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 (Davis left the meeting after the Dobson Ice Arena project discussion)
Evening: No Meeting Due to the Annual Community Meeting
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Dobson Ice Arena Remodel Project and Contractor Procurement Update
- The Town Council heard an update on the RFP/General Contractor procurement process, the results of the initial budgets contractors provided to staff, and program options that the team is currently investigating. All general contractor proposals came in substantially over budget. With those numbers, the project team began to review ways to amend the program and bring the project back to the preliminary budget. After a robust discussion, council was comfortable allowing staff to negotiate with Hyder Construction regarding a contract to bring them on as the general contractor. Staff will also come back in 6 to 8 weeks with refined potential program budgets and options.
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Art in Public Places Art in Residency Project Update
- Staff updated the Town Council on the Artist in Residency (AIR) program and asked for direction on the funding shortfall of the AIR building. Council agreed to allow savings from 2023 to be used for the project and these funds will be reappropriated in the first budget supplemental.
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Go Vail 2045: Mobility and Transportation Master Plan MP and Schedule
- Over the last 18 months, the Go Vail 2045 team has been reviewing existing conditions, analyzing data, developing mobility concepts, taking public feedback, and drafting the master plan document. The draft plan is now available on engagevail.com for public review and comment, along with an online storyboard which focuses on the highlights of the plan. Staff will be seeking Town Council feedback at the next two meetings prior to presenting the master plan to the Planning and Environmental Commission. The plan is anticipated to be adopted by Town Council in May.
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Updated Housing Policy Statement Recommendations
- The Vail Local Housing Authority proposed updates to the adopted housing policy statements, with the purpose being to update and reaffirm support of the Town’s housing goals and expectations; express which methods the town and its partners will pursue to achieve the adopted housing goal of acquiring 1,000 new deed restrictions by the year 2027; inform decision making that results in the implementation of housing solutions; articulate the important role of housing in addressing the economic and environmental sustainability of the Vail community; and ensure that there is an adequate supply across the entire continuum of housing near employment, transportation, and community facilities, such as schools. Staff will incorporate council feedback and will return with a resolution adopting the updated policy statements.
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Snowmelt Repair Contract Award and Change Order Approval
- Town staff recommended the town manage the next phase of the snowmelt repair project due to its success taking this approach last season. Council was supportive and approved entering into a Time and Material contract with Ewing Trucking and Construction for excavation, and a change order to R&H Mechanical’s existing Time and Material contract. (6-0)
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Meeting with State Senator Dylan Roberts and State Representative Meghan Lukens
- State Representative Meghan Lukens and State Senator Dylan Robers gave an update on the Colorado 2024 legislative session currently underway. The session is approximately at its halfway point. A number of bills are potentially of interest to Vail and other mountain communities.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- As part of the Dobson Ice Arena Remodel project discussion, Bob Armour, chair of the Vail Recreation District board, asked that the council ensure locker rooms are included in whatever program is pursued.
- As part of the Dobson Ice Arena Remodel project discussion, Merv Lapin expressed concerns with the amount of money the town will spend on temporary facilities while the redevelopment or renovations are underway. He mentioned potential downvalley opportunities for a new permanent facility.
- As part of the Dobson Ice Arena Remodel project discussion, Alison Wadey, executive director of the Vail Chamber and Business Association, asked that upcoming improvements at Dobson include a better way for the transition between ice and event flooring. She also mentioned the urgent need for better locker room facilities.
- As part of the Dobson Ice Arena Remodel project discussion, Laurie Mullen, chair of the Friends of Dobson group, asked the council to make sure they get it right, and that decisions are made that allow for all uses and users of the facility including both locals and guests.
- Merv Lapin clarified why the town is not getting the benefit of interest on money in its TIFF fund, as the town is benefitting in other ways. He also expressed concerns with the town being involved in housing that subsidizes Vail Resorts or other large employers, with the exception of teachers. He also wants to make sure housing deed restrictions cannot go away without a public vote.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest mentioned a letter is being drafted to Colorado Gov. Polis regarding a potential change to the West Vail auxiliary lane project. The town is concerned that a portion of the project will not be completed due to rising costs. He also mentioned event producer AEG is willing to send their technical producer to Dobson Ice Arena to provide suggestions and feedback on how to make the venue work for future events.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved the Feb. 6, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (5-0, Coggin abstained)
- Approved the Feb. 20, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (6-0)
- Resolution No. 9, Approving a State of Colorado Subaward Agreement between the Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Transportation to Receive Funding for the Purchase of Charging Infrastructure & Workforce Training (6-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, March 19
- Vail Town Council Meeting, April 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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