TC Minutes 09-10-2002MINUTES OF THE REGULAR-MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
HELD SEPTEMBER 10; 2002
A regular meeting of the Town of Avon, Colorado was held in the Municipal Building, 400
Benchmark Road, Avon, Colorado in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Judy Yoder called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. A roll call was taken with Councilors
Michael Brown, Debbie Buckley, Peter Buckley, Mac McDevitt, Brian Sipes and Mayor. Pro
Tem Buz Reynolds present. Also present were Town Manager Bill Efting, Assistant Town
Manager Larry Brooks, Town Attorney John Dunn, Town Clerk Patty McKenny, Human
Resource Director Jacquie Halburnt, Town Engineer Norm Wood, Recreation Director Meryl
Jacobs, Public Works Director Bob Reed, Transit Director Harry Taylor, Community
Development Director Ruth Borne, and Planner Tambi Katieb, as well as members of the press
and public.
Citizen Input
Steve Miller, property owner, resident of Avon, and candidate for Town Council, commented on
his concern about the Town Council carrying on the level of business at a work session. He
suggested,that Council move the meeting to a time when the majority of citizens could attend.
He is interested in the process becoming more public.
Kristi Ferraro, resident of Avon, addressed the Council with regard to dust problems occurring at
the Village.at Avon project. She expressed concern about the lack of dust mitigation regulations
in place to protect the citizens. With current drought conditions, Traer Creek now no longer has
to pay for water to mitigate-the dust problems the project is creating. It is time to address this
problem once again, since construction will continue for some time.
Efting noted that two monitoring devices are in Town limits, one at the Village at Avon site and
the other at the Nottingham Lake. Efting noted that neither monitor has shown dust levels
exceeding 40% to indicate any serious health risks. Discussion occurred about the timing of
starting the trucks at the project. Kristi thought the water trucks should start first at 7 am,
complete its route and then construction could begin. This would help protect the citizens from
all ttie dust.
Stuart Borne, Shapiro Development, addressed the Council to let them know that he has seen this
Council as very accessible and open about any public discussion.
George Plavic, owner of Terramont Contractors and citizen of Avon, submitted a letter to Town
Council expressing his disappointment in the action Town Council took to impose an unfair and
unbalanced tax in the form of a Use Tax. He explained his position and believed that it taxes
only the building community. He was very concerned about how the tax would actually work.
Mike Dantas was also present to express his opposition to the use tax. He sees that it is an unfair
tax because it taxes only the building community.
Councilor McDevitt commented on the fact that Colorado State Statues- already impose a tax on
building materials purchase in the State_ and that this tax is not being collected locally.. The
passage of the ballot question would alloW the Town to collect the tax at the building permit
level as opposed to policing the retail outlet that sells the materials. Town staff is currently
researching how staff would collect and audit the use tax. Some further discussion occurred and
Mayor Yoder wrapped up the discussion by acknowledging that all the points raised had some
validity and the Avon resident would have an opportunity to have the final say by voting on the
question at the November election.
New Business
Ruth Borne presented to Town Council an appeal of the Planning and Zoning Commission's
final design decision on September 3, 2002 for the fagade improvements at Wal-Mart. The
applicant prefers not to revise the fagade improvements because of the financial considerations
associated with the arches on the Wal-Mart fagade combined with the stucco and painting
improvements proposed for Chapel Square. Planning & Zoning Commission approved final
design for the Wal-Mart fagade with the condition that the arches and stone columns be added
except on the west elevation of the building. So m response to this decision, the applicant filed
an appeal to try to relieve them of the condition to add the arches and stone columns and use the
money instead to paint the building. Mayor Yoder noted that the appeal and the Ordinance No.
02-19, which followed on the agenda, are two separate items the Council is considering.
The applicants were present again to explain why they appeared before Council with this appeal.
The applicants proposed painting the project instead of adding the fagade to Wal-Mart since in
the near future the building would see new tenants. It would be likely that the new tenants would
then want changes made to the building. The applicant was asked what their relationship was
with Traer Creek, and their response was that there was no relationship. Once Wal-Mart vacates
the space, Traer Creek controls the space. Once the new tenant takes over, the current owner is
no longer bound to make any changes. Traer Creek as owner would be the responsible party.
However, Traer Creek would not be responsible for making any facade improvements.
Chris Evans, Chairman of Planning & Zoning, explained the history of decision made about the
project. He noted that continuity between the buildings would be made by constructing the
columns and arches. It was supposed to be completed last October. The decision was difficult
but the vote was unanimous to include this condition. Their primary concern was to obtain the
look of continuity vs "who" had to make the changes and the ability to finance them.
At this time, Council expressed their desire to balance the design issue with the financial issues
at hand. Greg Gastineau, Timberline Management, just reiterated their desire to make a
compromise with regard to this issue and his preference to paint instead of constructing the
arches/columns.
Councilor Sipes suggested transferring the responsibility of changing the facade to Traer Creek.
It was suggested tabling the decision. The applicant expressed their concern about the running
out of time yet this year to complete the painting of a building that size.
Councilor Brown moved to approve the appeal of the Planning & Zoning decision with regard to
the Chapel Square fagade improvements. Councilor P. Buckley seconded the motion. (This
motion which upholds the appeal made and removes the final condition to require the arches and
stone columns). A roll call vote was taken as follows: Brown, McDevitt, Reynolds, and P.
Buckley - yea; D. Buckley and Sipes - nay. The motion passed with a four to two vote.
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September 10, 2002
Ordinances
Community Development Director Ruth Borne presented Ordinance No. 02-19, Series 2002 for
second reading. She noted that the applicant, LB Chapel Square, LLC submitted a PUD
amendment to amend the Chapel Square PUD to remove "Note 16" and replace it with the note
as outlined in the Ordinance and to remove the "Chapel" designation from the zoning documents
to allow for the construction of a loading dock to serve Building C. Staff recommended approval
of the Ordinance. Councilor Brown asked if the prior vote conflicted with Ordinance No. 02-19.
Ruth said it did not. A fine was proposed in the Ordinance if the applicant does not comply with
the fagade improvements by October 2003.
The public hearing was opened, no comments were made and the hearing was closed. Councilor
Brown moved to approve on second reading Ordinance No. 02-19, Series 2002 - An Ordinance
approving an amendment of the Chapel Square Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Lots 22,
22A, 22B, Tracts A, B-1, B-, Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision, Town of Avon,
Eagle County, Colorado. Councilor Reynolds seconded the motion and the motion passed
unanimously.
Planner Tambi Katieb presented Ordinance No. 02-20, Series 2002 for second reading. He noted
that the applicant, Suites at Avon LLC, submitted a PUD development plan to re-establish a
PUD Development Plan for Lot B. The history of this proposal included approval of Lot B PUD
via a Development Agreement on September 19, 1998, and subsequent approval of a Preliminary
Development Plan for this project on December 3, 1998 by Ordinance No. 98-23. Additionally,
a final development plan was approved by Ordinance 99-3 (effective on February 23, 1999).
This final development plan has since expired and- the project. applicants are now seeking to
reestablish this final development plan.
Tambi noted that Lot B is vested with a maximum of 50,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The
Preliminary Development and Zoning plan included - 22,404 gross leaseable floor area of
commercial space. The current proposal included 17,503 gross leasable floor areas of
commercial space and 3,186 of common area/lobby. The 4,901 sq. ft. difference between the
previous approval and what is currently being proposed has been eliminated from the second
floor. He noted that the applicant can expand the commercial square footage of the project as
long as the parking requirements are met without any further amendments.
On first reading Town Council requested further -information regarding the tax difference
between the previous Lot B PUD approvals and the current submittal, specifically as it relates to
the reduced commercial component. The packet included a letter from Suite of Avon LLC along
with a recent appraisal of market rents that contends that the market does not support commercial
space on the second floor. In the event the Town Center plan is implemented, then the
commercial area may be increased to accommodate the need for more retail and restaurant space.
Stuart Borne, Shapiro Development, was present along with Gordon Milbreth, owner's
representative, and Pat Nook, PWN Architects and Planners. Stuart addressed the difference of
the retail vs. residential in the current plan. He would like to maintain the ability to do more
commercial based on market need and their ability to accommodate the parking. He also
acknowledged the idea that Council had some issues with the architecture and referred to address
those issues at final design. He suggested that the design of the building compliments that of the
Avon Center. He informed the Council that as property manager of that building as well, there
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September 10, 2002
would be cosmetic changes made to it in the future. In summary, improvements would be made
in that entire area. Pat Nook addressed the Council with regard to design of the building. He
highlighted the pedestrian nature of the design and the proposed colors of the building.
The public hearing was opened, no comments were made, and the hearing was closed. Council
made the following comments:
Councilor Sipes was not in favor of the reduction of commercial space and the increase m
residential space on the 2nd floor. He noted that all the site plans in the packet used the older
versions of the map of Lot C, which had nothing to do with the existing buildings. He is not
opposed to the density, but thinks the application must relate to the neighbors. Overall he
expressed that the Town needed new direction in this area.
Councilor Brown noted that an approval was made-by Planning & Zoning and that it meets the
master plan. If further discussion is required on massing issues, it'should be done at a more basic
level. Councilor D. Buckley agreed.
Councilor McDevitt noted that if the market bears more commercial, the applicant would change
the building to more commercial. He was, confused about how the project was not similar with
the neighbors. Council Sipes addressed the issues with the restaurant.
Council P. Buckley noted there has been a lack of enthusiasm for the Sheraton project. There is
nothing of interest ,at that location, i.e. restaurant or retail.
Councilor D. Buckley moved to approve on second reading Ordinance No. 02-20, Series 2002 -
An Ordinance approving a PUD Development Plan for the Lot B Planned Unit Development
(PUD) for Lot B, Avon Center at Beaver Creek, Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek
Subdivision, Town of Avon, Eagle County, Colorado, which included the minimum of 17,503
square feet of commercial. Councilor Brown seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken
as follows: Brown, D. Buckley, McDevitt, and Reynolds - yea; Sipes and P. Buckley - nay.
The motion passed with a four to two vote.
Attomey John Dunn presented on First Reading Ordinance No. 02-21, Series 2002 - An
Ordinance amending Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code of the Town of Avon to prohibit the sale
of fermented malt beverages to persons under the age of twenty-one years. He noted that was
purely a housekeeping matter.
Councilor D. Buckley moved to approve Ordinance No. 02-21, Series 2002 - An Ordinance
amending Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code of the Town of Avon to prohibit the sale of
fermented malt beverages to persons under the age of twenty-one years. Councilor McDevitt
seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Town Manager Report
Bill Efting will be on vacation until September 18th, Larry Brooks will be acting town manager.
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September 10, 2002
Attorney Report
Attorney John Dunn will be on vacation till the end of September. Inga Causey will be at the
next Council meeting.
Mayors Report
Mayor Yoder reminded the public of the economic development meeting to be held September
18th at the Council Changes. Everyone is invited to attend.
Other Business
Councilor P. Buckley mentioned that the junkyard areas are being cleaned up. He also noted that
the Council should consider the compliance deposit issue in the near future (as raised by
Councilor D. Buckley). Bill Efting noted that staff was already working on it.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Yoder asked for a motion on the Consent Agenda. Councilor D. Buckley moved to
approve the Consent Agenda. Councilor Buckley seconded the motion. The motion was carried
unanimously.
There being no further business to. come before the Council, Councilor McDevitt moved to
adjourn the meeting. Councilor Buckley seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:45
PM.
APPROVED:
Michael Brown
Debbie Buckley
Peter Buckley
Mac McDevitt
Buz Reynolds
Brian Sipes
Judy Yoder
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September 10, 2002