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TC Minutes 02-24-2026AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2026 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was held in a hybrid format, in person at Avon Town Hall and virtually via Zoom. Mayor Tamra N. Underwood called the Regular Council Meeting of February 24, 2026, to order at 5:00 p.m. At rollcall, Councilors present in person were Chico Thuon, Ruth Stanley, Lindsay Hardy, Kevin Hyatt, Mayor Pro Tern Richard Carroll, and Mayor Tamra N. Underwood. Councilor Gary Brooks attended virtually. Also present were Town Manager Eric Heil, Deputy Town Manager Patty McKenny, Town Attorney Nina Williams, Town Clerk Miguel Jauregui Casanueva, Finance Director Paul Redmond, Recreation Director Michael Labagh, Engineering Director Eva Wilson, Community Development Director Matt Pielsticker, IT Director Andrew Bare, and Police Chief Greg Daly. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Video Start Time: 00:01:10 Mayor Underwood opened consideration of the Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll moved to approve the agenda as presented. Councilor Hardy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. 3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS Video Start Time: 00:02:50 Mayor Underwood asked whether there were any conflicts of interest related to agenda items. None were disclosed. Mayor Underwood noted that, although not a conflict, she received mailed notice of the public hearing for Item 5.1 as a resident within 300 feet of the subject property. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Video Start Time: 00:03:30 Mayor Underwood explained the public comment process, noting that comments could be provided in person, via Zoom, by telephone, or by email. Public comment was limited to items not listed on the agenda, with a three -minute time limit per speaker and an additional minute at Council's discretion. Jason Boston, an Eagle County resident, addressed Council in person, announced his candidacy for Eagle County Sheriff, and provided his professional background. Tim McMahon, an Eagle County resident, attempted to provide public comment but was unable to due to technical difficulties. No additional public comment was received in person or virtually. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Video Start Time: 00:09:15 Mayor Underwood introduced the Consent Agenda, which included: 5.1. ACTION: Approval of February 10, 2026, Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Town Clerk Miguel Jauregui Casanueva) 5.2. RESOLUTION 26-03: Approving 2026 Special Events for Administrative Approval (Chief Cultural Officer Danita Dempsey) 5.3. ACTION: Authorization to prepare Building Code Updates (Community Development Director Matt Pielsticker) Mayor Pro Tern Carroll moved to approve the Consent Agenda as modified to add to the scope of Building Code Updates consideration of Appendix D of the International Fire Code (within Item 5.3). Councilor Hyatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0, AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2026 avo n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 6.1. PUBLIC HEARING (QUASI-JUDICIAL): ORDINANCE 26-02, First Reading: PUD23002 VPR23001 Village at Avon PUD Amendment & Vested Rights Extension (Community Development Director Matt Pielsticker) Video Start Time: 00:13:00 Mayor Underwood reopened the public hearing on Ordinance 26-02. Community Development Director Pielsticker presented an overview of the Village at Avon Planned Unit Development Amendment and Vested Property Rights Extension request. Council considered supplemental information and updates to the application, which represented the third Council public hearing and the fifth overall hearing including Planning and Zoning Commission review. Significant changes had occurred since the January 27, 2026, hearing. Application materials were included in the February 24, 2026, Council packet. Mayor Underwood directed the Town Clerk to republish the Council packet with a public comment addendum to include two written comments received after packet publication. Representatives for the applicant Traer Creek LLC, including Michael Lindholm, Marcus Lindholm, and Allison Kent, presented in person. Council had questions including regarding community housing, height reductions, development bonuses, short-term rentals, engineering grades, fire code implications, water tank triggers, vested rights, and unit distribution. Mayor Underwood opened the public hearing to public comment. The following public comments were received: Kathleen Walsh, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person and stated that she had submitted a written letter. She acknowledged that the Town has worked hard but expressed concern that Traer Creek offered a half -acre conveyance in an effort to advance the amendment after 28 years. She stated that past development outcomes, including Home Depot and Walmart, did not reflect what was originally promised, and that anticipated changes had not materialized. She added that the Town remains responsible for employee housing, which she felt the applicant was taking credit for, and urged Council to deny the PUD amendment, stating that she did not believe it would provide a public benefit. Thomas Walsh, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person in opposition to the PUD amendment, stating that it should have been completed previously. He asserted that density was being rearranged rather than reduced and that the proposal did not reflect the original vision for the area. He spoke about trust, noting that the level of engagement observed at this hearing had not occurred previously, and stated that a half -acre conveyance was insufficient. He emphasized that community housing is an obligation rather than a gift and stated that the Town has other tools to shape growth. He asked Council to reject the amendment and hold the developer to prior commitments. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2026 Av O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Amy Phillips, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person and thanked Council for explaining the complexity of the proposed water infrastructure. She stated that the Town is planning for significant density over the next 20 years, including multiple large developments that could more than double the Town's footprint and visual impact. She encouraged Council to avoid repetitive high -density urban forms and to promote greater diversity of development on the valley floor. She stated that several aspects of the proposal represented steps in the right direction and noted that the Preserve area represents approximately one-third of Miller Ranch, or just under 300 units. She expressed general support for the Town's current direction. Brent Dorfman addressed Council in person and stated that he is familiar with the developer. He expressed the view that the applicant had met the Town's requests and that Council should give weight to staffs analysis and recommendations. Graham Frank, an Eagle County resident and Frontgate owner, addressed Council in person and stated that Council and staff had thoroughly analyzed the application, including the numerous amendment items. He expressed support for development that involves balanced compromises and stated that, based on his review, the applicant had responded to Council and staff direction between application iterations. He acknowledged the public comments but stated that, in his experience, Town staff had conducted an exceptional review process and recommended approval based on negotiated tradeoffs. Bette Todd, an Avon resident, addressed Council virtually. She stated that height and density issues had been addressed to her satisfaction and asked how future PUD amendments would be handled if height changes were requested. She also stated that she believed the fire code issues had been resolved through a public process and expressed concern about amending the fire code without additional public input. No additional public comment was received in person or virtually. Following the close of public comment, Council entered deliberations on individual PUD Amendment items, the Vested Rights Extension request and discussed their review criteria. Height, density, community housing, short-term rentals, and subdivision were among the Council's review and discussion. Amendment Items 1-3 (re Community Housing): Council discussed review criteria (i), (ii), and (iii), with particular focus on height reductions and the community housing proposals. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll stated that review criteria (i)—(iii) were the most challenging but supported Amendment Items 1-3. Councilors Stanley, Thuon, Hyatt, and Brooks expressed support for Items 1-3, noting the proposed height reductions. Councilor Hardy supported Items 1 and 3 but opposed Item 2, stating that Lot CH-1 would be more appropriate for educational use rather than community housing. Mayor Underwood expressed support for reduced height and stated that in Item 1 further information was needed regarding affordability levels and price caps for deed -restricted units in the Village at Avon. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES A TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2026 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORAD O Amendment Item 4 (re Development Bonus): After deliberation, Council respectively expressed that they were in favor of the development bonus amendment. Amendment Item 5 (re Short -Term Rental Overlays): Council discussed short-term rental limits, particularly within Planning Area A (PA -A). Councilors Thuon and Stanley supported the proposal. Councilor Hyatt expressed concern regarding the STIR cap in PA -A. Councilor Hardy opposed the item, stating she did not support additional STIR overlays beyond use -by -right allowances. Councilor Brooks expressed general support, noting many units function as condo -hotels and supported limiting STRs in PA -A. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll stated that STRs provide community benefit and supported the proposal. Mayor Underwood stated she sought balance and supported a more neighborhood -oriented approach for PA -A, suggesting a lower percentage cap or perhaps limited STR licenses within 250' of the railroad tracks. Amendment Item 6 (re Engineered Grade): After deliberations, a majority of Council expressed they were in favor. Amendment Item 7: Request withdrawn by co -applicants prior to public meeting. Amendment Item 8 (re PA -A Height Increase): Councilors Hardy, Carroll, Stanley, Hyatt, Thuon, and Brooks expressed they were in favor of this amendment. Mayor Underwood opposed the item and requested further limitation related to the number of floors. Amendments 9,10,11,12,13 & 14: Request withdrawn by co -applicants prior to public meeting. Amendment Item 15 (re PA-J Front Setback): Council expressed unanimous support. Amendment Item 16 (re PA-J Height Increase): Councilors Hyatt, Brooks, Stanley, Carroll, Thuon, and Hardy expressed they were in favor of this Amendment, with a maximum of 5-stories. Mayor Underwood opposed the Amendment, citing concern with the proposed 60-foot height on the east side of PA-J. Amendment Item 17: Request withdrawn by co -applicants prior to public meeting. Amendment Item added under number 19 (re Subdivision Review): Council expressed unanimous support. Mayor Underwood noted that the item had been raised during the public hearing but was not included in the original list of 18 amendment items and was deliberated prior to Amendment Item 18. At 8:57 p.m., Council recessed for a ten-minute break and resumed the meeting at 9:07 p.m. Amendment Item 18 (re Vested Rights Extension): Council deliberated on the proposed vested rights extension with discussion focused on the northern hillside water system infrastructure timing, trigger mechanisms, and performance -based vesting. Councilors Thuon, Hardy, Hyatt, Stanley, and Brooks expressed support for the extension citing the phased development approach, clarification AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2026 Av O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO regarding water infrastructure timing, and the importance of ensuring housing does not outpace infrastructure. Councilor Brooks emphasized the complexity and long lead times associated with water tank design and construction and supported the proposed 2039 funding commitment as an appropriate safeguard and trigger. Councilor Stanley supported the extension while suggesting the inclusion of interim benchmarks or progress reporting. Mayor Underwood supported an extension with performance vesting but raised the need for more nuanced trigger mechanisms beyond funding by 2039, including coordination with the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District and assurance to the Town of Avon related to access and easements for Planning Area J in order to access its East Avon Preserve. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll opposed the extension stating that the proposed trigger tied to a single future date lacked sufficient precision and refinement. Following discussion, Council expressed a 6-1 majority in support of the vested rights extension, subject to refinement of performance -based and infrastructure -related trigger mechanisms, with Mayor Pro Tern Carroll opposed. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll moved to approve Ordinance 26-02 on first reading and to schedule the second reading public hearing for March 24, 2026, with direction for the co -applicants to return with a revised proposal addressing Council's concerns pending approval of a 30-day extension. The co - applicants formally consented to a 30-day extension through April. Councilor Hardy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 7-0. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll thanked staff and the applicant for their collaborative work and emphasized the importance of precise legal documentation. 6.2. ACTION: Approval of Ticketed Fall Bluegrass Music Festival (Chief Cultural Officer Danita Dempsey) Video Start Time: 04:15:20 Chief Cultural Officer Dempsey presented a proposal to host the Freefall Bluegrass Festival, a three-day ticketed music festival, at Harry A. Nottingham Park and the Avon Pavilion on October 9- 11, 2026. Festival promoter Diane Moody joined the meeting virtually to answer questions. Staff outlined the proposed partnership, including $83,000 in direct Town support and approximately $12,100 in in -kind services, The Town would recover costs through bar revenue and a $5 per ticket per day Avon fee. The event is anticipated to draw more than 5,000 attendees per day. Council discussed event timing, logistics, sanitation, and community impacts. No public comment was received. Council expressed support for the event, noting the selected dates, pricing, and anticipated community benefits. Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with the festival. 7. WRITTEN REPORTS 7.1. January 20th Health & Recreation Committee Draft Meeting Minutes (recreation Director Michael Labagh) 7.2. February 2nd Joint DDAICASE Committee Draft Meeting Minutes (Special Events Coordinator Emily Dennis) 7.3. Capital Improvement Plan 2025 Summary (Engineering Director Eva Wilson) AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES , TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2026 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM C O L O R A D O 8. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS & MEETING UPDATES Video Start Time: 04:29:10 Councilor Stanley reported on discussions regarding a forthcoming curbside composting program for Avon, anticipated to launch in March 2026 in partnership with regional waste service providers. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll reported on a February 11 CORE Transit meeting, noting system performance at approximately 99% efficiency. Mayor Underwood shared highlights from a Youth Power field trip held in Council Chambers and noted interest in scheduling a future event. 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION Video Start Time: 04:33:15 Mayor Underwood requested a motion from her fellow councilors to proceed into Executive Session. Councilor Hyatt motioned to retire into Executive Session: 9.1. For the purpose of the purchase and acquisition of real estate pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(a) and for the purpose of determining negotiating positions, developing strategy for negotiations, and instructing negotiators pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(e)(i) concerning a potential acquisition of property for Community Housing (Town Manager Eric Heil) Councilor Hardy seconded the motion, which carried unanimously with a 7-0 vote. The time was 09:45 p.m. At Executive Session roll call, all members of Council were present as indicated above except for Councilor Brooks who was absent. Also present were Town Manager Eric Heil, Deputy Town Manager Patty McKenny, and Town Attorney Nina Williams. The Executive Session commenced at 9:53 p.m. The Executive Session adjourned at 10:05 p.m. 10. ADJOURN There being no further business before Council, Mayor Underwood moved to adjourn the regular meeting. The time was 10:05 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: 1/al-� Miguel Jaureg C sanueva, Town Clerk APPROVED: Mayor Underwood