removal of the stream side of fill at the high bank of the Aspen One property. Lavagnino said it is the city's responsibility to take action on the city property to give relief to unfairly impacted property owners in Oklahoma Flats. All in favor, motion carried. Councilman Blomquist asked that the planning and engineering departments resurrect the Roaring Fork Greenway Plan. ASPEN MOUNTAIN LODGE RESIDENTIAL CONCEPTUAL PUD Bob Callaway, representing the applicant, told Council Judge Matsch's decision was not met with enthusiasm but was not unexpected. Callaway said the applicants intend to continue the process with the city.and hope to braak ground next spring. Sunny Vann, planning director, suggested Council finish the conceptual part of the residential PUD, address employee housing, and then pass one resolution. Councilman Blomquist said he still questions ~he zoning on the piece of the alluvial fan that was nOt zoned conservation. Mayor Stirling pointed out Council passed a motion as a condition to this conceptual approval that all geological work related to this site be submitted at preliminary review. Vann said if the information submitted at preliminary review indicates there is a significant problem, the preliminary review would not proceed and the application would be remanded to Council. Councilman Blomquist asked if the land at Top of Mill is properly zoned. Vann said in terms of land use considerations, the site is properly zoned. Vann said if there are geological hazards which would make it inappropriate for development, he does not know the an.swer. Vann said the engineering department is requesting the Colorado geological service to conduct the required studies. Callaway said the applicant have hired an engineering firm to do geological studies, who is already working on this study. Vann said Council had addressed the height of Top of Mill and approved this with conditions. There has been concern from P & Z on the height of 700 South Galena project, and there have been revisions to this project. Vann said the applicants now intend to comply with the underlying height requirements for the zone district. Joe Wells told Council the applicants have made several revisions in the 700 South Galena submittal so the height would be acceptable and still maintain the amount of open space in the proposal. Wells said the applicants have brought the building into compliance with the height limit for the under- lying zone district. This has been done by increasing the steepness of the access into the garage. The stairway causing the living area to have a higher ceiling has been removed and the living areas have a standard 8 foot seiling. The building have been sunk into the ground somewhat. Wells said they have worked with the original GMP submittal so they do not have to deal with substantial revisions to the original submittal. The roof heights range from 22 feet 6 inches to a ridge line height of 33 feet, in compliance with the regulations. Russ Pielstick said he has reviewed this, feels it is within compliance, and appreciates the efforts of the developer. Pielstick said he would like these elevations recorded in the record in terms of a USGS elevation so that it is standard. Pielstick said the Andermans would like to be notified if there are any changes. Vann told Council this project must be included as part of the overall PUD to allow the number of bedrooms in this project. There is a provision in the code requiring a minimum of one bedroom per 1,000 square feet of lot area. This site by itself is over by about 3 bedrooms; included in the overall PUD it meets the requirements of Code, and meets setbacks, parking spaces, open space, etc. Vann pointed out the number of units is below the number of units that can be built on this discrete site. Wells said the FAR is about 2,000 square feet less than what would be permitted on the site. Councilman Blomquist asked if this project could be built first along with the street improvements so that residents, during construction of the major hotel, can have a pleasant way to get to town. John Doremus said building this project first does not work in the financial feasibility. The street improvements could possibly be done early. Vann said there is a request from P & Z to look at Galena street improvements and to address this at preliminary PUD. Council agreed to the change in the 700 South Galena proposal. Vann told Council only the Top of Mill project has requested a parking review. The PUD provisions allow variations on parking requirements and do have specific guidelines. The applicants have produced information in support of their request for parking reduction. The parking required at one space per bedroom is 138 spaces; the applicant proposes to provide 80 spaces, or two spaces per unit as well as some guest parking. Vann said the engineering department has indicated this parking reduction complies with the standards in the PUD regulations; the planning office concurs. The P & Z is recommending granting of the parking reduction. Councilman Blomquist said in large condominium project the one car per bedroom should apply. There is no on-street parking for a great distance from the site. Councilman Blomquist said this is a different kind of use than a hotel use, and the project should carry the full parking load. Doremus said the applicant applied for four bedroom units for all of these; however, these will be designed by the purchasers and will not all be four bedroom units. Doremus reminded Council the applicants did an on-site parking survey this past February, and presented this to Council in conjunction with the hotel presenta- tion. The result of this survey show a winter demand in condominiums of .68 spaces per unit. Doremus told Council studies show only 47 per cent of winter guests arrive in Aspen by automobile. Doremus said studias indicate that 10 or 12 of the Top of Mill units will never be rented and will be used only occasionally by owners or guests. Doremus said Summit Place has a projected demand of 3 to 4 places; the Code requires 6 · spaces and the applicant is providing 6 spaces. At 700 South Galena, the projected demand is 15 spaces; the applicant is proposing 15 spaces. The Code requirement is 24 spaces. At the Top of Mill, the projected parking demand is 66 spaces, the applicant is proposing 80 spaces or 2.4 cars per unit. Doremus said the applicant has proposed 12 measures to reduce parking demand in the project. One important one is participation in the lodge improvement district, whiCh will provide order and consistency. The applicant have also offered money for a study for an improved Rubey park transit system. ~.~ ....... =~ Aspen City Council June 25, 1984 Councilwoman Walls asked about the summer demand for parking. Doremus said the occupancy rate is lower and the cars are slightly greater. Councilman Blomquist said because of the elevation of this pro~ect and the distance from downtown, the number of cars will be greater than is suggested. Councilman Blomquist said he is not convinced the evidence is given for reducing parking in single family developments. Mayor Stirling moved to accept 80 parking spaces on site and that the applicant dedicate the short fall of 52 spaces in a proposed municipal parking garage. Motion DIES for lack of second. Councilman Knecht moved to accepti~the Aspen Mountain PUD parking scheduled as recommended by the P & Z. Motion DIES for lack of second. Councilman Blomquist moved to require the full 138 parking spaces as required by the Code. Motion DIES for lack of a second. Alan Novak said in the PUD there is a provision of one parking space per bedroom, which thel Council may vary. Novak said one must exercise good judgment in order to do a good job. Mayor Stirling said the parking studies do~e by the city in the past indicate a dire need for parking in the city. Mayor Stirling said when there is an opportunity for the city to obtain parking, that is what the Council is going to look at. Mayor Stirling moved the applicant provide three spaces for each unit for a total of 99 parking spaces on site Chris Gleister said the applicants have proposed to get the autom6biles out of sight and underground. This is very expensive. In terms of the physical constraints of the site, they cannot get more than 80 spaces underground. Gleister said they could get more on-site~ spaces but this would be a detriment to the site design. Doremus said the applicants did an informal check with other high price condominium projects, they have not more than two parking spaces per units and have no problems with parking. Mayor Stirling asked the applicant if they could fit ten more parking spaces on the site. Gleister said he would look at ten, some of these would have to be above ground. Vann said in the underground parking of 700 South Galena, the applicant proposes to provide~ backup parking for the hotel. Technically there are 40 parking spaces underground, and the applicant will mark 15 of them specifically for 700 South Galena, the rest will be over' flow parking for the hotel. Mayor Stirling moved to require the applicant to provide 90 parking spaces on-site rather than the required 138; seconded by Councilman Knechto All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Blomquist. Motion carried. Vann pointed out in 700 South Galena, the parking situation is more flexible with the promixity to town and the hotel and the 40 spaces already provided underground. Councilman Blomquist agreed this is a substantially different site. Councilman Blomquist moved to accept 15 earmarked parking spaces underground for 700 South Galena project; seconded by Councilman Knecht. All in favor, with the exception of Mayor Stirling. Motion carried. Summit Street Extension. Vann told Council the staff has been concerned about the accessi- bility of the Top of Mill project between Mill and Monarch streets. The engineering department has requested the drawings provide an easement in the event it is ever needed. The Council has said they would like the applicant to provide sidewalk in that area and the area could be used as access without having to pave the street. The city would retain the entire easement if it is ever needed for a street. Councilman Blomquist moved to have a 10 foot sidewalk through with landscaping and the city would retain the easement; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Wells said the applicant wants to keep the option to do a ski trail there. Doremus pointedI this out on the map. Councilman Blomquist said he would like a pedestrian access for bicycle and ski trail from Mill to Monarch. Mayor Stifling moved that the applicant continue to look at both alternatives during preliminary; seconded by Councilman Knechto All in favor, motion carried. Mill Street Vacation. Vann said this is 2800 square feet at the southern most part of Mill~ street. The engineering department feels this request is minimal; there is no problem with circulation in the area. There are no residential structures being built on the street that is being vacated. This is part of the parking and circulation for the Top of Mill project. P & Z has reconmlended this vacation is appropriate subject to the applicant providing right offs on existing utilities in the streets, utility easements. ~Mayor Stirling asked if there is a precedent for municipalities requiring monetary contributions in exchange for contribution. Taddune said very little. Doremus showed where the applicant is giving land. Taddune said it is not uncommon in PUD or subidivision applications for applicant to donate land in return for concessions. Councilman Blomquist said a PUD is a process of two parties coming together and working out an agreement that is beneficial to all. Doremus said the applicants have modified the site plan to provide an additional 13,500 square feet of open space, featuring a winter ice rink available to the public. The applicants are dedicating to the city portions of land adjoining Galena, Mill and Monarch streets for a total of 5,300 square feet to widen and straigten out the streets. Doremus told Council all utilities will be undergrounded. The project is proposing major improve- ments to the city's water system, and will improve the water system beyond the needs of the project itself. The site plan proposes a pedestrian ski link. An area-wide drainage plan has been designed for the system. The plan proposes major street improvements, and construction of curbs, sidewalks, gutters. The applicants are offering up to $25,000 for the development of Rubey park transit stop. Doremus told Council these are genuine perks resulting from the PUD, which small projects cannot provide. Regular Meeting Aspen City Councl£ ~un~ ~, Councilman Collins said the Council should look at land for land; some of the items listed by the applicant are intangible and it is difficult to assess a value to them. Vann told Council the P & Z was concerned about this issue and asked the applicant to identify things? of value which accrue to the community as a result of this PUD. Vann said staff did not request a direct trade of land because the city has never required a fee or trade of land for the vacation of a street; it has not been the policy of the city in the past. Councilman Blomquist moved to table the Mill street vacation; seconded by Councilman Colli~s. All in favor, with the exception of Councilman Knecht. Motion carried. Ski Club Activities. Vann said the planning office and P & Z were concerned about the impact of this project on the Ski Club activities in this area. The P & Z's conditions is that this be addressed at preliminary. The Ski Company has said it has no problem with the vacation of the facilities. The Ski Club has said it no longer needs the rope tow as they are allowed to use the lA lift. The applicants have proposed as part of the Koch lumber trade to relocate the Ski Club house or reconstruct a new facility on whatever land can be provided in an appropriate location. The Ski Club has requested the city consider the use of the old lA lift building. Both the Ski Company and Ski Club have signed off on moving their facilities from the Top of Mil site. Mayor Stirling moved to proceed in this fashion; seconded by Councilman Knecht, All in favor, motion carried. Trails. Vann said the staff and P & Z are concerned about pedestrian access to the Top of Mill site, particularly lift lA. P & Z's condition was that the applicants explore the possibility of linking their project to lift lA and Little Nell. The applicants have presented an alternative alignment. Gleister presented a map with different trails on it. Gleister pointed out the mandated city trail on Dean street, the loop trail as part of the hotel site. Gleister pointed out the ski trails and the ways they will be linked into the project. Gleister showed how the skiers come off the mountain either to Little Nell or lift lA. Gleister discussed an east-west trail, which they do not feel will be a very attractive summer trail. People would be walking through the development, and that is not the trail experience. Councilman Blomquist pointed out there is no public access east-west from Little Nell. Councilman Blomquist said the trail should come through the project at the earliest possible point. Councilman Blomquist showed where he felt the trail alignment should go, through the project. Councilman Knecht said he did not feel a trail going through a condominium complex is bad; there are some in town that have been handled very well. Gleister questioned getting people to a trail through the property in the summer; the trail seems to have no beginning and no end. Vann said P & Z recommended the applicant grant an acceptable trail easement across the Top of Mill site to provide access to the extent feasible to the base of Little Nell and Lift lA. Councilman Knecht said he would like the applicant to make some trail connection. Councilman Knecht suggested Council walk the trail alignment with the developer. Mayor Stirling moved Council request P & Z in preliminary to make every possible effort to link the trail as Councilmembers Knecht and Blomquist described; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. Ail in favor, motion carried. Council will address the rest of the issues at the July 9, 1984 meeting. ORDINANCE ~11, SERIES OF 1984 - MEAN Contracts Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Acting City Manager Ron Mitchell told council these are standard MEAN contract for the purchase of power. There is a membership agree- ment, the specific terms of purchasing power, and an agreement to feed the substation. Mitchell told Council the Board of MEAN has approved the contracts. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing. Mayor Stirling said this arrangement has the potential for saving the city considerable money. The city had three proposals to sell wholesale power to the city, and MEAN was chosen because of the savings. Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance ~ll, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Blomquist, aye; Collins, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried. ORDINANCE ~12, SERIES OF 1984 - Housing Price Guidelines Mayor Pro Tem Collins opened the public hearing. Councilman Knecht asked if these guidelines are like the county's. Jim Adamski, housing director, told Council they are exactly like the county's. Mayor Pro Tem Collins closed the public hearing. Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance ~12, Series of 1984, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. Councilman Collins asked if the Centennial project falls within these guidelines. Adamski said the rental rates and sales prices at Centennial are by contractual arrangement and have an average that approximates the guidelines. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Knecht, aye; Collins, aye; Walls, aye; Blomquist, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye; Motion carried. ORDINANCE ~13, SERIES OF 1984 - Appropriations Mayor Stifling opened the public hearing. Finance Director Sheree Sonfield went over the changes. Councilman Collins questioned the interest lost on the MacArthur house. Ms. Sonfield said that is seven months interest not earned in 1984; the city spent money for the house and is not receiving interest. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing. Councilman Collins moved to adopt Ordinance ~13, Series of 1984, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Knecht. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Blomquist, aye; Collins, aye; Knecht, aye; Walls, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried. ~.~ ..... .~=~ Aspen City Council June 25, 1984 ORDINANCE 915, SERIES OF 1984 - Animal Fines Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing. Mayor Stirling said the only change~to this ordinance is the third and fourth offense require court appearance and possible community service. Lisa Russell, animal control department, said she feels that after two offenses, people are not handling their dogs well. Councilman Blomquist said the municipal judge should have the authority to take a dog away from its owner or to require termination of a dog. City Attorney Taddune said this is in the Code in case of vicious dogs. Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance #15, Series of 1984; seconded by Councilman Blomquist. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Collins, nay; Blomquist, aye; Walls, aye; Knecht, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #16, SERIES OF 1984 - One precinct for special election. Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing. Councilman Knecht moved to adopt Ordinance ~16, Series of 1984, on second reading; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Roll call vote; Councilmember Knecht, aye; Walls, aye; Blomquist, i aye; Collins, aye; Mayor Stirling, aye. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #18, SERIES OF 1984 - Water Rate Increase Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. Mayor Stirling. said he is opposed to this increase and should not increase beyond where the rates are now. Councilman Blomquist said he feels the Council should be certain the water fund is as solid as possible and that this ordinance is overdue. ~cting City Manager Ron Mitchell pointed out even with this increase, the water fund will have deficits of $1,000,000 over the next three or four years. Finance Director Sheree Sonfield said the city will have to subsidize the water fund $395,000 in 1984. Ms. Sonfield said everytime a water rate increase is not passed, the deficit will increase. Mayor Stirling said he would like to wait to see what large projects will be built before increasing the water rates. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing. Councilman Elomquist moved to adopt Ordinance #18, Series of 1984, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Knecht. Councilman Collins said he supported the capital program for these water improvements as well as the schedule of rate increases. However, it is unfair for other water users when the city takes water funds and provides services like to the M.A.A. campus and the reduced connection to Centennial. Councilman Collins said the water consumers are having to bear the burden for these projects. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Collins, nay; Knecht, aye; Walls, aye; Blomquist, aye; Mayor Stirling, nay. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #19, SERIES OF 1984 - Utility Connection Charge Increase Mayor Stirling opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Stirling closed the public hearing. Councilman Blomquist moved to adopt Ordinance #19, Series of 1984, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Knecht. Finance Director Sheree Sonfield told Council this is the second 20 per cent UCC increase out of a total of four increases. This will double the utility connect charge in four years. Councilman Knecht said this is based on growth paying for itself. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Walls, aye; Knecht, aye; Blomquist, aye; Collins, nay; Mayor Stirling, nay. Motion carried. UTILITY CONNECTION POLICY Judy McKenzie, utility supervisor, told Council the city does not disconnect utilities until they have not been paid for three months. Ms. McKenzie recommended a 60 day shut off; this will eliminate the problem of people leaving town and leaving owners of buildings responsible for bills. Mayor Stirling said he feels this is an excellent suggestion. Councilman Blomquist moved to adopt the utility connection policy as presented by staff; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried. TROLLEY TASK FORCE Councilman Knecht said the Councils have put off what the city is exactly going to do with the trolleys. Councilman Knecht said he would like a task force to evaluate whether the city should use the trolleys, fix them, sell them or whatever. Councilman Knecht presented a memorandum outlining what the task force should address. The task force should report back to Council by August 27 so that Council can make a final decision. Acting City Manager Ron Mitchell suggested the RFTA should be tied into this task force somehow.. Councilman Blomquist requested a modification that the task force look at alternative routes rather than a specified one. Councilman Knecht said fine. Councilman Knecht moved to approve the memorandum for a task force report on the trolley system and to report back to Council August 27, using Monroe Summers from staff and Councilman Knecht; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Regular Meeting Aspen City Councll ~u~= ~, .... Jon Busch said they chose the date of August 27 so that Council could put a vote about the trolleys to the community at the November election. Busch suggested having a CCLC member and someone from the Ski Company on the task force. All in favor, motion carried. SUBDIVISION EXEMPTION - Head City Attorney Taddune said there are a few situations in the city where lots were created prior to the subdivision regulations. These are not lots of record. Taddune said this is a non-conforming not, not of record. Taddune said the city has attempted to encourage people to come through the process and have a finding of fact by Council that these lots are exempt from the definition of subdivision. This way, the city will have an inventory of all existing lots. Taddune said he has recommended that the planning fee be waived as the applicant is only asking for a determination that the subdivision regulations, which were not in effect, do not apply. Colette Penne, planning office, presented history showing these lots were separated. Ms. Penne had the applicant prove that lot C was never owned by the same owner as lot D. Ms. Penne told Council this is a 450 square foot lot with a n~n-conforming structure on it. Ms. Penne recommended Council recognize this as a non-conforming lot of record. Council- woman Walls requested that addresses of applicants be added in the memorandum. Councilman Blomquist moved to submit to the public record Lotd D and the west 1/2 of lot E, block 30, city and townsite of Aspen as a non-conforming lot of record with the two conditions in the planning office memorandum of June 25, 1984, and waiving the planning fee in this instance because the city wants to encourage these types of applications; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried. OPTION TO PURCHASE CHAPMAN DUPLEX Acting City Manager Ron Mitchell told Council the city has been given 60 day notice to exercise the option. The county attorney has expressed an interest in purchasing the unit; the school board may be interested but have not made an offer. Mitchell said the staff would like direction from Council to exercise their option with %he intent of transferring the unit to someone else. The price of the unit will be $137,785 in August and the unit is just under 2,000 square feet. Councilman Blomquist moved to exercise the option and to negotiate with Tom Smith for purchasing the unit; seconded by Councilman Knecht. Councilman Collins asked how these units appreciate. Mitche~ said it is 7 per cent a year or the cost of living, whichever is less. Councilman Collins said he has a problem with that because these units are still appreciating while most values are going down. Councilwoman Walls said she would like to add a clause to the agreement so that there is no automatic appreciation. Councilman Blomquist suggested an appraisal process to not allow more than inflation. Ms. Sonfield pointed out most of the employee housing in the valley is 6 percent appreciation or cost of living, like silverking. Mitchell said both Smith and the school district were interested with the original agreement, and would not be interested if there were no appreciation. ' ~ : ~ Mayor Stirling moved to direct Ron Mitchell to negotiate with Tom Smith and report back to Council with some revision of the existing formula with less appreciation than there is now; seconded by Councilman Blomquist as an amendment. All in favor, motion carried. FINANCIAL AND BUDGET POLICIES Counci~ had two work sessions on the financial policies of the city and the finance department presented a summary on operating budget policies; capital improvement program policies; debt policies; revenue policies; cash reserve policies; cash investment policies, and accounting, auditing and financial reporting policies. Mayor Stirling moved to approve the fiscal policies and to adopt the financial policies; seconded by Councilman Collins. All in favor, motion carried. Finance Director Sheree Sonfield gave Council a time schedule for the budget process. ~ This schedule gives Council five weeks to review the department's budget. Councilwoman Walls asked how the department directors can have the budget done by July 16 when they have not received the comparable worth report, which may affect the budgets. Mitchell said there will be a report on this on July 9th meeting. Ms. Sonfield said she would like the departments to continue with the process and make adjustments when the comparable worth study is available. Ms. Sonfield said after the department prepare their budget, they are reviewed by the finance department and then by the city manager. The staff is recommending two new reviews. One is to ask people in the community with objective views, to help review the budgets with the city manager. Ms. Sonfield said she has contacted Mike Otte and Suzanne Caskey, who are interested, and would like to contact Wainwright Dawson and Martin Flug and George Byers. Ms. Sonfield also suggested each Councilmember picking four departments, visit these departments, learn about the operation and help through the budget process. Council agreed they will pick some departments to take through the budget process. Mayor Stifling suggested passing the schedule and finish the policies on July 2nd at a continued meeting. Mayor Stirling moved to table the criteria for the 1985 budget policies until Monday, July 2; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried. 3751 Regular Meeting Aspen City Council June 25, 1984 UMTA FUNDING/CAPITAL PROJECTS Councilman Blomquist moved to make the priorities (1) Rubey park transit; (2) major bus stops; (3) minor bus stops; (4) elderly and handicap van; (5) bus maintenance facility; (6) E1 Jebel veh,icle storage; (7) park and ride facilities; (8) Snowmass village transit plaza; priorities 1 through 4 will increase reidership and 5 through 8 will improve operations; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. Mayor Stirling said he would like to see the major and minor bus stops as priorities one and two. Mayor Stirling said he feels that Snowmass transit plaza is a critical hub in the system. Councilwoman Walls said she would rather see the downvalley employees served. Councilmembers Blomquist, Walls, and Knecht in favor; Councilman Collins and Mayor Stirling opposed. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Knecht moved to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. The consent agenda is (1) special event permit - Wheeler opera House; (2) Bid fence installation - Aspen Grove reservoir; (3) liquor license renewal Paragon. All in favor, motion carried. Councilman Blomquist moved to continue the meeting to Monday, July 2, 1984; seconded by Councilwoman Walls. All in favor, motion carried. Council left Chamber at 10:05 p.m. Continuer Meeting Aspen City Council July 2, 1984 Council met at 7:00 p.m. with Councilmembers Walls and Blomquist and Mayor Stirling present. Council adopted the budget policies as presented by staff. Council adjourned at 7:45 p.m.