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, Davis, Seibert, Staufer (Phillips absent until Executive Session)
Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Housing Needs Assessment and West Middle Creek Update
- The Town Council heard results from the recent regional Housing Needs Assessment, which was conducted in partnership with the towns of Avon, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn and Red Cliff, as well as Eagle County. The study indicates the regional 10-year need is approximately 6,400 additional homes. The Town of Vail net housing need, not including developments already in the pipeline, is 1,182 homes. Both in Vail and across the study region, the highest need is for homes affordable to those who earn between 50% and 80% and between 80% and 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Based on the housing needs identified, Council members discussed the income levels they are looking to serve at West Middle Creek. Staff will return on March 18 with options for rental rates serving a variety of AMIs, and an analysis of how each scenario would impact the financial structure of the development.
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Employee Home Ownership Program Update
- Following a previous discussion with the Town Council, staff presented recommended updates to the town’s Employee Home Ownership Program, which was originally implemented in 2008. Council was supportive of offering two options: an equity share program similar to what is already in place and a new, interest-based loan program. Both options will be available to employees purchasing homes within Eagle County. Those purchasing property outside the county will only be able to utilize the interest rate model.
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Dobson Arena Remodel Project Update, Contract Amendment and Initial Guaranteed Maximum Price
- The Town Council received an update on the design process for the Dobson Ice Arena remodel project, specifically the expanded south lounge area. Staff asked for formal approval of the initial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and project schedule; and requested the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to execute limited initial commitments and awards. Council was supportive. The project team will return on April 15 with a project contract award based on the final GMP. Construction is anticipated to begin April 21 with completion scheduled for October 2026.
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Discussion of Ordinance No. 2, Reestablishing Special Development District No. 43, Highline Doubletree
- The applicant is requesting to reestablish Special Development District No. 43 to allow for the development of a hotel addition and EHU apartment building located at 2211 North Frontage Road West. The request to reestablish the SDD came about as approval for the district was not acted upon within the timeline required by code, and subsequently expired. The proposal has remained largely the same since it was originally established, with a few updates to meet the new building and fire codes. The proposal would add a new wing to the hotel in the western corner of the site. In addition, a 15-unit employee housing building is proposed on the northern side of the property. Council was supportive.
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Discussion of Ordinance No. 3, Establishing Fees for Missed Short-Term Rental Inspections
- The purpose of Ordinance No. 3 is to allow staff to assess a fee for STR owners or property managers who set up a fire inspection appointment and fail to attend the appointment. Staff is proposing a $115 fee for no-show appointments or cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled inspection to cover the estimated staff time lost due to the cancellation. Staff also recommends that the owner or property manager be prohibited from rescheduling an inspection until the fee is paid. Council was supportive.
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Appeal of the Final Decision of the Building Official Denying the Application for Building Permit at 3070 Booth Creek Drive
- The issuance of a building permit at 3070 Booth Creek Drive was denied due to a determination by the town that the applicant maintains an unlawful trespass on town-owned land, adjacent to the property that is the subject of the building permit application. The appellant contends that no trespass is occurring based on previous court rulings. Council upheld the denial.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- Town Council was underwhelmed by the response from Governor Polis to a letter requesting assistance addressing issues with commercial vehicles violating speed limits and chain requirements on Vail Pass during inclement weather. As such, the Vail Police Department will be allocating more resources to the chain up and chain down areas on I-70 when the chain law is in effect to ensure state laws are enforced. This effort will continue as the town attorney drafts an emergency ordinance implementing municipal penalties for those who violate the chain law at the maximum fine allowable. The ordinance will also allow the town to tow any violating vehicle over Vail Pass at the owner’s expense.
Public Comment
- A representative from Colorado Booting expressed concerns with potential new state legislation that would require 24-hour notice before an illegally parked car could be booted or towed.
- Tim McMahon asked for a police presence at the Vail Transportation Center. He also asked about the status of better cameras in Vail Village. He believes volunteers could be helpful at the transportation center during I-70 closures, and asked about the possibility of opening the Visitor Centers during those times. He expressed concerns with large chunks of ice from a temporary ice sculpture being left where they could be a hazard. He also mentioned ski rental bikes travelling too fast in the village. Finally, he encouraged everyone to attend a Vail Yeti hockey game.
- Jonathan Levine expressed concerns with the traffic issues at Checkpoint Charlie. He asked that a meeting with all transportation providers take place before the end of the season. He would like for hotel shuttles to be able to drop off at Hanson Ranch Road after 6 p.m.
- As part of the SDD No. 43 discussion, Tim McMahon asked about the anticipated use of the EHUs.
Town Manager Report
- As outlined in his written report, Town Manager Russell Forrest confirmed the Town Council’s desire for a discussion regarding future goals for the Vail Nature Center. As part of the Gore Creek Promenade renewal project, staff confirmed that a tree identified for removal during a previous presentation could be kept, but a greater opportunity to open up gathering spaces exists if the tree is removed. Council agreed to a letter of support for a Vail Valley Mountain Trails Association grant application. Staff received Town Council’s permission to negotiate 2025 structural repairs at the Vail Transportation Center with Restruction Construction. Finally, Forrest asked for input on a suggestion that when the town releases an underperforming deed restriction and receives compensation for that release, a homeowner could contribute the amount due to Habitat for Humanity. This would be with the condition that Habitat would utilize those funds in the Town of Vail for new housing. Council was supportive.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Feb. 4, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Feb. 18, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved Letter of Support for Eagle County and Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance's Outdoor Stewardship Partnership Grant Application (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to A-Peak Asphalt LLC for 2025 On-Call Asphalt Repair
(7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Orozco Concrete Inc. for 2025 On-Call Concrete Repair (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award with Redi Services for Stormwater Maintenance (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to RoadSafe Traffic Systems Inc. for 2025 Striping Services (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award with Vail Health Behavioral Health for Mental Health Crisis Services (7-0)
- Approved Amendment to the Dobson Arena Contract with Hyder McHugh to Establish the Initial Guaranteed Maximum Price and Approved Early Awards and Commitments in an Amount Not to Exceed $366,225 (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 2, First Reading, An Ordinance Reestablishing Special Development District No. 43, Highline Doubletree (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 3, First Reading, Establishing Fees for Missed Short-Term Rental Inspections (7-0)
- Upheld the Denial of Issuance of a Building Permit at 3070 Booth Creek Drive (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 1, Second Reading, Authorizing the Creation of the Vail Home Partners Corporation (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, March 18
- Annual Community Meeting, March 25
- Vail Town Council Meeting, April 1
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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