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:
Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Swearing In of Four New Council Members
- Incumbent Jonathan Staufer, previous council member Dave Chapin and newcomer Reid Phillips were sworn in to four-year terms and new member Sam Biszantz was sworn in to a two-year term during the post-election organizational meeting of the Vail Town Council.
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Appoint Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
- The Town Council selected Travis Coggin as mayor and Barry Davis as mayor pro tem. Both will serve for two years in the roles.
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Dobson Ice Arena Remodel Project Update
- Staff provided the Town Council with a schematic design update for the proposed Dobson Ice Arena remodel, including review of the plans that have evolved from the conceptual design. As proposed, the program includes a new roof structure; new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; six new locker rooms and two official locker rooms to address equity issues; code-required restroom fixture counts to meet the capacity of the arena; new south entry: new west main entry; new second floor lounge/concession flex space; new skate rental shop; new south side seating; completion of the concourse around the whole ice service; new Mezzanine level to include fixed and standing room only view space; plaza and streetscape improvements; and loading dock and storage improvements. Current projections show an approximate $55.4 million budget, with opportunities for donations and sponsorships. The council was very supportive of the program, architectural direction and budget as presented. Next steps will include moving forward with the issuance of a Request for Proposals to the four shortlisted general contractors: Mortenson, Hyder-McHugh, Saunders and GE Johnson.
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Interviews for Planning and Environmental Commission
- Jack Bergey and Scott McBride were interviewed for an opening on the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) that was created when Reid Philips was elected to the Town Council.
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Discussion of Fourth Supplemental Budget Appropriation for 2023
- Ordinance No. 28 will allocate approximately $2.3 million across all of the town’s funds, with the majority in the General Fund. In addition, certain revenues, including interest income, will be adjusted upward. Across all the town’s funds, year-to-date interest earnings total $3.2 million compared to a budget of $519,000.
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Discussion of Ordinance No. 26, Rezoning of Lot G, Vail Village, Filing No. 2
- Council heard an update on the proposed rezoning of the First Bank property. Currently, the bank is a legal non-conforming use. Staff reminded the council and the public that the rezoning is a stand-alone action, there is no development plan to be reviewed. Representatives for First Bank indicated the intent is to act like a good neighbor; they do not intend to sell the property.
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Discussion of Ordinance No. 27, Providing for the Levy Assessment and Collection of Town Ad Valorem Property Taxes
- A new state senate bill has resulted in changes to property tax valuations that need to be updated and incorporated before second reading. Staff requested the public hearing be continued and second reading be tabled until Jan. 2.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
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Stephen Connelly – Thanked new and existing council members for their service. He brought up the possibility of a roof on Ford Ampitheater. Also stated that if we want to be green and truly support the benefit of EVs, the town has to put a solar array on the bus barn.
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John Gottlieb – Addressed council to promote an indoor pickleball facility.
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Heidi Hanson, owner at Vail International - Concerned with the Evergreen Lodge redevelopment and its impact on Middle Creek. Also concerned about the potential for a five-foot increase in height of the Dobson Ice Arena roof.
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Rick Sackbauer – Thanked the council for their commitment to public service. It takes time away from family and jobs, but it is important and appreciated.
- Scott Beebe, clergy with Vail Interfaith Chapel - Brought a copy of an interview with Pastor Don Simonton on the early days of Vail and his vision for the chapel.
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Gaby Milhoan and Katie Santambrogio – Introduced themselves to the new council members and reminded the group of their commitment to raise $3 million for the Vail Bighorn Sheep initiative. A public campaign will kick off in January, approximately $1 million has been raised to date.
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Jerry Stevens – Expressed support for new indoor pickleball facilities.
- Scott Beebe, representing the Vail Interfaith Chapel – Expressed concerns regarding the potential redevelopment of the FirstBank property. If the zoning is changed, a future owner can do whatever they want within the CCI Zone District.
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Michelle Taylor, Villa Cortina representative – New renderings have alleviated some of the bigger concerns they had with the redevelopment of FirstBank. Owners seemed amenable to preserving trees. She believes East West and FirstBank will honor their commitments and the Town of Vail and the PEC will help protect the neighbors.
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Johannes Fessler, representing the Sonnenalp - Wants to allow the rezoning and potential future redevelopment of the First Bank property because it is needed. He trusts the process.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest asked the council to review information on available committee appointments, to be determined at the Dec. 19 meeting. He also asked council members to get together for a special meeting next Tuesday to discuss top priorities and issues for the new council.
Actions/Decisions
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Approved Proclamation No. 14, “WhoVail Day” (7-0)
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Approved Appointment of Scott McBride to the Planning and Environmental Commission (7-0)
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Approved Resolution No. 48, Designating Town Bank Accounts and Signers (7-0)
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Approved First Reading of Ord. No. 28, Fourth Supplemental Budget Appropriation for 2023 (7-0)
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Approved Second Reading of Ord. No. 26, Rezoning Lot G, Vail Village Filing No. 2 from Public Accommodation (PA) to Commercial Core 1 (CC1) (6-0, Phillips abstained)
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Continued the Public Hearing and Tabled Second Reading of Ord. No. 27, Providing for the Levy Assessment and Collection of Town Ad Valorem Property Taxes Due for the 2023 Tax Year and Payable in the 2024 Fiscal Year, Until Jan. 2, 2024 (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
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Dedication of Pepi’s Tribute and Vail Village Tree Lighting, Dec. 17
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Vail Town Council Meeting, Dec. 19
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Vail Town Council Meeting, Jan. 2
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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