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
Biszantz, Chapin, Davis, Foley, Langmaid, Phillips, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Strategic Plan Update
- Council reviewed actions and strategies to the 2026 Strategic Plan, which identifies the most important issues facing the town in the next five years. The four strategic priorities are: Create a Vibrant Vail Experience; Build a Strong Community; Protect Our Mountain Environment; and Ensure Good Governance. Staff will bring back a final draft to Council May 5, for approval.
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Waste Diversion Update
- Staff presented an update on waste diversion initiatives and presented 2026 initiatives that work toward a 50% waste diversion rate by 2030. Staff recommended solidifying locations for water bottle filling stations; continuing the Better Bottled campaign and pursuing a Plastic Free July campaign; revitalizing the Love Vail education campaign; expanding curbside compost and business compost pilot programs; and developing a voluntary construction and demolition diversion pilot program. Staff also will bring policy options forward for fees on single-use plastics and bag fees for food and beverage businesses. Council was supportive.
Town Manager Report
- As part of his Town Manager Report, Russell Forrest said staff would bring examples to Council May 5, on three options for creating a sketch plan step in the review process for Special Development Districts. He also reminded Council of a May 27-29 visit from Park City, Utah, town officials, county officials and resort representatives. In addition, he reported three new members – Tiffany Boeh, Colby Lefabvre, and Lana Makina – have joined the Parking and Mobility Task Force.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Rick Sackbauer thanked Council and staff for the early opening of pickleball courts.
- As part of the discussion on waste diversion initiatives, Stephen Connelly said restaurants should only offer water to guests on request. On the discussion about the contract for an Aurelian AI program, he asked Council to be careful about AI. Regarding the speed cameras, he said they are not working properly. He also asked if Vail could tax vacant businesses. Finally, he said that Vail should add murals on the side of the new employee housing developments to show Vail is a fun place.
- Travis Coggin invited council members to join him for a Habitat for Humanity Build Day.
- Tim McMahon asked if Vail.gov website could list the businesses that are open in the off-season or encourage visitors to call ahead to see what is open. As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3 (reducing waste truck traffic in Vail Village), he said the plan is an excellent idea.
- As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3, Daniel Bryant was concerned that when a trash bin is full, one person could not push it up Bridge Street.
- As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3, Brad Kaemmer was concerned that trash bins pushed up Bridge Street would leave a trail of kitchen grease and food on the street.
- As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3, Kate Grattan asked if employees needed to do additional work to move the trash bins up the street.
- As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3, William Hoerle was concerned about having to hire additional staff to move the trash bins.
- As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3, Byron Diamond said it is a good idea for trash haulers to send a memo outlining the plan to businesses to alleviate concerns.
- As part of the discussion on Ord. No. 3, Sacha Gros asked if reducing waste truck traffic in Vail Village would affect supply pick-up on Bridge Street for other businesses.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Resolution No. 14 State of Colorado Grant Agreement Modification between Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Transportation (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Emergent Execs for Leadership Development Program (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Motorola Solutions for Vail Public Safety Communications AXS Consoles (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Orozco Concrete for 2026 On-call Concrete Repair (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Structural Preservation Systems, LLC for Structural Repairs in Lionshead and Vail Village Parking Structures (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Aurelian AI for Vail Public Safety Communications Non- Emergency Call Taking Software (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No 3, First Reading, Amending the Vail Town Code Concerning Waste and Recycling Collection Vehicles in Certain Pedestrian Mall Areas (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 5, First Reading, Amending the Town Code Regarding Special Enforcement Zones (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 4, Second Reading, First Budget Supplemental of 2026 (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, May 5
- Vail Town Council Meeting, May 19
Resources
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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