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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Cascade Area A Discussion
- The Vail Town Council is being asked to collaborate in the creation of a development plan for the redevelopment of Development Area A, Cascade Village. The group looking to redevelop the area is requesting the Town Council adopt an overall development plan for this area that articulates redevelopment goals and objectives, prescribes a process and an estimated timeline for completion, and provides a framework for what has been deemed beneficial for the Vail community. Council liked to the objectives that were laid out by the applicant and agreed to the need to redevelop the area but with the qualification that in revising the zoning for long term success and vibrancy, there needs to be community focused services like what made the location successful in the past. There is concern around the aggressiveness of the timeline and the need to engage with partners including the metro district and Vail Resorts as well as the public in the process. The applicant is taking the feedback and returning with a resolution for council to consider at the Dec. 17 meeting.
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Lot 10 Discussion
- The purpose of this discussion was to review project goals, design drivers, and concept options for Lot 10 and discuss next steps for this project. Lot 10 is a small town-owned parcel located on West Meadow Drive between Vail Health and Dobson Ice Arena and is included within the Civic Area Plan study area. The master plan recommendations include involving the community and neighboring property owners in the design of the park, coordinating with the Evergreen Lodge redevelopment and identifying alternate accessible parking for patrons of the Vail Public Library and staff. The latest planning and design concepts relate to the portion of the parcel north of West Meadow Drive. Following the incorporation of feedback provided during a presentation June, Council is supportive of the updated proposed designs and approved moving forward with the agreement.
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Gore Creek Promenade Design Concepts Follow Up Discussion
- Staff provided a revised design for the Gore Creek Promenade Renewal project based on feedback from their Nov. 19 presentation to Town Council, as well as feedback received from and business owners. In general, the updated concept provides new gathering spaces at the west end of the park and improves gathering spaces at the east end of the park to help spread use through the area; uses durable surfaces in many locations while also providing functional turf areas that can be properly managed for turf health; offers several access points to Gore Creek; and also includes native stream bank vegetation along much of the stream frontage and creates shade and provides a range of seating opportunities to improve “linger time.” Council was supportive of the revised design and staff will return in January with revisions and answers to council’s comments and questions.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Jonathan Levine of Vail Black Car says there is a problem with the transportation ordinance and that not being allowed in certain areas, especially in the evening, creates unsafe conditions. Didn’t feel that they were communicated with or notified of the ordinance change in advance.
- As part of the Cascade Area A discussion, Scott Wagner, the president of the Cascade Village Metro District and a resident, commented that they were eager to work together but felt that they had not been given the opportunity. He answered some of council’s questions regarding who manages what elements in the neighborhood, including that the metro district pays for lift to operate. He expressed concern around infrastructure that needs to be updated before Cornerstone could be built as well as concern around the height of the proposed building.
- As part of the Cascade Area A discussion, Cascade resident Lorenza Chico stated the project is excessively tall and blocks the view and sun. As part of the Cornerstone discussion, she asked that they respect the balance between progress and the wellbeing of those that live there. She also expressed concern around how many times the plans had been proposed and the same feedback given but that the plans still had not been altered.
- As part of the Cascade Area A discussion, Jeff Babb of Vail Resorts stated that Vail Resorts does not own any land in the area and operates the lift under an agreement with the metro district.
- As part of the Ordinance Amending Vail Town Code Concerning Sales Tax Exceptions for Essential Hygiene Products, Tim McMahon aka “Chicken Man” of Avon acknowledged that Vail resident Marrit Zoll brought the issue to his attention nearly a year before and inspired his push to get the ordinance passed.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest promoted the upcoming Town of Vail holiday party. He also proposed Jan. 8 – 11 or 12 – 16 for a potential council visit to Whistler to analyze the civic area, portals, mountain improvements and vibrancy.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Vail Reinvestment Authority Budget (7-0)
- Approved Nov. 5, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Nov. 19, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Proclamation No. 08, Dec. 18 "Who Vail Day" (7-0)
- Approved Proclamation No. 09, Callum Edward "Ralph" Stober Day (6-0, Biszantz abstained)
- Approved Contract Award to East West Partners for West Lionshead Master Plan
(7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to ProPhoenix for Public Safety Software (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 23, First Reading, Third Budget Supplemental Appropriation of 2024 with Amendments (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 17, Second Reading, Amending Title 7 of the Vail Town Code Regarding Pedestrian Mall Areas and Loading Docks in the Town (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 18, Second Reading, Adopting a Budget and Financial Plan and Making Appropriations to Pay the Costs, Expenses, and Liabilities of the Town of Vail, Colorado, for its Fiscal Year (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 19, Second Reading, An Ordinance Providing for the Levy Assessment and Collection of Town Ad Valorem Property Taxes Due for the 2024 Tax Year and Payable in the 2025 Fiscal Year (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 20, Second Reading, An Ordinance Amending Section 2-8-13 of the Vail Town Code Concerning Use Tax Refunds (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 21, Second Reading, Ordinance Amending Sections 4-1-2 and 4-1-3 of the Vail Town Code Regarding Business Licenses (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 22, Second Reading, Ordinance Amending Sections 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3-6 of the Vail Town Code Concerning Sales Tax Exceptions for Essential Hygiene Products (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Village Tree Lighting, Dec. 8
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Dec. 17
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Jan. 7
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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