Regular Meeting 6/23/2026

Updated about 20 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 (00:00:13)
Council members present are Rich Carroll, Tamra Underwood, Ruth Stanley, Lindsay Hardy, with Kevin Hyatt and Gary Brooks absent.

The meeting begins with a roll call of council members. Present are Rich Carroll, Tamra Underwood, Ruth Stanley, and Lindsay Hardy. Kevin Hyatt and Gary Brooks are noted as absent. The deputy town manager, Patty McKinney, and chief administrative officer, Inika Young, are also introduced.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:47)
The agenda is amended to move the recognition accountability report forward. The amended agenda is approved unanimously.

The initial agenda is discussed, and a proposal is made to move the recognition accountability report forward in the schedule. The council then votes on the amended agenda, which is approved unanimously. This sets the order for the rest of the meeting.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (00:01:56)
Council members are asked to disclose any conflicts of interest related to the agenda items. No conflicts are disclosed.

The council chair asks if any council members have conflicts of interest or potential conflicts to disclose related to the items on the agenda. No one discloses any conflicts, and the meeting proceeds to the next item.
Public Comment (00:02:07)
Public comments are invited on topics not on the agenda. Speakers include Becky Larson from the Eagle Valley Library District and a candidate for Eagle County Sheriff.

The public is invited to comment on topics not on the current agenda. Becky Larson, President of the Board of Trustees for Eagle Valley Library District, discusses the library expansion into the old firehouse land. A resident comments on water conservation and roundabout maintenance. A candidate for Eagle County Sheriff introduces their campaign focused on community relationships and internal culture improvements.
Consent Agenda (00:07:01)
Two items are on the consent agenda, which is approved by a unanimous vote of the council members present.

The consent agenda consists of two items that are not specified in the transcript. The council discusses briefly and then votes to approve the consent agenda. All council members present vote in favor, resulting in a 5 to 0 approval.
Eagle Valley Community Foundation Update (00:07:29)
Grace Anschutz presents the Foundation's programs, including the Community Market, MIRA, and El Varr, highlighting their impact on food security and community development.

Grace Anschutz, Director of Development and Marketing for Eagle Valley Community Foundation, provides a comprehensive update on the Foundation’s activities. She discusses the Community Market's role in addressing food insecurity, the MIRA program's mobile resource centers, and the El Varr program's support for local entrepreneurship. The presentation includes data on service reach and community engagement, emphasizing efforts to improve access to services and support economic self-sufficiency.
Introduction to Walking Mountains Programs (00:31:57)
Presentation on sustainability and energy programs by Nikki Moline from Walking Mountains, focusing on local energy initiatives and rebates.

Nikki Moline, Director of Sustainability Programs at Walking Mountains, provided an overview of the organization's mission to inspire environmental stewardship through education. She detailed various program areas including youth, community, and sustainability programs. The focus was on energy initiatives such as Energy Smart Colorado, Reenergize Eagle County, and the Climate Action Collaborative. Moline highlighted local efforts in recycling, sustainable tourism, and business support. She emphasized the importance of collective climate action goals and shared data on carbon pollution reductions and the role of Holy Cross Energy in greening the grid.
Avon Energy Programs and Rebates (00:39:05)
Nikki Moline discussed specific energy programs and rebates available to Avon residents, including Energy Smart Colorado and Reenergize Eagle County.

Nikki Moline detailed the energy programs available to Avon residents, highlighting the Energy Smart Colorado rebates, which require a home energy assessment for most rebates except for certain ones like Elon Care. She explained the income-qualified Reenergize Eagle County program and the specific town rebates available. Moline emphasized the importance of these funds to incentivize energy improvements, noting that state rebates are depleting. The presentation included information on local, state, and utility-specific rebates, and a call for increased participation from Avon residents in energy assessments.
Avon Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony (00:54:00)
Badge pinning ceremony for newly promoted Sergeant Allen Hernandez and Detective Corey Baldwin of the Avon Police Department.

The Avon Town Council held a badge pinning ceremony to recognize the promotions of Sergeant Allen Hernandez and Detective Corey Baldwin. The ceremony celebrated their accomplishments and commitment to the Avon Police Department. The event was attended by family members and council members, and included the swearing-in and badge pinning by family members. The ceremony highlighted the officers’ dedication, leadership, and service to the community. Sergeant Hernandez was recognized for his journey from intern to sergeant, and Detective Baldwin for his extensive experience and contributions to the department.
Recognition of Avon Police Department and Community Support (01:04:08)
Awards presented to Avon Police Department members and community supporters for exceptional service and dedication.

The Avon Police Department recognized several individuals for their service and support. Casey Carmichael received a commendation for her role as a CPR instructor, ensuring officers are prepared for emergencies. The IT department, including Robert McKenna, Carlos Molina, and Andrew Bear, was acknowledged for maintaining public safety technology. Officer Andreas Sandoval was awarded for his dedication to DUI enforcement. The ceremony highlighted the collective efforts of police department members and community partners in enhancing public safety and service excellence.
Award to Deputy Chief Cosper (01:08:19)
Deputy Chief Cosper received an award for his leadership and service in the Avon Police Department.

Deputy Chief Cosper was recognized for his leadership and service, exemplifying high standards of professionalism, accountability, and trust. His background includes service in the US Navy and graduation from the FBI National Academy. He has been instrumental in planning emergency preparedness exercises and implementing innovative solutions. His leadership has ensured the department maintains the highest standards of service.
Recognition of Detective Cory Baldwin (01:11:00)
Detective Cory Baldwin was recognized for his professionalism and leadership within the Avon Police Department.

Detective Cory Baldwin, a senior officer with the Avon Police Department, was recognized for his exceptional professionalism, dedication, and reliability. He is known for his leadership among peers and serves as an assistant team leader for the special operations unit. Detective Baldwin maintains strong working relationships across all ranks and units and is sought out for advice and expertise during critical incidents.
Recognition of Detective Reno (01:12:31)
Detective Reno was recognized for her work on a complex organized retail crime investigation.

Detective Reno, a highly respected investigator, was recognized for leading an investigation that began as a routine theft case and developed into a multi-jurisdictional organized retail crime investigation. Her diligence and expertise led to the identification of key links in a larger criminal enterprise, resulting in the Colorado Attorney General's office taking over the case.
Department Teamwork Citation (01:13:37)
A group of employees received a teamwork citation for their efforts in solving residential burglaries.

Sergeant Churches, Officer Zarate, Officer Viegas, and Detective Reno were awarded a teamwork citation for their coordinated investigative efforts leading to the arrest and prosecution of suspects involved in residential burglaries. Their efforts led to the recovery of stolen property and submission of arrest warrants, embodying the highest ideals of teamwork and community service.
Recognition for Armed Suspect Incident (01:14:57)
Officers were recognized for their teamwork during an armed suspect incident at Buffalo Ridge Apartments.

A team of officers, including Detective Reno and officers from Avon Police and Eagle County Sheriff's Office, were recognized for their response to an incident involving an armed male suspect at Buffalo Ridge Apartments. Their coordinated efforts led to the safe apprehension of the suspect and seizure of firearms, showcasing exemplary teamwork and community service.
Recognition for Response to Structure Fire (01:17:45)
Officers were recognized for their courageous actions during a structure fire at Aspen's Mobile Home Park.

Officers Michael Carlton, Rio Burgess, and Stephanie Viegas were recognized for their decisive actions during a structure fire at Aspen's Mobile Home Park. They evacuated residents and ensured no occupants were trapped, preventing loss of life. Their actions demonstrated courage and commitment to community safety.
Lifesaving Medal Award (01:21:32)
Officers Trevor Raki and Andy Sandoval received the Lifesaving Medal for CPR efforts at Christie Lodge.

Officers Trevor Raki and Andy Sandoval were awarded the Lifesaving Medal for their actions at Christie Lodge, where they responded to a cardiac arrest incident. Their quick and effective CPR efforts revived the patient, who began breathing and regained a pulse before being transferred to medical care.
Annual Report on Police Department Activities (01:23:10)
The police department presented its annual report, highlighting activities and community engagement.

The Avon Police Department's annual report covered various topics, including community engagement, crime statistics, and department initiatives. Highlights included the department's commitment to community policing, mental health crisis intervention, traffic enforcement, and use of technology as a force multiplier. The report emphasized the department's efforts in fostering trust, safety, and cooperation with the community.
Officer Recruitment and Staffing Challenges (01:44:10)
Discussion on the recruitment process for new officers, the departure of Officer Rosinski, and the overall staffing challenges facing the department.

The meeting discussed the recent recruitment efforts and the timeline for training new officers. Officer Rosinski is leaving due to personal reasons, causing a gap in the staff. The process from recruitment to having an officer ready for solo duties takes about a year, presenting challenges when the department is already short-staffed.
Detectives' Presentation on Investigations (01:45:12)
Detectives present on recent complex cases and how technology aids investigations, including the use of facial recognition and other tools.

Detective Sergeant Herrera introduced the team and described their work in the Criminal Investigations Bureau, detailing complex cases and the role of technology. They discussed ongoing investigations, the use of cadaver dogs, and the importance of digital forensics and cooperation with other agencies.
CIB Case Summaries (01:47:10)
Overview of the Criminal Investigations Bureau's work, including death investigations, violent crimes, and the use of technology to solve cases.

Detective Sergeant Val Herra and the CIB team presented on various cases handled by the bureau, highlighting their investigative functions, the types of cases they deal with, and the importance of collaboration with local and federal agencies. They emphasized the role of technology in connecting evidence across jurisdictions.
Multi-Jurisdictional Theft Investigation (01:50:10)
Presentation on a theft investigation that expanded to a multi-jurisdictional case involving organized criminal activity across several states.

A detailed account was given of a theft case that began locally but was linked to a wider network of organized crime, involving multiple thefts and firearm incidents across different regions. The CIB used various technologies, including license plate readers and facial recognition, to identify suspects and build the case.
Violent Residential Burglary Case (01:54:59)
Description of a residential burglary case that escalated to violence and how the CIB quickly identified and arrested the suspect using forensic tools.

The CIB detailed a residential burglary incident where the suspect engaged in a violent confrontation with the victim. Utilizing digital forensics and other investigative techniques, the bureau was able to quickly locate and apprehend the suspect before they could flee, underscoring the efficiency of their investigative methods.
Axon Contract Renewal Discussion (01:58:32)
Discussion on consolidating Axon contracts for body cameras and related technology, including the benefits and cost savings of a single contract.

The Chief explained the proposal to consolidate multiple existing Axon contracts into one, highlighting the cost savings and streamlined management this would bring. The discussion covered the history of body camera use in the department, the technological advancements, and the mandatory nature of such equipment under Colorado law.
Demonstration of Axon Body Camera Translation Feature (02:07:00)
Demonstration of Axon's new language translation feature on body cameras, showing its potential for improving communication with non-English speakers.

A demonstration was conducted showing how the new Axon body camera feature translates spoken language in real-time, aiding officers in better communicating with non-English speaking individuals during interactions, such as traffic stops. This feature is seen as a valuable tool for enhancing officer and public interactions.
Facial Recognition Accountability and Use Report (02:14:39)
Update on the department's use of facial recognition technology, including training, legislative compliance, and its application in investigations.

The Chief presented an update on facial recognition technology, explaining its restricted use under Colorado law, the training provided to officers, and its role in generating leads rather than final evidence. The report stressed transparency and accountability in its deployment, and how it aids in complex investigations.
Discussion on Probable Cause and Facial Recognition (02:20:22)
Discussion on the use of facial recognition technology in investigations and its limitations as probable cause.

The meeting discussed the use of facial recognition technology in investigations, emphasizing that a match in the system is only a lead and not probable cause for arrest. The discussion covered the process of using facial recognition technology, comparing it to fingerprints and DNA as investigative tools. It was highlighted that arrests cannot be made solely on facial recognition matches, and the legislation underlying this process was discussed. Examples of successful investigations using facial recognition were shared, including cases involving missing persons and burglaries.
Facial Recognition Accountability Report (02:29:09)
Public comments and plans for the annual report on facial recognition accountability.

The accountability report on facial recognition was discussed, with an invitation for public comments. It was noted that the report would be made available on the website and that the schedule for the report would change from bi-annual to annual. The importance of maintaining regular updates and transparency with the community was emphasized.
Introduction to Destimetrics Report (02:30:28)
Introduction to the Destimetrics report on lodging revenue and occupancy trends.

The meeting introduced the Destimetrics report, which provides data on lodging revenue, occupancy, and trends. The report offers insights into forward-looking occupancy and revenue data, as well as supports marketing and economic goals by showing visitation patterns, event timing, and lodging performance. Key metrics like occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR) were explained, and how this data can be used to make strategic decisions was discussed.
Detailed Analysis of Lodging Performance Data (02:39:00)
Analysis of current year's lodging performance against prior years and opportunities for improvement.

The detailed analysis of lodging performance data was presented, comparing current year performance to prior years. The importance of using this data as an opportunity tool was emphasized, identifying areas where the town is pacing ahead or behind previous years. Discussion focused on how the data can help in strategic decision-making, such as identifying opportunities for events to boost occupancy during low periods.
Comparison with Other Destinations (02:50:00)
Comparison of Avon's lodging metrics with other destinations and identifying areas of opportunity.

The report compared Avon's lodging performance with other destinations like Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Park City. It was noted that Avon had higher occupancy but lower ADR and RevPAR compared to these destinations. The discussion highlighted the potential for Avon to improve its metrics and the opportunity to attract more summer guests.
Discussion on Strategic Use of Data (02:51:00)
Exploration of how to use data from Destimetrics for strategic marketing and collaboration.

The meeting explored how the Destimetrics data could be used strategically to improve marketing efforts and collaborate with local businesses. There was discussion on the importance of targeting specific markets and times to boost occupancy and revenue. Collaboration with lodging and business partners was identified as a key strategy to effectively use the data for mutual benefit.
Discussion on Airbnb and VRBO vs. Hotels (02:56:02)
Discussion on the difference in responsiveness and performance between Airbnb/VRBO properties and hotels during a challenging winter, with hotels performing better.

The speaker discusses the role of a liaison, the use of a valuable tool for operations, and the performance of Airbnb and VRBO properties compared to hotels. Hotels were more actively managed and performed better during the past winter, while Airbnb/VRBO were less reactive to changing conditions.
Public Comments on Destin Metrics Reports (02:58:06)
Request for public input on Destin metrics reports and graphs, with no public comments received at the time.

The speaker invites public input on Destin metrics reports and graphs. Although no one provides input at the moment, future engagement is anticipated. The discussion emphasizes the value of ongoing communication and data analysis.
Introduction of Colorado Energy Office Impact Accelerator Grant (02:59:01)
Introduction to the Impact Accelerator Grant for local implementation of energy policies, focusing on building electrification and efficiency.

Charlotte Lin introduces the Colorado Energy Office's Impact Accelerator Grant, which aims to support local governments in implementing energy-efficient policies. The grant, funded through the EPA's climate pollution reduction grants program, involves collaboration among regional communities, with the city of Aspen as the lead applicant. The discussion covers the history of the grant, the expected outcomes, and the participation of Avon in the regional cohort. Emphasis is placed on building electrification, policy development, and the technical aspects of code updates.
Review of Regional Energy Initiatives and Rebates (03:17:02)
Discussion of regional energy initiatives, rebate programs, and the allocation of grant funds for building electrification and efficiency.

The meeting covers the allocation of approximately $10 million from the Impact Accelerator Grant to fund regional energy initiatives. The grant supports building electrification and efficiency rebates, similar to existing programs with Walking Mountains. The discussion includes the challenges of expanding rebate programs, the role of third-party vendors, and the need for community-specific designs within a unified rebate framework. The complexities of grant reimbursement and budgeting are also addressed.
Rebate Program Discussion (03:32:40)
Discussion about the differences, costs, and benefits of the rebate program, focusing on energy efficiency and social equity.

The committee discussed the importance of understanding the differences and costs associated with the rebate program. There was a focus on energy efficiency improvements, particularly for low-income and deed-restricted housing such as the Aspens mobile home park. The discussion included the need for flexibility in the program to better reach the families in need. The idea of collaborating with the reenergize program of Eagle County was also mentioned.
Financial Report and Audit Presentation (03:45:00)
Presentation of the annual comprehensive financial report by the CFO and McMahon and Associates, covering audit results and recommendations.

Paul Redmond, the CFO, introduced the annual comprehensive financial report and audit, highlighting the achievement of excellent financial reporting. McMahon and Associates explained the audit process, which included reviewing financial statements and internal documents. A clean audit opinion was presented, indicating no material misstatements. Recommendations included addressing stale checks and transitioning the transit fund from an enterprise to a governmental fund.
Approval of Comprehensive Financial Report (03:56:00)
The council voted to approve the annual comprehensive financial report with a unanimous vote of five to zero.

After the presentation of the financial report and audit by McMahon and Associates, the council proceeded to vote on the approval of the report. The vote resulted in unanimous approval, with all members present voting in favor and no opposition.
Council Comments and Meeting Updates (03:56:18)
Council members provided updates on local events and activities, including Avon Live and the salute to the USA event.

Council members shared information about upcoming local events, such as Avon Live featuring Heartburn, a high energy Talking Heads tribute band, and the salute to the USA event at Harry A. Nottingham Park. Other updates included weekly Sunset Live events and a community science day organized by the Eagle River Coalition.
Adjournment (04:02:29)
The meeting was adjourned following council comments and discussions about sustainability and geothermal projects.

The meeting concluded with final comments from council members, including discussions about sustainability initiatives such as the geothermal project in Eagle County and its benefits. The meeting was adjourned shortly after these discussions.

Town of Avon (16 Videos)

Updated about 20 hours ago

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