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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19710913 Regular Meeting Aspen City council' September 13~ 1971 Meeting was called to order by Mayor Eve Homeyer at.4:05 P. M. with Councilmen Scott Nystrom, R~ss Griffin, Ramona Markalunas, Jack Walls, Francis Whitaker, City Attorney Albert Kern, city Manager Le6n Wur'l and Finance Director Dennis Veeder. Councilman Griffin moved to approve the minutes of August 23rd, August 27th and 30th as Minutes prepared and mailed by the~ CitY Clerk. Seconded by Councilman Nystrom. Ail in favor,- motion carried. Mayor requested, Council concurred, that all minutes will be left in Council baskets rather than being mailed out. Councilman Markalunas moved to approve the accou~'ts payable as submitted by the Finance Accounts Payable Department. Seconded by Councilman Walls. Roll call vote - Councilmen Nystrom aye; Griffin aye; Markalunas aye. Motion carried. Transportation Report - Mr. Robert Leigh of Alan Vorhees andJ~AssoCiates and Mr. Charles Transportation Brandt of the Transportation Committee were p~esent to give the report. Report Mr. Leigh outlined the two p~opbsals he had submitted - signalization and one-way Streeti~ system. Along with the prOpoSal was his recommendation for one-way street system. ._ Sighalization - Mr, Leigh stated the reports shows lights at the following intersections: Garmisch and Main; Mill and Maih; Spring and Main; Original ahd Cooper which would allow for orderly traffic on Highway 82 but would not help with the congestion in the reamining ~ commerhial area. One-Way Street System - Consultant looked at this problem in the light of framing the commercial downtown a~ea~. Main and Original along with Garmisch and Durant. These st=eets would all remain as two way streets. The streets within thiS frame would be all one way with Hyman and Hopkins as being the one way streets east and westi. Reasons for recommend- ing the one way system as follows: (1) Offers possibility of being implemented sooner. (2) Cheaper in total cost (3) Spreads traffic load so that concentration at any point is simplified. (4) System can be modified at a later date Signing - Mr. Leigh mentioned he had at this point not worked out all the details on signing. A new manual on signs is just being put out, of which signs are more attractive than what has been in practice. Would suggest the standard signs be used and the mounting be such as to be more esthetic and more within the character of Aspen. One way proposal included four islands on Main Street where the pedestrian ~rossings will be concentrated. Mill and Galena - To gain maximum simplification, the one way system s~hould be extended to at least one block north of Main Street. Councilman William C0mcowich arrived. Planters on Main Street would be i0' wide, bicycle lanes 3' and driving lanes 10' which would t~nd to reduce the speed of traffic. Mention was made that in the past another entrance to Aspen has been discussed along the old Midland right-of-gay. Councilman Whitaker stated he felt ~e One way system was too short and should take in a larger area, and' the one-way system, Mr. Whitaker felC, would not work without signals on Main Street.· ,~ 1201 Transportation Mr. Leigh pointed out Durant Street could be served, at some future date, by the Old Mid- Study land right-of-way which would not go against this plan. This Plan can also be modified sometime in the future to be extended to the north, south and west. To slow down traffic on Main could do the following items: install yield to pedestrain signs at the intersection where necessary; install remble strips at the approaches to the heavy intersections and-~the installation of stop signs at certain intervals. Mr. Leigh pointed out the one-way system would increase the total amount of parking. Councilman Comcowich pointed out he Would like to see a larger median on Main Street sometime in the future. Question was raised that during the interim without a solution to the right-of-way prob- lems one block north of Main of Mill and Galena, how will this affect the problems at Mill and Main.' Mr. Leigh stated no left hand turns will be allowed at Mill and Main. The one-way system will work Without the one block north of Main. · Mr. Charles Brandt stated the Transportation Committee reviewed this report from an emergency standpoint. It was felt something should be implemented either prior to the busy season of the holidays or during the lull of January. This is one of the reasons for recommending the one-way system. Another reason being the lower cost; committee concerned about a solution not only to Main Street but in the core area as well; One-way system is flexible, whereas, once the capital expenditures has been spent on signals it was felt this may become a permanent thing. Felt the one-way system would fit the char- acter of the community fathers'.signals; The Transportation Committee also makes the following suggestions: suggest 2 or more stop signs be placed on Main Street so the the reloading onto Main Street would not create'problems of congestion. Stop signs would also aid the pedestrian in crossing Main and slow down traffic on Main. Recommend speed limit on Main Street be reduced to 20 MPH. Recommend median strips be placed at such time as deemed to be effective. Suggest that if necessary the bikeways be moved to Hppkins as an alternate or another street. Recommend the special signing, stripping, and bumps. Also recommend extension of the one- way streets one or two blocks to the west due to the problems of reloading back onto Main Street and school crossing. Further suggest consideration be givem~ in the very near future, to the 7th and Hallam intersection. Suggest thru traffic to Hallam not be alloWed. Transportation Committee agrees these solutions as recommended will not solve compt&tely the problems at Mill and Main. Further recommend the City begin immediately to expand the one way system on Mill and Galena one block north of Main Street. Discussed the problems involved in getting to the hospital on Bleeker with no left turn at Mill and Main. Mr. Leigh pointed out by not allowing left turns at this intersection would cut down the number of movements and the cross traffic at this intersection. Councilman Comcowich suggest the one-way streets running north and south be reversed thus Mill Street would run one way to the nOrth. Mr. Herb Barrel, City/County Planner, pointed out the hospital access is a major problem and will require a major solution and large expenditures. Planning and Zoning Commission is now considering circulation plans for this area, extension of Spring Street north is one of the considerations. Mr. Leigh pointed out the traffic counts on Mill to the sOuth were about 260 cars and to the north about 165. Suggestion was made to allow emergency ~ehicles to turn left at Mill and Main. Councilman Markalunas moved to adopt and implement what can be done of this plan of one- way street system and every attempt possible be made to obtain the right of way to do the proposal north of Main Street. Seconded by Councilman Walls. Councilman Comcowich moved~to amend the motion to reverse the one way street system of the streets rnnning north and south. Seconded by Councilman Whitaker. It was pointed out Mill Street north of Main Street would remain a two way street at this time. Mr. Barrel and Mr. Leigh stated they would rather see provision made for left turns at I~1 and Ma~n rather than reverse the system. Mr. Leigh pointed out the first streets of the one way system are all right hand turns, and this is the only logical pattern to follow. 1202 Regula? Meeting Aspen 9i~ ~0unci! September 13, Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Jim Adams, request this be referred back Transportation to the Transportation Committee prior to the Council approving a reverse of the system. Report Councilman Comcowich and Councilman Whitaker agreed to withdraw the amended motion. Councilman Markalunas and Councilman Walls agreed to withdraw the main motion. Council agreed to refer this back to the Transportation Committee for a report within a week and Mr. Leigh during the interim discuss with the State Highway Department the feas- ibility of stop signs on Main Street. Rubey Park - Representative of the League of Women Voters read a statement requesting Rubey Park the City leave Rubey Park as a park. Councilman Comcowich pointed out alot of people voted for Rubey Park because they felt it was to be parking. Bikeways Petition - City Clerk reported the petition bears 1278 signatures consisting of Bikeways City residents, County residents and students of the Aspen Grade School. Student sig- Petition natures total 143. Petition contains the following heading: 'We the undersigned interested in prom~ting~and developing a system of commuter and rec- reational bikeways for the Roaring Fork Valley do hereby request that a bikeways for the Roaring Fork Valley do hereby request that a bikeways program be initiated this year and that a reasonable amount be budgeted for bikeways in subsequent year~." Audit - Mr. Cliff Haycock of Da~ Handy and Associates was present to formally present the AUdit a~dit. Mr. Haycock stated he is satisfied with the way the Finance Department is going, hired one newman, new equipment. Council reviewed the RSA audit with Mr. Haycock. Mr. Haycock pointed out the fund balance is split between the City and County and this has to be done to keep the accounting on a current basis. Then you would either transfer the money back to RSA or adjqst the current revenues on a 53/47 basis. Discussed the $21,000 of the Parks and Recreation budget that is to be set aside eJch year for land purchase (golf course) ~own the valley. Mr. Haycock reported this began in December of 1969, cash~and liabilities were all cleared out at the end of that year. Manager Wurl re~orted there were no funds budgeted in 1969 for land purchase, this being the first year of the tax. City Manager Wurl reported there is nothing magic about the $21,000 future. That happened to be what was left from the budgeted items of Parks and Recreation, and that is about 1/2 of the amount each year to be accumulated over the 10 year period to come up with the amount to meet the amount determined to construct a golf course down the valley. Finance Director Veeder po%nted out the access for 1970 is included in 1971 revenues. Councilman Comcowich pointed out that should be re-allocated back to the RSA. Mr. Haycock reported he was not that concerned that the City had not met the escrow agreements of the bond issues, but as auditors this had to be pointed out that the City had not met these requirements. Brown Ice Palace - Councilman Whitaker moved to deny the request. Seconded by Councilman Brown Ice Palace Comcowich. City Attorney Kern pointed out the only way the City could have allowed this request would have been to vacate the right-of-way. R~ll call vote - Councilmen Nystrom aye; Comcowieh aye; Griffin aye; Markalunas aye; Walls aye; Whitaker aye; Mayor Homeyer aye. Motion carried. Aspen Auto Supply (Parking Correction) - Mr.~ Sy Kelly was present and stated he felt Aspen Auto it was unfair for him to have to make this correction while ~thers still exist including Parking the City. Ail violations should be done at the same time. There are other areas more Correction critical than this one. The City should be looking for more parking spaces instead Of eliminating what exists. (4 spaces). Councilman Whitaker pointed out that this condition developed a long time ago prior to the traffic problems that exist today. Extension of one year was granted on the basis that the construction would be done at the expiration of Mr. Kelly's lease. Under new legislation effective January 1, 1972 the City will be liable for dangerous conditions on sidewalks, highways and streets. 1203 ..................... Reg~!~r.K__M?_~Dg ~, As.p~_~j~v ~p~ncil Seotember 13. 1971 Aspen Mr. Kelly stated it is not possible for him to move at this time and he is not prepared to Auto do the construction necessary. ~ Parking Councilman Whitaker stated that unless work is completed within a reasonable time, move the City Engineer be instructed to install parallel parking signs only along the curb along this property. Seconded by Councilman Nystrom. City Manager Wurl request guidance for this and future corrections as to what extent the City will participate and what is meant be a reasonable time. City Attorney Kern pointed out a year ago, the City agreed to pay the cost of the curb. Question was raised as to where the funds would come from to do the repairs as the City outlined a year ago and the precedent this would set. Roll call vote - Councilmen Griffin aye; Markalunas aye; Comcowich nay; Walls nay; Whitaker aye; Nystrom aye; Mayor Homeyer nay. Motion carried. Council agreed 30 to 60 days would be a reasonable time. Councilman Whitaker moved the City participate to the extent of installing the curb of about S150 to $200. Seconded by Councilman Markalunas. Roll call vote - Councilmen Nystrom aye; Comcowich aye; Griffin aye; Markalunas aye; Walls aye; Whitaker aye; Mayor Homeyer nay. Motion carried. Theodore's Theodore's Stock Transfer - City Attorney Kern reported the forms met the legal require- Stock Transfer ments. Attorney Ron Austin was present representing the new stock holders and reported the present stockholder of 100% of the stock is transferring part of his stock to three other individuals, which will bolster the business. Two of the new stockholders have been working for Theodore's Inc. and will continue. Councilmmn Griffin moved to approve the stock transfer of Theodore's Inc. Seconded by Councilman Walls. Roll call vote - Councilmen Whitaker aye; Walls aye; Markalunas aye; Griffin aye; Comcowich aye; Nystrom aye; Mayor Homeyer aye. Motion carried. ~ Happy Happy Hearth Inn - Mr. Tom Hines was present representing people from Little Rock, Hearth Arkansas and submitted proposal to purchase the Happy Hearth Inn. Total price over the Inn 10 year period would be $523, 545.00. Along with the Inn and on about the 5 acres pro- posed to purchase, would like to construct 6 tennis courts on the land immediately to the west, back of the existing building would like to put in handball and squash courts. Would like to add an additional 50 units, Sale would be contingent upon the City-in- stalling the sewer; 60' access easement to the property; no zoning changes in fairway #1; warranty deed without covenants or restrictions; area to be rezoned to AR-i; if approved by the voters, the buyers begin immediately to improve the property and sellers be re- imbursed for 80% of the improvements. The intended use of the property would be to deal with year around type of business with health influence. Small meeting rooms along with the lodging. Mr. Hines s~a~ed he personally would like tc see in the lodge provision for a tennis and golf pro shop. Prior to opening would cost $41,000 for immediate improvements and will later put $125,00( into the improvements. Council ag2eed to meet in executive session and study session on this proposal. Re-cycling Re-cycling - Representative was present and again request the Council consider passing an ~ordinance to ban non-recyclable materials. Goals Report Goals Report - Mr. Barrel questioned Council if they desired to meet with the County Commissioners and entire Goals Task Force so that a report can be given on important policies and items of the goals task force. Council agreed to the meeting on October 21st at 5:00 P. M., Aspen Institute. Bass Park Bass Park Council request a release from Mr. Travis that all bills have been paid prior to the City taking over the park. Councilman Whitaker stated the Park Association would pay for the sidewalk just recently installed. Opera House Opera House Grant - Councilman Comcowich moved that the proper City department be auth- Grant orized to proceed with the grant for the Opera House. Seconded by Councilman Walls. Ail in favor, motion carried. Public Public Restrooms, No. 1 Lift - Manager Wurl reported the Ski Corporation says yes. Council Restrooms request Manager Wurl give a further report as to maintenance costs and who will do the No. 1 Lift maintaining. 120 Regula~ Meeting Aspen City Counci! Septembe.~ ~3, 1971, Tree Policy ~ Manager Wurl pointed out the 1971 budget only contains sufficient money to Tree Policy replace those trees in the commercial zone which have been damaged. Money was not budgeted for new trees on a 50/50 basis as has been done in previous 'years. ~, Councilman Walls moved to cut the tree budget and not replace any trees in the commercial zones. Motion died for lack of a second. Discussed lights for Paepcke Park and having to cut back on expenses. Councilman Comcowich Lights moved the City Manager be instructed to kill the order on the lights. Seconded by.Council-i Paepcke Park man Nystrom. Ail in favor with exception of Councilman Walls. Motion carried. Major Homeyer opened the public hearing on Ordinances #21, 22 23 and 24. Public Hearing Ordinances #21, There being no comments, Mayor Homeyer closed the public hearing. 22, 23 & 24 Councilman Walls moved to read, by title.only, Ordinances #21, 22, 23 and 24. Seconded by Councilman Whitaker. Ail in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE #21, SERIES OF 1971, AN~ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF Ordinance #21 ASPEN, COLORADO, DATED MARCH 6, 1967 TO PROVIDE ZONING FOR THE AREA ANNEXED TO THE CITY Zoning West OF ASPEN, COLORADO BY ORDINANCE NO. 14, SERIES OF 1971 was read by title only by the Aspen Sub. City Clerk. Councilman Whitaker moved to adopt Ordinance #21, Series of 1)71 on second reJding. Seconded by Councilman Comcowich. Roll call vote - Councilmen Nystrom aye; Comcowich aye; Griffin aye; Markalunas aye;.Walls abstain; Whitaker aye; Mayor Homeyer aye. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #22, SERIES OF 1971, AN ORDINANCE AMENDINGZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF Ordinance #22 ASPENs COLORADO, DATED MARCH 6, 1967 TO PROVIDE ZONING FOR THE AREA ANNEXED TO THE CITY Aspen Hills OF ASPEN, COLORADO BY ORDINANCE NO. 11, SERIES OF 1971 was read by title only by the Zoning City Clerk. Councilman Whitaker moved to adopt Ordinance #22, Series of 1971 on second reading. Seconded by Councilman Walls. Roll call vote - Councilmen Whitaker aye; Walls aye; Markalunas aye; Griffin aye; Comcowich aye; Nystrom aye; Mayor Home,er aye. Motion ~ carried. ORDINANCE #23, SERIES OF 1971, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING'ZOnING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF Ord. #23 ASPEN, COLORADO, DATED MARCH 6, 1967 TO PROVIDE<ZONING FOR THE AREA ANNEXED TO THE CITY Open Space OF ASPEN, COLORADO BY ORDINANCE NO. 8, SERIES OF 1971 was read by title only by the Zoning City Clerk. Councilman Nystrom moved to adopt Orainance #23, Series of 1971 on second reading. Seconded by Councilman Comcowich. Roll call vote - Councilmen Nystrom aye; Comcowich aye; Markalunas aye; Griffin aye; Walls aye; Whitaker aye; Mayor Homeyer aye. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #24~ SERIES OF 1971, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBSECTIONS (b) (3), (b)(4), and Ordinance #24 (b) (6) O~ SECTION 6, CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE III OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN Water Rates ENTITLED "RATES AND CHARGES"; CHANGING THE WATER RATES WITHIN AND WITHOU~ THE CITY FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSESAND COMMERCIAL METERED RATE-AND ELIMINATING CHARGES FOR FIRE HYDRANTS was read by title only by the City Clerk. Councilman Walls moved to adopt Ordinance #24, Series of 1971 on second reading. Seconded by Counciiman Whitaker. Roll call vote - Councilmen Whitaker aye; Walls aye; Markalunas aye; Griffin aye; Comcowich aye; Nystrom aye; Mayor Homeyer aye. Motion carried. Councilman Whitaker moved to adjourn this meetiqg ~o Tuesday, September 14th at 5:00 P. M. seconded by Councilman Griffin. Ail in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 P. M. ~ Lorraine Graves, Czty Clerk Meeting was called to order.by.Mayor Eve Homeyer at 5:00 P. M. with Councilmen Scott Nystrom, William Comcowich, Ross Griffin, Ramona Markalunas, Jack Walls, Francis Whitaker and City Manager Leon Wurl. Happy Happy Hearth Inn Proposal - Council went into executive session, Hearth Inn Meeting reconvened into adjourned session. Proposal Police and Sheriff Evaluation Study - Mayor Hoemyer reported the County has agreed to share 1/3rd of the cost and the Aspen Valley Improvement Association has agreed to 1/3rd Police and Request is for the City to participate 1/3rd in the study which will cost about $7500.00 Sheriff Evaluation Councilman Comcowich moved to appropriate the necessary funds in the approximate amount Study of $25000 and the City participate with the County and Aspen Valley Improvement Association on this study. Seconded by Councilman Walls. Vote tabled to later in the meeting. Council request the City send condolences to the City of Gunnison on the recent school bus accident. Zoline Zoline Annexation Agreement - It was reported the PUD Preliminary Outline has been tent- Annexation a tively approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, lack of ordinance to give formal Agreement approval. Planning and Zoning Commission has agreed to an R-PC-30 classification for the south 80 acres, confusion to the north 100 acres. At one time R-PC-30 was agreed upon for the 100 acres, now Park and AF zoning being discussed. Council request the Planning and Zoning Commission get off the stick and get a recommen~ dation to Council. City Manager Wurl outlined 5 points which he had.discussed with the Planner and City Attorney as relates to the annexation petition. (1) Wording be changed that the undeveloped portion of the 80 acres with the annexation be leased for recreational or open space, and not limited to golf course or open space as stated on the petition. (2) Open space should be zoned park, balance R-30 of the south 80 acres. ~ (3) The option to purchase should be worked out prior to annexation. (4) Strike the wording on Page 3 (a) which approval shall not be unreasonably h~ld. (5) Annex the north portion which zone classification should be A & F except as accommodates the 4 or 5 different dwelling areas. Council request Manager Wurl discuss these items with Mr. Zoline. Police and Police and Sheriff Evaluation Study - Councilmmn.Comcowich stated he desires the combining Sheriff of the two departments to be a part of the-evaluation study. Evaluation Study Councilmmn Comcowich stated he is upset with the Police Department in that the Council sends down constant reminders to the department and nothing seems to get done, unequal enforcement of hhe law, we are getting second rate enforcement of the law, and too mmny warnings are being issued. Councilman Whitaker stated when you complain to the police department, the officers let the violator know who made the complaint. City Manager questioned the entire Council as to where they feel the deficiencies are in this department. Further explained there are certain limitations on an officers time i. e releasing of impounded cars, school zone patrol, ticketing cars in the tow zone, etc. Aspen, unlike some communities, is not caught up in situations due to our procedures in enforcement of the law. Roll 'call vote - Councilmen Nystrom aye; Comcowich aye; Griffin aye; Markalunas aye;, Walls aye; Whitaker aye; Mayor Homeyer aye. Motion carried. Monarch Monarch Street Midewalk - Manager Wurl reported he had contacted the property owners on Street Monarch of which three state they do not want to install sidewalks on a voluntary basis Sidewalk and one has requested an estimate. Rubey Park Rubey Park Use - Council generally agreed a combination of parking and park should be Use established, with a minimum of 54 parking spaces. Councilman Griffin moved to adjourn at 7:05 P. M., seconded by Councilman Nystrom. All in favor, meeting adjourned.