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, Foley, Langmaid, Mason, Staufer (Davis and Seibert absent)
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
-
Vail Local Marketing District 2024 Operating Plan and Budget
- Sitting as the Vail Local Marketing District, council members heard the 2024 operating plan which intends to drive responsible year-round revenue growth in Vail by targeting overnight guests who stay longer and spend more, while effectively communicating community and brand values. The four focus areas are: Optimize Visitation, Build Loyalty, Lead Stewardship and Brand Positioning. The council is supportive of the strategies and approach.
-
Eagle County Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Readiness Plan Update
- Representatives from the Climate Action Collaborative gave the town council an update on Eagle County Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Plan. The plan identifies goals and strategies that support a two percent increase of EVs per year, as a percentage of all registered vehicles in Eagle County. The group also provided details on how this aligns with Town of Vail’s adopted Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan.
-
Lift Tax Discussion
- As Vail Resorts has expanded operations and ski pass offerings, the town has requested clarification regarding the calculation of lift tax, specifically in regard to Epic Pass usage on Vail Mountain over the last 20 years. Given the proprietary nature of some of the information that feeds into the lift tax amounts, the only way to gain insight into the calculation is to request a third-party audit. The council showed support for looking into the tax further and potentially hiring an auditor.
-
Revenue Sources Discussion
- Staff presented information on potential future revenue sources, including creation of a Downtown Development Authority, Urban Renewal Authority or Public Improvement Fee, as well as potential sales tax increases, lodging tax increases or a lift tax increase. Council discussed the pros and cons of several of the sources, with more discussion to come as the 2024 budget process continues.
-
Revely Vail and Vail Holidays Event Plan
- Staff gave an update on early winter programming that will begin as the season begins. Revely Vail will return and the “locals kickoff party” will take place on the Monday after Thanksgiving. A new element planned is a holiday village that will include at least 8 playhouse structures that will be kid-friendly and presented in different themes. Council was supportive of the concept.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Alison Wadey of the Vail Chamber and Business Association reminded the council and the community of the Town Council Candidate Forum taking place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Donovan Pavilion.
Town Manager Report
- Deputy Town Manager Kathleen Halloran gave a quick update on the Civic Area Plan RFP responses. More information to come.
Actions/Decisions
- Sitting as the Vail Local Marketing District – Approved the 2024 Operating Plan and Budget (5-0)
- Approved Aug. 1, 2023 and Aug. 15, 2023 Town Council Meeting Minutes (5-0)
- Approved Increase to the Marketing Fund Expense Budget by $125,000 for Revely Vail and Vail Holidays, And Increasing the Reimbursement from Vail Resorts by $125,000 to Allow Consolidated Bill Paying, Creating Net Zero Impact to Town of Vail Costs (5-0)
- Approved Second Reading of Ord. No. 17, Allowing Structures in the Housing Zone District to be Built on a Slope of 40% or Greater (4-1, Staufer against)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Oct. 3
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Oct. 17
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.
|
