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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Car Share Program Update
- Peter Krahenbuhl, Executive Director of Colorado Car Share, presented the results of a community survey and a feasibility study for a car share program in Vail. Colorado Car Share is a non-profit organization currently operating car sharing programs in Boulder, Denver, Breckenridge, Dillon, and Frisco. Council was supportive of seeing details of a pilot program with two vehicles at Middle Creek Village.
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Employee Home Ownership Program Discussion
- Staff provided an overview of the town’s current Employee Home Ownership program as well as some recommended modifications based on new requirements by the federally-controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. There is also a request from some employees to expand the 50-mile radius for property eligibility. Council members are very supportive of the program and are interested in ensuring it continues to meet the intent of helping town employees become local homeowners while also keeping money available in the rotating fund. Staff will bring back additional options based on feedback received.
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Colorado Department of Transportation Vail Pass Construction Project Update
- The Town Council heard an update on Vail Pass work completed over the summer of 2024, which included wildlife fencing, curve correction walls, water quality/sediment collection ponds along the recreation path, drainage improvements, fiber optic relocation and electric mainline installation, new bridge piers for the eastbound bridge a MM 185 (Polk Creek) and more. For the summer of 2025, work is anticipated to include avalanche mitigation, larger wildlife underpasses, additional wildlife fence installation, new girders and bridge deck at Polk Creek and removal of the old bridge, and paving the new eastbound third lane for opening by winter of 2025. In addition, the majority of work in Dowd Junction is complete. Lighting has been fixed except for on the ramps, and the variable speed limit signs are in the testing phase.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Tim McMahon reiterated his request for a police presence at the Vail Transportation Center. He asked for a smoking area outside of Dobson Ice Arena as part of the upcoming remodel. Lastly, he asked if the town would consider writing a letter to Vail Resorts.
- Jonathan Levine thanked town staff for taking time to meet with him. He questioned the constitutionality of the process of adoption for the town’s updated transportation ordinance. His concerns include the cost and operational challenges.
- Jay Jamison, president of Village Center Condo Association addressed the council regarding the Gore Creek Promenade renewal project. He has concerns with the proposed “beach area” design and size and the potential removal of trees.
- Amy Vincent lives at Village Center Condos and expressed concerns with the potential removal of several trees as part of the Gore Creek Promenade renewal project. She is also concerned with the scope of the entire plan.
- Douglas Smith thanked the town for all the hard work during the holidays. He also asked about the status of bollards in pedestrian areas in Vail.
- Rob Prechtl thanked the council for passing the short term rental ordinance on first reading. He wants to ensure town decisions continue to support housing opportunities for locals.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest thanked the sponsors of the Vail Winterfest event, which opens on Friday. Also, Travis Coggin and Reid Phillips will be the council representatives for the upcoming Trailblazer Award selection.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Dec. 3, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Dec. 17, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 1, Adopting the Town's Website as the Town's Public Posting Location (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2, First Amendment to Lease between the Town of Vail and the Children's Garden of Learning (7-0)
- Tabled Contract Award to Hallmark Inc for the Ford Park Retractable Bollard Project (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Jan. 21
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Feb. 4
- Ski with Electeds Community Sk/Snowboard Outing, Feb. 14
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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