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, Staufer (Seibert absent) Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Staufer (Phillips and Seibert absent)
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Council Budget Retreat
- Finance Director Carlie Smith presented a budget preview to the Town Council as a kick-off to the 2025 budget process. Discussions included ways to pay for upcoming large projects, including the construction of Timber Ridge Village and the Dobson Ice Arena remodel, while also ensuring adequate reserves. A full capital project discussion will take place in October. Staff also presented an economic outlook, high-level revenue and expenditure projections, and confirmed the town’s budget philosophies. A draft budget incorporating feedback from today’s session as well as additional upcoming meetings will come before the Council on Nov. 5, with the first and second readings of the budget adoption ordinance scheduled for November and December, respectively.
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VLMD - Destination Marketing Organization Update
- Sitting as the Vail Local Marketing District, members heard a follow up from the July 2 presentation to Town Council where the Economic Development Department and SMG Consulting provided a proposal to reorganize Vail’s tourism organization structure. As proposed, the draft resolution will authorize the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council to provide strategic policy direction for the town’s destination marketing efforts, as managed by the Economic Development Department. The department will continue to live within the Town of Vail structure and will be renamed the Tourism and Economic Development Department. After questions regarding the structure of the advisory council were addressed, Council was supportive and the resolution will be on an upcoming council agenda.
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Energy Performance Contract Discussion
- Council heard background information on an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) on the evening consent agenda for the completion of an investment grade audit for town and Vail Recreation District facilities. Energy performance contracting is a model for funding and implementing capital improvement upgrades, which allows entities to use future utility and other cost savings to fund projects. Staff will be working with the McKinstry to conduct the audit portion of the energy performance contract over the next 8 to 12 months and return with a proposed package of efficiency measures for Council to consider.
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Gore Creek Promenade Project Update
- The Gore Creek Promenade Park, located along Gore Creek in Vail Village, has been in need of repairs and improvements for several years. Some features, including the turf area, are showing significant wear. Staff presented a design development process for the Gore Creek Promenade Renewal project and asked to move forward with hiring a landscape architectural firm and a stream health expert to assist with the development of a comprehensive site plan and turf management plan. Money is already allocated in the 2024 budget and Council was supportive.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 10, Rezoning Lot 3, Block 3, Bighorn Subdivision 3rd Addition from Residential Cluster (RC) to Community Housing-1 (CH-1)
- Wiggins LLC is requesting a zone district boundary amendment, to allow the rezoning of 4355 Bighorn Road, Bighorn Subdivision 3rd Addition, Block 3, Lot 3, from the Residential Cluster (RC) District to the Community Housing 1 (CH-1) District. This property would be the first to be zoned CH-1 which among other things, allows for construction on slopes of 40% or greater in return for deed-restricted local homes. The Planning and Environmental Commission forwarded a unanimous recommendation of approval to the Vail Town Council. The Council was enthusiastically supportive.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Douglas Smith indicated is hearing a lot of compliments from guests on the flowers in town. He also thanked the town for safety measures implemented during Fourth of July celebrations. He raised concerns regarding speeding near Altus Vail and by company trucks on Vail Mountain. Finally, he asked about the possibility of banning gas powered lawn equipment in town.
- Gregg Cooper introduced himself as a candidate for county commissioner.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest reported that staff looked into a trash enclosure on Chamonix Lane per council request and it is conforming.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved July 2, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (5-0)
- Approved July 16, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (5-0)
- Approved July 23, 2024 Town Council Special Meeting Minutes (5-0)
- Approved Contract Award to McKinstry for an Investment Grade Audit (5-0)
- Approved Contract Award to NICX Construction for East Vail Bus Shelters (5-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 10, First Reading, Rezoning Lot 3, Block 3, Bighorn Subdivision 3rd Addition from Residential Cluster (RC) to Community Housing-1 (CH-1) (5-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Aug. 20
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Sept. 3
- Vail Social Community Potluck, Sept. 10
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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