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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Art in Public Places Update
- Molly Eppard gave an update to the council on the Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places collection, installations, artist in residency program and studio. She also presented the AIPP board’s five-year strategic plan and vision statement: “The Town of Vail Art in Public Places Program creates a diverse and meaningful public art experience to engage the community and enhance the cultural vitality of Vail.” The plan will come back to the council for formal adoption at a future evening meeting.
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Capital Projects Discussion
- Staff from the finance department provided the council with information on the town’s draft capital plan, including significant capital projects proposed as a part of the 2024 budget. Five main sources of revenue fund the town’s capital improvements programs: General Sales Tax, Housing Sales Tax, Construction Use Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax, and Tax Increment Finance from the Vail Reinvestment Authority. Together, expenditures for the town’s three main funds used for capital expenditures, Capital Projects Fund, Housing Fund and Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund, are proposed at $43.7 million for 2024. This includes $1.2 million of debt service payments; department operating and program costs of $8.3 million; $12.7 million of capital maintenance; $12.5 million of additional capital projects; and a transfer of $9 million from the Housing Fund for Timber Ridge site and podium costs. The 2024 Real Estate Transfer Fund proposed expenditure budget totals $9.1 million. The budget includes $2 million of capital maintenance projects; $1.3 million for asset additions and major improvements; $4.5 million in funding for wildland, art in public places, parks and environmental department operating budgets; and $1.2 million for programs such as Fire Free Five rebates, composting education and incentives, e-bike programs, and Winterfest. Council asked about moving the E-Bikes for Essentials program back to the five-year RETT plan, rather than not funding it. The first draft of the Town Manager budget will come back to the council on Oct. 17.
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Amendments to the Development Review Process and Housing Zone District Discussion
- Members of the Vail Local Housing Authority and Town of Vail staff presented options for consideration to improve the development review process as it relates to creating affordable housing and provided an update on progress made to date on an implementation plan. The purpose of the plan is to refine the development review process for housing development applications with the objective of removing the barriers to private sector investment to develop deed-restricted homes in Vail. On Sept. 25, the Planning and Environmental Commission forwarded recommendations of approval for key amendments to the Housing (H) zone district, including the removal of uncertainty and associated risk to developers by providing prescriptive development standards in the H district, allowing for increased flexibility for construction, and the creation of an additional Housing zone district (H2) that acknowledges the need for housing developments to be of an appropriate scale to fit into the neighborhoods in which they are located. The council is expected to consider ordinances regarding these changes at its next meeting.
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Town Council Decision Regarding Valuation Decree for Booth Heights Property
- The town council reviewed two options following the valuation that was determined for the Booth Heights parcel: acquire the property for approximately $17.5 million plus costs and fees, or abandon its condemnation action, while still owing costs and fees. A $12 million deposit from the town’s Real Estate Transfer Tax, which was established to be used for the preservation of open space, is already being held by the district court. Prior to their decision, council members expressed their disappointment on how the topic had become characterized as an either/or for housing or bighorn sheep habitat, and reiterated their commitment to providing homes for locals close to jobs, including the town-owned Residences at Main Vail which opened in September. The Town of Vail is encouraging anyone who missed the discussion and public input to watch the video available at https://www.highfivemedia.org/show/evening-meeting-1032023. The item begins at approximate timestamp 6:30.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 19, Adding the New West Vail Multi-Family Overlay District
- Council discussed a proposed amendment to the town code to adopt the West Vail Multi-Family Overlay District (WVMF), which is intended to further the town’s housing goals. During previous meetings with the council, direction was provided to staff regarding amendments to the proposed district prior to bringing forth an ordinance for adoption. A summary of the changes includes: home child daycare was moved from a conditional use to an accessory use; minimum previous lot size of 10,000 square feet has changed to default to the underlying zone district standard; inclusionary zoning increased from 30% to 40%; the Development Plan section was replaced with the Density Bonus section; and the density bonus section allows increasing variations to development standards for each additional deed restricted EHU developed on site.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 18, Loading and Delivery Regulations
- There have been no changes since first reading, however, the Vail Police Department has indicated they will not enforce the restriction of High Volume Commercial Carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) in Vail Village and Lionshead until a solution is in place for both the vendors and businesses. The council has been asked to approve the ordinance with the addition of allowing e-walkers.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Brian Sipes - Architect and town council candidate, commented on the afternoon discussion regarding the streamlining of zoning regulations for Housing. He also complimented Community Development Department staff for being professional and easy to work with.
- Katie Santambrogio – So far 525 individuals have donated to the bighorn sheep initiative.
- Cathy Cohn – Fiscally irresponsible to purchase the Booth Heights property. The decision should have gone to a public vote.
- Gaby Milhoan - Marketing for the bighorn sheep initiative will ramp up, it has only been 10 days.
- Tony Ryerson – In favor of condemnation. Save the sheep.
- Mike Browning – Thanked council for persevering in saving the bighorn sheep, as well as for its housing efforts.
- Oakley Milhoan – There is nothing more important than wildlife.
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Betsey Kiehl– Reminded the room of the purpose of the RETT fund. Remaining parcels in Vail that can be put into conservation are few.
- Richard Leslie - Thanked the council for the condemnation and for employee housing. This is the correct use of RETT.
- Charlyn Canada – Feeling of a shake down from Vail Resorts, counter to their “Epic Promise” saying that environment is important.
- Ramsey Cotter – Doesn't envy the council. It’s important to consider why we live here, for the open spaces. Thanked the council for being brave.
- Pam Stenmark – Thanked council for the work they’ve done. This is a decision of a lifetime.
- Tom Vucich – If Vail Resorts had taken any of the opportunities offered by the town in exchange for Booth Heights, they would already have employees moving into Residences at Main Vail. The use of RETT funds is appropriate.
- Alison Wadey – Being against the condemnation of Booth Heights doesn't mean you are a sheep hater and hopes the community can stop the animosity. The decision to condemn is a win for the sheep and a win for Vail Resorts. She hopes we can be smarter moving forward.
- Shelly Krueger – Grateful for all the hard work the council has done. Tough situation, but Booth Heights was never the right place for development.
- Trey Milhoan – Introduced “Howl for Wildlife.” This amount of support shows the community really cares about the sheep.
- Charles Whitwam – Representing Howl for Wildlife, assured the council that the letter writing campaign came from real people.
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Frances Hartogh – Supports condemnation.
- Carrie Peterson – Has a career in affordable housing, and is in favor of preserving Booth Heights as open space. Excited to hear about the plans in the works for additional housing.
- Jack Bergey – Thanked council and staff for their work on the West Vail Overlay District, he is supportive of the plan.
- Adam Nicholas – Representing Pine Ridge Townhomes, asked if the West Vail Overlay district would restrict rebuilding if a fire or other
- Alison Wadey – Requested the business community be informed on the agreements that are made with High Volume Commercial Carriers regarding Loading and Delivery in Vail Village and Lionshead. She also requested costs associated with removing UPS, FedEx and DHL not be passed along to the businesses.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russ Forrest gave an update on the RFP process for selecting a development team for the West Middle Creek housing development. A recommendation is expected to come to the council on Oct. 17.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Resolution No. 37, Purchase of Buffer Creek Condominium, Unit A10, 1860 Meadow Ridge Road (7-0)
- Approved Wild Sheep Foundation Fiscal Sponsor Agreement (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to The Grey Edge Group for Geothermal Snowmelt Feasibility (7-0)
- Approved the Acquisition of the Booth Heights 23-acre property (5-2, Coggin and Davis against)
- Approved First Reading of Ord. No. 20, Third Supplemental Budget Adjustment to the Town’s 2023 Budget (7-0)
- Approved First Reading of Ord. No. 19, Adding the New West Vail Multi-Family Overlay District (5-2, Davis and Staufer Against)
- Approved Second Reading of Ord. No. 18, Regarding Pedestrian Mall Areas in the Town to Address High Volume Commercial Carriers (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Oct. 17
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Nov. 7
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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