TC Minutes 05-24-1994MINUTES OF THE REGULAR. MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
HELD MAY 24, 1994 - 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 called to order by Mayor Albert J. Reynolds at
7:35 p.m. A roll call was taken with Councilors Jack Fawcett,
Tom Hines, Celeste-C. Nottingham, Jim Roof and Judy Yoder
present. Councilor John Hazard was absent. Also present were
Town Manager Bill James, Town Attorney John Dunn, Director of
Municipal Services Larry Brooks, Planner Mary Holden, Town
Engineer Norm Wood, Transportation Director Harry Taylor,
Superintendent of Recreation Meryl Jacobs, Fire Chief Charlie
Moore, Police Chief Gary Thomas, Deputy Town Clerk Kris Nash, as
well as members of the press and public.
First item on the Agenda under Citizen Input was a Request for
Sponsorship to Wrestle in Austria.
Mr. Robert Hermosillo stated he has been invited to represent the
Junior College National Wrestling Team to wrestle in the Austrian
Grand Prix June 24 and 25, 1994. Mr. Hermosillo said his goal in
wrestling is to represent the United States in wrestling and in a
sense this is the first step to that goal. Mr. Hermosillo is now
trying to gather the funds. He has been a lifelong resident of
the valley and has wrestled for over nine years. He finished
runner-up in state for Battle Mountain High School last year and
finished in fourth place the previous year. He competed in the
Junior National tournament both his junior and senior years and.
almost made it to the placing grounds which is where he gained
recognition with this coach who thinks he is a strong competitor
to represent the Junior College National team in Austria.
Mr. Hermosillo stated the cost is approximately $1,800. Mr.
Hermosillo is currently employed by Gallegos Masonry and is
putting $500-$700 of his own towards the trip. The $1,800 will
cover food, airfare, room and board, entry fees to the
tournament, etc.
Mayor Reynolds asked if Mr. Hermosillo has approached anyone
else. Mr. Hermosillo has approached Gallegos Masonry. He has
not approached any other municipalities and was not sure if the
local businesses would be more inclined to help high school
students as opposed to college students. He is planning to
approach Gorsuch, Ltd., and Gallegos Masonry. His family is also
helping him.
Councilor Fawcett asked if Mr. Hermosillo has made the $1,200
payment yet. Mr. Hermosillo said he has not made any payments
yet, but has spoken with the coach and has made arrangements to
gather all the money and make one payment prior to leaving June
18. He is guaranteed a spot on the team.
Mr. Hermosillo was asked where he lives. He responded in
Minturn.. Councilor Fawcett asked if he has approached the
Minturn-Town Council. Mr. Hermosillo stated he'has not been able
to approach them yet but will be speaking with the Minturn Town
Manager to schedule to meet with their Town Council.
Councilor Roof asked who paid for the Junior Nationals. Mr.
Hermosillo stated the local businesses donated half the money and
he.paid half, but the cost was only $500. Mr. Roof suggested he
contact the same businesses who helped with the Junior Nationals
to,help.with the Austrian Grand Prix.
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Mr. Hermosillo stated the Vail Daily also interviewed him and he
gave his telephone number in the article so anyone interested in
helping can contact him.
Mayor Reynolds asked how much money Mr. Hermosillo was asking for
from the Avon Council. Mr. Hermosillo responded whatever the
Council would be willing to donate.
Councilor Yoder congratulated Mr. Hermosillo and said it was a
great opportunity, but she believed he should be going through
private sources and this donation would not be proper use of
public funds. She felt the community would support him. Council
Roof was in agreement that this was private funding not
government.
Councilor Hines appreciated Mr. Hermosillo coming before the Town
and he was following the right path; it takes courage to try to
drum up money. Councilor Hines stated a standard policy the Town
has adopted was to take requests on a per budget basis and
appreciate requests coming in at budget time. Councilor Hines
stated Mr. Cliff Thompson of the Vail Valley Times was willing to
contribute. Mr. Thompson presented a check to Mr. Hermosillo.
Ms. Gloria McRory, owner of Avon Quick Print, told Mr. Hermosillo
she would donate.
Councilor Nottingham, being-a Community Advisor for Colorado
Mountain College, stated she would be willing to see if there is
any athletic scholarship money they could put toward this and he
should.contact.Kay.Saulsberry at the college. Councilor
Nottingham also stated it is more'difficult for the Town to give
out taxpayers dollars and sales tax dollars than it is for the
private industry.
Councilor Fawcett suggested Mr. Hermosillo give his phone number
out at this meeting as it was being televised. He did so.
Council's consensus was donations-should come from-the private
sector and wished Mr. Hermosillo much luck and thought he would
do very well.
Resolution No. 94-20, Series of 1994, A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE
1994 BUDGET
Town Manager Bill James stated the Council approved a new
position for the Town titled Code Enforcement Officer. This
person will be responsible for animal control as well as
enforcement of municipal ordinances. This budget will provide
for-one half year salary and equipment needed to start the new
position.
Mayor Reynolds asked if the County had been terminated. Mr.
James stated they are on a 60 day notice and their contract will
terminate around June 15.
Mayor Reynolds asked for action.
Councilor Hines motioned to approve Resolution No. 94-20, Series
of 1994. Councilor Yoder seconded the motion and the motion
carried unanimously.
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Next item under Unfinished Business was the Mobile Home Master
Plan.
Planner Mary Holden informed this was a request for approval of
the Master Plan Development for the Aspens Mobile Home Village.
The Aspens Mobile Home Village is an existing non-conforming use
and they want to upgrade it but will not be able to upgrade to
the standards set forth in our zoning code. The proposed
development plan would include: 158 home spaces (93 single wide,
65 double wide), the set backs would be 3 feet from any line and
the mobile homes would have to have a minimum separation of 10
feet. Decks, stairs, storage sheds, carports would also have the
required 3 feet setback from any lot line. There will be 2 9' X
18' parking spaces on the sites that will be asphalt or concrete.
Each lot is.allowed to have 'a storage shed. Each site must be
landscaped with grass-or sod. Staff would recommend approval of
the Master Development Plan and the standards for the Aspens
Mobile Home.Park. Ms. Holden then introduced Teresa, manager of
the Aspens Mobile Home Village, to answer questions.
Mayor Reynolds stated several months ago, Mike Sullivan with the
trailer park, came before, Council and said they were trying to
get rid of some of .the old trailers in the park and relocate the
people. Mayor Reynolds asked Teresa if this had been
accomplished. Teresa stated they still have quite a few
undesirable homes that they cannot remove until the owner sells
the home. When they do sell, they are asked to move the home
because it is not up to park standards. Mayor Reynolds
questioned "you ask them to move it". Teresa stated yes because
they cannot sell it when they are in bad shape and cannot bring
it up to park standards. Mayor Reynolds commented he thought
they were doing a very nice job at the park but had legitimate
concern for some of the people who have been there for so many
years. Teresa stated yes but those people that are there are not
being asked to move out unless they say they are moving,out, then
they are being asked to sell it and move it out of the park
unless they can bring it up to standards. Mayor Reynolds asked
if the park sets the standards. Teresa responded yes, when a
home sells they do a walk through of the home telling them what
needs to-be done to bring the home up to standards.
Councilor Roof asked if the standards were presented to Council
tonight. Teresa responded no, they are not in writing.
Councilor Fawcett asked if the owner of the home cannot sell his
home unless they make these improvements or the new purchasers
make these improvements. Teresa stated yes, it is in the lease
that before a home is sold the owner must have park approval.
Councilor Hines asked what right does the park have to dictate
what needs to be done if the owner sells his home and moves the
home out of the park. Teresa stated that does not apply. Only
the homes in the park.
Councilor Fawcett asked if any of the owners have complained that
they cannot sell under those terms. Teresa stated the last homes
that have been sold, the required work was done. None have said
they want to sell but cannot afford the upgrades.
Mayor Reynolds asked how many homes were left. Teresa stated
about 30 percent of the smaller 12' x 60' older homes.
Councilor Roof asked basically there are a certain number of
homes that no matter what is done will not meet the standards.
Teresa stated that is correct.
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Councilor Nottingham asked even though they do a walk through and
say what needs to be fixed, the standards are not in writing.
Teresa said that is correct. Councilor Nottingham suggested it
be put in writing. Teresa stated it is in the lease that they do
need to have to have park approval prior to selling..
Councilor Nottingham asked about the size of the storage sheds.
Teresa stated they should not be over 120 sq. ft. per lot.
Councilor Nottingham asked Ms. Holden if that is in writing on
the Master Plan. Ms. Holden stated it is not. Councilor
Nottingham thought it should be part of the Master Plan.
Councilor Nottingham asked what is the breakdown of spaces now.
Lots now are 162 and are going down to 158. What amount of
people now are paying for a single wide space and for a double
wide space. Teresa stated there are now 54 double wide and 108
single. Of the 54 double wide, that means there are 54 people
paying for double wide spaces that are not in adouble wide home
but'are in a double wide space. Actual double wide homes are 25.
Councilor Roof stated regarding the standards, he has heard in
some situations,some of the requirements,.being-put on the sale of
these homes is making it not worthwhile 'to sell. He has heard
some people are just going to leave'the'trailer on the site and
not make any improvements because anything they do is not going
to meet standards and they are not willing to put the amount of
money into the-mobile home that is going to be required of them
to sell. The result is that these homes are not going to be
asked to be pulled out because rather than put the money into it
they are just not going to sell it and live in it until it
crumbles. Teresa said at this time they are sending letters to
those homes that are in such bad condition and asking them to
make the improvements; make them livable. Upgrade them by
painting, fixing stairs, adding porches, cleaning yards to make
it look better. Teresa agreed that eventually people do outgrow
their home and she has had several families in very small homes
who are looking to pull out their current home and putting in a
regular size home but are financially unable to do it. Councilor
Roof confirmed that that option is available to them. Teresa
said yes once they are in the space they do have the option to
pull out the old trailer and put in a new one. She has had two
people do that since she has been managing.
Councilor Nottingham asked if the people who,were sent letters to
make improvements choose not to, can the park choose not to renew
their lease. Teresa said now everyone is on a month to month
lease and they are renewing all the leases because they were so
outdated. Councilor Nottingham asked so if a person chooses not
to make upgrades you may say to them that since you have not done
this you have no lease? Teresa stated actually it is very hard
to convict someone who is paying their rent on basis of not doing
things. At this time the park is talking with their attorneys
about the people who are breaking the rules. All the rules and
regulations are in writing and they must upkeep their home. They
are trying to see how they can go about getting and injunction or
citation to the people who don't follow the rules. So far they
are sending out letters to people at the beginning of the month
and the people are coming back and saying to give them so much
time and they will make the improvements. The ones they are
having the problems with are the ones with renters in. The owner
lives in a different area and they don't care.
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Councilor Roof asked if the owners who put up fences are required
to remove them when they sell. Teresa stated yes. Just like the
mud rooms, it was grandfathered in that the ones that are there
could stay but no new ones are allowed. Councilor Roof asked
why. Teresa stated it is in the park rules. Councilor Roof
thought fencing is an added thing to some of those homes and
disagrees with the rule of no fencing.
Mayor Reynolds asked if the approval of the Master Plan should be
in the form of a resolution. Attorney Dunn stated he was
hesitant because it was not the typical thing that goes through
the zoning process, there is not a site plan or something-that
Council ordinarily approves. Attorney Dunn believes it is just
more informational and asked if there.is a request by the owners
that they receive any approval.
Councilor Hines questioned Ms. Holden about the visibility
problem, the 3 foot set back and the staggered parking caused
site corridor concerns.' Did Staff perceive any problems with
that. Ms. Holden stated what they are proposing is upgrading the
park, they are spacing out so the view corridors are not getting
anymore blocked than they already are.
Councilor Roof added to Councilor Hines questions about the site
corridors. Some of the trailers are being allowed to park three
feet from the pavement and with the parked cars lined up as it
is, you cannot see into the road because the trailer is
obstructing your view as you back out onto the roadway.
Councilor Hines stated the issue raised is there are no
sidewalks, there is a lot of pedestrian traffic and blind spots.
There was concern raised now and at previous discussion there was
not an answer as to whether the change in lot lines would ease
the situation or if it would remain the same. As it stands now
some residents complain that when they back out of their lot they
have no visibility. Teresa stated there are no homes 3 feet from
the street they:are all 10 feet back. Councilor Roof disagreed
he felt there were several that were only 6 or 7'feet'back. He
added the opportunity exists in this new Master Plan for some
homes to be,positioned on some lots 3~feet from the curb. That
could be a`potential problems with the traffic and pedestrians.
Ms. Holden stated they may want to increase the front yard
setback from 3 feet to 10 feet to provide the parking in front.
Councilor Hines stated he needs to know if they have the ability
to move the mobile homes back and what set back could be 'worked
with to comfortably shift back the mobile homes on the lot so the
minimum and maximum setback could be made. Ms. Holden stated she
could get back to Council on whether or not the 10 foot setback
could go as a change over.
Councilor Fawcett confirmed that with the existing non-conforming
use and month to month leases the owners are asking the Council
and planning staff for approval of the upgrading which they may
be able to do without the approval. Teresa confirmed that is
correct. Councilor Fawcett said he was not sure why Council was
needed. Attorney Dunn thought it should be made informational
and Council should not be in a position of approving a non-
conforming use.
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Councilor Nottingham asked Ms. Holden that in her introduction
she stated they could not do the proposed Master Plan-for what it
should be and Councilor Nottingham would like to know what should
it be. Town Engineer Norm Wood stated there is a section in the
zoning code addressing mobile home parks, primarily new ones,
establishing set back standards, street standards, etc. for new
parks. It is substantially more restrictive than what this park
was developed under. In the rezoning process, the original
zoning was mobile home park and under the rezoning it was zoned
residential medium density so with the rezoning the mobile home
park became a non-conforming use. What is being proposed here is
somewhat of an upgrade from the current standards that the park
was developed under but not brought up to full standards that
would be required of a new mobile home park under the zoning
codes.
Councilor Hines stated so this is not something we can demand of
them. Councilor Roof disagreed because the existing code states
that any changes that occur in the mobile home park cannot not be
less conforming than originally expected of from the rezoning.
Councilor Hines asked what is less conforming. Councilor Roof
exampled the three foot setback becomes a safety concern that was
not there prior to the new mobile home moving on site. Attorney
Dunn stated degree of non-conformance may not be increased.
Councilor Fawcett stated they cannot legislate a non-conforming
use because it is grandfathered. Councilor Roof agreed but they
can't agree, to allowing it either. Councilor Fawcett stated the
Council should do nothing.
Councilor Nottingham stated as far as the Accessory Setbacks, she
cannot even make an informational comment because she wouldn't
know if it is better or worse than it already is. She has
nothing to gauge it and it is not her business to do so since it
is non-conforming use.
Councilor Roof stated he would like to request more information
on the standards that the park would require of the residents.
Mayor Reynolds stated under the circumstances Council is.unable
to do anything because it is a non-conforming use and the meeting
should proceed.
Next item on the Agenda was Town Attorney Report.
Attorney Dunn reported last week Mr. James, the planning staff
and himself met with Jack Hunn regarding the Wildridge Covenants.
The Town has never felt it appropriate to enforce the Wildridge
Covenants and some of the residents of Wildridge feel the
Covenants should be enforced. The consensus of the meeting was
that Staff would do two things; adopt the design guidelines as
part of the Town's guidelines and make those design guidelines
applicable to Wildridge, and amend the Wildridge PUD to make the
Wildridge Covenants a part of the PUD and make them enforceable.
Any zoning change must be in compliance with the Master Plan.
There are two sources of information in the case of Wildridge,
the private covenants and also the Master Plan. As long as those
two are consistent something can be accomplished. As far as the
design review guidelines are concerned, those would be considered
first by the'Planning Commission as amendment to the design
guidelines. The function of the Council would be to approve or
disapprove those design guidelines as they are amended. As far
as zoning or PUD is.concerned, that would be a Town initiated
zone change. It would have to proceed with a public hearing and
start at the Planning Commission level and once a recommendation
is made it would then move onto Council.
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Mayor Reynolds commented he hoped it would be very successful and
has been a long time coming. However, there is a lot of work to
be done when it comes to public hearings.
Councilor Fawcett asked if the PUD is amended would it be
retroactive with existing homes. Attorney Dunn answered no. It
would be any home that is not in compliance with the non-
conforming use and would not actually get any protection or lack
of protection. It would be a matter of violation of private
covenants. If the dwelling is in violation of covenants that
remains something subject to applicable statues of limitations
anyone could seek to enforce. The statues of limitations is only
one year.
Mayor Reynolds asked if the covenants would be upgraded.
Attorney Dunn said it is very difficult-to amend covenants
because it requires a large percentage of the owners to consent.
Mr. James stated there are two separate documents; design
guidelines and the protected covenants.
Councilor.Fawcett commented the P&Z are doing an excellent job in
trying to promote the best quality construction, design,
appearance, etc. they can. Where there is a lack is the area of
enforcement of some of the provisions such as completion of
driveways. He hopes that when evaluating the covenants we think
in terms of enforcement in case these guidelines are not
followed.
Mayor Reynolds stated that should be one of the jobs of the new
Code Enforcement Officer.
Councilor Fawcett stated there should be some sort of fine on the
property if X number of days after notice the party is fined X
number of dollars per day and then lien that property for that
money and eventually foreclose on that property should they not
pay.
Mr. James stated we need to legislate protective covenants and
put some teeth into the design guidelines as well. The whole
purpose is to adopt this is so it will be a Municipal- Code
violation and then they can be cited into municipal court, $500
offense and 90 days in jail.
Mayor Reynolds asked how long this would take. Attorney Dunn
stated once it gets moving through the process it would only take
a couple of months.
Next item on the Agenda was other Business.
Councilor Yoder stated John Hazard was presented a plaque
awarding him thanks for all of his years with the Avon/Beaver
Creek Resort Association on behalf of marketing at the
Avon/Beaver Creek Resort Association Hoedown.
Councilor Yoder stated also John Hazard was in France giving a
eulogy on Omaha Beach. Councilor Fawcett added he also plans to
put a wreath at Omaha Beach on the monument that will say the
Town of Avon.
Councilor Fawcett stated he attended the CML meeting last
Saturday and he has the latest pamphlet on Amendment one if
anyone would like a copy.
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Mr. James stated regarding the question why"so much money was
being spent at Doctors on Call, approximately $450 was for the
police department for annual physicals. Transportation Director
Harry Taylor stated the, large amount was for physicals for new
hires for summer, pre-employment drug test for new drivers, and
random drug testing.
Councilor Hines stated there is a COG meeting in Steamboat
Springs on Thursday if any of his fellow Councilmembers would
like to attend.
Councilor Nottingham stated the first Eagle County Charter School
has been approved and the school will be opening as Eagle County
Charter Academy September 6th, 1994, at the Vail Bible Church in
Eagle Vail.
Next item on the Agenda was the Consent Agenda.
a.) Financial Matters
b.) Approval of the May 10, 1994 Council Meeting Minutes
Councilor Nottingham motioned to approve the Consent Agenda.
Councilor Roof seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously.
There being no further'-business, to come before Council, Mayor
Reynolds called for a motion to adjourn. Councilor Nottingham
moved to-adjourn.. -The"motion was seconded by Councilor Fawcett.
The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Reynolds at 8:47 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
KiWNash, De"uty Town Clerk
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APPROVED: