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TC Minutes 07-28-1992• MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD JULY 28, 1992,- 7:30 P.M: The regular meeting of the Avon Town Council of the Town of Avon, Colorado was held in the Municipal Building, 400 Benchmark Road, Avon, Colorado, in the Council Chambers. The.meeting was calledto order by Mayor Jerry Davis at 7:34p.m. A roll call was taken with Councilors Tom Hines, Celeste Nottingham, Derek Pysher, and Albert Reynolds present. Councilors Charlie Gersbach and John Hazard were,absent. Also present were Town Attorney John Dunn, Town Manager Bill James,;Director of Engineering Norm Wood, Director of Municipal Services Larry Brooks, Police chief-Art Dalton, Fire Chief Charlie Moore, Public Relations Officer Teresa Albertson, Town Clerk'Patty Neyhart, as well as members of the-press and public. First item on the Agenda was Citizen Input. Eagle County Commissioner Candidate Mr." Rod'Slifer came before Council to introduce himself and seek input from Council. Mr. Slifer informed he is a Candidate for District #1, which is- Eagle-Vail and further. east. Mr. Slifer stated he has been _a resident of the valley for 30 years; served'on`the County Planning Commission for 8 1/2 years, and was Mayor of Vail for 7 ears. Mr. Slifer- voiced his concerns towards-the county budges, the environment (air.and water), and the land use plan. Mr. Slifer noted communications. is very 'important between, the local . municipalities and the County Commissioners. Councilor Pysher questioned what Mr. Slifer's important issue is. Mr. Slifer reiterated there is not one single issue, but the three noted prior, which is the budget, environment, and the land use plan. Councilor Nottingham questioned the sales tax increase initiative. Mr. Slifer responded he personally-is not in favor of increasing sales taxes and noted the alternative would be-increased property taxes.. Mr. Slifer feels that governments in Eagle County have ignored education and suggested a consolidation of services could be beneficial; i.e. consolidating busses.- Mayor Davis suggested, that during the County Commissioners budget sessions and establishing County priorities, it would be helpful if the County would seek the local communities input. Mr. Slifer agreed. Next under Citizen Mr. Frank Johnson marketing. , . Mr . Ji Vail Town Council, Associates created community. Input was the Vail Valley Marketing Update. gave a history of the funding for the valley Dhnson informed approximately 4 ears ago the along with the Avon Town Council and Vail a concept of funding for marketing the 0 • Mr. Johnson informed the Town of Vail implemented a Business License Fee, which generated approximately $325,000. Avon contributed thru the General Fund approximately $90,000 and Vail Associates donated $50,000: The Town of Vail thru the General-*, Fund contributed approximately.$160;000. This-money has been.sed to'generate additional-summier income for.the.Vail Valley; Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek. The money was administered by'an all volunteer board and those members present include Mr. Jan Strauch,-owner of Overland and Express and appointed by the town of Vail; Mr-. Tom Britz, owner of.Vertical Marketing and appointed by the Town of Avon; Mr. Jim Feldhaus, Vice President of Group Sales and Marketing for the Vail Resort Association and appointed by,the Town of Vail; Mr. Jerry Davis*,;Maybr of Avon and appointed byy the Town of-Avon; and Mr. Frank Johnson who was appointed by tf'e Town of Vail. The group has focused on an economic plan to balance out the economy in the winter and summer months. Mr. Johnson added the main role is to increase the "tourism and group sales. Mr. Johnson stated advertising has played an important part in accomplishing this role and introduced Ms. Sheri'Fowler of RSA Advertising. Ms. Fowler explained that competition and defining market segments were first defined. Competition was everything from airlines, to cruises, to Mexico, to areas within our state. Market segments established were Destination; Groups and Meetings, Winter/Summer Cross Sell, and Front Range. Ms. Fowler presented a-slide show of the marketing/advertising that has been done to reach each market segment (magazine, newspaper, radio, television ads and literature such as brochures, guides and fan trips/receptions) and continued with the 1992 marketing strategies. Ms. Fowler added that all advertising and marketing is measured and validated for effect/results. Mr. Johnson presented and explained charts of growth (dollar amounts, room nights, lodging sales, information booth visits) detailing Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek. One of Mr. Johnson's charts: % of Contribution Sales Vail Business Community 52% Town of Vail General Fund 26% TOTAL VAIL 78% 65% Town of Avon General Fund 14% 20% Vail Associates/BeaverCrk 8% 15% Mr. Johnson mentioned future funding methods for marketing such. as the proposed lodging tax for Vail and Beaver Creek that would ggenerate approximately $2 million (Avon already has a lodging tax Ehat is earmarked for transportation). The lodging tax proposal may not be on the ballot until Spring or next fall and for a measure to keep the Vail Valley Marketing efforts alive in the interim the Board is presently seeking funding mechanisms (such,as Vail reinstating the ordinance that creates tie business license portion of the marketing fund now). Mr. Johnson informed the Board will return to the Avon council during Avon budget sessions requesting continuation of Avon's participation. Councilor Nottingham questioned what determines "good hits" from the various advertisements. Ms. Fowler responded that "good . hits" are established in conjunction with the number of returned - cards and calls to the 800 numbers that the advertisement generates. Mr. Johnson added that all incoming phone calls for the Vail Resort Association are tracked. -2- Councilor Hines questioned targeting right group/right area. Mr. Johnson informed pricing discoveries led to the Vail area being marketed as a quality experience that is not inexpensive. Mr. Johnson added as more marketing dollars become available the Vail Valley Marketing Board will be able to target and pinpoint alot better than in the past. Next under Citizen Input was Goshawk Townhomes. Ms. Deb Taylor reminded Council that at last Council meeting the bids for landscaping were mutually agreed to be too expensive. Council thus directed Goshawk Townhomes Associationto come back with alternate plans that included bids for fencing. Ms. Taylor informed only one bid was received out of the four/five requested. That bid was enclosed in Council's packet for 125' of cedar fencing and saturation wood care for $2,625, plus $225. Councilor Reynolds questioned if the bid included installation. Ms. Taylor confirmed that the bid does include installation. Councilor Reynolds reminded, at the last meeting-, discussion was that the Town possibly buy the materials and Goshawk Townhomes would install it. Ms. Taylor noted that the Goshawk homeowners did not want to install the fence. Ms. Sue O'Neil, Goshawk homeowner, noted that this was the only bid received,and it was for installation as well as fencing; plus, the fencing is lower priced than the landscaping. Councilor Hines questioned the 6 X 6 posts and 8' high fencing. The bidder suggested 6 X 6 support posts. A gentleman representing Goshawk Townhomes informed they did not have to have the 8' high fencing; 6' high would be sufficient. Mayor Davis questioned restrictions on height of fencing and noted Goshawk homeowners would still need to secure approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilor Pysher recalled a restriction of 6' height and reiterated "with approval of Planning and Zoning Commission". Mayor Davis suggested the Town possibly pay for the materials and the homeowners install it or the homeowners pay for installation - of the fencing. Councilor Pysher remained opposed to the Town paying for-the wall. Councilor- Pysher noted that whenever someone buys property neighboring a vacant-lot that someone needs to assume another someone is going to build on it. Councilor Pysher added his willingness for a more natural divider instead of a solid wall. Ms. Taylor stated, when the Wildwood Townhome project came up, the Goshawk Townhome-Association did not come before Council and object, because it was understood the Wildwood Townhomes would be 3' above the Goshawk parking lot. Ms. Taylor noted Wildwood Townhomes are now 20' and Goshawk homeowners feel they were misrepresented in the height restriction. Thus, a compromise is still trying to be worked out. Councilor Hines noted an 8' high fence is Prohibitive, added that shrubbery would be more appropriate, questioned if any local fence bids were-sought, and offered willingness to work something out. Ms. Taylor responded there was no one local to secure a bid from and alot of the landscaping is dying due to lack of irrigations which cost of irrigation is a negative reason for the landscaping. -3- Councilor Nottingham questioned the height of the Wildwood Townhomes; did the Town go overboard the 201-231. Mr. Rick Pylman responded the buildings were built exactly to the plans that were done by the architect. There-were some obvious differences in what people perceived the heights to be, but they weren't altered to what the plans showed. Councilor Nottingham questioned where the money will come from regarding this issue. Mr. Bill James answered the money will come from the General Fund - Public Works as there is no money left.in the Wildwood Townhomes fund. Councilor-Nottingham expressed favoritism toward the shrubbery, but offered cooperation towards the fencing if that is the wish of Goshawk homeowners. Councilor Nottingham suggested a negotiated partnership in splitting the cost of the fence. Councilor Reynolds proposed splitting the differences, but not for an 8' fence. Council Reynolds mentioned the wind factor on an 8' high fence in the Wildridge area. Councilor Reynolds motioned to split the cost of the fence at the price of $2,625.00 with any ad)ustments with'the Goshawk Homeowners Association. Councilor Hines seconded the motion. Mayor Davis confirmed the motion to split the cost of a fence that is linear 125' and 6' high. Councilor Hines questioned design of the fence. The gentleman representing Goshawk Townhomes responded the 6' high fence with 6X6..posts would decrease the cost quite a bit. Discussion centered on whether the fence would be solid or off-set.sections and what side to put toward the Goshawk Townhomes. Councilor Reynolds noted the off-set sections might be better suited-for the wind in Wildridge and reminded that Goshawk homeowners still need to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval., Mr. James suggested that once the fence is installed the Town cut a check for 1/2 the cost payable to Goshawk Townhomes. Councilor Nottingham expressed concern on the possible price differences. Ms. Taylor informed she has a quote for the 6' high fence with 6X6 posts that is $1,406.25. The wood care product is in addition at $225.00. With no further discussion, Mayor Davis called the vote. The motion passed with Councilor Pysher opposing. Resolution'No. 92-21, Series of 1992, A RESOLUTION OPPOSING A STATEWIDE INITIATIVE TO RAISE THE COLORADO SALES TAX FROM 3% TO 4%. Mayor Davis reminded Council of past discussions and noted recent discussions with Councilor Nottingham and himself to change the wording of this Resolution. Mayor Davis then read,Resolution No. 92-21 in its entirety. Councilor Hines stated the Resolution adequately states.what the concerns were that were raised at the last meeting; well versed. Councilor-Reynolds agreed with Councilor Hines. -.4 - • • Councilor Nottingham noted, with regard to the Children First Act making massive reforms in Colorado education, that this is wonderful for the State of Colorado but when you read the Act you realize that Eagle County-School District has enacted, adopted, and applied most of those reforms for many years now. Thus, alot of those changes within this County are not necessary. Councilor Nottingham added that-this, taking money and things away from us, really does not benefit us at all. Mayor Davis stated that considerations have been made should the sales tax fail and.'that Eagle County School District's budget will be cut by 121. Mayor Davis objects to the threat placed upon the Council by primarily the State Legislature by not funding the School Finance Act to the levels that they were suppose to. Mayor Davis added that the choice of opposition is a difficult one and hopes the long term result of this not passing is that the Legislature along with the Governor will have to'deal with this issue. Mayor Davis noted he supports education and giving kids a quality education; he is opposed to the School Finance Act. Councilor Nottingham informed Eagle County School District's budget is from 7/1/92 to 6/30/93, thus there are no immediate effects this year and allows the Legislative body time to react and change the School Finance Act. Mr. Don Marks, President of the Eagle County School Board, voiced concerns of sending a message to the Legislature, if the referendum fails, that the voters of Colorado are not willing to fund education beyond what is funded currently. Mr. Marks added the Legislature has been unable to deal with the funding problem for the last 4 to 5 years and there is no reason to think the Legislature will be'-able to fix everything should this Referendum fail. Mr. Marks stated he is not in favor of the sales tax, however it is an opportunity for the people of Colorado to fund education the way they would like to have it funded. Governor Roemer's studies show sales tax more likely to pass and property taxes more likely to fail. Mr. Marks informed that Eagle County could deal with the shortfall with loosing $1.8 million should this Referendum fail. Eagle County could probably make up most of that through our own tax initiatives should we decide to do that. Mr. Marks mentioned he believes in the philosophy of the School Finance Act; quality education for all of Colorado. Mr. Marks noted that if education suffer's in Leadville, being the workforce of the Vail Valley, Eagle County will suffer indirectly via the workforce.- Mr.- Marks closed by stating the sales tax is probably not the best thing, but added he is fearful of what looms ahead of us if it'fails; the~Legislature could take this issue and decide to do something alot more devastating than this is. Councilor Reynolds commented on wanting the best for our kids and suggested earmarking gambling funds for education. With no further discussion, Mayor Davis called for a motion. Councilor Pysher motioned to accept Resolution No. 92-21, Series of 1992. Councilor Nottingham seconded the motion. Mayor Davis confirmed the motion to pass the Resolution. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Davis informed this Resolution will be sent to the Governor and it-will not be sent with public money. -5- Next was New Business. Councilor- Nottingham informed the Division of Local Governments is offering:a Budgeting and Financial-Management Workshop this Friday, in Frisco and highly recommended, this seminar to Council and Staff Next was other Business. Councilor Pysher gave a committee Report on NW000G. The meeting was held in Eagle. COG is the decision making body for Skyline 6 Agency on Aging. Items of discussion were Meals on Wheels, installation of insulation on elderly homes,, and how to better help the elderly. A U.S. Forest Service representative presented information on public lands and oil and gas leases. A solid waste specialist gave a presentation. And, lastly discussed was an area wide elevator inspection. Next was Other Business. Mr. James brought,to Council's attention an item missed at Work-session which was a letter received from the Lighting Agency. The Lighting Agency is requesting payment on one pole that we had originally speculated to bid and the fixture for that pole. We then changed our minds about the light fixture and that pole and they are requesting $3,1M for the sample cost, painting, freight, and truck rental. The fixture and pole has been shipped back to the Lighting Agency. Mayor Davis directed,Mr. James to send the Lighting Agency a letter thanking them to view their expensive light and the decision'was not to use that one.. The Financial Matters were next presented to Council. Councilor Hines moved to receive items #1 thru #3 and approve items #4 thru #6. The-motion was seconded by Councilor Reynolds and was unanimously carried. Council Meeting Minutes of July 14, 1992 will be available at next Council Meeting for Council's approval. There being no further business to come before-.Council, Mayor Davis called for a motion to adjourn. Councilor Hines moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by councilor Reynolds. The. meeting was adjourned.by Mayor Davis at 9:32pm. -6- 0 0 RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Patty Ney rt, rbAQh Clerk APPROVED: -7-