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Vail Town Council Meeting Highlights

Aug. 5, 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

Afternoon: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Evening: Biszantz, Chapin, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer

Presentations/Discussion/Announcements

• Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance Development Update
  • The Town Council heard the results of stakeholder engagement conducted as part of the development of a draft single-use plastic reduction ordinance. Staff presented some potential policy recommendations and implementation approaches. Given the quantity and varied nature of questions from the Council, staff will return for additional discussion.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Strategy Modeling
  • The town has contracted with Lotus Engineering to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and model strategies to reach the goal of a 50% reduction by 2030 and 80% by 2050 in GHGs. Since 2014, or 2018 depending on sector, carbon pollution in Vail decreased overall; however, pollution from natural gas and flight traffic has increased, while pollution from on-road transportation, waste and electricity has decreased. With the current timeline, Vail will fall short of its goals. Reducing pollution from buildings, transportation and waste diversion will all be required to meet goals, with most impactful efforts being those that focus on reducing gas use for cars and buildings. Staff will return with the top individual strategies for consideration before the end of the year.

• Amendment to the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan re: West Lionshead
  • A partnership between the Town of Vail, East West Partners and Vail Resorts has been formed to help revitalize the area known as West Lionshead. The Council will be asked to consider an amendment to the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan to facilitate redevelopment in the area. A concept plan has been developed following public input sessions and the proposed amendment has garnered a recommendation of approval from the Planning and Environmental Commission. Council feedback will be incorporated and staff will return at the Aug. 19 meeting.

• Arrive Vail Concept Design Discussion
  • The design team presented layout, bulk and massing concept designs for the Arrive Vail project. Council feedback will be integrated into preliminary programming ideas and cost estimates. Additional public outreach will also take place before the team returns.

• Discussion of Resolution No. 32, Submitting a Ballot Issue to the Registered Electors of the Town Regarding a Short-Term Rental Excise Tax Excise Tax Ballot Language Discussion
  • Council was supportive of asking voters for approval of a 6% short-term rental excise tax.

• Contract Award to Coleman Custom Homes LTD for Gore Creek Promenade Construction
  • Staff is requesting award of a construction contract to Coleman Custom Homes for the construction of the Gore Creek Promenade Renewal project. The award will require an adjustment to the current project budget which is currently split between the approved 2025 budget and the proposed 2026 budget as part of the town’s 5-year plan. Awarding the project will require supplementing the 2025 budget by essentially moving the 2026 funding backward into 2025. Council was supportive.

• Discussion of Resolution No. 33, An Amendment to the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan Regarding Lions Pride
  • The applicant wishes to modify a specific section of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan (LRMP) which refers to the Lions Pride building and parking deck located at 500 and 534 East Lionshead Circle. As proposed, the amendment would remove a sentence noting that existing parking spaces must be replaced under a proposed structure. The amendment points to other sections of the LRMP that support not requiring additional parking as it would be contradictory to the plan’s overarching goal of promoting redevelopment. Council was supportive of the amendment.

• Discussion of Ord. No. 15, Creating the Vail Village Inn (VVI) Zone District and Ord. No. 16, Rezoning 68 East Meadow Drive and 100 East Meadow Drive to VVI
  • The applicant is requesting the town create the Vail Village Inn (VVI) zone district and apply that district to the properties located at 68 E Meadow Drive and 100 E Meadow Drive. There have been no changes since first reading. Council was supportive.

Town Manager Report

• Town Manager Russell Forrest asked about interest in a site visit to Snowmass Village in September. Vail Police Chief Ryan Kenney gave an update on issues on July 4 with youth and young adult behavior. He is proposing extra lighting and extra personnel for next year. The department will continue with Front Range outreach. Kenney said there is a potential for a youth-centered event to help prevent gathering in the streets. He mentioned there may be a request for an earlier curfew for unaccompanied minors. Finally, Housing Director Jason Dietz mentioned the Impact Finance Center will have an event in Vail in September. The group connects investors/donators to issues that are important to them.

Actions as a Result of Executive Session

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

Public Comment

• As part of the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance discussion, Mark Haynes of The Market at Vail says the town should start by making it easier to recycle. He says his business will take a hit.
• As part of the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance discussion, Walt Bujaryn says plastic waste is a big problem but doesn’t think this type of ban is the answer.
• As part of the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance discussion, Steve Virion of La Bottega and other restaurants says his businesses were not surveyed. He thinks the emphasis should be on public education vs. regulation.
• As part of the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance discussion, Jessie Burley with the Town of Breckenridge gave an overview of how implementation worked in their municipality when a similar ordinance went into place in 2024.
• Tim McMahon thanked the Vail Town Council for their contribution to the Rodeo Rink.
• Kate Manly says a tiered business license program and a targeted living wage requirement could help small businesses.
• As part of the Short-Term Rental Excise Tax discussion, Mike Lang of Lion Square Lodge expressed concerns with the proposed percentage.
• As part of the Short-Term Rental Excise Tax discussion, Todd Mossa of The Wren, says it seems like the short-term rental community is being targeted. He also says the tax is another hurdle for guests and could hurt other businesses in town.
• As part of the Short-Term Rental Excise Tax discussion, Kim Rediker from the Vail Racquet Club is disappointed that this tax will hit small, local lodges vs. corporate hotels.
• As part of the Short-Term Rental Excise Tax discussion, Kim Dozier says the proposal does not take into consideration the single homeowner.
• As part of the Short-Term Rental Excise Tax discussion, Jim Corvallis thinks people will start paying in cash to avoid the tax.
• As part of the Short-Term Rental Excise Tax discussion, Mel Jacobs says raising taxes will negatively affect other businesses.
• As part of the Ord. No. 16, Rezoning 68 East Meadow Drive and 100 East Meadow Drive to VVI discussion, Ronald Bruckmann says the court of appeals did not invalidate SDD No. 6 and so the ordinance cannot be approved.

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 first and third 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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