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
-
Parking Infrastructure Discussion
- The Town Council took a tour of the Vail Transportation Center and heard an update on the recently completed structural assessment of the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures. The Vail Village structure is 50 years old and the Lionshead structure is 45 years old; the expected life of a parking structure is 50 years. Although the two structures are near the end of their expected life, they are not in disrepair and could be usable for many more years with a robust maintenance program and fixes to deficiencies before they become more severe. Council was supportive of awarding a design contract to JR Harris for the high priority projects identified in the assessment and pricing 2025 structural repairs.
-
Summer Managed Parking Discussion
- Staff presented an update on the discussions with Parking and Mobility Task Force regarding summer parking operations and asked Town Council if a managed summer parking program recommendation should be developed. As discussed during the previous item, an estimated $12.42 million in capital structural repairs to the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures is needed to keep those facilities operational and in good repair. Council would like to hear a variety of options that potentially support employees, encourage visitation from down valley locals, possibly include charges for weekends only, and/or other ideas that could help ease the community into what could be a difficult change. Staff will return with recommendations, with a decision expected by the beginning of April.
-
Vail Transportation Center Expansion Planning & Design Project Presentation
- The Town of Vail has contracted with the 4240 Architecture Inc. team to complete the planning and design of a future expansion of the Vail Transportation Center. Growth of transit uses at the center has exceeded current capacity during peak season and is anticipated to grow further with the success of Core Transit, the expansion of Bustang, and the success and expansion of Town of Vail transit services. This session kicks off phase one of the project which includes reconfirming the Mobility & Transportation Master Plan goals and needs for the Vail Transportation Center; identifying additional design opportunities that create a sense of arrival and gateway into Vail Village; and reengaging critical stakeholders and the public to receive input, comments, and ideas regarding the project. Staff is scheduled to be back in front of the Town Council in March.
-
Non-Profit Housing Corporation Formation Discussion
- The next step for moving the West Middle Creek housing development forward is to form a non-profit corporation via ordinance, which is on the Town Council’s evening agenda. The corporation will be the entity that contracts with the developer, Corum Real Estate; issues the Housing Revenue Bonds; and then oversees the operations. Staff proposes that the non-profit corporation be named “Vail Home Partners,” the name of the already existing collaborative partnership between the Vail Local Housing Authority and the Town of Vail. As proposed, board seats for the new corporation would include the Town of Vail Deputy Town Manager, Town of Vail Finance Director, Town of Vail Housing Director, Town of Vail Public Works Director and a Vail Local Housing Authority representative. In the evening, council asked about a potentially different make up to the board. Council approved first reading of Ord. 1 and could consider a change to the board structure during second reading.
-
Discussion on Ord. No. 24, Regulatory Fees for Short-Term Rentals
- Given current discussions around Ord. 24, Finance Director Carlie Smith presented information on a potential excise tax on short-term rentals rather than the previously contemplated fees. Examples from other jurisdictions illustrated how an excise tax could allow for more flexibility based on property type than a flat fee. Town Council directed staff to return with a draft ballot question and let Ord. 24 die. Public input was still taken.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Tim McMahon asked for a police presence at the Vail Transportation Center, at a minimum at night and when the I-70 is closed. He also indicated the bike trail through Dowd Junction is wide enough for passenger vehicles. Finally, he questioned the results that might be gained from the EHU credit resolution that passed at the last meeting.
- Jonathan Levine is asking for a response and a meeting regarding his concerns on the town’s transportation ordinance.
- Rob Prechtl encouraged getting to solutions by having hard conversations and keeping a level head.
- Mark Gordon thanked the staff for sharing information on the cost of Booth Heights. He commented that the dollar amount of individual contributions seemed low compared to what was anticipated.
- Kate Manley said she appreciates the level of thoughtfulness she heard around the discussion of paid summer parking. She also asked about the possibility of a “Live Like a Local” social media series.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Kim Rediker thanked the council for moving toward an excise tax and away from fees for STRs.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Bart Cuomo said it is refreshing to have a council that listens. He supports the STR excise tax.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Karen Levin thanked the council for Timber Ridge and for listening. She says businesses should also be contributing to local housing solutions. Finally, she said revenues from an excise tax could be used for bonding.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Rob Rolland agrees with an excise tax and is on board for helping get it passed.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Karen Perez thanked the council for listening and is supportive of an excise tax.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Mike Lange from the Lionsquare Lodge is in support of an excise tax.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Tim McMahon asked questions on how the excise tax would be applied.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Jonathan Levine commended the council for listening and adapting. He now thinks there is hope for other topics.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Nick Giancamilli asked about the applicability of an excise tax. He thinks ballot issues work best during major elections. He would prefer a sales tax rather than an excise tax.
- As part of the short-term rental agenda item, Stephen Connelly is supportive of an excise tax.
- As part of the Ord. No. 1 agenda item, Karen Perez expressed concerns with the proposed make up of the board.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest thanked the Finance Department for putting together information on the town’s expenses for Booth Heights, and also gave an update on individual pledges and the anticipated $5 million contribution toward the acquisition from the Eagle County Open Space Fund. Also, the town is soliciting applications for a contract position for a municipal judge following the announcement of Judge Buck Allen’s retirement. Forrest attended the recent CAST meeting and indicated a hot topic for all attendees is uncertainty regarding federal grants. He said a future agenda topic list will be included in upcoming town manager’s reports. Finally, he mentioned a letter from the mayor that will be sent to Governor Polis regarding concerns with closures on I-70.
- It was also announced the Vail Social Community Potluck will take place on Sept. 9.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Jan. 7, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Jan. 21, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 8, Underground Easement Right-of-Way Agreement with Holy Cross Energy (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 9, Series of 2025, Termination and Release of Restrictive Covenant for the Property known as 363 Beaver Dam Circle (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 10, State of Colorado Subaward Agreement between the Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Transportation to Receive Funding for Capital, Planning, and Operating Assistance to Support Public Transportation (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Drop Mobility for the Shift Bike Regional Electric Bike Share Program (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Economic Planning Systems Inc. for Residential Linkage Fee Nexus Study (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to J.R. Harris & Company for Parking Structure High-Priority Projects Design (7-0)
- Ord. No. 24, Establishing Regulatory Fees for Short-Term Rentals - Died Due to a Lack of a Motion
- Approved a Motion to Direct Staff to Draft Ballot Language for an Excise Tax on Short-Term Rentals (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 1, First Reading, Authorizing the Creation of the Vail Home Partners Corporation (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Ski with Electeds Community Ski/Snowboard Outing, Feb. 14
- Vail Town Council Meeting, Feb. 18
- Vail Town Council Meeting, March 4
- Vail Town Council Meeting, March 18
- Annual Community Meeting, March 25
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.
|
