HomeMy WebLinkAbout02. VEAC 02-13-18 Minutes FINALVail Economic Advisory Council
February 13, 2018 - 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
MEETING MINUTES
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Packet Materials Link: http://bit.ly/2E3G2xV
VEAC Members Present:
Rayla Kundolf, Chris Romer, Mark Gordon, Matt Morgan, Alison Wadey, Kim Newbury-
Rediker, Sara Franke, Lori Pohl, Mike Glass
Town of Vail Staff Present:
Mia Vlaar, Economic Development Director, Laura Waniuk - Event Liaison Specialist,
Kathleen Halloran – Finance Director, Greg Clifton – Town Manager
Others Present:
Ryan Kelsey - The Antlers
Introduction – Economic Development Director, Mia Vlaar (5 minutes)
Discussion VEAC Goals/Objectives
Gordon asked about the VEAC making recommendations to council. Kundolf mentioned the
types of frank discussions that occur during the meeting. Morgan asked about clarifying the
mission of the group. Romer suggested using the Economic Development Strategic Plan
outline as discussion points for these meetings. Kundolf mentioned that she sees this as a
“think tank” for the town manager and council.
Destimetrics/Inntopia “Deep Dive”, Katie Barnes (20 minutes) N/A scheduled for March
13.
Town of Vail Financials, Kathleen Halloran (15 minutes)
Upon receipt of all sales tax returns, December collections are estimated to down 3.8% from
last year and down 5.3% compared to budget. RETT collections through December 31 total
$6,231,061 down 8.4% from 2016 and up 6.5% from budget.
Across all funds, 2017 total revenue of $59.8 million is up 0.5% from the amended budget and
down 2.1% from prior year. The majority of the difference from prior year is related to decreased
daily parking sales, and the Real Estate Transfer Tax received for the sale of the Four Seasons in
December 2016.
Mid-Winter Business Update – VEAC members (10 minutes)
Romer stated occupancy is dropping, but rate is flat or up. Kundolf stated that a lot of her
neighbors in East Vail took beach vacations this year, but her business has been doing well
at the art gallery. She said that her neighborhood in East Vail is packed with Airbnb guests.
Gordon stated that for real estate the Front Range visitors are a great audience. Morgan said
that he usually never worries about the holidays, because the guest is coming to town
regardless. Morgan was surprised that December was less than 10% down. January was an
adequate month, not great business, but not as down as perceived. Kundolf said that she
VEAC Minutes February 13, 2018
saw Brazilian guests and Mexican guests. Kelsey, the Revenue Manager from The Antlers
said Brazil is flat, Argentina is up and Canada is very good for them as well. Clifton said that
the Doubletree is still under construction.
Town Manager’s Report, Greg Clifton (15 minutes)
Town Council will be holding a joint session with Vail Resorts and a separate session with
Eagle County. Clifton anticipates the Eagle County discussion will focus on transit along the
corridor. Express and regional transit between the communities is a key topic. Discussions
about parking need to also encompass transit considerations. Housing, climate action plan,
open space and trails will also be on the agenda. Clifton said that it’s important for the
community to be resilient and how can Vail plan proactively rather than react.
Also under discussion is planning for West Vail and the Civic areas, such as Dobson Arena.
Clifton thinks it’s important for business owners and other stakeholders to be involved and
provide feedback on these plans.
Clifton mentioned the potential Olympic bid (for 2030), there is a meeting on February 28.
There are local representatives involved in the exploratory committee.
There is a discussion about holding a Welcome Back celebration for the returning athletes to
bring the community together.
Specifically relevant to this group is keeping good employees due to housing situation. It’s
difficult to keep a consistent staff. Wadey said a lot of her Chamber businesses are providing
better incentives in order to keep the staff on board. Vlaar mentioned that it could be a good
opportunity to have the community businesses come together and offer a package of shared
benefits of working in the town so it’s consistent for potential employees. Gordon spoke about
medical benefits and asked if there is an option for the town to get assist. He asked if it is
possibly to create a group, Romer said that it’s not an option to create a “synthetic” group
under the current law.
Chamonix is coming to a close, half a dozen units are closed and occupation is occurring.
Citizen Input (5 minutes)
Other Business (5 minutes)
Vlaar reviewed the Estes Park Dashboard format with the group and said that she will create
the initial dashboard for Vail and send it for comments to the group.
• Parking Task Force Meeting is 2/23.
• VCBA is hosting a lunch with Doug Lovell and his staff on Thursday 2/15. See Alison
Wadey for details.
Adjournment
Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 13, Vail Town Council Chambers – 8:00am
VEAC Minutes February 13, 2018