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, Seibert, Staufer
(Phillips absent until Executive Session)
Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Update on Castle Peak Senior Center
- Shelly Cornish, Castle Peak Executive Director, gave the Town Council an update on the senior care facility. In 2014, the Town of Vail donated $200,000 to help get the facility built. Castle Peak is now in the process of updating supporters on their impact.
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Employee Housing Update
- Staff from the Housing, Human Resources and Public Works Departments gave an update on the town’s internal housing program, including rental policies and rates. The town’s program began in the 1980s and 1990s. The current rental inventory is 83 units, with 110 total number of bedrooms. On average, the town houses 85 of the town’s 380 employees, representing 22% of staff. Town Council expressed interest in a wage-based structure for rents. Favorable rents should be recognized as a big benefit for town employees. Council members also want to help employees on a path toward eventual ownership if they wish, and supporting employees purchasing homes where they want. Next steps include analyzing current and future internal employee housing needs, establishing a goal for employee housing, and determining potential solutions for managing the increased demand to bring back for council consideration.
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Art in Public Places Artist Studio Project Update
- The Town Council heard an update on the Artist in Residency studio project. Staff is requesting permission to negotiate a sole source contract for construction without going out to bid due to concerns that with the small scope of the project, attracting a qualified contractor for construction will be difficult. Staff is also concerned with complicated logistics due to site constraints including the location and size in addition to the sensitivity of constructing a project in the middle of the lower bench of Ford Park during the town’s busy fall schedule. While understanding the constraints, Town Council was not comfortable with the approach and is requiring the project go out for competitive bid.
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Safe Passages for Wildlife Project Update
- Julia Kintsch from the Safe Passages for Wildlife presented an overview of the proposed I-70 East Vail Pass Wildlife Crossings Project, which proposes three new wildlife crossings in Summit County along the interstate corridor. The effort is currently focused on fundraising and final design to make the project shovel ready.
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Resolution No. 35, Approving the Second Amendment and Restated Development Agreement between the Town of Vail and Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC
- The Timber Ridge Redevelopment Committee was tasked with negotiating an amended development agreement with Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC, based upon the input and direction received from the Vail Town Council. The most significant change is the approach to the development deal structure where the Town of Vail will fund the first $40,523,046 of total development cost. The remainder of the total development cost is funded by the Lender. The repayment structure of this “seed money” will not change. Town Council was supportive.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- There was no public comment.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest reported that Fourth of July safety measures were very successful. Also, Governor Polis will visit Vail on July 25 to celebrate a grant award toward the town’s Civic Area Geothermal Heating District.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Resolution No. 36, Purchase of Homestake at Vail Unit A305 (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 37, Mutual Release of Restrictive Covenant between the Town of Vail and Freiburg Snow LLC (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 38, Municipal Judge Services Agreement (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 35, Second Amendment and Restated Development
Agreement between the Town of Vail and Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance No. 8, Second Reading, Second Budget Supplemental of 2024 (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Aug. 6
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Aug. 20
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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