Town Council Highlights and Work Session Briefs

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Town of Vail - Town Council - Town Council Highlights - Archive - March 28, 2000 Page 2 of 6 children's wading area - -all are intended to add to Vail's vibrancy. A second benefit would be improvement of the stream's fish habitat. Durin discussion, Todd Oppenheimer, the town's parks superintendent, explained the pros and cons of how the creek would change with the ne park. Ripples would become pools and drops, he said, which would crea changes in the creek's sound. Also, Oppenheimer described some aesthetic changes that could be visible due to the use of concrete to buil the structures, although Oppenheimer assured Councilmembers the project team would be extremely sensitive to the park's aesthetics. Whe asked by Mayor Ludwig Kurz if the three water structures would be enough to attract interest from the kayakers, Health said he may return next year with a request for a second phase to extend the public streamwalk from the whitewater park to the library. That prompted threat of a lawsuit by Jim Lamont, executive director of the East Village Homeowners Association. The association is opposed to a streamwalk, saying it would violate existing covenants. Lamont also suggested creati of a cooperative management committee to address concerns about the park; accountability by the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau; and a willingness to allocate funds to remove the park if it doesn't work. addition, the Council heard from the property manager of the Village Center which sits on the north side of the Creek. The manager asked th a decision be delayed so noise and property damage concerns can be more fully addressed with the property owners. Several local kayakers were on hand to offer support for the project, including Mike Duffy of Alpine Kayaking, who offered a list of 113 signatures from project supporters. Kaye Ferry, representing the Vail Village Merchants Association, expressed support for the park and encouraged the Council to respond to the needs of full -time residents rather than part-time residents. In addition, Brian Doyon, a member of the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) suggested the need for an environmental impact statement, specific design plans, improvements in the circulation plan and a maintenance plan. Councilmembers asked tha those issues be addressed prior to the project's return to the PEC. For more information, contact Brent Wilson in the Community Development Department at 479 -2140. - -Model Traffic Code /Residential The Council heard an update on proposed revisions to the 1977 Colorad Model Traffic Code, which establishes speed limits for residential and commercial streets and roads, among other things. The updated code establishes speed limits of 25 mph in business districts and 30 mph in residential areas unless site - specific speed studies demonstrate the nee for adjustments. By adopting the updated code, Vail's baseline residenti speed limits would be increased from 15 mph to 25 mph. Paul and Nanc Rondeau, residents of the Golf Course neighborhood, appeared before the Council to ask that Vail Valley Drive receive a lowered speed limit designation, given additional use of the street by pedestrians, bicyclists http: / /www.ci.vail.co.us /town council / highlights /archive /2000/000328.htm 01/30/2002