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
- Minor edits have been made to the five-year strategic plan since the Town Council’s discussion on April 21. Quarterly updates will take place, and a public dashboard will be created to share progress on the plan. In the evening, the plan was approved by resolution. The plan will be available online at www.vail.gov/government/town-council/town-council-strategic-plan.
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Vail Village Construction Policy
- The Town Council heard an update on construction projects underway in Vail Village. Per town policy, contractors are not allowed to use public rights-of-way during the winter months from November to April, during the peak summer season months of July and August and during scheduled special events.
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Acknowledgment of Chief Mark Novak
- The Town Manager and Town Council thanked Mark Novak, Vail’s longtime fire chief, who has announced his retirement effective as of May 15. Novak has been with the Town of Vail for the past 11 years, with a career in fire services spanning over 42 years.
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Wildfire and Drought Update
- Vail Fire and Emergency Services presented an update on the wildfire outlook for 2026 season. Keeping to the theme of “Preparedness, Not Panic,” the department is asking the community to take action. All of Eagle County is in extreme drought and the winter of 2025/2026 was historically hot and dry. While drought is not a direct indicator of potential wildfire it has a strong connection to extreme fire behavior and rapidly growing fires. Every property owner has the ability to help the community by adhering to the “Fire Free Five” in the area around their buildings. Every resident should sign up at ECAlert.org for emergency notifications, and should know ahead of time what they would take in the event of an evacuation. Also, by popular demand, “Wildfire Evacuation Game Night” will return on May 18 and May 20 with more information coming soon.
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Discussion on Ord. No. 3, Amending the Vail Town Code Concerning Waste and Recycling Collection Vehicles in Certain Pedestrian Mall Areas
- As part of ongoing efforts to increase safety in Vail’s pedestrian areas, staff is requesting the removal of garbage trucks from Bridge Street. Since first reading, additional public outreach has taken place to address questions regarding how trash will be collected, as well as any anticipated changes to pricing. All current providers have indicated the change will not affect their rates. Council was supportive.
Town Manager Report
- As part of his Town Manager Report, Russell Forrest confirmed the schedule for an upcoming joint meeting with the Eagle County Board of Commissioners. Also, countywide conversations are continuing regarding water restrictions and the potential for summer wildfires. He shared some potential options for determining the future of the Vail Nature Center. Finally, Public Works and Transit Director Tom Kassmel announced National Public Works week is May 17 - 23. He asked for permission to allow all bus drivers to attend a lunch on May 20, which would require suspending transit service for 2 to 3 hours at midday. Council was supportive.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Ian Grask asked about the town’s plan due to current water restrictions, and specifically asked for a reduction in the watering of flowers. He also mentioned the town’s use of Flock cameras at the town’s on- and off-ramps and how that information is shared.
- Tim McMahon asked about the signage in Dowd Junction directing trucks to only use the right lane, which he said are now missing. He also asked about the possibility of Narcan training for those who take required alcohol training classes.
- Sarah Smith Hymes announced her candidacy for the Holy Cross Energy Board and reminded everyone in the district to vote.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Proclamation No. 1, Wildfire Preparedness Month (7-0)
- Approved Vail Town Council Minutes from April 7, 2026 (6-0, Phillips abstained)
- Approved Vail Town Council Minutes from April 21, 2026 (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 15, Designating Timber Ridge Operating, Timber Ridge Security Deposit, Residences at Main Vail Operating, and Residences at Main Vail Security Deposit Bank Accounts and their Designated Signers (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 16, State of Colorado Grant Agreement between the Town of Vail and the Colorado Department of Transportation (7-0)
- Approved Contract Awards to Coughlin and Company for Property Management at Timber Ridge and Residences at Main Vail (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 17, Town of Vail Strategic Plan (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 3, Second Reading, Amending the Vail Town Code Concerning Waste and Recycling Collection Vehicles in Certain Pedestrian Mall Areas (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 5, Second Reading, Amending the Vail Town Code Regarding Special Enforcement Zones (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, May 19
- Vail Town Council Meeting, June 2
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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