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TC Minutes 03-10-2026AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 . v O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM c o L o R n D o 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 March 10, 2026, to order at 5:00 p.m, At roll call, Councilors present in person were Chico Thuon, Gary Brooks, Ruth Stanley, Lindsay Hardy, Kevin Hyatt, Mayor Pro Tern Richard Carroll, and Mayor Tamra N. Underwood. Also present were Town Manager Eric Heil, Deputy Town Manager Patty McKenny, Chief Administrative Officer Ineke de Jong, 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, Planning Manager Jena Skinner, IT Director Andrew Bare, and Police Sergeant John Mackey. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Video Start Time: 00:00:22 Mayor Underwood opened consideration of the Agenda. Mayor Underwood requested that the Minutes from February 24, 2026, Council Meeting be pulled from the agenda for further review and approval at the March 24, 2026, Council Meeting. Councilor Thuon moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Councilor Stanley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. 3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS Video Start Time: 00:01:15 Mayor Underwood asked whether there were any conflicts of interest related to agenda items. None were disclosed. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Video Start Time: 00:01:35 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. Tim McMahon, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person. He stated that shortly after the installation of speed cameras in Avon, traffic appeared to slow; however, based on his observations, he does not believe this has remained the case and requested additional information regarding speeding in those areas. He also encouraged Council to consider hosting free concerts or other community activities during mud season to help keep residents connected, noting the importance of such efforts in furtherance of suicide prevention. Mr. McMahon further commented on the confusing condition of roadway striping along U.S. Highway 6 near the Eagle Bend Apartments and invited Council to drive the area to better understand the experience, No additional public comment was received in person or virtually. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Video Start Time: 00:04:50 Mayor Underwood introduced the Consent Agenda, which included: jaUFegUl aaeva) This item was removed from the Consent Agenda for further review at the March 24, 2026, Council Meeting. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES , TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 Av O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO 5.2. ACTION: Development Plan Extension — Lot 3 — Stonebridge Hotel (Planning Manager Jena Skinner) 5.3. ACTION: Draft Letter of Support to Office of Sen. Bennet for Forest Resources Accountability Act (Chief Administrative Officer Ineke de Jong) Councilor Thuon moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended, to remove Consent Agenda Item 5.1. Councilor Hyatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 6.1. PRESENTATION: Water Shortage Response and Education (Eagle River Water Sanitation District Government and Public Relations Manager Lauren Snyder) Video Start Time: 00:05:20 Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (ERWSD) General Manager Siri Roman delivered a presentation, joined at the podium by Water Resources Manager Tim Friday, Water Conservation Manager David Norris, and Government Affairs Supervisor Brian Thompson, Mayor Underwood thanked the presenters for attending the meeting in person. Tim Friday discussed snowpack levels (snow water equivalent), reservoir conditions, and runoff timing, noting that peak outdoor irrigation demand typically coincides with the lowest river flows. He explained that while current reservoir levels are sufficient to help supplement water supplies this year, consecutive years of drought could pose challenges, making current conservation efforts critical to future water security. David Norris reviewed ERWSD's tiered water pricing structure and presented data related to high water users in Avon. He explained the District's five water shortage stages, noting that the District is currently in a preventive stage and that conservation actions taken this year will affect conditions in future years. He further explained that ERWSD utilizes a five -tier increasing block rate structure, with lower tiers intended to cover essential indoor water use and progressively higher tiers designed to discourage excessive and discretionary outdoor water use. Tier 4 and Tier 5 customers, typically associated with high outdoor irrigation, may be subject to significantly higher rates and additional charges depending on declared water shortage stages. Mr. Norris noted that the District is aware of price insensitivity among some high -use customers and is evaluating additional conservation tools, including potential outdoor water shutoffs during extreme drought conditions. Councilor Brooks suggested adding 2018 consumption data to the 2026 consumption and snowpack forecast to improve comparability. Later, Councilor Brooks referenced a pilot program aimed at replacing nonfunctional turf with water -wise alternatives and suggested exploring collaboration with Mountain Star to implement water -wise landscaping that reduces water use, saves costs, and supports pollinators. Brian Thompson requested collaboration with the Town on water -related communications and asked for assistance strengthening enforcement of water scheduling regulations through civil infractions in the municipal code. He also suggested exploring maximum limits on cool -season turf for residential properties and expressed interest in working with the Town to codify such regulations. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 . v O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Mayor Underwood asked Town Manager Eric Heil about the Town's authority to regulate water use. Mr. Heil responded that under municipal law, the Town cannot impose fines beyond the general penalty. He noted that Avon is coordinating with the Town of Vail to pursue consistent regulations and intends to share findings with Eagle County, acknowledging that home rule municipalities have greater regulatory flexibility, Councilor Stanley shared a personal experience with a sprinkler malfunction the previous year and encouraged residents to monitor their water bills, including those on autopayment. At the Mayor's request, David Norris described the Water Smart Program, which allows customers to monitor water use in real time, and discussed a pilot program involving meter upgrades that can restrict water flow. Councilor Stanley asked when ERWSD would return to present to Council; Mr. Norris responded that a follow-up presentation would occur after the summer season. She also asked when the new water schedule would be released, and he stated it would be included with the May billing cycle. Mayor Underwood opened the floor to public comment. Margaret Pacienza, an Avon resident, spoke in person and asked whom to contact when water leaks or sprinkler malfunctions are observed in Town. She requested that a phone number be posted on the Town's website. Mr. Norris responded that ERWSD will provide a complaint form on its website (erwsd.org) under the "Customer" or "My Water" tab and that concerns can also be reported through ERWSD Customer Service Department. He stated ERWSD would remain in contact with the Town regarding any reported leaks. No additional public comment was received in person or virtually. Mayor Underwood asked Town Manager Eric Heil whom the public should contact regarding observed water waste on public property. Mr. Heil advised that such reports would fall under Public Operations and that additional information would be provided. Planning Manager Jena Skinner addressed Council in person to discuss limitations on artificial turf in Avon and invited the public to engage with the Planning Department regarding turf replacement. Mayor Underwood opened the floor to public comment. Tim McMahon, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person to ask how renters could also be encouraged to conserve water. No additional public comment was received in person or virtually. Staff responded that conservation messaging will be distributed through multiple channels, including communications to homeowners' associations and property managers, and through partnerships with CDOT using 1-70 variable message signs. As this item was a presentation to Council, no motion was requested, and Council provided feedback to ERWSD staff. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES , TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 Av O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO 6.2. PUBLIC HEARING (QUASI-JUDICIAL): MJR25003 I DEB25001 The Summit at Avon (Planning Manager Jena Skinner) Video Start Time: 00:56:56 Mayor Tamra N. Underwood re -opened the public hearing for The Summit at Avon (Lot B) and outlined the structure of the hearing, the anticipated timeline for potential action, and a summary of prior Council review. Planning Manager Jena Skinner introduced the continued quasi-judicial public hearing for the Major Development Plan and Development Bonus applications and presented an overview of the updated proposal for development within the Town Center. Ms. Skinner stated this was the third public hearing for the Major Development Plan and that revisions included updates to certain architectural treatments, adjustments related to parking for community housing units, revised proposed conditions, and consideration of a potential on -site car -sharing program. Ms. Skinner was joined at the podium by representatives of the applicant team, including Alan Simpson and Don Simpson of Grand Peaks Development; Andrew Lane of Zehren and Associates; and members of the project's civil, engineering, and architectural design teams, including IMEG. Alan Simpson provided a presentation consistent with the applicant's February 10, 2026 presentation and proceeded with additional updates. Andrew Lane presented updates regarding architectural elements since February 10, 2026. Ms. Skinner stated staff believed the updated proposal addressed Council feedback from the prior meeting and invited questions from Council. Council discussion included questions from Councilor Hardy regarding design details, including corbels and gables, and related rationale. Mayor Underwood invited Don Simpson to address the proposed car -sharing concept. Mr. Simpson described the concept as a potential pilot program and stated the applicant would consider subsidizing the program during an initial pilot period to evaluate usage and viability. Mayor Underwood asked Mr. Simpson to address why the applicant could not increase parking for the community housing component. Mr. Simpson stated that increasing parking for those units would reduce efficiency and impact the project's overall parking ratios. He further referenced coordination with Vail Health regarding anticipated reliance on public transportation for deed -restricted units and stated that the original surface parking concept was developed through negotiations related to retail parking needs, including relocating certain spaces from the garage to surface parking. Mayor Underwood asked the applicant to clarify parking spaces described as 'restored' rather than newly constructed, including discussion regarding 11 spaces and the broader parking arrangement intended to provide a total of 80 spaces for Avon Center through reciprocal easements. Alan Simpson and Don Simpson provided additional clarification regarding the parking changes, including that certain spaces would be temporarily suspended during construction and reactivated upon completion as part of the parking arrangement. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES , TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 ,oiv O n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Mayor Underwood asked about the dwelling -unit configuration for the 16 community housing units anticipated for Town purchase (of 20 total community housing units). Mr. Simpson stated the specific unit configurations had not yet been determined. Mayor Underwood asked Ms, Skinner to summarize changes to the proposed conditions reflected in the packet (including revisions on pages 32-33). Ms. Skinner stated revisions included, among other items, updated language providing Town review/approval related to the mural. Mayor Underwood asked Town Manager Eric Heil about the timing and financing considerations for the Town's purchase of 16 community housing units and other contemplated expenditures referenced in the staff packet. Mr. Heil stated staff had begun preliminary discussions with lenders and that timing would depend on project permitting and financing milestones. He stated staff anticipated greater clarity on financing later in 2026 and described the intent to structure the Town's participation to protect the Town's financial position, including through provisions in a development agreement. He also discussed that certain components could be eligible for tax-exempt financing. Mayor Underwood requested clarification regarding the timing and adoption of a parking management agreement between the properties. Mr. Heil stated the agreement had not yet been reviewed and anticipated it would be addressed later in the process, noting the Town's interest in ensuring the agreement is functional. Councilor Hardy asked staff questions regarding parking ratios for comparable properties and the proposed project, including questions regarding employee/staff parking allocation. Staff responded that the proposal included 180 parking spaces for 164 residential units and that staff/employee parking allocation was limited. Councilor Hardy asked questions regarding the affordability metrics and requested rent estimates associated with 120% AMI; staff provided example rent figures. The applicant team presented updated project information and renderings and described challenges associated with developing the remaining undeveloped parcel in the Avon Town Center. Mayor Underwood opened the public hearing to public comment. Tim McMahon, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person. He stated that, in his view, the proposed rents did not appear affordable and questioned whether 120% AMI is an appropriate metric for local wages, particularly for single -income households. Brett Hooper, a local business owner, addressed Council. He stated that the proposed parking supply was insufficient and expressed concern that spillover parking could affect surrounding businesses and the Town Center. Ian Grask, an Avon resident, addressed Council. He stated that the discussed rent levels were high and expressed concern that AMI-based pricing would not produce housing affordable for local renters. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES , ` TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Dan Griffith, an Avon resident, addressed Council and read comments into the record regarding the Avon Center Board's authority and approval requirements under its governing documents. He stated that agreements affecting undivided interests in common elements would require approval by a supermajority of owners and expressed concern that the parking arrangement would reduce parking and property value for Avon Center owners. Ellen Crosby, an Avon resident, addressed Council. She stated that Avon Center owners were not opposed to development of Lot B, but expressed concern regarding loss of parking and disputed statements that Avon Center is overparked. Chris Doyle, an Avon businessowner, addressed Council. He stated that parking is a concern but encouraged a holistic approach to allow the project to proceed and expressed a desire for creative solutions to balance parking needs. Tony Emrick, an Avon resident, addressed Council on behalf of the Avon Center HOA Board. He stated that the agreement involves easements and that, in his view, it does not constitute a loss of land. He stated that the HOA had followed legal guidance and that the agreement is already in escrow. Tom Crosby, an Avon resident, addressed Council virtually. He provided background on parking entitlements and stated that, while he intended to address certain authorization concerns internally with Avon Center, he discouraged Council from approving the proposed parking plan. Rob Tartre, an Avon resident, addressed Council virtually. He expressed concerns regarding affordability and parking and stated disagreement with certain assertions regarding the reasons prior proposals did not proceed. He requested that the Town ensure Avon Center owners are appropriately included in decisions and approvals related to parking management arrangements. Margaret Pacienza, an Avon resident, addressed Council in person. She encouraged Council to approve the proposal and stated that the Town should pursue additional overflow parking solutions. No additional public comment was received in person or virtually. Don Simpson addressed Council in rebuttal. He stated that parking has been a principal challenge to developing the site and stated the applicant had worked with the Avon Center HOA and relied on legal review regarding authority to enter the parking arrangement. Council entered deliberations. Councilor Hardy expressed concerns regarding the lack of affordability at 120% AMI and the project's parking impacts, including potential spillover parking and conflicts within the Avon Center Homeowners Association. She also raised concerns related to certain architectural and design elements, as well as proposed conditions, and stated that she did not support the proposal. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES , ` TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 avo n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO Councilor Thuon stated that the parking issue is a civil matter between private parties and their association and expressed support for the project, noting that the applicant returned with revisions responsive to prior feedback. He expressed concern that if the project did not proceed, development could be delayed for an extended period and affirmed his support for the project. Councilor Hyatt stated that parking is a significant issue but expressed support for the proposal and characterized the parking arrangement as a positive development after many years. He stated he supported the project. Councilor Brooks discussed parking trends and code updates and discussed the AMI reference point. He encouraged the Town to continue pursuing options to provide units at 100% AMI and stated support for the proposal's public benefit components and development bonus. Councilor Stanley expressed support for the project overall and stated parking remained her primary concern. She requested clarification regarding how parking would operate. Don Simpson stated that residents would have the ability to rent assigned spaces, that management of the Avon Center spaces would be determined by Avon Center, and that any unrented spaces could be used for guest or occupant parking. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll thanked staff, the applicant, and the public. He stated the site is complex and indicated that, while he believed review criteria had been met, he remained concerned about parking and affordability and encouraged continued efforts to improve affordability. He stated his support. Mayor Underwood requested that Town Attorney Nina Williams address, based on public comment, measures to reduce the risk of the Town becoming involved in private litigation related to Avon Center. Mayor Underwood expressed concerns regarding affordability at 120% AMI and the Town's contemplated financial participation and suggested exploring a lower AMI target with a potentially adjusted unit count while maintaining the Town's investment cap. She also requested additional concessions related to parking, including no -cost parking for deed -restricted units, a car -sharing pilot program with a minimum duration of five years, preservation of Bob's Place patio, and revisions to certain proposed conditions and public benefit elements. Councilor Brooks suggested staff explore additional surface parking opportunities, including potential partnerships, as an interim strategy until a structured parking solution is feasible. Mayor Pro Tern Carroll summarized the following additional conditions discussed during Council deliberations and identified as consensus direction from Council: Explore a housing affordability target of 100% AMI or lower, with a potentially reduced unit count, while maintaining a Town investment cap of $4,000,000. • Provide no -cost parking for deed -restricted units. • Prepare a development agreement by August 31, 2026. Councilor Thuon moved to approve MJR25003 I DEB25001, The Summit at Avon, based on the proposed findings and with the additional conditions summarized by Mayor Pro Tern Carroll. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ` ` TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 avo n HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AvON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM c o L o R A o 0 Councilor Hyatt seconded the motion. The motion passed by a 6-1 vote, with Councilor Hardy voting nay. 7. WRITTEN REPORTS 7.1. February 23rd Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes (Development Coordinator Emily Block) 7.2. Bi-Monthly Sustainability Update (Sustainability Manager Charlotte Lin) 8. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS & MEETING UPDATES Video Start Time: 03:50:10 Mayor Pro Tern Carroll invited the public to attend the CORE Transit meeting scheduled for the following day or to watch the meeting on High Five Access Media. Councilor Brooks reminded the public of the upcoming Eagle River Coalition Community Pride Highway Cleanup event and encouraged participation through the organization's website, noting that reduced snow cover has made litter more visible throughout Town. Town Manager Eric Heil added that Public Works Director Mike Jackson and his team had already begun cleanup efforts earlier that day. Councilor Brooks also congratulated Sustainability Manager Charlotte Lin on her written report, which Mayor Underwood likewise acknowledged and commented on its length. Councilor Hardy announced that the final showing of the Walking Mountains Sustainable Film Series for the season is scheduled for April 7, 2026, noting that the series focuses annually on climate and environmental topics, and invited Council and the public to attend. She also stated that the Vail Valley Partnership hosted an event in Avon the previous month and described the organization's efforts to bring businesses and community members together. Councilor Hardy invited Council and the public to attend the next Vail Valley Partnership mixer scheduled for March 18 in Eagle Vail. Mayor Underwood noted that CDOT was working on traffic signal improvements and requested an update at the March 24, 2026, Council Meeting, to include review of the Village at Avon Development Agreement. She stated that the meeting packet is anticipated to be available by the end of the week, approximately one week in advance of the meeting, to allow Council and the public additional time for review. Councilor Hardy reminded Council to avoid ex-parte communications and noted that public comment should be provided in writing by email to Council or in person during the meeting. 9. ADJOURN There being no further business before Council, Mayor Underwood moved to adjourn the regular meeting. The time was 08:57 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.hiphfivemedia.orp. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 Avon HYBRID MEETING; IN -PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIRTUALLY THROUGH ZOOM COLORADO RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Miguel Jauregui Cas�Xva, Town Clerk APPROVED: Mayor Underwood ZU _