Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-20 Town Council MinutesVail Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 20, 2022 6:00 P.M. Vail Town Council Chambers The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was called to order at approximately 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Langmaid. Members present: Kim Langmaid, Mayor Travis Coggin, Mayor Pro Tern Kevin Foley Jeri Mason Pete Seibert Jonathan Staufer Members absent: Barry Davis Staff members present: Stan Zemler, Town Manager Kathleen Halloran, Deputy Town Manager Matt Mire, Town Attorney Stephanie Bibbens, Town Clerk 1. Citizen Participation Ed Padilla, an East Vail resident, stated 3 minutes was not enough time for the public to address issues to Council during Citizen Participation, and also requested improvements be made to the East Vail Interchange. Steve Bileca introduced himself as the new Head of School at Vail Mountain School and informed Council of the improvements made to the traffic concerns regarding pick up and drop off at the school. Charlyn Canada, an East Vail resident, expressed her appreciation to Code Enforcement for their efforts in policing the Booth Creek Park parking over the summer. 2. Any action as a result of executive session Langmaid moved to direct the Town Manager to send an offer letter to Vail Resorts to purchase the 23-acre Booth Heights property for the amount of $12.0 million dollars; Foley seconded motion passed (5-1, Coggin opposed). 3. Proclamation 3.1 Proclamation No. 07, Series of 2022, National Library Card Sign-up Month and Recognizing Cricket Pylman Background: "Find your voice at the Library" is this year's theme for Library Card Sign-up Month, held each year in September, and reminds us that a library card is the "smartest card in Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 1 your wallet". In 2022, honorary chairs are Tony Award -winning performer and philanthropist, Idina Menzel, and her sister, author and educator, Cara Menzel. Vail Public Library is also taking this opportunity to celebrate one of our own, Miss Cricket Pylman, founder and champion of Vail's StoryWalk. Pylman expressed her gratitude to Council and the library staff for the recognition. 4. Consent Agenda 4.1 Resolution No. 44, Series of 2022, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of the Residential Property known as Matterhorn Inn, Unit 10,1552 Matterhorn Circle, Vail, CO 81657 Background: The availability of housing for its employees remains an ongoing need for the Town of Vail municipal government. As the fourth largest employer in Vail, the Town of Vail too is challenged by the need for housing its workforce. As the FTE count for the Town grows, so does its need to support housing for the employees. Over the years the Town has taken a wide range of approaches to addressing its employee housing needs, including "buying down" homes for purchase by Town of Vail employees. Staff Recommendation: Approve Resolution No. 44, Series of 2022, authorizing the Town Manager to enter into an agreement, in a form approved by the Town Attorney not to exceed $745,000.00 plus closing costs, the purchase of Matterhorn Inn, Unit 10, 1552 Matterhorn Circle, Vail, CO 81657. Staufer made a motion to approve, Coggin seconded motion passed (6-0). 4.2 Resolution No. 45, Series of 2022, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of the Residential Property known as Matterhorn Inn Unit 2,1562 Matterhorn Circle, Vail, CO 81667 Background: The availability of housing for its employees remains an ongoing need for the Town of Vail municipal government. As the fourth largest employer in Vail, the Town of Vail too is challenged by the need for housing its workforce. As the FTE count for the Town grows, so does its need to support housing for the employees. Over the years the Town has taken a wide range of approaches to addressing its employee housing needs, including "buying down" homes for purchase by Town of Vail employees. Staff Recommendation: Approve Resolution No. 45, Series of 2022, authorizing the Town Manager to enter into an agreement, in a form approved by the Town Attorney not to exceed $745,000.00 plus closing costs, the purchase of Matterhorn Inn Unit 2, 1552 Matterhorn Circle, Vail, CO 81657. Coggin made a motion to approve; Mason seconded motion passed (6-0). 4.3 Resolution No. 46, Series of 2022, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of the Residential Property known as Hamlet Chalet Unit 1, 2014 West Gore Creek Drive, Vail, Colorado 81657 Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 2 Background: The availability of housing for its employees remains an ongoing need for the Town of Vail municipal government. As the fourth largest employer in Vail, the Town of Vail too is challenged by the need for housing its workforce. As the FTE count for the Town grows, so does its need to support housing for the employees. Over the years the Town has taken a wide range of approaches to addressing its employee housing needs, including "buying down" homes for purchase by Town of Vail employees. Staff Recommendation: Approve Resolution No. 46, Series of 2022, authorizing the Town Manager to enter into an agreement, in a form approved by the Town Attorney not to exceed $1,800,000.00 plus closing costs, the purchase of Hamlet Chalet Unit 1, 2014 West Gore Creek Drive, Vail, Colorado 81657. Foley made a motion to approve, Coggin seconded motion passed (6-0). 4.4 Contract Award to 106 West Couriers LLC for Loading and Delivery Services Background: The Load and Delivery pilot will go to full implementation on October 1st. Vail Police Department is asking Council to approve the new contract with 106 West. Staff Recommendation: Authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with 106 West Couriers, LLC in the amount not to exceed $1,374,000.00. Coggin made a motion to approve, Staufer seconded motion passed (5-1, Foley opposed). Foley stated he heard from the business community that the cost of the dock fee was being passed off to business owners. Foley did not agree with the business owners being responsible for the fee and did not support the contract with 106 West. 4.5 Contract Award to Icon Inc for Bighorn Road Oversize Vehicle Turnaround Background: The Town publicly bid the Bighorn Rd. Oversize Vehicle Turnaround Project which will provide an oversize vehicle and bus turnaround at the end of Bighorn Road to accommodate "lost° large interstate semi -trucks and accommodate a more efficient bus service. Staff Recommendation: Direct the Town Manager to enter into a contract, as approved by the Town Attomey, with Icon, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $286,098. Coggin made a motion to approve, Foley seconded motion passed (6-0). 4.6 Contract Award to SHC Nursery and Landscape for the installation of Landscape Buffer Work for the Fire Free Five project Background: In the spring of 2022, the Town Council recommended that efforts should be made to bring town -owned buildings into compliance with the Fire Free Five concepts proposed by Vail Fire. The proposed landscape work, in conjunction with arbor work, will start that process on 11 high priority town -owned structures. See staff memo for additional information. Staff Recommendation: Authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract with SHC Nursery and Landscape Company in an amount not to exceed $112,270 for the installation of Landscape Buffer Work as part of the Fire Free Five program. Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 3 Coggin made a motion to approve, Staufer seconded motion passed (6-0). 5. Town Manager Report Zemler pointed out the Resolutions 44, 45, and 46 that were passed during consent, were properties that the Town was acquiring for deed restricted housing. S. Action Items 6.1 Resolution No. 43, Series of 2022, A Resolution of the Vail Town Council Opting the Town Out from Participation in the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Presenter(s): Krista Miller, Human Resources and Risk Management Director and Wendy Rehnborg, Senior HR Professional Background: In November 2020, Colorado voters approved Proposition 118, which paved the way for a state -run paid Family Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. Although the program is not effective until January 2023, the Town must decide in 2022 whether to participate in the state -run program. At the July 5 2022 Town Council meeting, the staff recommendation was to decline participation in the state -run FAMLI program and consider further analysis of town benefits where adjustments could be made to better align with the FAMLI program benefits. Staff Recommendation: Approve, approve with amendments or deny Resolution No. 43, Series of 2022 Miller explained the Resolution was a follow up to the July 5th presentation where staff recommended Council decline participation in the FAMLI program which would require a Resolution be passed to opt out of the program. Rehnborg summarized in 2020, Colorado voters approved proposition 118 which later became the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act. Rehnborg stated if Council decided to opt into the FAMLI program, premiums at 0.9% of the employee's wage would start being paid on January 1, 2023, (the Town would pay .45% and the employee would pay (.45%) and the benefits for the employees would not begin until January 1, 2024. Rehnborg also stated there would be a possible increase in premiums in 2025 from .09% of the employee's gross wage to 1.2% of their gross wage. Rehnborg explained staff still had the option of individually enrolling in the FAMLI coverage if Council chose to opt out and also if Council decided later on to opt into the FAMLI program, they could do so, although there would be a three-month waiting period. Rehnborg presented recommended enhancements that included expanded paid leave to include part-time and seasonal staff, increase short-term disability benefits for childbirth to 12 weeks, expand allowed us of sick time for family member qualifying leave, clarify family member definition for sick time, and expand approved leave to cover "Safe Leave" and foster care placement. Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 4 Foley asked that staff monitor benefits to make sure the Town of Vail continues to offer a better benefit package than the FAMLI program. Public comment was called. There was none. Langmaid asked staff what other communities were opting into the FAMLI program. Miller responded to her knowledge there was only one small community opting into the program. Foley made a motion to approve, Coggin seconded motion passed (6-0). 6.2 Ordinance No. 18, Series of 2022, First Reading, An Ordinance Making Budget Adjustments to the Town of Vail Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund of the 2022 Budget for the Town of Vail, Colorado, and Authorizing the Said Adjustments As Set Forth - "Booth Heights" Presenter(s): Carlie Smith, Finance Director Background: Please see attached memo. Staff Recommendation: Approve, approve with amendments or deny Ordinance 18, Series of 2022 First Reading. Smith presented an increase to the Real Estate Transfer Fund of $12.0 million dollars to coincide with the offer to purchase Booth Heights from Vail Resorts. Public comment was called. Frances Hartogh, a Vail resident, strongly supported the offer amount to purchase Booth Heights and stated Vail Resorts should accept the town's generous offer and expressed concerns over Vail Resort's questionable xxx? Mike Browning, a Vail resident, commented on how often the bighorn sheep have been sited in East Vail, he also stated that there was an opportunity to recognize that the bighorn sheep were the original residents of Vail and they needed to be protected, and publicly asked Vail Resorts to live up to their promise to not harm the environment. Trey Milhoan, a Vail resident, stated his support of the use of RETT Funds to acquire the Booth Height's property by whatever means necessary and asked Council to consider acquisition of the 209 acres north of 1-70 between Main Vail and East Vail and a discontinuation ofg the construction plans at Buzzard Park/Public Works. Richard Leslie, a Vail resident, expressed his support of the acquisition of Booth Heights and stated his opinion regarding the negotiation of the parcel and the amount offered. Karen Perez- a Vail Resident, stated the process was late and should have happened at the time of rezoning when the application went going through the PEC process and asked Council to amend Town Code to require a development plan at the time of rezoning. Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 5 Mery Lapin, a Vail resident, supported the purchase of Booth Heights and suggested the town stop master leasing employee housing and providing overflow parking to Vail Resorts. William Schmick, a Vail resident, supported the purchase of Booth Heights and explained the Town of Vail has always looked out for the community and Vail Resorts cared about PR and expansion. Mark Gordon, a Vail resident, stated a large amount of the community was disappointed regarding the decision that was made earlier in the evening and requested the Council allow the community to weigh in on the decision to spend $12.0 million to purchase Booth Heights. Tom Vuccich, a Vail resident, explained the history of the RETT Fund, the intention for it to be used for open space, and agreed it should be used to acquire Booth Heights. Susan Bird, a Vail resident, suggested annexing unincorporated areas near the Town of Vail to help strengthen RETT funds. Langmaid expressed the importance of keeping the bighorn sheep in the area and explained how important the parcel of land was to the herd and their survival. Langmaid also summarized the history of Vail Resorts developing Bald Mountain Road to that parcel of land and contractually agreed to limit the number of units in that area to approximately 250 units due to the safety of the terrain because of the rockfall zone. She also stated Council was being fiscally responsible, that they were not only looking out for the quarterly reports or annual budget, but also for future generations and aggressively have pursued new housing opportunities and cited Residences at Main Vail, a rezoning of Middle Creek, a redevelopment of Timber Ridge and have been buying properties within the town. Seibert explained that he never thought the community members that were pro -housing were against the environment and because he was voting to condemn didn't mean he was against housing. He clarified Vail Resorts could have been a partner with the town for the current housing opportunities that Langmaid had listed and felt that Vail Resorts hadn't been communicating in good faith and hadn't been listening. Seibert hoped that Vail Resorts accepted the offer, and the town and Vail Resorts could move forward with future housing opportunities. Coggin agreed with Langmaid and Seibert's comments. He stated he was disappointed in the situation but does not agree with the tactic and would not be supporting the ordinance. Foley made a motion to approve, Staufer seconded motion passed (5-1, Coggin opposed) 6.3 Winter Parking Plan Presenter(s): Greg Hall, Director of Public Works and Transportation Background: The Parking & Mobility Task Force convened a total of six times over the summer, meeting on 5126, 711, 7114, 7126, 815 and most recently on 9112. The final discussion was focused on a recommendation for the winter 2022-2023 season. Since presenting to the Town Council on August 16, presentations were also made to the Vail Chamber and Business Association and the Vail Economic Advisory Council. Taking the input from the three Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 6 presentations, feedback received by the individual task force members and feedback from the public, the task force refined the recommendations for this coming winter season. Staff Recommendation: Approve the winter 2022-2023 parking and mobility program as well as approve budget adjustments related to the winter 2022-2023 parking and mobility program. Hall re -capped the discussion from the previous presentation to Council on August 16, 2022 and presented the recommendations for the upcoming winter parking season. Hall explained the initial proposed rates were reviewed based on input received from the previous meeting. The below exhibit was included in the presentation: Current Rates Current Rates at W ;Vail Village and and LH Uonshead �0 - 30 min S - _0 - 30 min r30min -1' $ - :30min -ihr ihr-2hr $ - 'ihr- 2hr ' 2hr- ihr $ 10 2hr- 3hr 6ommended Rates t - Red Sandstone, GREEN Ford Park and Beta if Soccer Lots - $ 5 5 2 Day Rate 0 -1 hr $ 10 5 S 1hr-12hi $ 20 $ 10 RSS Over_ntht 4am - Sam i 3hr- 4 hr $ 20 3 hr- 4 hr $ 30 S 20 ,.4hr-5hr $ 301 4hr-Shr $ 40 $ 30 I Entries after 3pm and ext before 4am Overnight Aam-Sam S SO Overnight 4am-5am ;_ $ 60. S 60. 35 $ 35 J Hall also explained that passes were important to allow additional flexibility in rates and programs and target key stakeholders. He stated it was in the Town's best interest to have a significant number of pass holders as users of the new system would play a key component in the collection of data on the various user group and use patterns to make informed decisions moving forward. Recommended Parking Pass Prices Passes Existing Proposed Premier $3,300 $6,600 Business Premier $2,000 $2,200 Employee $ 350 $ 425 Employee Plus $1,250 $1,850 Local $ 25 $ 50 Eagle County $ 25 $ 50 Colorado Implemented when able NIA TBD Hall stated there would be a new marketing and communications plan implemented, explaining in the past existing information would just be updated, but since there were so many proposed changes, the new program would require a full marketing campaign. The marketing campaign would include continuous communications throughout the season and would require the town's Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 7 partners to assist in spreading the message on the changes, which would encourage guests to come during non -peak periods or use alternative travel methods during the peak times. Hall summarized the proposed changes as: • Keep "Free Entry After 3" • 2 hours free reduced to 30 min. • Daily and overnight charges for Red Sandstone, Ford Park and Soccer Lots • Other outlying lots: no change for now • Increases to Peak and Non -Peak Daily Rates • Pass Product changes • Mobility Improvements and Incentives • Comprehensive Marketing and Education planned Staufer was in favor of the proposed recommendations, stating you could not have a premiere resort experience with parking on the Frontage Roads. Council members questioned the validation program, the capabilities of the new software, the implementation of the new program and proposed a variety of alternative suggestions regarding rates and incentives. Public comment was called. Matt Cardille of Fuzziwigs in Vail Village, provided his feedback on the proposed parking plan, and asked for the 30-minute free be taken away altogether. He was also concerned the public might start parking on the side streets if Frontage Road parking wasn't available. Cardille also stated foot traffic in the village is down this summer and thought the Frontage Road parking might be reduced due to the softening economy. He also asked for better signage on the Frontage Roads. Kaye Ferry, a Vail resident, supported keeping the two hours free for everyone and get rid of the 30-minute free parking. Ferry also stated there should be a difference between a Vail local and an Eagle County local and pass rates should reflect that. Mark Gordan, a Vail resident, expressed his concern that the proposed changes to parking were too complicated and simpler changes were necessary. Karen Perez, a Vail resident, stated the new system was confusing and wasn't user friendly. Perez agreed that there should be a distinction between Vail and Eagle County locals and expressed her concerns that the transit service is too sparse during some of the hours to support the proposed changes. Public comment ended. Due to the amount of feedback staff received from Council, Zemler stated staff would come back at the next meeting with a refined proposal for the winter parking plan. 7. Public Hearings Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 8 7.1 Ordinance No.17, Series of 2022, Second Reading, An Ordinance Repealing Title 3, Chapter 6:'Commission on Special Events', Vail Town Code Presenter(s): Mia Vlaar, Economic Development Director Background: The first reading of the ordinance to abolish the Town Code Section Title 3, Chapter 6, Commission on Special Events was passed by Town Council on September 6, 2022. During the first reading, motions were made amending the ordinance to include two members from the Committee on Special Events on the Event Funding Committee, which also consists of staff from the Town Managers Office, Economic Development Department and Finance Department. The motions made during first reading also included appointing current Commission on Special Event members to the new Committee on Special Events. Staff Recommendation: Approve, approve with amendments or deny Ordinance No. 17, Series of 2022 on Second Reading. Vlaar summarized the changes council made during the first reading of the ordinance. Public comment was called. There was none. Foley made a motion to approve, Coggin seconded motion passed (6-0). 8. Adjournment (8:25pm) There being no further business to come before the council, Foley moved to adjourn the meeting; Staufer seconded motion passed (6-0), meet adjourned at 8:52pm. Respectfully Sub , 5 Attest.,,,, m Langm id, Mayor Step anie eibbens, Town Clerk OF 2 m �0 fro Town Council Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2022 Page 9