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:
Afternoon: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer (Phillips arrived at 3:30 p.m.)
Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Holy Cross Energy Journey to 100%
- Dr. Bryan Hannegan, president and CEO of Holy Cross Energy, provided an update on the utility’s effort to become 100% reliant on carbon-free power by 2030 and carbon-neutral or better by 2035 without sacrificing affordability, safety or reliability for the sake of sustainability. To achieve this, Holy Cross is focusing on energy efficiency, cleaner wholesale power, local clean energy resources, distributed energy resources and smart electrification.
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Vail Community Geothermal District Project Update
- Staff updated the Town Council regarding the potential for geothermal technologies to increase efficiency and decarbonize municipal operations, including snowmelt and buildings. In late November of 2023, a 520-foot borehole was drilled in Ford Park to note variations in geology and drilling conditions as well as to collect deep earth temperature and thermal conductivity data. Based on those tests, the engineering team indicated that the site is exceptionally well-suited for a ground source heat exchange system. The town has also applied for a Colorado Geothermal Energy Grant, which would be used to assess the feasibility and produce detailed engineering designs for a geothermal system utilizing waste heat from the wastewater treatment plant. An award decision is expected in early March.
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West Vail Commercial Update
- The West Vail Master Plan, adopted by the Town Council in November 2021, includes three scenarios for the future the redevelopment of the commercial area in West Vail. These scenarios offer three potential design models for developing and enhancing the West Vail Center. Scenario 1 is a “quick wins” strategy, in which primary improvements could occur in the five years following the adoption of the plan. Scenario 2 presents a phased approach, in which property owners individually redevelop their properties at different points in time. Scenario 3 presents a “master-planned” option in which the redevelopment for all properties is planned together, then built over time. Scenario 2 was generally preferred by the council.
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Year End Investment Report
- Following aggressive changes in the federal funds rates throughout 2022, there were four more 25 basis point rate increases in 2023 between February and May, bringing the total federal funds rate to a target range of 5.00% to 5.25%. Treasury yields dipped slightly in the fourth quarter. The Town’s average yield increased 98 basis points during 2023, due to early withdrawal of older low yielding CDs; investing in higher yielding short-term CDs; and the operating account yield increasing from 2% to 4.5%. The town made no changes to its investment mix during the fourth quarter and is purposely keeping a higher cash balance due to upcoming large expenditures.
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2024 CSE Second Cycle Special Event Sponsorship Allocations
- The town received 20 proposals in response to the second RFP for 2024 event sponsorship. The total budget available for all 2024 event sponsorship is $1,795,960. The total amount allocated in the first cycle was $1,093,000. The total dollar amount requested in the second cycle was $731,330. The total dollar amount allocated is proposed at $365,300. Council was supportive of the allocations.
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Contract Award with Auto Auto Wash for the Installation and Replacement of the Town's Bus Wash
- Staff requested to reappropriate funds from two projects within the Capital Fund to cover overages needed to replace the bus wash and award a contract to Auto Auto Wash. Council was supportive.
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Contract Award to Cummings Group for Timber Ridge Housing Project
- Town Manger Russell Forrest requested the Town Council’s approval to execute an agreement with Cumming Group to provide owner’s representative services focused on the infrastructure and podium costs for the Timber Ridge Housing project. The amount requested is now not to exceed $43,105. This amount is significantly lower than the original requested amount of $241,000.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- As part of the West Vail Commercial Update discussion, Ernie Christian, majority owner of Vail Das Schone and owner of Ace Hardware mentioned he is very aware of the housing issues in Vail and supplements housing for the employees of the store. He wants the council to be sure they consider the best priorities for the area, such as housing versus a walkable retail area and the costs of both.
- Rick Sackbauer mentioned a Vail Daily report indicating controversy 40 years ago regarding short term rentals. He complimented the council on their goal of bringing more local’s housing online, however he is concerned taxpayers cannot access Vail Recreation District facilities because they are already over scheduled. He is also concerned about the protection of view corridors.
- Tim McMahon asked the council to research the financial feasibility of the town taking over Vail Mountain. He also requested the town stop collecting sales tax on diapers and feminine products. Lastly, he mentioned a suicide hotline phone is now located at the Red Cliff bridge.
- Taylor Guardarian asked about a notice from the Town of Vail that could be provided to the U.S. Forest Service indicating the town is not opposed to an assessment of the West Vail Mountain. He also mentioned an energy production process that converts molecular hydrogen to hydrinos.
- Jack Bergey asked why there is not an opportunity for public comment during the afternoon Town Council sessions. He also wants to make sure the council knows what the West Vail landowners want, prior to moving forward with plans for the West Vail Mall.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest reminding the council of the upcoming strategic planning meeting on Feb. 26 and 27. A state legislative update will be presented to the Town Council on March 5. The Dobson Ice Arena remodel project team is getting numbers from general contractors on schematic design, which are coming in over budget.
Actions/Decisions
- Sitting as the VLMD, Appointed Randi Weingartner to the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council for a partial term ending Dec. 31, 2025 (6-0)
- Resolution No. 8, Approving a State of Colorado Subaward Agreement between the Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Transportation to Receive Funding for the Replacement of Two Electric Buses (7-0)
- Contract Award to Advanced Network Management, Inc. for Data Center Software Licensing (7-0)
- Contract Award to GH Daniels III and Associates, Inc. for 2024 Main Vail Roundabout Turf Grass Reduction Project (7-0)
- Holy Cross Energy Special Agreement Approval (7-0)
- Multi-Model Operational Fund E-Delivery Grant Adjustment (7-0)
- Contract Award to Drop Mobility for the Shift Bike Regional Electric Bike Share Program (7-0)
- Approved Second Reading of Ord. No. 1, Amending Section 7 of Ordinance No. 22, Series of 2023, Regarding the Effective Date of the Ordinance (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, March 5
- Vail Annual Community Meeting, March 5
- Vail Town Council Meeting, March 19
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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