TC Minutes 05-14-2024AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was hosted in a hybrid format, in -person at Avon Town Hall and virtually, using
Zoom.us. Mayor Amy Phillips called the May 14, 2024, Liquor Authority meeting to order at 5:00
p.m. and the Council regular meeting to order at 5:27 p.m. A roll call was taken, and Councilors
present were Rich Carroll, Lindsay Hardy, Mayor Pro Tern Tamra Underwood, and Mayor
Phillips. Councilors Chico Thuon, RJ Andrade, and Ruth Stanley were absent. Also present in
person were Town Manager Eric Heil, Deputy Town Manager Patty McKenny, Ms. Erica
Romberg in representation of Town Attorney Nina P. Williams, Chief Administrative Officer
Ineke de Jong, Avon Police Chief Greg Daly, CASE Manager Danita Dempsey, Community
Development Director Matt Pielsticker, Public Works Director Eva Wilson, and Deputy Town
Clerk Brenda Torres.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Video Start Time: 00:27:35
Mayor Phillips initiated the meeting with the Agenda approval process. She added item 5.0 to
show the 2024 State of the Town video. Mayor Pro Tern Underwood asked to not consider item
5.6 Ordinance 24-09 as a Public Hearing on First Reading since it was labeled as such on the
Council memo but not on the Agenda.
Councilor Thuon joined the meeting in person at 5:29 p.m.
Councilor Hardy made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended. Mayor Pro Tern
Underwood seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
Video Start Time: 00:29:32
Mayor Phillips asked if there were any conflicts of interest related to the Agenda, and none
were disclosed.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Video Start Time: 00:29:45
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 virtually.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES avon
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM c. L c F A _>
Keith Klesner, Eagle Resident, introduced himself and said he is running for re-election for Holy
Cross Energy Board. He briefly talked about the progress they have made in the last 3 years
since he has been on the Board. He reminded everyone to vote and asked for another vote to
be re-elected for one more term. He mentioned the ballots will be arriving any day now and
the Online voting is already open. He closed his comment by thanking Council for Avon's
collaboration and he announced that the annual meeting will take place at 4 Eagle Ranch on
June 6th. To RSVP, please visit HolyCross.com.
Sarah Smith Hymes, Avon Resident, encouraged everyone to vote at the Holy Cross Energy
Board Election in June. She provided an update on the Eagle County Commissioner race, two
Democratic candidates have made it to the June primary ballot. She explained ballots will be
mailed on June 3, according to their affiliated/unaffiliated party, and asked to please vote.
Lastly, she mentioned she visited the waste hauler recycling plant in Denver and expressed
recycling is definitely not a scam. She said that there are end -markets for the products that are
recycled, and the hauler has made a profit on recycled materials 59 out of 60 months in the last
5 years.
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
5.0. ADDED ITEM: 2024 STATE OF THE TOWN VIDEO
Video Start Time: 00:36:51
Marketing and Communications Manager Liz Wood presented the 2024 State of the Town
video. She expressed this year the format is different from other years, as it includes not
only the accomplishments of the prior year but also some of the priorities that Council has
set for Staff in the following year. She mentioned this video available at the Avon.org
website's homepage and it will be also played on High Five Access Media. Council thanked
Liz Wood for the great video.
5.1. PRESENTATION: SALUTE TO THE USA AWARDED BEST PUBLIC EVENT, FAIR OR FESTIVAL OF 2023 (TOWN
MANAGER ERIc HEIL)
Video Start Time: 00:43:00
Town Manager Eric Heil introduced a presentation on the Town's signature event Salute
to the USA, which has been awarded the ICON Award for Best Public Event, Fair or Festival
of 2023. Stephen Ridgway with Kaleidoscope Productions, Culture, Arts & Special Events
Manager Danita Dempsey, and Special Events Coordinator Chelsea Van Winkle were
present. Councilor Carroll, per Councilor Stanley's request, asked for a standing ovation
for Danita Dempsey and her Special Events team, and volunteers for all their time and
great efforts every year. Danita Dempsey thanked other Departments for their
cooperation and Council for the directions given to make this event successful. Council
took a photo with the team.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO
Town Manager Eric Heil then presented Danita Dempsey with the Vail Valley Partnership's
LEAD Eagle Certification. He said the LEAD Eagle Certification (Leadership Education and
Development) is awarded to individuals in Eagle County who show a commitment to their
leadership journey by completing the four courses (56 hours of training) on the LEAD Eagle
Pathway, and Danita Dempsey is the first person to graduate and receive this certification
in Eagle County.
5.2. FIRE MITIGATION & FIRE EVACUATION DRILL UPDATES, TOWN OF AVON WILDLAND FIRE PREPAREDNESS
MONTH PROCLAMATION AND EAGLE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS JOINT RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING MAY 2024 AS WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS MONTH (CHIEF OF POLICE GREG DALY AND FIRE
CHIEF KARL BAUER)
Video Start Time: 00:51:17
Police Chief Greg Daly introduced the annual evacuation exercise, which will take place on
May 241" and is in collaboration with various governmental entities, including Eagle County
Government, Eagle River Fire Protection District, Eagle County Wildfire Collaborative, and
Eagle Valley Wildland. Deputy Chief Coby Cosper then took Council through a presentation
on the evacuation drill exercise details and answered Council question.
Councilor Thuon asked if there is a phone number people can call to ask for evacuation
updates when they are not present. DC Cosper informed there is an evacuation shelter and
an evacuation center to provide/document information, plus the regular informative
resources such as EC Alerts and social media. Councilor Carroll read a comment from
Councilor Stanley, expressing that she likes the ReachWell App.
Division Fire Chief Hugh Fairfield -Smith gave a recap on the 2023 funds and contributions
and talked about the initiatives that the Eagle River Fire Protection District has for 2024,
including a Chipping Program that facilitates free curbside pickup of tree branches.
Mayor Phillips mentioned there are two Proclamations included in the packet, one for the
Town of Avon and another one for Eagle County. Mayor Pro Tem Underwood moved to
support both Proclamations, declaring May 2024 as Wildfire Preparedness Month.
Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
5.3. WORK SESSION: PRIMARY RESIDENCE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX (RETT) EXEMPTION REVIEW (FINANCE
MANAGER JOEL MCCRACKEN AND FINANCIAL ANALYST CHASE SIMMONS)
Video Start Time: 01:16:46
Financial Analyst Chase Simmons delivered his presentation on Primary Residence RETT
Exemptions. Council discussed different issues, including percentages and analysis.
Councilor Carroll expressed the numbers seem low and asked to have a consistent
methodology on how these exemptions are determined.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES avon
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C o ! "I P o
He suggested revisiting these exemptions at least every two years and supported bringing
back an ordinance for Council consideration. Councilor Thuon supported the increase.
Mayor Pro Tern Underwood also agreed with the numbers. She asked to move forward
with these numbers and requested to the Town Attorney to present a review/update every
even year as part of the Finance Department's goals. Councilor Hardy and Mayor Phillips
showed support as well.
Mayor Phillips asked to move forward and start tracking records for this and for the
Community Housing, to better understand how the amount of taxes waved is being
collected in comparison to how the overall transfer taxes are increasing.
As this was a work session, no action was taken by Council other than giving staff feedback
and direction, as requested.
5.4. WORK SESSION: COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY HOUSING UPDATE (TOWN MANAGER ERIc HEIL AND
HOUSING PLANNER PATTI LIERMANN)
Video Start Time: 01:35:19
Housing Planner Patti Liermann presented the different community housing programs and
the steps for community housing development and pilot partnership programs with the
County.
All Councilors present expressed support to proceed with approximately $12,000-$15,000
of design work for Avondale Apartments in order to submit an application for design
review to the Village Design Review Board.
Councilor Thuon, Councilor Hardy, and Councilor Carroll supported preparing a draft
Request for Proposal for Council review of the Slopeside property. Mayor Pro Tem
Underwood did not support, and she explained she would like to have an RFP for the
Wildwood Anex and the East Avon Preserve as she thinks these should be actively pursued.
Mayor Phillips was in favor of moving forward, with a strong emphasis on partnerships.
She then supported having an RFP for Wildwood too. Town Manager Eric Heil said he does
not foresee East Avon Preserve moving forward in the next several years because it
requires construction of a water storage tank.
All Councilors present expressed full support for the two pilot partnership programs with
Eagle County Housing & Development Authority to increase the Good Deeds buy -down
program and to extend Mi Casa Avon to Eagle -Vail. Councilor Carroll asked how often the
$850,000 maximum purchase price is updated.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024 Avon
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO
Patti Liermann said that it is the deed restriction cap, and if at some point the county
changes that, then the program would be readapted. Meghan Scallen, with the Eagle
County Housing & Development Authority, was present in person, and said there is a good
possibility to raise that amount, probably in the $1,200,000 break to keep up with the
housing market trends. Mayor Phillips closed this section saying Mi Casa Avon at Eagle -Vail
would be a better descriptor.
As this was a work session, no action was taken by Council other than giving staff feedback
and direction, as requested.
5.5. RESOLUTION 24-10: ADOPTING TOWN OF AVON EMPLOYEE HOUSING PLAN SUPPLEMENT (TOWN MANAGER
ERIC HEIL AND HOUSING PLANNER PATTI LIERMANN)
Video Start Time: 02:29:00
Housing Planner Patti Liermann presented the Town of Avon Employee Housing Plan,
including a summary of needs, goals, and strategies for ownership opportunities for Town
of Avon employees in 5-20 years. Town Manager Eric Heil mentioned it would be a fair
selection process, with a minimum of 1 year of full-time employment at Town of Avon for
eligibility and resale to Town employees via seniority ranking for full time employees.
Mayor Pro Tern Underwood pointed to add the word "Municipal" throughout.
Mayor Phillips called for public comments in person or virtually and no public comments
were made.
After deliberations, Mayor Pro Tern Underwood made a motion to approve Resolution 24-
10 Adopting the Town of Avon Employee Housing Plan and direct staff to implement the
Municipal Employee Homeownership Opportunity Program (EHOP) as presented.
Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
5.6. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 24-09: REZ24001; REZONING OF THE EAST AVON PRESERVE TO COMMUNITY
HOUSING (PLANNING MANAGER JENA SKINNER)
Video Start Time: 02:53:14
Planning Manager Jena Skinner explained this public notice was published twice as a public
hearing and labeled in the Council memo as such, but not on the agenda. There were
several questions from Council, which staff responded. Mayor Pro Tern Underwood said
because this is a very important piece of land and asset to build community housing, the
Town needs to move forward expeditiously and be actively working on developing this lot.
She mentioned she does not want to open a public hearing at this moment and requested
to do a field trip. She asked to invite the Engineering Department of Water and Sanitation
to talk about the water service.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Avon
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM _> L 0 F
Staff will schedule a 4:00 p.m. site visit for one of the next council meetings and reschedule
the public hearing for first reading.
5.7. WORK SESSION: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROGRAM UPDATES ON DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION (PUBLIC
WORKS DIRECTOR EVA WILSON)
Video Start Time: 03:21:07
Public Works Director Eva Wilson took Council through the CIP update presentation and
answered Council questions. She briefly talked about some of the facilities, parks, streets
and parking, drainage, and utilities projects. She mentioned there are currently 78
projects, and 9 of them are funded with grants.
Councilor Thuon asked to please check to the South of the 3000 block on Wildridge Road,
as he has noticed the ditch has eroded.
As this was a work session, no action was taken by Council other than giving staff feedback
and direction, as requested.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1. APPROVAL OFTHE APRIL 23, 2024, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (TOWN CLERK MIGUELJAUREGUI
CASANUEVA)
Video Start Time: 03:59:00
Councilor Thuon moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilor Hardy seconded
the motion. They were approved with a 4-0 vote, with Mayor Pro Tern Underwood
abstaining from voting based on her absence at that Council Meeting.
7. WRITTEN REPORTS
7.1. April 22nd Planning and Zoning Commission Abstract (Planner II Max Morgan)
7.2. Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority April 4, 2024 Meeting Summary (Mayor Pro Tern
Tamra Underwood)
7.3. Food Truck Permit Update (Special Events Coordinator Chelsea Van Winkle)
8. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS & MEETING UPDATES
Video Start Time: 03:59:41
Mayor Phillips reported that the Eagle Valley Transit Authority free transit starts this
coming Sunday the 191h, and some of the board members will ride the bus around noon in
costumes to go have lunch in Vail at La Cantina; she invited everyone to join.
Councilor Thuon requested to say a silent prayer for the young community member we
lost in recent weeks, Jackson Davis from Gypsum and for John Dinmore, whose Memorial
was celebrated last Sunday.
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AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Avon
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2024
HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM L c P n ,
Mayor Pro Tern Underwood reminded Council there is a special meeting for the Town
Manager evaluation next Tuesday May 21"
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business before Council, Mayor Phillips moved to adjourn the
regular meeting. The time was 09:02 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.hiQhfivemedio.org.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
i
Brenda Torres, Deputy Town Clerk
APPROVED:
Mayor Amy Phillips
Tamra Underwood
Ruth Stapl
---...ey
Lindsay Hardy
made
Rich Carroll
Chico Thuon