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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Biennial Community Survey Results
- The Town of Vail Community Survey is conducted every other year and includes both an invitation version mailed to Vail households, and an open link survey available to anyone interested in providing feedback to the town. Staff and RRC Associates provided a high-level overview of the results garnered through the statistically valid invitation survey. Responses are used to evaluate town services and gauge interest in and support for council priorities and community initiatives. Full results and comments will be available soon at vail.gov.
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Vail Destination Marketing Organization Discussion
- Council heard a presentation on a recommended reorganization of Vail’s current Economic Development Department and evolution of the department into a comprehensive Destination Marketing Organization. Council was supportive of the overall direction, next steps include development of a refined structure and additional information on lodging taxes for marketing and promotion that exist in other communities.
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Vail America Days Update
- This week’s activities include a full day of fun on July 4, including the traditional parade in the morning, live music and the patriotic concert in the afternoon and evening fireworks. Visit discovervail.com/4th for details.
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Financial Reserves Policy Review
- Finance Director Carlie Smith reminded the council of three upcoming large capital projects over the same two- to three-year time span which will require a mix of financing and use of reserves. The town’s current reserve policy is 35% of General Fund revenues, which equates to approximately $22 million or about 3.7 months of the town’s operating expenditures. A comparison with similar communities shows the town generally inline with reserve levels. Council asked for more information on the lift tax calculation and how those revenues perform as far as covering parking and transportation costs, which is the intent. Council also asked about a minimum reserve for the RETT Fund. Additional discussions will take place as part of the upcoming budget process.
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Civic Area Plan Update
- During a previous meeting with the Town Council, members asked for a focus on the Municipal Building site. Staff presented the current preferred alternative for programming on the municipal site and asked Council for input. Next steps include refining the plan for the municipal site in response to additional feedback from Council; meeting with the Civic Area Plan taskforce to share the revised project scope and ask for input; and holding a public engagement workshop to share the conceptual model for the municipal site and identify the highest priority needs of the community for incorporation into future studies of the civic hub site.
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Adoption of the GoVail 2045 Mobility & Transportation Master Plan
- The master plan updates suggested traffic, transit, mobility, and parking improvements to better accommodate current and future transportation needs within and around Vail. The final draft of the plan was unanimously approved by the PEC. Council has had several presentations on the plan and is very supportive.
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Second Budget Supplemental Budget of 2024
- Staff presented the second supplemental budget of 2024, which will change the town’s 2024 expenditure budget by a total of approximately $2.45 million across several town funds. The majority of the changes relate to reimbursements, grants received and re-appropriations from 2023 to 2024 of expenses already approved.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Jonathon Czarny from HighFive Media announced the station will be live streaming the Vail America Days parade on July 4 for those who can’t attend in person. Watch on their website and social media channels. highfivemedia.org
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest informed the Council that discussions with event promoter AEG indicated their strong interest in bringing events to an updated Dobson Arena. The town is continuing to look for savings in the RETT Fund, it does not appear that a wildlife crossing in Dowd Junction will happen soon. He asked about Council’s interest in hearing a presentation on the proposed Vail Pass wildlife underpass.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved the June 4, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved the June 18, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 32, Contract Amendment Number Three Between the Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Administration (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 34, Imposing a Juvenile Curfew and Special Event District on July 4 (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Hallmark Inc. for the Bridge Scour Countermeasures Project (7-0)
- Adopted the GoVail 2045 Mobility & Transportation Master Plan (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance No. 8, First Reading, Second Budget Supplemental of 2024
(7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail America Days Parade, July 4
- Vail Town Council Meeting, July 16 (Note: Meeting location TBD depending on the progress of Town of Vail Municipal Building repairs)
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Aug. 6
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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