Loading...
TC Minutes 06-24-2025AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2025 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 via Zoom.us. Mayor Tamra N. Underwood called the June 24, 2025, Council Regular Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. A roll call was taken, and Councilors present in person were Chico Thuon, Ruth Stanley, Gary Brooks, Kevin Hyatt, Lindsay Hardy, Mayor Pro Tern Richard Carroll, and Mayor Tamra N. Underwood. They were joined via Zoom by Assistant Town Attorney Betsy Stewart and in person by Town Manager Eric Heil, Avon Police Deputy Chief Coby Cosper, Recreation Director Michael Labagh, Engineering Director Eva Wilson, Chief Cultural Officer Danita Dempsey, Fleet Manager Craig Wilmers, Chief Financial Officer Paul Redmond, Operations Manager Gary Padilla, Chief Administrative Officer Ineke de Jong, and Deputy Town Clerk Brenda Torres. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Video Start Time: 01:12 No changes were made to the agenda. Councilor Stanley motioned to approve the agenda, as presented. Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with a 7-0 vote of those present. 3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS Video Start Time: 01:36 Mayor Underwood asked if there were any conflicts of interest related to the agenda, and none were disclosed. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Video Start Time: 01:49 Mayor Underwood 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 added that the public comment section is intended for items not listed in the agenda, and participation by members of the public will be limited to 3 minutes, with an additional minute that may be granted at Council's discretion. She added that members of the public should address Council directly and should not expect a response as it is only intended as an opportunity and space for the public to provide input to Council. She asked if there was any public comment from those present in the room or virtually and requested that they spell their name and mention the neighborhood they reside in if they so choose to upon taking the podium. Ian Grask, Avon resident, commented in person. He said he was there on behalf of both Bravo! Vail Music Festival and the Town's CASE Committee. He talked about the Sinfonica de Mineria event, coming to Town this Thursday June 26th. He expressed gratitude to the Town Council for bringing world class music to the community and he explained the reservation system. 1 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2025 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Tim McMahon, Avon resident, commented in person. He expressed his concerns with kids riding a -bikes safely since he has seen kids disobeying the rules of the road and stop signs, with more raiders on their back, and not wearing helmets. He mentioned the speed limit sign on the 1-70 Eastbound where the speed drops from 75 mph to 65 mph is missing. Lastly, he gave a big shoutout to Master Sergeant Lovins with the Avon Police Department for following up to check if he was doing okay after an incident back in December and then helping him again last week when his car got hit. No more comments were made. Mayor Underwood asked to show a video from 9-News from this morning regarding the groundbreaking ceremony at the Early Childhood Education in Avon on Monday June 23`d. She expressed this is incredibly exciting and thanked the Vail Daily for the headline with front page photo as well. She said the ribbon cutting is expected to be around Labor Day 2026. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Video Start Time: 12:17 Mayor Underwood introduced the approval of the Consent Agenda to include the following: 5.1 Approval of June 10, 2025, Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Deputy Town Clerk Brenda Torres) Councilor Stanley motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilor Brooks seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 6-0 vote. Councilor Hardy abstained from the vote as she was absent on June 10tn 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 6.1. PRESENTATION: GENASYS ALERT SYSTEM (DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF COBY COSPER) Video Start Time: 12:55 Deputy Police Chief Cosper introduced this agenda item and Birch Barron, Director of Emergency Management in Eagle County, presented a live demo of the Genasys alert system and how it interacts within the Eagle County Public Safety Information webpage (ECemergency.org). He explained that people can sign up for EC Alerts through the ECalert.org page and download the Everbridge or the ReachWell applications, and that both applications will continue working the same but now there is a map up available and they do not have to necessarily know in which zone they are, but simply give in the address and it will show on the map if there is any emergency or evacuation alert in that area. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. 2 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2025 avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O 6.2. PRESENTATION: SALUTE TO THE USA AND ART IN AVON UPDATES CHIEF CULTURAL OFFICER DANITA DEMPSEY) Video Start Time: 29:28 Chief Cultural Officer Danita Dempsey provided some updates on the Salute to the USA 2025 event, including safety updates and enhancements for this year and the reimagined venue design with the food court on Lake Street and the Recreation Center West Parking Lot versus on the field, as in previous years. She mentioned that this year coolers are restricted into the venue for safety reasons, and she reminded everyone there are lots of opportunities for free transit after 4:00 pm with free event shuttle services from Eagle - Vail, Wildridge, and Edwards Freedom Park. All transit information is available on www.avon.org/salute. She said a third water station has been added. Next, Danita presented the Season's at Avon mural by Graham Carraway. She said 48 applicants were received for this project and it will take two weeks to complete. She talked about the 18 new sculptures that will be displayed around town through May 2027 and the new and updated digital art walking map and printed art map. She also reminded everyone to join an Art Walk in Avon in partnership with the Art Guild at Avon. The next walk is on Friday June 27th, with two more in July and two in August, while the last one is over Labor Day weekend. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. 6.3. PRESENTATION: PUBLIC OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT PROGRAM & SERVICES PUBLIC OPERATIONS MANAGER GARY PADILLA) Video Start Time: 37:54 Operations Division Manager Gary Padilla was joined by Steve Maestas and Omar Loya from the Operations Department to deliver his presentation on the Public Operations Department Program and Services. His presentation 'included a 5-yr history of the department, the department organization chart, programs and services, major year- round tasks, 2024 project highlights and 2025 projects, among other information. Gary responded to Mayor Pro Tern Carroll about the Styrofoam densifier, saying the department went from about 30 minutes to up to 4 hours of daily work now and they are close to completing a full pallet of melted Styrofoam in four months, and he responded to Councilor Thuon regarding the cost for asphalt crack sealings vs replacing asphalt. Lastly, in response to Mayor Underwood, he explained the difference between in-house versus hiring a contractor for different projects. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. 3 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAYJUNE 24, 2025 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO 6.4. PRESENTATION: FLEET DEPARTMENT PROGRAM & SERVICES FLEET MANAGER CRAIG WILMERS) Video Start Time: 58:09 Fleet Manager Craig Wilmers came to the podium to deliver his presentation on the Fleet Maintenance Department Program and Services, including different agencies and third parties they serve, rates, certifications, 2024-2025 revenues and expenditures, etc. He explained there are 24 different certifications needed to annually maintain the Blue Seal of Excellence award, which the Department received last fall. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll thanked Fleet for keeping up with all those certifications. In response to Councilor Stanley, Craig explained how the department prioritizes which vehicles they repair first. Mayor Underwood thanked Fleet for all of the hard work and amazing cost recovery in the last couple of years. Councilor Hardy mentioned that Mechanic Vern Velasquez is hosting the Cars in the Park event on August 24tn Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no were made. 6.5. ACTION: APPROVAL OF LIMITED SALES TAX REBATE AGREEMENT FOR ACE HARDWARE TOWN MANAGER ERIC HEIL) Video Start Time: 1:14:52 Town Manager Eric Heil provided an overview of the agreement for this new business in town and explained that the Town rarely does sales tax rebates, and there is not a set of rules or guidelines in place, but typical considerations by this Council and other communities is to support the business by providing a sales tax rebate and as an incentive for a business that was going to directly compete with existing businesses. He said the Town Attorney reviewed the agreement and explained that the Sales Tax Rebate agreement would allow a maximum rebate of $300,000 at the rate of 50% of sales tax actually received through the end of 2030. He said that filling this store should be positive for the Town financially and that he is excited to fill up a storefront that has been empty since 2013. Councilor Hardy expressed this shows incredible diligence and effort to get to this point as Mr. Christian had to negotiate with two different landlords. Councilor Stanley and Mayor Underwood expressed they are thrilled to fill this space in an active and vital way and bringing Ace Hardware to the Town of Avon is a huge benefit. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and Calyn Rieger, Avon resident, commented in person. He said this is a great idea and expressed full support for this. No other comments were made. 4 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2025 avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Councilor Thuon moved to approve the Sales Tax Rebate Agreement with Ace Home and Hardware LLC. Councilor Stanley seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with a 7-0 vote of those present. 6.6 ORDINANCE 25-08, FIRST READING: NOISE ABATEMENT ORDINANCE (ATTORNEY ERICA ROMBERG AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR MATT PIELSTICKER) Video Start Time: 1:22:51 Town Attorney Erica Romberg was present virtually to speak about the Noise Abatement Ordinance. Community Development Director Matt Pielsticker was present to answer Council questions. Councilor Hardy asked if the Town could suggest sound blankets and/or acoustic fencing and encourage or require them for large developments in town. Town Attorney Erica Romberg responded to Mayor Pro Tern Carroll about modifying the residential hours. She said she had a conversation with Chief Daly and the hours were modified from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for residential areas to fit in with what the Police Department has customarily been doing. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. Mayor Underwood asked if Section 8.44.050 (c) would be the right section to add that the Town can demand/require noise mitigations. Town Attorney Erica Romberg confirmed and also suggested having that as part of the construction permits. Councilor Brooks said that the applications can be reviewed and give the applicants a heads -up about this Ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll asked, besides construction noise, there would be concerns about residential noise like snow blowers, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers. Deputy Chief Cosper responded that the Police Department primarily receives residential complaints about loud music late at night and barking dogs. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll said he does not want to overregulate things that are not an issue now and suggested giving it another thought on the residential noise piece. Mayor Underwood asked about Motor Vehicle noise if there are noise complaints from OHV in Wildridge and if it needs to be regulated at this moment if there are no complaints right now. She made other suggestions in different sections, including exempting the exiting dog licensed kennels in addition to animal hospitals. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll suggested continuing the first reading and requested a red -lined version of this Ordinance. Mayor Underwood requested the Police Department to provide some information on noise complaints for the next reading and also to double-check the penalty is misdemeanor rather than a civil infraction part. 5 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAYJUNE 24, 2025 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORAD O Mayor Pro Tern Carroll motioned to continue first reading of Ordinance 25-08 Enacting a Noise Control Chapter in the Avon Municipal Code to a future meeting. Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with a 7-0 vote of those present. 6.7 ORDINANCE 25-12, FIRST READING: LIMITED SHORT TERM RENTAL CODE AMENDMENT (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR MATT PIELSTICKER) Video Start Time: 1:58:25 Community Development Director Matt Pielsticker presented this item, and he explained this is presented on first reading to add the limited STR (STR-L) terminology to the Avon Municipal Code as it was missing when the 2022 STR Ordinance passed. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. Councilor Hyatt moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 25-12 Amending Section 5.04.050 of the Avon Municipal Code to Define Short Term Rental Limited Licenses. Councilor Stanley seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with a 7-0 vote of those present. 6.8 ORDINANCE 25-13, FIRST READING: NATURAL MEDICINE REGULATION (ASSISTANT TOWN ATTORNEY BETSY STEWART AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR MATT PIELSTICKER) Video Start Time: 2:02:00 Assistant Town Attorney Betsy Stewart joined virtually and provided an overview of the topic and the history of the Natural Medicine Act. She reminded everyone of the temporary moratorium that Council passed in February 2025, followed by a work session on this topic in April 2025, a public hearing held at the PZC meeting in June 2025, and second reading will take place on July 22"d. She recommended adopting the version in today's packet. Town Manager Eric Heil said a larger map will be presented for second reading showing Rumpel Ridge Preschool and the new VVF Early Childhood Education Center that broke ground yesterday. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. Mayor Underwood asked to add the word "licensed" to childcare on page 106 and said that it is good to see the daily 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. rather than the more restrictive hours, and it is in line with other regulations in Town. Councilor Thuon asked about mobile physicians which Assistant Town Attorney Betsy Stewart said she will look into it for second reading. Councilor Hyatt corrected a typo. 6 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2025 ,avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Councilor Hyatt moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 25-13 Adopting a New Chapter 8.27 Regarding Local Regulation of Natural Medicine and Amending Section 7.24.040 Regarding Table of Allowed Uses. Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with a 7-0 vote of those present. 6.9 PRESENTATION: RECREATION CENTER SURVEY RESULTS (RECREATION DIRECTOR MICHAEL LABAGH) Video Start Time: 2:18:00 Recreation Director Michael Labagh presented the Recreation Center Survey results and showed comparisons of 2025 results to 2022 results. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll asked Michael about his thoughts on expanding operational hours and what the ideal hours would be. Michael said that expanding thirty minutes on either side of the day or even more over the weekends, but Staff will look at hours and project the cost to expand hours if desired. He mentioned he goes back and forth to determine if expanding the hours will alleviate the overcrowding or just extend the overcrowding. Mayor Underwood called for public comments and no comments were made. 7. WRITTEN REPORTS 7.1. April 101h Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority Summary (Mayor Underwood) 7.2. May 22"d Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority Summary (Mayor Underwood) 7.3. June 9th Planning & Zoning Commission Abstract (Development Coordinator Emily Block) 7.4. Monthly Financials (Senior Accountant Dean Stockdale) 7.5. Monthly Public Operations Report (Public Operations Manager Gary Padilla) 7.6. Bi-Monthly Sustainability Update (Sustainability Manager Charlotte Lin) 8. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS & MEETING UPDATES Video Start Time: 2:35:52 Mayor Pro Tem Carroll provided an update from the June 11th Core Transit meeting, saying that Core Transit passed a code of conduct and that Avon submitted a letter of support for HVAC updates at the Swift Gulch Facility and it passed unanimously. Councilor Stanley reminded everyone that tomorrow is AvonLIVE! And the gates open at 5:30. She also mentioned that Sinfonica de Mineria will perform this Thursday in Avon. Councilor Hardy reminded everyone that tomorrow is Bike To Work Day and there are two stations located in Avon where riders can pick up goodies and snacks. She encouraged people to participate. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2025 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O Mayor Pro Tern Carroll asked Council members if they received an email from Mountain Pact today asking if Avon is willing to do to try to convince the Senate or the Congress people in Washington DC not to sell our public lands and wondered if a resolution or ordinance should be passed if that would be helpful. Town Manager Eric Heil said just today he saw an article on this in the Summit newspaper, and if Council wants to authorize him and Mayor Underwood to work on a letter on behalf of Council, they can get that done tomorrow. Council members agreed. 9. ADJOURN There being no further business before Council, Mayor Underwood moved to adjourn the regular meeting. The time was 7:43 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. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: APPROVED: Mayor Underwood Rich Carroll Ruth Stanley Lindsay Hardy Chico Thuon Kevin Hyatt Gary Brooks 8 Brenda Torres, Deputy Town Clerk