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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.d StateOfTheTown2015Enhance Economic Vitality Pages 2-7 Grow a Balanced Community Pages 10-15 Elevate the Quality of the Experience Pages 16-19 STATE OF THE TOWN | 2O15 PREPARED FOR ANNUAL COMMUNITY MEETING HOSTED BY VAIL TOWN COUNCIL & STAFF MARCH 31, 2015 P L U S A Celebration to Remember Pages 8-9 enh a n c e EC O N O M I C vita l i t y g r o w a b a l a n c e d C O M M U N I T Y elevate the quality of theEXPERIENCE thePREMIERinternationalmountain resortcommunity An action plan driven by three areas of focus is being used to deliver targeted initiatives that are impacting the resort community in profound ways. In this report, learn what the Vail Town Council and staff are doing to keep Vail in a leadership position as the Premier International Mountain Resort Community. IN S I D E Enhance Economic Vitality Pages 2-7 Grow a Balanced Community Pages 10-15 Elevate the Quality of Pages 16-19 the Experience Ja c k A f f l e c k O2 O3 Real Estate Transfer Tax Strongest Ever Since ‘Billion Dollar’ Renewal Sales of high-dollar residential properties were responsible for strong gains in Vail’s Real Estate Transfer Tax collections in 2014. The $6.8 million in RETT collections were up 45% from the prior year and set a new record, posting the strongest collections since the height of Vail’s renewal in 2008 when $9.1 million was recorded. A home on Forest Road was sold for a record $19 million in April while two other properties sold for $18.5 million each in 2014. In all, there were 10 properties that sold for over $10 million, 21 properties sold between $5 and $10 million and 43 properties sold between $2.5 and $5 million. These 74 properties accounted for $4.2 million, or 63% of the total collections in 2014. Development Activity Rebounds Vail’s development activity has rebounded with significant private investment occurring within the community. Building valuations of $219.3 million recorded by the town in 2014 have eclipsed valuations for 2013, 2012 and 2011 combined. The 2014 calculation is the fourth highest valuation in ten years and the highest seen since 2007 when $496 million was recorded. A building valuation is calculated by the total value of work including materials and labor for which the building permit is being issued. The spike in 2014 is attributed to a combination of commercial and residential projects. Some of the most visible projects include: > Strata / The Lion | $90.2M valuation Includes 69 units and street level commercial space. > Lion’s Ridge Village Apartments | $20.7M valuation Includes 112 rental units; initial occupancy fall 2015. > Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center $2M valuation | Includes display room, volunteer work space and an alpine house for growing plants year-round. > Lodge at Vail | $1.9M valuation Interior remodel completed December 2014. > Lionshead Parking Structure Entry $1.8M valuation | Completed November 2014. > Northwoods Condominiums | $1.5M valuation Exterior re-skin and painting, summer 2015 completion. > Vail 21 Condominiums | $1.5M valuation Exterior re-skin completed November 2014. > Vail Village Welcome Center | $1.1M valuation Remodel completed November 2014. > Vail Valley Medical Center | $1.3M valuation Upgrades to patient care rooms and construction of a Cardiac Catheterization & Electrophysiology Lab (Cath & EP Lab), completed February 2015. > Gorsuch | $1.3M valuation Restaurant expansion, summer 2015 completion. More Projects to Come Recent and pending development approvals by the town will contribute to a busy construction season in 2015. > Vail Marriott Residence Inn New four-story building includes 176 hotel units and 165 underground parking spaces. > New Clubhouse for Ski and Snowboard Club Vail 28,000 square foot clubhouse, plus 10,000 square feet of residential space. > Vail Valley Medical Center West Wing Expansion Includes new fourth floor for the Steadman Philippon Research Institute and The Steadman Clinic plus small additions to existing lower levels for the surgery suite, Howard Head Sports Medicine and other uses. ENHANCE ECONOMIC VITALITY vailgov.com New clubhouse for Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. Comparison of Building Valuations 250,000,000 200,000,000 150,000,000 100,000,000 50,000,000 $0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 $78M $60M $72.8M $72.1M $219.3M Vail Village Welcome Center remodel. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center coming this summer. With a strong finish to 2014, overall Town of Vail revenues of $64.5 million were 3.2% higher than expected and expenditures of $57.6 million were 3.2% lower than expected, not including the continuation of capital projects. Increased revenues were driven largely by strong sales tax performance, real estate activity and large residential and commercial construction projects. Building valuations in the Town of Vail increased significantly in 2014 compared to prior years. A sales tax comparison of the two seasons shows a steady growth in winter lodging each year as lodging providers are able to demand higher prices for new inventory. While summer lodging has posted a 13% increase over the five years, it is unable to demand the same price increases as in the winter season. Summer retail, while less than half of the dollar volume of winter, has experienced a slightly better uptick than winter retail over five years, averaging a 7% increase in the summer over a 6% increase in the winter. Food & Beverage sales also have experienced a larger increase in the summer; however, the dollar volume of sales in the summer for F&B equates to 57% of winter dollar volume. 7M 6M 5M 4M 3M 2M 1M 0 WINTER LODGING SUMMER LODGING WINTER RETAIL SUMMER RETAIL WINTER F&B SUMMER F&B 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sales Tax Performance by Category 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 $10M sales $5 - $10M sales $2.5 - $5M sales NU M B E R O F S A L E S 10 21 43 High-End Real Estate Transactions in Vail The number of high-dollar real estate transactions in Vail has grown over the past five years with 2014 being a record year for individual sales of over $10 million since the peak in 2008 when there were 15 sales over $10 million. Transactions in the above three categories made up 64% of total sales recorded in 2014. The town collects a 1% Real Estate Transfer Tax which is used to fund parks, recreation, open space and for supporting sustainable environmental practices. Sales Tax Growth Continues The Town of Vail continues to reach record levels of annual sales tax collections, with $23.9 million received in 2014. This was an 8.5% gain from the prior year, mainly due to better than average snowfall, a diversity of special events and world class amenities. The months of January and December were especially strong with double-digit growth. The summer months of June through August also experienced sizeable increases from the previous year, averaging 11.3% growth for those three months. Collections in 2015 are currently budgeted at $24.5 million, a 6% increase from the amended 2014 budget. Sales tax is the town’s largest single revenue source representing 40% of all revenues. Source: Finance Department Source: Community Development Department Za c h M a h o n e Za c h M a h o n e Event Calendar for 2015 Provides Year-Round Diversity Twenty-eight events are receiving support from the Town of Vail in 2015 following allocations of more than $900,000 by the Commission on Special Events and approved by the Town Council. The funding comes both from monies collected from business license fees that are paid annually by Vail businesses and the Town of Vail General Fund. Some of the funded events returning this year include the GoPro Mountain Games, Burton US Open Snowboard Championships, Vail Film Festival, Vail Summer Bluegrass Concert Series, Vail Holidaze, Vail America Days™, Vail Oktoberfest™, Gourmet on Gore, Vail Kids Adventure Games, Spring Back to Vail, Vail Snow Daze, Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show and Taste of Vail. In addition, favorites such as the Vail Jazz Festival, Vail Arts Festival, Vail International Dance Festival and Bravo! Vail music festival are back to make a cultural impact. Back for their 43rd year, the Vail Lacrosse Shootout and King of the Mountain Volleyball events will be held at the new Ford Park facilities. ENHANCE ECONOMIC VITALITY Keeping Vail in a Leadership Position A comprehensive analysis of Vail’s resort competitiveness has been used to quantify Vail’s transformation as the premier international mountain resort community. The assessment is contained in a sizable report prepared in 2014 at the direction of the Vail Town Council. The research analyzes past and present trends and is now being used to identify near and long term strategies that will keep Vail in a leadership position. vailgov.com O4 O5 Future Focus Areas Technology • Physical Improvements • Seamless Guest Experience • Leadership • Broadening the Sustainable Economy • Summer Winter Strengths HUGE 7% MOUNTAIN 8% GREAT 10% SNOW 11% BOWLS 12% VARIETY 15% TERRAIN 25% GROOMING 6% SIZE 6% Vail’s Position in the Resort Industry The Strategy Behind Special Events Special events have become a principle focus of the town’s economic development investments guided by the Vail Commission on Special Events, a seven-member citizen board appointed by the Town Council. Funding requests are evaluated using a scoring formula that ranks proposals from high to low in categories of critical impact. Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival - July to August Vail America DaysTM - July Winter Winter strengths identified most frequently in guest surveys with top cited strengths appearing in largest type. Newly Funded Events for 2015 > August 10 - 16: FIPS Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championships will make its American debut in Vail. > July 31 - August 2: The annual Kick-It 3v3 Soccer event will double in size and become a national championship. > September 25 - 27: Vail Outlier Mountain Bike Festival, an enduro mountain bike race that includes a cycling expo and demo village. Event Analytics, Accountability and Economic Impact The Town Council’s philosophy in supporting special events with public funds is based on the rationale that special events help stimulate the local economy by creating additional revenues and vitality. Research from RRC Associates estimates a direct economic impact of over $64 million to Vail businesses generated through 30 events tracked in 2013. To learn more about this year’s events, visit vail-calendar.com. Summer Satisfaction | 2O14 NOT SATISFIED 0 - 4 SATISFIED 5 - 6 VERY SATISFIED 7 - 8 EXTREMELY SATISFIED 9 - 10 SUMMER2014 IN-STATE2014 OUTOFSTATE2014 19% 80% 9.4 21% 78% 9.3 22% 77% 9.3 Source: RRC Associates, 2014 Summer strengths identified most frequently in guest surveys with top cited strengths appearing in largest type. A strong majority of guests, regardless of market segment, are extremely satisfied with the Vail experience. Ja c k A f f l e c k Ja c k A f f l e c k Kids Adventure Games - August Ka t J a h n i g e n Ja c k A f f l e c k GoPro Mountain Games - June Ch r i s K e a r n s Vail Valley Medical Center Readies for Expansion Following many months of meetings with neighbors and community members, presenting information to the town’s Boards and Commissions, and following up on the concerns of the public, a Site Specific Redevelopment Master Plan for the future Vail Valley Medical Center campus has been working its way through final adoption by the Vail Town Council. From its early beginnings in the 1960s, VVMC has grown into a nationally-recognized regional healthcare facility and the home of world-renowned orthopaedics. To maintain its place as a provider of extraordinary care and service, the Vail campus is in need of renovation and expansion to accommodate current and future needs. Several of the key elements recommended and addressed within the Site Specific Redevelopment Master Plan include: > Construction of a new medical campus entrance and hospital front door off of the South Frontage Road. > Removal of medical campus vehicle traffic from West Meadow Drive. > An enclosed loading and delivery bay for delivery and service trucks. > An increase in on-site parking spaces. > A new west wing expansion to meet the growing needs of the Steadman Clinic and Steadman-Philippon Research Institute. > An on-site emergency helipad. To view the VVMC Master Plan in its entirety, visit vailgov.com. ENHANCE ECONOMIC VITALITY vailgov.com O6 O7 Eagle County Airport Vital to Local Economy Recognizing the importance of the Eagle County Airport to the local economy, the Vail Town Council has made it a priority to help bring new flights and more visitors to the airport. Since 2002, the Town of Vail has been a major funding partner to help guarantee non-stop flights from destinations such as Houston and Toronto as part of a public-private funding coalition facilitated by the EGE Air Alliance. And while Vail Resorts has voluntarily funded guarantees for winter flights over the years, the efforts have failed to keep pace with the realities of airline industry consolidation, along with increased competition for flights from resort airports in Colorado and surrounding states. Since 2007, EGE has lost nearly 100,000 available seats. To address this decline, efforts are taking place to find new air carrier routes, such as service from Washington, D.C. and Charlotte. Also, a comparison of resort competitors ranks EGE at the bottom in air service funding, due to its lack of a dedicated funding source. As a result, the EGE Air Alliance is studying the possibility of a sustainable, long-term funding mechanism to improve the airport’s viability. Details at EGEAirAlliance.com. Available Seats EGE Available Seats Comparison 2007 2013 LOST SEATS The Eagle County Regional Airport has lost 99,954 available annual seats since 2007. 354,338 254,384 99,954 Next Steps in Remodel of Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse The proposed remodel of the town-owned Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse is moving through the final stages of the development review process in anticipation of a construction start in the fall. The town’s pending selection of contractor services and a final review by the Design Review Board will get the project shovel-ready for final construction pricing. After agreeing to an increased budget to address escalation costs and construction modifications, the Town Council has given direction to move forward with the project to avoid additional construction delays. The adjusted budget is $10.9 million, up from $7 million estimated in 2012. The remodel project was initiated after voters approved a three-part, $9.4 million Conference Center fund reallocation in 2011. The ballot specified “expansion and improvement of the clubhouse at the Vail Golf Course and Nordic Center, including multi-use community space” in directing the reallocation. Various lawsuits filed by eight neighboring property owners have since delayed the project’s completion. A series of public meetings will be held during the spring and summer to review construction schedules and related impacts for clubhouse users. Temporary structures are proposed to maintain golf and nordic operations by the Vail Recreation District during construction. Rendering by Zehren and Associates, Inc., shows the clubhouse remodel with an expansion of square footage from the current 18,867 square feet to 21,841 square feet. While the restaurant/banquet space would be enlarged slightly, the more significant improvements include expansion of the ground level storage, an increase in the size of the pro shop and separation of the golfer’s grille from the restaurant/banquet space for greater functionality. Maximum capacity for guests would be capped at 160 people. The renovation also includes a total facelift to the interior and exterior of the building including replacement of the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. The Vail underpass has been identified in regional transportation plans for more than 20 years to help relieve congestion at the two interchanges and improve transit circulation and emergency response within the town. It will also provide a safe and efficient alternative for pedestrians and bicyclists. Visit vailgov.com/underpass for updates. I-70 Underpass Planning Continues A series of key decisions have been made that are continuing to shape the design for the proposed Vail I-70 Underpass project as critical funding determinations are yet to come. Most recently, the design has progressed to a 90% level. Also, noise walls have been dropped from the project’s scope after a survey of impacted properties showed a lack of support for the sound barriers. This step was one of several requirements that must be met to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. In addition, initial environmental clearance is complete and the procedures for property acquisition will begin this spring. As designed in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the new road will pass beneath I-70 between the West Vail and Town Center exits. The connection is situated between the Savoy Villas and Simba Run condominiums on the north side and a few hundred yards east of the Cascade Village entrance on the south side. The configuration will require lowering portions of the adjoining frontage roads by as much as eight to 10 feet on the south side and 12 to 15 feet on the north with roundabouts constructed to link up with the frontage roads. An extensive landscaping plan has been proposed to provide a buffer for adjacent properties. Escalating construction costs and design refinements have increased the project’s most recent cost estimate to $29 million, an increase of 38% from the previous estimate of almost $21 million. Decisions on how best to address the cost increases are currently under review. The current cost-share split has the town paying 29% of the project and CDOT funding 71%. Resort Budgets for Air Service $3.5M $3.5M $2M $2M $2M $900K $400K TELLURIDE STEAMBOAT JACKSON HOLE MAMMOTH SUN VALLEY CRESTED BUTTE EGE Eagle County Regional Airport funding significantly lags behind competitor resort communities. Source: EGE Air Alliance “This process has been an example of teamwork and collaborative effort between the town, the state and the residences. While there have been disagreements along the way, they have been handled with respect and openness which brought about inventive solutions. ”Charlie Calcaterra, Simba Run Board Member, Underpass Representative O8 O9 GROW A BALANCED COMMUNITY vailgov.com Recycling a Reality in Vail Four-plus years in the making, Vail is embracing the valley’s first recycling law. Drafted with input from a citizen-based advisory committee, the ordinance has transitioned recycling in Vail from a voluntary status to mandatory levels effective July 1, 2014. The program applies to all residential, multi-family and commercial customers, and to ensure ongoing wildlife protection, also requires the use of wildlife-resistant trash containers. To assist in the transition, 220 households and 40 businesses received rebates offered by the town to help with the cost of new containers and start up costs associated with recycling, including signage, education and infrastructure. Implementation of Vail’s community wide recycling mandate is one of several actions that are being undertaken to fulfill a town initiative to reduce Vail’s landfill use by 25% by the year 2019. Kicking the Bag Habit with Plastic Bag Ban Another step in reducing waste and protecting the environment is the recent adoption by the Town Council of a new ordinance that bans plastic bags and requires a ten cent fee on paper bags. The new Kick the Bag Habit applies to grocery stores in year one, effective Aug. 1, 2015, and proposed for all retail stores in year two. Aiming to be a model in environmental stewardship, the town is following the lead of other resort communities including Aspen, Breckenridge and Telluride by setting an example for guests and residents in emphasizing the first “R” in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. To assist with implementation, the town will be producing and distributing reusable bags made from sustainable products, creating “bag banks,” and expanding the Love Vail program to include bag outreach and education in partnership with the lodging community. Restore the Gore An ongoing campaign to replenish the insect population to help improve the health of Gore Creek includes contracting with a water resources engineering firm to help direct a Restore the Gore action plan that includes regulatory measures, education and outreach, site specific projects, best management practices, and monitoring and study. The town expects to adopt the Restore the Gore plan this year and begin implementation on recommended actions as soon as this summer. Insect levels are monitored each season and although any improvements are expected to take several years to influence the aquatic community, the town will keep a close eye on the status and report on insect levels annually. LED Retrofit Reduces Energy, Costs The conversion of nearly 1,000 neighborhood street lights to LED technology has been completed using a $150,000 Think BIG Grant from Holy Cross Energy. The project has also included a retrofit of lighting within all 56 buildings and 23 bus shelters maintained by the town. In all, replacement of the nearly 7,300 bulbs will save about 965,000 kilowatt hours, or $73,000 annually. The new lighting, along with an earlier energy reduction phase, is projected to reach an 18.5% energy reduction by 2015. To find out how to reduce energy in your home or business, visit holycross.com or energysmartcolorado.org. PHOTO CREDIT: JACK AFFLECK DID YOU KNOW. . . “Vail has the potential to recycle 58% of the trash that is currently going to the landfill. The new law should give Vail the tools to far exceed the goal.”Kristen Bertuglia, Environmental Sustainability Manager Businesses Adopt Sustainable Practices An elite group of 35 local businesses is leading the way to long-term sustainability as the first recipients of an eco-certification through the Actively Green 2015 program. The businesses were recognized during the Alpine World Ski Championships as early adopters of environmental excellence. Congratulations to: Active Energies Alpine Bank - Avon & Vail Antlers at Vail Beaver Divers Centennial Bank Colorado Mountain College Edwards Campus Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum Eagle Point Resort Eye Pieces of Vail Falcon Point Resort Four Seasons Vail Lion Square Lodge Montaneros in Vail New Electric Inc. Organic Housekeepers Poste Montane Lodge RA Nelson The eco-certification program is sponsored in partnership with the Town of Vail, Walking Mountains Science Center, Vail Valley Foundation and global NGO Sustainable Travel International. Business certification is a first step in a future goal of the town to be acknowledged as the first certified world-class sustainable destination in the U.S. which includes larger sustainability actions such as a reduced carbon footprint, waste diversion, water conservation, healthy communities and balancing environmental and economic needs. EV Chargers in Parking Structures The growing network of free public electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Western Slope includes a significant presence in Vail. The town has equipped the parking structures with five free charging stations; four in Vail Village and one in Lionshead. The stations accommodate the newest generation of electric, plug-in electric and electric extended-range vehicles. West Vail Community Garden Thrives The West Vail Community Garden now has a true sense of space with the completion of a custom designed cedar fence made possible by a grant from the Town of Vail. With a waiting list of over 20 families and individuals, the garden has become a place to grow, gather and learn since its inception in 2011. Future is Bright for Red Sandstone Elementary School Conversations about the future of Red Sandstone Elementary School have moved well past preempting a closure. With assurances by representatives from the Eagle County Board of Education and Superintendent Jason Glass, discussions have focused on steps to improve the school’s building and grounds as well as an exploration of the potential for different grade configurations and academic models. A sub-committee has been formed to explore the concepts in greater detail with representation from Council Members Jenn Bruno and Greg Moffet. Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Sonnenalp Resort SteamMaster The Charter at Beaver Creek The Sebastian – Vail The Wren Town of Vail Community Development Town of Vail Public Library Vail Cascade Resort Vail Honeywagon Vail Marriott Vail Racquet Club Vail Spa Condominiums Vail Valley Foundation Vilar Performing Arts Center Walking Mountains Science Center West Vail Liquor Mart Angelina Damici and brother Anthony enjoy an outing to the West Vail Community Garden. Located on town-owned land west of Stephens Park, the grounds have produced an abundance of lettuce, kale, onions, potatoes, carrots, radishes, beets and horseradish. Visit westvailcommunitygarden.org. “The Actively Green program has given us a straightforward road map on how to implement healthy and environmentally friendly business practices. We’re pleased to have experienced the wonderful benefits of the ‘people, planet, profit’ theory behind this program.” Johannes Faessler, owner of the Sonnenalp Resort and Chairman of the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships Lodging Committee Ch a r l e s T o w n s e n d B e s s e n t Ma r i a n C a r t i n 1O 11 By the Numbers > Over 200,000 spectators. > Largest ski racing crowds in U.S. history. > 70 hours live television coverage, live broadcasts in 27 countries. > Estimated 750 million worldwide television viewers. > #2015 top 10 trending topic on Twitter. > 500 athletes from 68 nations. > 5 U.S. Ski Team medals. > 1,200 accredited on-site media. > 2,200 volunteers totaling 175,000 hours. > Live coverage of Nations Team Event at Golden Peak. > 14 nights of fireworks and celebrations at Championships Plaza at Solaris. > $3.5M in storefront upgrades by Vail businesses. “I am proud of my Gold Medal but I am far more proud of the absolutely incredible job you all did to make this event by far the classiest, best World Champs anyone has ever seen.”Mikaela Shiffrin, Slalom Gold Medalist “This was truly an extraordinary event that made us all proud to be a part of the Championships and the Vail Valley.”Andy Daly, Mayor “Just thinking back to the very seed of the idea to run for another World Champs - the very first supporters of the idea were the Town of Vail. And from there, your support never wavered.”Ceil Folz, President Vail Valley Foundation and President 2015 FIS Alpine World Championships Organizing Committee “Many felt this was the best alpine event, ever, including Olympics. And the level of cooperation between all the groups that were necessary to make this a success was outstanding. Everyone came together with incredible enthusiasm and passion.”Rob Katz, Chairman and CEO Vail Resorts “Everywhere I went during the Championships, our local residents and international guests had nothing but great experiences and wonderful things to say about Vail. We can all feel proud of our town and the effort put forth by all.”Stan Zemler, Town Manager Ja c k A f f l e c k Za c h M a h o n e Bottom photos - Zach Mahone Za c h M a h o n e Lo g a n R o b e r t s o n A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER 12 13 GROW A BALANCED COMMUNITY vailgov.com New Employee Housing on the Way Vail’s newest workforce housing will be ready for its first tenants before the end of 2015. The new Lion’s Ridge Village Apartments is the product of a partnership between the Town of Vail and the project’s developers, Gorman & Company and Wright & Company. Located at 2165 N. Frontage Road, the new $20.7 million development will include four, three-story tall apartment buildings containing 112 rental units. The apartments are a mix of 84 two-bedroom and 28 one- bedroom units with 153 surface parking spaces. Once completed, the apartments will be capable of providing homes to at least 233 Vail residents. The new apartment building development replaces the once tired and outdated 102 units located on the eastern 5.24 acres of the Timber Ridge Village Apartments, originally built in the early 1970s. The town is continuing to maintain its inventory of 96 rental units on the western half of the property. The goal is to redevelop those units in a future phase. For rental information, email info@lionsridgeapartments.com. Yes, You Can Live in Vail Town-sponsored employee housing developments are providing opportunities for more than 1,418 workers to live close to where they work. In all, there are 238 affordable rental employee housing units (EHUs), 182 EHUs owned by local businesses and rented to their employees, 124 privately owned EHUs and 81 affordable owner-occupied units that have been facilitated in town since 1994. Chamonix Property Housing Development Explored The Town Council is once again exploring the possibilities of developing a new neighborhood on the Chamonix property in West Vail. The 3.64 acre site was purchased by the town in 2005 and has long been identified as a location for additional workforce housing with an emphasis on families. Over the next several months the town will be hosting a series of open houses and informational meetings with community members and potentially interested homebuyers to better gauge the needs, wants and desires of the buyers. Unlike the Lion’s Ridge Village Apartments, it is anticipated that the new homes constructed on the Chamonix property will be sold rather than rented to future residents. While still early in the conceptual design phases, a mix of residential unit types, including flats, townhomes and duplexes, are being considered. As many as 50 to 60 new homes could be built on the property in a number of development phases. Recreation Path Expansion A plan to build and restore up to six miles of beginner-level hiking and mountain biking trails in Vail over the next two summers has been initiated by the town. The proposal would rebuild parts of the existing Vail Trail which currently connects Golden Peak to the Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse and would extend the trail farther east to Vail Memorial Park. Existing social trails would be incorporated to provide a needed amenity for families, kids, beginner mountain bikers and those seeking less strenuous hiking opportunities. Most of the new trail planned for 2015 is located on town-owned land and, pending approvals, work could begin as early as mid-summer. In addition, plans for new trails throughout Vail are in the works as a way to connect neighborhoods to trails. The expanded system would provide new recreation opportunities, alternative transportation routes and reduce congestion on existing trails. Much of this work will require approvals from the U.S. Forest Service as well as coordination with other local communities. Booth Creek Park Redevelopment Plans Progressing With continued input from the Booth Creek neighborhood in East Vail, preliminary designs for the redevelopment of Booth Creek Park have been progressing. This three acre community park, located on Manns Ranch Road, is scheduled for construction in 2015 and includes elements such as natural areas and pathways, a new playground, public restroom, picnic shelter, a double hard-surface tennis court and parallel parking on Manns Ranch Road. Booth Creek Park is the last of Vail’s six neighborhood parks in line for a major renovation. The approved budget for the park’s redevelopment is $2.3 million. Local Skater Leads Permanent Skatepark Planning Planning for a permanent skatepark in Vail is progressing. The proposed site is located between the north and south decks of the Lionshead parking structure. Preliminary designs for the skatepark were created by local skater Cameron Chaney and refined by American Ramp Company. Their concept shows that a fun, creative and functional park is possible in the space. The project awaits final design and approval by the Town Council with potential completion in the fall of 2015. For the past seven seasons, the town has been installing a seasonal skatepark nearby. However, after much wear and tear, the facility is at the end of its useful life. Ground was broken on Vail’s newest workforce housing development in July 2014. Barring any unforeseen circumstances the first units will be available for occupancy in September with all the units completed before the end of the year. Cameron Chaney, a sophomore at the Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy, saw the potential for a permanent skatepark by using the vacant space between the parking decks in Lionshead. His vision has taken hold with follow-up design and engineering studies by the town. The McElduff family will move from a two-bedroom home to a three-bedroom residence in Vail, giving them more space to raise a family. Families Eager to Live in Vail Matt McElduff, his wife Anna and son Charlie are living the dream. As winners of the town’s most recent housing lottery, they’ll be moving from their two-bedroom home at the North Trail Townhomes to a three-bedroom residence in the same complex. The six townhomes were constructed by the town in 2001 and have provided deed-restricted ownership opportunities for 10 buyers. “The town’s housing program is the only opportunity that has afforded my family the ability to live in the town I work in and the community we love,” said Matt. The couple had rented in almost every neighborhood in Vail prior to purchasing their two-bedroom unit in 2010. When the opportunity to purchase a larger unit became available, the family seized the moment. The equity from the sale of their two-bedroom unit is making the transaction financially feasible for the family. To learn more about the town’s employee housing programs, visit vailgov.com. Concept for Vail Trail restoration and expansion. MAIN VAIL EXITEXIT 178 INTERSTATE 70 VAIL VILLAGE VAIL MEMORIAL PARK Za c h M a h o n e Ch a r l e s T o w n s e n d B e s s e n t Re x K e e p Va i l D a i l y • At least 1 resident in household employed in Vail in 2013: 84% • Average age: 52 • Married: 34% • Children in household: 23% • Born and raised in Vail: 6% In 2013 there were 727 EHUs housing 1,418 employees in Vail. Price Capped Owner Occupied Housing Demographics 14 15 Wildfire Risk is Real There’s nothing like a nearby wildfire to remind the community of the imminent threat that surrounds Vail’s neighborhoods. Last July a small fire ignited on U.S. Forest Service land north of Vail causing anxious moments for residents in the Red Sandstone and Buffehr Creek neighborhoods. The fire burned less than an acre and served as yet another wake up call for community preparedness. The department’s latest effort to address the wildfire threat is the appointment of Paul Cada to fill the newly created position of Wildland Program Administrator. Cada has been overseeing operations of the seasonal wildland fire crew as well as assisting community members with wildlfire mitigation activities. This includes the Ready, Set, Go program which emphasizes the three essential components of wildfire preparedness. Vail’s six- person seasonal wildfire mitigation crew will return for its ninth season in May and will assist with tree cutting, piling, chipping, Firewise assessments and fire suppression efforts. For more information about the department’s wildfire preparedness programs, call 970-477-3475. Securing the Championships If no one really noticed that more than 700 public safety representatives from 160 agencies were present during the Alpine World Ski Championships, then Police Chief Dwight Henninger says the three years of planning to coordinate the event’s safety and security were perfectly executed. Chief Henninger incorporated lessons learned into the security planning as chair of one of the 21 operational groups that were tasked by the Local Organizing Committee to help coordinate the Championships. “The goal was to deliver a safe and professional event in an uncompromised and enjoyable experience and I think we did just that,” says Henninger. “The community embraced our bag screening efforts and didn’t hesitate to call us with their security concerns which kept the venues fun and safe.” The planning also resulted in significant public safety legacies: > Upgrades to the public safety radio system in Eagle County for increased capacity. > Improvements to the Eagle County Emergency Operations Center which will continue to provide a venue for incident coordination and support. > Institutionalization of the Incident Command System protocols throughout Eagle County for improved multi-agency response coordination. > Completion of a video camera system in Vail’s public areas to include 23 security cameras in Vail Village and Lionshead. > Enhancement of the Event Command Post in the Vail Police Department with the addition of eight video monitors that will be used for ongoing high-profile events and large-scale emergencies. > Creation of a new communications tool, ecemergency.org, which provides a single outlet for distribution of real-time emergency and public information updates from agencies throughout Eagle County. In addition, Henninger says he’s most proud of the more than 2,000 volunteers that were trained to identify and report suspicious activity, an awareness that will benefit the community well into the future. Tomorrow’s Leaders: Explorer Post They’ve done ride-alongs with police officers, rappelled with volunteers from Vail Mountain Rescue and have even trained with paintball guns. These are the members of Eagle County Police Explorer Post #204 and they’re the leaders of tomorrow. Established in 2012 to introduce young people to careers in law enforcement and build relationships between young people and law enforcement, membership in the local post has grown to 30 active participants. Norma Camunez, a 2014 graduate of Battle Mountain High School joined as a junior and was one of the first leaders in the program. Camunez has since been hired as a Vail Code Enforcement Officer. Her goal is to attend the police academy after completing her college degree. She wants to become a detective one day. The Explorer activities are coordinated by Commander Daric Harvey who says the program is designed to build community leaders, not just future police officers. GROW A BALANCED COMMUNITY New Chief Familiar with Resort Setting Vail Fire Chief Mark Novak didn’t exactly ease into his new post after arriving from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District in Lake Tahoe, Nev. His first day on the job began on day-one of the Alpine World Ski Championships in February. “It was an amazing opportunity to see the fire crews work with the organizers to troubleshoot situations that needed immediate resolution,” he said. “It was a gratifying experience to witness the professionalism that was taking place and I knew at that moment that this was indeed a special community and I’m honored to be here.” Chief Novak has more than 20 years of mountain resort community experience and has worked in a wide range of management and technical positions including assistant chief, fire marshal, battalion chief, captain and firefighter/ paramedic. Since arriving in Vail, Chief Novak’s first order of business has been to forge relationships with members of the department, town employees and members of the community. Also look for the chief to build upon the department’s previous work in expanding wildfire mitigation programs to encourage and support homeowners in their efforts to create defensible space on their properties. Chief Novak replaces Mark Miller who left the department in November 2014. Steve Pischke, formerly with the Mountain View Fire Department in Longmont, had been serving as Vail’s interim fire chief during the transition. Chief Mark Novak vailgov.com Fire personnel take part in a familiarization tour at Championships Plaza in advance of the opening ceremonies for the Alpine World Ski Championships to review evacuation plans that were prepared in case of an emergency. Safety First at Championships Plaza The transformation of Solaris Plaza into the Championships Plaza entertainment venue for the Alpine World Ski Championships was a proud moment for Deputy Fire Chief Mike McGee, Fire Marshal Mike Vaughan and other members of the department as the changes required careful coordination. Structural load calculations for the second floor balcony were confirmed to ensure the additional weight of the lighting and stage would be within limits. Even the Audi on display was considered as part of the plan. It was set on the balcony with a crane. Scaffolding plans were reviewed and the installation was inspected by a structural engineer. A major focus was ensuring that there would be adequate egress in the event of an emergency. The biggest crowds occurred on Feb. 14 when approximately 10,000 spectators gathered to see Mikaela Shiffrin presented with a gold medal followed by a CeeLo Green concert. Norma Camunez Za c h M a h o n e Za c h M a h o n e Ch a r l e s T o w n s e n d B e s s e n t Ch a r l e s T o w n s e n d B e s s e n t Vail Fire & Emergency Services Response Calls 2011 2012 2013 2014 Structure Fires 13 18 13 15 Vehicle Fires 15 13 12 11 Wildland Fires 13 24 17 11 Rescue/Emergency Medical 580 571 621 574 Motor Vehicle Accidents 177 146 223 231 False Alarms 615 531 544 526 Hazardous Materials 61 79 58 73 Service Calls 124 105 101 133 Smoke Reports 191 240 321 275 Miscellaneous 56 27 39 48 TOTAL 1,845 1,754 1,949 1,897 * Ski and Snowboard Thefts are included in Larceny/Theft. ** Vehicle Trespassing is included in Trespassing. 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total Arrests 890 896 744 680 Burglary 36 28 22 26 Larceny/Theft 359 306 317 284 Ski/Board Thefts* 82 78 83 70 Motor Vehicle Theft 3 5 11 9 Assault 57 60 60 47 Fraud 95 76 87 81 DUI/DWAI 97 84 68 52 Drugs 205 217 113 55 Vandalism 119 117 122 115 Sexual Offenses 6 16 8 9 Trespassing 51 59 60 54 Trespassing - Vehicular** 18 22 30 30 Disorderly Conduct 84 79 46 44 Obstructing/Resisting 40 33 24 19 Protective Custody 147 145 75 52 Vail Crime Statistics Call Volume 34,720 in 2014 35,345 in 2013 37,734 in 2012 38,450 in 2011 Vail Public Library Adds Services for Increased Convenience If you haven’t been to the library lately, stop by for a visit soon to learn how the library is adapting to our active lifestyles. For example, there are increased checkout limits for locals who have a Colorado driver’s license and an Eagle County physical address. Also, a new CardStar app allows your library card to be scanned into your cell phone, thus eliminating the need to carry your physical library card for check outs. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask a staff member to help you connect with the state’s interlibrary loan program. The Vail Public Library has the highest lend/borrow ratio within the Prospector group of libraries with a lend/borrow ratio of 7.37. In other words, for every one item a Vail patron requests from another library, the Vail Public Library fills 7.37 requests. This is an outstanding endorsement of the library’s materials. Also new at the library is an enhanced website at vaillibrary.com and an online catalog where patrons can view holdings from libraries throughout the state. Many other online services are available from the Vail Public Library that can be accessed remotely. Friends of Vail Public Library Donate Time and Money The Friends of Vail Public Library are adding significant resources to the library’s technology services. Much more than a computer lab, funding from the Friends has made it possible to purchase a 3D printer and other equipment for the new Makerspace lab located on the library’s lower level. This equipment includes new laptops, Photoshop software, video and editing programs, and cameras for video production. The lab and the community room are used for educational classes such as resume building and database instruction as well as monthly library instruction for Red Sandstone students. For information about becoming a Friend or to volunteer at the library, please call 970-479-2194. One Book, One Valley The One Book, One Valley Reading Campaign, led by Vail Public Library, is now in its fourth year. This valley wide initiative is a collaboration with other local libraries and organizations. The 2015 selected title is The Cold Dish by NY Times best selling author Craig Johnson. A variety of related programs and events are taking place and will culminate in a live book talk and signing with the author. For details, visit onebookonevalley.com. Time Capsule Memories Contents from a time capsule assembled 25 years ago and housed at the library to commemorate the valley’s first World Alpine Ski Championships were opened in time to reminisce about the earlier event while enjoying Vail’s third Championships in 2015. The 1989 time capsule included newspaper articles, programs and other commemorative items, including a blue seat cushion which was issued during the opening ceremonies. The artifacts will be on display in the Galleria at the library later this spring and will become part of the library’s historical archives thereafter. 16 17 ELEVATE THE EXPERIENCE vailgov.com Ford Park Field Ready for Play The Ford Park Athletic Field will be ready for play this season following an extensive renovation that included realignment of the three softball fields to accommodate two full-size soccer fields for extended playing capacity. The fields have been built with natural grass outfields and synthetic turf infields to provide improved playing conditions. New bleachers and fencing have also been added, plus irrigation and drainage improvements. Earlier additions included new restrooms and concession buildings. The venue hosts a combination of league play, youth sports and high profile tournaments, such as the Lacrosse Shootout and 3v3 Soccer tournaments that contribute to the town’s economy. The $4.2 million project was funded by the voter-approved reallocation of Conference Center Funds. More Improvements for Ford Park The next phase of improvements to Ford Park includes work on the Lower Bench area with the construction of a new restroom, playground improvements, utility work and installation of concrete pavers on a portion of Betty Ford Way. Construction has already begun and will be completed in late June. The cost of the project is approximately $1.3 million and is funded from the Real Estate Transfer Tax fund. This work is occurring adjacent to the construction site for the new Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center which began last October and will be completed at the same time. The $3.5 million Education Center will take the beautiful Alpine Gardens to the next level. The 3,000 square foot facility will include state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, an alpine house to grow and display alpine plants throughout the year, a horticultural library, space for plant research, and continuing education programs for gardeners, horticulturists and local landscapers. The Town of Vail is contributing $500,000 towards the project. 18th Hole Realignment Complete Golfers will return for a second season to experience a reconfiguration of the 18th hole at the Vail Golf Club which was completed in July 2014. The realignment was authorized by the Town Council in 2012 following an engineering analysis which recommended changes to improve course safety. The $410,000 project was funded by the town which owns the land; golf course operations are leased to the Vail Recreation District. Ford Amphitheater Renovations Complete Patrons of the Ford Amphitheater have been enjoying a two-phase renovation of the outdoor performance venue that was completed last June, including a new entrance structure called “The Lobby,” the Ford Family Tribute sculpture, a new concession stand, new restrooms and renovated lawn seating. The project also provided improved access to the Lower Bench area with grade adjustments and the widening of East Betty Ford Way. The $10 million in improvements were partially funded by the voter-approved Conference Center Fund reallocation, the town’s Real Estate Transfer Tax fund, along with a significant investment by donors of the Vail Valley Foundation. The first grass cutting took place last fall on the Ford Park Athletic Field in preparation for play to resume this spring. Celebrating the past and present, Vail Mayor Andy Daly (left) and former Mayor Kent Rose join John Garnsey of Vail Resorts and Ceil Folz, President and CEO of the Vail Valley Foundation, during the opening of the 1989 time capsule. The new Ford Family Tribute sculpture and “The Lobby” complete renovations at the Ford Amphitheater in Ford Park. Terry Troyer of the Vail Recreation District places the first cup on the new 18th green. Ja c k A f f l e c k Ha n n a h K i n g Jo h n D a k i n Al i x M i l l e r Ha n n a h K i n g Overhead Signs Assist with Real-time Notifications New overhead variable message signs have been installed at the I-70 off-ramps at exit 176 and the south side roundabout at Main Vail. The signs are being used to help direct motorists to available parking as well as road closure information and other real-time notifications. The signs were designed to provide an architectural gateway feature while meeting federal and state transportation requirements. The wayfinding project has also included installation of directional signs on the interstate, frontage roads and in the parking structures as well as new wayfinding signs for pedestrians in Vail Village and Lionshead. Improved Website Adds New Features The town’s redesigned website at vailgov.com utilizes the latest in web development technologies. The end result is a fully mobile solution that is easy to use and navigate from any device. The website includes a fun and creative dynamic homepage that allows the town to showcase upcoming signature events, latest news and updates, services, transportation and government information. Key modules and tools deployed on the new site include a user friendly navigation structure, document archives, social media feeds, live web cams, communication tools, alerts and notifications, and much more. 18 19 ELEVATE THE EXPERIENCE vailgov.com Art in Public Places Focuses on Community Involvement Art in Public Places continues to expand programming through community involvement. With sustained financial contributions from Triumph Partners and Vicki and Kent Logan, AIPP installed the largest ever Triumph-Logan Winterfest exhibition to date this winter. The new community wide paper lantern project and lantern walk in conjunction with the Vail tree lighting was made possible by generous funding from Vail resident Doe Browning. Focusing on the merit of the town’s art collection, AIPP accepted a substantial art donation from the Sitzmark Vail. The beloved Einstein sculpture which has graced Gore Creek Drive for many years is now a permanent work in the town’s public art collection. Over 30% of Vail’s art collection, which may now be enjoyed on the printed collection map, was acquired from generous patrons as donations or from community fundraising efforts. For more information, visit artinvail.com. Most Connected Resort in North America With over 100 free wireless access points and the most technologically advanced outdoor LTE cellular system in the country, Vail has become the most connected resort in North America. The transformation has taken place over the last two years in a partnership between the town and Crown Castle International Corporation. The company has invested over $5 million dollars installing a state-of-the-art cellular system which dramatically increased cellular capacity and coverage throughout Vail, as well as an improvement in the speed of wireless Internet access. Additionally, the Wi-Fi system was completely rebuilt in the Village and Lionshead core areas along with upgraded bandwidth to the Internet where users have unlimited access to free Wi-Fi by connecting to “vailwifi” with their Wi-Fi capable devices. During the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships, the system serviced over 78,000 user connections. A fiber optic network was also put in place at Golden Peak and the Village core which will enable connectivity for future special events. New Parking Equipment Adds to Customer Satisfaction Operational improvements in the Vail Village and Lionshead structures, including new parking equipment introduced for the start of the 2014-15 winter season, are getting high marks from customers. The new pay-on-foot stations have been found to be a convenient way for season parking pass holders to add value to their cards. Another useful feature is the system’s ability to display the current balance on a value card. Future improvements include an online payment system and the possibility of a parking reservation system that will allow customers to make a reservation for a parking space via the Internet or cell phone. A rebuild of the Lionshead parking structure entry was also completed in time for the start of the winter season. The $2.3 million project added an overhead gateway, new attendant booth stations and other improvements to create a more efficient and welcoming arrival. The town’s redesigned website is available at vailgov.com. Taking the Time to Go the Extra Mile Going above and beyond the call of duty is an everyday occurrence for employees of the Town of Vail. Consider the recent actions of Police Officer Mike Bindle whose off duty awareness was used to recover stolen property. Bindle happened to be browsing at a local second-hand store and recognized a clock he’d seen at the Four Seasons in Vail. Bindle purchased the clock for the asking price of $12 and promptly returned it to the hotel’s staff. Bindle was recognized as part of the town’s internal rewards program, which salutes town employees who’ve gone above and beyond even when no one is looking. Share your story of an extraordinary action by a town employee at vailgov.com/customerservice. Coincidently, Officer Bindle was recognized separately for his actions in saving the life of a motorist whose vehicle caught fire, while endangering his own. A stolen clock valued at $4,000 was returned to Four Seasons General Manager Mark Herron by Police Officer Mike Bindle after discovering the item at a second-hand store. Triumph-Logan Winterfest ExhibitionPaper Lantern Project Einstein Sculpture donated to AIPP AIPP is pleased to launch “Friends of Art in Public Places” this year to further engage the community in the visual arts. Programming will include tours of private art collections, museum exhibitions, artist studio visits and much more. Contact AIPP Coordinator Molly Eppard, 970-479-2344 for further details. Za c h M a h o n e Ja c k A f f l e c k Ch a r l e s T o w n s e n d B e s s e n t Za c h M a h o n e FZ P h o t o g r a p h y Mo l l y E p p a r d 20 2015 November Election Preview The next Town of Vail municipal election will be held November 3, 2015, in which voters will select four Town Council members. The top three vote-getters will be elected to four-year terms while the fourth highest finisher will receive a two-year term. Vail’s Charter states that no council member shall serve for more than eight consecutive years and as a result neither Andy Daly nor Margaret Rogers will be eligible to run again this fall. Both Rogers and Daly were first elected to serve in 2007 and are now just finishing their second four-year term. Daly served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2007 through 2011 and as Mayor from 2011 through 2015. In addition, Ludwig Kurz finishes his first four-year term and Dale Bugby’s two-year term expires; both are eligible to petition onto the ballot. The council members’ terms expiring in 2017 are Jenn Bruno, Dave Chapin and Greg Moffet. Qualifications required for Vail Town Council The candidate nomination petition process requires signatures from at least 10 registered electors residing in the town and will need to be filed with the Town Clerk this coming fall. Who can vote in Vail? To take part in Vail’s election, voters must be a citizen of the U.S, 18 years of age by election day, a resident of Colorado at least 22 days prior to election day and must be registered to vote within the State of Colorado. There are several ways in which to register to vote including online voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office or through the Division of Motor Vehicles. Visit mycoloradovote.com for details. Pam Brandmeyer Brandmeyer Departure Leads Staff Transitions Several noteworthy staffing changes are taking place within the town’s management team. Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager, is transitioning from the Vail town staff after almost 35 years. Brandmeyer started with the town in 1980 as the Secretary to the Police Chief/Court Clerk; followed by several years as the Town Clerk, then Assistant to the Town Manager and subsequently Assistant Town Manager. During her tenure with the town, Brandmeyer also served as interim Finance and Human Resources liaison. She filled a six-month role in 2003 as the interim Town Manager in the transition from former manager Bob McLaurin and today’s current manager, Stan Zemler. Other changes include the promotion of Kathleen Halloran to Finance Director following the resignation of Judy Camp and the appointment of Patty McKenny as Town Clerk. ONLINE RESOURCES vailgov.com | vailpublic.novasagenda.com | maps.vailgov.com | vaillibrary.com | artinvail.com | vail-calendar.com vaileventparking.com | vailpermits.com | vail911.com | grandviewvail.com | donovanpavilion.com Vail Town Council & Town Manager 1. Andy Daly adaly@vailgov.com Mayor 2. Ludwig Kurz lkurz@vailgov.com Mayor Pro Tem 3. Margaret Rogers mrogers@vailgov.com 4. Jenn Bruno jbruno@vailgov.com 5. Dale Bugby dbugby@vailgov.com 6. Dave “Bone” Chapin dchapin@vailgov.com 7. Greg Moffet gmoffet@vailgov.com 8. Stan Zemler szemler@vailgov.com Town Manager 3 2 7 8 5 6 41 75 South Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970.479.2101 vailgov.com The official vehicle of the Town of Vail. STAY TWITTER: @vailgov | @vailtowncouncil | @vailpublibrary | @vailfire | @vailpolice INFORMED FACEBOOK: vail police | vail fire | vail library vailgov.com Ch a r l e s T o w n s e n d B e s s e n t Re x K e e p