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TC Minutes 04-23-2020 AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was hosted in a virtual format, using Zoom.us. Mayor Smith Hymes called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. A roll call was taken, and Council members present by video/audio were Amy Phillips, Tamra Underwood, Scott Prince, Jennie Fancher, Jake Wolf, and Chico Thuon. Also present were Town Attorney Paul Wisor, Police Chief Greg Daly, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager Ineke de Jong, Town Manager Eric Heil, and Town Clerk Brenda Torres. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Video Start Time: 00:00:36 Town Manager Eric Heil proposed to review the Eagle County Public Health orders. Mayor Smith Hymes added it as item 5.1.1. Councilor Fancher moved to approve the agenda as amended. Mayor Pro Tem Phillips seconded the motion and the motion passed on a vote of 6 to 1. Councilor Wolf voted no. 3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS Video Start Time: 00:03:00 No conflicts of interest were disclosed. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Video Start Time: 00:03:10 Mayor Smith Hymes explained to the public how to participate via video/audio or via phone or via email for public comments. No public comments were made. 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.1. REVIEW OF GLENNA GOODACRE’S BRONZE ART IN AVON (CASE MANAGER DANITA DEMPSEY) Video Start Time: 00:04:56 Cultural, Arts and Special Events Manager Danita Dempsey presented the Power Point presentation in the packet. Councilor Underwood expressed how pleased she is on how Glenna Goodacre’s work is now displayed at the street level for the community to enjoy. 5.1.1. ADDED ITEM: REVIEW OF THE EAGLE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS Video Start Time: 00:14:05 Town Manager Eric Heil and Council discussed the update of the Eagle County Public Health orders to be effective on Monday April 27, 2020. Town Manager Eric Heil mentioned there is some clarity on what can open and what cannot open, but there is deference to incorporating protocols which may not be fully defined at this time. To his understanding, both at a county level and state level there will be very strong deference to individual responsibility, and that is part of the message that Avon wants to send out, along with strongly advising people to wear face coverings in public. The message is still that it is better to stay at home when you can and when in public to wear face coverings. Eric Heil talked about the three different phases, with the first phase of business opening anticipated to be 4 to 8 weeks long and said we won’t know how well it is working for 2 to 3 weeks until we start to see what the impact is on rate of infections. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE Mayor Smith Hymes pointed out that County Commissioner McQueeney commented in the televised conference that we will not be opening up to tourists, it is a resident-only community opening. Town Manager Eric Heil explained the two critical points criteria for reopening, having at least 2 weeks of reduced rate of infection and having a enough testing, which includes ability to do contact tracing, and Eagle County has met these criteria. Councilor Thuon mentioned that no new COVID-19 cases were reported yesterday and there are zero cases in the hospital. Councilor Fancher said that people might not know where to get masks and there are local people making them, so we might purchase from them at a reasonable price. The more available they are, and the more people wear them, the less people will fuss. Town Manager Eric Heil is having conversations with the manager group on making bins of masks available at transit. Councilor Underwood mentioned when in their communications Public Health Director Heath Harmon asked to call them face coverings, not masks, as masks would imply the surgical and N95 types. Councilor Wolf and Town Manager Eric Heil talked about the renter’s situation and mentioned the Avon Renters Forum to be hosted on Monday April 27, 2020 at 5:00 pm. Mayor Smith Hymes said there will be an update on the County Public Health order at tomorrow’s Avon Business Forum at 3:00 pm. She called for public comments and no public comments were made. Councilor Wolf suggested an idea to have a reward for the community after phase 1 and have a gathering, with all rules applied, in the park with some music. 5.2. RESOLUTION TO AWARDING AVON COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC (COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ELIZABETH WOOD) Video Start Time: 00:34:03 Communications Manager Elizabeth Wood and Town Manager Eric Heil presented an update to Council. The Committee felt that the Salvation Army had the greatest reach and had the best organiz ation to get relief funds out, focus ed on rent and utilities and food. Town Manager Eric Heil said the Committee will meet on Monday and they will get a recommendation for Council on the April 28, 2020 meeting. Councilor Prince asked if it is p ossible to have Tsu Wolin with the Salvation Army to be present to talk to Council at the next meeting. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE Councilor Underwood had a comment to make but she had difficulties with her audio. Her audio was clear at the time of voting. She later connected via telephone. Mayor Smith Hymes called for public comments and no public comments were made. Mayor Pro Tem Phillips moved to approve Resolution 20 -10, Concerning the Allocation of COVID-19 Grant Funding. Councilor Fancher seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. 5.3. DISCUSSION OF AVON BUSINESS RELIEF (TOWN MANAGER ERIC HEIL) Video Start Time: 00:44:56 Town Manager Eric Heil provided an update on the Avon business relief and gave an overview on what other towns have done. Mayor Smith Hymes said that May will be interesting for businesses since it is typically a very slow month and said that the Town has tried to help our businesses by connecting them with programs like the Avon Business Forums and the Meal Voucher Program. She mentioned she received an email from the Mayor of Aspen saying he would like to copy Town of Avon’s Meal Voucher Program because it is such a great idea. Council agreed to take another look towards the end of May to see what the need is at that point. 5.4. RESOLUTION 20-11 – WALKING MOUNTAINS SCIENCE CENTER COMMUNITY HOUSING – WAIVER OF TAXES AND FEES (TOWN ATTORNEY PAUL WISOR) Video Start Time: 00:59:57 Planning Director Matt Pielsticker presented. Markian Feduschak joined the meeting on behalf of Walking Mountains Science Center, thanked Council for considering this Resolution, and answered questions from Council. Mayor Smith Hymes called for public comments and no public comments were made. Councilor Prince moved to approve Resolution 20-11 Authorizing the Waiver of Sales Tax Applicable to the Walking Mountains Science Center Community Housing Project and the Waiver and Refund of the Building Permit Fee Applicable to Such Project. He added, as clarification of his motion, to change the amount to waive the Sales Tax not to exceed $30,000 as recommended by Staff. Councilor Fancher seconded the amended motion and it passed unanimously. 5.5. DISCUSSION OF CULTURE, ARTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (CASE MANAGER DANITA DEMPSEY) Video Start Time: 01:18:31 Cultural, Arts and Special Events Manager Danita Dempsey gave an update on the April 16, 2020 CASE Committee meeting. She said that members defined and unanimously adopted their brand ambassador roles and they worked on the Post Event Debrief template, which will be sent electronically for weekly events updates instead of monthly meetings during the summer. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE She mentioned that members were provided with a staff report on reducing budget spending and complying with the health orders and that the CASE Committee applauded the Town Council for making tough decisions they have had in front of them recently and looking at the new financial future. Council discussed ideas for the 3rd of July event. CASE Manager Danita Dempsey discussed some challenges to keep in mind if council decides to proceed with this event. This item will be presented on the April 28, 2020 meeting for further discussion on the 3rd of July event. Mayor Smith Hymes called for public comments and no public comments were made. 5.6. DISCUSSION ON COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR LWCF FUNDING SIGN-ON LETTER (EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN MANAGER INEKE DE JONG) Video Start Time: 01:49:07 Executive Assistant to the Town Manager Ineke de Jong presented the memo and draft letter included in the packet. Town Manager Eric Heil and Town Attorney Paul Wisor gave a brief update on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Mayor Smith Hymes mentioned the copy of the letter from the Senator Bennet’s office that was sent to Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell and signed by all Colorado Representatives asking that support for outdoor recreation be included in future economic relief and stimulus legislation. After Council discussion, they directed Staff to send the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) letter, signed as a group, to express Avon’s support in asking that LWCF be included in the next stimulus package. 5.7. DISCUSSION ON REUSABLE GROCERY SHOPPING BAGS AND RISK OF SPREADING COVID-19 (TOWN MANAGER ERIC HEIL) Video Start Time: 01:56:40 Town Manager Eric Heil said he received more articles and for what he has read, he sees that whatever potential there is for reusable bags to actually spread coronavirus is not proven and minimal compared to other ways like a sick person going to the store and not wearing a mask. He sees no benefit on ending the use of reusable bags in grocery stores. Mayor Smith Hymes, Councilor Fancher, Mayor Pro Tem Phillips, and Councilor Prince support the Staff’s recommendation of not taking any additional action or make changes to Towns plastic bag prohibition. Councilor Thuon requested to consider relaxing the plastic bag ban for one or two months. Michael Cacioppo commented he is tired of hearing that plastic bags are not recyclable when even the numbers are printed on the bags. If plastic bags are new there are no germs on them. He mentioned that the self-checkout is high touchable, and people don’t wear gloves. He said only 3% of people wash their bags and they are putting public safety at risk for a liberal agenda. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE Maria DeSimone commented that 91% of bags never make it to the recycle facility. Going to the grocery store you are exposed, period. She expressed disagreement with Mr. Cacioppo’s comments and support for Council decision. Mayor Smith Hymes said Council has consensus to continue with the use of reusable bags the way it is now. Councilor Wolf closed commenting that both Mr. Cacioppo and Ms. DeSimone are very passionate people with information to support both arguments and they want the best for the community. 5.8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 14, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING (TOWN CLERK BRENDA TORRES) Video Start Time: 02:15:18 Councilor Fancher moved to approve the minutes from April 14, 2020 regular Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Phillips seconded the motion and the motion passed on a vote of 6 to 1. Councilor Wolf voted no. 6. WRITTEN R EPORTS 6.1. UPPER EAGLE REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY MARCH 26, 2020 MEETING SUMMARY (MAYOR SMITH HYMES) 7. MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS & MEETING UPDATES Video Start Time: 02:16:12 Councilor Fancher has been thinking of the reopening process and suggested that the Local Liquor Authority look at the open container law. Town Attorney Paul Wisor and Town Manager will work on this. Councilor Wolf praised Chief Greg Daly and the Avon Police Department for their work and for what they did for the hospital the day before. He thanked Staff members that have been connected to this meeting via telephone. He reminded the community about the Avon Renters Forum on Monday 27th at 5:00 pm and the Avon Business Forum on Friday 24th at 3:00 pm. He also implored everybody to hang on and to not give up as the government is not the fastest mechanism. He closed his comments thanking TV5 for their great work. Councilor Underwood thanked Town Manager Eric Heil for his leadership and well-run logistics in the Meal Voucher program and mentioned she has heard very positive comments. She suggested an out of cycle community grant to the Hope Center out of the COVID -19 relief and asked if C hief Daly would provide any idea on Tuesday April 28th. She said she would like the Town to write another check like the one they gave to the Hope Center back in October 2019. Councilor Thuon gave his condolences to the Lazier family and other families that have lost people and said how delicate life and how fragile our community is. He mentioned that, as the Vail Health CEO Will Cook said, there will be a lot of poor people , fragile situations and things are going to get tight. He said we have to be proactive and think about the h ardships people are going to have. AVON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE Mayor Pro Tem Phillips said the Bob Lazier was a very nice man and shared good memories of him . She expressed she u nderstand s times are tough and praised Salvation Army and the Eagle County Food Bank for doing a phenomenal job. She said she had a conversation with Mobility Director Eva Wilson that t ransportation demand is still 300 riders a day and the food bank is now a regular stop on the bus route. Hands down to Staff and Transportation Staff and mentioned that so far nobody has come down ill and thanked Town Manager Eric Heil for his leadership and great job . Mayor Smith Hymes mentioned she tried to contact the Owner of The Aspens Dan Guggenheim and it was not possible, but she found out today that $200 rent relief for 3 months for all the tenants and she thanked Mr. Guggenheim on behalf of Avon Town Council. She gave a reminder on week 5 of the Business Forum meeting on Friday April 2 4th at 3:00 pm. 8. ADJOURN There being no further business before Council, Mayor Smith Hymes moved to adjourn the regular meeting. The time was 7:32 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: Brenda Torres, Town Clerk APPROVED: Sarah Smith Hymes ___________________________________ Amy Phillips Jake Wolf Chico Thuon Jennie Fancher Scott Prince Tamra Underwood