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 absent)
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Reserve and Project Funding Update
- Finance Director Carlie Smith provided the Town Council with projections and some scenarios with regard to upcoming large expenditures and their impact on the town’s reserves. If projects at Timber Ridge, Dobson and Middle Creek begin this year and next occur as planned, budgeted reserves in the General Fund, Housing Fund and Capital Projects Fund will be significantly reduced. Council asked to see an additional scenario showing a staggered timeline of the projects over three years, more information on short-term financing/Certificates of Participation, and an updated analysis to ensure the town’s minimum reserves are set correctly. All members agreed Timber Ridge needs to continue as planned.
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Municipal Building Repair and Maintenance Update
- Deputy Town Manager Kathleen Halloran gave an overview of repairs and updates underway and upcoming at the town’s municipal complex at 75 S. Frontage Road. Beginning the week of May 13, some members of town staff, including the Town Manager’s Office, will relocate to offices on the P1 level of the Lionshead parking structure. Upcoming public meetings will also be moved to accommodate the work. Most significantly, Town Council meetings, Planning and Environmental Commission meetings, Design Review Board meetings, in addition to other meetings, will be relocated. Most will take place in the Grand View Room in Lionshead except when there are scheduling conflicts. High Five Media will continue to record and air meetings for public viewing at highfivemedia.org. Updates will be shared at www.vail.gov.
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Fire Free Five and Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
- Vail Fire & Emergency Services provided an update on progress made toward achieving the goals identified in the 2020 Vail Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Voluntary and incentivized actions are making a positive change, but the pace of adaptation is slow. Future insurability of properties in the town needs to be preserved. Council was supportive of exploring a requirement that short-term rentals in the town meet Fire Free Five standards.
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Private Property Drainage and Driveway Maintenance Code Update
- The Vail Town Code does not currently fully address water runoff from public roads onto private property or vice versa; nor the maintenance of private driveways within the public way. Council is supportive of staff returning with final draft language of proposed code amendments clarifying property owner responsibilities.
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Strategic Planning Update
- Town Manager Russ Forrest reminded the public and council of their work on the strategic plan so far which started at the beginning of year, and asked for any final feedback before adoption. The council was supportive of an “Environmental” heading vs. a “Governance” heading to capture several of the goals. The plan was subsequently approved during the evening meeting.
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Timber Ridge Deed Restriction Credit Discussion
- The Town Council heard a policy recommendation from the Vail Local Housing Authority, which was to not allow homeowners at the new Timber Ridge Village to receive an EHU deed restriction credit upon purchase of the homes. The rationale is that while the credit would add value to the homes, there is a limited supply of land area in the Town of Vail to build “catch up” housing. To use the land area of Timber Ridge to merely “keep up” with the current housing demand is counterproductive if the town’s objective is to increase the supply of homes and reduce the existing deficit. Council agreed with the recommendation.
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Discussion of Resolution No. 17, Approving an Amended and Restated Development Agreement between the Town of Vail and Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC
- Housing Director George Ruther gave an overview of the amended development agreement for the redevelopment of Timber Ridge Village Apartments. The project schedule anticipates construction beginning in June, with first occupancy to take place around November 2025. Council was supportive of the agreement.
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2024 Ford Park Managed Summer Parking Update
- Staff gave an update on the proposed managed summer parking plan at Ford Park. Paid parking will take place on days when events are taking place, similar to past years. There is also a carpool incentive whereby high occupancy vehicles can park for free during certain paid days.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 5, Adopting by Reference the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition
- Feedback and information gathered since the previous discussion with the Town Council has been incorporated into second reading of the proposed ordinance.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- As part of the discussion regarding town reserves, Merv Lapin asked about other financing options. In addition, he suggested the town adopt a philosophy where it proactively plans projects, then generally constructs them during economic downturns.
- Benjamin Ray from Spotsurfer introduced himself to the council.
- Keith Klesner introduced himself as a candidate running for reelection on the Holy Cross Energy board.
- Tim McMahon complimented the town on their housing efforts. He also asked why there is there still a tax on feminine products in Vail. He asked if Vail consider helping save the Family Learning Center in Edwards. He mentioned the success of a recent Speak Up, Reach Out fundraiser. He noted guests were upset that the mountain closed while they were here visiting and asked about better communication. Finally, he suggested “embarrassing” those who do not comply with EHU deed restrictions.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest indicated a letter has gone to the congressional delegation regarding the town’s concerns with the reduction of the scope of the West Vail Pass auxiliary lane project. He also gave an update on the Dobson remodel project, which will come back in front of the Town Council on June 4.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Proclamation No. 4, Wildfire Preparedness Month (6-0)
- Approved April 2 and April 16 Town Council Meeting Minutes (6-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 22, Approving an Underground Right-of-Way Easement with Holy Cross Energy (6-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Eagle Valley Events for Vail America Days (6-0)
- Approved Contract Award to J.R. Harris & Company for the Structural Assessment of the Vail Village and Lionshead Parking Structures (6-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Pinnacle Electric for Installation of Electric Charging Equipment at the Public Works Shop (6-0)
- Approved Contract Award to R&H Mechanical for the Vail Village Snowmelt Manifold Replacement Project (6-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 17, Approving an Amended and Restated Development Agreement between the Town of Vail and Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC (6-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 20, Adopting the Town of Vail Design Review Board and Planning and Environmental Commission Application Fee Schedule (6-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 21, Adopting the Town of Vail Strategic Plan (6-0)
- Approved 2024 Ford Park Managed Summer Parking Update (6-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 4, Second Reading, Rezoning a Portion of Lot 4, Middle Creek Subdivision, a Resubdivision of Tract A from General Use and Undesignated to Housing (6-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 5, Second Reading, Adopting by Reference the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition (6-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, May 21 (Note: Meeting will be held in the Grand View Room in Lionshead)
- Vail Town Council Meeting, June 4 (Note: Meeting will be held in the Grand View Room in Lionshead)
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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