HomeMy WebLinkAbout04. Town_Manager_Report_12.5.17
TOWN MANAGER REPORT -
DEC. 5th TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Newsletter Date
TOPICS
• Bicycle Friendly
Community
• Regional Mayors &
Managers
• Clubhouse Update
• Holiday Decorations
• Vail Board of Realtors
• Intermountain Project
• Holiday Party
• Looping Enforcement
• Community Meetings
Bicycle Friendly Community
We’ve retained our ranking as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the
League of American Bicyclists following a recent assessment. Vail was elevated
to a silver designation in 2014 after earning a bronze status in 2009. The award
recognizes communities with remarkable commitments to bicycling. With the
announcement of 65 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities for 2017,
Vail remains in a leading group of over 500 communities across the country that
are transforming neighborhoods and destinations. Thanks to the hard work of
Gregg Barrie and Mark Hoblitzell on our staff for facilitating the application
process.
Our silver ranking is good through 2021 and is due, in part, to Vail’s extensive
recreation trail system and mountain biking facilities as well as the community’s
longstanding enthusiasm for biking. In recent years, we have widened shoulders
along frontage roads and added bicycle markings on other streets. We also
manage the Sole Power Challenge which encourages bicycle commuting
throughout the summer. In addition, the new Sandstone underpass includes
bicycle lanes and an improved access point to the Gore Valley Trail.
Regional Mayors & Managers Meeting
The meeting was held in Eagle on November 17th and was well attended. Jill
Ryan, BOCC Chair, led the discussion. Topics for discussion included (1) an
update on Ballot 1A, the Mental Health Ballot Initiative, and next steps; (2) an
update regarding the International Mountain Bike Association Designation, being
sought in April, 2018; (3) an update re the Eagle County Climate Action Plan; and
(4) an update from the USFS regarding its parcel in Down Junction, currently
used for administrative purposes (the agency is seeking to consolidate its
facilities in one location in Eagle.)
Town Manager’s Report Page 2
Golf & Nordic Clubhouse Update
Temporary remedial work has been performed to correct some flooring issues, as
depicted in the image of newly installed carpeting in the most problematic area.
As noted previously, we will likely be seeing a complete replacement of the
flooring in the spring. There are numerous other items that remain on the punch-
list, which remains a work-in-progress at this time. As the warranty period for
many of the improvements approaches, we will need to regroup and strategize
our best approach going forward, with emphasis upon correcting those issues
that present more immediate problems.
Holiday Spirit
The beautiful Holiday wreath now adorns Town Hall, courtesy of Dave
Richardson with Public Works. When Dave is not serving as an electrician, he
fills his time by beautifying the town. In between all that, he stays busy in the
kitchen, and is quite known for his talents there as well!
Vail Board of Realtors
Mayor Chapin and I attended the Vail Board of Realtors meeting in Edwards on
Nov. 28th and presented an update on current issues and topics with the Town of
Vail. The presentation was well received and numerous questions were
entertained afterward.
Intermountain Fire Mitigation Project
Pile burning on Phase I of the Intermountain Fuels Reduction Project was
initiated the week of Nov. 27th. During the first week, 750 piles were burned on a
total of 37 acres. While efforts were taken to notify the public, including the
usage of the CDOT variable message sign, we did receive numerous phone calls
inquiring about the smoke, and one complaint which was promptly addressed.
Pile burning will be conducted in the Buffer Creek and Intermountain areas when
conditions are favorable for smoke dispersal and fire control. Pile burning on the
Intermountain phase II units (helicopter logging) will occur next winter.
Town Manager’s Report Page 3
Holiday Party
A friendly reminder: The Town employees are excited to celebrate the holiday
season. The annual employee holiday party is scheduled for Thursday,
December 7th from 5:30 to 9pm at Pepi’s. The Town Council is of course invited
and encouraged to attend. Keep an eye out for the official invitation and please
RSVP.
Reigning-in the Loopers
With utilization of existing infrastructure and monitoring systems at both parking
structures, the Town is taking enforcement action against those drivers who are
“looping” within the parking facilities. Warning tickets will be issued until
December 10th, and citations will be issued subsequently thereafter.
Meeting Community Members
Recent meetings have involved the folks at Bravo!Vail, Chris Montera with Eagle
County Paramedic Services, Chris Romer with Vail Valley Partnership, Ross
Iverson with Vail Centre, and Stephen Connolly. We continue to have
discussions with the Vail Valley Foundation related to the Velorama Bike Race
(stay tuned), and we look forward to our continued meetings and a soon-to-be-
scheduled joint retreat with Vail Resorts.
Chamonix Update
George Ruther will be providing a verbal update regarding this project during the
Council meeting.