Regular Meeting 3/24/2026

Updated 11 days ago

The council meets twice monthly, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

The Avon Town Council is the policy-making legislative body for the town. It consists of seven elected members and a mayor elected by the council. The council meets twice monthly, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:00:13)
The meeting begins with a roll call to confirm the presence of council members.

The meeting begins with a roll call to confirm the presence of council members. Members present include Tamra Underwood, Kerry Brooks, Ruth Stanley, Lindsay Hardy, and Kevin Hyatt.
Approval of Liquor License Agenda (00:00:26)
The council approves the liquor license agenda with a unanimous vote.

The council discusses the approval of the liquor license agenda. A motion is called to approve the agenda and members vote in favor with a unanimous seven-to-zero decision.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (00:00:45)
Council members disclose any potential conflicts of interest or ex parte communications.

Council members are asked to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or ex parte communications, especially in light of the quasi-judicial hearing later in the meeting. No conflicts are disclosed.
Public Comment (00:01:02)
Public comments are invited, but no speakers come forward in-person or online.

The floor is opened for public comment regarding the liquor licensing authority, but no public comments are made by attendees in the room or online participants.
Public Hearing for Special Event Liquor Permit (00:01:42)
A public hearing is conducted for a special event liquor permit for Walking Mountains.

A public hearing is conducted regarding a special event liquor permit for the Walking Mountains Community Water Panel event. Presentations are made, including details about the event's purpose, partnerships, and logistics. The council discusses the permit application, public notice postings, insurance, and compliance with regulations. No public comments are made, and council deliberates before voting.
Adjournment of Liquor License Authority Meeting (00:07:16)
The liquor license authority meeting is adjourned and the council meeting begins.

After the liquor license authority meeting concludes with the vote on the special event permit, the council adjourns that meeting and transitions to the regular Avon Town Council meeting.
Call to Order of Avon Town Council Meeting (00:07:33)
The Avon Town Council meeting is called to order with a roll call taken for members.

The Avon Town Council meeting is officially called to order. A roll call is conducted to ensure all council members are present. Members include Tamra Underwood, Kerry Brooks, Ruth Stanley, Lindsay Hardy, and Kevin Hyatt.
Approval of Agenda (00:08:17)
The council approves the meeting agenda as published without changes.

The council reviews the meeting agenda and moves to approve it. A vote is conducted, and the agenda is approved as published with a seven-to-zero vote.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (Council Meeting) (00:08:48)
Council members disclose any potential conflicts of interest for the town council meeting.

Council members are asked again to disclose any conflicts of interest or ex parte communications for the town council meeting agenda items. Council member discloses receiving notices about planning and zoning hearings, but no conflicts are noted.
Public Comment (Council Meeting) (00:09:27)
The council opens the floor to public comments on any topic not on the agenda.

The council invites public comments on any topics not included in the agenda. Several members of the public come forward with comments and concerns, including suggestions for transportation and water conservation and privacy issues with surveillance cameras.
Consent Agenda (00:18:29)
The council reviews and approves the consent agenda items, including prior meeting minutes.

The council reviews the consent agenda, which includes approval of prior meeting minutes. There are no changes requested, and the consent agenda is approved unanimously.
Parking Management Discussion (00:19:07)
The council discusses changes to parking management, including free parking during off-season.

The council discusses a proposal to adjust parking management, allowing free parking on town streets during the off-season when Beaver Creek ski area is closed. Details include coordination with private parking management, signage, and registration requirements.
Parking Management Public Comment (00:26:17)
Public comments are invited on the parking management discussion, with some questions raised.

Public comments are invited on the parking management discussion. A citizen asks about the registration process for free parking, and council members respond with clarifications.
Council Deliberation on Parking Management (00:27:37)
Council deliberates on the parking management proposal and addresses concerns raised.

Council members discuss the implications of the parking management changes, including security and registration concerns. They propose further conversations with property managers and consider the potential for a data breach.
Motion and Vote on Parking Management (00:33:53)
A motion is made and passed to approve the adjusted parking management plan.

A motion is made to direct staff to adjust the parking management plan to discontinue paid parking on town streets when the ski area is not open. The motion is amended and approved with a seven-to-zero vote.
Community Recognition: Shop with a Cop (00:34:53)
The council recognizes participants in the Shop with a Cop program for their contributions.

The council recognizes the organizers and participants of the 'Shop with a Cop' program. The event provided support to children from needy families and involved collaboration with school and community members.
School Participation Program (00:36:13)
Discussion on maintaining student participation in school programs.

The council discussed the importance of maintaining student participation in school programs. There was appreciation for the efforts from schools and community members. It was noted that if the current numbers are maintained, all students could participate throughout their school career. Fundraising and community support play a crucial role in this effort.
Community Event Highlights (00:39:00)
Presentation of photographs and highlights from recent community events.

The meeting included a presentation of photographs from recent community events involving children, officers, firefighters, and town employees. The events highlighted the involvement of trusted community members and volunteers in organizing and executing successful activities. There was a strong emphasis on the joy and smiles these events bring to children.
Recognitions and Awards (00:42:25)
Recognition of contributions from community members and organizations.

The council recognized various community members and organizations for their contributions. Special thanks were given to Eagle River Fire Protection District, Vail Valley Cares, and other department volunteers. Officer Rio Burgess was acknowledged for his efforts during an incident involving dogs, known as Dancing with Dogs, where all dogs were safely adopted.
Public Hearing on Vested Rights Extension (00:48:37)
Public hearing on the second reading of vested rights extension.

The council held a public hearing concerning the second reading of a vested rights extension. The process involved presentations from Avon staff and co-applicants, public comments, and email feedback. The hearing outlined the procedure, including council and public discussions, and possible actions regarding the extension.
Changes Since First Reading of PUD Amendment (01:02:15)
Review of changes made to PUD amendment since first reading.

Changes to the PUD amendment since the first reading were reviewed. These included adjustments to the community housing plan, development bonus language, height restrictions, and the vested rights extension. The council discussed these changes and the reasoning behind them.
Discussion on Building Height and Density Changes (01:15:00)
The meeting discussed changes to building heights and density in various planning areas, with specific focus on Planning Area A and D.

The meeting covered discussions on the changes to the building height and density in planning areas, particularly Planning Area A and D. It was mentioned that there were no changes to the engineered grade definition. Planning Area J had no changes since the last meeting, but the building height remained a point of discussion.
Amendments to the Carta and Subdivision Process (01:16:26)
Discussion on amendments to the consolidated amended restated annexation development agreement (Carta) and the administrative subdivision process.

The council discussed amendments to the Carta, which is the consolidated amended restated annexation development agreement. There was also discussion on the administrative subdivision process, with no changes from the last meeting and no changes to the PUD guide language.
Presentation on Vested Rights and Water Infrastructure (01:18:09)
A presentation was given on the vested rights extension and the intermediate triggers related to water infrastructure funding.

Allison presented slides simplifying the discussion on vested rights extension and the intermediate triggers for water infrastructure funding. The town is to provide notice to Tri Creek requesting funding of the proportionate share of water infrastructure, which would extend vesting.
Parking Regulations and Enforcement (01:22:09)
The meeting discussed updates to parking regulations, including short-term rental parking and enforcement policies for CH2.

The council discussed the parking regulations, particularly the short-term rental parking requirements, which now includes one space per unit plus guest spaces. There was also a discussion on parking enforcement, emphasizing no offsite parking for tenants living in CH2.
Development Bonus and Municipal Code Application (01:24:25)
Discussion on how the development bonus process applies to municipal code and potential amendments over time.

The discussion focused on how the development bonus process follows the municipal code, and how future amendments to the code would apply. There was an emphasis on ensuring the development bonus application adheres to the current municipal code as it is amended over time.
Development Bonus (01:59:33)
Discussion on the process and notifications involved in development bonus applications and preliminary designs before Planning and Zoning.

The council discussed the process by which development bonus applications come to council, including the types of plans involved, such as site plans or replans. They highlighted the importance of preliminary designs and the role of notifications to neighbors when these designs go before Planning and Zoning (P&Z). The council also mentioned the involvement of the Design Review Board (DRB) in getting preliminary designs, which in turn triggers the development bonus application process. Notices are sent out to the neighborhood prior to P&Z reviewing the development bonus aspect of an application.
Short Term Rental Regulations (02:00:31)
Extensive discussion on short term rental regulations, municipal code interpretations, and the impact on planning and development areas.

The council had an extensive discussion on short term rentals (STR) and their regulation under the Avon municipal code. They debated the static nature of the STR regulations as defined by the current municipal code and its impact on the PUD guide. There were questions about why the effective date was used instead of allowing for updates to the code over time. The discussion included the incorporation of community housing terminology and requirements into the PUD, with concerns about future changes in regulations. The council also discussed the importance of understanding the short term rental framework for planning and execution of development plans, particularly in Planning Area A. There was confusion about the definitions and authorizations of STRs, especially in relation to tax definitions versus land use authorizations. The council considered whether the section of the code needed tweaking to reduce confusion. The conversation touched on the impact of STR definitions on taxes, land use, and the specific wording used in the code. There was a proposal to make the map match the text for clarity.
Parking Regulations for Short Term Rentals (02:22:00)
Review of parking requirements for short term rentals and alignment with municipal code changes.

The council reviewed the parking requirements for short term rentals, noting that most of the parking regulations in the PUD were not new changes but retyped language. The significant change was the addition of a requirement for one parking space per short term rental unit under multifamily housing. This change aligns with the municipal code change made about five years ago. The discussion emphasized the importance of recognizing specific parking regulations related to short term rentals and ensuring compliance through the development review process.
Engineered Grade and Road Alignments (02:25:23)
Discussion on setting engineered grade, road alignments, and ensuring no unauthorized grade changes during development.

The council discussed setting an engineered grade baseline with the permanent road construction and ensuring no unauthorized grade changes occur that could affect building heights. They emphasized the importance of having a fixed engineered plan to work from. The discussion included how the engineered grade serves as the baseline for building heights, preventing the use of fill to artificially increase building heights. They also discussed the process for converting conceptual road alignments to constructed roads, which involves plan approval, public improvement agreements, inspections, and final acceptance. The commitment to providing access to East Avon Preserve through Planning Area J was also addressed.
Map and Master Development Plan Discussion (02:40:14)
Review of master development plan map adjustments and alignment with PUD amendments.

The council reviewed the master development plan map, which included changes in road alignments and minor acreage adjustments. The map reflects permanent road alignments and the removal of extraneous signature blocks. Note seven was added to link with the PUD amendment approval. The discussion ensured that the road alignments and planning areas are accurately reflected and consistent with the PUD guide. There was also a commitment to provide access to East Avon Preserve from Planning Area J, with the alignment specifics being conceptual at this stage.
Discussion on Road Maintenance and Planning Area A (02:41:03)
Discussion on whether the road will be public or private and implications for maintenance by the Town of Avon.

The council discussed the difference between a loop road, which would be a public road maintained by the Town of Avon, and a non-loop road, which would be more like a private driveway leading into a development with multiple buildings. Examples and implications for Planning Area A were considered.
Setbacks Discussion and Questions (02:41:57)
Council discussed setbacks, with no questions raised from members regarding the topic.

The meeting continued with a discussion on setbacks labeled 'Jay setbacks'. Members were asked if there were any questions, and it was noted that no questions were raised, indicating consensus or understanding among the members present.
Cul-de-sac Fire Safety and Dwelling Units Criteria (02:42:29)
The council discussed the criteria related to the maximum number of dwelling units on a cul-de-sac and fire safety concerns.

Discussion focused on cul-de-sacs, particularly fire safety issues and the criteria that pertain to the maximum number of dwelling units that can be constructed on a cul-de-sac. It was noted that some language regarding this should be stricken, as it pertained to outdated or irrelevant criteria.
Parking and Development Concerns: Avondale Apartments (02:45:51)
The council addressed parking issues related to the Avondale Apartments project, ensuring no overflow into nearby business parking lots.

Concerns were raised about parking for a proposed housing project, ensuring that parking demand from the apartments would not affect nearby businesses like Home Depot and Walmart. It was discussed that a parking plan would be necessary to enforce parking regulations and prevent overflow.
Fencing Requirements Between Properties (02:48:42)
Discussion on fencing requirements as part of the design application to separate properties, needing approval by the Design Review Board.

The council discussed the requirement to add a fence along the boundary between Lot four (Home Depot) and CH two as part of the design application. This fencing must be approved by the Design Review Board before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
Water Infrastructure Agreement and Responsibilities (02:49:58)
Discussion on the contractual obligations of water infrastructure development on the northern hillside by Tra Creek Metro District.

The council reviewed a major facilities contract between Tra Creek and Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority concerning water infrastructure on the northern hillside. Responsibilities for construction and cooperation with the water authority were clarified, and the discussion included potential future developments and their water needs.
Public Hearing and Public Comments (03:09:06)
Public comments were invited regarding the ongoing discussions, focusing on drainage, grading, and development bonuses.

The council opened the floor for public comments, where concerns about drainage studies, elevation changes, and development bonuses were expressed. The public was given an opportunity to share their perspectives and raise questions about the impact of these developments and planning decisions.
Public Comments (03:20:48)
Various community members expressed concerns about development projects, water rights, and housing standards.

Several residents, including Thomas Walsh and Elise Howard, spoke about issues related to water rights, the impact of proposed developments on the community, and the need for clear standards in housing projects. Concerns about the compatibility of developments with the town's character, the enforcement of design standards, and the affordability of housing were highlighted.
Water Rights and Infrastructure Discussion (03:42:00)
The town council discussed the importance of securing water rights and infrastructure for future developments.

The council and staff deliberated on the legal and logistical aspects of water rights, including the dedication of water rights to the town and the water authority. They emphasized the need for developments to be water conservation-minded and the importance of having secure water infrastructure built by developers or their metro districts.
Council Deliberations on Community Housing (03:47:18)
Council members discussed the proposed community housing projects, CH1 and CH2, and their alignment with town criteria.

Council members expressed varied opinions on the proposed community housing projects. While some supported the projects for addressing housing needs and aligning with town criteria, others raised concerns about the location and impact of CH1 on adjacent properties. The potential involvement of Habitat for Humanity in CH2 was viewed positively.
Discussion on Community Housing Developments (03:56:53)
The council discussed various aspects of community housing developments, focusing on CH1 and CH2, including water limitations, site suitability, and design considerations.

The council members discussed the community housing developments, specifically CH1 and CH2. They talked about the importance of water as a limiting factor rather than dwelling units and expressed support for CH2 due to the thought and hard work that went into it. Concerns were raised about the suitability of the CH1 site for a large school due to its small size and corner location. They also discussed the importance of design and neighborhood impact, and the need for collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. There was a consensus on the need for a neighborhood charrette to ensure community involvement and realistic expectations.
Affordable Housing and AMI Considerations (03:58:51)
The council deliberated on the challenges of lowering the Area Median Income (AMI) for housing and the financial implications of subsidizing lower rents.

Council members discussed the financial challenges associated with lowering the AMI for housing projects. They expressed concerns about how lowering rent would affect the ability to cover mortgages and other expenses, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration on how to subsidize housing costs. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing affordability with financial viability.
Design and Approval Process for Community Housing (04:00:12)
Council discussed the design process for community housing, emphasizing the need for collaborative design charrettes and the importance of neighbor and DRB involvement.

The council emphasized the importance of involving the Design Review Board (DRB) and neighbors in the design process for community housing projects. They discussed the potential for expedited approvals and the need for good faith covenants to ensure smooth project execution. Concerns were raised about the DRB potentially delaying projects and the necessity of involving them in initial design charrettes to prevent future conflicts.
Development Bonuses and Flexibility Tools (04:06:01)
The council explored the utility of development bonuses as a tool for flexibility in evaluating public benefits and defraying costs, with mixed opinions on their applicability.

Council members discussed the concept of development bonuses as a means to provide flexibility in evaluating public benefits, such as defraying park improvement costs. While some members supported the idea, others expressed concerns about potential abuses and the adequacy of existing flexibility within the PUD guide and master plan. There was a debate on whether development bonuses should be applied in specific areas like the Village at Avon.
Short-term Rental Policy and Overlay Districts (04:25:52)
Council members debated the expansion of short-term rental overlays, emphasizing the need to balance community living with investor interests.

The council engaged in a detailed discussion about short-term rental overlays, focusing on the potential impact on community housing and development patterns. Some members argued against expanding short-term rental licenses due to concerns about prioritizing visitors over residents and the long-term implications for local housing. There was a call for policies that prioritize full-time residents and support stable, year-round communities.
Discussion on Short-Term Rentals in PUD Areas (04:33:27)
The council debated the appropriateness of allowing short-term rentals in different planning areas, considering economic benefits and community impact.

The meeting involved a detailed discussion on the allowance of short-term rentals in various planning areas within the PUD. Some council members expressed concerns over the impact on affordable housing and community integrity, while others highlighted the economic benefits brought by short-term rentals, such as increased business for local stores and additional tax revenue for community projects. The debate also touched on the appropriate limitations for short-term rentals in different planning areas, with some advocating for unlimited rentals in certain areas and others suggesting more restrictive measures. The council members shared personal experiences and community feedback, but a consensus was not reached, indicating the need for further deliberation on the topic.

Town of Avon (18 Videos)

Updated 11 days ago

This playlist includes Avon-related videos, including town council meetings, candidate forums, community meetings and more.