TC Minutes 07-25-2023AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023 ,avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was hosted in a hybrid format, in -person at Avon Town Hall and using Zoom.us.
Mayor Amy Phillips called the July 25, 2023 Council regular meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. A roll
call was taken, and present were Councilors Chico Thuon, Rich Carroll, RJ Andrade, Lindsay
Hardy, Ruth Stanley, and Mayor Phillips. Mayor Pro Tern Tamra Underwood was present via
Zoom. Also present were Town Manager Eric Heil, Deputy Town Manager Patty McKenny, Town
Attorney Karl Hanlon, General Government Manager Ineke de Jong, Town Clerk Miguel Jauregui
Casanueva, Police Chief Greg Daly, Community Development Director Matt Pielsticker, Finance
Director Scott Wright and incoming Finance Director Paul Redmond, Public Works Director Eva
Wilson, and Avon Rec Director Michael Labagh.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Video Start Time: 00:33:07
Mayor Phillips initiated the meeting with the Agenda approval process. There were no
requested changes to the Agenda. Without further discussion, Councilor Thuon made a motion
to approve the Agenda. Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously
with a 7-0 vote.
3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
Video Start Time: 00:33:48
Mayor Phillips asked if there were any conflicts of interest related to the Agenda, and none
were disclosed.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Video Start Time: 00:33:59
Mayor Phillips explained that public comment can be made by participating in the meeting in
person, via zoom's video/audio, via telephone, or via email. She then clarified that the public
comment section is intended for items not listed in the Agenda, and participation by members
of the public is limited to 3 minutes. She asked if there was any public comment from those
present in the room or on Zoom, and no public comment was made in person nor on Zoom.
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
5.1.Planning and Zoning Commission Vacancy (Planning Director Matt Pielsticker)
Video Start Time: 00:34:33
Planning Director Matt Pielsticker delivered his presentation on the options for potential
appointees to fill the vacancy of a Planning and Zoning Commission seat through May of 2025.
Deliberations included the proposal to reduce the number of commissioners, which did not
obtain consensus from Councilors. Three Councilors gave Mr. Pielsticker direction to contact
Mr. Cooper, a runner up in the previous commissioner candidacy process to determine if he's
still interested in filling the position. No Councilor expressed dissent to this proposal, and
consensus was for Mr. Pielsticker to see if Mr. Cooper is still interested or otherwise advertise
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O
to fill the vacancy.
5.2.Resolution 23-11: Housing Guidelines (Senior Planner Jena Skinner)
Video Start Time: 00:44:58
Planning Director Matt Pielsticker delivered his presentation related to Housing Guidelines
and was joined by Senior Planner Jena Skinner virtually through Zoom. He was also joined by
Ms. Patti Liermann with the Vail Valley Home Store. There were ample deliberations among
Councilors on the housing guidelines and in particular the mechanics of adding a 3-point
based lottery system. No public comment was made in person nor on Zoom. Town Manager
noted there was sufficient direction for staff to work to prepare and present lottery
alternatives for Council's review at following meeting and asked that if Council would like to
provide additional feedback, they should email Ms. Skinner and him. The Resolution was
tabled for the August 8, 2023 Council Meeting.
5.3.Presentation: Wildridge FireWise Accreditation (Hugh Fairfield -Smith, Fire Management Officer
for Eagle Valley Wildland)
Video Start Time: 01:22:21
Fire Management Officer Hugh Fairfield -Smith delivered a presentation to Council related to
Wildridge's Firewise accreditation. He noted the great importance of this accomplishment and
presented Council with the sign awarded, and thanked Council for their support of the project.
He noted there will be $300,000 in wildfire mitigation efforts in Avon this year, $80,000 from
Town of Avon and $220,000 from grant funding. No public comment was made in person nor
on Zoom.
5.4.First Reading of Ordinance 23-04: Construction Materials Use Tax (Finance Director Scott
Wright and Town Manager Eric Heil)
Video Start Time: 01:31:35
Town Manager Eric Heil delivered his presentation on the first reading of Ordinance 23-04 and
noted it is a topic that Council has heard about for 2 years. He noted that August 22, 2023 will
be the last Council Meeting in which Council can approve that the Construction Materials Use
Tax be referred to the November 7, 2023 Coordinated General Election. Mr. Heil noted Avon
voters expressed support for this tax in the last poll.
Mayor Phillips opened the floor to public comment and Dave Dantas took the podium and
noted that an added financial burden on single family builds where the totality of the
Construction Materials Use Tax must now be paid at the start of a construction project,
substantially increases cost of construction financing. No other public comment was made in
person nor on Zoom.
After deliberations, Councilors asked staff to revise Ordinance 23-04 to ensure that second
reading will include an amendment where single-family homes and duplexes can defer the
AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O
payment of this Use Tax until the Certificate of Occupancy is awarded.
Mayor Pro Tern Underwood made a motion to approve Ordinance 23-04 on first reading, as
amended. Councilor Andrade seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 7-0
vote.
5.5.Resolution 23-15: Approving a Use Tax Agency Fund (Incoming Finance Director Paul Redmond)
Video Start Time: 02:01:38
Incoming Finance Director Paul Redmond introduced Resolution 23-15 and offered to answer
any questions Councilors may have. There were no public comments in person nor on Zoom.
After deliberations, Councilor Carroll made a motion to approve Resolution 23-15. Councilor
Hardy seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 7-0 vote.
5.6.Work Session: Recreation Department update on Status, Activities and Future Planning Work
(Recreation Director Michael Labagh)
Video Start Time: 02:04:51
Recreation Director Michael Labagh delivered his presentation related to an update of activities
and future work at Avon Rec. Deliberations included discussions on what cost recovery should
be at the Rec Center, along with revisiting its mission. Council expressed appreciation for the
presentation delivered by Mr. Labagh and noted that the mission should be centered on
promoting enjoyment of the facilities and services, rather than recovering 100% of the cost of
the services. Council thanked Mr. Labagh for his work in the last year and a half. Mr. Labagh
highlighted that the Eaglebend Pocket Park received the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
Grant Award. Council took a moment to capture a photograph of the group with the GOCO
award placard.
At 07:38 p.m. Mayor Phillips asked her fellow Councilors for a brief 5-minute recess to reset the
AV system which was causing technical difficulties. At 07:42 p.m., Council reconvened and
continued with the Meeting.
5.7.Resolution 23-13, Grant Application with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Energy Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) for the Main Street LIVE: Livability Investments for
Vibrant Economies Program (Eric Heil, Town Manager)
Video Start Time: 02:31:40
Town Manager Eric Heil delivered his presentation related to the Main Street Live Grant
Application. There were no public comments in person nor on Zoom. Councilor Hardy inquired
on the reasoning behind needing an approval for a grant application and was advised it is due
to a requirement included in the grant application rules. She further asked if those funds must
be used for a skate plaza or if they can be used for other types of projects and was advised they
can be used for other projects too if they meet the criteria. After deliberations, Councilor Carroll
made a motion to approve that Town staff submit the grant application. Councilor Stanley
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A O O
seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 7-0 vote.
5.8.Resolution 23-14, Grant Application with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Energy Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) for the More Housing Now & Land Use Initiative Program
(Eric Heil, Town Manager)
Video Start Time: 02:37:37
Town Manager Eric Heil delivered his presentation related to the grant application for More
Housing Now & Land Use Initiative Program. Mayor Pro Tern Underwood thanked him once
again for taking a leadership position in tackling community housing which she considers the
most critical issue in the Valley. There were no public comments in person nor on Zoom. After
deliberations, Councilor Thuon made a motion to approve the grant application. Councilor
Carroll seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 7-0 vote.
5.9. Notice of Award —Task Order 2-2023-02 Public Works Complex Design —Vehicle Storage Facility
(Public Works Director Eva Wilson)
Video Start Time: 02:43:34
Public Works Director Eva Wilson delivered a presentation on the construction of the Public
Works Building and vehicle storage facility. Councilor Hardy stated she has concerns about the
cost to build this project, noting it is her understanding that this is not on the Town's priority
list and she believes it too be too costly. Town Manager Heil explained the cost is reasonable
for this type of structure and Avon needs a building such as this, noting all other communities
in the area have a public works building. Councilor Hardy expressed concern regarding the $3.5
million construction estimate which she worried could be used on more important projects
such as community housing. Council deliberations included how to improve the bidding process
to get more bids. They also included deliberations on the size of the building and if it is sufficient
to cover the needs of public works for the next 25 years. There were no public comments made
in person nor on Zoom. After deliberations, Councilor Thuon made a motion to approve the
grant application. Mayor Pro Tern Underwood seconded the motion. It was approved
unanimously with a 7-0 vote.
5.10. Findings of Fact and Record of Decision Lot 3/Stonebridge Hotel Project (Senior Planner Jena
Skinner)
Video Start Time: 03:17:36
Mayor Phillips introduced the reviewing of findings of fact related to this project. She noted
this is the formalization of the decision taken at the last Council meeting to move forward with
the approval of their bonus. Councilor Andrade said he still opposes the parking bonus which
he finds unsatisfactory. After deliberations, Mayor Pro Tern Underwood made a motion to
approve the findings of fact. Councilor Carroll seconded that motion. It was approved with a
6-1 vote, with Councilor Andrade voting nay.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023 . vo n
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O
6. WRITTEN REPORTS
6.1. Monthly Financials (Senior Accountant Dean Stockdale)
6.2. Quarterly RETT Report (Accountant I Carly Fackler)
6.3. Quarterly Update to the 2023 Department Goals (Town Manager Eric Heil)
6.4. Quarterly Mi Casa Avon Update (Senior Planner Jena Skinner)
6.5. Draft June 15 Culture, Arts & Special Events Committee Meeting Minutes (Special Events
Coordinator Chelsea Van Winkle)
6.6. Planning & Zoning Commission July 5th Abstract (Planner 1+ Max Morgan)
6.7. Planning & Zoning Commission July 18th Abstract (Planner 1+ Max Morgan)
6.8. Draft July 18 Health & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes (Aquatics Superintendent
Kacy Carmichael)
6.9. Grant Agreement with State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund and Town of
Avon for the Eaglebend Pocket Park Transformation Project, Contract Number 23010, for a
grant in an amount not to exceed $375,000
** Indicates topic will be discussed at future agenda's
7. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS & MEETING UPDATES
Video Start Time: 03:20:05
Councilor Thuon suggested that every Wildridge and Wildwood resident should get a copy of
the Firewise certificate in the mail for them to send to their insurance. He then highlighted the
popularity of "van life" and asked if a future meeting could be dedicated to the discussion of
where Avon could let them park. He asked Public Works Director Eva Wilson and Town Manager
Eric Heil for more on -site public meetings in Wildridge to further integrate Wildridge and would
like one in summer and one in fall at a minimum. He stated there is a growing pothole in front
of Metcalf lofts on Metcalf Roard that he said is almost big enough that you can lay inside of it
and asked for staff to inspect and repair it. He stated July 3rd was a great day for riding the bus
to get to Salute to the USA. He continued his comments by speaking of the O'Neal Spur Pocket
Park and asked staff what their plan is for snow removal, dog walking, and vehicle access
control this winter. He closed his remarks by suggesting the Town explore a volunteer project
to recruit retirees to maintain and landscape parks in Avon.
Counselor Hardy thanked staff for their hard work on Salute to the USA, including the micro -
transit bus to Wildridge which she noted was well accomplished and launched in a quick
timeframe. She encouraged staff to consider micro -transit in Wildridge in the future.
Counselor Stanley echoed Councilor Hardy's comments and asked if the Avon Police
Department needs car ports to shelter patrol vehicles from cold weather, which Police Chief
Greg Daly stated they did not need car ports at this time.
Councilor Carroll echoed Counselor Hardy's comments and added his thanks for the shift bike
program.
AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A 0 O
Mayor Pro Tern Underwood explained that she is not in person at the Council Meeting because
she is in Alamosa attending her 5-day water fluency class by Water Education Colorado.
Mayor Phillips shared that the Eagle Valley Transportation Authority (EVTA) is moving along
well and explained that the route to Wildridge was not a micro -transit route but instead a
dedicated EVTA bus route between Wildridge and Avon Station, and from there to Vail may be
an opportune route on holidays and Friday -Sunday in the ski season.
8. ADJOURN
There being no further business before Council, Mayor Phillips moved to adjourn the
regular meeting. The time was 08:47 p.m.
These minutes are only a summary of the proceedings of the meeting. They are not intended
to be comprehensive or to include each statement, person speaking or to portray with
complete accuracy. The most accurate records of the meeting are the audio of the meeting,
which is housed in the Town Clerk's office, and the video of the meeting, which is available at
www.highfivemedia.org.
APPROVED:
Mayor Amy Phillips
Tamra Underwood
Ruth Stanley
Lindsay Hardy
RJ Andrade
Rich Carroll
Chico Thuon
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RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Miguel Jauregui, a/anueva, Town Clerk