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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Use of Town Property Discussion
- Staff receives hundreds of requests each year from the public to use town-owned land. The majority of requests are for use of the public road right-of-way for utility work, construction access and staging, driveway access and landscaping. There are also requests to use other town-owned land such as open space and stream tract. There is currently no formal policy regarding the use of town land, so staff is asking for feedback and direction. Council is supportive of a simple policy that continues the permitting of town right-of-way for typical construction use but does not allow the use of open space or stream tract for construction use or access. Staff will return with a draft.
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Town Manager’s Draft Budget
- A draft of the proposed 2025 budget was presented with conservative revenue projections, a balanced operating budget, and funding for priorities within the Town Council’s focus areas. It also includes the use of reserves to fund one-time planning projects, contributions and capital projects. The town’s 2025 budget will be funded by a projected $132.8 million of net revenue across all funds. Excluding one-time revenues, net revenues total $103.5 million, a 3.6% decrease from the 2024 forecast and a 1.6% decrease from 2023 actuals due to a projected decrease in investment earnings along with a decrease in grant funding. Across all funds, 2025 net expenditures are proposed at $158.5 million. Council feedback, including some changes to council contributions and comments regarding the Dobson remodel project, will be incorporated into the upcoming budget ordinance. The first reading is scheduled for Nov. 19.
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Single Hauler Draft Request for Proposals Discussion
- Council reviewed a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a single waste hauler system for residential properties in Vail as the town considers the municipalization of solid waste and recycling management. Overarching objectives include increasing public health and safety, achieving environmental goals, improving the resident and guest experience and achieving cost efficiencies for the community. Town Council is supportive of issuing an RFP with a clarification regarding future vs. current needs and with safety and savings among the top priorities.
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Short Term Rental Discussion
- Staff presented an overview of the town’s existing short-term rental licensing fee as well as potential changes to those fees, potential registration limits and potential ownership time limitations. Council was supportive of an increase in STR fees based on the economic nexus study conducted in 2021/2022. Staff will return with an ordinance for consideration.
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Municipal Judge Update
- Town of Vail Municipal Judge Buck Allen gave the Town Council an overview of court procedures and an update on potential changes within the court system.
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Mountain Standard Permission to Proceed
- The owner of Mountain Standard restaurant is requesting permission for permanent, year-round use of town property. The applicant currently has a lease on town right-of-way to use the space as a patio for dining during summer months. The patio area has a covering that includes a metal frame structure which currently is required to be taken down during the winter. The applicant is requesting permission to leave the frame of the structure up year-round. Council was supportive of the request if the area is utilized as a public amenity, subject to a regular review.
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Vail Gymnastics HVAC Project Budget
- The Vail Recreation District is requesting to bring forward funds from the 2026 budget for a new air conditioning unit at the Vail Gymnastics Center budgeted in the Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund. The VRD is requesting to move forward $196,685 from the 2026 budget originally planned for the tennis court retaining walls and re-appropriate $295,410 currently included in the 2024 budget for the golf course maintenance building fencing. Council expressed concerns with the way the request was brought forward and that only one vendor responded to the RFP, but was ultimately supportive. These changes will be reflected in the third budget supplemental of 2024.
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Discussion of Ordinance No. 15, Major Amendment to Special Development District No. 4, Vail Cascade
- The applicant is requesting a major amendment to Special Development District No. 4 Cascade Village, to allow for the development of a mixed-use project on the property known as the Cornerstone site, located at 1276 Westhaven Drive. The Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission forwarded a recommendation of denial to the Town Council, citing concerns with height, mass, scale and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Council feedback was that while they are excited about the opportunity for the area to be redeveloped, the project as proposed is too large and does not include enough public benefit. Council would also like to see more cooperation and engagement with the surrounding neighbors. The applicant asked for a tabling until Dec. 3.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Tim McMahon asked about the status of removing sales taxes on feminine products and diapers in the Town of Vail. He also asked about the possibility of enacting STR regulations that prohibit their use for employee housing. Lastly, he related another incident at the Vail Transportation Center with a belligerent person in the bus waiting area and asked about an increased police presence in the evenings.
- Bob Armour mentioned the proliferation of signs in town. By his count, there are 136 in the West Vail roundabouts.
- Amad Akkad asked about any plans for increased security or police presence in town at night.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Tim McMahon asked how many jobs would be created and how many employee housing units would be built.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Scott Wagner expressed disappointment with communication from the applicant. The metro district is not happy with the proposed 50-foot escalator and is also concerned about maintenance access, drop off, and ice and snow removal. The public benefits are lacking.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Jamie Lipnick reiterated the metro district does not have an MOU and would like more notice when a project comes before Town Council. She believes the proposal is too large.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Lorenza Chico stated the project is excessively tall and blocks the view and sun. She also expressed concerns with access for firetrucks and trash trucks.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Kim Seter, attorney for Cascade Village Metro District, expressed concerns with the elimination of an access road shown in the staff report.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, David Foster, land use counsel for owners within Liftside, expressed the timing of this hearing has been frustrating. He believes there has not been adequate notice. He also reiterated issues raised regarding the compatibility of the proposed height.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest added to his report that Dobson pricing is expected to come in around Thanksgiving. Also, he confirmed the Council was supportive of the town looking for help developing a protocol for naming rights.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Proclamation No. 7, Colorado Gives Day (7-0)
- Approved Oct. 1, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (6-0, Biszantz abstained)
- Approved Oct. 15, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (6-0, Biszantz abstained)
- Approved Resolution No. 50, First Amendment to Agreement Relating to Development Agreement and Town Financial Contribution between the Town of Vail, Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC and First Bank (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 51, First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Development Agreement between the Town of Vail and Triumph Timber Ridge, LLC (7-0)
- Approved Mountain Standard Permission to Proceed (6-1, Staufer against)
- Approved Vail Gymnastics HVAC Project Budget Request (4-3, Biszantz, Davis and Staufer against)
- Tabled Ord. No. 15, Major Amendment to Special Development District No. 4, Vail Cascade, Cornerstone Property (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Nov. 19
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Dec. 3
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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