Regular Meeting 4/28/2026

Updated about 16 hours 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 (00:00:11)
The meeting started with a roll call to confirm attendance of the council members.

Rich Carroll, Tamra Underwood, Harry Brooks, Ruth Stanley, Lindsay Hardy, and Kevin Hyatt were called during the roll call. Kevin Hyatt was not initially present.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:58)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved without any changes.

The council asked if there were any changes to the agenda. A motion was made, and the agenda was approved as posted without any opposition.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (00:01:19)
Council members were asked to disclose any conflicts of interest or ex parte contacts related to agenda items.

Due to the quasi-judicial public hearing, council members were prompted to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or any ex parte contacts. No disclosures were made.
Public Comment (00:01:39)
Public comments were invited from attendees on topics not on the agenda, with a presentation on a new compost program.

The public was invited to comment on any topic not on the agenda. Suzanne from Vail Valley Waste presented a new curbside compost program starting May 1st, available to Avon residents. She thanked the council for supporting the Commercial Compost Pilot program and explained the new service details.
Consent Agenda (00:12:30)
Two items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously, including a proclamation with local governments.

The consent agenda included two items, one being a proclamation with local governments in the community. After a call for discussion, the consent agenda was approved with a unanimous vote of seven to zero.
Interviews and Appointments for CASE Committee (00:13:06)
Interviews were conducted for the Culture, Arts, and Special Events (CASE) Committee, with several candidates presenting their qualifications.

The council conducted interviews for the CASE Committee. Candidates included Russell Fredrickson, Erica Baldwin, Thomas Walsh, Chuck Yang, and Pedro Campos. Each candidate provided a brief introduction and answered questions from the council about their vision and qualifications for serving on the committee.
Welcome and Call to Order (00:38:36)
The meeting was called to order with a welcome from the chair. Participants were thanked for their service and reapplication.

The meeting was officially called to order. The chair welcomed all participants and thanked them for their dedication and service to the community. Reapplicants were acknowledged for their continued interest in serving.
Committee Member Interviews (00:39:00)
Interviews were conducted with candidates for the Culture, Arts, and Special Events Committee. Members shared their favorite local events and perspectives on community needs.

Interviews were conducted with candidates for the Culture, Arts, and Special Events Committee. Candidates discussed their favorite events in Avon, such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Sunset Live, and shared their visions for enhancing community engagement and local culture.
Council Discussion on Committee Appointments (00:42:18)
Council members expressed the difficulty of selecting members for the committee due to the high quality of candidates. Encouragement was given to all to stay involved.

Council members discussed the challenge of selecting only four candidates from five excellent applicants for the committee. They praised the candidates' backgrounds and contributions and encouraged those not selected to continue participating in community meetings and activities.
Voting and Appointment to the CASE Committee (00:43:38)
Votes were cast and counted to appoint members to the CASE Committee. Four members were appointed for the next two years.

Ballots were distributed and collected from council members to vote for four out of five candidates for the Culture, Arts, and Special Events (CASE) Committee. The appointed members are Pedro Compost, Thomas Walsh, Chuck Yang, and Erica Baldwin for a two-year term.
Discussion on Town Landscaping and Water Conservation (00:48:29)
Public Works presented on water conservation strategies and landscaping projects due to drought. Plans include irrigation improvements and water-wise gardens.

Public Works Director Mike Jackson presented the town's plans for landscaping and water conservation amidst a stage-three water shortage. The town is reducing water use by limiting irrigation and transitioning to water-wise perennials and drip irrigation. Plans include upgrading the irrigation system in Nottingham Park and developing demonstration gardens to educate the public on water conservation.
Questions and Further Discussion (01:13:15)
Council members asked questions about irrigation plans, water usage monitoring, and the sustainability of proposed landscaping improvements.

Council members inquired about the town's irrigation strategy, including the ability to monitor water usage and adjust irrigation based on rainfall. Discussions covered plans to maintain green spaces and educate the public on water conservation through signage and social media. The potential impact of water shortages on town landscaping efforts was also discussed.
Discussion on Durable Turf for Soccer Fields (01:14:57)
Discussion on durable turf designed for high usage soccer fields and responsible water usage.

A discussion took place regarding the use of durable turf for soccer fields, which is designed to handle high usage and turnover while being responsible in water usage. The discussion also touched on the assumption that a hybrid sod may be similar in properties, and the need to determine which type would be more suitable for the intended use.
Enhancements to the Eco Trail and Park System (01:16:08)
Proposal to add more benches along the eco trail and park areas for passive use and enjoyment.

A proposal was made to enhance the eco trail and park system by adding additional benches along the trail extending past Brookside West towards the golf courses. The area, owned by the Town of Avon, is heavily used by families and fishermen. The suggestion includes potentially sponsoring or donating benches to encourage passive use, and installing a swinging bench near the lake for better views.
Proposal for Wildflower Planting in Roundabout (01:17:50)
Consideration of planting wildflowers instead of grass in roundabout three to reduce water usage.

A proposal was discussed to plant wildflowers in roundabout three instead of grass. The suggestion was to use drought-tolerant wildflowers native to the area, similar to the successful Edwards roundabout, to create an aesthetically pleasing and low water usage landscape around the horse sculpture.
Public Comment on Town Landscaping (01:18:48)
Public invited to comment on town landscaping, but no comments were made.

The floor was opened for public comment regarding town landscaping. No members of the public chose to speak or provide input during this time.
Major Development Plan Public Hearing for Hilton Remodel (01:19:18)
Public hearing on the major development plan for Hilton (Comfort Inn) remodel, including introduction of new planner Claire Perez.

The public hearing was opened for the major development plan for a remodel of the Hilton, formerly known as Comfort Inn. The project involves a rebranding to Hilton Outset, with a focus on public spaces and guest experience. Community Development Director Matt Icker and planner Claire Perez were introduced. Detailed presentations on the building's exterior, landscaping, and interior upgrades were provided, including compliance with zoning and design standards.
Presentation on Hilton Outset Remodel (01:41:04)
Presentation by the design and ownership team on the Hilton Outset remodel and timelines.

The design and ownership team, including representatives from Zan Associates and BlackLine Group, presented the Hilton Outset remodel. The presentation covered architectural plans, new lobby and courtyard designs, and the timeline for construction. The hotel will remain open during the remodel, with construction anticipated from July to January. Fire safety and ADA compliance were addressed, and the new brand's focus on guest experience was highlighted.
Questions and Comments from Council on Hilton Remodel (01:48:31)
Council asked about lighting plan compliance and timeline for Hilton Outset remodel completion.

Council members asked questions about the Hilton Outset remodel, including the compliance of the lighting plan with future dark sky ordinances and the expected timeline for project completion. They also expressed appreciation for the investment in Avon and the improvements to the hotel.
Discussion on Building Materials and Fire Safety (01:49:43)
Discussion focused on the fire safety and durability of building materials, particularly in light of recent fires.

The discussion covered the use of metal soffits that prevent embers from entering the building, as well as the use of class A roofs for maximum fire resistance. There was also mention of a new lighting ordinance and compliance with a landscape code.
Public Hearing on Hilton Remodel of Comfort Inn (01:51:02)
The public hearing was opened for comments on the Hilton remodel project, but no public comments were made.

The public was invited to comment on the Hilton Remodel of the Comfort Inn, but no one in the room or online chose to speak. The hearing was then closed.
Council Deliberations on Hilton Remodel (01:51:38)
Council members discussed the proposed remodel of the Comfort Inn, expressing appreciation for the design and considering its impact on the community.

Council members noted the need for a facelift for the Comfort Inn and appreciated the design work. They discussed the potential for the remodel to keep the location affordable and its significance as a bus stop. There was also mention of parking control and programming uses for the new building, as well as a question about the inclusion of employee housing.
Motion to Approve Hilton Remodel (01:57:29)
A motion was made to approve the Hilton remodel with the condition of a detailed lighting and signage plan.

The motion was to approve the Hilton remodel as proposed, with a condition that the applicant submit a detailed lighting and signage plan for staff review and approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing on Code Text Amendment for Wildfire Prevention (01:57:41)
A public hearing was held on a code text amendment focused on wildfire prevention. The amendment aims to enhance building and landscaping standards for fire resilience.

Planning Manager Jena Skinner presented the code text amendment, which includes new building and landscaping standards to enhance wildfire resilience. The amendment is not a quasi-judicial hearing. The proposal has been endorsed by the state, and aims to align with state wildfire resilience codes while tailoring them to the local context. The council discussed the mapping of wildfire areas, the effectiveness of new standards, and the impact on local insurance.
Discussion on Wildfire Mitigation and Water Systems (02:21:11)
The meeting discussed the limitations of the current water system in supporting multiple homes during a wildfire and emphasized the importance of home mitigation to prevent ember attack.

In this portion of the meeting, the discussion focused on the effectiveness of the local water system in Wilders to support firefighting efforts during wildfires. It was noted that the system can support only up to four houses on fire simultaneously. Emphasis was placed on the importance of home mitigation to protect against ember attacks, as well as the limitations of rooftop sprinklers. The importance of having class A materials and the challenges posed by high-intensity fires that cause water to evaporate before it can be effective were also discussed.
Public Hearing on Wildfire Code Updates (02:24:00)
The public hearing was opened for comments on the wildfire code updates, but no public input was received.

During this agenda item, the chair opened the public hearing for comments on the proposed updates to the wildfire code. The public was invited to provide input either in person or via Zoom. However, no members of the public came forward to speak, and no comments were received from online participants.
Council Deliberations on Wildfire Code (02:24:27)
The council deliberated on the wildfire code updates, acknowledging the hard work of staff and the improvements over state code.

In this segment, the council discussed the proposed wildfire code updates. Jenna was thanked for her hard work in crafting a code that surpasses the state of Colorado's standards. The council members engaged in a brief discussion about the improvements and acknowledged the efforts made to address local concerns.
Discussion on Refundable Deposits (02:24:55)
Concerns were raised about the amount and retention period of refundable deposits related to landscaping, with suggestions for further education on the process.

A council member expressed concerns regarding the refundable deposits required for landscaping, noting past experiences in other communities where deposits were excessively high and retained for long periods. There was a suggestion to gain further understanding through one-on-one discussions or council education sessions to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.
Motion and Vote on Ordinance Amendments (02:27:02)
The council voted on amendments to the Avon Municipal Code, related to accessory uses and the development code, passing the motion unanimously.

This agenda item involved the council considering amendments to the Avon Municipal Code, specifically regarding title seven development code chapters and accessory uses. A motion was made to pass the amendments as presented, and the council voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Presentation on Mikasa Avon Program Revisions (02:28:39)
Proposed changes to the Mikasa Avon program were presented, aiming to address affordability gaps due to rising home prices and interest rates.

Patty Lehrman, the housing planner for the Town of Avon, presented proposed amendments to the Mikasa Avon program. The changes aim to address the affordability gap caused by rising home prices and interest rates. Key points included increasing the contribution amount, setting rental rate maximums, and aligning with community housing policies. The presentation highlighted challenges such as higher median home prices and wages not keeping pace, and proposed solutions to ensure the program's effectiveness in supporting local homebuyers.
Public Comment and Discussion on Mikasa Avon Program (02:35:12)
Public input was solicited for the Mikasa Avon program revisions, with positive feedback received and council discussion ensued.

After the presentation on the Mikasa Avon program revisions, the floor was opened for public input. One email in support of the changes was acknowledged, and the council discussed the program's impact on affordability, rental rate caps, and the importance of maintaining program integrity. Council members expressed continued support for the program and acknowledged the positive feedback received.
First Reading of Ordinance Amendment on Vehicle Registration (02:44:04)
The first reading of an ordinance amendment to the Avon Municipal Code regarding vehicle registration and driver's licenses was conducted.

Chief of Police Greg Daly presented the first reading of an ordinance amendment related to vehicle registration and driver's licenses in the Avon Municipal Code. The amendment addresses recent state rulings that limit municipalities from imposing greater sentences than state law. The changes include issuing citations for expired license plates and unregistered vehicles and removing the ability to issue driver's license citations. The council discussed residency requirements and the impact of the changes before moving to a vote.
Budget Amendments Presentation (02:48:32)
Budget amendments were proposed to update fund balances, with impacts outlined for the general fund, capital projects, and community housing fund.

Chief Financial Officer Paul Redmond presented proposed budget amendments to update the town's fund balances. The amendments reflect changes in revenues, expenditures, and transfers since the budget's adoption. The presentation covered impacts on the general fund, capital projects fund, community housing fund, and equipment replacement fund. Key highlights included adjustments for public works software, vehicle replacements, and postponed projects. The amendments aim to ensure financial accuracy and address current fiscal needs.
Approval of Financing for Buffalo Ridge One Refurbishment (02:56:00)
The council reviewed and approved financing for Buffalo Ridge One's comprehensive exterior refurbishment, facilitated by favorable loan terms from Eagle Bend.

Town Manager Eric Hyle presented the proposal for financing the comprehensive exterior refurbishment of Buffalo Ridge One, including siding, windows, and decks. The financing involves a loan from Eagle Bend with very favorable terms, following a refinancing by Tri Creek Metro District. The refurbishment is necessary due to the aging infrastructure and aims to maintain the affordability and quality of the housing. The council reviewed and approved the financing arrangements, acknowledging the collaborative efforts among related properties.
Discussion on Buffalo Ridge Housing Occupancy (02:58:19)
Discussion about Buffalo Ridge's high occupancy rate, waiting lists, and the town's past success in developing community housing.

The meeting included a discussion about the Buffalo Ridge housing project's success in maintaining close to 100% occupancy and its lengthy waiting list. It was noted that the town's decision to build community housing units years ago was beneficial and such projects are now difficult to replicate. Buffalo Ridge is often overlooked due to low turnover, highlighting a need for more community housing.
Public Comments on Buffalo Ridge Financing (03:00:30)
Opportunity for public comments on the refinancing of improvements at Buffalo Ridge, but no comments were made.

A call was made for public comments regarding the refinancing of improvements at Buffalo Ridge. The public was invited to speak either in person or via Zoom. However, no public comments were received during this section of the meeting.
Motion to Approve Financing for Buffalo Ridge (03:00:49)
A motion to approve financing for Buffalo Ridge exterior refurbishments was passed unanimously with a 7-0 vote.

A motion was put forward to approve the financing of exterior refurbishments for Buffalo Ridge. The motion was seconded, and a vote was held. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 7 to 0.
Mayor and Council Comments and Meeting Updates (03:01:30)
Council members provided updates, including a proposed meeting on water usage and a reminder of upcoming community events.

During the mayor and council comments, several updates were provided: a proposed meeting at the Old Wild Ridge Fire Station for homeowners to discuss water usage and conservation, led by Sarah Smith Hymes; a reminder about the Eagle River Coalition's highway cleanup scheduled for Saturday; and an announcement of an upcoming event for the Vail Valley Art Guild. The importance of these community activities was emphasized.
Adjournment (03:04:57)
The meeting was formally adjourned by the presiding officer.

The meeting concluded with the presiding officer formally adjourning the session. Participants were thanked for their attendance, and no further business was discussed.

Town of Avon (19 Videos)

Updated about 16 hours ago

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