Vail Town Council Meeting Highlights
This is an unofficial summary of the meeting produced by the Communications Department. To read the official minutes; please click here. Minutes are posted once they are approved.
Council members present:
Coggin, Davis, Foley, Langmaid, Mason, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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EagleVail State Land Board Parcel Housing Development Opportunity
- Vail Housing Director George Ruther gave a status update on the Colorado State Land Board-owned property just west of Down Junction, which is being considered for a multi-jurisdictional housing development. The town, its partners, and the state land board are in the process of completing their due diligence and scoping to better understand the potential of the site. A first step will be to determine where CDOT maintenance facilities on the parcel could be relocated in the county. A phased approach to development is currently being contemplated. While the large project is in very early stages, it was acknowledged that true regional collaboration will be required for it to be successful.
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West Middle Creek RFP Update
- The town is in the process of selecting a private partner to help develop deed-restricted homes on the West Middle Creek parcel. Ten responses were received to an RFP issued in June. The selection committee is recommending the town engage in further discussions and evaluations of proposals with the following three teams: Corum Real Estate Group, Gorman & Company, and Triumph Development. Staff expects to come back to the council in October with a final recommendation.
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Colorado Proposition 123 Presentation
- Colorado Proposition 123 was approved by voters in November 2022. This initiative dedicates $300 million annually to fund housing programs. To access the available funds, local municipalities are required to establish a baseline of affordable homes and commit to increasing the baseline by 3% each year for a 3-yer period ending on December 31, 2026. The deadline for filing this commitment is Nov. 1. Staff is asking the Vail Town Council to approve the filing of a commitment of 9 homes per year, or 27 total homes by Dec. 31, 2026, which will enable the town to apply for Proposition 123 grant funds.
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Development Review Process Regarding Local Housing
- The development review process for housing in the Town of Vail has a reputation amongst the private sector development community as being unusually complex, lengthy and risky. Staff presented strategies and action steps for consideration to improve the development review process with the objective of removing the barriers to private sector investment to develop deed-restricted homes in Vail. Council was supportive of the direction; staff will return after Planning & Environmental Commission review.
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West Vail Multi-Family Zoning Update
- A review of the West Vail Multi-Family Overlay District (WVMF) provided council with more information requested during previous discussions. At the June 20 town council meeting, staff was directed to find a solution that preserved the community of the West Vail area while also allowing redevelopment and not lose existing employee housing. More incentives to build employee housing within the new zoning was determined to be necessary to achieve this goal. Staff presented some options for consideration on how this could be done with amendments to the proposed zoning.
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Compensation and Benefits Discussion
- For 2024, surveys are showing compensation projections at increases between 4% and 7%. As the town builds its budget over the next month, the town’s Human Resources Department will be proposing a 5% or higher increase for salaries to continue to meet its target range of 75% of market for competitive positioning. The town is also changing its medical insurance provider. The entire package will come back to council as part of the budget process.
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Vail Recycling Center Discussion
- Staff is asking for council feedback on the status of the recycling center located behind the Community Development. The site is well used but it also often abused with trash and contaminated recyclables. If it is stays, safety improvements are needed sooner rather than later. Staff will continue to evaluate.
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Vail Public Library 40th Anniversary Presentation
- Council enjoyed a retrospective look at the first 40 years of the Vail Public Library’s location in the heart of Vail.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
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Galen Aasland said the recycling program at town offices seems to be very successful, so while it may need to be tweaked it would a shame to have it go away.
- Rick Sackbauer complimented the Town of Vail on its housing goals. However, he is concerned there may not enough places for new residents in the town to recreate and asked about the plan to accommodate those residents in existing Vail Rec District facilities.
- Sam Biszantz introduced herself as a town council candidate. She also expressed concerns that because the Eagle County solid waste facility only accepts dual stream recycling, shutting the recycle center at town offices could result in recyclables getting trucked to Denver. She thinks there is an opportunity to consider the whole system before getting rid of the existing recycling facility.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest indicated the valuation hearing for Booth Heights is underway now through Sept. 13. A decision is anticipated to be in front of town council on Oct. 3, and will include ample opportunity for public comment. Forrest also mentioned that people have begun moving into the Residences at Main Vail, the town’s new rental home development for locals.
Actions/Decisions
- Sitting as the Vail Local Marketing District – Approved Resolution No. 3, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, DBA Visit Denver, regarding Michelin North America, Inc. (7-0)
- Approved Proclamation No. 9, Recognizing the Vail Public Library's 40th Anniversary (7-0)
- Approved Proclamation No. 10, Recognizing National Library Card Sign-Up Month
(7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 33, Purchase of Residential Property at Buffer Creek Condominiums, Unit A5 (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 34, Establishing a Baseline of Affordable Housing Pursuant to the Requirements of Colorado Proposition 123 (7-0)
- Tabled Resolution No. 35, Approving Master Leases for Timber Ridge
- Approved Resolution No. 36, Procedures for Conducting Appeals and Quasi-Judicial Land Use (7-0)
- Approved Pitkin Creek Master Lease Renewal (7-0)
- Approved Stormwater Maintenance Contract with Kinetic Industry (7-0)
- Approved Letter of Intent for 2024 Après at the Amp Concert Sponsorship (7-0)
- Approved Dowd Junction Streambank Stabilization Project Budget Adjustment (7-0)
- Approved Subsurface Utility Engineering Change Order with SGM Inc. (7-0)
- Approved First Reading of Ord. No. 17, Allowing Structures in the Housing Zone District to be Built on a Slope of 40% or Greater (7-0)
- Approved First Reading of Ord. No. 18, Regarding Pedestrian Mall Areas in the Town to Address High Volume Commercial Carriers (7-0)
- Approved Second Reading of Ord. No. 15, Regulation of Boots on Motor Vehicles
(7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Sept. 19
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Oct. 3
Resources
The Vail Town Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Join us for public comment at 6 p.m. Public hearing and comment opportunities are also noted on the agendas.
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