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
 Prior to their joint meeting, members of the Vail Town Council and the Eagle County Board of Commissioners take a tour of Timber Ridge Village. A partnership between the organizations along with Habitat for Humanity will result in 30 Habitat homes at the development.
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Joint Meeting with the Eagle County Board of Commissioners
- Following a tour of the Timber Ridge Village redevelopment, members of the Vail Town Council and Eagle County Board of Commissioners discussed areas of alignment within their respective strategic plans, as well as continued opportunities for collaboration. It was acknowledged that more frequent conversations are warranted.
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Vail Local Housing Authority Interviews
- The Town Council interviewed Dan Godec and Caitlyn Hanley for a vacancy on the Vail Local Housing Authority. In the evening, Godec was appointed to the board.
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Update on 2026 Town of Vail Water Usage
- Due to the extremely dry winter and the subsequent water restrictions enacted by the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District, staff presented town efforts to conserve water for the upcoming summer of 2026. The town is looking to balance a significant reduction in overall water use, above the required reduction by ERWSD, with preserving the functional turf in higher-use parks. Town Council will receive regular updates as adjustments are made.
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Special Development District Sketch Plan Update
- The Town Council has requested information on options to amend the Special Development District process by adding a new sketch plan review step. The purpose is to provide additional clarity to developers before a full application is prepared. The next step will be to bring draft language to the Planning and Environmental Commission for consideration, as well as potentially find a way for the Town Council to work through a practice sketch plan review scenario.
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Vail Transit Brand Refresh
- Staff presented a potential concept for a brand refresh for Vail Transit. Town Council asked for changes to the design to make the buses more engaging and fun.
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Student Recognitions
- Alex Soto of Battle Mountain High School received the Colorado Grand Scholarship Award. Tyler Blair of Eagle Valley High School and Mackenzie Messmer of Battle Mountain received Town of Vail Scholarship Awards. Declan Cunningham, a senior at the Vail Mountain School, was recognized for his environmental efforts.
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Arrive Vail Update
- The Town of Vail is working to complete the preliminary design of an expanded Vail Transportation Center project, branded Arrive Vail, that will provide additional transit capacity, a new arrival center and an improved entrance experience to Vail Village. Staff presented progress on the plan and answered Town Council questions. Feedback will be incorporated as the preliminary design evolves.
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Discussion on Resolution No.19, Update to the Vail Land Use Plan Associated with Zoning Certain Town-Owned Real Property as Community Housing 1 (CH-1), Applying the CH-1 Zone District to the Property, and Designating the Property as High Density Residential
- In 2023, the Town purchased three parcels in East Vail from the Colorado Department of Transportation for the purpose of increasing community housing. In order to develop this land, the parcels must be subdivided to create individual lots, and those lots must be assigned the appropriate land use and zoning. Council was supportive.
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Discussion on Ord. No. 7, Zoning Certain Town-Owned Real Property as Community Housing 1 (CH-1) and Applying the CH-1 Zone District to the Property
- In conjunction with the previous item, this action would zone the parcels located at 4313 Spruce Way and 4317 Columbine Drive as CH-1. Council was supportive.
Town Manager Report
- As part of his Town Manager Report, Russell Forrest reminded the community that the speed cameras in West Vail and in front of the Transportation Center are not intended to be revenue generating, rather are intended to change behavior. Town Council also discussed the future of the Nature Center and the potential makeup of an advisory committee.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Becky Close, Eagle County Clerk and Recorder, gave an update on upcoming elections. Every voter should check govotecolorado.com to make sure their information is correct. She also announced her candidacy for Eagle County Clerk.
- Tim McMahon asked about the possibility of Narcan training for those who take required alcohol training classes.
Actions/Decisions
- Appointed Dan Godec to the Vail Local Housing Authority (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 18, Underground Right-of-Way Easement with Holy Cross Energy (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 20, Appointing the Vail Local Housing Authority as the Town's Agent to Negotiate and Purchase Deed Restrictions in the Town (7-0)
- No. 6, First Reading, Amending the Town Code pertaining to Municipal Chain Law (MOVED TO A FUTURE AGENDA)
- Approved Resolution No. 19, Update to the Vail Land Use Plan Associated with Zoning Certain Town-Owned Real Property as Community Housing 1 (CH-1), Applying the CH-1 Zone District to the Property, and Designating the Property as High Density Residential (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 7, First Reading, Zoning Certain Town-Owned Real Property as Community Housing 1 (CH-1) and Applying the CH-1 Zone District to the Property (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- · Vail Town Council Meeting, June 2
· Vail Town Council Meeting, June 16
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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