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Vail Town Council Meeting Highlights

May 5 and 6, 2025

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 on May 5
Biszantz, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer (Chapin absent)

West Middle Creek Presentations/Discussions

• The purpose of the special meeting was to discuss all aspects of the proposed West Middle Creek local’s housing development. Council heard a recap of the design and building approval process, as well as the proposed staging and construction plan. They also reviewed an economic outlook compiled by the Discover Vail Destination Marketing Organization. As part of the financing update, the town’s advisors shared that the municipal bond market has stabilized since its extreme volatility in April.

Public Comment

• Merv Lapin asked what could happen to the town’s financials in a worst-case scenario. He asked about other methods of financing. He is concerned with the increase in interest rates and materials costs. He doesn’t think this is the right time to sell bonds.
• Kristen Kenney Williams of the Vail Local Housing Authority acknowledged that decision-making during turbulent times is very challenging. She complimented the Town Council for their courage and encouraged them to move forward with West Middle Creek.

Actions/Decisions

• Approved Authorization for the Town Manager to take the Steps Necessary to Issue Up To $75 million in Certificates of Participation for West Middle Creek (5-1, Staufer against)

Council Members Present on May 6
Biszantz, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer (Chapin absent)

Presentations/Discussion/Announcements

• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
  • Executive Director Nicola Ripley gave an update on Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, including proposed improvements to Ford Park. As part of the evening consent agenda, the Town Council approved a contract award for landscape, irrigation, and stonework north of the Nature Center Pedestrian Bridge in Ford Park.

• Ford Park Update
  • The Vail Town Council heard a presentation on upcoming projects this spring happening in Ford Park, as well as future projects or capital improvements being considered by the Ford Park Advisory Committee. Included in the project list is turf rehabilitation planned in late summer and a new fence to be installed between The Amp and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, as well as the bridge work discussed in the previous item. In addition, Art in Public Places is tentatively planning for an Aug. 3 ribbon cutting for the Vail Art Studio.

• Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan
  • The Transit Route Optimization Plan is a short-term plan to help guide the town toward its transportation goals as well as address the changing transit demand brought on by new construction, new summer managed parking, and increased Core Transit service. The plan explores multiple bus route options primarily in West Vail and then compiles these options into three different scenarios. All three scenarios will add some annual operational expenses including additional seasonal and full-time drivers however, fleet expansion costs should be minimal. Town Council feedback will be incorporated into a refined plan, to be brought back for final approval this summer.

• Wildfire Preparedness Update
  • Vail Fire & Emergency Services provided an overview of current and planned initiatives, as well as recommended future action required to create a wildfire resilient community. Voluntary compliance toward creating fire free zones around residences is making a positive change, but the pace is very slow. Fire Chief Mark Novak pointed to studies that show the most important thing to help protect homes during a wildfire, other than roof materials, is maintaining a 5-foot area of non-combustible materials around a building. On May 28, the department will host an “Evacuation Game Night” at the Vail Public Library, with more details to come. Council was supportive of staff returning with proposed mandatory “Fire Free Five” regulations.

• Arrive Vail - Vail Transportation Center Expansion Update
  • The Town of Vail has budgeted $1.5 million to complete the planning and design of the future expansion of the Vail Transportation Center. Half of the cost will be reimbursed as a part of the Multi Modal Option Fund grant awarded to the Town in the fall of 2022. The purpose of the project is to update and expand the Vail Transportation Center to accommodate current and future needs. To emphasize the importance of the Vail Transit Center as an arrival center the project has been rebranded Arrive Vail. Town Council reviewed the project goals, transit analysis, existing conditions and results from a community survey. Staff will return on May 20 with visual studies for Town Council feedback.

• Discussion on Ord. No. 11, Rezoning 2000 Chamonix Lane, Buffehr Creek Resubdivision, Lot 37, to Apply the West Vail Multi-Family Overlay Zone District in Addition to the Underlying Two-Family Primary/Secondary (PS) Zone District
  • The applicant is requesting a zone district boundary amendment to apply the West Vail Multi-Family Overlay District in addition to the underlying Two-Family Primary/Secondary (PS) Zone District to the property located at 2000 Chamonix Lane. The West Vail Multi-Family (WVMF) overlay district is intended to provide employee housing in new or redeveloped multi-family dwellings in areas well-connected to transit. It is also intended to provide limited waivers of certain development standards to accommodate redevelopment with employee housing. This is the first property to come through the overlay process. Council was supportive.

• Discussion on Ord. No. 10, Second Reading, Rezoning 1476 Westhaven Drive, Lot 53, Glen Lyon Subdivision, from Special Development District No. 4 to High-Density Multi-Family
  • The applicant requested a tabling to May 20.

Town Manager Report

• In addition to his written report, Town Manager Russell Forrest, along with Finance Director Carlie Smith and Housing Director Jason Dietz reported on the highly successful West Middle Creek bond sale, which occurred earlier in the day. Some of the largest and most sophisticated investors participated in a big way. The housing revenue bonds were 15.7 times oversubscribed with nearly $2 billion received in orders. The COPs were 8 times oversubscribed. Results were:
  
  Town of Vail COPs: $63.2 million
  Vail Home Partners Revenue Bonds: $126 million
  
  COP Interest: $113.8 million
  Revenue Bond Interest: $272.9 million
  
  The total interest cost is $386.7 million; however, this will be fully covered by project revenues. In addition to supporting operations and capital reserves, the project is expected to generate an additional $88 million in revenue over the 40-year period. The Town is also contributing $10 million in cash to the development.
  
  

Actions as a Result of Executive Session

• There were no actions as a result of executive session.

Public Comment

• Rick Sackbauer thanked town staff for getting the pickle ball courts cleaned, potholes filled and the parking lot cleared of snow as quickly as humanly possible.
• Tim McMahon asked for a police presence at the Vail Transportation Center and an update on the emergency plan for I-70 closures. He asked what the town is doing to help with replacement ice during the Dobson Arena Remodel. Finally, he asked for a PSA indicating the off-season is quiet in town to help quell disappointment from visitors.
• Ian Grask complimented the Town Council on moving forward with the West Middle Creek development.
• Steve Lindstrom from the Vail Local Housing Authority remarked on the very positive bond sale that took place earlier in the day. He complimented the town for being a leader in local housing and thanked the myriad of people and departments that have been involved in bringing the project to fruition.

Actions/Decisions

Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities

Resources

• Vail Town Council Meeting Agenda & Materials
• Vail Town Council Meeting Minutes
• Sign up to receive Meeting Agendas and other Announcements
• Watch the Meetings on High Five Access Media
• Contact the Town Council at towncouncil@vail.gov
• Visit the Town of Vail website at vail.gov for additional topics

The Vail Town Council meets the 1^st and 3^rd 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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