HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-21 Town Council Afternoon Meeting Agenda and Support Documentation1.Call to Order (3:00pm)
2.Executive Session (3:00pm) (45 min.) Executive Session pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)
(b) to hold a conference with the Town Attorney, to receive legal advice on specific legal
questions on the topic of:
1. Reggie D. Delponte Residence Trust No. 1. a California trust; and Reggie D. Delponte
Trust No. 2, a California trust vs Town of Vail, Case number 2025CV30066; and
2. West Lionshead Pre Development Agreement and 3. COLORADO MOTOR CARRIERS
ASSOCIATION v, TOWN OF VAIL and POLICE CHIEF RYAN KENNEY Civil Action No.:
1:23-cv-02752-CNS-STV.
3.Presentation/Discussion (3:45pm)
3.1 Strategic Plan Update (3:45pm)30 min.
Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
Presenter(s): Russell Forrest, Town Manager
Background: The purpose of the work session is to request
feedback from the Town Council on the strategic plan and at
the Council’s direction we will bring the plan back for approval
on May 5, 2026.
3.2 Waste Diversion Update (4:15pm)30 min.
Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
Presenter(s): Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability
Manager
Background: This memorandum and presentation provide the
annual update to the Vail Town Council on waste diversion
initiatives and the progress toward community waste diversion
goals.
4.DRB/PEC (4:45pm)
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Afternoon Session Agenda
Vail Town Council Chambers and virtually by Zoom.
Zoom meeting link: https://vail.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1_I03FdjTzqTAX2PElxvKA
3:00 PM, April 21, 2026
Notes:
Times of items are approximate, subject to change, and cannot be relied upon to determine what time
Council will consider an item.
Strategic Plan Memo 042126.docx
Town of Vail Strategic Plan 2026 -040326 final draft (2).docx
2026 Strategic Plan Actions.pdf
Waste Diversion Update Memorandum- 042126.pdf
Recycling and Compost Update Presentation- 042126.pdf
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4.1 DRB/PEC update (5 min.)
5.Information Update (4:50pm)
5.1 Update on Dark Sky Community Designation
5.2 Update on Vail Nature Center In-Stream Project
5.3 March 2, 2026 AIPP Meeting Minutes
5.4 March 10, 2026 VLHA Meeting Minutes
6.Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports (4:50pm)
6.1 Matters from Mayor, Council and Committees (15 min.)
6.2 Town Manager Report (20 min.)
6.3 Council Matters and Status Update
7.Recess 5:25pm (estimate)
04-13-26 PEC Meeting Minutes.pdf
04-15-26 DRB Meeting Minutes.pdf
Dark Sky Memo- Updated New Guidelines 042126.pdf
Staff_Memorandum_VNC_In-Stream_Project_TC042126.pdf
March 2, 2026 Minutes.pdf
2026-03-10 VLHA Meeting Minutes.pdf
TM Update 042126 (1).docx
Berlaimont Project Timeline Town Council 42126 .docx
Edwards Easement Scoping Notice - Dec 2008.pdf
Eagle County USFS Berlaimont Response 3.12.18.pdf
Public Input.pdf
260421 Matters.docx
Future Topics.docx
Meeting agendas and materials can be accessed prior to meeting day on the Town of Vail website
www.vail.gov. All Town Council meetings will be streamed live by High Five Access Media and available
for public viewing as the meeting is happening. The meeting videos are also posted to High Five Access
Media website the week following meeting day, www.highfivemedia.org.
Please call 970-479-2460 for additional information. Sign language interpretation is available upon
request with 48 hour notification dial 711.
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
TIME:30 min.
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion
AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (3:45pm)
SUBJECT:Strategic Plan Update (3:45pm)
SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
PRESENTER(S):Russell Forrest, Town Manager
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Strategic Plan Memo 042126.docx
Town of Vail Strategic Plan 2026 -040326 final draft (2).docx
2026 Strategic Plan Actions.pdf
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To: Vail Town Council
From: Russell Forrest, Town Manager
Date: April 21, 2026
Subject: 2026 Strategic Plan
__________________________________________________________________________
1. PURPOSE AND INTRODUCTION
On January 19 and 20, 2026, the Town Council met for two days to update the Town’s Strategic
Plan that was last updated in 2024. Attached is that draft Strategic Plan. Also, Town Staff have
created an action plan that is also attached to implement over the next five years to achieve the
Town Council’s desired results. The purpose of the work session on April 21 is to request
feedback from the Town Council on the strategic plan and at the Council’s direction we will bring
the plan back for approval on May 5.
2. WHY DO A STRATEGIC PLAN?
The purpose of a strategic plan is to identify the issues that are most important to Vail’s
residents and guests. The Town Council’s role is to synthesize the feedback they have
received and articulate the critical issues. The Town will then focus time and resources to
address those issues in the next 1 to 5 years.
A strategic plan will be used to develop future budgets (including the 2027 budget), creating
departmental business plans, defining goals for Town personnel, and provide a framework of
accountability for the organization. Both dollars and human resources will be aligned and
targeted towards achieving the strategic results in this plan.
Also with a strategic plan, a metric (a means of showing progress on goals/results) will be
developed and communicated to the community. This plan will help ensure accountability for
the organization, departments, and individual employees in achieving the Town’s strategic
results. By creating a focus on addressing the most important issues over a 1- to 5-year time
frame, significant results can occur that have measurable benefits for the community. While a
strategic plan provides a level of discipline for budgeting and management, short-term actions
that support strategic initiatives can still occur, allowing the Town to be opportunistic even if a
strategy is not specifically in this plan. In addition, staff may propose different and/or amended
actions to achieve Council results as implementation of this overall plan occurs. This Strategic
Plan is intended to be a dynamic plan that is reviewed and updated at least every two years or
more frequently if the need arises. The Town Manager, at least quarterly, will review progress
on the strategic plan with the Town Council.
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Town of Vail Page 2
3. ACTION PLAN
The action plan, which is an attachment to the Strategic Plan, is a product staff has
created to achieve the Town Council results. This is a dynamic document that will
evolve and be updated. The costs for actions are still being developed and will be
completed as part of the annual budget process. 2026 costs that staff can anticipate
includes completing a Recreation Master Plan that would be matched with funds from
the Vail Recreation District that that the VRD has already budgeted. The 50% cost the
Town would fund is approximately $75,000. The actual cost would be determined after
receiving actual proposals as the result of a request for proposals. This action will
support the following result: “B.4 By December 2027, the Town Council will make a
decision regarding the development of a community-anchored recreation center. Staff
will be looking for savings as well to fund a internship to complete a number of the goals
in the Governance action. An intern is also considered as a resource need to complete a
number of actions related to the Governance priority. Staff will first see if savings can be found
to obtain this resource before requesting new funding for this resource.
4. ACTION REQUESTED OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
Council is requested to review the strategic plan and use the link that has been provided
to include edits in the plan. Also, Council can simply share suggested edits at the
meeting on April 21. Staff will then bring the f inal draft back to Council on May 5 for
your approval. Council will note two questions in the draft strategic plan related to
results on pages 5 and 6 of the draft: (specifically A.3 and B.1).
Staff would also note that this plan does not address the day-to-day operations of the
Town except for the strategic result in the Governance Section regarding creating
Departmental business plans to enhance customer service. Staff has created the action
plan in consideration of available resources. The action plan considers available
resources to maintain a high level of service in daily operations and to successfully
execute the Council strategic goals/results. New actions from the Council are always
possible but they will compete for time and resources to achieve the Council’s strategic
goals and provide daily services.
Attachments:
A. Draft 2026 Strategic Plan
B. Draft Action Plan
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WORKING DRAFT to Town Council on April 7, 2026
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Executive Summary – 2026 Five Year Strategic Plan
Vision: To be your favorite mountain town.
Purpose: The purpose of the strategic plan is to identify and address the most important issues the
Town of Vail is facing in the next five years. This plan will be used to align resources around
measurable goals to address those critical strategic issues.
Trends/Issues Council Considered: Key trends and issues considered in this plan include:
Value and Vibrancy: Commercial rental rates are pushing unique/locally owned businesses
(retail, food and beverage) out of Vail and impacting the vitality and vibrancy of Vail’s
commercial areas. Unpredictable winters, varying service levels and increasing costs on and off
the mountain are also trends impacting the perception of value for our guests.
New Residents: With new homes for approximately 1,000 new residents coming becoming
available in the next three years, does Vail have the amenities to support new younger
residents? Continuing to enhance our sense of community for both existing and new residents
will be critical to Vail’s success and creating new leaders in the future.
Financial Sustainability: Financial sustainability is critical as the town completes three large
capital projects (Timber Ridge Village, Southface Vail, and Dobson Arena). Poor snow,
potential for wildland fires, significant global turmoil and economic uncertainty, along with the
need to add to the town’s fund balance make financial discipline important in the foreseeable
future.
Desired Results/Goals; Given the above-mentioned trends the Vail Town Council identified three goal
areas supported by a fourth (Good Governance) which is an ongoing goal.
• Create a Vibrant Vail Experience. Town policies, incentives, and special events will support
year-round vibrancy and entrepreneurial initiatives from locally owned business so that guests
and residents want to be in Vail’s commercial areas because they are fun, inviting, and
aesthetically attractive.
• Build a Strong Community. Successfully completing Timber Ridge, and Southface affordable
housing developments, providing adequate childcare opportunities, creating places for our
community to connect (library, recreation center) and cultivating our next generation of residents
and leaders will be critical in building our sense of community.
• Protect Our Mountain Environment: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting Gore
Creek and the natural environment in and around Vail will continue to be priorities for the Town.
In addition, being resilient to natural and manmade emergencies along with climate change will
be critical to protecting our community and economy.
The Town of Vail must continuously work on good governance to support the above-mentioned goals
and to provide a high level of customer service. In the next several years there will be a focus on
ensuring our land use and housing policies will be clear and understandable and of course achieve
community goals. Departments will identify opportunities to measurably improve customer service.
The town will also work on ensuring financial sustainability and that we are communicating proactively
and transparently with the Vail community.
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2026 Five Year Strategic Plan
1. PURPOSE AND INTRODUCTION
This Strategic Plan’s purpose is to create real and meaningful results for our residents,
businesses, and guests to address the most important issues identified in community surveys,
plans and community conversations. This Strategic Plan, once approved, will provide a
framework to align both human and financial resources to achieve critical results in
addressing our community’s most important issues.
On January 19 and 20, 2026, the Town Council met and updated the Town’s strategic plan
that was created in 2024. This update includes a vision statement, mission, priority issues,
and strategic results/goals. This plan is focused on how issues and goals will improve the
lives of our customers who are our residents, guests, businesses, and employees that live,
work, and play in Vail. To ground the Town Council on our customers’ perspectives, the
planning session in January of 2026, started with a review of feedback received by five focus
groups, as well as feedback from community and guest surveys. The Strategic Plan is
intended to be updated every two years after a Town Council election. Town Council
members in creating this plan are asked to consider long-term strategic issues but focus on
creating meaningful results for our customers in the next two to five years.
2. MISSION AND VISION
The mission or purpose of the Town of Vail defines why we exist as a local government in
serving our residents, businesses, and guests. Our vision provides a direction and destination
of where, as a community, we want to move towards in the future. After two days of reviewing
stakeholder feedback and strategic issues, the Town Council created the following aspirational
vison statement, which is premised on being a strong, vibrant community so that we can provide
exceptional service and value for our guests.
The Town of Vail’s vision is:
To be your favorite mountain town.
This vision:
Is about your connection and devotion to the place, whether you live, work or play here.
Being the best is rankings-oriented and hard to define, so we have set our sights on being
your favorite, i.e. your go-to answer when someone asks, “What is your favorite mountain
town?” Vail. No brainer.
Are we a resort or a community? Both, at the same time. We are a mountain town, here for
all to enjoy what Mother Nature gave us.
In February 2024, the Town Council articulated the following purpose:
The purpose of the Town of Vail and the services we provide is to provide exceptional
public services, to people who live, work, and play here so they can connect to the
community and to nature, create memories, find opportunities to thrive, and have the
time of their lives.
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3. PROGRESS FROM 2024 STRATEGIC PLAN
The Town Council completed a strategic plan in 2024, and we are still actively
implementing this plan. Significant resources have been committed to the execution of
three major capital projects including Dobson Arena, Timber Ridge and Southface. The
2024 Strategic Plan can be found on the town’s website. The last update on progress
was presented to Town Council on Oct. 21, 2025. The public dashboard is available at
https://performance.envisio.com/dashboard/Vail. Plan progress highlights include:
Create a Strong Community and Create Affordable Housing Opportunities
570 homes for locals are currently under construction, including the town’s first Habitat
for Humanity homes.
Support Our Workforce
Significant council contributions to the Minturn Family Enrichment Center and new Early
Childhood Education Center in Avon.
Provide an Authentic Vail Experience
Launched the new early winter season “Stoke Sessions” concert series.
$55 million Dobson Ice Rink renovation is being created to enhance town events and
continue a tradition of ice programs including Yetti games.
Transportation
Year-round managed parking, creation of the Transit Route Optimization and Arrive Vail
plans, and pedestrian improvements in West Vail.
Residents and employees are using transit more with improved CORE and Town
services. The number of days on the Frontage Rd has been reduced.
Environmental Sustainability
Initiating, after receiving a $1.8 million grant, the initial node of a geothermal district and
finalized the town’s first car share program.
This update will supersede the 2024 plan and build upon it.
4. 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
The following section includes the mission, priority Issues, and results from the January 19
and 20, 2026 planning sessions.
Mission: The mission describes our purpose and the fundamental services we provide to the
community and the desired impact of those services.
The mission of the Town of Vail is to provide exceptional public services to people
who live, work and play here so they can connect to the community and to nature,
create memories, find opportunities to thrive, and have the time of their lives.
Issues and Results: The following critical issues and results tie back to the feedback the Town
received from the community. The 2026 Strategic Plan recognizes that completing three of the
largest capital projects in Vail history including Timber Ridge Village, Southface Vail, and the
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Dobson Arena remodel is critical and must be successfully completed with applicable
development partners (Triumph, Corum, VRD respectively). It is also recognized that with each
significant development project, there are inherent risks that will need to be managed and
mitigated as with any development. These projects will continue to require significant human
and financial resources in the next two to three years. The issues and results mentioned below
reflect the necessity to successfully complete these three projects.
It should be acknowledged that are is strong interconnectivity between the issues mentioned
below. Goals related to community also support creating a vibrant guest experience.
Environmental resiliency supports guests, residents, and employees by responding to the
changing environment of the Rocky Mountains.
The Town Council worked toward consensus in developing the following issues and strategic
results. The following issues respond to trends and feedback the Town Council considered and
the results reflect what our customers (residents, guests, and employees) will experience in
addressing the following issues.
A. Strategic Priority – Create a Vibrant Vail Experience: The Town of Vail has experienced
an escalation in commercial rents that makes being a local entrepreneur with a brick-and-
mortar store, particularly for food and beverage operations challenging. The trend of more
exclusive national/international brand businesses pushing out unique locally owned
businesses creates the risk of homogenizing Vail Village and Lionshead. At the same time
with an increase in employee housing, there will be a greater demand for locally serving
businesses, particularly in food and beverage. Another trend the Town must directly face is
providing value and vibrancy to our guests and residents whether we have good snow years
or not. Providing and communicating opportunities to have fun and an incredible
experience in Vail regardless of snow conditions will be increasingly important in the future.
Desired Results:
A.1 By December 2028, realize a net 5% increase in locally owned and operated store front
businesses.
A.2. By December 2028, create polices, programming and organizational culture for the
local business community to embrace and promote vibrancy and an environment of fun
A.3 By March 2027, create policies and an organizational culture where community
members and/or groups can utilize Town facilities. (Is this more of a “Build Community
Topic”)
A.4 By December 2027, residents and visitors will have access and utilize a playbook of
diverse and compelling activities that are available in the TOV throughout the year.
B. Strategic Priority – Build a Strong Community: With the Residences of Main Vail now
completed, along with Timber Ridge Village and Southface Vail, the Town will have created
642 new homes for our community between the three projects. This new housing will
provide homes totaling 1021 bedrooms. Creating a strong community that supports a world
class guess experience was seen as being a critical issue in 2024 and continues to be an
ongoing need and opportunity in the future.
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Desired Results:
B.1 By December 2026, the Town Council will receive and approve a development
agreement to accomplish the community goals outlined in the West Lionshead Master Plan.
(Creating community is a goal with the West Vail Master Plan. However, does this align
better in Vibrant Vail Experience)
B.2 By December 2029, parents/caregivers working in Vail needing childcare have access
to affordable childcare located where they need it.
B.3 By December 2031, Vail residents will experience an 820 unit increase in locally owned
and occupied homes in residential neighborhoods, with construction beginning on the East
Vail parcel by 2028. (Note: 820 includes the 570 units being built now and 250 new homes
in the next 5 years)
B.4 By December 2027, the Town Council will make a decision regarding the development
of a community-anchored recreation center.
B.5 By February 2028, the Town of Vail will begin intentionally developing the next
generation of leaders within our community.
C. Strategic Priority - Protect Our Mountain Environment: The high alpine natural
environment of Vail and the Gore Valley as whole makes the Town and Vail Mountain a truly
magical place for the Vail community and our guests. Our future as a community and local
economy is very much tied to how we care for and live in harmony with our natural
environment. With climate change, Vail also must be resilient to the changes that affect our
valley and surrounding region. Both reducing our impact on the natural environment while
also being resilient to a change in the environment will be increasingly important in the future.
Desired Results:
C.1 By December 2027, Vail and its partners will have a cohesive wildlife/environmental
management plan for the Gore Valley to continue to promote, protect and enhance our
natural habitat.
C.2 By December 2029, Gore Creek will meet the requirements to no longer be a 303(d)
listed impaired waterway which would reduce near term risk of losing the gold medal fishery
status.
C.3 By December 2027, the Town Council will receive and approve a community resiliency
plan including economic, environmental, wildfire and organizational resiliency, including
evacuation and continuity of operations plans.
C.4 By December 2030, the Town will achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and by
December 2050, the Town will achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions against the
2014 baseline.
D. Strategic Priority – Ensure Good Governance: There is both the need and opportunity, while
the Town is financing three large capital projects to focus on improving the efficiency and
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effectiveness of its services, policies, and customer service. Given there is limited capacity for
new capital projects, particularly while Timber Ridge is being completed and sold out, there is
the need to solicit customer feedback at a Departmental level and identify areas of improvement
in day-to-day operations. The Town has added sections and provisions to the Town Code
particularly the land use and housing regulations so that the current land use code is
challenging to understand and lacks clarity. The Town is committed to excellent customer
service but there is the need to be able to define what excellent customer service means and
how to measure it.
Desired Results:
D.1 By December 2027, the Town of Vail will simplify and streamline communications to ensure
information is transparent and accessible to the community.
D.2 By July 2027, to better serve the current and future needs of the community, the Town will
experience a complete overhaul of land use, housing, and design codes.
D.3 By December 2027, the community will experience a customer focused organization and
culture through the development of customer-focused strategic departmental business plans.
D.4 By December 2027, the Town will pursue and implement innovative financial strategies to
ensure the viability of our community for the next 50 years and deliver best-in-class services.
5. NEXT STEPS
Staff would propose approving this plan via resolution as a next step after the language for vision,
mission, priority issues, and results are acceptable to the Town Council. Attached is an action plan
to support the completion of the above-mentioned results (Attachment B – still being developed).
This strategic plan is focused on the next 2 to 5 years. Moving forward, staff will provide quarterly
updates on progress related to results. A dashboard is envisioned that will be on the Town’s
website and used in updates. It is recommended that after a Council election (every two years) the
Strategic Plan is reviewed and updated as necessary.
Finally, staff will create business plans for each Town Department to ensure that the Council
strategic results are effectively implemented, and the Town Manager, department heads, and
individual staff members are aligned and accountable to achieve the results. The business plans
for departments would also speak to the day-to-day services that Departments provide for their
customers. Feedback from departmental customers will be solicited and used to develop goals and
actions to ensure the highest level of customer service based on available resources.
Attachment A: Trends and Feedback Considered
ATTACHMENT A: TRENDS AND FEEDBACK INCORPORATED INTO PLAN
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I. BACKGROUND ON TRENDS CONSIDERED
Staff synthesized the current state of implementation of existing strategic priorities, community
survey information, previous discussions in the community and with Council, local, state-wide,
and national trends and would acknowledge the following trends/issues for Council’s
consideration:
A. Big Three Capital Projects: With the Residences of Main Vail now complete, along with
Timber Ridge Village and Southface Vail, the Town will have created 642 new homes for
our community between the three projects. This new housing will provide homes totaling
1,021 bedrooms. In addition, the remodel of Dobson Arena is underway. The following is
a summary of those three projects.
Timber Ridge Village: The Town is in the shoes of a developer, and we are
actively managing risk in selling out Timber Ridge and then we will be leasing up
Southface in two to three years. If Timber Ridge sells out the Town will recoup
$38,614,769 of the $40,523,046 cash contribution it invested into the project and
will have adequate resources to pay for the $25,449,948 million the Town has
committed to purchasing homes in the project.
Southface Vail: Construction at Southface started in May 2025 and is expected to
be completed in the Fall of 2028. There are a total of 268 units including studios,
1, and 2, bedrooms. The construction cost of this project is $164 Million. At the
time this plan was prepared Southface is on time and budget.
Dobson Arena: Dobson is an approximately $55 million remodel of the 45-year-
old Dobson ice rink. The project is being paid for from tax increment financing
funds generated through the redevelopment of Lionshead. At the time this plan
was written, this project is on budget and schedule. An operating agreement has
now been executed between the Town of Vail and the Vail Recreation District.
Dobson will be an important opportunity to continue to have incredible ice
programs and increase our ability to have concerts, special events, and host
large group events in conjunction with our lodging community.
These three projects will continue to absorb significant staff and financial capacity for
the next two years. They also will create new opportunities for addressing our
housing challenges and improving economic vitality. This plan contemplates that
significant resources continue to be committed to the completion of the above
projects. Specifically, the Housing and Finance Departments will be actively
managing the housing projects. The Public Works Director and Facilities Manager
are managing construction and completion of the Dobson project, along with the
Economic Development team’s involvement in curating the process around special
events and corporate events at Dobson. Fortunately, we have the Cumming Group
to help support project management for all three projects.
B. Operational/Policy Enhancements: As we have experienced complex Special
Development District (SDD) applications and closely examined our current housing
policy, staff has concluded that our town code needs to be updated, clarified, in some
places fixed to effectively implement the policies of the Town and provide improved
customer service. The Land Use Code and interconnected housing regulations are the
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best examples of where policy changes over time have created a hard-to-understand
and inefficient policy structure. Examples of areas of specific change include: a SDD
process that does not provide for an opportunity to examine and debate a conceptual
plan from a developer (without the developer spending significant money on design).
The housing code has four different sections interwoven into the land use code. It’s
complex and hard to understand even for staff. There are also operational actions that
need to be addressed. The good news is that the Town has invested in technology in
the last year to fix a broken permit tracking system and better manage deed restrictions.
However, to be a world class resort community the Town needs clear, effective
municipal codes and operational tools to manage our complex land use and housing
processes.
Also, there is the opportunity and need for our departments to actively solicit feedback
from customers, just like the Council did to create this strategic plan, to improve day-to-
day operations and create Departmental business plans to ensure alignment to council
priorities and improve the efficiency of day-to-day operations.
C. Housing Strategy: The existing goal set in 2017 is to create 1000 additional homes for
Vail employees. With the projects mentioned above and other projects the Town is now
on track to create 850 of the 1000 new homes by 2027. Staff believe it is critical to
complete the Timber Ridge and Southface projects in combination with redeveloping
internal housing policy, processes and data before initiating any significant new housing
projects. Staff and the Vail Local Housing Authority have begun working on this and an
updated housing strategy is at Memo_2026_Housing_Strategies_SemiAnnualUpdate.pdf.
D. Vibrancy and New, Younger Demographic: A trend we are continuing to see in Vail
and other mountain resorts is ever-increasing commercial rents (which is counter to the
national trend of decreasing commercial demand) which make unique, locally owned
retail and food and beverage businesses less economically viable. In their place, we
have seen more private clubs, ski lockers, and high end international/national retail
stores. Of particular concern is the loss of food and beverage businesses that cater to
locals and our employees. A notable exception to this trend is Avanti, which is a
wonderful example of a creative food and beverage business that caters to both locals
and guests. Another trend which is positive (but we need to be prepared for it) is with
the new housing mentioned above, the Town may experience 800-1200 new residents.
Some may certainly be relocating from free market units in Vail, but there will be a
significant increase in employees and younger people living and working in Vail. This
trend in the next 5 years requires the Town and the community to assess whether we
have the services and amenities to support this new population. An example of an
opportunity to address these trends is the Vail Public Library that is increasingly
providing a diversity of programs and spaces for residents and employees to connect
with each other, learn, have fun, and make new friends. We will need additional
programs and facilities to address this positive trend resulting from the Town executing
on its housing goals. A recreation or fitness facility has been discussed as a need. Staff
would recommend that we update a recreation plan with the Vail Recreation District to
evaluate the need for new recreational and community amenities.
E. Value and Defining What a Premier Mtn. Resort Community Means Today: The
Town’s longtime vision was to be the “premier mountain resort community in the world.”
Historically, Vail could gauge its value to its customers by ratings in Ski Magazine.
When “Vail, Colorado” shows up in the most recent (last ~12 months) resort rankings, it
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generally lands top-tier but not #1. Vail is strong in “best overall destination” lists, a little
lower in skier-survey performance lists, and punished in value/affordability lists.
Across the two major “best resorts” lists where Vail is actually ranked recently, it sits
between #6 and #12 (average #9) with excellent brand strength, while affordability-
focused rankings flag it as expensive.
After COVID and with the evolution of the Epic Pass, the Town of Vail now must market
itself in both the winter and summer. We must also consider that the number of people
skiing is not growing so we are facing increased competition for fewer skiers. The key
leader in international growth is Mexico, which represents approximately 10% of our
destination trips.
As we review information on net promoter scores we are concerned about the perceived
loyalty to Vail by our guest.
Summer NPS (likelihood to recommend) was 74 which exceeded both prior summer
and prior winter. Detractors in summer see Vail as expensive, which leaves some
feeling the overall value of the experience doesn’t justify the cost.
Winter NPS (likelihood to return) was 64, decreasing from 70.8 in winter 23/24.
Guests perceived cost concerns as the biggest perceived barrier to future visitation.
Staff would suggest that instead of chasing ratings in magazines that we focus on
improving and enhancing our net promoter score and ensure that we are providing the
very best experience we can to our guests.
F. Aging Infrastructure: Vail is now 60 years old, and the Town has aging infrastructure
nearing the end of its useful life. Dobson Arena was identified in the 2024 strategic plan
as a facility that needed renovation and that is occurring. Town Hall is aging but recent
capital investment in its HVAC system has provided another 5-10 years of life for the
building. Currently the most significant capital need is continuing to maintain the Village
and Lionshead parking structure. Arrive Vail has provided a concept of how to both
address the infrastructure needs of the Village Parking structure, improve the guest
arrival experience, and provide additional transit capacity current and future needs. The
Civic Area may also provide opportunities for community gathering spaces and/or a
municipal complex.
G. Revenue: The Town has grown significantly in terms of programs, while also increasing
the number of employees needed to support these expanded services. In addition, costs
have increased substantially in terms of both operating and capital expenditures and the
town has spent down reserves on major capital projects over the last several years.
Additional revenue sources may need to be considered to support solutions for aging
infrastructure, marketing Vail year-round, attracting, and retaining outstanding
employees, aggressively competing as a resort, and providing an excellent level of
customer service.
H. Changing Climate: Ski seasons are becoming shorter, water availability will be more
constrained, energy costs will rise, and we will see an increase in wildland fires and
extreme weather. The 2025/2026 winter season was the worst snowpack recorded in
Colorado. The Town will need to be increasingly resilient to address these trends and is
actively creating solutions in addressing its significant greenhouse gas emissions
15
11
communitywide and in town operations. Core Transit provides an opportunity to reduce
vehicle miles travelled (and the associated emissions) and the cost to employees to live
and work in the Valley. Future mobility initiatives are also needed to achieve the town’s
emissions and sustainability goals. The McKinstry/Geothermal project has the potential
to be a groundbreaking project for renewable energy and provide a pathway for
significantly reducing the Town carbon emissions for snow melt and to be more resilient
in the future. In addition, the Town needs to develop and market non ski activities both
in good and poor snow season to improve our economic resiliency.
I. Redevelopment Opportunities: The Town of Vail and Vail Resorts have completed an
update to the Lionshead Redevelopment Plan for West Lionshead. The demand for retail
and commercial areas have evolved rapidly in the last five years, particularly after
COVID. Maintaining a competitive resort community requires evaluating what our
residents and guests need in the future for amenities and ensuring the Town has the
highest quality built and natural environment. West Vail is a significant opportunity to
create a retail and housing opportunity to meet the Town’s needs in the future. West
Lionshead also could address parking on the Frontage Rd and improving skier drop off
to a major portal.
West Vail is also an opportunity to improve retail and food and beverage offerings for
locals. This requires cooperation from property owners. Additional incentives may be
needed to achieve the vision of the West Vail Master Plan – like the DDA that is being
considered for West Lionshead.
II. FEEDBACK AND ISSUES
Staff compiled themes from the town’s most recent Vail Community Survey, last fielded in the
spring of 2024, and post-visit guest surveys from winter 2024/2025 and summer 2025.
Respondents were asked to rank their priorities for the town, with the top five including:
1. Creating a continuum of housing for locals, ranging from seasonal employees to retirees
2. Protecting wildlife habitat and restoring habitat connectivity
3. Improving the health of the Gore Creek Watershed
4. Increasing access to childcare for those who work in Vail, where workers want it
5. Creating and enhancing annual events that are consistent with Vail’s unique vibe (ex:
GoPro Mountain Games, Bravo!)
As part of both summer and winter post-visit guest surveys, overall affordability was of
greatest concern, with parking as a factor affecting likelihood of returning to Vail and
recommending Vail to others. For guests, parking is a pain point. Parking received the lowest
satisfaction scores from all visitor groups at 3.3 overall last winter – this is consistent with the
past three years. Nearly 1 in 5 open-ended comments called out parking specifically, with
many asking for cheaper or more convenient options. Guests cite both cost and availability as
concerns, especially with the introduction of summer paid parking and confusion over public
versus private parking. Guests asked for lower rates, cheaper or validated options, clearer
signage/shuttle loops and a simpler parking experience.
Finally, in preparation for this strategic plan the Town’s facilitator and Town Staff conducted
several focus groups including:
16
12
Town residents
Young business leaders
Town staff and Directors
Business leaders in the Vail Economic Advisory Committee
Interviews with Town Council members and the Town Manager
Notes from these focus groups were shared with the Town Council on February 19, 2026.
17
2026 Strategic Plan – Proposed Actions to
Achieve Council Results
A. Issue: Create a Vibrant Vail Experience
Action/Strategy Timing Point of
Contact
Budget
Needed in
2026
A.1 By December 2028, realize a net 5% increase in locally owned and operated store front business.
Define locally owned and operated store front businesses. Q2 26 MV/KH
Create inventory of locally owned and operated store front
businesses.
Q4 26 MG
Develop a communications model to improve relationships with
commercial real estate brokers.
Q4 26 MG/MV
Develop strategies to fill storefronts: determine code opportunities
to incent locally owned and operated store front businesses.
Q3 28 MG/MV
Narrow to three to five key strategies to achieve net increase by
2028.
Q2 28 MG/MV
A.2 By December 2028, create polices, programming and organizational culture for the local business
community to embrace and promote vibrancy and an environment of fun
Define vibrancy and fun for local businesses. Q4 26 MV/JG
Establish baseline – inventory of vibrancy and fun in businesses. Q3 26 MV/JG
Complete an inventory of vibe in Vail’s villages. Q4 26 MV/JG
Align land use, housing and design codes to achieve vibrancy goals. Q3 28 MG
A.3 By March 2027, create policies and an organizational culture where community members and/or
groups can utilize town facilities.
Complete inventory of town facilities, parks, other entity uses
(school district), publicly used/privately owned spaces for
supporting community programming.
Q3 26
KLM TBD
Complete financial analysis for each town facility or space (P&L)
and evaluate usage and capacity of those fa cilities.
Q4 26
Determine needs of community for additional public uses via a new
Recreation Master Plan.
Q3 26 KLM TBD
Complete a management plan that could also be part of the
Recreation Master Plan.
Q1 27 KLM TBD
A.4 By December 2027, residents and visitors will have access to and will utilize a playbook of diverse
and compelling activities that are available in town throughout the year.
Develop a playbook of activities and amenities by season for
distribution to the local community and businesses.
Q3 26
(winter)
Q2 27
(summer)
MV/LG/
AZ
18
B. Issue: Build a Strong Community
Action/Strategy Timing Point of
Contact
Budget
Needed in
2026
B.1 By December 2026, the Town Council will receive and approve a development agreement to
accomplish the community goals outlined in the West Lionshead Master Plan.
The partners (Town of Vail, Vail Resorts and East West Partners) will
identify topics to discuss in the pre-development agreement.
Q1 26 RF, MG
The partners will complete a public financing plan and update needs
for public parking.
Q2 26 RF, MG Consultant
budgeted
The partners will complete a development agreement. Q3 26 RF, MG
B.2 By December 2029, parents/caregivers working in Vail needing childcare have access to
affordable childcare located where they need it.
Work with Eagle County to update the demand study for childcare
and where that demand is needed.
3Q 27 KM / RF
Identify sites for future childcare center in conjunction with land
inventory for future Recreation Master Plan update.
Q4 26 Rec Plan /
TK
Assess and ensure the sustainability of current childcare facilities
and programing and develop recommendations to improve
sustainability.
Q4 27 KM
Facilitate proposed new childcare facility in West Vail. Q2 27 RF
Create micro enterprise opportunities for in-home childcare. Q2 28 KM
B.3 By December 2031, Vail residents will experience an 820 unit increase in locally owned and
occupied homes in residential neighborhoods, with construction beginning on the East Vail parcel by
2028. (Note 820 includes the 570 units being built now and 250 new homes in the next 5 years)
Establish integrated housing inventory and analytics system with full
deed-restricted unit lifecycle tracking and AI-assisted tools.
Q4 26 JD $60,000
budgeted
Redevelop policy, data and decision-making infrastructure. Q4 28 JD
Expand deed restriction purchase program product offerings. Q4 27 JD
Create a financial catalyst for affordable housing. Q2 27 JD $25,000
VLHA
Complete Southface Vail . Q4 28 JD
Complete Timber Ridge Village. Q4 26 JD
Initiate construction on the East Vail CDOT site. Q2 28 JD
B.4 By December 2027, the Town Council will make a decision
regarding the development of a community-anchored recreation
center.
Assist VRD with issuing an RFP for the Recreation Master Plan
Update.
Q2 26 TK/VRD $75k TOV
$75k VRD
19
Internally evaluate existing spaces and land that may be used for
Community/Recreation opportunities; share information for use with
Recreation Master Plan update.
Q4 26 TK
Complete Recreation Master Plan which will include a land analysis
that supports other actions in this plan.
Q 2 27 TK/VRD
Present recreation center options to Council for decision regarding
the development of a community-anchored recreation center.
Q4 27 TK/VRD
B.5 By February of 2028, the Town of Vail will begin intentionally
developing the next generation of leaders within our community.
Develop a mentorship program and speaker series where the “Old
Guard” can impart wisdom to the “New Guard.” The speaker series
should be a combination of a formal session and informal networking
opportunity in the same event.
Q2 27 RF
Formalize the Next Generation group, while keeping the meetings
organic, to allow the group to provide direct feedback to the Town
Manager and Town Council to promote growth, innovation, and
excitement for the future.
Q2 27 RF
Work regionally with Vail Valley Partnership and other local
governments to support local entrepreneurs and young leaders.
Specially support VVP program to connect younger people in the
community and provide leadership and basic life skills.
Q2 27 RF/VVP
C. Issue: Protect the Mountain Environment
Action/Strategy Timing Point of
Contact
Budget
Needed in
2026
C.1 By December 2027, Vail and its partners will have a cohesive wildlife/environmental management
plan for the Gore Valley to continue to promote, protect and enhance our natural habitat.
Complete the biodiversity study including inventory, land
management, habitat improvement and policy.
Q2 26 KB
Bring partners together to present findings of the study and
collaborate on recommendations.
Q4 26 KB
Utilizing the results of the biodiversity study, develop and release
RFP to develop biodiversity habitat plan and policy for town-owned
land.
Q1 27 KB
Present findings to PEC/Council, develop budget. Q2 27 KB
Begin project planning and implementation of recommendations. Q4 27 KB
C.2 By December 2029, Gore Creek will meet the requirements to no longer be a 303(d) listed
impaired waterway which would reduce near term risk of losing the gold medal fishery status.
Launch new Restore the Gore branding and campaign. Q3 26 KB/PW
20
Improve stormwater infrastructure and operational activities
ensuring the town employs best management practices to prevent,
capture, and treat pollution.
Q4 28 KB/PW
Advance statewide policy, update town regulation and increase
enforcement to ensure compliance with existing laws and broaden
the ability of the town to reduce pesticide impacts on Gore Creek.
Q1 27 KB/PW
Implement site specific restoration and research projects (Golf
Course revegetation plan).
Q4 29 KB/PW
Complete instream trout habitat enhancement project at eastern
end of Ford Park.
Q2 27 KB/PW
C.3 By December 2027, the town council will receive and approve a community resiliency plan
including economic, environmental, wildfire and organizational resiliency, including evacuation and
COOP plans.
Develop a scope of work for phase one of the resiliency plan. Q2 26 RK Budget
$125,000
for 2027
Prepare and issue an RFP for phase one of the resiliency plan. Q3 26
Complete draft plan. Q4 27
C.4 By December 2030, the Town will achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and by December
2050, the Town will achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions against the 2014 baseline.
Present for adoption the Exterior Energy Offset Program, a policy to
mitigate and offset energy use (heated driveways, pools/spas).
Q4 26 KB/CM
Complete Phase 2 Design of the broader Civic Area Geothermal
district, establish governance and financial structure, and
partnerships for implementation.
Q3 27 KB/CM
Complete Energy Performance Contract on town facilities,
geothermal district at library.
Q4 27 KB/CM
Increase utilization of mobility programs (ShiftBike, ZipCar,
SolePower +) by a minimum of 25%.
Q4 28 KB/BM
Propose an Electric Vehicle (EV-first) procurement policy for town
vehicles.
Q1 27 KB/CM
Implement the town’s EV Readiness Plan actions to reach 30%
transition by 2030.
Q4 30 KB/CM
Achieve 50% waste diversion rate through an increase in
composting, plastic waste reduction, and construction and
demolition diversion.
Q4 29 KB/BM
Drive local, statewide, regional and national climate policy and
programs through the adopted CC4CA policy objectives and the
Climate Action Collaborative 2030 Plan.
Q3 30 KB
Implement targeted climate education and capacity building,
reaching at least 25% of town employees while also increasing
community education and outreach by 25%.
Q4 28 KB
21
D. Issue: Ensure Good Governance
Action/Strategy Timing Point of
Contact
Budget
Needed in
2026
D.1 By December 31, 2027, the Town of Vail will simplify and streamline communications to ensure
information is transparent and accessible to the community.
Centralize website update functions within the Communications
Department.
Q1 27 KW FTE/other
resource in
2026-27
Launch a new, comprehensive website at vail.gov as a one-stop
shop for the information needed by all constituents.
Q4 27 KW
D.2 By September 1, 2028, to better serve the current and future needs of the community, the town will
execute a complete overhaul of land use, housing, development and design codes.
Amend Town Code Chapter 12-9A to include a new Sketch Plan step
in the Special Development District review process.
Q2 26 MG, JD
Select a finalist from the respondents to the RFQ for the
comprehensive rewrite of Town Code Titles 12 and 14.
Q1 26 MG, JD
Administer public engagement and implement communication plan
as a component of Phase 1.
Q4 26 MG, JD
Complete Phase 1 of the comprehensive rewrite of Town Code Titles
12 and 14.
Q4 26 MG, JD,
GR
$100,000
budgeted
Complete Phase 2 of the comprehensive rewrite of Town Code Titles
12 and 14.
Q2 27 MG, GR
D.3 By December 2027, the community will experience a customer focused organization and culture
through the development of customer-focused strategic departmental business plans.
Develop a customer service training program for Town of Vail
employees.
Q3 26 RF
Implement a community-wide customer service training program. Q4 27 RF
Town of Vail staff trained to facilitate department-wide strategic
business plan.
Q3 26 RF, KH $42,000
budgeted
Department strategic business plans completed over next three
years.
Q4 29 RF $200,000
budgeted
Create a communications framework for departmental plan
messaging and building culture and legacy of customer service.
Q4 26 RF, KW,
KH
Develop metrics to measure success. Q1 27 RF, KH
D.4 By December 31, 2027 the Town will pursue and implement innovative financial strategies to ensure
the viability of our community for the next 50 years and deliver best-in-class services.
Determine where town operations are financially sustainable and
where they are not.
Q4 26 CS
22
Engage InnoVail team to solicit internal ideas for revenue generation. Q2 27 CS
Solicit crowd sources and community feedback along with focus
groups with financial leaders in the community.
Q4 27 CS
Engage an intern/fellow to support research and implementation of
this goal area. This would include looking at innovative strategies for
supporting public operations and projects.
Q3 26 RF / HR $20,000
Release first round of accurate, real stories of how the town works to
receive an ROI on initiatives and investments.
Q1 27 CS
Inventory of what we can sell, trade, collateralize. (i.e. selling RMV) Q4 26 CS/JD
23
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.2
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
TIME:30 min.
SUBMITTED BY:Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability
ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion
AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (3:45pm)
SUBJECT:Waste Diversion Update (4:15pm)
SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
PRESENTER(S):Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability Manager
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Waste Diversion Update Memorandum- 042126.pdf
Recycling and Compost Update Presentation- 042126.pdf
24
To: Vail Town Council
From: Environmental Sustainability Department
Date: April 21, 2026
Subject: Community Wide Waste Diversion Update
I. Purpose
This memorandum provides the annual update to the Vail Town Council on waste diversion
initiatives and the progress toward community waste diversion goals.
II. Background
In 2010 baseline recycling studies show area diversion rates as follows:
• Town of Vail: 9% (residential) and 19% (commercial)
• Eagle County: 14.7%
• National Average: 34.5%`
In 2014, Town of Vail passed a universal recycling ordinance, requiring all businesses and
residents to recycle by law. This ordinance also included a volume-based pricing structure,
known as Pay as You Throw, encouraging residents to adopt smaller trash containers,
maximizing recycling, and reducing landfill bound waste while saving the residents money on
their bundled trash and recycling bill. Following the adoption of this ordinance, the town
achieved the 25% waste diversion goal established in the 2009 Environmental Sustainability
Strategic Plan in 2020.
In support of the Vail Town Council’s strategic focus on sustainability and reducing greenhouse
gas emissions, the town’s adopted 2024 Strategic Plan establishes the following goal:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the 2014 baseline 50% by 2030 and 80% by
2050.
To help achieve these GHG emissions reduction goals, the Town’s Strategic Plan includes a
strategy to achieve a townwide 50% waste diversion rate by 2030 with the following
milestones:
• Divert 80% of organics through a town-wide compost program.
• Develop policy prohibiting single-use plastics.
• Divert 100% of all locally recoverable construction and demolition materials from the
landfill.
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Town of Vail Page 2
III. Recycling and Compost Program Outreach and Initiatives
Several outreach efforts and recycling and compost initiatives have been implemented. These
include partnering with Vail Honeywagon to offer the West Vail Curbside Composting Pilot
program, offering the Business Compost Program, educating Town of Vail staff on recycling,
providing recycling education to local students, and providing businesses with information and
resources on the expansion of the Kick the Bag Habit program and development of the Forget
the Foam program.
Compost Programs
• Free Composting for Town of Vail Employees: The Town of Vail encourages town
employees to compost and allows them to bring organic waste from home and compost
it at the town for free as a benefit.
• West Vail Curbside Compost Program: Town of Vail partnered with Vail Honeywagon
to offer a curbside composting pilot program for West Vail residents in 2021. This was
the first curbside compost program in Eagle County. Participants receive a 5-gallon
bucket and weekly curbside service. Town of Vail is subsidizing the program cost per
household by 50% up to $8/month and per HOA by 50% up to $50/month. Currently
there are 90 households, including two HOA’s participating, and 10.4 tons of compost
was collected in 2025. Vail Valley Waste is planning to launch a curbside compost
program in May 2026 to any resident in the Town of Vail.
• Residential Subscription Drop-off Program: In partnership with Vail Honeywagon, the
residential subscription drop off composting program is also available in Vail at the Vail
Recycling Center. There are 33 residents participating in the drop-off program.
• Business Compost Program: Twelve local businesses have participated in the
Business Compost Program to start or improve a compost program since its inception in
2023. Businesses can receive between $500 - $2,000 in rebates for starting or improving
an existing compost program. $4,000 in rebates was distributed to participating
businesses in 2025. Participating businesses diverted an estimated 97 tons of organic
material in 2025.
Hard to Recycle Events
One free recycling event was held in May in 2025 to collect electronic, yard and household
hazardous waste, vinyl banners, tires, scrap metal, soft plastics, Styrofoam, gently used outdoor
gear, yard and food waste to be composted and to provide paper shredding services. Over 20
tons of materials were collected and recycled or composted from 443 residents and
employees in Vail. This was largest single day collection event held in Vail. The event was
funded by fees from the “kick the bag habit” program in which 10-cents of the 25-cent per bag
26
Town of Vail Page 3
fee collected by retail stores in Vail for customers who choose to opt out of reusable bags is
remitted to the Town to fund waste diversion efforts.
Town of Vail Community Recycling Center:
In partnership with Eagle County, the Town of Vail operates the Vail Recycling Center located
behind the Community Development Building. The town manages the site and is reimbursed by
Eagle County for hauls each month. In addition to collecting comingled, paper, and cardboard
recycling the site also collects used clothes and shoes for the Thrifty Store and offers a free ski
and snowboard swap which is heavily used by the community. In 2025, 100 tons of recycling
were collected at the recycling center and additional social media posts were run to help reduce
contamination and illegal dumping at the recycling center.
Plastic Pollution Reduction Act Implementation
• Kick the Bag Habit: In accordance with HB1162- the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act
(PPRA), in 2023 the Town of Vail expanded the Kick the Bag Habit program from the
two major grocery stores to all retailers in town and increased the disposable bag fee to
25-cents per bag, with 10-cents per bag remitted to the Town of Vail, which can be used
only for waste diversion programs. On January 1, 2024, single-use plastic bags were
prohibited from being distributed at all retailers in Vail. Following the state’s exemption,
restaurants are exempt from the single-use plastic bag ban and the disposable bag fee.
Training resources for staff and signage for customers were created and distributed.
Information and resources are available on lovevail.org. In 2025, $88,552 was generated
from remitted bag fees designated for waste diversion programs. The town used the bag
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Town of Vail Page 4
fees in 2025 to fund the Hard to Recycle event and the zero waste program for special
events. Bag fees collected over the past several years are below in Figure 1.
Year Fee Collected Number of Paper Bags Sold
2025 $88,526 885,260
2024 $82,578 825,780
2023 $72,786 727,860
2022 $46,955 469,550
2021 $43,047 430,473
2020 $31,547 315,470
2019 $32,923 329,230
2018 $33,381 333,810
2017 $31,920 319,200
Figure 1: Bag fees remitted to the Town of Vail per single use carry-out bag distributed at
retailers.
• Forget the Foam: As part of HB21-1162, PPRA, on January 1, 2024, all restaurants,
grocery stores, convenience stories and schools were prohibited from distributing
polystyrene to go containers and service ware. Back stock purchased before January 1,
2024 can be distributed until it is gone. A Guide to Sustainable Serviceware was
developed in partnership with Eco-Cycle and distributed to all impacted businesses. The
guide and additional information can be found on the town’s website.
• PPRA Compliance Checks: During the summer of 2024 an intern with the
Environmental Sustainability department conducted friendly compliance checks with
local businesses. About 90% of retailers were found to be in compliance with the plastic
bag ban and 87% of restaurants, schools and grocery stores were in compliance with
the polystyrene ban. Those who were not were provided with education on the
requirements. Follow up indicates that most are now compliant, but another round of
compliance checks is required.
Single-Use Plastic Reduction: Following local high school student Declan Cunningham’s
presentation on human and environmental health impacts of single-use plastics and Council’s
direction, in 2025 staff worked with Lotus Engineering and Sustainability to conduct research
and robust public outreach regarding the development of a single-use plastics reduction policy
in Vail. Rather than adopting policy prohibiting specific single-use plastic items, Council directed
staff to focus on adding water bottle filling stations throughout town in 2026. Staff are currently
working to identify viable locations and develop a plan for installation. In addition, Council
supported providing education and signage around single-use plastics reduction. A Better than
Bottled campaign was launched with signage at the Eagle County Regional Airport and through
Discover Vail guest communications to educate the public on the benefits of using reusable
water bottles and drinking the quality tap water in Vail.
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Town of Vail Page 5
Celebrate Green!: Special Event Zero Waste Program
Any special event hosted in Vail that has received funding from the town or has 500 or more
attendees and has at least one food or beverage vendor must comply with the town’s zero
waste program. This includes providing recycling and composting at the event, distributing only
fully recyclable or compostable serviceware and cups, prohibiting distribution of any single-use
plastic items, educating event attendees and sorting all waste to ensure the highest diversion
rates and limited to no contamination. Staff developed and distributed a special events resource
guide and special event guidelines to all event producers who host events in town. The guide
provides details on sustainability requirements for events as well as information on how to
execute a successful zero waste and sustainable event, including details on acceptable cups
and serviceware for events for vendors, how to create and deploy a green team for the event or
hire a third party zero waste provider, how to calculate the event diversion rate, sustainable
transportation options for event attendees and more. Staff also developed a shorter Zero Waste
Event Guidelines and Requirements document for event producers and vendors as well.
The full Resource Guide can be viewed here, the Guidelines and Requirements document can
be viewed here, and both are available on Lovevail.org.
IV. Community Recycling Rates
Recycling rates throughout the Town of Vail have steadily increased since adoption of the 2014
ordinance. In 2025, the Town achieved a 34% recycling rate with organic waste (compost)
recycling factored in (Figure 2), which dropped from 37% in 2022. While 2025 data is not yet
29
Town of Vail Page 6
available, in 2024, Eagle County’s recycling rate was 30.1%. In 2025, Colorado's statewide
recycling and composting rate was just 16%, which is half the current national recycling and
composting rate of 32%.
The 2025 Vail recycling rate data includes municipal solid waste (MSW) or material that is
collected on regular residential and commercial routes, recycling, and organic material diverted
through composting. It does not include materials generated through construction and
demolition activities. These numbers are an aggregate of self-reported hauler data submittals
collected through sampling periods over the course of the year.
Vail Recycling Rate Estimates
2025
34%
2024
33%
2023
36%
2022
37%
2021
35%
2020
29%
2019
27%
2018
26%
2017
22%
2016
20%
MSW (Landfill)- tons 9,524 7,979 6,938 6,840 6,772 8,369 11,487 10,871 9,832 8,995
Recycling- tons 4,173 3,266 3,312 3,676 3,411 3,201 3,897 3,597 2,755 2,224
Organics- tons 755 624 598 378 319 243 350 155 50 37.5
Recycling Rate 30% 29% 32% 35% 33% 28% 25% 25% 22% 20%
Recycling Rate w/
Organics 34% 33% 36% 37% 35% 29% 27% 26% 22% 20%
Figure 2. Town of Vail Recycling Rates Over the Years
2025 Diversion Rates with Construction and Demolition Debris
Construction and demolition debris (C & D) data has been collected since 2019. When factored
in with municipal solid waste (MSW), the overall Vail diversion rate in 2025 dropped from 34% to
32% (Figure 3). Based on 2025 hauler data, approximately 15% of all landfill-bound waste from
Vail in was construction and demolition debris. Of the total C & D debris generated in Vail, about
20.8% was diverted from the landfill, up from 17% in 2023. Less C & D debris was created in
2025 than previous years with a higher percentage being diverted. However, there is an
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
2025
34%
2024
33%
2023
35%
2022
37%
2021
35%
2020
29%
2019
27%
2018
26%
2017
22%
2016
20%
To
n
n
a
g
e
Recycling Rate
Vail Recycling Rates
MSW (Landfill)- tons Recycling- tons Organics- tons
30
Town of Vail Page 7
opportunity to further increase the C & D material being diverted from the landfill with education,
resources, and policy.
Figure 3. Town of Vail Diversion Rates with Construction and Demolition
11,247
11,878
12,309
10,952
10,447
1,723
3,899
5,371
4,112
3,674
4,626 4,078 4,418 4,248
3,698
453
812 1,106
572 288
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
2025 tons- 32%
Diversion Rate
2024 tons- 28%
Diverson Rate
2023 tons- 29%
Diversion Rate
2022 tons- 30%
Diversion Rate
2021 tons- 28%
Diversion Rate
TOV Tonnage Estimate with C & D
Total MSW w/ C & D C & D (Landfill)
Total Recycling w/ C&D C & D (Recycled)
31
Town of Vail Page 8
The Construction and Demolition Program at the Eagle County Landfill was initiated in 2018 and
accepts clean dimensional lumbar, concrete with rebar, and concrete without rebar. Tipping fees
at the C&D site are $15/ton, versus $58/ton tipping fee for C&D waste at the landfill. Scrap
metal can also be recycled locally. Staff working with the Climate Action Collaborative’s
Materials Management Task Force has helped to create a resource toolkit for C&D diversion for
contractors. Given the C&D recycling site at the landfill, there is an opportunity to divert
additional waste. Next steps include staff developing and implementing a voluntary Construction
& Demolition diversion program for contractors and construction and demolition projects in Vail
to divert as much C&D waste from the landfill as possible. Ideally, Town led projects, such as
workforce housing projects, demonstrate leadership in C&D diversion and opt divert materials
recoverable in Eagle County during the projects.
Organics Diversion
In 2025, 755 tons of organic material, or compost, was diverted from the landfill (Figure 4),
which reduced an estimated 286 metric tons of GHG emissions calculated using the EPA
WARM Emissions factors. Currently compost comprises nearly 5% of all Vail residential and
commercial waste diverted from the landfill. Compost service is available commercially through
Vail Honeywagon and EverGreen Zero Waste. Approximately 30 commercial businesses
compost in Vail which diverted 658 tons of organic waste in 2025. Town of Vail municipal
operations provide compost at several town facilities. Town of Vail employees can bring their
food waste from home and compost through the municipal compost program for free. The
Town’s chipping program and landscape operations compost diverts additional material from the
landfill. Combined these municipal efforts diverted an estimated 60.4 tons of compost.
Residential compost is available through the subscription compost drop at the Town of Vail
Recycling Center, which diverted 20 tons and through the West Vail curbside compost pilot,
which diverted 10.4 tons of organic material from 90 participants in 2025. In 2026 curbside
compost will be offered throughout Vail through a program launching by Vail Valley Waste in
May 2026. Compost collection at special events diverted 6.44 tons of organic material in 2025.
Figure 4. 2025 Organics Diversion- 755 tons total
32
Town of Vail Page 9
Zero Waste Events
Since 2012, the Town of Vail has partnered with Walking Mountains Science Center to provide
Zero Waste services at the weekly Farmer’s Markets throughout the summer. Through the
partnership, six Sustainability Interns provide Zero Waste services at events in Vail. In addition
to the Vail Farmer’s Market, 14 other town events utilized Walking Mountains Science Center to
provide Zero Waste services in 2025, including the John Summit concerts, Après at the Amp,
GoPro Mountains Games, GoPro Mountains Games concerts at the Amp, Craft Beer Classic,
Wine Classic, TOV Community Picnics, Vail Social, Artisan Rhapsody, Oktoberfest, Shakedown
Throwdown, Stoke Sessions Concert Series, Sofi Tucker, and Kris Kringle Market. Springback
Bluegrass hired Minimal Impact Services for zero waste services. The average diversion rate for
all events in 2025 was 85.9% (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Zero Waste Diversion Rates for 2025 Events
V. Extended Producer Responsibility Act
Signed into law on June 3, 2022, HB 22-1355 Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide
Recycling Act, requires companies that sell products in packaging or paper products to fund a
statewide recycling system to recycle those materials. The Act shifts the cost of recycling
packaging and paper products away from local governments and consumers, placing that
responsibility on the producers who introduce these materials into the marketplace. These
companies have formed an independent nonprofit organization, called a Producer
Responsibility Organization (PRO), to coordinate, fund, and manage the statewide recycling
system. Colorado appointed Circular Action Alliance as the designated PRO in May 2023.
Each producer will pay into the system. Annual fees will be eco-modulated meaning materials
that are harder or more expensive to recycle (ex. polystyrene) have higher fees while materials
with strong recycling markets (ex. glass, certain paper grades) have lower fees.
The funds collected by producers will be used to:
1. Expand Recycling Access in Colorado: Funds are used to subsidize convenient
curbside recycling for households, schools, small businesses, hospitality locations, and
government buildings.
33
Town of Vail Page 10
2. Support Local Recycling Providers: Reimbursements cover the costs of local haulers,
recyclers, and nonprofits, enabling them to offer services without relying on municipal
budgets.
3. Standardize Materials Collected & Education: Funds support a consistent list of required
and readily recyclable materials and statewide education campaigns.
What this means for our community: The program will provide recycling access to all
Coloradans with no added cost to consumers or local governments. Local governments and
waste haulers across Colorado can formally express interest in participating in the program and
begin the reimbursement request process. Town staff are working on this process now.
Starting in 2026, the program will reimburse costs for recycling to waste haulers, who in turn
will pass that reimbursement onto the residents to provide them with free recycling. Community
recycling centers and education and outreach associated with recycling will also be eligible for
reimbursement. While Eagle County pays for the hauling costs for Vail’s recycling center, Town
of Vail can request reimbursement for any maintenance, upkeep, and capital costs for the
recycling center and as well as for recycling education and outreach.
Schools, churches, municipalities, and some small businesses will also be eligible for
reimbursement for recycling costs by 2030. When that phase is reached, the Town of Vail will
be able to be reimbursed for all internal municipal recycling as well. The program is projected
to more than double the state's recycling rate for packaging and paper by 2035 and supports
and grows local end markets for recycled packaging and paper by ensuring reliable, producer
funded collection and processing.
Current Status: Producers must pay their annual responsibility dues on covered materials
beginning in January 2026. The Circular Action Alliance's program plan has been approved,
and implementation must begin by June 9, 2026. Reimbursements are expected to start after
that date. Town staff are working on required documentation to ensure Town of Vail is eligible
for reimbursements. Local haulers are planning to submit required documentation to ensure
eligibility for reimbursement for recycling and associated costs, including education and
outreach.
VI. Discussion
The Town of Vail’s adopted goal of 25% waste reduction from the landfill was achieved by the
end of 2019. In 2025, Town of Vail achieved a 34% recycling rate including organics and a 32%
diversion rate including Construction & Demolition (C & D) material. The Town of Vail is just
above Eagle County’s 2024 recycling rate of 30.1%, well ahead of the statewide recycling rate
of 16%, and has surpassed the national recycling rate of 32%.
As a national and global leader in sustainability, the Town of Vail continues to work towards
more ambitious zero waste goals, especially with organics diversion. The Vail Town Council
strategic plan has established a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by
2050. To help work towards this goal in the waste sector, the strategic plan includes a 50%
waste diversion goal by 2030 with the following strategies identified as the highest impact
actions to achieve this goal:
o divert 80% of organics from the landfill by 2030,
o divert 100% of recoverable construction and demolition debris from the landfill by
2030,
o and develop policy to support single-use plastics reduction.
34
Town of Vail Page 11
The Town of Vail is working on several waste diversion programs and education initiatives to
work towards achieving these GHG reduction goals and high impact targets. A combination of
programs and policy will be needed to achieve the established waste diversion targets.
Currently Planned and Potential Initiatives for 2026-27:
A. Annual waste reduction education
In 2025, the Environmental department collaborated with the Discover Vail Destination
Marketing Organization to rebrand the Love Vail campaign to include not just the town’s
sustainability initiatives, but to incorporate more robust destination stewardship
marketing and education for guests coming to Vail through a combined campaign. In
2026, staff will update the Love Vail recycling and waste reduction campaign with the
updated brand and provide outreach and materials to residents, guests, and businesses.
With the assistance of summer interns with Walking Mountains as part of the town’s zero
waste contract, the staff will take inventory of residential, multi-family, and commercial
recycling compliance and provide hangtags to identify how entities can improve recycling
and reduce contamination. Some costs associated with education and outreach will be
reimbursable through the Colorado Producer Responsibility program.
B. Curbside compost and business compost program expansion
Based on the 2017 Northwest Colorado Waste Diversion Study1, 37% of all waste
entering the Eagle County Landfill is comprised of organic waste, 30% of which is food
waste. Anaerobic decomposition of organic material in a landfill contributes to the
release of methane gas, which accounts for 12% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Methane is over 28% more potent of a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide over 100
years and 84% more potent over 20 years, according to the Environmental Protection
Agency2. In 2026, access to the curbside compost program will expand town-wide
through a curbside compost program offered by Vail Valley Waste starting in May. There
is limited budget remaining to extend the current subsidy offered to those participating in
the West Vail Curbside Compost program to anyone who signs up for the program
through Vail Valley Waste. Vail Honeywagon is also considering expanding curbside
compost in Vail. Staff will work to increase participation in 2026 in both the residential
curbside and business rebate programs and use data collected to help inform future
policy decisions and/or incentives to residents and businesses, which will be needed to
achieve an 80% reduction in organic waste going to the landfill by 2030.
C. Construction and demolition waste diversion pilot program development
Based on the 2017 Northwest Colorado Waste Diversion Study, approximately 13% of
all waste entering the Eagle, Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Route County landfills is
construction and demolition debris (C&D). Vail’s average is higher with approximately
15% of landfill bound waste comprising of C&D debris (based on 2025 hauler data). Of
the total C&D debris generated in Vail, about 20.8% was diverted from the landfill, up
from 17% in 2024 and 2023, 12.2%in 2022, and 7.2% diversion in 2021. Staff are
developing a voluntary C&D waste diversion pilot program for materials that can be
recycled in Eagle County to be implemented in 2027. The voluntary program will provide
1 Northwest Colorado Waste Diversion Study:
https://www.co.routt.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/7184/Northwest-CO-Waste-Diversion-Study
2 Environmental Protection Agency: Importance of Methane: https://www.epa.gov/gmi/importance-
methane#:~:text=Methane%20is%20more%20than%2025,trapping%20heat%20in%20the%20atmospher
e.
35
Town of Vail Page 12
resources and training to contractors on what materials can be diverted in Eagle County,
planning templates to guide successful C&D diversion, and a reporting document to
account for C&D diversion rates throughout the project. This pilot will identify challenges
and opportunities for the development of C&D diversion standards for construction
projects in the Town of Vail. This project is currently unfunded.
D. Single Use Plastics Reduction
Globally only 9% of all plastic created is recycled3. Through state legislation HB1162- the
Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, the local government pre-emption on plastic bans is
lifted and municipalities and counties can enact, implement, and enforce more stringent
laws on single use plastics. In 2025, staff conducted extensive research and will explore
opportunities to reduce single use plastics such as water bottles and cutlery through
programs and/or policy. While no policy was adopted in 2025, staff are pursuing the
following initiatives to support a reduction in single-use plastics.
1. Installation of additional water bottle filling stations in town in conjunction
Better than Bottled Campaign. Council has directed staff to pursue this
initiative, and it is currently funded at $60K plus an additional $12K available
for signage and education in the 2026 budget.
2. Single-Use Plastic Fee: Staff and the town attorney’s office have researched
the option of developing a fee on single-use plastic bottles and other items
being sold or distributed. The fees would be remitted to the town, similar to
the bag fees, and used to fund waste diversion initiatives. Single-use
packaging fees have been implemented in other places around the world,
such as in Tübingen, Germany4.
3. Plastic Free July: In response to a Council suggestion, staff recommend
joining the Plastic Free July5 global initiative to encourage residents and
guests to “choose to refuse” single-use plastics during the month of July.
4. Town of Vail Policy could be formally established prohibiting the use and
distribution of single-use plastics for internal town operations, town-run
events and town-owned buildings. Towns of Frisco 6and Breckenridge7 have
similar requirements codified. Staff are looking into developing a similar policy
for Town of Vail.
5. Codify Special Event Policies for events hosted by external event
producers in the Town of Vail. Currently all event producers who receive
funding from the Town of Vail or any special event that has 500 or more
attendees with at least one food vendor are required to host Zero Waste
3 Eco-Cycle: Reduce Your Plastic Use - https://ecocycle.org/eco-living/refuse-and-reduce/how-to-reduce-
plastic/#:~:text=While%20some%20plastics%20are%20recyclable,persists%20in%20our%20natural%20
environment.
4 The German City That Defied McDonald’s and Dumped “To-Go” Waste-
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/tubingen-germany-defied-mcdonalds-dumped-to-go-waste/
5 Plastic Free July: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
6 Town of Frisco Code:
https://library.municode.com/co/frisco/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH124PUHESA_ARTVPRSA
DISIUSPL_S124-42PRSADISIUSPLPO
7 Town of Breckenridge Code: https://breckenridge.town.codes/Code/5-12-9
36
Town of Vail Page 13
events. This is currently monitored through the Event Review Committee.
While the zero waste requirements, in particular prohibition of using and
distributing single-use plastic items at events, are incorporated into the
special event permitting process, the requirements are not currently town
policy within the town code.
6. Reusable Cup Program: Retrocycle, a Colorado non-profit, is conducting
outreach to local cafes in Vail to identify those interested in participating in a
reusable cup program that would eliminate single-use hot and cold cups.
Currently, there are five interested. Retrocycle is hoping to launch a program
in Fall 2026. While there is currently no funding available to support local
businesses implementing this program, staff are collaborating with Retrocycle
to try to secure grant funding to help ease the purchase of the cups and help
kick start this waste diversion initiative in Vail. The Town of Breckenridge is
piloting the Retrocycle reusable cup program starting in May 2026 and the
town of Steamboat Springs and Frisco are launching a program in Fall 2026.
Retrocycle is also piloting a reusable cup program for special events this
summer in Breckenridge and Boulder and is interested in potentially
partnering with Town of Vail as an option for special events in 2027.
VII. Staff Recommendations
To achieve the Town Council’s Strategic Plan goal of a 50% diversion rate by 2030, a
combination of programs and policy will be required. Staff will move forward with these high
impact initiatives to help achieve the goal.
1) Solidify locations and installation plan for water bottle filling stations and release RFP.
2) Further the Better than Bottled campaign with guests and locals to reduce usage of
single-use plastic water bottles and pursue the Plastic Free July campaign.
3) Revitalize the Love Vail education campaign with the rebranded logo and updated
website.
4) Expand the curbside compost pilot program and business compost pilot program and
bring results back to Council with policy recommendations.
5) Develop a voluntary C&D diversion pilot program to implement in 2027 and bring results
back to Council with policy recommendations.
Staff further recommends returning to Council with proposals for the following strategies:
1) Brief Council on policy options to develop a fee on single-use plastics.
2) Develop an internal town policy prohibiting the use and distribution of single-use plastics
for internal town operations, town-run events and town-owned buildings.
3) Formalize the current special events policies requiring zero waste requirements and
prohibition of using and distributing single-use plastic items at events as policy within the
town code.
4) Should a critical number of Vail businesses (5 or more) want to pursue the Retrocycle
reusable cup program, staff would propose a partnership using bag fee dollars during a
future supplemental.
Does the Town Council agree that the outlined initiatives are the direction staff should
continue moving to increase waste diversion?
37
PRESENTATION BY
Beth Markham
Environmental
Sustainability Manager
Community Wide
Recycling and
Compost Update
38
Waste Diversion Goals
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan Goal #1:
Solid Waste Stream Reduction and Recycling: Reduce the amount of Town of Vail landfill
contributions by 10% within 5 years and 25% within 10 years. Achieved by end of 2019.
2010 Baseline Data:
➢Town of Vail: 9% (residential) and 19% (commercial)
➢Eagle County: 14.7%
➢National Average: 34.5%
Town Council’s Strategic Plan Goals:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
➢Achieve a 50% waste diversion rate by 2030.
•Divert 80% of organics from the landfill by 2030.
•Divert 100% of recoverable construction and demolition debris from the
landfill by 2030.
•Develop policy prohibiting single-use plastics.
39
Recycling Ordinance
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
2014 community-wide recycling ordinance established:
➢Recycling rates embedded with trash hauling rates
➢Residential volume-based pricing (Pay as You Throw)
➢Prohibition on recyclable materials discarded as trash
➢Waste hauler registration and data reporting
➢On-site recycling requirement
➢Equal service rate requirement (residential recycling collected as frequent as
trash)
40
Public Outreach and Education
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
➢Compost Programs:
•West Vail Curbside Compost
Program
•Subscription Drop-off Program
•Business Compost Program
•Municipal Compost Program
➢Hard to Recycle Event
•May 8, 2026 10 am- 3 pm
➢Community Recycling Center
➢Kick the Bag Habit and Forget the
Foam
➢Better than Bottled Campaign
➢Celebrate Green! Special Event Zero
Waste Program
41
Bag Fees Collected
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
Year Fee Collected Number of Paper Bags Sold
2025 $88,526 885,260
2024 $82,578 825,780
2023 $72,786 727,860
2022 $46,955 469,550
2021 $43,047 430,473
2020 $31,547 315,470
2019 $32,923 329,230
2018 $33,381 333,810
2017 $31,920 319,200
42
Town of Vail Recycling Rates
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
recycling + composting
_______________________________________________________________________________
(recycling + composting + landfill bound municipal solid waste)
*Data includes residential and commercial municipal solid waste, including recycling and organics, only.
Recycling rate =
Vail Recycling Rate Estimates
2025
34%
2024
33%
2023
36%
2022
37%
2021
35%
2020
29%
2019
27%
2018
26%
2017
22%
2016
20%
MSW (Landfill)- tons 9,524 7,979 6,938 6,840 6,772 8,369 11,487 10,871 9,832 8,995
Recycling- tons 4,173 3,266 3,312 3,676 3,411 3,201 3,897 3,597 2,755 2,224
Organics- tons 755 624 598 378 319 243 350 155 50 37.5
Recycling Rate 30%29%32%35%33%28%25%25%22%20%
Recycling Rate w/
Organics 34%33%36%37%35%29%27%26%22%20%
43
Recycling Rates Over Time
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
2025 34%2024 33%2023 35%2022 37%2021 35%2020 29%2019 27%2018 26%2017 22%2016 20%
To
n
n
a
g
e
Recycling Rate
Vail Recycling Rates
Organics- tons Recycling- tons MSW (Landfill)- tons
44
Diversion Rate with Construction and Demolition Debris
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
15% of landfill
waste =
construction and
demolition debris
in 2025
20.8%
construction and
demolition debris
recycled in 2025
11,247
11,878
12,309
10,952
10,447
1,723
3,899
5,371
4,112
3,674
4,626 4,078 4,418 4,248
3,698
453 812 1,106
572 288
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
2025 tons- 32%
Diversion Rate
2024 tons- 28%
Diverson Rate
2023 tons- 29%
Diversion Rate
2022 tons- 30%
Diversion Rate
2021 tons- 28%
Diversion Rate
Total MSW w/ C & D C & D (Landfill)Total Recycling w/ C&D C & D (Recycled)45
Organics Diversion
755 total tons of organic material diverted
•90 Curbside compost participants
•33 Subscription drop site participants
•30 Commercial businesses composting 46
Zero Waste Events
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
*Data includes 16 Zero Waste Events
47
How Vail Measures Up
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
34%
30%
63%
45%
16%
32%
80%
68%
63%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Vail Eagle
County
(2024)
Aspen Boulder
(2024)
Colorado United
States
San
Francisco
Germany Slovenia
2025 Recycling Rates
48
Extended Producer Responsibility
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
HB 22-1355 Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act
➢Companies that sell products in packaging or paper products will fund a statewide recycling system
to recycle those materials.
➢Shifts the cost of recycling on the producers who introduce these materials into the marketplace.
➢Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) formed.
•Coordinate, fund, and manage the statewide recycling system
•Circular Action Alliance appointed as PRO in May 2023
➢Annual fees are eco-modulated, and all producers must pay into system starting January 1, 2026.
➢Estimated $267 million to be collected in year 1.
➢Goal: double state recycling rate by 2035.
➢Supports and grows local end markets for recycled packaging and paper by ensuring reliable,
producer funded collection and processing.
49
Extended Producer Responsibility
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
The funds collected will be used to:
1.Expand Recycling Access in Colorado
➢Subsidize convenient curbside recycling for households, schools, small businesses,
hospitality locations, and government buildings.
➢Free and equitable access
2.Support Local Recycling Providers
➢Reimbursements cover the costs of local haulers, recyclers, and nonprofits.
3.Standardize Materials Collected & Education
➢Consistent list of required and readily recyclable materials and statewide education
campaigns.
50
Extended Producer Responsibility
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
What this means for Town of Vail:
➢Recycling will become free for residents, lowering trash and recycling bills starting in
2026
•May require code adjustments.
➢Community recycling centers eligible for reimbursement.
➢Town of Vail can be reimbursed for a portion of recycling education and outreach.
➢Schools, churches, municipalities and some small businesses will be eligible for
reimbursement for recycling costs by 2030.
➢Staff and local haulers are working on documentation for a service agreement with CAA
to ensure eligibility for reimbursements.
51
2026 Waste Diversion Initiatives
Town of Vail | Environmental Sustainability
High impact strategies to achieve a 50% waste
diversion goal by 2030
➢Love Vail waste reduction education
➢Expand curbside and business compost
programs
➢Develop voluntary C & D diversion pilot
Program
➢Single-Use Plastics Reduction
❑Water bottle filling stations
❑Better than Bottled education campaign
❑Single-use plastic fee
❑Plastic Free July
❑Town of Vail internal policy
❑Codify special events policy
❑Reusable cup program- Retrocycle
52
Staff Recommendations
Based on potential effectiveness to increase waste diversion in the Town of Vail, staff is moving
forward in implementing the following:
1)Solidify locations and installation plan for water bottle filling stations and release RFP.
2)Further the Better than Bottled campaign with guests and locals to reduce usage of single -use
plastic water bottles and pursue the Plastic Free July campaign.
3)Revitalize the Love Vail education campaign with the rebranded logo and updated website.
4)Expand the curbside compost pilot program and business compost pilot program and bring
results back to Council with policy recommendations.
5)Develop a voluntary C&D diversion pilot program to implement in 2027 and bring results back
to Council with policy recommendations.
53
Staff Recommendations
Staff further recommends returning to Council with proposals for the following high impact
strategies:
1)Policy options to develop a fee on single-use plastics.
2)Internal town policy prohibiting the use and distribution of single -use plastics for internal
town operations, town-run events and town-owned buildings.
3)Formalize the current special events policies requiring zero waste requirements and
prohibition of using and distributing single-use plastic items at events as policy within the
town code.
4)Should a critical number of Vail businesses want to pursue the Retrocycle reusable cup
program, staff would propose a partnership using bag fee dollars during a future supplemental.
Does the Town Council agree that the outlined initiatives are the direction staff should
continue moving to increase waste diversion?
54
Thank you!
Beth Markham
Environmental Sustainability Manager
bmarkham@vail.gov
970-479-2333
55
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Greg Roy, Community Development
ITEM TYPE:DRB/PEC Update
AGENDA SECTION:DRB/PEC (4:45pm)
SUBJECT:DRB/PEC update (5 min.)
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
04-13-26 PEC Meeting Minutes.pdf
04-15-26 DRB Meeting Minutes.pdf
56
Planning and Environmental Commission Minutes
Monday, April 13, 2026
1:00 PM
Vail Town Council Chambers
Present: John Rediker
William A Jensen
Lauren Wallace
Brad Hagedorn
Margaret H Brown
Craig H Lintner Jr
1. Virtual Link
Register to attend the Planning and Environmental Commission meeting. Once registered,
you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining this webinar.
2. Call to Order
3. Swearing in New Members
4. Election of Officers
5. Main Agenda
5.1
A request for review of a variance from Section 12-6D-6, Setbacks, pursuant to Chapter 17,
Variances, Title 12, Vail Town Code, to allow for a reduction in the required setback, located
at 816 & 826 Forest Road, Vail Village Filing 6, Block 1, Lot 14 & Lot 15 (PEC-26-4)
The applicant has requested this item to be tabled to the April 27, 2026 PEC meeting.
Planner: Greg Roy
Applicant Name: Mexamer Forest Road LLC, represented by Mauriello Planning Group
Time: 2 Mins
John Rediker made a motion to Table to the April 27, 2026 Planning Environmental
Commission meeting. ; William A Jensen seconded the motion Passed (6 - 0).
5.2
A request for the review of a Conditional Use Permit, pursuant to Section 12-6D-3,
Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code, to allow for a Funicular pursuant to Section 12-16,
Conditional Use Permits, Vail Town Code, located at 816 & 826 Forest Road, Vail
Village Filing 6, Block 1, Lot 14 & Lot 15 (PEC-26-3)
The applicant has requested this item to be tabled to the April 27, 2026 PEC meeting.
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026
1
57
Planner: Greg Roy
Applicant Name: Mexamer Forest Road LLC represented by Mauriello Planning Group
Time: 2 Mins
John Rediker made a motion to Table to the April 27, 2026 PEC meeting; William A Jensen
seconded the motion Passed (6 - 0).
5.3 A request for the review of a variance from Section 12-6D-6 Setbacks, Vail Town Code
in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-17, Variances, Vail Town Code, to
allow for a below grade addition beneath the garage within the front setback, located at
327 Rockledge Rd E / Lot A, Vail Village Filing 1, Block 7, a Resubdivision of Parcel A,
Vail Village Filing 1, Block 7, and a Resubdivision of Lots 14 & 17. (PEC-26-5)
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: Nieve Vail LLC, represented by Pierce Austin Architects
Time: 45 Min
327 Rockledge Variance Staff memo.pdf
Attachment A. Vicinity Map.pdf
Attachment B. 327 Rockledge Rd. - Applicant Project Narrative - Title
Report.pdf Attachment C. 327 Rockledge Plan Set.pdf 327 Rockledge Joint
Property Owner Letter.pdf
(Recording timestamp: 00:03:56)
Haggedorn opened Agenda Item 5.3 regarding a request for a variance from Section 12-6D-6
(Setbacks), Vail Town Code, to allow for a below-grade addition beneath the garage within the
front setback at 327 Rockledge Road. Knight presented the application on behalf of staff.
Knight began with a vicinity map and explained the location of the property, noting it is along Forest
Road as it loops into Rockledge Road and is the first developed property in that area. She stated that
the lot is a duplex and that this request applies to the east side of the property.
Knight explained that the request is for a variance to allow an addition beneath the existing garage within
the front setback. She stated that the proposed area is approximately 64 square feet and would be located
below an existing garage encroachment that was originally approved through a variance in 1987. Knight
provided background on the 1987 variance, stating that it was granted at that time due to a desire to protect
existing trees and address the challenges of the sloped site. She noted that staff at that time indicated
some of the hardship may have been self-imposed but the variance was still approved.
Knight clarified that while the site does have slope, it is not considered a “steep slope” under
current code because it does not exceed 30 percent.
Knight stated that in March 2024, the property came before the Commission with a request for a
second-story addition above the garage, which was denied because it increased bulk and mass within
the front setback and did not meet the variance criteria.
Knight explained that the design was later revised, removing the second-story encroachment and
instead proposing a deck in that location. That deck encroachment was approved because it did not
increase bulk and mass and helped resolve what had been described as an awkward design condition.
Knight stated that the current request is different in that it is for approximately 64 square feet below
grade beneath the garage. She noted that while this would not increase bulk and mass, it would
increase the amount of enclosed square footage within the setback.
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Knight reviewed zoning for the property and stated that the site is already over its allowable site
coverage, noting that the maximum allowed is 3,026 square feet and the property currently has
approximately 3,676 square feet. She explained that the proposal does not increase site coverage
but does increase GRFA within the setback area, although the property remains within its allowed
GRFA overall.
Knight reviewed the variance criteria. She stated that Criteria 1 is met because the addition is
below grade and does not impact adjacent properties or increase bulk and mass.
Knight stated that staff does not believe Criteria 2 is met. She explained that staff does not find a
sufficient hardship unique to the property and that the request is more of a voluntary improvement to
gain additional square footage rather than something necessary due to site constraints. She also noted
that challenging construction methods do not constitute a hardship and described the request as
somewhat self-imposed.
Knight added that staff had not found examples of similar below -grade variances being approved
in residential areas and raised concern about setting a precedent, noting this could become a
“slippery slope.”
Litner asked about comparison to commercial projects where underground variances have
been allowed.
Knight responded that she has seen that in commercial zones but not in residential districts.
Knight stated that Criteria 3 is met, as the proposal would not impact light, air, public facilities, or
safety since it is entirely below grade.
Knight stated that staff recommends denial of the variance due to not meeting Criteria 2.
Rediker asked how staff determines whether a property is considered steep slope. Knight explained
that the code defines steep slope as greater than 30 percent and that this property does not meet that
threshold based on slope analysis.
Rediker asked whether the analysis would change if the property were considered steep slope.
Knight stated that the code allows for certain encroachments such as a single-story garage in steep
slope conditions but does not address below-grade improvements.
Rediker followed up asking if a below-grade condition would be treated differently under steep slope
provisions. Knight clarified that the code specifically references above-grade garage encroachments
and does not speak to below-grade space.
Wallace asked whether the basement could be shaped differently to comply with setbacks.
Knight confirmed that if the space were pulled out of the setback, it would comply.
Wallace asked about the existing crawl space and whether additional excavation would be required.
Knight stated that she would defer to the applicant to explain the construction details and their
argument regarding practical difficulty.
Wallace asked about potential precedent and impacts if this were approved in residential areas.
Knight responded that one concern is increasing GRFA within setbacks and questioned why
setbacks would exist if that were allowed, even if below grade. She emphasized the need to be
careful with that standard.
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Haggedorn moved the meeting to the applicant presentation.
Reed Kildow and Kit Austin, representing the applicant, introduced themselves.
Kildow explained the site conditions, stating that while the property may not meet the technical
definition of steep slope, there is a significant grade change across the lot. He described the garage
as being at grade on one side and dropping off significantly toward the back.
Kildow explained that due to the slope, the garage is built on a structural slab with foundation
walls extending down to frost depth, creating a deep crawl space beneath the garage.
Austin confirmed that the garage is not slab-on-grade and that there is an existing crawl space
beneath it, with portions already having over four feet of clearance.
Kildow stated that the proposal does not increase site coverage and that the property remains under
its allowable GRFA regardless of whether this space is used.
Kildow stated that the project meets Criteria 1 and 3 and focused on Criteria 2, arguing that
strict interpretation of the code creates a practical difficulty.
Kildow referenced code language regarding practical difficulty and hardship, stating that the
existing structure and site conditions qualify under those provisions.
Kildow stated that the existing foundation and crawl space already create the volume, and that
excavating and using that space would not impact the intent of the code or surrounding properties.
Kildow explained that without the variance, they would need to construct a new interior wall and
effectively leave a portion of the existing space unusable, describing this as unnecessary and not
aligned with the purpose of the code.
Kildow stated that this would result in building a wall that serves no real purpose other than
meeting a strict interpretation of the code, which he described as a practical difficulty.
Austin added that the condition is unique, noting that the volume already exists and that this is
not a typical case of creating new space but rather using space that is already there.
Jensen asked about special privilege and how approving this would not set a precedent for
future applicants.
Kildow responded that this situation is unique due to the existing structural conditions and that it is
not comparable to creating new below-grade space under a typical slab-on-grade garage.
Hagedorn asked for clarification on the code language regarding existing structures. Kildow cited
Section 12-17-1 and stated that hardship can result from the location of existing structures.
Rediker asked whether the hardship is truly present or if the request is voluntary, noting
that development could still occur without the variance.
Kildow responded that the practical difficulty is the need to construct additional structural elements
and fill space unnecessarily when the volume already exists.
Rediker asked about the depth of the foundation walls. Austin stated that the walls extend approximately
12 feet below the garage level, creating a significant existing volume beneath the structure.
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Kildow continued regarding how the space would be treated if the variance were denied, including
options such as filling the space with dirt or constructing interior walls, which the applicant described
as impractical.
Kildow reiterated that strict application of the code would require filling or blocking off an existing 12-
foot-deep space, which he described as not making practical sense. Jensen asked about access to
the proposed space.
Kildow and Austin explained that due to the slope, there is approximately a 12-foot drop across
the property, allowing access from the lower side into the basement level. Rediker asked how far
into the setback the encroachment extends.
Austin responded that it is approximately seven and a half feet at its furthest point.
Rediker asked about utilities within the setback.
Austin stated they were not aware of any utilities in that specific area but noted that they would need
to verify.
Knight added that there are no known utility easements in the front setback and noted the
difference between commercial and residential setback standards.
Litner asked whether there is a definition of “practical difficulty” in the code.
Knight stated that there is not a specific definition provided.
Haggedorn opened public comment. No public comment was received.
Haggedorn closed public comment and moved to Commissioner discussion.
Jensen stated that he agreed with the applicant and other Commissioners that this was a truly unique
situation. He referenced the original 1987 Planning and Environmental Commission approval of the
garage encroachment into the setback and noted that while it is unclear whether the Commission at
that time considered buildout below the garage, the fact that the variance was unanimously approved
carries weight. Jensen stated that the space already exists and that requiring the applicant to wall off
approximately 67 square feet does not seem practical. He noted that the Commission had previously
reviewed the property in March and worked through a number of concerns, ultimately arriving at a
solution he felt comfortable with. Jensen acknowledged that the applicant had previously appeared to
be maximizing development potential but stated that the current request felt reasonable. He
concluded that he would be supportive of the variance.
Rediker stated that he viewed this as a unique situation and that while he agreed with staff’s strict
interpretation of the code, particularly with respect to the second variance criterion, he focused on how
that criterion is applied in this case. He referenced the language regarding relief from strict
interpretation to achieve compatibility and uniformity without granting special privilege. Rediker noted
that when the variance was granted in 1987, it allowed for construction of structural walls extending
approximately 12 feet into the setback, which created the existing condition being discussed. He
stated that while he shares concerns about setting precedent and allowing GRFA within setbacks, this
situation differs because the space is entirely below grade and not visible. He emphasized that many
of the purposes of Title 12, including impacts to light, air, and neighborhood character, are not affected
in this case. Rediker stated that he would be concerned if this involved new construction or excavation
beneath a typical slab-on-grade condition, but because the structure and 12-foot-deep walls already
exist, he felt more comfortable supporting the variance. He concluded that he did not believe similar
situations would arise frequently elsewhere in town due to the unique construction conditions.
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Litner stated that he agreed with the previous comments and that the issue largely comes down to
interpretation of “practical difficulty.” He noted that in this case, there appears to be a clear practical
difficulty in requiring the applicant to wall off or otherwise not utilize existing enclosed space. Litner
stated that he also viewed this as a very unique situation and supported granting the variance based
on those circumstances.
Wallace stated that she did not believe denying the variance would help achieve the objectives of the
setback regulations, particularly given the existing condition of the space. She noted that the lack of a
clear definition of “practical difficulty” leaves room for interpretation and judgment by the Commission.
Wallace stated that given the unique nature of the site and the history of the existing variance, she did
not believe approval would constitute special privilege. She also noted that the property is not
exceeding its allowable GRFA and that this fact contributed to her support of the request.
Brown stated that she was persuaded by what she described as the illogical outcome of requiring the
applicant to wall off existing enclosed volume. She noted that the space is already constructed and that
prohibiting its use does not seem to further the intent of the code. However, Brown expressed concern
that approval of the variance could be cited as precedent in future cases involving GRFA within
setbacks. She stated that while she appreciated that the space is below grade and already enclosed,
she believed the Commission would likely see similar arguments in the future. Brown noted that the
situation is influenced by the unusual history of the approximately 67 square foot area and the original
1987 variance. She stated that she could support the variance but described it as a close call and
noted that it feels close to granting special privilege.
Haggedorn stated that he agreed with the comments made by the Commission. He noted that
historically, the Commission has taken a strong position regarding GRFA within setbacks and that this
has generally been treated as a clear standard. He stated that this situation is different and wanted to
clearly articulate why for the record. Haggedorn explained that his initial understanding of the request
was that it involved new excavation, in which case he would not have supported it. However, after
further discussion, he recognized that the structure, including the walls extending approximately 12
feet below grade, already exists as a result of the previously approved variance. He emphasized that
this existing condition is a critical distinction and that future applications without similar existing
structural conditions would not be viewed the same way. Haggedorn also stated that he did not view
this request as contradictory to the Commission’s prior denial of the 2024 application for an above-
grade addition, noting that the previous request increased bulk and mass within the setback, whereas
the current proposal does not create those impacts. He concluded that, given the unique
circumstances and the existing structure, the request meets the variance criteria.
Jensen asked for clarification regarding the motion language and findings referenced in the staff report.
William A Jensen made a motion to Approve with the findings on pages 8-9.; Lauren Wallace
seconded the motion Passed (6 - 0).
5.4 A request for review of a Floodplain Modification Permit pursuant to Section 12-21-
11(2), Floodplain Modification Permit, Vail Town Code, to allow for an instream habitat
restoration project to improve aquatic habitat and stream function at the Vail Nature
Center, located at 841 Vail Valley Drive (Unplatted – Ford Park). (PEC-26-6)
Planner: Cole Michaelsen
Applicant Name: Town of Vail, represented by Peter Wadden
Time: 30
PEC-26-6 Staff Memo.pdf
Attachment A. Vicinity Map.pdf
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Attachment B. Gore Creek Floodplain Memorandum
Attachment C. Gore Creek Habitat Enhancement
Plans (Recording timestamp: 00:55:55.50)
Haggedorn introduced Agenda Item 5.4, a request for review of a floodplain modification permit
pursuant to Section 12-21-11-2 of the Town Code to allow an in-stream habitat restoration project at
the Vail Nature Center.
Michaelsen provided a staff presentation and overview of the request. He stated that this type of
application is relatively uncommon before the Planning and Environmental Commission, noting that
while floodplain use permits are more typical, floodplain modification permits are less frequently
reviewed. Michaelsen explained that the request pertains specifically to work occurring within the
floodplain rather than the overall project scope.
Michaelsen oriented the Commission to the project location, explaining that the work would occur
between the Vail Nature Center and Ford Park, including the area near the amphitheater. He noted
that the surrounding parcels are largely Town-owned and that the project would be staged primarily
from the Nature Center property. He also identified the mapped floodplain area and clarified that
portions of the proposed work fall within the 100-year floodplain.
Michaelsen explained that the floodplain modification permit is required for any work occurring within
the 100-year floodplain under Town Code. He stated that the review process includes two
components: a technical engineering review conducted by the Floodplain Administrator and a
separate review by the Commission based on the applicable code criteria. Michaelsen noted that the
Floodplain Administrator, identified as the Town Engineer, had reviewed the applicant’s hydrologic
and engineering materials and determined that the proposal met all technical criteria.
Michaelsen further explained that the intent of the floodplain regulations is to protect life and
property and to maintain floodplain function. He stated that the Commission’s role is to evaluate
whether the proposed work would function safely within the floodplain and avoid negative
downstream impacts, particularly with respect to flood risk and safety. Haggedorn asked for clarification on whether the request involved an amendment to the
floodplain boundary.
Michaelsen clarified that no map amendment was proposed and that the request only pertained to
work occurring within the existing floodplain.
Haggedorn then opened the floor to the applicant.
Wadden introduced himself as a Watershed Specialist with the Town’s Environmental Sustainability
Department and provided an overview of the project. He stated that the project is funded in part
through settlement funds from the 2021 snowmaking spill on Gore Creek and supplemented by grant
funding obtained in partnership with Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited. He described the project as an
approximately $600,000 in-stream restoration effort.
Wadden explained that the purpose of the project is to improve aquatic habitat, restore riparian
conditions, and address hydrologic issues within the creek. He noted that some of these issues
stem from historic upstream modifications to the stream channel that occurred prior to current
regulatory standards. He stated that the project is designed to increase floodplain capacity and
connectivity while enhancing habitat for trout and aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Wadden explained that the purpose of the floodplain modification permit is generally to prevent activities
that could negatively impact downstream properties, such as filling within the creek. He emphasized that
this project is designed to have the opposite effect by improving flood capacity within the reach. He
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stated that based on the submitted studies and engineering review, the project will not increase
flood elevations and is expected to improve overall floodplain function. He noted that no external
boulder material would be introduced and that work would primarily involve rearranging existing
material within the creek, along with the addition of some woody material.
Jensen asked about the effectiveness of the project in restoring the creek to pre-2021 conditions
and whether the habitat would return to prior levels.
Wadden responded that the 2021 incident was a discrete aquatic life mortality event and that fish and
insect populations in the affected reach have already largely recovered through natural processes.
He explained that the settlement funding provides an opportunity not only to restore conditions but to
improve them beyond pre -2021 levels. He noted that this aligns with broader Town goals, including
improving water quality in Gore Creek and working toward removal from the state’s impaired
waterways list. Rediker asked about the construction schedule and whether the work would occur within a
single season.
Wadden explained that in- stream construction is limited by environmental regulations related to trout
spawning and is generally restricted to a window between approximately August 15 and the end of
September. He noted that Colorado Parks and Wildlife has allowed an earlier start date of August 1 for
this project. Wadden stated that all in-stream work, including excavation and placement of materials, is
planned to occur between August 1 and September 30, 2026. He added that some vegetative
restoration work may continue beyond that timeframe into late fall or subsequent years, but that work
would not involve heavy equipment or in-stream disturbance.
Rediker asked for clarification regarding construction methods and whether the project would
involve excavation to create deeper pools within the stream.
Wadden confirmed that heavy equipment, including excavators, would be used during construction to
reshape the stream channel. He explained that the existing condition is characterized by a shallow,
wide channel with limited habitat diversity due to sediment deposition from upstream flows. He stated
that the project aims to create a low-flow, deeper channel with defined pools and riffles, improving
habitat conditions. He explained that sediment transported from upstream currently fills in existing
pools, creating poor habitat conditions.
Haggedorn asked whether this condition is influenced by the upstream “shotgun” reach near the
golf course.
Wadden confirmed that the upstream straightened reach contributes to higher flow velocities
and increased sediment transport into the project area.
Rediker asked whether ongoing maintenance, such as periodic dredging or excavation, would
be required after construction.
Wadden explained that the project is designed to be self-sustaining and that no future excavation is
anticipated. He stated that the design incorporates features such as three upstream boulder veins that
establish grade control and direct flow, as well as an existing boulder vein near the pedestrian bridge
that anchors the downstream end of the reach. He explained that these features, along with
strategically placed point bars and woody material, are intended to use the stream’s natural energy to
transport sediment through the reach rather than allowing it to accumulate. He noted that addressing
upstream sediment sources, particularly near the golf course, will be important over time and
referenced future improvements associated with the golf course enhancement plan.
Rediker asked how reduced streamflow’s in drier years could affect the performance of the
project, particularly with respect to sediment transport.
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Wadden responded that while low flows present challenges, they also provide favorable construction
conditions. He stated that lower water levels make it safer and easier to operate equipment within the
channel. He explained that the project is designed to improve habitat resilience during low-flow conditions
by creating deeper pools that provide refuge for aquatic species. Wadden acknowledged that current
conditions reflect a drier and warmer trend and stated that the project is designed to function under those
conditions by improving sediment transport efficiency relative to upstream inputs.
Rediker asked about sediment control during construction and how impacts downstream would
be minimized.
Wadden indicated that best management practices would be implemented and deferred to Scarbrough
to provide additional detail.
Brent Scarbrough introduced himself as the owner of Frontier Environmental Services and described
the construction approach. He explained that a silt curtain system would be used, consisting of a
floating boom across the creek with a submerged curtain to capture sediment. He stated that
construction would also involve temporarily channelizing the creek to one side, allowing work to occur
in a dry or isolated portion of the channel, and then shifting flow to the completed side to continue
work. He noted that while some turbidity is expected during certain phases, much of the work will
occur outside of active flow conditions.
Rediker asked how the silt curtain would be maintained during periods of high turbidity and
whether accumulated sediment would need to be removed.
Scarbrough responded that the intent is for the curtain to remain in place for the duration of the
project but noted that it can be removed and replaced if necessary. He explained that removal may
cause temporary disturbance but that such events would be limited and short in duration.
Hanlon asked about the log placement (sheet 23 of 24), specifically whether the structures are 20
feet tall.
Wadden confirmed that the logs are approximately 20- foot sections and are driven into the creek
bank. He explained that the design mimics a natural system, using large woody material similar to
fallen trees to stabilize banks and prevent erosion.
Hanlon asked whether the logs are part of the permanent installation.
Wadden confirmed that they are intended to remain in place long-term.
Hagedorn asked for clarification, comparing the installation to driving piles.
Scarbrough confirmed that the installation method is similar to pile driving, using specialized
equipment adapted for logs.
Jensen asked about the budget implications for the golf course project and whether funding
adjustments impacted timing.
Wadden explained that there is currently no Town funding available for full construction of the golf
course project, but design work for the first phase is anticipated in 2026, potentially extending into early
2027 depending on grant funding. He noted that he has pursued additional grant opportunities and is
continuing to seek outside funding sources. Wallace asked whether the woody installations pose a safety hazard, particularly for stream users
and potential strainers.
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Wadden responded that the structures are not loose within the channel but are embedded directly
into the bank, unlike naturally fallen trees. He stated that because of this design, they are less
hazardous to whitewater users than typical debris in a natural stream system.
Wallace asked about the expected lifecycle of the materials used in the project.
Lucas Babbitt introduced himself and explained that when wood is submerged and not exposed to
direct sunlight, it can last approximately 20 years before significant decay occurs. He noted that
during this time, the structures will function to capture sediment and promote bar formation. He further
explained that vegetation—particularly willows—will establish during this period, and root systems will
ultimately provide long-term stabilization beyond the lifespan of the wood itself.
Wallace asked about the proposed accessible fishing platform and expressed concern about
balancing habitat restoration with increased public access.
Wadden provided an overview of the project history and funding sources, including a Natural
Resource Damage Fund award and matching funds through Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s “Fishing is
Fun” program. He explained that the accessible fishing platform is intended to improve recreational
access for anglers with disabilities, which helped secure grant funding.
Wadden acknowledged that increased access presents challenges in an already heavily used
corridor. He described strategies to manage impacts, including concentrating access at designated
entry points, discouraging use of sensitive areas, and using signage, physical barriers, and
vegetation (including thorny plantings) to guide public behavior and protect restored habitat.
Wallace asked about potential redevelopment in the Ford Park and amphitheater area and
whether future development poses concerns for the restoration project and floodplain criteria.
Wadden responded that the current timing is favorable due to both water conditions and available
grant funding. He stated that he intends to remain engaged with future development efforts in the
area to ensure protection of the creek corridor.
Hagedorn asked whether the project represents the best use of funds compared to addressing
upstream sources of sediment and degradation in the “shotgun” reach.
Wadden responded that some limitations are driven by funding requirements, which prioritize projects
accessible to the public and tied to the original incident. He acknowledged that addressing upstream
sources is important and stated that while this project will provide significant ecological benefit,
additional upstream work will still be needed to fully resolve watershed issues.
Hagedorn emphasized that the upstream source of the problem must ultimately be addressed.
Wadden agreed and noted that there is a regulatory timeline requiring improvements to water
quality conditions in the watershed by approximately 2029–2031. Haggedorn opened public
comment.
Haggedorn moved commissioner comments.
Rediker summarized the applicable review criteria from the staff memorandum, noting that the project
is intended to improve floodplain function and stream health rather than degrade it. He stated that,
based on the criteria, the project satisfies the required standards.
No additional commissioner comments were offered.
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John Rediker made a motion to Approve with the findings on pages 16 -17 and with the condition that
the Town of Vail Floodplain Modification Permit is dependent upon receipt of and Army Corps of
Engineers Nationwide permit.; Craig H Lintner Jr seconded the motion Passed (6 - 0).
6. Approval of Minutes
6.1 03-23-26 PEC Minutes
03-23-26 PEC Minutes.pdf
John Rediker made a motion to Approve ; William A Jensen seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
7. Information Update
8. Adjournment
John Rediker made a motion to Approve ; William A Jensen seconded the motion Passed (6 - 0).
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Design Review Board Minutes Wednesday, April 15, 2026
2:00 PM
Vail Town Council Chambers
Present: Rys Olsen Mary C Egan
Roland J Kjesbo
Anthony J Grandt
Herbert B Roth
1. Virtual Meeting Link Register to attend Design Review Board Meetings. Once registered, you will receive
a confirmation email containing information about joining this webinar. 2. Call to Order
3. Main Agenda
3.1 DRB-26-31 - Concert Hall Plaza Final review of a redevelopment of Concert Hall Plaza Address/ Legal Description: 616 West Lionshead Circle/Lot 1, Vail Lionshead Filing 4 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Beaver Capital SPE LLC, represented by Mauriello Planning Group CHP DRB Plan Set.pdf Concert Hall Plaza Applicant Narrative.pdf
CHP Public Comment 041526.pdf
4.15.26 2nd DRB Challenge Ltr.pdf
CHP Conditions of Approval - DRB.pdf
Roland J Kjesbo made a motion to Approve with Conditions with the findings that the application
meets the requirements of Sections 14-10-3, 14-10-4, 14-10-5, 14-10-6 of the Town Code and the
following conditions: 1. Prior to the issuance of the first building permit for the project, the
Applicant shall mitigate the employee housing impact for 327.65 new net square feet of
commercial and residential development in accordance with the provisions for chapter 12-
23 commercial linkage and 12-24 inclusionary zoning VTC.
2. Prior to the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy for the project, the applicant shall
have executed a snowmelt system operations and
maintenance agreement in a form approved by the Town Attorney for a new snowmelt system to
cover operating costs of the Town's snowmelt system located on private property and Town
owned property leased to the property owner for any encroachments (public easement, public
stairs, etc.). Impacts to the Town's snowmelt system will need to be replaced by the full zone at
the project's cost, splicing the snowmelt tubing will not be accepted.
3. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, any use of town property required for construction
access or staging must be approved by the Vail Public Works Department. Vail Town
Council approval is required for any variance from the Vail Village and Lionshead Village
Construction Information Handout.
4. A detailed construction management and staging plan will be required prior to the issuance of
any building permit. This includes impacts to TOV infrastructure such as lighting/electrical and
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2026 1
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snowmelt system (no splicing of snowmelt tubing allowed). The plan also includes allowable
work hours in the public Right-of-Way; the management plan shall adhere to the Vail Village and
Lionshead Village Construction Information Handout. Variances from these restrictions require
Vail Town Council approval. 5. Existing street lighting and any other public wayfinding or furniture (benches for bus stop, etc)
impacted by the proposed improvements will need to be relocated at the applicant’s expense to
a location approved by Town of Vail Public Works Department.
6. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall receive approval from the Vail
Town Council for the modifications to the documented pedestrian easement.
7. The applicant shall receive approval for the amended plat or other legal instrument showing
the modification to the easement and record the plat prior to the issuance of a Certification of
Occupancy.
8. The applicant for this project is required to submit a framing improvement location certificate
(ILC) showing ridge and eave elevations in compliance with the approved development plan in
conjunction with the building permit inspection process.
9. Any outstanding review comments from TOV staff will need to be resolved prior to building
permit submittal.
10. Applicant to resolve trash pickup area with TOV Public Works department prior to building
permit submittal. If significant design changes need to be made, a DRB Change to Approve
set of plans must be submitted and approved prior to building permit submittal.
11. Applicant to meet with the Town of Vail Fire Department regarding the parking automation
system prior to building permit submittal.
; Rys Olsen seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
4. Staff Approvals
4.1 DRB24 -0411 (Change to Approved Plans 2) - Edwards Residence
Final review of a changed to approved plans (roof)
Address/ Legal Description: 281 Bridge Street 14/ Lot D & E, Block 5C, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Daniel Edwards, represented by Pierce Austin Architects
4.2 DRB25-0207 (Change to Approved Plans 1) - Ferguson Residence Final review of a changed to approved plans (exterior materials, windows, deck, door, lights)
Address/ Legal Description: 1700 Lions Ridge Loop/Lot 18, Dauphinais-Moseley Subdivision Filing
1 Planner: Cole Michaelsen Applicant Name: Andrew & Raechal Ferguson, represented by KH Webb Architects
4.3 DRB25 -0280 (Change to Approved Plans 1) - Stolzer Vail Forest LLC
Final review of a change to approved plans (windows)
Address/ Legal Description: 416 Forest Road B/Lot 3, Block 1, Vail Village Filing 3 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Stolzer Vail Forest LLC, represented by Sipes Architects INC.
4.4 DRB25 -0457 (Change to Approved Plans 1) - Potato Patch Condos
Final review of a change to approved plans (siding/roof/railing)
Address/ Legal Description: 770 Potato Patch Drive/Lot 6, Block 2, Vail Potato Patch Filing 1 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Potato Patch Condos, represented by Pierce Austin Architects
4.5 DRB-26-19 - Village Inn Plaza Condominiums
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69
A final review of an exterior alteration (landscaping) Address/ Legal Description: 68 East Meadow Drive/Lot O, Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Village Inn Plaza Condominium Association, represented by Mac Design, Inc.
4.6 DRB-26-40 - Simba Run Condos Final review of an exterior alteration (roof) Address/ Legal Description: 110 North Fontage Road West/ Simba Run Subdivision Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Simba Run Condos, represented by Turner Morris Roofing
4.7 DRB-26-42 - Suszynski Residence Final review of an addition Address/ Legal Description: 1481 Aspen Grove Lane/Lot 1, Block 2, Lion's Ridge Subdivision Filing 4 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Conrad & Kristina Suszynski, represented by Martin Manley Architects
4.8 DRB-26-51 - Potato Patch 17 LLC A final review of an exterior alteration (two windows) Address/ Legal Description: 770 Potato Patch Drive/Lot 6, Block 2, Vail Potato Patch Filing 1 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Potato Patch 17 LLC, represented by Pierce Austin Architects
4.9 DRB-26-54 - Timber Falls Condos Final review of an exterior alteration (reroof) Address/ Legal Description: 4459 Timber Falls Court/Timber Falls Condominiums Planner: Cole Michaelsen Applicant Name: Timber Falls Condos, represented by Bear Brothers Roofing
4.10 DRB-26-65 - Pinos Del Norte A final review of a tree removal Address/ Legal Description: 600 Vail Vaelly Drive/Tract B,Vail Village Filing 7 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Pinos Del Norte, represented by Elevated Arborist LLC
4. 11 DRB-26- 72 - Vail East Townhomes And
Condominiums A final review of a tree removal
Address/ Legal Description: 5020 Main Gore Place 18/Vail East Townhomes And Condominiums Planner: Cole Michaelsen Applicant Name: Vail Corp DBA Vail Assoc Inc | The Fixed Assets Department, represented by
Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
4. 12 DRB-26- 81 - Vail Point Townhome Assoc | Daryl
Brady A final review of a exterior alteration (deck)
Address/ Legal Description: 1881 Lions Ridge Loop/Tract C, Block 3, Lion's Ridge Subdivision Filing 3 Planner: Cole Michaelsen
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2026 3
70
Applicant Name: Vail Point Townhome Assoc | Daryl Brady, represented by Carlson
Construction Company, Inc.
5. Staff Denials
6. Adjournment
Anthony J Grandt made a motion to Adjourn ; Roland J Kjesbo seconded the motion Passed
(5 - 0).
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2026 4
71
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Kristen Bertuglia, Environmental Sustainability
ITEM TYPE:Information Update
AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:Update on Dark Sky Community Designation
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Dark Sky Memo- Updated New Guidelines 042126.pdf
72
TO: Vail Town Council
FROM: Environmental Sustainability Department
DATE: April 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Town of Vail Outdoor Lighting and Dark Sky Community designation
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an updated overview of the Town of Vail’s
outdoor lighting standards, summarize current DarkSky International guidelines, and evaluate
options for strengthening local regulations and pursuing designation as an International Dark
Sky Community.
This memo builds upon prior Town Council discussions and staff analysis conducted in 2016
and 2017, incorporating current best practices and evolving standards in lighting technology
and policy.
II. BACKGROUND
In 2016 and 2017, the Town Council reviewed Vail’s outdoor lighting regulations and explored
potential alignment with the International Dark-Sky Association (now DarkSky International)
certification program. At that time, staff identified that Vail had a strong regulatory foundation,
but also noted several gaps related to brightness limits, color temperature, monitoring, and
community-wide implementation.
The Town’s current lighting standards were adopted through Ordinance No. 21, Series of 2008,
codified in Section 14-10-7 of the Vail Town Code. These standards emphasize:
• Fully shielded (full cutoff) lighting
• Directional lighting to minimize glare and trespass
• Limits on fixture height and placement
• Prohibition of certain high-impact lighting types
These provisions remain consistent with core DarkSky principles and continue to provide a
strong baseline.
III. CURRENT DARKSKY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS (2026)
Since the Town’s initial review, DarkSky International guidelines have evolved in response to
widespread adoption of LED lighting and increasing awareness of ecological impacts.
Key current standards include:
1. Light Shielding and Direction
• All outdoor lighting should be fully shielded
• Light must be directed downward and not emitted above the horizontal plane
2. Color Temperature
• Maximum recommended: 3000 Kelvin 73
Town of Vail Page 2
• Current best practice: 2700K or lower, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas
3. Brightness (Lumens)
• Regulation based on total lumens per site, rather than number of fixtures
• Use of lighting zones to tailor standards by land use
4. Lighting Controls
• Required use of:
o timers
o motion sensors
o dimming technology
• Implementation of curfews (e.g., reduced lighting after evening hours)
5. LED Lighting Standards
• Increased emphasis on limiting blue-rich light emissions
• Requirement for fully shielded LED fixtures
• Avoidance of retrofitting high-output LEDs into non-compliant fixtures
6. Monitoring and Reporting
• Ongoing tracking of sky brightness (e.g., Sky Quality Meter (SQM) measurements)
• Annual reporting on community progress
7. Community Commitment
• Public education programs
• Demonstrated community support
• Municipal leadership through retrofit of public lighting
IV. COMPARISON TO CURRENT VAIL LIGHTING STANDARDS
Based on the 2016–2017 review and updated standards, Vail’s existing code remains a strong
foundation but would require updates to meet current designation criteria.
Strengths
• Full cutoff/shielding requirements
• Directional lighting standards
• Existing design review process
• Longstanding policy commitment to reducing light pollution
Gaps (Updated)
• No codified color temperature limit
• No lumen-based brightness caps
• Limited requirements for adaptive controls or curfews
• No formal monitoring program
• Limited framework for municipal retrofit and compliance tracking
• Insufficient regulation of LED retrofits and spectral impacts
V. PATHWAY TO DARKSKY DESIGNATION
To pursue designation, the Town would need to:
1. Update Lighting Code
• Establish maximum color temperature (≤3000K, with lower targets recommended)
• Implement lumen-based limits and lighting zones
• Require controls such as timers and dimming
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Town of Vail Page 3
• Strengthen provisions addressing LED technology
2. Demonstrate Municipal Leadership
• Retrofit Town-owned lighting to meet updated standards
• Develop a compliance and retrofit plan
3. Expand Community Engagement
• Public education and outreach programs
• Partnerships with local organizations and utilities
4. Implement Monitoring
• Establish a sky brightness monitoring program
• Track progress and submit annual reports
VI. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Strengthening outdoor lighting standards offers multiple co-benefits:
• Protection of wildlife and ecological systems
• Preservation of night sky visibility and community character
• Reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
• Improved public health and safety through reduced glare
Given Vail’s alpine environment and proximity to sensitive habitats, updated standards would
align with broader environmental and sustainability goals.
VII. POLICY DIRECTION
While pursuing a DarkSky designation is not currently in the staff work plan, staff recognizes the
alignment between adopted strategic environmental and sustainability goals, promotion of
biodiversity, climate, the mountain experience, etc. Staff invites Council to provide direction on
next steps.
The Town Council may consider the following options:
1. Maintain current lighting standards (status quo)
2. Implement targeted updates (e.g., color temperature, controls)
3. Pursue comprehensive code updates aligned with DarkSky standards and initiate
designation process.
Council is also asked to consider if implementation of DarkSky designation is directed, staff
would then bring back actions for Council’s consideration from the 2026 Strategic Plan to delay
or not pursue, or add resources to ensure the Town has adequate resources to implement
Council’s direction.
VIII. ATTACHMENTS
A. US Dark Sky Communities List
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Town of Vail Page 4
Attachment A
Community State Year Designated
Flagstaff Arizona 2001 (First)
Sedona Arizona 2014
Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky Arizona 2015
Borrego Springs California 2009
Breckenridge Colorado 2023/2026
Crestone Colorado 2021
Norwood Colorado 2019
Nucla & Naturita Colorado 2021
Old Snowmass Colorado 2024
Paonia Colorado 2022
Ridgway Colorado 2020
Westcliffe & Silver Cliff Colorado 2015
Palos Preserves Illinois 2021
Ketchum Idaho 2017
Cosmic Campground New Mexico 2015
Oregon Outback Oregon 2024
Blanco Texas 2022
Jonestown Texas 2023
Lakewood Village Texas 2019
Wimberley Valley Texas 2018
Bluff Utah 2025
Springdale Utah 2023
Torrey Utah 2018
Table 1- US Designated Dark Sky Communities
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.2
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Pete Wadden
ITEM TYPE:Information Update
AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:Update on Vail Nature Center In-Stream Project
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Staff_Memorandum_VNC_In-Stream_Project_TC042126.pdf
77
TO: Vail Town Council
FROM: Environmental Sustainability Department
DATE: April 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Vail Nature Center In-Stream Project – Response to Council Questions
I.PURPOSE
On April 7, 2026, Staff met with members of the Vail Town Council at the Vail Nature
Center to discuss construction staging, access, restoration and overall management of
the Vail Nature Center In-Stream Habitat Project. Staff have further investigated
questions about construction access and changes to visitor use patterns:
1.Can a crane be used to lower the 280 logs for the project from Vail Valley
Drive to the Nature Center Project site to avoid disturbance to the hillside
between Vail Valley Drive and the Vail Nature Center?
2.Can the proposed handicap accessible fishing platform be moved out of
the project reach?
3.How will angling be managed after the project and will increased angler use
lead to a proliferation of social trails, trampled streamside vegetation and
eroding streambanks?
II.BACKGROUND/SUMMARY
In late 2023, the state attorney general’s office and Vail Resorts had agreed upon a
settlement to be paid resulting from a 2021 snowmaking spill and subsequent aquatic life
mortality event on Gore Creek. The approximately $250,000 in Natural Resource Defense
(NRD) funds were allocated to Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited (EVTU) through a unique,
non-competitive grant process on the conditions that EVTU secure matching funds and
complete a project near where the original spill had occurred. Town and Trout Unlimited
staff secured $200,000 in grant funds from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Fishing
is Fun (FIF) program as the necessary match for the NRD settlement funds. Town Council
allocated $100,000 in the 2025 budget and EVTU raised an additional $67,000 in
contributions from their members for a total project budget of $617,000.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists and Town staff identified a reach of Gore
Creek at the east end of Ford Park as the optimal project location. This reach of stream
is near the section of creek that was impacted by the 2021 spill and is in need of in-stream
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Town of Vail Page 2
habitat improvement. The reach has high potential to become outstanding habitat for trout
and aquatic invertebrates because of its robust riparian buffers and mature tree canopy,
but in-stream habitat has been degraded by hydrological factors caused by modified
sections of creek upstream.
The stated goals of the project in the contract for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife FIF
grant are:
•Improve in-stream adult trout habitat and increase fishing opportunities by using
natural channel design techniques and construction using boulders and large
woody debris.
•Match Vail Resorts settlement by matching with FIF and other project funds
targeted for Gore Creek restoration
•Improve access, including accommodations for disabled anglers on pathways and
fishing locations
•Mitigate stormwater management issues where needed.
EVTU, in partnership with the town, posted a request for proposals for a qualified design-
build firm for the project in early 2025 and the team of Frontier Environmental and
WaterVation was selected through a competitive bid process. The design-build team has
completed 100% designs and obtained floodplain modification permits from the Town.
Construction is planned for August 1- September 30, 2026.
III.DISCUSSION
Using a crane to get wood material to the project site
Council members expressed concern that the proposed method of getting woody material
onto the project site would impact the vegetation on the hillside between Vail Valley Drive
and the Vail Nature Center. The project team has proposed protecting a 50-foot wide
portion of the hillside from impact with mats and plywood and using skid rail logs to
roll/slide the 280 logs from Vail Valley Drive to the project site. Following the project,
impacts to the area would be restored and rehabilitated to better-than current condition
with new native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflower seed.
Following the request from Council, staff asked the design/ build team to provide a quote
for the use of a crane to lower the 280 twenty-foot long logs onto the project site. The
estimated cost of the crane, required traffic control, and labor for this task is between
$81,000 and $100,000 and would require the closure of Vail Valley Drive for 10-15 days.
Traffic control alone is estimated to be $51,035. This cost is not included in the current
project budget and is much greater than the $5,000-10,000 in restoration costs for
mitigation of impacts of the originally proposed method.
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Town of Vail Page 3
Staff recommends using the originally proposed methods to import logs over a
limited portion the hillside between Vail Valley Drive and the VNC site and fully
restore the area to a condition better than that seen today for less than $10,000.
Moving the handicap accessible fishing platform off the project site
The handicap fishing access proposed as a part of this project design will provide a low
impact, rare opportunity for anglers with limited mobility to enjoy a high-quality fishing
opportunity on a mountain trout stream on an already-degraded and impacted section of
the stream front trail. Most handicap fishing access in Colorado is on lakes, so the
proposed access on a trout stream was a very important component of the project for the
Fishing is Fun grant reviewers.
Town Council expressed concern that the handicap accessible fishing platform proposed
near the Vail Nature Center pedestrian bridge at the far west end of the project site would
be used by amphitheater concert-goers as a location to drink beer and listen to music.
Council asked if the handicap fishing access could be moved off the project site. Staff
reached out to grantors and partners at Colorado Parks and Wildlife with this question.
While CPW FIF staff were open to discussions about moving the fishing access within the
project reach, the access must remain within the project reach to meet the parameters of
the grant.
Staff have investigated whether there are other feasible locations for the accessible
angler access within the project site. The originally proposed location is close to handicap
parking spaces and is the best available spot for a wheelchair-accessible fishing access
within the project reach. The proposed location is a flat area of trampled streambank
within 50 yards of the pedestrian bridge. The proposed design involves leveling an
already-degraded approximately 8 foot by 6 foot area with compacted gravel and
stabilizing the area with boulders to prevent erosion. Staff does not recommend relocating
the fishing platform.
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Town of Vail Page 4
Managing fishing access and social trails post project
Project partners and sponsors identified the proliferation of social trails along the project
reach as a major contributor to the degradation of riparian areas at the Vail Nature Center.
Unmanaged access by nature center visitors of all user types has contributed to the
current condition of the streambanks at the site. One goal of this project is to reduce the
number of social trails and gathering areas along the streambank by closing some trails
and designating access points in strategic locations.
A shared goal of the two state grants and generous private donations which, combined,
have contributed $517,000 of the $617,000 total project budget was to improve fishing
opportunities and angler access on this reach of creek. The NRD settlement that initiated
this project was calculated based on the value and number of trout lost in the 2021
snowmaking spill. A primary goal of those funds and a reason they were allocated to a
project in the Gore Creek Watershed without a typical competitive grant process was the
desire to restore trout populations and fishing opportunities on Gore Creek. The Colorado
Fishing is Fun program exists to provide “funds to improve angling opportunities in
Colorado.” Members of Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited donated a total of $67,000 in private
funds because of their enthusiasm for this project and its potential to enhance trout and
aquatic invertebrate communities and fishing access for handicapped anglers on Gore
Creek.
Given the project goals, town staff does not recommend planning an official fishing
moratorium following project completion, however, staff will work with CPW to enforce
any fishing closures due to low-stream flows or high temperatures that aquatic biologists
recommend enacting in this or future low-water years.
IV.NEXT STEPS
Handicapped-accessible fishing
platform on the Yampa River in
Steamboat Springs
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Town of Vail Page 5
Unless there is different direction from the Town Council, staff will work with the
contractors to ensure the protections and protocol outlined above are implemented
properly, and will be onsite daily beginning August 1st to monitor all activities. The
project will be completed by October 1st, 2026, and revegetation plans will begin to be
implemented before the project is completed.
82
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.3
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Public Works
ITEM TYPE:Information Update
AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:March 2, 2026 AIPP Meeting Minutes
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
March 2, 2026 Minutes.pdf
83
1
Art in Public Places Board Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
AIPP Board members present: Lindsea Stowe, Susanne Graff, Tracy Gordon, Ramsey Cotter, Kathy
Langenwalter
Also present for Dobson site visit: Jared Biniecki & Kirk Hansen representing VRD for Dobson Art
Selection Committee, Courtney St. John Community Member – Dobson Art Selection Committee; Scott
O’Connell – Deputy Executive Director, Vail Recreation District; John King, Town of Vail; Steve Sego
and Chris Knight, Cummings Group; Cortney Stell and Jenna Meachem – Black Cube Nomadic Art
Museum.
Others present: Molly Eppard - AIPP Coordinator
1. Call to Order
2. Citizen Participation
Ian Grask – Requests amendment to public comment from Feb. minutes requesting the inclusion of Vail
Symposium was present at Jen Stark event and NY Times critic was in town who would have enjoyed the
event. He remarks that the landscape space by the Art Studio be kept open with opportunities for art, be
mindful of excessive water use and impacts of riparian zone.
3. Main Agenda
3.1 Approval of Feb. 2, 2026 meeting minutes.
Susanne approves minutes with inclusion of Ian Grask’s edited public comments, Tracy seconds and
all in favor.
February 2, 2026 Minutes.pdf
3.2 AIPP & Vail Art Studio program and calendar discussion.
Amy Dose and Pamela Olson are making progress on the mud room installation in the Art
Studio. Ramsey motions for an April 20 completion date for the installation; Susanne seconds
and all in favor.
The Vail Drawing Club is activating the space well and connecting with new creatives in the
community.
The Art Studio will be closed for a period in May due to scheduled maintenance.
Tentative dates of June 12-22 for the first residency of the summer. Details are being
confirmed for activations.
Potential development and marketing initiatives are being discussed.
Molly reminds the Board of existing documents around the Art Studio including Guidelines
and Expectations. The Board believes in this initial year of the Art Studio being open
invitational residencies are appropriate as we develop operations.
Kathy motions to explore opportunities with an additional residency in July, Tracy seconds
and all in favor.
The Board will also look at pop-up events like the Jen Stark event.
3.3 Vail Art Studio adjacent landscaping update.
Art Studio North Lawn - Drawings and Rendering.pdf
Molly shares the DRB landscape design which was approved with the condition that
studio architect Harry Teague is consulted for feedback.
84
2
3.4 Vail Valley Charitable Fund 30th Anniversary mural as funded by Discover Vail on
Town of Vail property.
Molly reminds the Board the VVCF received funding by Discover Vail to create a mural
celebrating their 30th Anniversary.
The Board agrees that the mural site on the east pedestrian entrance of the Vail Village
Parking Structure can be repainted with another mural by a local non-profit.
The VVCF will present a proposal for the mural at a future AIPP Board meeting.
3.5 Dobson Arena Art Selection Committee site-visit at 9:30 a.m.
The committee convenes for a site visit led by Cummings Group to view
At the conclusion of the site-visit, Black Cube inquires if the Dobson Art Selection Committee
would like to request a refined rendering/proposal for the West Vestibule Entry by artist Alejandro
Pereda. The committee agrees to review an additional proposal by the artist for consideration.
4. Adjournment
85
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.4
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Robyn Smith, Housing
ITEM TYPE:Information Update
AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:March 10, 2026 VLHA Meeting Minutes
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
2026-03-10 VLHA Meeting Minutes.pdf
86
Vail Local Housing Authority Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026 Page 1 | 4
Vail Local Housing Authority Minutes
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
3:00 PM
Vail Town Council Chambers and virtually by Zoom
Zoom Meeting 1 | Pre-Executive Session | https://vail.zoom.us/j/83110634258
Zoom Meeting 2 | Post-Executive Session | https://vail.zoom.us/j/86898705642
Present:
Steve Lindstrom
Christine Santucci
Craig Denton
Kristin Kenney Williams
Absent:
Dan Godec
Staff Present:
Jason Dietz, Director of Housing
Robyn Smith, Senior Housing Coordinator
Anna Bengtson, Housing Development Specialist
Melissa Johnson, Housing Coordinator
1. Call to Order (3:00pm)
2. Citizen Participation (5min.)
None.
3. Approval of Minutes (5 min.)
3.1 February 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Time: 2 mins
2026_02_10 VLHA Meeting Minutes.pdf
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve ; Craig Denton seconded the motion Passed (4
- 0).
3.2 February 17, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes
Time: 2 mins
2026_02_17 VLHA Special Meeting Minutes.pdf
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve ; Christine Santucci seconded the motion
Passed (4 - 0).
4. Information Update
4.1 Housing Project Update
Listen to update on Housing Development Projects.
Presenter(s): Anna Bengtson, Housing Development
Specialist Time: 15 mins
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Vail Local Housing Authority Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026 Page 2 | 4
Bengtson provided an update on active housing development initiatives. Staff reported continued
progress on Timber Ridge Village construction and coordination related to upcoming occupancy
milestones - final modular box has been set. Work on the South Frontage Road (SouthFace) project
continues through early construction and site preparation activities - vertical construction
commencing. Staff also noted continued advancement of surveying, entitlement preparation, and
planning activities associated with the East Vail CDOT parcel.
The update was informational only and no action was taken.
5. Main Agenda
5.1 Resolution No. 1, Series of 2026, A Resolution Approving an Exemption from Audit for the
Fiscal Year 2025, for the Vail Local Housing Authority in the State of Colorado.
Listen to the 2025 VLHA Year End Financial Update, and Approve Resolution 1 2026.
Presenter(s): Jake Shipe, CPA Finance Budget Manager
Time: 20 mins.
2025 VLHA Year-End Financial Update.pdf
Resolution Audit Exempt 25.pdf
FLAT_LocalGOVExemptionForm.pdf
Shipe presented the Vail Local Housing Authority’s 2025 year-end financial update and the
application for exemption from audit pursuant to C.R.S. §29-1-604. Financial results indicated that
VLHA revenues and expenditures remained below the statutory audit threshold, qualifying the
Authority to apply for exemption.
Discussion included a review of the income statement, balance sheet, and fund balance for fiscal
year 2025, along with confirmation that the exemption application had been prepared by a qualified
governmental accounting professional.
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve ; Christine Santucci seconded the motion Passed
(4 - 0).
6. Executive Session (estimated 80 mins)
Kristin Kenney Williams moved to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to:
C.R.S. §24-6-402(4)(b) and (4)(e), to hold a conference with legal counsel for the purpose of
receiving legal advice on specific legal questions, and to determine positions relative to matters
that may be subject to negotiations, develop strategy for negotiations, and instruct negotiators,
regarding the formation of a charitable organization and the potential engagement of legal counsel
related to the formation of a charitable organization.
C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(c) to consider matters required to be kept confidential by state law, namely the
review of a housing files containing personally identifiable information related to waiver requests for
the deed-restricted units located at 1063 Vail View Drive Unit 4, Bighorn Road Unit 7R, 430 South
Frontage Road East Unit RU-L, 430 South Frontage Road East Unit RU-M, and 2897 Timber Creek
Drive D23, under the Employee Housing Guidelines, Section V.C. The executive session is necessary
to prevent disclosure of confidential information protected under the Colorado Open Records Act
(C.R.S. § 24-72-204) and related privacy protections.
Christine Santucci seconded the motion Passed (3 - 0).
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Vail Local Housing Authority Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026 Page 3 | 4
Denton absent from vote.
7. Any Action as a Result of Executive Session The Authority reconvened the public meeting at approximately 4:41 PM.
7.1 Compliance Waiver Requests
Approve or deny compliance waiver requests.
Time: 5 mins
MEMO_VLHA_Waiver Action Language_2025_03_10.pdf
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve that Vail Local Housing Authority grant a limited
waiver of deed-restriction compliance for calendar year 2025 for 1063 Vail View Drive Unit 4;
recommend staff not to pursue enforcement for the 2025 compliance period; and affirm that all deed-
restriction requirements remain fully enforceable beginning in 2026, with this action limited to the
specific circumstances presented.; Christine Santucci seconded the motion Passed (4 - 0).
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve move that the Vail Local Housing Authority grant a
limited waiver of deed-restriction compliance for calendar year 2025 for BIGHORN ROAD UNIT 7R;
recommend staff not to pursue enforcement for the 2025 compliance period; and affirm that all deed-
restriction requirements remain fully enforceable beginning in 2026, with this action limited to the
specific circumstances presented.; Christine Santucci seconded the motion Passed (4 - 0).
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve move that the Vail Local Housing Authority grant a
limited waiver of deed-restriction compliance for calendar year 2025 for 430 SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD
EAST UNIT RU-L; recommend staff not to pursue enforcement for the 2025 compliance period; and
affirm that all deed-restriction requirements remain fully enforceable beginning in 2026, with this
action limited to the specific circumstances presented.; Christine Santucci seconded the motion
Passed (4 - 0).
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve move that the Vail Local Housing Authority grant a
limited waiver of deed-restriction compliance for calendar year 2025 for 430 SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD
EAST UNIT RU-M; recommend staff not to pursue enforcement for the 2025 compliance period; and
affirm that all deed-restriction requirements remain fully enforceable beginning in 2026, with this
action limited to the specific circumstances presented.; Christine Santucci seconded the motion
Passed (4 - 0).
Kristin Kenney Williams made a motion to Approve move that the Vail Local Housing Authority grant a
limited waiver of deed-restriction compliance for calendar year 2025 for 2897 Timber Creek Drive D23;
recommend staff not to pursue enforcement for the 2025 compliance period; and affirm that all deed-
restriction requirements remain fully enforceable beginning in 2026, with this action limited to the
specific circumstances presented.; Christine Santucci seconded the motion Passed (4 - 0).
8. Matters from the Chairman and Authority Members
No additional matters were discussed.
9. Staff Update (5 mins)
• Town of Vail Community Meeting from 5-7:00pm today, March 10, 2026 at Donovan Pavilion
Habitat for Humanity Events Carpenter's Ball | Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 6:00pm, The Hythe Vail
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Vail Local Housing Authority Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026 Page 4 | 4
Finding Our Way Home with The Civic Canopy | Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 5-7:30
PM | Berry Creek Middle School, 1000 Miller Ranch Road, Edwards, CO 81632 Finding Our Way Home with The Civic Canopy | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 5-7:30
PM | Berry Creek Middle School, 1000 Miller Ranch Road, Edwards, CO 81632 ZipCar Ribbon Cutting | 12:00pm March 17, 2026 at International Bridge near Checkpoint
Charlie. Sandwiches provided.
Staff has no additional update.
10. Adjournment Chairman Steve Lindstrom adjourned the meeting at approximately 4:45 PM
90
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports
AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee
Reports (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:Matters from Mayor, Council and Committees (15 min.)
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
91
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.2
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports
AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee
Reports (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:Town Manager Report (20 min.)
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
TM Update 042126 (1).docx
Berlaimont Project Timeline Town Council 42126 .docx
Edwards Easement Scoping Notice - Dec 2008.pdf
Eagle County USFS Berlaimont Response 3.12.18.pdf
Public Input.pdf
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Town Managers’ Update
April 21, 2026
1. Spirit Award
The next iteration of a community recognition program has been envisioned by
Town Council as the Vail Spirit Award. An award recognizing selfless
contribution to Vail, for the love of Vail; someone who has an authentic love of
our community, a steward of our lifestyle and environment, or an innovative
entrepreneur taking an ethical and inclusionary path. Staff recommends a les s
formal process for accepting nominations: for the first year, Town Council could
propose names; however, we could also encourage nominations by email sent to
Public Input. The two Council representatives, Kevin and Barry currently serve
on the selection committee.
2. SDD Sketch Plan
At the April 7th Town Council meeting, staff shared two alternatives for creating a
sketch plan step in the review process for Special Development Districts (SDD).
Alternative one is essentially a work session with the Town Council to review and
receive feedback on conceptual level drawings and a narrative of a proposed
SDD development. Alternative 2 involved is an application for a sketch plan that
would be reviewed by the PEC, and a recommendation provided to Council by
the PEC followed by a review and vote by Council.
On May 5th, staff will provide Council with examples of alternatives 1 and 2 along
with an example of a hybrid sketch plan process that attempts to blend the
concepts in alternatives 1 and 2.
3. Berlaimont Development Project
See attached materials on Berlaimont. This project does have a long history and
is not in or adjacent to the Town of Vail. On March 17, 2026, staff shared a draft
letter to Eagle County expressing opposition to the requested variance from
Eagle County’s dual-access road requirement for the Berlaimont development.
At that meeting, the Council debated the wisdom of taking a position on this
proposed development and asked for a timeline and additional background on
the project. Staff has searched in the Town records for previous communication
from the Town of Vail on this project and we could not find that the Town has
taken a position on this topic with either Eagle County or the U.S. Forest Service.
Should staff or the Town take any further action on this topic?
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Town of Vail Page 2
4. Park City Leadership Visit
A group from Park City will visit Vail May 27 – 29, including town officials, county
commissioners and management, town staff, and resort representatives as part
of a 30-year plus leadership program. Town Council participation is requested
for the following:
Wednesday, May 27: Dinner with Vail Resorts and Town Leadership
6:30pm at Cucina Rustica
Thursday, May 28: 8:45am Donovan Pavilion. Formal welcome of the
Park City group, with opening remarks from Mayor and Town Manager.
Council is welcome to attend the breakout discussions beginning at
10:30am – 1:30pm (lunch included). Topics:
o Infrastructure/lifestyle amenities for 1,100 new Vail residents by
2028
o Advances in Housing
o Medical Tourism
o Arrive Vail, Transit Center, Free bus system
o Next Generation Leadership
o Environmental Programming
Thursday, May 28: Council is also invited to attend a “dine-around” event
– 6pm; meet at Lodge at Vail. Nine groups of 10 individuals will be
dispatched to various restaurants
Please RSVP council member attendance to Abby Oliveira
aoliveira@vail.gov
5. Mobility Task Force Members
The Parking and Mobility Task Force (P&MTF) recently experienced the
departure of three members who were unable to continue their service. The
P&MTF, composed of Town Council members, citizens, business
representatives, and representatives from partner organizations, is dedicated to
reviewing and recommending parking and mobility programs for the Town of Vail.
A key goal of the Task Force is to ensure diverse community representation,
providing valuable insights and perspectives to guide the development of
effective parking and mobility programs.
The Task Force would like to welcome three new members—Tiffany Boeh,
Colbey Lefabvre, and Lana Makina—who bring unique experiences and
perspectives to the Task Force. Their contributions will help strengthen the
group’s ability to serve the Vail community effectively.
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Town of Vail Page 3
6. Other Topics
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Town of Vail Page 4
Attachment: Council Strategic Plan:
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Berlaimont Project Timeline
Approvals & Decision Points
PHASE 1 — PROJECT SETUP (2008–2014)
2008: Current owners acquired the 680-acre parcel of land north of Edwards, CO, that
is entirely surrounded by US Forest Service land. The parcel was originally patented for
grazing under the 1916 Stock Raising Homestead Act. Purchasers promptly requested
approval from the U.S. Forest Service for a permanent easement across National
Forest lands to accommodate development of the parcel. Developers claimed a right to
improved access under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA)
of 1980. In December of 2008, the Forest Service issued a scoping notice and solicited
public comments on the proposed easement, but review of the project stalled after
agency officials realized Eagle County regulations required dual access to the parcel.
Forest Service officials said ANILCA may require adequate access via one road, but the
agency was under no obligation to grant two roads across sensitive public lands in the
area. Purchasers were redirected to Eagle County to request a variance from the dual
access requirement in the County land use code. The Berlaimont parcel is owned by
Berlaimont Estates LLC, an entity controlled by Florida -based investors Petr Lukes and
Jana Sobotova, originally from the Czech Republic.
2011: Purchasers subdivide the 680-acre parcel into 19 separate 35-acre parcels,
proposing one luxury home (with accessory units) per 35 acres. Subdividing the parcel
into 35-acre lots exempted this development from subdivision review pursuant to
Senate Bill 35 (1972).
2013–2014: Eagle County BOCC approves road variances, including waiver of dual
access, emergency vehicle turnaround areas, and certain other road improvement
standards (e.g., those for turn radii). Note: This approval is no longer valid because it is
not the road alignment or proposal ultimately approved by the USFS.
PHASE 2 — FEDERAL PROCESS (2016–2023)
2016: U.S. Forest Service restarts National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review.
2018: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released; significant public
opposition based on wildlife migration and important winter habitat, particularly for elk
and mule deer, water availability, watershed health, safety, fire risk, etc. The Vail Daily
reported that thousands of people signed a petition to oppose the Berlaimont plan and
more than 700 comments were submitted on the proposal. District Ranger, Aaron
Mayville, acknowledged that his decision to label the proposed use as reasonable is
“not a very popular decision.” Eagle County submitted comments saying this: “In 2014,
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the County conditionally approved a request from Berlaimont for a variance from the
improvement standards contained in the Eagle County Land Use Regulations pertaining
to dual access, emergency vehicle turnaround areas and certain road improvement
standards, including those for turn radii. The standards for approval of this variance are
technical in nature; consequently, the County did not have the opportunity to consider
the social and environmental impacts of a permanent access road to the Berlaimont
property. The County’s role was limited to deciding whether to grant a variance to
roadway standards. Therefore, the road variance approved by Eagle County should not
be interpreted as approval for this type of land use as suggested in the DEIS. The
variance simply dictates the standards that a road would need to meet if the proponents
of Berlaimont were to develop the parcels as proposed.” The letter went on to note the
County’s “concerns regarding the potential environmental and social impacts of a
permanent road to access the Berlaimont inholding.”
2020: Final EIS; Eagle County submits comment letter to the USFS during the formal
objection period noting future approvals required, and expressing concern over:
Impacts to adjacent residential properties from noise, dust, and traffic.
Impacts to recreational experiences for hikers, bikers and others.
Impacts on local wildlife populations and habitat.
Impacts from the new multi-use recreation trail.
Impacts on natural resources and the possible impact on the water quality
of nearby creeks and streams through runoff and sedimentation.
The County letter also included significant pushback on the US Forest
Service analysis, asking “the NFS to engage in a more thorough analysis and
vetting of Alternative 1, the ‘no action’ alternative, and to further examine
whether Alternative 1 would provide adequate access...” The County noted
the proposal’s “adverse impact on wildlife in the area, particularly given the
high-quality winter habitat in the area of the property.” The County asked “the
NFS to reevaluate its consideration of similarly situated parcels when
determining what constitutes reasonable use and enjoyment of the Berlaimont
property.” The County noted that other inholdings in Eagle County are
accessed via dirt roads, including Deep Creek, Fulford, and Piney Lake, and
the County questioned the US Forest Service’s comparison of the Berlaimont
inholding to other existing “up-scale” developments in the Edwards to Vail
area that are not inholdings.
2023: Forest Service approves access road across federal land.
Note: Federal approval relies on the contested Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA) is a 1980 federal law that, says, in part:
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Owners of private land surrounded by federal land must be provided “adequate
access” to their property. This has been interpreted to include year-round, motorized
access. Opponents interpret this law to not only not apply in Colorado, but also to
include seasonal and non-motorized access.
PHASE 3 — CURRENT STATUS (2023–Present)
2023: Wilderness Workshop and Rocky Mountain Wild file litigation to stop the
Berlaimont Estates Access Road
Lawsuits ongoing challenging federal approval.
Eagle County must still review new road alignment and safety compliance.
2026: A federal court ruled that the Alaska law applies in the Lower 48, but other claims,
including whether the Berlaimont proposal is a “reasonable use” of the inholding,
whether the existing road must be upgraded for “adequate access”, and questions
about the adequacy of the agency’s impact analysis remain unresolved.
Note: Berlaimont is not fully approved. Federal access does not override local safety
standards, and Eagle County retains critical authority over the road and infrastructure.
CRITICAL FUTURE DECISION POINTS
Eagle County dual access road variance approval
Engineering + emergency access compliance
Potential 1041 permits (water/infrastructure)
LEGAL, ADVOCACY & POLICY NOTES
Senator Bennet introduces Forest Resources Accountability Act 2026 (bill to:
- Prohibit the use of federal funds for the issuing of permits to open, improve,
authorize, permit, or construct a year-round road on public land for Berlaimont;
- Clarify the definition of “adequate access” to the Berlaimont Estates inholding
as the existing unpaved, seasonal road currently in use; and
- Subject to a willing, voluntary landowner, direct the Secretary of Agriculture to
purchase for fair-market value the inholding and incorporate it into the
surrounding Forest Service lands.
Single-access road in wildfire-prone terrain
New alignment requires new variance findings
Federal vs local authority conflict
Ongoing litigation over federal access approval
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Resources and Press
Articles:
White River National Forest approves access road to proposed 19 -home
Berlaimont Estates community above Eagle River Valley
https://coloradosun.com/2023/03/10/white-river-forest-berlaimont-estates-road/
Bennet, Neguse introduce legislation to block federal funding for road to luxury
community in the Eagle River Valley
https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/30/bennet-legislation-berlaimont/
In win for Berlaimont developers, judge rules federal Alaskan conservation law
section applies in Colorado
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-national-forest-federal-alaskan-conservations-
law-berlaimont-
estates/#:~:text=Ryan%20Spencer%20Follow&text=%E2%80%9CThat%20Congress%
20was%20principally%20concerned,applies%20to%20land%20in%20Alaska.%E2%80
%9D
Forest Service Project Summary, Record of Decision, Access to All Project
Documents:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/projects/archive/50041
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18-CV-887-20406 103
18-CV-887-20407 104
18-CV-887-20408 105
18-CV-887-20409 106
Board of County Commissioners
970-328-8605 970-328-8629(f) eagleadmin@eaglecounty.us www.eaglecounty.us
500 Broadway, P.O. Box 850, Eagle, Colorado 81631
March 12, 2018
Scott Fitzwilliams
Forest Supervisor
c/o Matt Klein
Realty Specialist
White River National Forest
United States Forest Service (USFS)
P.O. Box 190
Minturn, CO 81645
VIA EMAIL: matthewklein@fs.fed.us
RE: Berlaimont Estates’ Access Route Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Dear Mr. Fitzwilliams:
Eagle County appreciates the opportunity to make formal comment on the Berlaimont Estates draft
Access Route Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”). The DEIS was prepared to analyze and disclose
the estimated environmental effects of the provision of adequate access to the Berlaimont Estates’
private property that is fully surrounded by the White River National Forest (“WRNF”). Berlaimont
Estates (“Berlaimont” or the “Applicant”) is proposing to improve segments of existing National Forest
Service (“NFS”) Road 774 and NFS 780, as well as construct a new road segment across additional NFS
lands in order to provide year-round access to portions of their property further north (the “Proposed
Action”). The NFS will determine whether or not to implement the Proposed Action through one of four
(4) alternative routes for accessing the Berlaimont inholding. As part of its decision, the NFS will also
require the implementation of site-specific management practices and/or mitigation measures.
In 2011, Berlaimont subdivided the property into nineteen (19) 35-acre lots for the development of
single family homes. Such subdivision was exempt from the County’s subdivision regulations, as
provided for in the Colorado Revised Statutes. Accordingly, Eagle County was not able to analyze the
impacts of, nor approve the development of the subdivision (as it would through a typical subdivision
process).
In 2014, the County conditionally approved a request from Berlaimont for a variance from the
improvement standards contained in the Eagle County Land Use Regulations pertaining to dual access,
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Board of County Commissioners
970-328-8605 970-328-8629(f) eagleadmin@eaglecounty.us www.eaglecounty.us
500 Broadway, P.O. Box 850, Eagle, Colorado 81631
emergency vehicle turnaround areas and certain road improvement standards, including those for turn
radii. The standards for approval of this variance are technical in nature; consequently, the County did
not have the opportunity to consider the social and environmental impacts of a permanent access road
to the Berlaimont property. The County’s role was limited to deciding whether to grant a variance to
roadway standards. Therefore, the road variance approved by Eagle County should not be interpreted
as approval for this type of land use as suggested in the DEIS. The variance simply dictates the standards
that a road would need to meet if the proponents of Berlaimont were to develop the parcels as
proposed.
During the public open house held by NFS on February 15, 2018, the County confirmed that if
infrastructure is proposed to be installed for the purpose of providing domestic water to more than nine
homes in the Berlaimont development, Berlaimont will be required to apply for and obtain approval of a
1041 Permit for a new domestic water and wastewater treatment system. Many of the standards for
approval of a 1041 Permit involve consideration of impacts to the quality and quantity of recreational
opportunities, animal life and their habitats, plant life, and impacts on land use patterns. Because this
development may come back to the County for 1041 Permit review, we must maintain our objectivity
with regard to the evaluation of these types of impacts. However, we have concerns regarding the
potential environmental and social impacts of a permanent road to access the Berlaimont inholding and
therefore ask that the NFS consider our concerns as part of the DEIS process. The County asks that the
NFS generally consider:
• Impacts to recreational experiences for hikers, bikers and others. Improvements to NFS 774 and
780 could be beneficial to some types of recreational activities, while having a detrimental
effect on others.
• Impacts on local wildlife populations and habitat. The NFS lands surrounding the property are
identified in the WRNF’s Land and Resource Management Plan as deer and elk winter range and
an important migration route for deer. Historically, these NFS roads have been closed
seasonally due to wildlife. Full time residential occupancy at Berlaimont will necessitate year-
round access through sensitive wildlife habitat.
• Impacts on natural resources and the possible impact on the water quality of nearby creeks and
streams through runoff and sedimentation.
• Impacts to nearby residential properties from noise, dust, traffic and scenic disturbances.
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Board of County Commissioners
970-328-8605 970-328-8629(f) eagleadmin@eaglecounty.us www.eaglecounty.us
500 Broadway, P.O. Box 850, Eagle, Colorado 81631
Specifically with regard to wildlife, as set forth in the DEIS, the proposed upgrading and new
construction of a road under any action alternative would result in loss of elk winter range, elk winter
concentration area, and elk severe winter range, which would add to the declining habitat availability,
due primarily to winter range lost to development, habitat fragmentation and year-round recreational
impacts. Relative to Alternatives 3 & 4 cited within the DEIS, it appears as though the “elk habitat” will
be most disturbed in Alternative 3, with impacts to winter concentration and severe winter range, yet
this was chosen as the preferred Alternative in the DEIS. Otherwise both are similar Alternatives. We
could not find substantial reasoning for this preference, especially given the additional adverse effects of
this alternative. We therefore encourage a more thorough analysis and vetting of the impacts of
Alternative 3 on the local wildlife populations and habitats.
Please also recognize Eagle County’s commitment to protecting important wildlife habitat, and that each
of the action alternatives necessitates amendment of the Forest Plan and elimination of winter closures
that currently protect deer and elk in the area. Deer and elk populations in the County are in decline
and elimination of winter closures could be detrimental.
In addition, we have a general concern regarding the numerous impacts identified within the DEIS which
are anticipated to occur from the construction, maintenance and operation of a permanent, year-round
access road. It appears as though the DEIS analysis relies upon a comparison of a number of
historic/existing developments in the general area to support a finding that the Berlaimont proposal “is
not a departure from the nature of existing human activities within the I-70 corridor” (item “a”). We
encourage reconsidering this conclusion. The proposed development of this property is different from
the development of other inholdings in the County, particularly because the Berlaimont property sits
outside the discrete location of the I-70 corridor, thousands of feet above and miles away from the
highway and other development. For example, pumping domestic water for a distance of almost 6 miles
through an elevation gain of 1800+ vertical feet appears to be unusual to achieve development in this
area, where currently no further extensive water supply infrastructure exists to support residential
development. This departure from the I-70 corridor area does distinguish the subject area from existing
development supported by such infrastructure/delivery system.
Lastly, the County is aware that Alternative 3, the identified preferred Alternative, presents significant
visual impacts to public lands. The DEIS states that a “viewshed analysis” should be conducted.
Regarding such an analysis, we would be interested to further understand the methodology, consultant
selection process, timing of analysis (which season) and what would be considered an acceptable or
unacceptable outcome from such analysis relative to the Proposed Action.
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Board of County Commissioners
970-328-8605 970-328-8629(f) eagleadmin@eaglecounty.us www.eaglecounty.us
500 Broadway, P.O. Box 850, Eagle, Colorado 81631
Finally, in the event the Proposed Action or other alternative is approved by the NFS and the proposed
development moves forward, the developer would be required to comply with all applicable permitting
necessary to develop proposed lots, including, but not limited to, building permits, grading permits, and
waste water system permits.
Again, thank you for this opportunity to provide comments. In closing, we want to make clear that the
road variance approved by Eagle County was not an approval for this development or for this type of
land use. We hope that any approved action will adequately balance a need for adequate access to
private property with the critical need in Eagle County to preserve the quality of public lands and natural
resources, including wildlife habitats. We look forward to having the County’s concerns adequately
addressed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Sincerely,
Kathy Chandler-Henry Jeanne McQueeney Jill H. Ryan
Chair Commissioner Commissioner
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FACT SHEET
BERLAIMONT ESTATES
January 2026
What:
Berlaimont Estates is moving forward with its planning to construct a recreational trail and
a paved road to access its 680-acre private property inholding within the White River
National Forest (WRNF), located north of Edwards in Eagle County and adjacent to I-70.
The family ownership group, in wanting to minimize impacts, has purposefully clustered
the building of just 19 homes pursuant to the existing subdivision plat recorded in 2011,
and will protect more than 85% of the property with an open space easement.
The property, acquired by Berlaimont in 2008, is an original land grant for grazing and
development under the 1916 Stock Raising Homestead Act. Berlaimont applied to the U.S.
Forest Service (USFS or Forest Service) for a special use authorization to improve and
extend an existing road to provide safe, year-round vehicular access to its property. The
road will comply with an Eagle County requirement that the entire length of the road be
paved.
The USFS was legally required to provide Berlaimont with adequate access to its property.
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) requires that the Secretary
of Agriculture “shall provide such access to non-federally owned land within the
boundaries of the National Forest System as the Secretary deems adequate to secure to
the owner the reasonable use and enjoyment thereof.”
Berlaimont is very appreciative of the significant Forest Service work performed over the
course of a 12-year public NEPA process that included multiple opportunities for public
comment and extensive environmental review resulting in the issuance of a Final Record of
Decision (ROD) in 2023 approving year-round paved access. Additionally, the Forest
Service issued access permits for the new road alignment in November of 2025.
It is worth noting that as the USFS has already issued the ROD and granted Berlaimont
special use permits for road access, any remaining burden on the USFS (primarily for
construction permitting) will be minimal. Berlaimont reimbursed the USFS for all costs
related to reviewing and issuing permits for the roadway and therefore, there was no
financial burden to the public. Likewise, Berlaimont will reimburse the Forest Service for all
future costs, again eliminating any financial cost to them and the public.
Where we are today:
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The project is a use by right under Eagle County’s land use and zoning regulations. In
addition, subdivision of land into lots of 35 acres or larger is exempt from county
subdivision laws and regulations guaranteeing such large parcels to be developed with
residential and other uses. The Berlaimont Estates Subdivision, creating 19 lots was
recorded in 2011. The Berlaimont Estates neighborhood will have a significantly lower
density than all other housing developments in the immediate area.
Before road construction commences, Berlaimont seeks several variances from the Eagle
County Land Use Regulations with regard to access and roadway standards, including the
dual access standards, emergency vehicle turn-around area spacing, and other road
design standards. The roadway will comply with nationally-recognized American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASTHO) standards.
Similar variances from these improvement standards have been approved for other
residential developments within Eagle County and are not uncommon. Notably, the
majority of the Beaver Creek PUD (access to hundreds of homes, businesses, and a ski
resort) and more recently the Hell’s Gate Ranch Subdivision (2022 access approval with a
single access to 22 35-acre parcels) are just two examples of these many dual access
approvals. And in fact, in 2014, Eagle County approved, in a unanimous vote by the BOCC,
similar variances for Berlaimont from Improvement Standards.
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The Eagle County Attorney’s Office has interpreted that the prior 2014 variance approvals
expired after three years. Berlaimont does not agree with this interpretation but has
decided to engage in the county process for a new approval for the entirety of the
proposed roadway consistent with the Forest Service ROD, the approved single roadway,
and its modified location to avoid an elk winter concentration area.
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Wildlife:
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The area affected by the access road is not undeveloped wilderness: it is adjacent to I-70,
surrounded to the south, east and west by existing residential development, and is crossed
by high-voltage power lines and accompanying access roads. While this land has habitat
and recreational value (which are often at odds with one another), it is far from being
pristine, wilderness or untouched.
Wildlife concerns (and especially the impact to ungulates) went through a rigorous
evaluation that lasted more than a decade and involved local, state and federal wildlife
expert biologists. The modified road alignment approved by the USFS, with formal CPW
input, mitigates impact to wildlife to the extent possible:
o No impact to lynx;
o No impact to downstream aquatic life – one of the reasons for paving the
road was to decrease sedimentation in the streams;
o Minimal impact to deer and elk population – the road is carefully located to
avoid the identified habitat polygons and minimize impact to Federal
resources.
The largest impacts to winter range are dispersed recreation and, in particular, dog
walking, not vehicles. Further, project design criteria address concerns with deer and elk
mortality on the roadway. The new road and recreational trail required by the Forest
Service should decrease overall impact of dispersed recreation and improve the overall
habitat value and quality of the land.
A side benefit of Berlaimont coming to fruition will be the elimination of illegal and rogue
hunting on the 680-acre Berlaimont land, which will almost certainly make the private land
function as a refuge for deer and elk.
Berlaimont will remain engaged with Colorado Parks & Wildlife regarding off site mitigation
and extensive homeowner education.
Safety:
Issues relating to safety based on a single point of egress/ingress are mitigated by traffic
safety experts, representatives of the first responder community, wildland fire experts, and
others. More importantly, the improved access will also provide highly-desired entry for
wildland fire suppression in the area that currently does not exist.
Nearby scale comparisons:
To provide some scale for stark comparison of 680 acres and Berlaimont’s ultra low-
density neighborhood (at 0.028 units per acre), the nearby Cordillera Valley Club
neighborhood on the north side of I-70 is approximately 354 acres with about 175 units/lots
(or 0.5 units per acre), while the Singletree neighborhood, also in Edwards, is
approximately 755 acres with approximately 1,000 units/lots (or 1.3 units per acre).
The Wildridge Subdivision in Avon is developed on 685 acres with ~850 units/lots (or 1.24
units per acre) and the Mountain Star Subdivision is developed on 1,120 acres with ~93
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units/lots (or 0.083 units per acre). It should be noted that Cordillera Valley Club, the
Singletree Subdivision, the Wildridge Subdivision (prior to annexation to Avon), and the
Mountain Star Subdivision (prior to annexation to Avon) were all previously zoned Resource
by Eagle County only allowing one unit per 35-acres. These neighborhoods were all
significantly up-zoned, something not being proposed by Berlaimont Estates at just 19
homes in a clustered development.
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Caution: This is an external email. Please take care when clicking links or opening
attachments. When in doubt, contact Vail IT Department
From:Christie Hochtl
To:Public Input Town Council
Subject:Berliamont
Date:Tuesday, April 21, 2026 7:21:44 PM
Vail Town Council,
Please urge Eagle County not to grant a dual access variance. Fire danger is extreme and a fire
in that location would put the county and its residents at risk. Dual Access is important for the
safety of first responders and residents.
Also please support Senator Bennett and his proposed legislation to not allow federal money
to build the road to Berliamont. Federal money should not be spent to benefit private
development. The existing road has adequate access.
Thank you for considering these important issues.
Christie and Karl Hochtl
890 Red Sandstone Circle
Vail CO 81657
cjbhochtl@gmail.com
970 476 1125 landline
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Caution: This is an external email. Please take care when clicking links or opening
attachments. When in doubt, contact Vail IT Department
From:Michael Browning
To:Public Input Town Council
Subject:Opposition to Berlaimont development
Date:Tuesday, April 21, 2026 10:42:58 AM
Attachments:Browning - BERLAIMONT IS STILL A BAD IDEA_ph.docx
Dear Council Members,
As your Town Manager’s report confirms, there is broad based opposition in the Vail
Valley to the Berlaimont Estates subdivision. The subdivision implicates public
resources of significant value to Vail Valley residents including public lands that we use
and enjoy for recreation, wildlife populations, and mutual aid first responders.
Developers are currently requesting a variance from the dual access road requirement in
the County land use code that requires two points of access to the proposed
subdivision. The dual access requirement was added to the code to ensure that
residents and first responders aren’t trapped if one access road is compromised by fire
or another emergency event. The dual access requirement was incorporated into the
code with broad support from local governments and first responders.
The Berlaimont development is a bad idea because of the impacts it will have on public
lands and local wildlife. Waiving the dual access requirement is a bad idea because it
will put public servants in a dangerous situation.
The Berlaimont subdivision is proposed on a Forest Service inholding. While the parcel
may be appropriate for less intensive development, like other inholdings in Eagle County
(e.g., Fulford and Piney River Ranch), the potential impacts and access challenges make
it inappropriate for the development currently proposed.
This development should concern the TOV even though it is not adjacent to the Town
because (a) any resulting wildfires or public safety emergencies may well draw firefighter
and first responders from Vail, (b) it would reduce our local USFS staff’s capacity to
protect and maintain our local National Forests which draw many tourists into our local
economy, and (c) it sets a bad precedent. Please also see the attached Guest Opinion I
recently submitted to the Vail Daily on the issue. Other towns in the Vail Valley have
recognized this and passed their own Resolutions opposing the project and/or
supporting Senator Bennet’s proposed legislation that would prevent the USFS from
spending its limited funds on it, including Avon, Minturn, Eagle, and the Edward Metro
District. Please do the same.
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Thanks for your service to our community.
Mike Browning
4229A Nugget Lane
Vail
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BERLAIMONT IS STILL A BAD IDEA
Like recurring nightmares, some bad ideas never seem to go away. This is certainly true of
the proposed Berlaimont development, surrounded by National Forest land above
Edwards.
In 2008, Florida developers Petr Lukes and Jana Sabatova bought 680 acres of undeveloped
land on a hillside across I-70 above Edwards. Even though the land was surrounded by
National Forest with gravel road access, they bet that they could use their money and
influence to pave a road across public lands and make millions.
The citizens of Eagle County were not impressed and have fought the project for over a
decade. Several years ago, thousands signed a petition opposing the project. Locals
helped fight the project to a standstill, but the developers are once again trying to push it
through. Eagle County needs to push back.
The parcel involved already has residents. For centuries it has been the home and key
migration route for elk and deer herds, including a migratory deer herd that used to be the
second largest in Colorado—the herd’s numbers have decreased due to increasing
pressures. Warm, relatively snow-free south-facing slopes provide critical winter habitat for
deer, elk, and other wildlife that are being evicted from the Vail Valley.
The Berlaimont developers don’t want to develop desperately needed affordable housing.
They want to develop 19 luxury second (or possibly third or fourth) trophy homes for the
rich. Like most such homes, these are unlikely to be used for more than a few weeks a year,
unlike the native wildlife for which it is their year-round home.
Moreover, to provide luxury access to these new luxury mansions, the developers desire to
build a new paved road across the parcel and the surrounding National Forest to provide
year-round access. This road would zig-zag across our public lands and require road cuts
tens of feet high. This would effectively prevent the movement of animals along their
historic migration routes; one more cut in the death by a thousand cuts we have inflicted on
local wildlife.
The developers also don’t want to provide two means of ingress and egress, which is the
normal requirement for this type of isolated parcel. That would cut into their profits. But the
requirement exists to save lives not money. Firefighters and paramedics need primary and
secondary means of access in the event one is cut off by wildfire, landslides, or other
natural disasters. Lack of secondary access puts first responders’ lives in danger, as well as
residents and staff who would serve the development.
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And because the road(s) will cut through National Forest lands, this will require local
Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District staff to spend hours and precious resources to oversee
design, construction, and operation of private road(s). Our Forest Service staff is already
under-staffed, under-funded, and overworked. Despite dedication and hard work, they
already struggle to perform their basic duties, like maintaining trails, fighting fires,
maintaining public campgrounds, emptying latrines, and managing the hundreds of
thousands of acres of National Forest in Eagle County. Requiring USFS staff to put aside
these duties to allow wealthy developers to make more money on a private development
that offers no public benefits makes no sense. Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse
have introduced legislation to block this waste of federal resources.
On this eve of what may be the worst wildfire season ever, I urge all citizens of Eagle County
to oppose this development. At a time when local wildlife populations are plummeting,
Forest Service funding is at critically low levels, and we face a mega drought, plummeting
wildlife populations, and unprecedented wildfire risk, the Berlaimont development is ill
advised.
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.3
Item Cover Page
DATE:April 21, 2026
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports
AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee
Reports (4:50pm)
SUBJECT:Council Matters and Status Update
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
260421 Matters.docx
Future Topics.docx
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COUNCIL MATTERS
Status Report
Report for April 21, 2026
Council Comments at April 7th meeting:
Town Council thanked Public Works staff for the early street sweeping!
Council requested gathering a recap of the season from businesses
and employees.
Council directed staff to proceed with a cleanup of the Vail Nature
Center area as budgeted, and begin a public process by August.
Important Dates______________________________________________________
Town Events
May 8 Hard to Recycle Event
May 28 Park City Leadership visit
June 23? Community Picnic at Donovan
July 14 Community Picnic at Bighorn
August 23 TOV Employee 60th Birthday Dance/Reunion
September 8 Vail Social
Municipal Partner Events
June 22-25 Annual Colorado Municipal League (CML) Conference
August 27-28 CAST -Meeting Carbondale
Social Media Listening
Here is the Listening link for 4/1 - 4/15: https://share.sproutsocial.com/view/af71fa36-
72fc-433d-b1fa-3672fca33d08
Unsurprisingly, volume and engagements have dropped significantly compared to the
previous two weeks. Top engaged content included Vail's closing day announcement, a
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few last John Summit weekend recaps, Vail Daily speed camera article post to
Facebook as well as local groups messaging adjustments around the unusually warm
spring conditions and how they effect things like drought and trail openings.
In the News______________________________________________________
April 2
Speed Cameras
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-speed-camera-citations-glitches/
April 6
Summer Parking Program
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-summer-parking-council-discussion/
April 7
Closing Parties
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-mountain-closind-day-2026-parties/
April 8
Low Snow Budget Adjustments
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/town-of-vail-makes-budget-cuts-following-announcement-of-
early-end-to-ski-season/
April 9
Good Deeds Partnership with Eagle County
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/good-deeds-vail-partnership-with-eagle-county-looks-to-bring-
more-locals-back-into-town/
Water Restrictions
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-area-water-district-declares-water-shortage-approves-new-
restrictions/
April 10
State Land Board Parcel
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/state-land-board-moves-dowd-junction-housing-proposal-
forward-in-negotiations-with-avon/
April 14
Climate Action Week
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/socialize-in-the-vail-valley-while-learning-about-sustainability-
for-earth-day/
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Future Topics, May 2026
TOPIC DEPARTMENT
VLHA Board interviews Housing
Timber Ridge site visit Housing
Joint Meeting with BOCC Town Manager
Joint Meeting with VLHA Council/Housing
Re-Zoning Subdividing East Vail CDOT Parcel Housing
EHU Exchange Proposal Housing
Senior Scholarship Awards Council
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