Regular Meeting 11/18/2025

Updated about 12 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

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:00)
The meeting was called to order and a roll call was conducted. Two members were noted as absent.

The Avon Town Council meeting was called to order. A roll call was taken by Miguel. Members present included Rich Carroll, Tamra Underwood, Gary Brooks, Lindsay Hardy, and Kevin Hyatt. Chico Thuon and Ruth Stanley were absent.
Approval of the Agenda (00:00:28)
The agenda was approved with no changes after a motion and a second.

The council was asked if there were any proposed changes to the agenda. Rich moved to approve the agenda, Lindsay seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor, passing the agenda with a 5-0 vote.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (00:00:50)
The council was asked to disclose any conflicts of interest. No conflicts were disclosed by the members present.

The council was reminded to disclose any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts related to the agenda items. No disclosures were made by any council members present.
Public Comment (00:02:26)
The public comment period was opened, but no members of the public were present to speak either in person or online.

The council opened the floor for public comment. The Mayor emphasized the importance of this period for receiving public input on topics not on the agenda. Instructions were given for making comments, but no one was present to comment, and no online participants were noted.
Consent Agenda (00:03:41)
The consent agenda was approved unanimously after a brief discussion about obtaining bids for a project.

Two items on the consent agenda were discussed. A council member stressed the importance of obtaining at least three bids for projects, particularly for the fleet radiant heat tube installation project. A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Gary and seconded by Lindsay. The motion passed unanimously.
Work Session with Eagle County (00:05:02)
A joint work session was held with Eagle County officials to discuss collaboration efforts and introductions were made.

The Avon Town Council held a work session with the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners and staff. Introductions included members from both Avon and Eagle County. Discussion centered on collaboration, with a focus on mutual goals and community efforts.
Discussion on E-Bike Safety (00:11:02)
The council discussed e-bike safety and education initiatives, emphasizing collaboration with local entities.

Regina O'Brien presented an update on e-bike safety initiatives, highlighting the formation of a coalition with local towns, schools, and organizations to educate the community on e-bike safety. The focus is on community education rather than regulation, with plans to launch a campaign in the spring. The initiative aims to address safety, courtesy, and the lack of awareness among both youth and adults.
Regional Housing Authority Presentation (00:21:17)
Eric Heil presented on the Regional Housing Authority, outlining future plans and challenges related to housing needs.

Eric Heil provided a presentation on the Regional Housing Authority, discussing the current housing needs assessment and potential solutions. The presentation included a discussion on the financial requirements for addressing housing needs and the strategic planning required to implement a regional housing authority to meet these demands.
Public Hearing Discussion (00:30:04)
Discussion on conceptual planning and public hearings for development projects in Avon, including zoning and parking expansions.

The meeting discussed the upcoming public hearing scheduled for December or January by the planning commission. Topics included the conceptual planning process for a development at the off-ramp location, expanding zoning for parking requirements, and collaborations with Ulysses Development. Financial constraints and potential construction at a 100% AMI level were also mentioned.
Sun Road Redevelopment Project (00:31:53)
Overview of the Sun Road redevelopment, including state funding and conceptual design for a transit center.

The Sun Road redevelopment project involves the purchase of the Walgreens property, with state grant funding secured for conceptual design. The redevelopment aims to create a larger regional transit center with neighborhood commercial ground floor units and residential spaces. The financial viability might include a hotel to balance the numbers.
East Town Center Redevelopment (00:32:29)
Promotion of higher density redevelopment at East Town Center, with zoning and water resources in place.

The meeting highlighted active promotion of redevelopment on East Town Center, which is already zoned and has water resources for higher density. The village at Avon owes water resources, and the redevelopment aims to accomplish projects within the set timeline.
Wildwood Annexation and Housing Projects (00:32:53)
Discussion on annexing Wildwood property for additional housing units and planning for housing projects.

The town owns property in Wildwood that could be annexed to develop a few more housing units. Escalating prices and planning for entitlement are ongoing to support housing projects in Avon. The focus is on building housing on transit lines to advance climate action goals.
Financial Overview and Tax Discussion (00:33:18)
Presentation on Avon's current tax revenue, future growth, and financial commitments to the Village at Avon.

The financial overview covered Avon's current tax revenue of a million dollars, expected to grow with high-end condos and properties. The village at Avon has prior debts for infrastructure that must be paid off before allocating funds to community housing. A downtown development authority was formed, dedicating TIF revenue to community housing.
Taxation Challenges and Regional Housing Authority (00:34:47)
Exploration of the challenges in passing new taxes due to commitments with the Village at Avon and the role of a regional housing authority.

The meeting addressed the complications of passing new sales and use taxes due to existing commitments with the Village at Avon. The regional housing authority, separate from the town, was discussed as a potential solution, with a focus on modeling potential tax implementations and their benefits.
Revenue and Tax Models for Housing Projects (00:36:02)
Presentation of various tax models to fund housing projects, considering different combinations of sales, use, and property taxes.

Several tax models were presented to fund housing projects, including combinations of sales tax, use tax, and property tax. The aim is to find the most palatable solution for voters, considering the challenges of implementing multiple taxes.
Planning for Regional Housing Authority Structure (00:38:10)
Discussion on the structure and functions of a potential regional housing authority, including administrative and property management roles.

The meeting explored the potential structure of a regional housing authority, including administrative functions, property management, and housing development roles. The need for detailed discussions on consolidating assets and handling financial and philosophical aspects was emphasized.
Community Engagement and Voter Outreach (00:40:12)
Strategies for engaging the community and reaching out to voters about the housing projects and tax proposals.

The importance of community engagement and voter outreach was highlighted, focusing on the need to communicate the benefits of housing projects and the impact on the community. The discussion included how to address concerns and present the projects as opportunities for building quality communities.
Closing Remarks and Next Steps (00:43:36)
Final thoughts on the meeting's discussions and outlining the next steps in planning and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks, emphasizing the need for continued discussions and planning for a regional housing authority. The next steps involve further community engagement, refining tax proposals, and presenting models for feedback to ensure voter support.
Discussion on Housing Challenges and Opportunities (00:59:45)
Discussion on housing challenges, opportunities, and community involvement in development.

In this section, several participants discuss the current housing challenges in the community, including the lack of affordable housing options for many residents. They talk about the need for quality developments and the importance of community spaces within housing projects. The conversation includes ideas about placemaking and how to involve the business community in supporting housing initiatives. The role of government and private sector collaboration is emphasized, with suggestions for creating mixed-use apartment buildings that include community amenities like daycare. The discussion also touches on the need for a regional housing authority and the potential for future voter involvement.
Planning for Regional Housing Authority and Funding Mechanisms (01:17:00)
Planning for a regional housing authority, possible funding mechanisms, and public engagement.

The conversation shifts to planning for a regional housing authority and the different funding mechanisms that could be employed to support it. Participants discuss the importance of public engagement and education to gain support for housing initiatives. There is an emphasis on preparing detailed plans and options for consideration at a joint meeting in January. The timeline for potential voter engagement and polling is also considered, with a focus on preparing for a possible ballot measure. The need for community buy-in and presenting clear, attractive options to the public is highlighted.
Updates on Water Conservation and Landscaping Regulations (01:24:00)
Updates on water conservation efforts and new landscaping regulations to promote sustainability.

Jenna Skinner provides an update on water conservation efforts and the new landscaping regulations being implemented to promote sustainability. These regulations focus on reducing non-functional turf, both natural and artificial, and encourage creative landscaping that conserves water. The approach aims to move away from prescriptive codes and allow for more creative and effective water management strategies. The conversation also touches on the integration of wildfire prevention measures and the importance of public education on sustainable landscaping practices. The goal is to create a more water-conscious community with better resource management.
Discussion on Water Conservation and Climate Adaptation (01:27:27)
Discussion on the challenges of water conservation in the face of climate change and the need for adaptation and education to manage resources effectively.

The council discussed the model water code and the challenges faced by communities moving from water-rich areas to drier climates. The need for updating practices and educating new residents about water conservation was emphasized. The impacts of global warming on precipitation patterns were also discussed, with a focus on the importance of collaboration with water and sanitation authorities and the implementation of enforcement and education measures.
Land Use Code Rewrite and Consistency in Policies (01:28:00)
Land use code rewrite efforts to ensure policy consistency and address community needs.

Jeff discusses the ongoing efforts to rewrite the land use code to ensure consistency and address current community needs. The rewrite aims to simplify the code, make it more user-friendly, and incorporate modern planning principles. The focus is on creating policies that support sustainable development, water conservation, and community well-being. The conversation includes the importance of aligning local policies with regional goals and ensuring that new developments adhere to updated standards. The process involves collaboration with various stakeholders to create a comprehensive and effective land use plan.
Public Comments Invitation (01:31:12)
Invitation for public comments on agenda items during the joint meeting with county commissioners.

The council opened the floor for public comments on the joint meeting with the county commissioners. Participants in the room and online were invited to share their thoughts, but no comments were received.
Recess and Resumption (01:31:57)
A brief recess was taken before the meeting resumed for further discussions.

The meeting took a short recess to allow attendees to exit before resuming the session for continued discussions on agenda items.
Public Hearing on Budget Adoption (01:32:21)
Second public hearing on budget adoption focusing on financial reports and budget changes.

Chief Financial Officer Paul Redmond presented the second public hearing session on the budget adoption process. The discussion included a review of the general fund, personnel costs, and a minor budget change concerning the East Park restrooms project. The need for council direction and public input was highlighted, with emphasis on the importance of budget allocations for community enhancement and housing projects.
Council Member Budget Queries (01:34:45)
Council members raised questions and concerns about budget allocations and spending priorities.

Council members discussed various budget items, raising concerns about the costs of attending conferences, the carpool mileage reimbursement program, and code enforcement expenses. The need for tangible projects and effective use of funds was emphasized, with council members expressing a preference for larger down payments and less reliance on bonds and loans.
Discussion on Traffic Cameras and Revenue (01:44:12)
Discussion on the anticipated revenue from traffic cameras and the impact on police staffing.

Council discussed the implementation of traffic cameras and the expected increase in revenue from fines. Concerns were raised about the need for additional police staffing to review tickets and the potential impact on the budget. The discussion included a comparison with neighboring communities and the importance of public awareness about the cameras.
Public Hearing on Eagle County Conservation District Funding (01:48:00)
Public hearing on funding allocation for the Eagle County Conservation District's landscape projects.

Representatives from the Eagle County Conservation District (ECCD) presented their case for funding support for the Beyond Lawn program. They discussed the importance of water conservation, pollinator habitat, and fire mitigation, and explained how the mill levy and other funding sources are used to support their projects. The need for rebate funds to encourage community participation was emphasized.
Council Deliberation on Budget and ECCD Funding (01:59:00)
Council deliberated on the budget and the funding request from ECCD, considering sustainability goals.

Council members discussed the funding request from the Eagle County Conservation District, considering the alignment with the town's sustainability goals. The potential for ECCD to be a partner in achieving water conservation and ecological resilience was acknowledged, with council members expressing interest in creative approaches to fund distribution and program implementation.
Budget Discussion (02:00:08)
Discussion on the appropriate allocation of funds, professional development, and community partnerships.

The council discussed the alignment of budget allocations with restricted uses, emphasizing the need for spending on tangible items that directly benefit taxpayers. The importance of professional development was highlighted, alongside the need for clear justification of expenditures. The discussion also touched on community partnerships and the possibility of allocating funds based on homeowner needs.
Second Reading of Landscape Code Update (02:04:08)
Second reading of proposed amendments to the landscape code to comply with state directives.

Planning Manager Jena Skinner presented the second reading of the landscape code update, which includes amendments to Avon Municipal Code Title VII to comply with Colorado state directives regarding non-functional turf, artificial turf, and invasive plant species. The council discussed the amendments, with a focus on compliance, enforcement, and future landscaping strategies. Public comments were opened but none were made. The council expressed appreciation to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their input.
Mayor and Council Comments and Meeting Updates (02:20:18)
Council members provided updates on meetings and discussed various topics including public transportation and landscaping codes.

Council members shared updates from recent meetings and community events. Topics included the CORE Transit budget and bus purchases, concerns about tree removal compliance with Title VII, and the impact of landscaping on community aesthetics and environmental health. The importance of enforcing code compliance regarding tree replacement was emphasized, with suggestions for community education and partnership with local environmental groups. The session concluded with an adjournment.

Avon Town Council (12 Episodes)

Updated about 12 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.