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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/24/95
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EAGLE, COLORADO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
FORM 50 HOECKEt.:S 387869
PUBLIC HEARING
OCTOBER 24, 1995
Present: James Johnson, Jr.
George "Bud" Gates
Johnnette Phillips
Sara J. Fisher
Chairman
Corrmissioner
Commissioner
Clerk to the Board
This being a scheduled Public Hearing the following items were presented
to the Board of County Corrmissioners for their consideration:
The Board convened as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority.
Gashouse
Earlene Roach, Liquor Inspector, presented a renewal of a Hotel and
Restaurant License with Extended Hours for Gashouse, Inc., dba/Gashouse
Restaurant. Staff has a concern relating to a disorderly reported by the
Sheriff's office. This was a customer who was refused service and staff
questions whether the customer had been drinking there or just walked in.
Clay Irons, owner of the Gashouse, stated occasionally they have had
customers to whom they refuse service. He remembers an incident where the
customer demanded liquor and they called the Sheriff's department to deal
with the customer.
Commissioner Johnson asked if all employees go through the TIPS program.
Mr. Irons stated all alcohol serving staff go through TIPS once a year.
Corrmissioner Phillips asked if they have out door music.
Mr. Irons responded they have turned from a bar into a restaurant and no
longer have music. They now have more wine than beer.
Corrmissioner Phillips moved to approve the renewal of the Gashouse
Restaurant with Extended Hours.
Corrmissioner Gates seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
Lodge at Cordillera
Earlene Roach presented a renewal of a Hotel and Restaurant License with
Extended Hours and Optional Premises for Kensington Management, Inc.,
dba/Lodge at Cordillera. Staff has no concerns with this license except for
the posting of some of the signs. Staff has been informed these have been
taken care of.
Commissioner Gates questioned the optional premises and asked if that
had been addressed.
Mrs. Roach responded yes.
Chairman Johnson asked how they control liquor access to the tennis
courts.
Cary Brent, Vice President of Club Operations, stated the tennis courts
are accessible either by walking or by golf cart.
Chairman Johnson asked if there are signs I?osted.
Rick Rosen, Attorney representing the appllcant, responded there are
always staff present when the courts are in use and they follow the path
directly. Mr. Rosen stated they do not currently have signs but they will
certainly do so if that is a concern of the Board.
Chairman Johnson stated he does have a concern and would like signs
posted.
The applicant concurred.
corrmissioner Gates moved to aPI?rove the renewal for Kensington
Management, Inc., dba/Lodge at Cordlllera.
Corrmissioner Phillips seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
1
Stop and Save
Earlene Roach presented a renewal of a 3.2~ Off Premise Beer License for
S M Petroleum Properties, Inc., dba/Stop and Save. Staff has no concerns
with this application. The Sheriff's office shows no complaints or
disturbances for this last year.
Corrmissioner Phillips moved to approve the renewal of the 3.2~ license
for Stop and Save.
Corrmissioner Gates seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
Beaver Creek Wines & Spirits
Earlene Roach presented a renewal of a Retail Liquor Store License for
Viking Investment, Inc., dba/Beaver Creek Wines & Spirits. Staf f has no
concerns with this application and all is in order.
corrmissioner Gates moved to approve the renewal of the retail liquor
store license for Beaver Creek Wines & Spirits.
Corrmissioner Phillips seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
Wolcott Market and Wolcott Liquors
Earlene Roach presented a renewal of a 3.2~ Off Premise Beer License and
Retail Liquor Store License for Wolcott Market, Inc. Staff has no concerns
and all is in order.
corrmissioner Phillips moved to approve the renewal of a 3.2~ Beer
License for Wolcott Market and the Retail Liquor License for Wolcott Liquors.
corrmissioner Gates seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
El Jebel Convenience Store
Earlene Roach stated the next item on the agenda was a continuance of
the hearing for El Jebel LLC, dba/El Jebel Convenience Store. She related
the applicant has reguested this matter be tabled for three weeks to allow
time for a new petitlon to be circulated and submitted.
Corrmissioner Gates moved to table the El Jebel Convenience Store
application.
corrmissioner Phillips seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
Corrmissioner Phillips moved to adjourn as the Local Liquor Licensing
Authority and reconvene as the Board of County corrmissioners.
Corrmissioner Gates seconded the motion. The vote was declared
unanimous.
Adams Rib - PD-138-95-S1
Keith Montag, Director Community Development, stated this is the fourth
hearing in the series for public input. He stated today's hearing will
address right-of-way, wildlife, demand on public services, and public hearing
corrment. Mr. Montag referred to the outlined agenda.
Chairman Johnson questioned the second page of correspondence and asked
if it was the entire letter.
Mr. Montag responded one page of the letter is missing He continued
stating there are comments to be made by the Engineering office, the Division
Of Wildlife, and Willie Powell, Town of Eagle Manager. There is time set
aside for public comment.
He stated relevant to transportation and Right-of-Way, Staff has some
corrment. The Town of Eagle's master plan does indicate Brush Creek Road
should be improved relative to the character of the valley, not oversized.
Staff's concern with a four lane road is it will impact the "open/rural"
character of the valley. Concerning parking, there are portions of the
proposed right-of-way which have not yet been acquired. There are letters
from Eagle Ranch and East/West Partners. Eagle Ranch has stated they will
not provide access. East/West Partners, who have an option on the Eagle
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EAGLE, COLORADO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
FORM 50 HOECKEL'S 387869
Ranch, have stated they would like to work with the County, the Town of Eagle
and Adam's Rib regarding that right-of-way. They are concerned with the
speed limit through that area, fitting in with the concept they are trying to
achieve.
Mr. Montag spoke relative to wildlife stating the master plan and the
open space plan address components in those plans. Staff is showing
non-conformance in the master plan and the open space plan. The applicant
has made great strides in addressing previous concerns. The row is
requesting additional lands within the development be removed. The master
plan addresses critical water areas. Land use will modify the wildlife
species using the area. Disturbance tolerant species will occupy the area ln
greater number. The row is not ready to corrmit to the mitigation fee ARRA
has proposed of $30,000.
Relative to public services, staff does see conformance though there are
concerns. The school site, the School District referred to a letter written
July 14, 1995 and a site in the Salt Creek parcel. Subsequent to that
letter, the school is requiring land dedication on a site closer to Eagle
which is part of the Adam's Rib Ranch proposal. On July 14, the school
district stated they have concerns and they believe the school site should be
in the residential site. Now they are requesting a 27 acre parcel within the
ranch proposal. That letter is dated October 13, 1995.
Additional items under public service is the need for a new or
additional power line to serve Adam's Rib development. Staff has concerns
with the main line coming from GyJ?sum to service this area. Adam's Rib is
proposing underground utilities wlthin their development.
The demands on the Sheriff's department, impacts on Social Services, the
land fill, etc. The need for a waste water treatment facility is proposed on
Salt Creek. The concern would be with adding facilities withln the area.
Does that promote additional development?
Mr. Montag introduced George Roussos, County Engineer, to discuss
rights-of-way and transportation. Mr. Roussos stated the Engineering
department carefully reviewed the revised sketch plan for the Golf Course PUD
when it was submitted in February 1995 and has durins the course of the year
met with officials of Adam's Rib to discuss outstandlng issues, has listened
carefully to the testimony presented to the Eagle & Colorado Valley Planning
Corrmission as well as the testimony presented before the Board of County
Commissioners, and continues to believe the Sketch Plan submittal is complete
and adequate for proceeding to the next step in the design process.
Chairman Johnson asked George about the study done by Parsons
Engineering Science and asked when it will be available.
Mr. Roussos responded it is in the hands of Parsons and will become part
of the Environmental Impact Statement.
Mr. Roussos stated Parsons has started from scratch and is doinS a
totally independent review which will allow them, the County, to reVlew the
results of the three studies.
Mr. Montag introduced willie Powell, Town of Easle, stating he is here
on behalf of the Board of Trustees. They do not belleve the four lane road
is appropriate. They believe the developer is focusing on the transportation
on Brush Creek Road and stops where Brush Creek meets highway 6. The Spur
road will require great upgrade.
Commissioner Phillips asked about the upgrade to four lane.
Mr. Powell responded they contracted a study that implies because of
Adam's Rib and curnulati ve impact a four lane road is necessary. The Town may
not be supportive of these proposals because they do not believe it is in
conformance with the rural character.
Commissioner Gates stated he agrees with Mr. Powell not only for Brush
Creek but the expansion of Eagle and Gypsum. Not only will Adam's Rib impact
it but all the development well.
Chairman Johnson asked if there was an estimate as to what percentage of
impact would come directly from Adam's Rib.
Mr. Powell responded they don't right now, but the study should provide
that.
Chairman Johnson asked if Adam's Rib would be responsible for pay back
on upgrades on the Spur Road, in the Town, and not just Brush Creek.
3
Mr. Montag moved on to wildlife.
John Towon, Division Of Wildlife, addressed his comments first to the
golf course and then into general wildlife impacts. Relative to the Ranch
PUD, there are concerns with the Brush Creek riparian corridor. The current
plans have less impact than in 1993. Even if all riparian areas are avoided
there will be great changes. Birds, like magpies, will have an effect on the
exotic species by moving into their nests and praying on the eggs. Because
of the linear nature, the riparian areas will be greatly effected. They
question the disturbances along the stream ways. Their mapping and Adam's
Rib mapping does not necessarily coincide. They appreciate the restrictive
covenants proposed by Adam's Rib. There is concern with the permanence of
the covenants as the home owner's association could change the rules. As far
as alignment and improvement of the Brush Creek Road, they would like it
spelled out as to who would be responsible for animal/vehlcle collisions.
The issue may need to be resolved at preliminary plan but must be addressed
before it becomes a problem.
General nature of impacts includes the increase of human density, roads
and fences. Human noise, presence, lights, etc. are of concern. Human
disturbance can interrupt and have pronounced effects on wildlife species.
Increased human density also means increase in rural cats and dogs. Much
like the increase of magpies will cause a decline in species, so will the
presence of dogs and cats. Weeds become a concern. Roads and fences will
disturb the area for wildlife.
Mr. Towon showed some slides of the area. The first dated 1960 and the
second 1995. Gore Creek Valley has become the Vail Valley. Private land
changed considerably to existing development. The third slide depicted the
approved but undeveloped area. The fourth slide showed proposed development
not approved, but considered. The final slide shows Adam's Rib developments
along with all of the others. Adam's Rib has indicated they will be the
economic determinate of the lower valley. Resort development rather than
individual develoI?ment will change the lower valley. The impacts with a
resort community ln the lower valley will push the impact to another valley.
Commissioner Gates questioned the migration of animals and who will be
responsible for game fences and underpasses.
Mr. Towon responded that is a good question that they would like
answered ahead of time.
corrmissioner Gates asked if the DOW would want to be involved and put
some money in.
Mr. Towon stated he questions if it is their responsibility or the
responsibility of those who are doing the development.
Chairman Johnson asked for paper copies of the slides. He asked about
the irrpacts well beyond the valley.
Mr. Towon responded there are a lot of people commuting daily into the
valley from Leadville and to the north and south. The I-70 impacts will be
increased. Mr. Towon responded the wildlife impacts will be felt when areas
such as State Bridge, Bond and McCoy grow, the animals will shift.
Chairman Johnson asked if it is better to have more concentrated
development or the sprawl.
Mr. Towon responded the more you can have people in close proximity to
where they work, the better it is for wildlife.
COITmlssioner Phillips asked what Mr. Towon's title is.
Mr. Towon responded he is from Grand Junction and is a wildlife
biologist.
commissioner Phillips asked about the proposed $30,000 mitigation fee.
Mr. Towon responded they do not know what the mitigation will be at this
time.
corrmissioner Gates stated there is a decrease in Elk and Deer in his
areas due to heavy hunting. He stated the deer are not able to compete with
the Elk and he believes somewhere along the line there must be other seasons
and numbers of seasons to better regulate the numbers in herds.
Mr. Towon responded they have heard from a lot of people and they are
studying the concerns. He stated we have record numbers of Elk at thlS time
but that may not be true of other species.
Fred Kummer, owner of Adam's Rib, indicated Mr. Keith and his staff
relate more to Bob Morris than to the County Corrmissioners. Mr. Kummer
stated this PUD gives the Commissioners a logical way to develop this County.
He believes we should work closer together. Mr. Kummer stated every written
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EAGLE, COLORADO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
FORM 50 HOECKEL'S 387869
study has indicated a two lane road is all that is required. He indicated
Mr. Powell is not a highway engineer. He recorrmends if they slow traffic to
15 miles an hour they will need a six lane road. He wishes they could reach
an agreement with Mr. Ridgway. He believes the two lane road going up to
Beaver Creek does service the area. As to the number of employees per hotel,
it runs about .85 employees per room. The 2.7 represented last week is
incorrect. Mr. Kurrmer discussed the quality of jobs in the hotel industry.
Jose Rios went to work for them in 1986 and is now Banquet set up manager.
He went on to discuss further employee files, what the positions were and
are, and what they make.
Chairman Johnson questioned Mr. Kummer's statement that staff seems to
be at odds with the Board, but this is the first time they are hearing this
file.
Mr. Kummer responded since 1981 the Board has heard this file every
three years. He does not believe staff's presentation has been in agreement
with the way the Board has voted.
Chairman Johnson questioned the use of the office of the Board as far as
Charlie Ridgway is concerned.
Mr. Kummer responded if the road issue could be better solved by the
continuation of a road on the existing right-of-way they would do so, but the
limited access road is through Charlie Ridgway's property. He believes the
roadway issue could be better if the Board would partner with this
development. He again referred to what a wonderful opportunity this is for
Eagle County and the Board. He believes if the Board would, through some
device, use their office, they can bring things together. Mr. Kummer
referred to his property in Denver and talking with Mayor Webb about reaching
conclusions. Mr. Webb, he said, worked his magic way, and got the job done.
That project would not have happened without that.
Terrill Knight stated they are proposing to introduce three technical
consultants to respond to the points that Mr. Montag has made.
Allen Crocken, an ecologist, stated he has worked with Adam's Rib to
provide a mitigation plan. During the last twenty months he has looked at
the use by wildlife and the use of public lands. The big game species were
looked at closely. What they found out is about 1,000 acres of the PUD are
nonsensitive resources, non native lands. The other 700 acres does support
native habitat and wildlife use. With regard to this, the areas that have
been grazed shows the native habitat has changed. He met with Adam's Rib and
Terrill Knight and spent alot of time in the field. He discussed the areas
of his concern as an ecologist. 86~ of the emphasis of the area can be
avoided. Another 10~ will not be physically disturbed. About 4~ would be
impacted by building envelopes, roads and so forth. At preliminary plan
stage, those issues can be dealt with. He showed a vegetation map but
explained the lines may not be specific. There is a transition zone for
wildlife. About a third of the area which will be impacted is on a low hill
and southwestern site. Mostly sage brush but heavily disturbed.
These habitats are not fragmented. They are contiguous with large
areas. That kind of planning is much better than a large area broken up into
small blocks. What about the areas not avoided. They came up with
mitigation measures. There will be seasonal closures during certain times of
the year. They have developed a number of restrictive covenants. Limited
lawns, no dogs or cats, no fences. They will market as wildlife preservation
areas and enforce leash laws in other areas. The removal of cattle will
enhance the area. Other mitigation measures, fertilizing, seeding, the
$30,000 per year will enhance the riparian wet lands as well. Adam's Rib has
corrmitted to planting cottonwoods, repairins banks, planting fish. As for
road kills, they will happen. There are guldelines to follow and Adam's Rib
is committed to signage and measures to be taken. The loss of animals will
be minor, certainly less than by hunting. He showed on the map that some
crossing will take place but most will continue to live in the areas where
they currently reside. In summary, he believes Adam's Rib has gone to a lot
of trouble to avoid impacts and plan accordingly. Habitat fragmentation will
be avoided. It will not be like Vail. The issue of cumulative impact is an
issue when only a portion is being looked at. That is not the case here as
these impacts are not additive to the development up valley. Since most of
5
the land is owned by the public, the land will not be developed around Adam's
Rib. They have avolded impacts to 96~ of the area to be developed.
Regarding the riparian corridor, Brush Creek is a ranch land riparian
corridor. Adam's Rib is avoiding all of the Frost Creek riparian corridor
and preserving the Salt Creek parcel. The trees will remain native and
therefore attract birds that currently use them.
Arnie Olovic, with Phelbrook & Holt, an independent traffic consultant
summarized the technical work they have done for Adam's Rib and the
conclusions they are forecasting. The basic purpose of the their work was to
update the 1982 work as requested by the County. Their purpose was to
analyze the demands on the roadway. The analytical process did incorporate
the latest techniques. The key points as they see them are: 1) the
I?roposed road improvements are still valid as they were in 1982. The key
ltem in their work was focused on the resort travel plans and not the
cumulative effects. The final conclusion of their work is the 120 feet of
right-of-way road dedication meets the needs and is capable of handling
additional demands, use level of service D. Their final finding, regardless
of the forecast is 120 feet of right of way is big enough to accommodate the
two lane road cross section. A 240 foot right of way would accommodate four
lanes as well as additional mass transportation.
Stan Bernstein, of Stan Bernstein and Associates, addressed the PUD
sketch plan requirements and the impact upon the county's school system.
There is a letter from his firm to Charlie Wick written this year. He has
identified, based on the 1994-95 school district budget, about 1.7 million
dollars per year until build out. He believes that to be un-inflated current
dollars. He projects expenditures at full build out of about $6,600 per
student. There will be about 190 students. That's about 13~ of the
permanent population. The annual surplus to the school district would be
about $400,000 per year.
The county tax revenue projection would, based on the 1995 budget,
generate about $530,000 per year at full build out. The one percent sales
tax would be $260,000 per year at full build out. These amounts total close
to $800,000 I?er year.
The estlmated demands for county services were reflected in a letter.
He based this on the 1995 budget, showing 293 county employees. For every
100 permanent population there is 1 employee. At that rate there would be an
increase at the county level of 14 employees. The average county employee
salary including benefits is $44,000.00. All other county operatlng revenues
within the county, total about 10.3 million in the 1995 budget.
Terrill Knight summarized the way the technical work was included in the
plan. He asked the Board notice a consistent theme by providing a high
quality level of research, melding all these issues together. Concerning
wildlife, there were several things brought up; 1) because they are
avoiding the impact areas, they have agreed to take a further look at
preliminary plan to further address those, 2) the concentration of wildlife
and public areas, they have stayed away from larse portions, 3) they have
strict controls on dogs and cats, 4) they provlded a landscaping plan and
the net effect is the map provided by John is that within the boundaries
there are specific wildlife area concerns. They are continuing in that mode
here, only to a greater extent.
Regarding the road, a two lane road is the correct road. A four lane
road, not like I-70, is not shown to be needed by the studies. The basic
corrmitment is to meet their need and pay for it. The large set backs will
help to create the rural feeling. Adam's Rib is committed to building that
road early on. As Mr. Roussos stated, they are meeting the sketch plan
requirements and they need to refine those plans at preliminary plan stage.
The numbers the Board sees are ultimate, final use. They will over build
initially and are corrmitted to doing their fair share.
As Stan discussed, there will be a net financial need to the County.
They will develop parks and public areas within the developing area. He
asked for specific questions from the Board.
Commissioner Gates discussed the public areas and grazing of animals and
hearing the damage done or not done. As far as impact on the lands, he
thinks people have greater impact than cows. He questioned the number of
employees that Mr. Bernstein referred to.
Chairman Johnson asked in the mitigation plan it stated there would be
buffer areas that would be marketed. He asked how wide the buffer is?
6
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EAGLE, COLORADO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
FORM 50 HOECKEL'S 387869
Mr. Knight stated it varies depending on where it is and what kinds of
animals. It was sugsested to them they provide wider fairways and that is
being done. There wlll not be permanent fencing on the project unless
livestock on public lands becomes a problem.
Allen Crocken stated the buffer areas will be part of preliminary plan.
They are talking about areas where there are enclaves marketed as such.
Chairman Johnson asked if there is a range.
Mr. Crocken responded he is unclear as to what is being said. There are
some areas along the golf course where native areas will be incorporated into
the project. In residential areas, some of the native lands will be
incorporated into the private lands.
Mr. Knight stated it depends of where it is and discussed the no build
line. There is no single answer. There are two areas of principal concern
and he pointed them out on the map. The area along the road to the northwest
they will have site specific building envelopes. He showed the other area.
Allen responded to the second bullet point which says dwellings along
the western part of the golf course will be restricted. He pointed out the
area on the map and stated there is a table earlier which talks about land
within the area which is owned by individuals but remains undisturbed. That
area would be outside the lawn areas and would be about 30.4 acres.
Chairman Johnson asked about the fencing and the disallowances of pets
in specific areas. He questioned speed limits.
Mr. Crocken responded areas of risk would be considered.
Chairman Johnson asked about the Coffee Mountain control burn and the
cost.
Charlie Wick, Adams Rib, responded the burn was cancelled because of the
rain.
Bill Heicher stated prescribed burns are between 15 and 20 dollars an
acre.
Chairman Johnson asked about the level of service D and what impact a
level of service C would have.
Discussion continued on the proposal by Adams Rib.
Diane Gansauer, Colorado wildlife Federation Executive Director,
speaking on behalf of the Colorado wildlife Federation's 5,000 members, spoke
concernins who are members of this federation. Because of the interest of
wildlife ln this valley they have been opposed to this development for over
13 years. They do not believe the scale proposed is acceptable. wildlife
related income is only second to skiing for revenue in this state. The
members are opposed to the destruction of this valley for a ski resort, golf
course, and housing. The golf course should be considered with the effects
of the entire development. She listed all of the additional services and
impacts that would be effected. She spoke to the displacement of animals,
birds, plants, etc. She doesn't believe this can take I?lace without major
wildlife population changes. She discussed the mitigatlon on the solf course
and the expense. She deemed the credibility is questionable of thlS project
and the developer. They have concerns with the increase use of the Holy
Cross Wilderness area if this project develops.
Mike Moore, an Eagle resident, asked to speak to the citizens of Eagle,
Gypsum and the County Corrmissioners. Mr. Moore questioned the what if. He
supports the Adam's Rib project although he does not stand to gain from this
development. He would like to address the local community. He would love to
see Brush Creek stay as it is but that would not be possible. He discussed
the developmental impacts. He then spoke to the economy and the national
debt. He discussed employment and the concerns of economics on the western
part of the county. Adam's Rib would provide a means of support and would
employ locals rather than the transient work force.
Janet Rivera, area resident, added her and her husband's voice in
opposition to Adam's Rib. They are not anti-growth but not in favor of
resort type growth. She asked lf people remembered their first impression of
vail and the fact it is a play ground for adults. She talked about the
seasonality for the resort businesses. vail has struggled to become a year
round play area. They are not anti -growth and would love to see permanent
industries. They would like to see other business come in, but if the
housing costs continue to get so high that will not be possible. We don't
7
need more seasonal jobs. There is an odd mixture of haves and have not's.
Many of the middle families live in Eagle and Gypsum but they will be forced
to move if another resort develops. She questioned the non documented
workers and the increase and influx that will come with another ski
development. We have choices in Eagle County and Adam's Rib would take away
those choices. People come first in this county not money. Please don't
change our valley. . . leave a little for the common folks.
Dick Dixon, area resident, asked what the status of the county master
plan.
Chairman Johnson responded it is soon to be aPI?roved.
Mr. Dixon stated he has a hard time understandlng why this would be
considered without a master plan.
Chairman Johnson responded that there is a master plan in place but they
are upgrading the current one.
Mr. Dixon questioned why they would proceed. If the Board insists on
going through with this, the entire plan must be presented before any
construction takes place. He questions the materials, the gravel issue, will
it be up there. What about the animals and the traffic. Is this to be a
public road or a private road and will other developments have access to
this. Mr. Dixon referred to the number of 20,000 people and asked if this
includes just this development or all others to come.
Willle Powell, Town of Eagle, also wanted to talk about the master
planning efforts and the Eagle Area Community Plan. Last night there was a
joint meeting of the Eagle Zoning corrmission and the Town Zoning comnission.
The products of consensus and the community goals are: concentrate future
development, control development up Brush Creek, etc. A solf course may not
fit this area or perhaps a smaller public course is what lS needed. The Town
Board is asking that no significant development be approved before the
corrpletion of the two master plans. Regarding water, there is substantial
agreement needed and their Board does not feel it aI?proI?riate to enter into
any agreements. They are finding Adam's Rib to be ln dlscussion on
alternative water plans perhaps even below the existing water plan, if these
proposals are sranted.
Mike Orisl, Brush Creek, stated the pros and cons are hard to believe.
Let's go back to the basics. Either we go ahead with this project or stop
it. He is in favor of the project. He referred to Breckenridge and the
development there. Why are there deer in Beaver Creek and elk in Arrowhead.
He sees the animals everywhere. He 1 s been hunting the mountains for the last
ten years. This golf course will have no impact. As a matter of fact it
will help because they won't be shot. He doesn't know Mr. Kummer but he sees
the development of prlvate land. Mr. Oprisi sees twenty five years of
development. The Comnissioners can see the right thing is done. This can
not be stopped... it's too late. Development is going to happen. This is
private money and we should take it for all it is. If it is developed in
thirty five acres, we all loose. 35 acres will go for 1/2 million dollars.
Who can afford that?
Kim Graber, Gersh & Danielson, representins the concerned citizens of
Eagle County, The Sierra Club, and Colorado Divlsion of wildlife. They do
not have the extensive financial support that HBE does. They have had
experts testify during the planning corrmission hearings. What is before the
Board are copies of the written comments that have been made by their experts
regarding the Golf Course. They are making the effort now to provide the
testimony that was presented to the Planning Corrmission as the Board has said
they would not review all of those hearings. The wildlife expert will be
here on the November 14, 1995.
The first letter is from their Land Use Planner, Bill Lamont, exhibit I,
as can be seen from the letter, July 1995, they do not approve of the plan
for the golf course project. What they feel needs to be looked at is the big
picture. Do they want it outside the Easle area. In respect to public
services, they have asked King and Assoclates to review the physical impact
study done by Stan Bernstein. His letter indicates that there was not
adequate information to confirm Mr. Bernstein's studies. They believe the
benefits are overstated and even the $300,000 is not an adequate buffer. The
sales taxes appear to be overstated. They provided to him the same
information and this was inadequate for an impact analysis.
She referred to the next letter. Then, regarding transportation, they
concur with George Roussos and agree there are hurdles which must be jumped
8
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EAGLE, COLORADO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
FORM 50 HOECI<EL'S 387869
before preliminary plan. The four lane/two lane roadway is a concern.
Ultimately there will be four lane. Exhibit L consists of corrments from DOT,
and the corrmitments requested. upgrading Highway 6 through Eagle has not
been addressed. Another traffic concern is I-70 and the ski area traffic.
They join in the concerns voiced about right-of-way and the realignment of
Brush Creek Road. What will the effect be if this is approved and the
easement is not provided to Adam's Rib, the County will have to condemn.
Regarding wildlife, there is simply no question the cumulative impacts will
be felt. This must be considered ln its entirety. Exhibit M is a collection
of letters from Ann Huffman regarding wildlife. One letter is being
submitted today. Also attached are corrments on the golf course I?lan. Ann
will be here on the November 14, 1995. She asked the video submltted to the
planning commission be submitted to record.
Richard Carlyle, excused himself and took Mr. Kummer with him.
Suzie Kincade, an Eagle resident, spoke first and foremost to the issue
of public service. The humanity aspect has not been considered. 15 to 20
thousand more people will be a concern. She addressed the low income
services provided in the last few years. Easle County ranks second to last
in stress factors for children. Transiency lS the pivotal factor. The
resort industry supplies that transiency. The burden to the network of
social organizations that keep borderline people afloat would be monumental.
It takes a whole village to raise a child. What we haven't built is a good
sense of community. We need to address these critical issues before we allow
another Development. She corrmended Johnnette for her work with the five
county coalition. The driving factor involved is rampant srowth. Ms.
Kincade discussed the increase in domestic violence and crlme. With the
addition of 15,000 people there will be increased crime. We are fighting to
keep our head above water now. We don't need to compound these problems.
Regarding transportation, the road proposed will ultimately be another
Highway 82. It's high traffic and high peril.
In terms of wildlife. She lived in a subdivision that had covenants.
Then one day up went a six foot high fence. The homeowner's association had
no money to sue. Today six foot privacy fences exist and they are in the
Terrace. Covenant's don't work. She's not a wildlife expert but in terms of
the quality of life the animals are enriching in every way. This is the last
undeveloped land between here and Beaver Creek and Aspen. The survival of
our species is dependent on the survival of all species. She asked for
denial from the Corrmissioners.
Steve Peters, area resident, lives on two corners of the proposed
development. He's seen a lot of words spoken and seen alot of paperwork.
Fred says work with us, and he's tried. There's plenty of work done, money
spent, and no follow through. Steve spoke to Fred's Denver project and the
23 revisions needed for Fred to get what he wants. If Fred would put himself
in other people's shoes, perhaps there would be more willingness to work
together. At this level, this project should be denied, and Mr. Kummer
should have to come back again to take care of his neighbors and the
community. He's not zoned for this. He may have carefully planned his land,
but he has not taken into account the valley or the neighbors. 'TI1ere is
something we can all live with. He's not anti growth.
Tom Fitch stated with an increase of human presence there will
invariably be increases in everything. What about all the other private
land. There will be massive development and rearrangement of habitat. The
pockets will be used for recreation and can't be used for wildlife. with
that will come more human conflicts with wildlife. If we have bear problems
now, we're going to see many more conflicts to come. It will go from bad to
worse. He referred to Bud's issue of too many elk. He believes the DOW
regulates this with the sex ratios of the animals. There is a twisted logic.
If animal numbers are back in-line it will take care of itself. He would
like the Board to vote against this.
Mady Lukey of Eagle, questioned the abandonment of Brush Creek Road.
Jobs in the service industry are not what we need, we need good errployers.
This project and any other should provide the fixes for this and caretaker
units are not employee housing. If restrictions can be placed on homes, why
not on 35 acre lots. The golf course is not a natural habitat. We need to
9
lessen the density as it moves out from the wheel of growth.
Kirk Cunningham, representing the Sierra Club wildlife Committee.
They're not oPI?osed to skiing as a sI?Qrt. The golf course will not succeed
without the sk1. area. They feel obllged to assert the whole I?roject is not
acceptable to them. The impacts are not described correctly ln the document
and the golf course PUD will have its use by right. There is an economic
benefit to be gained by it. The use of the private bottom lands along the
creek have created sizeable herds. Good grazing management has good
benefits. The removal of grazing herds, as the applicant suggests, is not a
means of mitigation. The 35 acre use by right would be dwarfed by this
development. The dedication of open space lands are viewed skeptically. The
nature of the open space preserves is critical. people will not put large
amounts of money in Brush Creek if they can not use the recreation, have
pets, use their property as they please. If the open space becomes a city
park, for wildlife mitigation, it is useless. The impacts on wildlife and
the increased traffic are not dealt with properly.
Terrill Knight stated they would like to schedule another meeting for
December 12, 1995. They hope to have concluding presentation on that day.
Chairman Johnson stated that would be okay as far as they know. They
have tentatively looked at the December 5, 1995.
The Board concurred the meeting in December would be on the 12th.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board the
meeting was adjourned until October 30, 1995.
~+~&
Chal
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