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, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer (Coggin absent for portions of the meeting)
Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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West Middle Creek Financial Update
- The Town Council heard an update on possible financing structures for West Middle Creek based on feedback received during the March 4 discussion on the Housing Needs Assessment. Staff presented options serving a variety of levels of the Area Median Income (AMI), and an analysis of how each scenario would impact the financial structure of the development. Town Council was supportive of a scenario which assumes a blended rental rate of 115% AMI. The scenario would require an upfront $10 million in funding from the town and also a projected subsidy of $2.2 million over the first four years of operation to help cover debt service payments. However, while those first years require additional support from the town, the project will generate an estimated $115 million over the next 32 years, which could be used to repay debt early, keep rents low, set aside more significant capital reserves and fund new housing projects.
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Timber Ridge Employee Housing Unit Credit Program Discussion
- Following previous discussions with the Town Council, staff presented refined options for an Employee Housing Unit (EHU) Deed Restriction Credit Program at the new Timber Ridge Village. The program will provide businesses and individuals with the opportunity to satisfy employee housing requirements for new development. All proceeds from the sale of EHU credits will be collected by the Town of Vail and used to fund other town housing initiatives. Council was supportive of a program that is open to new contracts for three months and allows existing contract holders 30 days to opt in; caps the total number of credits available at 86,500 square feet; and allows up to 30,000 square feet to be transferable at a premium of 7.5% on a first-come, first-served basis. The credits are being offered on all units currently under contract and all unsold homes in Buildings A, B, E and F. Once the units in those first buildings are sold, credits may or may not become available throughout the rest of the development. Final details will be available at TimberRidgeVail.com. Staff will return with an update on the program at a future meeting.
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Vail Nature Center Discussion
- The Town Council discussed the current physical environment and operations at the Vail Nature Center as a precursor to a larger, future conversation on goals for the site. Council was supportive of continuing with the status quo for this summer. Staff will return with ideas on minimal site improvements and how to work with the community to create a vision toward preserving what makes the area special.
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West Lionshead Planning Update
- The West Lionshead Planning partners brought a refined concept plan to the Town Council with the transit center relocated to the east end, a separated skier drop-off from the transit area, and a better pedestrian connection to Lionshead. Next steps include feasibility studies on many of the components.
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First Budget Supplemental Presentation
- The Town Council heard a high-level preliminary review of 2024 financial results, as well as requests for the reappropriation of funds for ongoing projects and new requests not included in the original 2025 budget. Across all funds, 2024 revenues totaled $127 million. Excluding large one-time revenues from federal grants and the Vail Reinvestment Authority capital reimbursement, 2024 revenues totaled $114.5 million, up $7.6 million from 2023 and up $1.3 million from budget. Net expenditures for 2024 totaled $153.6 million compared to $218.8 million budgeted. Of the $65.2 million budget variance, $52.3 million is requested for reappropriation for capital projects currently underway in the Capital, RETT, Housing, Heavy Equipment and Residences at Main Vail funds. The remaining savings of $12.5 million was a result of savings from capital projects of $5.5 million, townwide staffing vacancies of $2.1 million, reduced event spending of $882,000, reduced health insurance claims of $332,000 and reduced general operating expenditures of $3.7 million. The supplemental reflects $52.7 million of capital projects that span more than one year in addition to $3.5 million in funding for new requests and adjustments. Council was supportive.
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Summer Managed Parking Discussion
- A recent assessment of Vail’s parking structures shows a need for approximately $12.6 million in repairs over the next 10 years, as well as an increase in the annual maintenance budget to keep the aging structures in use. Based on this critical need, the Town Council directed the Parking & Mobility Task Force to provide a recommendation on a management program for Summer 2025 while considering the following: a solution for employees, especially originating from down valley; the value of both guests and locals spending their money and time in Vail; allow for more data collection; options that align with our current pass offerings; allow for people to linger in the summer; focus on communication to and input from locals and local businesses; keep it simple; and “walk before we run.” As proposed, paid parking, with rates much lower than winter rates, would be in place from May 30 through Sept. 28 with regular daily rates maxing out at $10. Passholders would receive a discount on daily rates. Event parking rates at Ford Park and the Soccer Lot would increase from $15 to $20, but would still be free for vehicles with four or more occupants. An extension for those who purchased winter passes this season would automatically occur, and the ability to purchase a summer pass would be offered until annual passes could be established. Town Council asked the task force to consider making the Red Sandstone garage free for all pass holders and to take another look at overnight rates. The Town Council will be asked for a decision on April 1 regarding implementation this summer.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 5, Authorizing the Leasing of Certain Town Property, the Advance of a Loan to the Vail Home Partners Corporation, and the Execution and Delivery of Other Documents Concerning West Middle Creek Housing Development
- During the afternoon session, the Town Council heard a financing update for the West Middle Creek housing project. The next step is authorizing the town to issue Certificates of Participation (COPs) in an amount not to exceed $65.5 million. Ord. 5 will also serve as direction to Vail Home Partners to issue housing revenue bonds not to exceed $145 million. The approval of this ordinance does not commit the town to issuing the COPs. Council was supportive.
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Appeal of the Final Decision of the Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission Denying a Variance to Allow for an Increase in the Allowable Gross Residential Floor Area at 387 Beaver Dam Circle
- This hearing was continued until April 1.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 7, An Emergency Ordinance Amending Title 7 of the Vail Town Code by the Addition of a New Chapter 13 to Establish Chain Law Enforcement Procedures
- At the Town Council’s request, the Vail Police Department presented a new municipal chain law ordinance that mirrors Colorado’s state chain law, with fines of $1,500 for non-compliance and $2,650 for non-compliance when blocking the roadway. These fines are the maximum allowed and are significantly higher than those imposed by the state. Given the frequent and severe winter weather conditions in the region, implementing this measure is critical to ensuring public safety, including trucker safety. Council was enthusiastically supportive.
Town Manager Report
- In addition to his written report, Town Manger Russell Forest asked for Town Council agreement on direction regarding the removal of trees as part of the Gore Creek Promenade renewal project. Council agreed the design team could move forward with a plan the keeps the previously discussed “Tree C” and removes a faltering tree on the east end of the property. The Town Council was also reminded of the upcoming Annual Community Meeting on March 25.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- The Town Council authorized the Town Manager to enter into a contract with Courtney Holmes to serve as Vail’s new municipal judge.
Public Comment
- Rick Sackbauer thanked Discover Vail, Vail Resorts and the Colorado Snowsports Museum for sponsoring upcoming showings of the movie “Tim” on Thursday night at the museum. Tim Sackbauer is a skier with Down Syndrome who grew up in Vail. The showings are free.
- Tim McMahon asked for a police presence at the Vail Transportation Center and an emergency plan for I-70 closures. He gave a thumbs up to Yeti hockey games and hopes they return at a down valley location during the Dobson Arena remodel. He suggested selling any extra speed bumps from the parking structures to raise money for fixing the parking structures. Finally, he reminded everyone there are only 32 days left until Vail Mountain closes.
- Jonathan Levine said Vail’s snowplows are too big and that different equipment is needed for smaller roads. Speeds on those roads were recently reduced for safety reasons, and smaller plows would also help with safety.
- Douglas Smith asked about the process for auditing and determining the ROI for special events since the Commission on Special Events was disbanded.
- Robyn Smith says the value of an EHU credit is based on the town’s inclusionary zoning and commercial linkage requirements, which have been the same since 2007. They could be increased.
- As part of the Vail Nature Center discussion, Kim Langmaid expressed interested in helping to form a “Friends of the Vail Nature Center” to honor the spirit of its origins and the historical homestead.
- As part of the Vail Nature Center discussion, Diana Donovan thinks a community task force is the best way to bring the Vail Nature Center back to what it needs to be.
- As part of the chain law discussion, Tim McMahon asked if the new fines will be on top of state fines, and if the revenues come to the Town of Vail.
Actions/Decisions
- Appointed Ramsey Cotter and Susanne Graf to the Art in Public Places Board (7-0)
- Appointed Anthony Grandt and Herb Roth to the Design Review Board (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 11, Intergovernmental Agreement for a Regional Planning Commission for Transportation Planning (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 12, Adopting a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (7-0)
- Approved Lease Agreement with Greater Eagle Fire Protection District for Ladder Truck Usage (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award with Superlative for Naming and Sponsorship Rights (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to STRUCTURAL for Vail Village and Lionshead Parking Structures Repair (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 13, Making Findings on the Appeal Concerning a Building Permit Application for 3070 Booth Creek Drive and Affirming the Decision of the Building Official (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 4, First Reading, First Budget Supplemental of 2025 (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 5, First Reading, Authorizing the Leasing of Certain Town Property, the Advance of a Loan to the Vail Home Partners Corporation, and the Execution and Delivery of Other Documents Regarding West Middle Creek Development (6-1, Staufer opposed)
- Continued to April 1, 2025 - An Appeal of the Final Decision of the Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission Denying a Variance to Allow for an Increase in the Allowable Gross Residential Floor Area at 387 Beaver Dam Circle
(7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 7, An Emergency Ordinance Amending Title 7 of the Vail Town Code by the Addition of a New Chapter 13 to Establish Chain Law Enforcement Procedures (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 2, Second Reading, An Ordinance Reestablishing Special Development District No. 43, Highline Doubletree (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 3, Second Reading, Establishing Fees for Missed Short-Term Rental Inspections (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Annual Community Meeting, March 25
- Vail Town Council Meeting, April 1
- Vail Town Council Meeting, April 15
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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