STATE OF THE TOWN
VIT AL
IT Y
THE
PREMIER INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN RESORT COMMUNITY
ELEVATE TH HE QUALIT Y OF THE
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PREPARED FOR ANNNUA UAL COM MMUNITT Y MEEETTINNG — HOOSTEDD BY VAIL TOWNN COUNCI CIL & STAAFF — MARCH 11, 2014
THE TOWN OF VAIL continues to focus on being the premier international mountain resort community. That focus is most evident in three specific areas: enhancing ECONOMIC vitality, growing a balanced COMMUNITY and continually elevating the quality of the EXPERIENCE. In this report, learn more about what is happening in each of these areas to secure Vail’s premier position.
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The town once again posted strongg financial results for 2013 as the local economy continued to recover from the national recession, strengthened by the benefits of redevelopment and a focus on special events.
Preliminary estimates show total revenue for the year of $53.6 million exceeded the 2013 budget by over 2%, or $1.1 million. Sales tax, which is the largest single source of revenue and an indicator of the town’s economic vitality, reached $22 million for the first time in 2013, a 10% increase over 2012 and a 12% increase over the pre-recession high reached in 2008. Sales tax collections throughout the year showed solid increases, with only April (which is impacted by the timing of Easter) and May (which generates only 2.5% of annual collections) failing to reach monthly records. Summer activity was strong with lodging occupancy and average daily room rate each up 3% from the prior summer. While an abundance of special events throughout the summer clearly contributed to increased occupancy, newer lodging inventory commanding premium prices likely contributed to increased rates. Winter 2013-14 was also off to a good start with both November and December sales tax up more than 14% from the previous year. Construction activity also improved in 2013 with the town’s construction use tax trending upward by 11% from 2012 and construction permit fees up nearly 6%. Property tax, which is based on assessed valuations from prior periods, has not caught up with improving conditions but was up 2% from 2012. One disappointing metric of economic health remains real estate transfer tax, which was down 15% from the prior year, primarily due to fewer major redevelopment projects and lower average prices than last year.
100-Y -YEA EARR SA S LE LESS TA TAXX CO COLL LLEC CTI TION O S BY CAT ATEEGOR RY 25
1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600
20 MILLIONS
1,800
THOUSANDS
Parking revenue, which fell dramatically in 2011 as more alternatives to the town’s parking structures became available, has failed to return to previous levels although collections increased by an estimated 20% in 2013 compared to 2012, a year that was a 10-year low.
SUMM SU MMER ER S AL A ES TAX 100-Y -YEA EARR CO COMP MPAR AR RIS ISON ON N
400 15 200 10 MAY
JUNE
JULY
p 2004
5
2004
2005
2006
p RETAIL
2007
p LODGING
2008
2009
p FOOD & BEVERAGE
2010
2011
2012
2013
p UTILITIES & OTHER
Sal a es al es ta tax collections of $2 $222 million m in 2013 arre re 42% higher e thann they theyy we w re 10 years ago, with the largest increases experienced in the Lodgi d ng (up 61% over 10 years) and Food & Beverage (up 51%) categ tegories. i Source: Town own of Vail Fin Finance ance Department
AUG
SEPT
OCT
p 2013
Summer sales tax collections have paced with the overall trend of 42% growth over a ten-year period. July and August reflect the largest increases with 46% and 52%, respectively. Town businesses now report approxim mately $48.2 million more in gross sales during thhe summer months than 10 years ago. Source: Town of Vaail Finance Department
JACK AFFLECK
2013 expenditures tottaled $68.8 million compared to $90.8 million budggeted. Of the $22 million vaariance, $20 million belongs to capital projects t at will carry into 20014. The remaining $2 million th arre operational savinggs, with $1 million from the General Fund and $1 million spread across other Ge internal funds. in
2
New revenue sources also contribute to capital improvements The town’s reserves have returned to 2004 levels with an estimated $34.1 million fund balance at the end of 2013, although some of the significant capital projects budgeted in 2013 will continue into 2014. Over the past 10 years, reserves grew to a high of $74.3 million in 2010 which enabled the town to reinvest in public amenities, infrastructure, employee housing and economic stimulation through special event funding. The 2013 reserve fund balance exceeded the minimum reserve guideline of $7.8 million, which represents 25% of annual General Fund revenue. In a strategic direction by Town Council, various capital projects have been funded with these reserves as an alternative to financing which has saved the town millions of dollars in potential interest payments. Focusing on impactful and well-timed capital projects has helped the Council advance its goals to enhance economic vitality, grow a balanced community and elevate the quality of the experience for citizens and guests. Reserves from the General Fund have also been used to support iconic special events such as the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships ($2.75 million), the 2015 Nations Team Event ($1.5 million), Burton US Open Snowboarding Event ($400,000 each in 2013 and 2014), and the USA Pro Challenge ($75,000 in 2012 and 2014) and to invest in deed restrictions at Timber Ridge Apartments in support of a balanced community.
Town reserves are not the only source of funding for major capital improvements. New revenue sources such as tax increment financing (TIF) through the Vail Reinvestment Authority (VRA) and construction use tax have helped support funding for projects that would have otherwise either been paid for out of town reserves, financed, or not been constructed at all. The VRA is an urban renewal authority authorized under state statute to collect incremental property tax generated from redeveloped properties within the Lionshead area through 2030. VRA’s TIF revenue can be used only for capital improvements in Lionshead. The construction use tax is a 4% tax on construction and building materials used in Vail as approved by the voters in 2007. Construction use tax is also limited to capital improvements, but unlike the VRA revenue, has no sunset. The addition of TIF and construction use tax helped to offset the loss of the conference center tax revenue when that sales and lodging tax was rescinded at the end of 2005 after generating $10.6 million over three years. An additional source of revenue for capital purchases or improvements is federal and state grants. Over the last 10 years the town has received funding for 11 buses totaling $3.4 million, funded approximately 80% of the Lionshead Transit Center ($5.1 million federal grant), plus bridge reconstruction ($828,000).
10-Y 10 -YY EA EARR RE RESE SEERV R E ACCTI T VI VITY T TY 80
AD DDI DITI TIION N AL CAP A IT ITAL AL FUN U DI DING NG SOU OURC RCES RC E ES
VRA TAX COLLECTIONS
VRA BOND PROCEEDS
$4.7M
$12.0M
CONSTRUCTION USE TAX
$5.7M
FEDERAL & STATE GRANTS
$9.3M
Over the past ten years, new funding sources have generated over $22 million with federal and state grants adding another $9 million for public improvements.
TOWN A ME TOWN M NI NITI T ES FUN U DE DEDD FR FROM OM M VAIL VA IL REI EINV NVES NV ESTM TM MEN E T AU AUTH THOR TH ORIT OR ITYY IT LIONSHEAD WELCOME CENTER
$7.9M
LIONSHEAD TRANSIT CENTER
$5.8M
EAST & WEST ENTRANCES TO LIONSHEAD VILLAGE
$2.7M
VAIL LIBRARY RENOVATION
$2.2M
SUNBIRD PARK
$850K
Source: Town of Vail Finance Department
$74.3M
70
MILLIONS
L IONSH IONSH N EAD WELCO WEE LCO LCOME ME CEN C TER ER R
50
RAUL GARCIA
60
40 $32.6M
$34.1M
30 20 10 2004
p GEN. FUND
2010
2013 FORECAST
p CAP. PROJECTS FUND
p CONF. CENTER
p OTHER
•
p RETT FUND
RESERVE MIN.
Source: Town of Vail Finance Department
TOWN TO W A ME WN M NI N TIIES FUN U DE DEDD FR FROM OM RES ESER E VE VESS TIMBER RIDGE HOUSING DEBT REPAYMENT
$16.0M
FORD PARK FIELD AND AMPHITHEATER REMODEL
$10.4M
GOLF AND NORDIC CENTER CLUBHOUSE*
$6.5M
WEST VAIL FIRE STATION
$5.3M
BIKE LANES AND PUBLIC PARKING
$3.8M
GUEST SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS AND WAYFINDING
$2.5M
SPECIAL "ICONIC" EVENT FUNDING
$2.4M
MAIN VAIL FIRE STATION RENOVATION
$2.4M
VAIL VILLAGE WELCOME CENTER REMODEL*
$1.3M
*Pending
VA ILL LIBR VAI L IBRARY A RE ARY RENOV NOVATI ATION ON
JUSTIN MCCARTY
Since 2004, the town has spent $40.2 million from its reserve funds for projects such as the new fire station in West Vail. Today, the town’s reserve fund balance is similar to levels established a decade ago and continues to pace well ahead of the minimum guidelines established by the town.
ECON NOMY
Margaret Rogers and Greg Moffet, Town Council members
Michael Kurz, professional services representative
Chris Jarnot, Vail Resorts, Inc. representative
Rob LeVine, Matt Ivy and Mia Vlaar, lodging representatives
Matt Morgan and Brian Nolan, food and beverage representatives
Rayla Kundolf, Laurie Mullen and Bob Boselli, retail representatives
Paul Wible, financial services representative
With unprecedented coordination between the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council (VLMDAC) and the Vail Commission on Special Events (CSE), 2013 was a good year for both ski and non-ski months with marketing and iconic events drawing destination overnight guests and contributing to increases in sales tax collections over previous records. Research showed brand recognition very high (95%). Guests have a high level of satisfaction (82%) and are likely to recommend Vail to family and friends (79%). VLMDAC activities included an emphasis on the key markets of New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Denver where representatives arranged to meet with travel writers, publishers and other media representatives. These visits generated more than 750 stories about Vail’s summertime activities representing more than $2.1 million in publicity value and more than 707 million media impressions. Also during the year, VLMDAC worked to expand its partnerships with writers for Mexico-based publications, which resulted in additional exposure for Vail. VLMDAC activities are funded by a 1.4% lodging tax collected by the town with strategic recommendations developed by a 9-member advisory group appointed by the Town Council. The goal for summer marketing in 2014 is to continue the trend with an increase of more than 5% over the record year of 2013 during May through October.
Mark Gordon, real estate representative
Members of the VLMDAC:
Chris Romer, local business organizations representative
Beth Slifer, Slifer Designs, Chair
Mike Ortiz, Vail Recreation District representative
Mia Vlaar, East West Resorts, Vice Chair
Robin Litt, Non-profit representative
Kim Newbury, community at large representative
John Dawsey, Colorado Mountain Express, Treasurer
Jenn Bruno, Town Council representative; Dale Bugby, Town Council alternate
Jamie Wilson Gunion, Vail Recreation District
Michael Holton, Vail Valley Medical Center
Laurie Mullen, West Vail Liquor Mart
Davy Ratchford, Vail Resorts
Skip Thurnauer, member at large
When Town Manager Stan Zemler is looking for feedback onn an emerging issue, he often turns to the Vail Economic Advisory Council (VEAC) for some sage advice. The 18 18-member panel convenes monthly and is made up of volunteers from various business sectors sectors, non non-profi profits ts and the community at large. Its diverse representation is what makes the group so appealing, Zemler says. “They’re a respectful and conscientious group, yet they’re quick to tell us when we could offer a better strategy for the business community.” Established in 2006 and appointed by the town manager, the council is charged with making recommendations regarding economic issues and shortterm strategies as well as working with the community to coordinate economic-related efforts. Recent initiatives of the VEAC have included representation on working groups to advance recycling efforts as well as guest service enhancements. In addition, two of its members have revitalized a restaurant group to assist in promoting culinary offerings and event participation. The VEAC has also been responsible for encouraging shops and restaurants to remain open during the spring and fall to promote group business opportunities. The members also are asked to survey neighboring businesses to identify ways the town can more effectively improve its support of the overall business environment. Meet the VEAC:
Finance Director Judy Camp and Economic Development Manager Kelli McDonald provide staff support to the VEAC. All meetings are open to the public.
BALANCE FOUND
VAIL.com
THE GOAL FOR SUMMER MARKETING IN 2014 IS TO CONTINUE THE TREND WITH AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 5% OVER THE RECORD YEAR OF 2013. Example of an ad created by the Vail Local Marketing District used to promote Vail as a summer vacation destination.
4
JEFF PATTERSON
It has taken years of planning to prepare for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, an event second only to the Olympics in its size and scale. As the countdown transitions to months, then days, a number of decisions related to the final planning and preparation will be in the hands of key members of the Vail community as nine individuals are either chairing or playing critical advisory roles on the 2015 Organizing Committee. Those community members include Vail Town Manager Stan Zemler, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Executive Director Aldo Radamus, Town Council member Jenn Bruno, chair of the Ceremonies Committee; Sonnenalp Resort owner Johannes Faessler, chair of the Lodging Committee; Dr. Jack Eck, chair of the Medical Committee; Vail Police Chief Dwight Henninger, chair of the Security Committee; Vail Resorts Senior Vice President and Vail COO Chris Jarnot, chair of the Marketing/PR Committee; Vail Veteran’s Program Executive Director Cheryl Jensen, chair of the Volunteer Committee; and Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum Executive Director Susie Tjossem, chair of the Festival Committee. In addition, countless other Vail residents are serving as members of individual World Championships committees. This includes expertise provided by the town’s transit, parking, streets, police, fire, building, environmental, finance, information technology, economic development, public art and special event coordination divisions.
Crowds gather to watch the debut of the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships in Vail at Golden Peak where the world’s greatest snowboarders converged for four days of intense competition and a week’s worth of fun. Burton has signed an agreement to host the US Open in Vail for five years.
Winter events add to Vail’s vitality The town’s emerging support of winter events during the year has included sponsorship of the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships (USO) which returned to Golden Peak for the second year in a row, March 3-8. Celebrating its 32nd birthday, the USO is the oldest and most respected snowboarding event in the world. The town matched its contribution to help fund the event this year after supporting the USO at the $400,000 level during its Vail debut. The town also contributes to the Vail Film Festival, Taste of Vail, Spring Back to Vail, Snow Daze, Pink Vail and Vail Holidaze to emphasize Vail’s year-round appeal for destination visitors.
Inaugural Vail Summer Bluegrass Series added to event calendar A new bluegrass festival comes to Lionshead this summer that will add to Vail’s music offerings. The Vail Summer Bluegrass Series will be taking place on select Wednesday nights beginning July 2 with free performances by national artists. The series is sponsored in part by the Town of Vail Commission on Special Events and will serve to complement Vail’s mid-week music scene which includes the Hot Summer Nights concert series on Tuesdays and Jazz @ Vail Square on Thursdays.
The individual committees are charged with the planning and delivery of the complete scope and scale of essential services that are required not only for the two weeks of the event, but for all World Championships-related activities that have taken place over the past three years.
In addition to the Bluegrass series, Vail’s summer event calendar includes Feast! Vail, a culinary celebration, and the Vail Valor Races, a new two-day running event that supports the Vail Veteran’s Program, to help build overnight guests over Memorial Day weekend. Crowd favorites will be returning throughout the summer, including the GoPro Mountain Games, USA Pro Challenge, Vail Farmers’ Market, Vail International Dance Festival, the Vail Jazz Festival now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Vail Arts Festival, Vail Rocks!, the Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race, Vail Kids Adventure Club in Lionshead, the internationally recognized Bravo! Vail music festival and Vail America Days, the community’s iconic Independence Day celebration. The town’s $2.6 million investment in special events in 2014 has been spread over 42 individual events, including a significant contribution to the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships. To access a year-round calendar of events and activities, visit vail-calendar.com or vail.com. Meet the Commission on Special Events:
There have only been four FIS Alpine World Ski Championships hosted in North America since the event’s inception in 1931. All four of those championships have taken place in Colorado, with the 1950 World Championships in Aspen and the 1989, 1999 and now the 2015 World Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek.
Barry Davis, Chair, Yellow Belly Chicken
Amy Cassidy, Sonnenalp Resort
Rayla Kundolf, Masters Gallery
Bobby Bank, Vice Chair, Vail Info Inc.
Mark Gordon, Christiania Realty
Nicole Whitaker, Manor Vail
Jeff Andrews, East West Resorts
ECON NOMY
Follow all the planning, preparation and events leading ng up to the event by visiting vailbeavercreek2015.com.
Local dignitaries officially rename Solaris Plaza as Championships Plaza during the One Year Countdown Celebration held on Feb. 1. Championships Plaza will be the site for the nightly medals ceremonies during the 2015 World Championships, along with free evening concerts.
VAIL DAILY
2015 World Championships mascots Pete thee Mountain Mou tain Lionn and a Ea Earl the Ra Raccoon help star start the 2015 15 Countdown Cloc Clock as part of the Countdown 2-15 Party in Championships ships Plaza. a. The T clock ck will co count down own the days, hours, ours minutes and seconds onds until 7 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2015, when the Vail ail Valley welcomes mes the world once o again att the Opening Open Ceremony remony for the th 20155 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships. C onships
The holiday lights at the West Vail roundabouts have offered a preview of what guests will enjoy during the World Championships. With a stunning red, white and blue patriotic theme, the lights will remain in place next year as part of a two-year rotation that helps protect the health of the trees. Meanwhile, a new light display is being planned for the Main Vail roundabout which will be even more spectacular in honor of the championships.
It has been 15 years since Vail hosted an international ski race. That drought will soon end when the Nations Team event, featuring a parallel Giant Slalom format, is staged at Golden Peak as part of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. The race, tentatively scheduled for Beaver Creek, was moved to Vail at the urging of many of Vail's trailblazers represented by Josef Staufer and skiing legend Pepi Gramshammer, to maintain Vail's 50 year racing heritage. The Town of Vail contributed an additional $1.5 million to secure this race. Vail's ski racing heritage started the year it opened in 1962 when Vail was home to the U.S. Ski Team Training Camp and in 1965 it hosted the first Vail International Team Race, the precursor to the World Cup circuit. The Nations Team race on Feb. 10, with its fast-paced, head-to-head competition, will be the perfect fit for racing’s return to Vail. The 13-day championships will be highlighted by five men’s and five women’s individual races, with all qualifying runs in the men’s technical disciplines taking place at Golden Peak, in addition to the Nations Team event. Entertainment, festivals, the official award ceremonies and bib picks will also take place in Vail each day. The town has invested $2.75 million to help sponsor the 2015 World Championships in partnership with the Vail Valley Foundation. The event will showcase athletes from over 70 nations with an estimated 750 million television viewers worldwide and unprecedented international media coverage. If you’d like to be considered as a volunteer for the World Championships, take time to fill out an online application by visiting vailbeavercreek2015.com/contact/#volunteers.
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With the start of the 2015 World Championships now less than a year away, the town is putting the finishing touches on projects that will not only enhance the championships, but also have lasting appeal for guests and locals.
Vail Village Welcome Center remodel A planned remodel of the Welcome Center on the top deck of the Vail Village parking structure will help answer one of the most frequently asked questions from arriving guests when restrooms are added to the building’s east side. The $1.3 million project also includes interior upgrades, a re-skinned exterior and other modifications to increase visibility from the road. The addition of a pull-out on the north side of the building for shortterm access by RVs, buses and passenger vehicles, is also planned. During the championships, the Vail Village and Lionshead Welcome Centers will serve as important information outlets for racing fans.
New Lionshead parking structure entry Another visible area scheduled for renovation is the entry to the Lionshead parking structure. The work will include replacement of the existing parking booths and construction of an overhead gateway to create a more welcoming arrival. The project also includes operational and circulation efficiencies with an expanded ticketing plaza, new equipment, a one-way loop configuration in the lower level drop-off and an express pass-holders-only exit at the lowest level. The $2 million project is being funded by incremental tax revenues generated as a result of previous redevelopment in Lionshead.
Going for the green From changing light bulbs to changing habits, 100 businesses will be looking to make a memorable impression when guests arrive for the 2015 World Championships. A project of the Vail Valley Foundation in partnership with Walking Mountain Science Center and the town, sustainability training sessions are taking place to help participating lodges, restaurants and other businesses become actively green. Fifty businesses have already enrolled in the program and are seeing favorable results. The Sonnenalp Resort, for example, has saved over $200,000 in 24 months through its energy saving practices. As the Actively Green program doubles in capacity, guests will be welcomed with eco-friendly choices that will help give businesses and the valley a competitive edge.
Incentives for businesses The road to the 2015 World Championships will include one-time financial incentives for businesses pursuing storefront improvements. The Road to 2015...Fix It. Paint It. Clean It. Improve It. program provides financial incentives to commercial building owners and tenants to complete certain functional and aesthetic exterior and interior building improvements within and around Vail Village, Lionshead and the East and West Vail retail areas. The town’s community development department is offering refunded permit fees to tenants and owners of commercial properties in Vail Village, Lionshead, West Vail and East Vail retail areas for repairs or upgrades to facades, awnings, lighting, signage and other improvements. The purpose of the program is to ensure comfortable and attractive places to shop, eat and enjoy while in Vail and to make a first and lasting positive impression. The program runs from March 1 to Dec. 15, 2014. For details, visit vailgov.com/comdev g .
Way finding improvements
Another phase in a series of guest enhancement initiatives will be taking place with installation of updated directional signs and directories for the pedestrian areas. The signs are part of a comprehensive wayfinding project initiated by the town that has also included installation of new signs along Interstate 70 to help improve decisionmaking at the three exits. Updates to signs along the frontage roads and in the parking structures have also been completed. Future phases will include improvements to the variable message sign system used to convey traffic and parking information.
Vail will be among the safest resort communities uniti in the world when it joins Beaver Creek in hosting the World Championships mpionsh next year. And once the events aree over, new security cameras that th have been sspecifi ecifically Spectators who gather for designed to secure events in Vail and Beaver Vail’s eventt ven venues Creek will be encouraged to will remain in place lace report suspicious behavior havio to keep the venues es sa safe. as a long-term ppublic They’ll also experience xper safetyy investment. an emphasis sis on security The he 24 new cameras came bag checkk screenings as additionall preca precautions. will be added to a network ork of 6 existing monitoring devices ces that will provide live feed feeds of public gathering thering areas in Vail Village aand Lionshead, d, includi including ceremonies at Cha Championships ionsh Plaza at Solaris. Sixteen additional cameras will be installed temporarily. tempo The cameras will be operational by ssummer and will be tested in advance during events such as the USA SA Pro Challenge Time Trial Tria in August. Police lice Cmdr. Craig Bettis say says the technology ogy will increase the department’s se security presence ence by capturing evidence and reducing reduc criminal minal activity. The cameras will also be used to monitor the loading and delivery sy systems. As many as 150,000 spectators are ex expected to take part inn the upcoming World Championships. Cham Police olice Chief Dwight Henninger is chairing the security planning that involves involv multiple federal, state and local agencies. The effort will involve the presence sence of more than th 10 public safety agencies cies from across the region.
Local delegation learns from World Championships in Schladming
Andy Daly, Town of Vail Mayor, and Susie Tjossem, chair of the 2015 Festivals Committee, Com traveled to Schladming, ming, Au Austria, a, last w winter inter to experience the 2013 World Championships. mpionships. The two were part of an 18-m 18-member local cal delegation that th also included ncluded Chupa C Nelson of R.A. R.A Nelson Construction (left) and Vail Resorts’ John Garnsey (c (center). Thee purpose of the trip was wa to study dy all facets of the championships, ampionship including venues, s, hospitality, transportat transportation and security. curity.
His words bring a sense of comfort and reflection to his readers, eager to ponder life’s ups and downs. When Fire Chief Mark Miller began writing his Behind the Badgee commentaries last year, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “My intent was to simply find an outlet to share the importance of perspective in life and the fact that there is always more to the story,” he said. Instead, Chief Miller has built an unexpected following, many of them strangers, offering their thanks for sharing his heartfelt sentiments. Miller’s unconventional writings have addressed humility, compassion, inspiration, hope, fear and other emotions that occur all too often in the firehouse and in the lives of emergency responders. With an endless amount of topics to explore, the chief says he’ll continue writing the commentaries as long as there are willing readers. His columns are published in the Vail Daily and are archived on the town’s website.
It took over 400 hours for fire department personnel to canvas vass Vail’s neighborhoods last summer. Information from the exterior of each property was systematically collected to help elp identify the wildfire risk of each home. The result is a comprehensive, comprehensive house house-by-house by house interactive wildfire wildfire risk evaluation evalu map – the first of its kind in the state.
JUSTIN MCCARTY
The property assessment includes roof type, topography, defensible space, vegetation and other nationally recognized criteria that have been used to assign each home a high, medium or low risk factor rating. The map shows that 42% of all homes in Vail fall into the high risk category. Fire Chief Mark Miller says the map is meant to help homeowners understand their specific risk rating and to assist them in knowing how to reduce their risk should they choose. The map will also be used to plan and coordinate emergency response and evacuation strategies. What you should know:
The wildfire assessment map is accessible at vailgov.com/wildfi g rerisk/. The map won’t influence insurance rates as companies have their own protocols for setting rates.
Call the fire department at 970-477-3474 to discuss your rating. While there is nothing punitive or mandatory associated with the rating, homeowners may appeal their rating if they choose. Ratings can also be updated on an ongoing basis upon completion of mitigation work.
Fire officials will be coordinating with the Design Review Board to ensure there are no conflicting priorities regarding the removal of trees or vegetation as it relates to defensible space and life-safety.
The map is not a substitute for other town-funded initiatives. This includes the hiring of a full-time wildland fire coordinator, updating town wide evacuation plans, researching affordable options for an emergency siren notification system and working with the U.S. Forest Service to increase defensible space along the town’s boundaries.
Assessments of commercial properties are being handled separately and are not included on the map. This is because most of the properties are protected with sprinkler systems and are already working with fire officials on additional life-safety improvements.
There is an excellent working relationship and response agreement between the town, Eagle County and the U.S. Forest Service as well as all other mutual aid partners in the county.
CALLL V OLU CAL UME M – FIRE FIRE RE 1 9 49 1,949 1,9 1,845 1 712 1,7 1,712
Chief Miller says it’s important to note the primary mission of local fire authorities is to educate property owners about the risk for wildfire, their personal responsibility in living in the wildland urban interface and to assist in every possible way to keep community members and guests safe.
1,748 1,7 48 1,5 , 49
“WHILE WE CAN’T GUARANTEE WE WILL NEVER HAVE A CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRRE, OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO HAVE THE RESOURCES AND EDUCATION IN PL ACE TO ALLEVIATE THE LOSS OF LIFE AND KEEP PROPERT Y LOSS TO A MINIMUM.”” — CHIEF MARK MILLER
2009
2010
2011
Average response time first unit
2012
2013 5 min. 31 sec.
EMERGE EME RGEENCY RE RESPO SPONSE NSEE ST S ATI ATISTI STI TICS CSS BY B DIS DISTRI TRIICT 2013 1,949 970 119 629 18 33 163 11
Total Responses Main Vail East Vail West Vail I-70 Dowd I-70 Vail I-70 Vail Pass Out of District Total dollar loss all sources (vehicle fires, structure fires, etc.)
$403,206
EME M RGE GENCY NCY REE SPO SPONSE NS ST NSE STATI ATISTI ATI ST CSS BYY TYP STI YP PE
CONNOR WALBERG
Total Responses Fires Rupture/Explosion Rescue/Emergency Medical Haz-Mat Service Calls Good Intent (Dispatched to scene, no action taken) False Alarms Miscellaneous (Dispatched to scene, no action taken) Source: Vail Fire & Emergency Services
8
2013 1,949 57 14 844 61 101 321 544 7
JUSTIN MCCARTY
A secondary egress has been added to the town’s emergency evacuation plan for residents in East Vail. With the initial assessment showing only one way out via Bighorn Road, the plan has been amended in the event an emergency blocks evacuation to the west. In this instance, residents will be directed past a barrier to access the lower runaway truck ramp off Interstate 70 where they’ll head eastbound on I-70 to the appropriate evacuation staging location or to a place of safety. The secondary route has been approved by the Colorado Department of Transportation and has been incorporated into an updated plan at vailgov.com/evacuation g . The town wide plan advises motorists to head to the frontage roads, then to I-70 as directed, while evacuees without transportation are to make their way to the nearest bus stop for transport to the Vail Transportation Center.
Interpreters Olga Wilkins, (right), and Emmanuel Mendoza (far left), have been trained to help members of the immigrant community connect with law enforcement. Maria Luisa Baltazar, (left), is among numerous community members who have been assisted by the program, which is co-chaired by Megan McGee Bonta of Catholic Charities (back). Officers Lee Demarest and Justin Liffick are also shown.
CRIME CRI ME STA STATIS TISTIC TICSS 2011 890 36 359 82 3 57 52 97 205 119 6 51 18 84 40 147
Total Arrests Burglary Larceny/Theft Ski/Board Thefts* Motor Vehicle Theft Assault Deceptive Use of a Ski Facility DUI/DWAI Drugs Vandalism Sexual Offenses Trespassing Trespassing (vehicular)** Disorderly Conduct Obstructing/Resisting Protective Custody
2012 896 28 310 78 5 61 16 84 217 117 16 57 22 79 34 145
2013 744 22 317 83 11 60 17 68 113 122 8 60 30 46 24 75
The categories above are not inclusive of all offenses. *Ski and board thefts are included in Larceny/Theft. **Vehicular Trespassing is included in Trespassing. Source: Vail Police Dept.
CALLL V OLU CAL OLUME – POLI POLI OL CE 40,,634 40
2009
37,684 37 684
2010
38,, 450 38
37,734 37 734
2011
2012
35,345
2013
M OR VEH MOT VEHICL ICLEE ACCI A CCIDEN DENTS DEN TS 462
2011
449
393
385
2012
2013
2013
BEARR CALL BEA L S BY BY Y EAR 222
123 73 16 2009
2010
Source: Vail Police Dept.
2011
5 2012
2013
Olga Wilkins and a dozen other volunteers are using their voices to make it easier for Spanishspeaking residents to come forward to report a crime. They’re also helping children stay in school. Their services as trained interpreters along with other programs sponsored by the Eagle County Law Enforcement Immigrant Advisory Committee have been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for their work in building trust between the immigrant community and law enforcement. With a social services background, Wilkins knows how stressful it can be when victims talk to first responders. “They’re emotionally involved and words just won’t come, especially when English is their second language,” she said. Wilkins, who grew up in Costa Rica and moved to Vail with husband James 15 years ago, was among the first to offer assistance as a volunteer interpreter. She and 10 others are on call to assist when the need arises. Currently, Spanish, French and Russian translation services are available. Additional bilingual volunteers are needed to grow the program, especially to accommodate the influx of international guests during the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships. Megan McGee Bonta of Catholic Charities, who co-chairs the immigrant advisory committee along with Police Chief Dwight Henninger, says the program helps provide immigrants with direct access to law enforcement – many for the first time. “In the past, instead of calling 911 to report an emergency, I’d find people parked outside my office waiting to speak with me about a problem,” says McGee Bonta, who’s trilingual. She also recalls instances where victims’ family members would attempt to interpret and would sometimes derail an investigation. Wilkins agrees. As a mother of two young children who has worked with Spanish-speaking families throughout her career, Wilkins says the language barrier can put families
- especially children - in a tough situation. “I’ve seen children on the verge of being held back in school because families kept pulling their Englishspeaking children out of class to take them to different places to provide translation for them.” By calling on the volunteer interpreters, Wilkins is hoping more kids can focus on their classwork while their family members receive the help they need. “It’s a great feeling to be involved in creating bridges with law enforcement and to help our second language community members feel at ease,” said Wilkins.
“IT’SS A GREAT FEELING TO BE INVOLVED IN CREATING BRIDGES WITH L AW ENFORCEMENT AND TO HELP OUR SECOND L ANGUAGE COMMUNIT Y MEMBERS FEEL AT EASE.” — OLGA WILKINS In addition to the volunteer interpreters, other programs of the immigrant advisory committee include coat and food drives, a Spanish-based citizens’ police academy, distribution of a frequently asked training booklet and various outreach and training events. Agencies from throughout Eagle County are represented. Established in 2010, the program’s results are impressive with once unreported crimes now becoming active cases. There’s also a decrease in the percentage of Spanish-speaking members victimized by crime. Chief Henninger says the immigrant community is the backbone of Vail and he’s proud of the work that has taken place and looks forward to additional success.
COM MMUNIT Y
Resort communities typically look to Vail as a leader in new initiatives. In this instance, Vail’s leadership is taking its time to assess the issues associated with a decision to either ban or allow retail marijuana establishments in the town. A temporary ban is currently in place and has been extended twice to allow for additional information gathering. While the passage of Amendment 64 allows adults to possess small amounts of recreational marijuana, consumption is banned from all public areas and federal lands, including Vail Mountain. Study sessions and public hearings will be scheduled later in the spring as the Town Council weighs its options. Inquiring guests are being directed to the town’s website, vailgov.com/ g marijuana j , for an overview of the regulatory actions that have been taken, to date. The neighboring communities of Frisco, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Aspen have approved local regulations permitting marijuana sales as well as Eagle County, while the communities of Minturn and Gypsum have enacted bans. A temporary ban is in place in Avon.
Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC) is continuing to draft a master facility plan for its Vail campus with assistance from the town’s community development department. The master planning was initiated to address VVMC capacity issues, inefficiencies associated with the aging structures and to ensure the continued delivery of exceptional medical care in Vail. Once completed, the plan will be used by VVMC to help guide and direct future decisions related to the hospital’s main campus. VVMC is an independent nonprofit hospital and has served the community since 1965. An economic impact analysis conducted on behalf of the town in 2009 indicated that while the hospital contributed nearly $6 million annually to the local economy, the most significant value of VVMC may be in intangible benefits not fully captured in a standard economic impact analysis such as access to high quality medical services for residents, second homeowners and guests; the proximity of emergency services; and the fact that VVMC’s operations help counter the town’s seasonality.
SUNBIRD SUN UN D PPARK A K ARK
Recycling in Vail will transition from a voluntary program to a town wide requirement in the near future, according to initial decisions by the Town Council. In reviewing a recycling ordinance, members of the Town Council have pledged to work with all sectors of the community to make recycling a daily routine for everyone. The requirement will eventually apply to all residential, multi-family and commercial customers that subscribe to waste hauling services. An awareness campaign will be launched soon to alert customers of the options ahead. RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS Look for written notice from your waste hauler detailing volume-based pricing options, container sizes and a list of materials required to be recycled. Pricing option incentives will be offered so you can save as you recycle.
Make arrangements to obtain a larger, wildliferesistant container for curbside collection of recyclables that will occur at the same frequency as your solid waste pick up.
Ask your hauler if a single bin collection process will be used, or a dual stream process in which you’ll need to sort your items into multiple bins.
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS Same general provisions as above with an additional requirement that properties must arrange for the means to recycle on site, such as a recycling dumpster or cart service. COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS Same provisions as multi-family with additional requirement that businesses provide accessible recycling options for their customers.
In each instance, multi-lingual signs will be placed on the recycling containers to help customers know what materials are recyclable.
BROOKS FREEHILL
Implementation of Vail’s community wide recycling requirement is one of several actions that are being taken to fulfill a town initiative to reduce Vail’s landfill use by 25% by the year 2019. Current estimates indicate just 10% of residential household waste is being recycled in Vail compared to the national average of 35%, while commercial customers in Vail recycle about 19% compared to 34.5% nationally. Vail has the potential to recycle 58% of the trash that is currently going to the landfill. Ask your waste hauler for more information.
Makeovers for Lionshead, Booth Creek parks As the community celebrates completion of the newly-renovated and newly-named Sunbird Park in Lionshead (shown above), the planning process is already taking shape for renovation of another significant park. Booth Creek Park, located on Manns Ranch Road in East Vail, is next in line for an overhaul. One of six neighborhood parks, the facilities at Booth Creek, most notably the tennis courts and a tot lot, are in substandard condition. The town has budgeted $2.4 million over the next four years to improve the quality, character and functionality of the 3-acre park to be consistent with the types of recreation facilities available in the other neighborhoods. Community meetings will be used to help shape the amenities and features to be included in the park’s redevelopment. Initial stages of construction could begin this fall with additional phases over several years.
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Now that recycling decisions are well under way, community discussions will soon turn to the possibility of placing a ban or imposing fees to reduce the use of plastic bags in Vail. Results from a 500-person survey, showing support for a reduction in plastic bag use, will be presented to the Town Council later in the year to help determine next steps.
If you live in Vail, no matter what part of town, you can begin taking actions today to help improve the health of Gore Creek. There’s no need to wait for a letter, a phone call or a knock at your door. Whether it means reducing the amount of fertilizers or other chemicals used on your lawn or switching to biodegradable soaps to wash your dog or your car, changes in daily habits adopted by the entire community could be just the catalyst to help turn the corner. Simple examples include:
Reduce the use of snowmelt chemicals, especially near drains and ditches. These often lead directly to the creek.
Refrain from mowing, cutting willows, removing vegetation or building structures in areas adjacent to the creek and its tributaries.
Use only the amount of fertilizer or compost that is recommended. More is not better.
Properly dispose of auto fluids by taking them to the town’s public works shops, Walmart or a local mechanic who will accept them. Dumping them in an outside drain is the same as dumping them in the creek.
Scientists have determined the decline in Gore Creek’s aquatic life is due to degradation and loss of riparian buffer areas, impacts of urban runoff and pollutants associated with land use activities. This circumstance has caused Gore Creek to be listed as “impaired” under the Clean Water Act. Actions to address the impairment are the focus of a water quality improvement plan which aims to change our daily routines as a first step. The plan also includes strategies for regulatory measures, site specific projects, best management practices and an ongoing monitoring program. Funded by the town and other agencies represented by the Eagle County Urban Runoff Group, the goal is to return Gore Creek to a vibrant, healthy stream habitat synonymous with our world class resort community.
After an initial investment of $3.2 million to reduce energy consumption in town facilities, the initiative is on pace to recoup costs by the year 2026 or sooner. An ongoing monitoring program has identified an annual savings of least $175,000 per year, which equates to 12% of the town’s 20% energy reduction goal and over 1,350 tons of carbon dioxide per year. That equates to about 12% of the town’s total emissions. Facility improvements have included installation of LED fixtures in the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures, plus window replacements, new boilers, programmable thermostats and use of low-flow toilets and faucets. Next steps include implementation of a phase II lighting project upgrade funded in part by a $170,000 grant from Holy Cross Energy, which is projected to save another 6% in reduced energy consumption and emissions.
The long-anticipated demolition of the eastern portion of the Timber Ridge Village Apartments is set to begin in May, clearing the way for construction of the new Lion’s Ridge Village Apartments. The development has received final town approvals and includes four, three-story tall buildings totaling 113 units with a mix of 84 two-bedroom apartments and 29 one-bedroom units. Once completed, the new apartments will provide a place to call home for as many as 223 people. The town, and its partner, Gorman and Company, have agreed to a 35-year ground lease in which the town will retain ownership of the land and will take possession of the entire development at the end of the lease. Seventy percent of the apartments will be deed restricted for employee housing.
Participants explore the importance of insects and their impact on the stream during a summer workshop sponsored by the town. Additional public awareness efforts will be used to enlist the community’s help in restoring the health of Gore Creek.
The town has purchased its first zero emission vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf joins a growing inventory of other energy-efficient vehicles within the town’s fleet.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS IN MAY WITH THE UNITS READY FOR OCCUPANCY AT THE START OF THE 2015-16 WINTER SEASON.
The town’s goal is to ensure there is deed restricted housing for at least 30% of Vail’s workforce within the town boundaries.
BERGLUND ARCHITECTS
During construction, which will take an estimated 18 months, the 96 units on the westernmost portion of the site will continue to be used as employee housing to maintain an ongoing inventory of rental units on the property. The town anticipates redevelopment of the western half of the site in a future phase. The new Lion’s Ridge Village Apartments (rendering above) will include 113 units in one- and two-bedroom configurations. Each apartment will have a washer and dryer, gas furnace, Energy Star-rated appliances and a storage closet. A 153-space surface lot will provide parking for the project.
2 13 20 1 @ YOU O R LI L BRAR BRR AR ARYY
COM MMUNIT Y
Library Card Holders New Memberships Issued Number of Items Checked Out Items in the Collection Attendance
18,884 2,603 61,752 59,064 105,007
Library serves as community hub
Interlibrary Loan Lending Interlibrary Loan Borrowing
2,611
It’s mid-morning at the Vail Public Library and the building, still fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, is buzzing with activity – and children’s voices. If you thought libraries were quiet reading rooms, think again. Vail’s library is an active community center, where users of all ages converge to take part in a multitude of offerings. Students at Red Sandstone Elementary School are included in the mix. Each month, children in grades K-5 take a field trip to the library where they enjoy a staff-led activity and a chance to use their new library cards. Once school is out of session, many of these children will return to take part in the annual summer reading program while their brothers and sisters might tag along for weekly story hour. Cricket Pylman and Michelle Jirenec of the children’s library staff are responsible for the programming which helps support the school’s limited on-site media services.
Adult Programming Participants
1,264
Children’s Programming Participants
6,422 22
Community Room Use
1,486
(by outside organizations)
10,971
Volunteer Hours
789
H UR HO URSS OF OPE PERA R TI RA TION OONN 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday
In another corner of the library, a young international worker can be found on a video phone call with friends and family using the library’s free Internet services and new social computer area. In the library’s fireplace lounge a painting has just been hung to showcase a local artist as part of the library’s new partnership with Art in Public Places. Meanwhile, in the staff offices downstairs, reference librarian Kathleen Winfield is preparing to take a shift for the online question and answer collaborative AskColorado, while her colleague Liz Willhoff is planning the next in a series of 3D printer workshops that will capture the imagination of the library’s younger patrons. At the center of it all is Lori A. Barnes who has been guiding the library’s 14-member staff since 2007. “There’s never a dull moment here,” says Barnes. “Our goal is to remain relevant to our community and to be dynamic while meeting those needs.” With programming for adults, families and children, there are book discussions and signings, film showings, musical performances, arts and crafts sessions, the One Book One Valley program and just about everything you’d expect from a community center – except a pool. For a schedule of activities, visit vaillibrary.com.
ALL PHOTOS: JUSTIN MCCARTY
Thanks, Friends
The Friends of Vail Public Library are continuing to make significant contributions with their donations of time and money. In addition to providing $52,000 towards the building’s renovation last year, the Friends donated additional funds to support a 50th Anniversary project – restoration of the Vintage Vail Quilt. This historic work of art was originally fashioned by a local sewing group in honor of Vail’s 20th Anniversary. Following restoration, which involved conservation treatment and specialized cleaning due to its delicate condition, the quilt now hangs in the library’s community room.
Town Council renews interest in West Vail housing development After unfavorable market conditions caused the town to set aside emerging plans for an affordable housing development in West Vail two years ago, the Town Council has initiated renewed interest in the project. An update to previous market studies is taking place to determine the potential viability for housing to be built on the 3.6-acre town-owned parcel located behind the fire station. Known as the Chamonix property, the land was purchased in 2002 to be used for public purposes. A master planning update was approved in 2011 which contained a site plan for 48 units on the property with a mix of five for-sale duplex units and up to 38 for-sale condominiums or apartments. The updated market study will be completed in the spring and will be used to determine the extent to which the project will be pursued, if at all. The study will evaluate factors such as location, demographics, demand, competition and mortgage availability. In anticipation of a future development, the Town Council had once discussed an option to initiate construction of below grade utilities on the property, but no action was taken and the parcel has remained in its undeveloped state.
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With an estimated $21 million in funding secured forr the th Vail I-70 Underpass Project, engineers have begun studying preliminary design concepts that will be used to connect the North and South Frontage Roads to improve traffic circulation cir for vehicles, buses and pedestrians. After identifying 12 possible alignment locations between Main Vail and West Vail, a preferred location has been identified for fu further analysis. The study area is situated between the Savoy Villas and the Simba Run condominiums along the North Frontage Road and a few hundred yards east of the Casc scade Village entrance on the South Frontage Road. O constructed, Once t t d the th new roadd will ill pass beneath b th the th interstate in a configuration that will require lowering portions of the adjoining frontage roads by as much as 8 to 10 feet on the south side and 12 to 15 feet on the north. Property acquisition, drainage, retaining walls, structural bridge selection, realignment of the North Recreational Trail, traffic analysis and other factors will influence the project’s design, as well as environmental considerations related to Gore Creek, plus noise, light and air quality impacts.
VAILL I-70 VAI I-70 UN UNDER DERPAS PASSS PROJJECT
The town is working in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation, numerous federal agencies and community members to design the project. Construction of the underpass has been identified in regional transportation plans for the past 20 years to help relieve congestion at the two interchanges and improve transit circulation and emergency response within the town. It will also provide a safe and efficient alternative for pedestrians and bicyclists. Construction is targeted to begin in spring 2016 with completion in late 2017. CDOT is contributing $14.8 million toward the project with the town pledging $6 million. Project updates are available online at vailgov.com/underpass g p .
When completed, the I-70 Vail underpass will add a new connection between the north and south sides of the interstate to improve traffic flow within the community. After evaluating 12 possible alignment locations, this sketch shows the connection that has been identified as the preferred location. Roundabouts are contemplated to be used on both ends to link up with the frontage roads. Additional analysis is taking place to determine impacts to neighboring properties.
JACK AFFLECK
Five separate construction projects are being coordinated to improve conditions on the frontage roads throughout town. Beginning in the spring, contractors will be widening the paved shoulders to accommodate bike lanes along the North Frontage Road from City Market to the Middle Creek Village Apartments as well as a left turn lane at Red Sandstone Elementary School. Another shoulder/bike lane-widening project will be taking place l on the th South S th Frontage F t Road R d in i the th Cascade C d area. Farther F th west,t four f storm t water t vaults lt will ill be b installed i t ll d along the South Frontage Road between the West Vail roundabout and Matterhorn Circle with funding provided by the town and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The vaults are designed to treat storm water runoff from the interstate and frontage roads prior to discharge into Go Gore re Creeek ek.. A fo four urth ur th pro roje ject je ct wililll ad add dd ne new turn lanes at the entry to Ford Park. Thhes esee pr proj ojec jects ts are sched chhed edul uled ul ed to be b complleted by the end of Jun unne prio pprrio iorr to an asphalt overlay that will be ta taki kinng ng place on thhe No N rth and South Fronntaage Roa o ds ds.. Th Thee CD CDOT OT overlay proje j ct,, which will also includee AD ADAA imp improvemennts at innteers rsec ecctition ons, is sc on sche hedu he dule du ledd to beggin i midd-Jul ulyy and willl be compple lete tedd by the end of Octo tobe ber. Whi hile le the pro roje ject ctss are ct arre beinng ccooor o dina nate ate tedd too min inim im mizze im impa pact pa act ctss, the h tow own ow wn is wor o ki k ng witithh the contractor orss to esttab ablilish guidelines thhat wili l be be use sedd to to kee eepp tr t af affific mo movi ving ing as eff fifici cciien entltly entl tly as as pos ossi sibl ibl ble. ble e.
JACK AFFLECK
JACK AFFLECK
EXPEERIENCE
One more construction season is all that remains to finish n significant renovations currently taking place at Ford Park. The 39-acre community treasure is well on its ts way to becoming the most distinctive setting in the mountains with its blend of recreation, culture and the arts ts. The final phase of work taking place this year includes the addit dition of a new exterior courtyard gathering area att th the GGerald ld RR. FFordd AAmphitheater hith t th thatt will ill provide id a llasting ti ttribute ib to President and Mrs. Ford. Construction of the new courtyard follows improvements completed last season when restrooms were added to the east side of the amphitheater, along with the terracing of the general admission lawn seating that surrounds the back of the pavilion seating area. Access to the lower bench area was also improved with grade adjustments and widening of East Betty Ford Way. On the upper bench, new restrooms and concession buildings have been built at the ball fields. Remaining work to be completed this spring and summer includes realignment of the three softball fields to allow for extended playing capacity. The fields will be built with natural grass outfields and synthetic turf infields to provide state-of-the-art playing conditions required for tournament venues. New bleachers and fencing also will be added, plus irrigation and drainage improvements. This portion of the park will be closed throughout the summer and fall to allow the new sod to become established. Softball, soccer and other sporting leagues affected by the season-long closure are being relocated to a variety of playing fields throughout the area. Regular use of the fields will resume in the spring of 2015. Construction of the park’s remaining components, including improved pedestrian walkways and landscaping, a new bus stop area and bus shelter, realignment of the parking lot entrance, and storm sewer and lighting system improvements, will begin this spring and will be substantially complete by mid-June. The Ford Park construction phases are being funded, in part, by the voter-approved Conference Center Fund reallocation and the town’s Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund, plus a significant investment by the Vail Valley Foundation, which owns and operates the amphitheater. Combined, the improvements will total over $20 million. Meanwhile, a future project, construction of the proposed Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center, to be located on the western side of the lower bench adjacent to the basketball court, playground and restrooms, is currently working its way through the town’s review process.
Nearly 25,000 rounds of golf were played at the Vail Golf Club in 2013. Realignment of the 18th hole will be completed during the 2014 season.
ZEHREN AND ASSOCIATES & LAND ART
JACK AFFLECK
Golf course realignment nearly complete
Ford Park improvements include the renovated lawn seating at the Ford Amphitheater (top) and a new covered plaza area to be completed this year (above).
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Golfers will be introduced to a newly configured 18th hole at the Vail Golf Club this summer which will provide the picturesque finish players have enjoyed for more than 30 years. The realignment project got underway last fall with excavation, drainage, bunker construction and new tee boxes. Remaining work will resume this spring and includes landscaping, the placement of sod for the tee boxes and green as well as other finishing touches. To allow 18 holes of play, an alternate 19th hole will remain in use until the project is completed. The realignment was initiated by the town to address ongoing safety concerns regarding errant balls. A companion project to improve safety conditions at the driving range is also taking place. A second project, renovation of the Golf and Nordic Center Clubhouse, is on hold until the outcome of a lawsuit filed in 2012 by adjacent property owners is resolved. The golf course and related facilities are owned by the town and operated by the Vail Recreation District.
JACK AFFLECK
Art in Public Places (AIPP) is experiencing steady increases in its summer and winter programming with both residents and guests taking part. The popular summer Wednesday Art Walks have attracted as many as 30 participants at a time when Vail is bustling with activity. The Art Walks are also held in the winter. In both instances, the participants come from around the world, as well as around the corner. During the holiday season, AIPP expanded its offerings with a community wide public art project involving students from Red Sandstone Elementary School and other members of the community with its Paper Lantern project. Workshops held at the Vail Public Library attracted over 100 participants who came together to make paper lanterns that were displayed during the annual tree lighting ceremony. The all-ages workshop provided a delightful off-mountain activity for residents and guests during the busy holiday season.
Local Girl Scouts joined in the fun during the Vail Holidaze annual tree lighting ceremony, following a paper lantern-making workshop sponsored by Art in Public Places and the Town of Vail Public Library. AIPP offers programming for families and adults year-round.
AIPP also continued to grow its fundraising efforts this past season which brought the largest Triumph Winterfest exhibition to date to Vail. With these generous donations, AIPP was able to arrange for ice sculpture installations throughout much of the winter season. In addition, AIPP’s temporary art placement program at the Vail Public Library has seen great interest from local artists. The program invites Eagle County artists to submit a work of art to hang in the library above the fireplace for a three-month period. More than 20 works of art have been submitted for consideration thus far. Due to the overwhelming interest in featuring local art, a community exhibition is being organized by AIPP and the Vail Public Library that will debut in August.
New interactive maps help customers identify property details A new interactive mapping system has been launched that provides online public access to detailed property information within the town. The maps, available at maps.vailgov.com, are the culmination of months of development and extensive data entry by community development department staff. They contain an easy-to-use search and navigation system that allows users to pinpoint a variety of information such as zoning classification, hazards, ownership and other characteristics. Future software will enable the maps to be continuously updated to coincide with the town’s development review process.
Cellular and Wi-Fi enhancements Work continues on an upgrade of the town’s infrastructure to accommodate increased cellular capacity (4G) and coverage for both AT&T and Verizon. Crown Castle International has partnered with the town to install a new macro tower site at the public works facility. A new carrier hub site has also been built and is operational along with 7 of the 23 proposed distributed antenna system (DAS) micro tower sites. Additionally, the Wi-Fi system has been completely rebuilt in the Vail Village and Lionshead core areas along with upgraded Internet bandwidth. Residents and guests will see additional improvements to the cellular and Wi-Fi network once the project is completed in the fall of 2014.
JACK AFFLECK
The League of American Bicyclists has officially recognized the Town of Vail for something locals already know: Vail is a Bicycle Friendly Community. Vail’s ranking is good through 2017 and is due, in part, to the town’s extensive recreation path system and mountain biking facilities as well as the community’s longstanding enthusiasm for biking. Within the past 3 years, the town has constructed nearly 6 miles of widened shoulders in Vail with plans for an additional 3.5 miles by the end of next summer.
After completing an exhaustive application process, Town of Vail Landscape Architect Gregg Barrie, left, joins Town Manager Stan Zemler and Mayor Andy Daly in celebrating the Bicycle Friendly designation which was elevated from a bronze rating to silver.
VOICES OF VAIL Town Council members Andy Daly and Ludwig Kurz are se serving another two years in the Town of Vail leadership positions with Daly as mayor and Kurz as mayor pro tem, respectively. res The two were unanimously reappointed during the Vail Town Council organizational meeting last Novem vember. Daly and Kurz are finishing out the remaining i i ttwo years off a four-year f tterm after ft winning i i election l ti tto the Town Council in 2011. Daly has served as mayor since 2011 and was mayor pro tem from 2007 to 2009. Kurz, the current mayor pro tem, has served as both mayor and mayor pro tem in prior years. He was first elected to the town council in 1996. The two are joined on the Town Council by Jenn Bruno, Dale Bugby, Dave “Bone” Chapin, Greg Moffet and Margaret Rogers.
Legislation made its way through the Colorado General Assembly this session that addresses a procedural change adopted by the state legislature last year that prohibited local election officials in Vail and other municipalities from automatically sending mail-in ballots during the 2013 election. Instead, voters that did not plan to cast their ballot at the polls on Election Day were required to submit an application for a mail-in/early voter ballot. This change caused confusion among some voters who were unaware of the modification. Approval of House Bill 14-1164 clarifies the mail ballot election process by allowing local election jurisdictions to retain a permanent mail-in voter list which will again allow ballots to be mailed automatically. During the 2013 election in Vail, 831 votes were cast, compared to 934 votes in 2011, a decrease of 12%.
If you’d like to receive agendas, announcements and other information on a regular basis, visit the town’s website at vailgov.com g and click on the Vail-Mail icon on the home page. You’ll be led to the Vail-Mail subscriptions page which includes a growing list of e-services from which to subscribe, including a weekly special events calendar and more. There’s also live web streaming of Town Council meetings at p publicaccess5.org g. The Town Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month.
Mayor Andy Dally Term Expires ess: 11 11/2 /201 /2 0155 01 970-479-18660, Mailibox 1 adaly@vailgov. v co cm
Mayor Pro Tem Ludwig Kurz Term Expires: 11/2015 970-479-1860, Mailbox 4 lkurz@vailgov.com
Jenn Bruno Term Expires: 11/2017 970-479-1860, Mailbox 2 jbruno@vailgov.com
Dale Bugby Term Expires: 11/2015 970-479-1860, Mailbox 3 dbugby@vailgov.com
Dave “Bone” Chapin Term Expires: 11/2017 970-479-1860, Mailbox 7 dchapin@vailgov.com
Greg Moffet Term Expires: 11/2017 970-479-1860, Mailbox 5 gmoffet@vailgov.com
Margaret Rogers Term Expires: 11/2015 970-479-1860, Mailbox 6 mrogers@vailgov.com
Twitter: @VailGov, @VailTownCouncil, @VailPubLibrary, @VailFire, @VailPolice Facebook: Vail Police, Vail Fire, Vail Library
Who can vote in Vail? To be eligible to take part in a Town of Vail election, voters must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, must be a resident of Vail for a minimum number of days preceding the election as defined by state election laws, and must be registered to vote with the state. Only residents are permitted to vote under the town’s home rule charter and state law. Voter eligibility for special districts in Colorado, such as the Vail Recreation District regular election on May 6, allows registered electors in the Town of Vail, and as well, registered voters in the state of Colorado if they own real property within the district, to vote.
TO OWN OF VA V IL ONL N INE RE RESO SOUR U CE CESS vailgov.com agenda.vailgov.com maps.vailgov.com vaillibrary.com artinvail.com vail-calendar.com vaileventparking.com vailpermits.com vail911.com grandviewvail.com donovanpavilion.com
Community survey coming soon Residents, property owners, business owners, employees – even guests - are encouraged to take part in the town’s biennial community survey, which is taking place this spring in two formats, web and mail-back. The town is seeking feedback from a diverse group of community members to evaluate satisfaction levels for public safety, snow removal, transit, parking, community development applications, coordination of events, library operations and other services. Respondents will also be asked to identify and prioritize issues important to Vail’s future. Look for a postcard invitation in your mailbox or go online at vailgov.com beginning March 24 to participate. Previous results have been used to place additional emphasis on economic development, parking, affordable housing programs, environmental sustainability, customer service improvements and expanded communications.
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