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
Afternoon: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer (Davis absent)
Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Staufer (Seibert absent)
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Joint Meeting with Planning and Environmental Commission
- As part of a joint meeting of the Town Council and the Planning and Environmental Commission, East West Partners presented an update on the West Lionshead planning process and initial concepts based on community input received so far. Next steps will include input from targeted focus groups and additional public engagement.
Also, staff has proposed a procedure and suggested criteria for PEC recommendations to Town Council on matters within their purview. Both the Town Council and PEC were supportive.
Other discussion topics included the Special Development District process; the newly adopted Community Housing Zone Districts; GRFA basement deductions; water quality infrastructure and maintenance requirements; environmental impact report process improvement; light pollution including photovoltaic assessments and regulation; PFA levels in and the correlation to ski wax; bighorn sheep habitat development guidelines; and low impact development review guidelines. The Town Manager will work with the Community Development Department on a follow up to the discussion items.
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Timber Ridge EHU Credit Discussion
- The Vail Town Council has directed staff to create an EHU deed restriction credit program for homebuyers at the new Timber Ridge Village to help mitigate interest rate and development risk, as well as to incentivize more business owner buyers. Staff presented a draft program and asked for input. Town Council members asked that the program be available to all buyers, even those already under contract. They also provided feedback on per-unit pricing, deposit amounts, program phasing and the timing for homebuyers to opt in. The Housing Department will work with the developer and the Town Attorney to finalize the contract, deposit and escrow language.
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Soil Nail License Fee Discussion
- Staff provided information regarding adding a fee to the town’s current Soil Nail License Agreement and asked for Town Council feedback. Adding a fee would minimize impacts to town land, incentivize developers to stay on their own property, and compensate the town for utilization of town land when developing private property. Town Council agreed with the approach and asked staff to return with a recommended soil nail fee structure based on the discussion.
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Gore Creek Promenade Renewal Concept Design Presentation
- The Town Council reviewed an updated conceptual design for the Gore Creek Promenade Renewal project which was recently presented to the Design Review Board. The Town Manager and Council Members clarified for the public that the DRB does not approve concept plans as part of its process. In response to input received so far, changes since the last discussion include the proposed protection of the large fir tree at the west end of the park. Town Council discussion included additional questions on the existing trees and differing opinions on firepits. Staff was given approval to move forward toward the final design and review, with potentially another council check-in if needed. Staff also requested authorization for the Town Manager to enter into a contract with EDSA, Inc. for completion of the design work and construction documents. Council was supportive.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Kevin Foley commented on the great weekend and gave a shoutout to town staff for handling the crowds and the snow. He expressed concerns with access to East Vail during Saturday’s concert. He also asked about the possibility of holiday lights in East Vail next year.
- 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 asked about the possibility of opening the Visitor Centers when I-70 is closed to allow for additional bathrooms. He complimented the town on the letter sent to Governor Polis regarding issues on I-70. He suggested electrifying the ice sculptures in town to keep vandalism at bay. Finally, he thinks jam bands and bluegrass are a better fit for the town than the music genres of recent shows.
- Aimee Vincent said she believes the Design Review Board minutes do not accurately reflect comments made at that meeting. She also believes the project presenter wanted the DRB to approve the concept plan, but they declined to do so.
- As part of the Gore Creek Promenade agenda item, Jay Jamison expressed interest in protecting as many trees as possible. He also has concerns with the project budget.
- As part of the Gore Creek Promenade agenda item, Matt Morgan said staff has done a great job balancing hardscape with green areas. He wants to keep things green but doesn’t think all the current trees necessarily need to stay. He appreciates there is no proposal for a music venue included in the concept.
- As part of the Gore Creek Promenade agenda item, Tim McMahon said he likes having firepits in the design. He also asked about the possibility of more cameras in the area.
- As part of the Gore Creek Promenade agenda item, Aimee Vincent says the design does not adhere to the original intent of the project. She asked that a town representative be assigned to liaison with the group called Protect the Park.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest announced that based on information received from the town’s bond counsel regarding West Middle Creek project financing, staff will be requesting a tabling of the second reading of Ord. No. 1. Additionally, he said the next step in creating a ballot question regarding short-term rentals is a survey and asked for approval to engage Magellan Strategies to assist. Council was supportive of including $25,000 in the upcoming budget supplemental.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Contract Award to Frog Creek Partners for Maintenance of Stormwater Inlet Capture Devices (6-0)
- Approved Contract Award to EDSA Inc. for Gore Creek Promenade Landscape Architectural Services (6-0)
- Tabled Ord. No. 1, Second Reading, Authorizing the Creation of the Vail Home Partners Corporation (6-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- 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.
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