MINUTES OF COLORADO PASSENGER TRAMWAY SAFETY BOARD

1560 Broadway, Conference Room 1250-C Denver, CO 80202

September 19, 2017

This meeting of the Board was publicly noticed according to the Division of Professions and Occupations' Policy 80-17. I.

CALL TO ORDER Bryce Beecher, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

RECOGNITION OF MEMBERS PRESENT Board Members Present:

Bryce Beecher, Chair Mike Lane, Vice Chair C.A. Lane, Member Robin Vidimos, Member

Board Members Absent:

Carrie Marsala, Member Jon Mauch, Member

Staff Members Present:

John Roberts, First Assistant Attorney General Karen McGovern, Deputy Division Director of Programs and Legal Affairs Joyce Young, Program Director Larry Smith, Supervisory Tramway Engineer Nicki Cochrell, Program Manager

Others Present (elected to sign in): Frank Fidler, Steamboat Ski & Resort Cindy Olson, Loveland Ski Area Freddie Peyerl, Alpine Media Technology Jennifer Kelly, Magic Carpet Lifts Audrey Archuleta, Magic Carpet Lifts Mark Kramer, Copper Mountain Resort

II.

REVIEW OF MINUTES It was moved and seconded to approve the June 26, 2017 meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

g:\business and technical\tramway\board meetings 091917 board meeting\091917 minutes

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III.

STAFF UPDATE Program Director, Joyce Young, welcomed C.A. Lane and Robin Vidimos as new Board members. She said Carrie Marsala was also appointed as a Board member, but could not attend today's meeting. She reported that recruiting efforts for the last Board seat will be filled in the near future. Program Manager, Nicki Cochrell, said Board members have a list of the 2018 meeting dates in their Board folders. The meeting dates are posted on the Board's website calendar. Ms. Cochrell said this year's renewals went out on September 13. Like last year, areas are to send their renewal form(s) and the correct fee(s) to the Board office. Checks also need to made payable to the State of Colorado. Also like last year, areas should plan on some minor delays when submitting renewals. It may take up to 3 to 5 business days to process a license. With this, she said to plan ahead when it come to renewing a tramway license. Ms. Cochrell reminded areas that licenses are no longer being mailed. Area's designated agents and CURRENT substitute designated agents will receive an email with the license(s) to print. Like the inspection reports, designated agents are responsible for forwarding the email to other staff at their area as needed. Ms. Cochrell stated the next Board meeting scheduled for December 13, 2017 at 1560 Broadway in Denver in Conference Room 1250-C at 9:00 a.m. The deadline for agenda items is November 22, 2017. She stated the next Technical Committee meeting will be held on November 22, 2017 at 1560 Broadway in Conference Room 1250-B in Denver at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held via conference call. The deadline for agenda items is November 8, 2017. A meeting notice will be posted on the Board's website if there are any changes to these meetings. Ms. Cochrell said a hard copy of the May 15, 2017 CPTSB Rules and Regulations booklet has been delayed. A hard copy will be provided to Board members at the next Board meeting. She said the current rules are posted on the Board's website if anyone should need them. Supervisory Tramway Engineer, Larry Smith, said there are 6 new installations planned for this year. So areas should plan ahead for a busy season. Mr. Smith said Steamboat recently replaced the grips and the accel/decel equipment on the Gondola. He said the modification took longer than expected. Other modifications are planned for the Gondola over the next year. Mr. Smith said Glenwood Tram had a wind deropement on July 28. The rope was put back on the sheave, and the tramway was put back in operation. Mr. Smith stated that NSAA is working on a lift maintenance resource guide for the future. This should be coming out sometime next spring or summer.

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Mr. Smith reported that NSAA had appointed a replacement for Michael Berry's position, but the person had to decline. So Michael Berry is staying on until a replacement can be made. Mr. Smith said there are 7 inspectors doing inspections this year. One of the inspectors is out for the season with an injury. So he reminded the areas again to plan ahead this season. Mr. Smith showed pictures of a failed coupling. He said smoke was smelled from the brakes due to melted plastic on the plates of the coupling. The lift was shut down and repaired.

IV.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Proposed revisions to Colorado Rules and Policies A. Proposed repeal of Policy 13 Condition for Personnel During Ropeway Operations The Board reviewed the information regarding the proposed repeal of Policy 13 Conditions for Personnel During Ropeway Operations. At the February 23, 2017 meeting, the Board adopted Operational requirements for Section 2, Section 3, and Section 4. With the policy language now adopted in Board Rule 2.3.2.5 Operational requirements, Rule 3.3.2.5 Operational requirements, and Rule 4.3.2.5 Operational requirements, Staff requested the Board to consider repealing Policy 13 Condition for Personnel During Ropeway Operations. It was moved and seconded to repeal Policy 13 Conditions for Personnel During Ropeway Operations and reserve Policy 13 in the policies. The motion passed unanimously.

Technical Committee Appointments A.

Technical Committee Appointments

The Board considered a list of applicants to fill upcoming vacancies on the Technical Committee. Russell Roselius, Professional Engineer, and Frank Fidler, Ski Area Representative, currently hold the positions that expired June 30, 2017. It was moved and seconded to re-appoint Frank Fidler as the Ski Area Representative and appoint Justin Gross as the Professional Engineer. The motion passed unanimously.

Request for variance

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A. Permanent variance request - Snowmass Ski Area Relief from Rule 4.1.1.3.2.1 Structures C.A. Lane disclosed his association with Winter Park and Aspen Skiing Company. The Board invoked the rule of necessity in order to vote on this agenda item. The Board reviewed the letter from Greg Hoffman, Snowmass Ski Area, requesting a variance for relief from Rule 4.1.1.3.2.1 Structures for the Assay Hill lift (SM-040). The Viceroy Hotel in Aspen is constructing an outdoor bar that will have a flat, metal roof that will be located on the east side of the pool area under the Assay Hill lift. Snowmass requested a variance to Rule 4.1.1.3.2.1 Structures for the Assay Hill lift (SM-040) to allow the bar at the Viceroy Hotel to be within the air space of the tramway. It was moved and seconded to grant a permanent variance to Snowmass for relief from Rule 4.1.1.3.2.1 Structures for the Assay Hill lift (SM-040) to allow the bar at the Viceroy Hotel to be within the air space of the tramway. The motion passed unanimously. The variance is in accordance with: 1.2.3 (a)

The granting of such an exception would be consistent with, and would aid in, implementing the legislative policy set forth in C.R.S. 25-5-701; and,

1.2.3 (b)

Compliance with applicable rules and regulations from which an exception is sought would create an unreasonable operational or design condition.

Provisions: 1. The structure shall be non-flammable translucent material and metal structure to be built in 2018. 2. The area shall maintain no more than 24 inches of snow on the roof during public operation. 3. The area personnel shall not be allowed on the roof during public operations. 4. The structure shall have the appropriate type, number, and size fire extinguishers as required by the local fire department. At a minimum, the structure shall have on 10 pound fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. 5. The ropeway evacuation plan shall include specific provisions for safely evacuating passengers stranded above the structure and shall be demonstrated to a CPTSB inspector prior to public operation. 6. There shall be instructions posted at all terminals that address the ropeway operation during a fire.

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7. Area personnel and CPTSB inspectors shall have access to the structure upon request. Findings of Fact: 1. The structure will serve as a bar at the Viceroy hotel and be located on the east side of the pool area. 2. The structure can be seen from the both the lower and upper terminals of the Assay Hill lift. 3. At the closest point, the structure is located under the haul rope and is approximately 11.5 feet vertically beneath the bottom of an empty chair with no snow on the roof. 4. There is no gas line to the proposed structure. 5. The evacuation time for the 1,445 foot long ropeway is a minimum 3.6 minutes on prime mover and 4 minutes on secondary drive at design speed. 6. The Assay Hill lift (SM-040) is a 4 passenger fixed grip chairlift built in 2006. 7. There is a fire hydrant located 287 feet from the proposed structure 8. The granting of this variance does not constitute a public safety hazard. B. Permanent variance request - Snowmass Ski Area Relief from Rule 3.1.1.3.2.1 Structures C.A. Lane disclosed his association with Winter Park and Aspen Skiing Company. The Board invoked the rule of necessity in order to vote on this agenda item. The Board reviewed the letter from Greg Hoffman, Snowmass Ski Area, requesting a variance for relief from Rule 3.1.1.3.2.1 Structures for the Elk Camp lift (SM-026). Snowmass is constructing a mountain coaster whose load/unload platform will be within the air space of the Elk Camp lift. With this, Snowmass requested a variance to Rule 3.1.1.3.2.1 Structures for the Elk Camp lift (SM-026) in order to allow the coaster’s load/unload platform to be within the air space of the tramway. It was moved and seconded to grant a permanent variance to Snowmass for relief from Rule 3.1.1.3.2.1 Structures for the Elk Camp lift (SM-026) to allow the coaster’s load/unload platform to be within the air space of the tramway. The motion passed unanimously. The variance is in accordance with:

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1.2.3 (a)

The granting of such an exception would be consistent with, and would aid in, implementing the legislative policy set forth in C.R.S. 25-5-701; and,

1.2.3 (b)

Compliance with applicable rules and regulations from which an exception is sought would create an unreasonable operational or design condition.

Provisions: 1. The coaster station platform shall be constructed of non-combustible materials. 2. Future additions or modification including combustible materials encroaching in the air space shall require review by the Board. 3. The distance between the vertical plane as defined by the outside edge of the carrier and the structure shall be not less than five (5) feet under the most adverse operating conditions. 4. The ropeway evacuation plan shall include specific provisions for safely evacuating passengers stranded above or near the structure. 5. Area personnel and CPTSB inspectors shall have access to the structure upon request. 6. The coaster’s operator shall have communication with the lift dispatcher at all times during coaster operation. 7. Flammable liquids shall not be stored in, on, or under the platform that exceed the quantities needed for daily activities. Findings of Fact: 1. The coaster station platform will be visible from both the unload platform of the Elk Camp Gondola and Elk Camp lift’s bottom operator station. 2. The structure is located 20.5 feet from the haul rope of the Elk Camp lift. 3. The highest point of the structure encroaching on the air space is 31 feet below the haul rope. 4. The granting of this variance does not constitute a public safety hazard. C. Permanent variance request - Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp Relief from Rule 3.1.2.7.4 (3) Other machinery locations The Board reviewed the letter from Dave Hunter, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp, requesting a variance for relief from Rule 3.1.2.7.4 (3) Other machinery locations for the Steamboat Gondola (ST-013).

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Steamboat is upgrading the Steamboat Gondola and the first phase of the upgrade was installing new conveyor equipment in both the top and bottom terminals this year. Since the existing building for the terminals were not replaced, the new equipment had to be installed in the existing buildings. This has created vertical clearance issues at both the top and bottom terminals. Steamboat was granted a Policy 12 on June 30, 2017 to operate until the variance request was brought to the Board. Steamboat requested a variance to Rule 3.1.2.7.4 (3) Other machinery locations for the Steamboat Gondola (ST-013) to allow the access ways in the terminals to be less than 80 inches vertical as required by the Standard. It was moved and seconded to grant a permanent variance to Steamboat for relief from Rule 3.1.2.7.4 (3) Other machinery locations for the Steamboat Gondola (ST-013) to allow the access ways in the terminals to be less than 80 inches vertical as required by the Standard. The motion passed unanimously. The variance is in accordance with: 1.2.3 (a)

The granting of such an exception would be consistent with, and would aid in, implementing the legislative policy set forth in C.R.S. 25-5-701; and,

1.2.3 (b)

Compliance with applicable rules and regulations from which an exception is sought would create an unreasonable operational or design condition.

Provisions: 1. Protective padding or other measures shall be implemented and maintained to reduce hazards to personnel accessing the affected areas in both terminals. Findings of Fact: 1. The Steamboat Gondola (ST-013) is an 8-passenger detachable grip gondola originally installed in 1986 and modified in 2017. The modification included replacement of the top and bottom conveyor machinery. 2. The gondola terminals were constructed inside of existing buildings. 3. Numerous structural elements of the building encroach on the vertical clearance requirements of 3.1.2.7.4 (3). 4. Altering the buildings to bring the lift into compliance would require substantial demolition and reconstruction of two large building. 5. The granting of this variance does not constitute a public safety hazard. D. Temporary variance request - Vail Associates Inc Relief from Rule 7.3.6.1 (b) Passenger responsibilities Relief from Rule 7.3.1.2 Signs [Annex D-1 Required signs (o)]

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The Board reviewed the letter from Scott Leslie, Vail Associates Inc, requesting a variance for relief from Rule 7.3.6.1 (b) Passenger responsibilities and Rule 7.3.1.2 Signs [Annex D-1 Required signs (o)] for the Thundercat Cave Conveyor (VA-056). It was discovered during the July 18, 2017 summer unannounced inspection at Vail that the requirement of the ANSI Rule 7.3.6.1(b) Passenger responsibilities is not being met and therefore is in non-compliance to the CPTSB Rules and Regulations. The requirement states “Passengers shall use good judgment and act in a responsible manner while using the conveyor, including: (b) remaining standing/upright while riding the conveyor.” The current operation of the Thundercat Cave Conveyor (VA-056) requests the riders remain seated in the tubes while riding up the conveyor. Vail was granted a Policy 12 on July 31, 2017 to operate until the variance request was brought to the Board. Vail requested a variance for relief from Rule 7.3.6.1 (b) Passenger responsibilities and Rule 7.3.1.2 Signs [Annex D-1 Required signs (o)] for the Thundercat Cave Conveyor (VA-056) to allow riders to remain seated while riding the conveyor. It was moved and seconded to grant a temporary variance through October 31, 2018 to Vail for relief from Rule 7.3.6.1 (b) Passenger responsibilities and Rule 7.3.1.2 Signs [Annex D-1 Required signs (o)] for the Thundercat Cave Conveyor (VA-056) to allow riders to remain seated while riding the conveyor. The motion passed unanimously. The variance is in accordance with: 1.2.3 (a)

The granting of such an exception would be consistent with, and would aid in, implementing the legislative policy set forth in C.R.S. 25-5-701; and,

1.2.3 (b)

Compliance with applicable rules and regulations from which an exception is sought would create an unreasonable operational or design condition.

Provisions: 1. The variance shall only be in effect for summer tubing operation. 2. The "Remain Standing" sign shall be removed or covered during summer tubing operations. 3. Lift operations personnel shall be trained in the specific hazards for seated passengers, including keeping hands inside the tubes. 4. Lift operations personnel shall be trained and shall direct riders to stand or sit in the tubes while riding, as applicable. Findings of Fact: 1. The Thunder Cat Cave (VA-056) is a 150 foot long Bruckschlogl conveyor installed in 2009.

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2. The Thunder Cat Cave (VA-056) has an average gradient of 12% and design speed of 160 feet per minute and operates in the summer at a speed of 80 feet per minute. 3. In Vail's operational experience, it has been observed that asking their younger passengers to remain seated in the tube assists the operators in safely controlling the younger riders. 4. The tubing operation is intended for passengers weighing between 30 to 100 pounds. 5. The granting of this variance does not constitute a public safety hazard.

Request to Complaints A. Loveland Ski Area – Case 2017-4038 The Board reviewed a complaint regarding allegations of unsafe loading on the Ptarmigan lift (LV-027) at Loveland Ski Area. After reviewing the details of the complaint, it was moved and seconded to dismiss the complaint due to a lack of law violation.

Staff Discussion A. Discussion of new ANSI Standard and Possible need for Rule Revisions Supervisory Tramway Engineer, Larry Smith, discussed points regarding the new ANSI Standard and the possible subsequent need for rule revisions based on the new Standard.

V.

EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board did not go into Executive Session since there were no pending disciplinary matters which would be subject to attorney/client privilege, other matters which are subject to attorney-client privilege, or matters which are required to be kept confidential.

VI.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:04 a.m.

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Approved by: Bryce Beecher, Chair

Date: December 13, 2017