Regular Meeting 8/11/2026

Updated about 21 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)
The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of most members except Lindsay Hardy.

The roll call was conducted to confirm attendance. Members present included Tamra Underwood, Gary Brooks, Ruth Stanley, and Kevin Hyatt. Lindsay Hardy was noted as absent.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:31)
The agenda was presented for approval with no changes requested. It was approved as posted after a motion and vote.

The agenda was reviewed, and members were asked if there were any changes or additions. After confirming no changes, a motion was made to approve the agenda, which was then approved unanimously.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (00:01:10)
Members were asked to disclose any conflicts of interest related to the agenda items. No disclosures were made.

The meeting proceeded with a request for any disclosures of conflicts of interest regarding the agenda items. There were no conflicts disclosed by any members.
Public Comment (00:01:22)
Public comments were invited on topics not on the agenda, with several community members providing input on various issues.

The floor was opened for public comments on issues not listed on the agenda. Several community members, both in-person and via Zoom, provided comments on topics such as the Eagle River cleanup, parking issues, and concerns over surveillance cameras.
Salvation Army Presentation (00:14:52)
The Salvation Army provided a detailed presentation on their local programs and services in the community.

Monica Villalobos from the Salvation Army presented on the organization's local initiatives, including emergency disaster services, social services, and community programs such as the food pantry. The importance of community support and volunteering was highlighted.
Regional Housing Authority Survey Results (00:25:13)
A presentation was given on the results of a community survey regarding the formation of a regional housing authority.

Eric presented the results of a community survey aimed at gauging support for a regional housing authority. The survey findings highlighted community concerns about housing costs and the need for diverse housing options. The results showed varying levels of support across different communities.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:25:25)
The consent agenda was reviewed and approved unanimously following a motion.

Members were invited to discuss the consent agenda. After confirming there were no comments or changes, a motion was made to approve the consent agenda, which was passed unanimously.
Housing and Development Discussion (00:36:26)
Discussion on government involvement in housing, funding, regional coordination, and community concerns.

The meeting discussed the role of government in housing development, the need for dedicated funding, and the importance of regional coordination. Concerns included affordability, infrastructure capacity, and environmental impacts. The discussion also covered the formation of regional housing authorities and the need for better community engagement.
Impact Fee Schedule Update (00:54:43)
Amendment to Avon Municipal Code regarding impact fees for fire protection and emergency services.

The council discussed updating the impact fee schedule in the Avon Municipal Code, particularly the repeal of an outdated section. The updated schedule aligns with the Eagle River Fire Protection District's new methodology based on square footage rather than water meter size. The change ensures clarity and compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining the town's role in fee collection.
Public Hearing: Construction Noise Regulations (01:00:10)
Second reading of ordinance updating Avon's construction noise regulations, focusing on driven piles.

This public hearing addressed updates to construction noise regulations, specifically the restrictions on driven piles. The ordinance includes measurable sound limits and requires noise suppression plans, enforceable by the Avon PD and community development. Minor changes since the first reading were reviewed, and public comments were invited.
First Reading: Amendments to Municipal Code (01:06:21)
Introduction of amendments to outdoor lighting, National Electric Code, and single stairway design regulations.

The council reviewed proposed amendments to the municipal code, including updates to outdoor lighting regulations to align with dark sky principles, automatic adoption of the latest National Electric Code, and the introduction of optional single stairway designs in multifamily buildings. Discussions included potential impacts on safety and construction costs.
Discussion on Lighting Ordinance (01:13:55)
Discussion focused on lighting regulations, including limits on holiday lighting, enforcement, and handling of new versus existing installations.

The meeting continued with a detailed discussion on the town's lighting ordinance. Key points included the restriction of holiday lighting to non-blinking, non-flashing types to avoid distractions. The enforcement of new lighting standards was also discussed, focusing on how new constructions must comply, while existing properties are not required to update until fixtures are replaced. The handling of light pollution and the role of community development in managing complaints were also covered.
Public Input on Lighting Ordinance (01:31:06)
Public was invited to comment on the proposed lighting ordinance amendments, specifically about holiday lights.

The council opened the floor for public input regarding the proposed amendments to the lighting ordinance. A community member commented on the importance of maintaining traditional holiday lighting styles, including the use of blinking and flashing lights for Christmas. No further public comments were made.
Council Deliberation on Lighting Ordinance (01:31:45)
Council members deliberated on the ordinance, discussing stairway lighting, fire safety, and the potential ban on uplighting.

The council deliberated on the lighting ordinance, with discussions focusing on the necessity of stairway lighting for fire safety, the potential issues with uplighting, and the need to balance holiday lighting aesthetics with safety concerns. The council considered making exceptions for twinkling lights but emphasized the need for non-intrusive lighting solutions.
Motion to Approve Lighting Ordinance Amendments (01:40:45)
The council voted to approve the first reading of the lighting ordinance amendments, passing unanimously.

A motion was made to approve the first reading of the amendments to the lighting ordinance. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 6 to 0, with no opposition. The amendments will move forward to a second reading.
Notice of Award for Avondale Apartments Design Contract (01:41:03)
Council discussed and moved to approve the design contract for Avondale Apartments, emphasizing community values in design.

The council discussed the design contract for the Avondale Apartments project. The project involves constructing two buildings with a focus on livable space, gear storage, and community amenities. The design will incorporate previous council input on values and livability. The council moved to approve the design contract, allowing the town attorney and manager to finalize the agreement.
Discussion on Maximum Price and Financing for Housing Project (01:49:05)
Detailed discussion on the progress of the housing project, focusing on securing a guaranteed maximum price and financial challenges.

The staff discussed the progress of the housing project and emphasized the importance of moving forward without redoing past work. The discussion included the need to secure a guaranteed maximum price and the financial challenges associated with community housing projects. The team plans to present a contract for a construction manager and general contractor to the council. Once more accurate numbers are obtained, they will show how the financing will be managed.
Panelized vs. Modular Construction Analysis (01:52:58)
Discussion on the cost and feasibility of panelized versus modular construction methods for the housing project.

The meeting included a discussion on comparing panelized and modular construction methods. The staff felt that the costs were similar regardless of the method due to consistent pricing across different projects. A recent visit to Timber Ridge, a modular project, confirmed that modular construction does not necessarily offer cost savings but provides other benefits like quietness and efficiency.
Introduction of Architects and Future Design Plans (01:56:14)
Introduction of Erica from the architectural team and discussion on design plans and modular construction.

Erica from the architectural team was introduced and discussed the design plans for the housing project. The team is excited to restart the project after several years and is focused on modular construction while considering stick-built options. The next steps involve preparing for a design review committee submission and ensuring the architectural elements enhance the project.
Approval of Design Contract for Avondale Apartments (02:04:00)
Council discussion and approval of the notice of award for the Avondale Apartments design contract.

The council discussed the notice of award for the Avondale Apartments design contract with site architects. The motion to approve the award was passed with a vote of six to zero. The council expressed appreciation for the architectural team's efforts and looked forward to further collaboration.
Council and Public Comments (02:04:07)
Council members and public shared their comments, focusing on past events and future plans.

Council members and the public shared their comments and feedback. There was appreciation for the successful events conducted by the town staff, and the council members discussed the effectiveness of recent tweaks and after-action reports. The focus was on maintaining high standards and improving where necessary.
Updates on Landscaping Regulations and Other Matters (02:05:02)
Updates on Avon landscaping regulations and other council matters discussed.

Updates were provided on the Avon landscaping regulations, aligning with best practices for water management and fire mitigation. The council appreciated the efforts of the village at Avon in adopting these regulations. Other matters related to town operations and upcoming events were briefly discussed.
Announcements of Upcoming Events and Meetings (02:07:14)
Announcements about upcoming community events, meetings, and activities.

Council members announced several upcoming events, including Sunset Live and Avon Live shows, and encouraged community participation. They also mentioned the Discover Avon website for details on town activities.
Introduction to Executive Session (02:13:02)
Motion to enter executive session for legal advice and real estate acquisition discussions.

The council moved to enter an executive session to receive legal advice on private parking lot regulatory authority and discuss potential real estate acquisitions for community housing. The motion was passed, and the session was expected to conclude with no decisions made.

Avon Town Council (13 Episodes)

Updated about 21 hours ago

The Avon Town Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Proceedings are shown live on cable Channel 5 and at Live on Five. Meetings are recorded and subsequently posted here and replay on cable. Please visit our TV Schedule for showtimes.