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, Coggin, Davis, Phillips, Seibert, Staufer
Presentations/Discussion/Announcements
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Fire Free Five Discussion
- At the May 6, 2025 meeting, Town Council directed staff to bring back information on the adoption of mandatory wildfire mitigation requirements for all properties within the Town of Vail. The fire landscape has changed drastically since the town was incorporated. Vail Fire and Emergency Services is proposing changes to the code to implement mandatory Fire Free Five regulations; utilize a 3-year compliance phase to allow all properties to comply with new regulations; provide updated hazard assessments and targeted outreach during the compliance phase to ensure robust community outreach occurs; then begin enforcement during the summer of 2029. Properties would be evaluated on a continuing basis at least every 3 years. Council was supportive of staff using the next couple of months for a community engagement process then bringing forth an ordinance for consideration in August.
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Energy Performance Presentation
- The Energy Performance Contract (EPC) Program by the Colorado Energy Office allows municipalities to utilize savings from energy efficiency measures to fund the capital requirements for facility improvements. The Vail Town Council heard a presentation on potential projects. Staff will return with additional information, grant results and financing options.
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Transportation Impact Fee Schedule Update
- Town Council heard an update on the town’s Transportation Impact Fee, which was established to help offset costs of transportation infrastructure. The fee was adopted in 2017, based on 2016 construction costs and projected improvements. The Transportation Impact Fee Ordinance allows for periodic increases based on construction costs and projected improvements. Over the past 9 years, the Colorado Construction Cost Index for transportation-related projects has doubled. Council was supportive of increasing the fee over time, with projected catch up to the CCC Index over the next four years.
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Single Hauler Discussion
- Town Council heard an update on public input received on a single waste hauler program and gave direction to staff to discontinue work on the project.
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Contract Award to Rock Solid Solutions for Timber Ridge Rock Fall Mitigation
- Town staff is requesting approval of a contract not to exceed $100,000 in order to protect construction crews and maintain safe and timely operating conditions at Timber Ridge Village. In April, a roughly 200-pound boulder fell from an outcropping upslope of Lions Ridge Loop and rolled through site fencing into the Timber Ridge Village housing construction area. Council was supportive.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 12, Second Budget Supplemental of 2025
- Town Council reviewed the second budget supplemental for 2025. Across all funds, the proposed supplemental budget includes an additional $59,578,396 in net expenditures for 2025. The majority of this amount, or $59,556,596, is related to the transfer of bond proceeds for the West Middle Creek Certificates of Participation to the Vail Home Partners Corporation, as well as related debt issuance costs and debt service payments for the COPs. Council was supportive.
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Discussion of Ord. No. 14, Major Amendment to Special Development District No. 4, Vail Cascade to Allow for the Development of a Mixed-Use Development at 1276 Westhaven Drive, known as Cornerstone
- The applicant, PHH Design Development, is requesting a major amendment to Special Development District No. 4, Cascade Village, to allow for the development of a mixed-use project on the property known as the Cornerstone site. The Planning and Environmental Commission has forwarded a recommendation for approval. Staff and the applicant gave presentations with the expectation that this hearing would be the first of several. Council provided feedback regarding public benefits proposed, and is interested in touring the property.
Town Manager Report
- Town Manager Russell Forrest, along with Finance staff, gave an update on a survey currently in the field regarding a potential short-term rental excise tax. Staff confirmed Town Council’s availability for a budget retreat on July 15. Council also heard a quick preview of the budget supplemental scheduled for the evening session.
Actions as a Result of Executive Session
- There were no actions as a result of executive session.
Public Comment
- Rick Sackbauer thanked the council for improvements near the Ford Amphitheater. He also congratulated the council on getting the Dobson Arena remodel underway and asked about the possibility of some viewing windows in the construction fence. Lastly, he indicated 924 new homes are coming online in town and he is concerned there is no long-range master plan in place for recreation in Vail.
- Tim McMahon asked for a police presence or private security at the Vail Transportation Center and an update on the emergency plan for I-70 closures. He asked if a discussion on short-term rentals will be on a future Town Council agenda.
- Douglas Smith of West Vail wished his daughter a happy birthday. He also made a suggestion for honoring Deputy Police Chief Justin Liffick, who is retiring.
- Bob Armour reiterated Rick Sackbauer’s request for a long-range master plan for recreation in Vail.
- As part of the Ord. No. 13 item, Brandee Caswell, an attorney representing Red Lion LLC, questioned the number of bars and restaurants that have been converted to retail.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Scott Wagner, board member on the Cascade Village Metro District, asked that the logistics and drainage plan be in place before permits are issued. Speaking as a neighbor, he has concerns with the loading and delivery plan and the trash plan. He also has concerns with the traffic circle and wishes the neighborhood had had input into the design of the circle.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Gabriela Gout de Kalb does not think there are any public benefits to the proposal.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Chip Schoneberger, attorney representing owners at the Liftside Condos, expressed concerns with the proposed density transfer between the CMC site and the Cornerstone site.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Janie Lipnick expressed concerns with the loading and delivery plan.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Lorenza Chico thinks the proposal will only benefit guests, not residents of the area. She also has concerns with the scale and size of the proposal.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, David Flowers has concerns with the current poor condition of the property.
- As part of the Cornerstone discussion, Thad King has concerns with transferring density from the CMC site to the Cornerstone parcel, as well as with proposed transfer of parking from the site to the Aria parking structure.
Actions/Decisions
- Approved Proclamation No. 5, Recognizing the Vail Valley Foundation's Empowering Possibility Campaign to Improve the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (7-0)
- Approved Proclamation No. 6, Recognizing Sutton John "Dozer" Kauffman Day (7-0)
- Approved the May 5, 2025 Town Council Special Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved the May 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes (7-0)
- Approved the May 20, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes (6-0, Staufer abstained)
- Approved Resolution No. 26, Expressing the Intent of the Town to be Reimbursed for Certain Expenses Relating to the Renovation of the Dobson Arena (7-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 27, Town of Vail Transportation Impact Fee Schedule (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to JR Engineering for Vail Stormwater Master Plan (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Landmark EPC for South Frontage Road Sidewalk Design (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Umbrella Roofing for Town of Vail Municipal Building Roof Repairs (7-0)
- Approved Contract Award to Rock Solid Solutions for Timber Ridge Rock Fall Mitigation (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 12, First Reading, Second Supplemental Budget of 2025 (7-0)
- Approved Ord. No. 13, Emergency Ordinance Temporarily Suspending the Acceptance and Processing of Applications, the Scheduling of Public Hearings and the Issuance of Building Permits Related to the Conversion of Eating and Drinking Establishments to Any Other Permitted or Conditional Use in the SBR, SBR-2, CC-1, CC-2, LMU-1, LMU-2, and PA Zone Districts (6-0, Biszantz recused)
- Tabled Ord. No. 14, First Reading, Major Amendment to Special Development District No. 4, Vail Cascade, to Allow for the Development of a Mixed-Use Development, Located at 1276 Westhaven Drive, Known as Cornerstone, to June 17, 2025 (7-0)
Upcoming Town Council Meetings/Activities
- Vail Town Council Meeting, June 17
- Boards and Commissions Appreciation Night, June 24
- Vail Town Council Meeting, July 1
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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