Vail Town Council Meeting Highlights from Dec. 17

Town of Vail, Colorado sent this bulletin at 12/20/2024 08:45 AM MST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Vail Town Council Meeting Highlights

Dec. 17, 2024

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

West Middle Creek Update
- Town staff, as well as representatives from the developer and financing partners, provided the Town Council with an update on the West Middle Creek Apartments including current construction budget, pro-forma estimates, a proposed financing structure and timeline. Financing for the $161.5 million project is attainable under the recommended financing model; however, it is unique for the town’s size. In addition, this project cannot be financed under the current interest rate environment without the town issuing debt and subsidizing a portion of future debt service payments. Council was in agreement with the approach. Next steps for the project include obtaining final guaranteed pricing and building permits; creation of a non-profit for West Middle Creek; and authorization of debt to allow for site work to begin in spring 2025.

Cascade Area A Discussion
- The Vail Town Council heard a follow-up and received answers to questions raised during a previous discussion regarding the creation of a redevelopment plan for Cascade Village Area A. Communication challenges are ongoing between the group looking to redevelop the area and the larger neighborhood. Council has given high-level direction on public benefits they would like to see. Tonight’s resolution has been withdrawn as the plan continues to be developed.
Short Term Rental Ordinance Discussion
- During previous discussions, Town Council expressed interest in an increase in STR fees to financially support community housing projects and programs versus managing STRs with zoning, limits or ownership time requirements. The afternoon’s presentation summarized a draft ordinance amending the STR code with the additional of an annual $1,000 per sleeping area fee for STRs. Council feedback on the draft ordinance included discussion on the fee amount, on a potential annual inflationary increase, and on the proposed primary residence exemption. Council was supportive of creating a new annual renewal date for the STR program and implementing a no-show fee for fire department inspections. Council also expressed interest in hearing public input in the evening prior to making final decisions. In the evening, staff presented the ordinance with options based on the afternoon discussion. Council approved first reading with a per sleeping area fee of $1,200 and asked that second reading be scheduled for the second meeting in January.
Dobson Ice Arena Update
- The project team provided Town Council with a review of the design and program for the Dobson Ice Arena remodel now that it has gone through the Planning and Environmental Commission and Design Review Board process. Council also heard an update on the budget. Council gave approval for the project to proceed to final construction plan development, building permit application and final contractor solicitation to prepare for a spring construction start.
Texas Townhomes No. 1 Permission to Proceed
- Texas Townhomes No. 1, located at 483 Gore Creek Drive, is requesting temporary construction access on Tract A, Vail Village Filing 5 on the Town of Vail stream tract. The request would allow for four months of construction access, from April 30 to September 5, 2025, related to a redevelopment project at Unit 1, immediately to the east of the stream tract. As part of a previous PEC approval, the existing decks constructed on Tract A would be removed with this project. Council gave permission to proceed with conditions.
2810 Aspen Court Permission to Proceed
- A redevelopment project has been approved for construction at 2810 Aspen Court. The contractor is requesting the use of the adjacent stream tract for temporary dewatering while excavating and construction the foundation and basement of the proposed duplex. This request is for the installation and subsequent removal of a temporary 6” dewatering pipe that would lie on top of the existing ground under the Nordic Track for up to four months, approximately Jan. 6 to April 22, 2025. Council gave permission to proceed.
Discussion on Ord. No. 23, Third Budget Supplemental of 2024
- Staff provided an overview of changes that are now included in the third supplemental since the first reading of Ord. No. 23 on Dec. 3. Council was supportive.

Actions as a Result of Executive Session

There were no actions as a result of executive session.

Public Comment

Mark Gordon thanked the Town Council for moving forward with the West Lionshead planning process. He asked for a total cost for the Booth Heights parcel.
Robert Rosen, member of the Cascade Village Metro District, commented on the proposed redevelopment of Cascade Area A. He indicated the ticket office and stairs were built and are owned by the metro district, and the construction, operation and maintenance of Chair 20 was and is also paid for by the metro district. He also said no communication has occurred from the developer.
Lorenza Chico, representing Liftside Condominiums and speaking in regard to the Cascade Village redevelopment proposal, said the residents’ concerns are not being addressed.
Janie Lipnick of the Cascade Village Metro District expressed concerns with the lack of communication from the developer of Cascade Area A.
Scott Wagner of the Cascade Village Metro District says he did hear from the developer yesterday; however, the board has to notice any meeting in advance to be able to have a larger discussion. Also, he expressed ongoing issues with the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the property under the current owner/operator.
Mr. Miguel, an owner at Liftside expressed concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of Cascade Area A.
Tim McMahon reiterated a request he has made at previous council meetings regarding a police or other security presence at the Vail Transportation Center.
Kate Grattan, new General Manager of the Sebastian, said the removal of the drop-off location at Hanson Ranch Road had negatively affected their guests’ experience.
Carlos Cardenas thanked the Town Council and PEC for their approach to the proposed redevelopment of Cascade Area A. He has concerns with many aspects of the proposal.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Mark Gordon thanked the Town Council for recognizing the importance of STRs to Vail. He thinks a better option is to raise the lodging tax or other solutions. He also said any fee needs to be low enough to not negatively affect the economy of STRs, and any exemption for full-time residents should be expanded to include part-time residents.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Robyn Smith reminded the group that at least 12 meetings have been held on this topic since 2021. She is supportive of new fees on STRs.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Todd Mossa, General Manager of the Wren, expressed concerns with the fairness of the proposed fees and their negative affect on the rental operations at that property. He says all properties in town are not equal and these fees will disproportionately negatively affect properties like his.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Townsend Bessent supports an increase in fees and an exemption for full-time residents.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Allie Yazel is in support of STR fees to help support housing initiatives.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Tyler Cherney is in support of an STR fee increase.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Kim Rediker, General Manager at Vail Racquet Club, indicated the property is in support of housing initiatives but has concerns with these fees being unfair. The Racquet Club provides their own employee housing. She also asked for clarification of the term “sleeping area” as written in the ordinance.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Lindsea Stowe is in support of an STR fee increase.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Clare Hefferren is in support of an STR fee increase.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Julie Weihaupt expressed concerns with the STRs that are now in her complex. They are second homes and are now commercial, revenue generating units. She is in favor of increased STR fees.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, John Rediker asked for the STR nexus study to be posted publicly.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Mike Lang, General Manager of Lion Square Lodge, said increasing the lodging tax is a more equitable solution to funding housing initiatives.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Erin Ridgely asked about the validity of the nexus study used to determine the proposed fees, as it was finalized in 2022.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Jonathan Reap said he understood the need to support affordable housing efforts but also thinks there is a different way to approach solutions without these fees.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Erica DeLongpre says she has seen how STRs have affected Vail negatively. She says they have driven up housing prices and she is in support of increased fees.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Richard Mason, a resident of Summit County, is studying these types of fees. He says the EPS study does not tie the nexus of STRs to higher housing costs in Vail.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Ali Kelkenberg is in support of an STR fee increase.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Steve Lindstrom of the Vail Local Housing Authority spoke in support of increased STR fees.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Jackie Baker says she rents her part-time residence in order to be able to visit Vail, and any increased fees will disproportionately affect single unit owners.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Andreas Harl said it has become nearly impossible for new people to find places to live. He is in support of increased fees with some changes or possible exceptions.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Ben Finn says he is not against fees on STRs; however, he thinks there is a disconnect between this fee and the availability long term rentals.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Stephen Connolly says the people who run these rentals have been left out of the decision-making. He believes that caps on STRs would be appropriate. He asked for additional discussion.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, CJ Lintner spoke in support of increased fees on STRs and thinks the proposed fees are on the low side.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Tim McMahon spoke in support of increased fees on STRs.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, JJ Schoonover spoke in support of finding other housing solutions rather than raising STR fees.
As part of the Short Term Rental Ordinance discussion, Rob Prechtl said the proposed fees are a small step toward providing needed housing solutions.

Town Manager Report

The date for the town’s annual community meeting was announced as March 25, 2025.

Actions/Decisions

Sitting as the Vail Reinvestment Authority, Approved Resolution No. 3, Second Supplemental Budget of 2024 (7-0)
Sitting as the Vail Local Marketing District, Appointed Molly Bond, Esmarie Faessler, Sarah Franke and Douglas Kessler to Two-Year Terms on the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council (7-0)
Approved Resolution No. 56, Intergovernmental Agreement for the Funding of the Eagle County Victim Services Unit (7-0)
Resolution No. 57, Adopting an Opportunity Statement and Goals for Future Redevelopment of Cascade 'Area A' - WITHDRAWN
Approved Contract Award to 4240 Architecture for Vail Transportation Center Expansion Planning and Design (7-0)
Approved Ord. No. 24, First Reading, Amending the Vail Town Code to Establish Impact Fees for Short-Term Rentals (7-0)
Approved Final Project Program, Design, Alternates and Budget for the Dobson Ice Arena Remodel (7-0)
Approved Texas Townhomes No. 1 Permission to Proceed with Conditions (7-0)
Approved 2810 Aspen Court Permission to Proceed (6-1, Staufer against)
Approved Ord. No. 23, Second Reading, Third Budget Supplemental Appropriation of 2024 (7-0)

Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities

Vail Town Council Meeting, Jan. 7
Vail Town Council Meeting, Jan. 21

Resources

Vail Town Council Meeting Agenda & Materials
Vail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Sign up to receive Meeting Agendas and other Announcements
Watch the Meetings on High Five Access Media
Contact the Town Council at towncouncil@vail.gov
Visit the Town of Vail website at vail.gov for additional topics

The Vail Town Council meets the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Join us for public comment at 6 p.m. Public hearing and comment opportunities are also noted on the agendas.

Follow Town of Vail on Social Media