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Find out what's happening in the city. Below is a list of current news releases.
On-Street Parking Permit Requirements The Town of Avon and the Avon Police Department remind residents that the Town’s parking regulations allow for an exception to the year round “no parking on town streets” ordinance. The exception requires residents to obtain written permission from the Police Department 24 hours in advance to park vehicles on a street fronting their property. Permission for on-street parking can be authorized for up to six hours for event specific passenger parking. The Police Department requires the following in order to grant permission to park vehicles in compliance with this ordinance:
• Vehicles cannot park going the wrong way on the wrong side of the street.
• Vehicles must park off the paved portion of the roadway whenever possible. If the shoulder of the roadway is too narrow, then a vehicle can park with two wheels on the paved portion of the roadway providing there is at least two feet of clearance between the tires and the white fog line designating the edge of the travel lane.
• Vehicles cannot park within fifteen feet of fire hydrants, in driveways, blocking driveways, in private parking spaces of other residents of a multi-family unit, or in violation of any other town ordinance.
• Vehicles cannot park such that they block visibility of the traveling public for safe passage. This includes use by vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.
• Vehicles cannot park in ditches, snow storage areas, utility easements, drainage easements, slope stability easements or any areas in such a way that they compromise the function of the public land.
• There is no on-street parking on snow days. All temporary permits immediately expire upon snowfall.
• Drivers are responsible for site restoration (e.g., grading, revegetation) in the event that their use damages the physical condition of the unpaved roadside.
• It is the responsibility of the person requesting permission for on-street parking to ensure his or her guests are informed of the proper parking requirements.
• Vehicles are not allowed to park on the street under any circumstances between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am.
• Residents should complete the Online Parking Permit to obtain permission. All permits must be submitted for approval during normal business hours. Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Any permits submitted after 4:00p.m Friday and before 8:00am. Monday, will be declined and permission to park will not be granted.
• Residents are required to place the printout of the Online Parking Application in the vehicle(s) window so that it can be seen by a Town of Avon employee.
• Residents will be contacted only if a parking permit is denied.
Avon residents are expected to park their vehicles on their own property. Exceptions are allowed in order to facilitate special events held by residents when additional parking for guests’ passenger vehicles is needed and can be accommodated along the frontage of the property where the event is occurring. The exception is not intended for routine events, business activities, construction related parking, staging, storage, commercial vehicles, or on-going over-flow parking. Permission for multi-day on-street parking, or for other uses of the public right-of-way, is not available from the Avon Police Department. Please visit www.avon.org/OnlineParkingPermit to view the requirements for a parking permit and complete a request form or call the Avon Police Department at 970-748-4040. To request other uses beyond passenger vehicle parking, contact Avon Public Works at 970-748-4100 to apply for a Right-of-Way Use Permit.
For Immediate Release February 18, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org Avon Town Council Denies Amendment to the Lighting Ordinance Avon, CO—The majority of the Avon’s Town Council opposed an amendment that would have extended the compliance deadline for the Town’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinance until June 2011. The Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, or Avon’s “Dark Sky Preservation Initiative,” was first enacted in November of 2004 to help preserve Avon’s small town mountain character and the ability to view the stars against the dark sky. A subsection of the code allowed for a five year grace period that expired on November 17, 2009, by which time all homeowners and business owners within the Town of Avon were to have updated their exterior fixtures to be compliant with the ordinance. Avon’s Town Council considered an amendment that would have allowed the Community Development Department to delay enforcing the ordinance. However, after reviewing background documents, including applicable sections to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and public outreach materials, the Council decided to deny the amendment and to allow for the continued enforcement of the ordinance. The Town will continue to work with citizens seeking to comply with the ordinance. Citizens and business owners with questions or concerns about the ordinance should contact Jared Barnes with the Community Development Department at 970-748-7030. For more information on the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, please visit www.avon.org/lightordinance.
For Immediate Release February 9, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org First Draft of Avon’s revised Land Use Code ready for Review The first draft of the Town of Avon’s revised Land Use Code is nearly complete and the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) will resume its review of the document beginning February 17, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Avon Town Hall. The discussion will cover the development and design standards, the development bonus process, and the Plan Unit Development (PUD) regulations. The new Unified Land Use Code will replace the Town’s current 25-year old zoning ordinance. The revision will address community needs, simplify the land use process, and provide for clear and predictable outcomes consistent with Avon’s Comprehensive Plan. According to Sally Vecchio, Assistant Town Manager, Community Development, “the revised Land Use Code will make Avon a better place to live and do business, preserving what is best about Avon while allowing the town to change with the times.” Community involvement is important to the success of this process. To learn more about the process and the new Code provisions, please visit the Town’s website at www.avon.org/landusecode where you will find information and materials on the project, meeting summaries and upcoming public meeting dates, or call the Community Development department at 970-748-4030.
For Immediate Release January 27, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org Town of Avon’s Fund Balance Declining Due to Non-Payment by Traer Creek Metropolitan District Avon, CO –Traer Creek Metropolitan District discontinued making all payments last May for municipal services and sales tax shortfalls to the Town of Avon. Continued non-payment is now threatening the Town’s General Fund Balance Reserves. The payments are required by the terms of the 1998 Village at Avon Annexation and Development Agreement which also established the Traer Creek Metropolitan District. The required payments currently amount to $96,302 per month. As part of the 1998 Agreement, the Town agreed to waive or credit several types of taxes and fees for 35 years provided that the District pay for municipal services in the Village At Avon and for the loss of sales tax resulting from relocating the Wal-Mart in Avon to the Village At Avon. Disputes over various payments and interpretations of the 1998 Agreement arose in 2008, which led to the Town of Avon filing a lawsuit against Traer Creek Metropolitan District in October of that year seeking a judgment for amounts owed to the Town. The Town recently filed a suit which asserts additional claims, including a declaration of the Town’s right to discontinue municipal services, the Town’s right to discontinue providing tax credits, alleging that Traer Creek Metropolitan District is not in compliance with the approved service plan, and alleging that Traer Creek Metropolitan District breached the 1998 Agreement by failing to make payments and failing to construct certain street improvements while paying $6.5 million for the parking garage at Traer Creek Plaza. “The failure of Traer Creek Metropolitan District to make payments to the Town is causing a real impact to our General Fund.” said Larry Brooks, Town Manager. “The Town strives to be fiscally responsible, but $96,000 a month of non-payment is difficult for the Town to carry and still maintain the current level of service.” The failure of Traer Creek to make payments for municipal services and sales tax shortfalls under the 1998 Agreement is likely to cause the Town’s Fund Balance to decline below the 35% threshold established in the Town’s financial policies. (The Town’s policy is to maintain a Fund Balance with at least 35% of annual operation expenses.) As of December 31, 2009, the Town of Avon’s Fund Balance Reserve was approximately 46% of the Town’s operating expenditures which is within the limits set forth by Town financial policy. However, Traer Creek Metropolitan District owes the Town two-year’s worth of delinquent billings for municipal services provided by the Town in an amount of $1,998,431. The amount owed by Traer Creek Metropolitan District is projected to increase another $1,155,642 in 2010, totaling almost $3 million by the end of this year. The Town’s Fund Balance Reserve is projected to decline to only 27% of annual operating expenses, representing the equivalent of three months operations and violating of the Town’s Fund Balance Reserve policy. The Town and Traer Creek Metropolitan District have agreed to a six month stipulation to “stay litigation” which will allow the Town, Traer Creek Metropolitan District and Traer Creek, LLC to focus efforts on a possible settlement of the financial disputes. “We are likely to dip further into our General Fund and make additional cuts unless settlement with the Village proves fruitful,” said Brooks. “The Town of Avon has been fiscally conservative, so the Town could weather the recessionary downturn; however, the Town cannot continue to carry an additional loss of over $1 million per year due to non-payment by Traer Creek Metropolitan District.” In 2006, the Town of Avon developed a Fund Balance Reserve Policy that recognizes the importance of maintaining a stable and sufficient level of Fund Balance. The Fund Balance is the net assets of governmental funds and serves as a measure of the financial resources available to the town. The Town must maintain adequate levels of Fund Balance to mitigate financial risk and to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees.
For Immediate Release January 27, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org
Census Offering Eagle County Jobs Starting at $16/hour
The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking Eagle County citizens to apply as temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. These short-term jobs offer pay starting at $16/hour, flexible hours, paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses. Mileage reimbursement is 50 cents/mile. Census takers will help locate households and conduct brief personal interviews with residents. All census takers must be able to speak English, but people who have bilingual skills are encouraged to apply in Eagle County. To become a census taker, you must meet the following qualifications: • You are a U.S. citizen, a legal permanent resident or a non-citizen with an appropriate work visa and you possess a bilingual skill for which there are no available qualified citizens;
• You are at least 18 years old;
• You have a valid Social Security number;
• You take a written test of basic skills (administered by the Census; available at local locations);
• You have a valid driver’s licenses (for field jobs only);
• You pass a background check; and
• You commit to four days of training. You will be paid for training days at a regular hourly rate. For more information about jobs with the Census visit www.2010censusjobs.gov. To determine when testing is available locally and apply for a job with the Census, call 866-861-2010.
For Immediate Release February 3, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org Avon’s Assistant Town Manager Scott Wright Receives Financial Reporting Award Avon, CO—The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the Town of Avon by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2008. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement was awarded to Scott Wright, CPA, CPFO, Assistant Town Manager who was primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning comprehensive annual financial report. The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users to read the report. The GFOA is a non-profit professional association serving approximately 17, 500 government finance professionals of which Scott Wright and the Town of Avon are members.
For Immediate Release February 2, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org Town of Avon Extends Fee Waiver Program Avon Town Council voted last week to continue waiving building fees for another three months. Council members cited the desire for the fee waiver to stimulate development activity by giving the program more time to have an impact, and to be a symbolic gesture indicating that the Council understands the difficult economic conditions for development. Last July, the Town Council approved a resolution establishing a fee waiver program for all zoning fees, design review fees and building permit fees for interior remodels, replacement of exterior stucco and siding, and roof covering repair or replacement. Additionally, the resolution created a fee reduction of 10% for all other building permit fees. The fee waivers and reductions will be extended until the May 12, 2010. Developers and homeowners who are considering building are encouraged to take advantage of this program and bring completed plans by the Avon’s Community Development Department for review. For questions on the program, please contact Karin O’Quinn at 970-748-4004 or koquinn@avon.org.
For Immediate Release January 12, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org AVON, CO—Town Manager Larry Brooks announced today that Brian Kozak is stepping down from his post as Avon’s Police Chief. Kozak accepted a position as the Chief of Police for the City of Cheyenne, WY and will be assuming his new position on February 26th. Lieutenant Greg Daly has been named as Interim Police Chief until a replacement for Kozak is found. Kozak has been Avon’s Police Chief since May of 2006. Through his leadership, Avon’s Police Department has helped reduce crime rates in Avon, developed a strong community outreach program, and increased the overall effectiveness of the department through extensive officer training and developing several areas of expertise such as SWAT and CBI team (Crime Bureau Investigation). “Avon is a highly professional organization and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the community,” Kozak said. “I am very proud of Avon Police Department for raising the bar for others to follow.” Greg Daly, the Town of Avon’s current Lieutenant, will step in as Interim Chief. Lieutenant Daly has been a law enforcement officer in the Valley since 1996 and holds a Bachelor of Finance degree from the University College Dublin. He has a long history in Eagle County, working as a Patrol Sergeant for the Eagle County Sheriff’s Department for two years, before joining Avon’s Police Department in July 2008. As part of his supervisorial role, Lieutenant Daly is responsible for overseeing the operations of the department and steps in whenever Chief Kozak is unavailable. “Greg has been involved with all the programs to reduce crime and involve the community,” Kozak said. “He will continue to guide the department in the same direction.” The Town of Avon has contracted with Morrison Group LLC to support the regional search, including the Front Range and surrounding states, for a new chief. With the assistance of the Morrison Group, the town is seeking to recruit from a large pool of qualified candidates to select a new Police Chief who matches the Town’s culture, mission and values. Interviews are slated to begin the first of March with the goal of having the position filled by May.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 11, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087 Town of Avon Starts New Year With Key Staff Promotions and Reorganization Avon begins the new year with promotions and reorganizations of several key staff which will improve its day-to-day operations and strengthen its ability to closely monitor and improve its fiscal position. Patty McKenny, Avon’s Director Administrative Services, has been promoted to Assistant Town Manager of Management Services and Valarie Barry, previously Avon’s Finance Officer, has been promoted to Finance Manager. In addition, Jaime Walker has been selected to fill the opening for the Community Relations Officer. Patty McKenny’s responsibilities will include taking a stronger role in developing Town Council agendas and reviewing topics to come before the Town Council. She will also oversee all administrative staff, human resources, communication with the general public, and work more actively with the Town Manager, Larry Brooks, to provide leadership on town processes, policies and procedures. Valarie Barry, as Finance Manager, will oversee the finance staff, including a new position for a budget analyst, scheduled to start in March. In addition to her other responsibilities, Ms. Barry will assist in developing and monitoring the annual operating and capital project budgets and in formulating and recommending policies and procedures for the Finance Department. “These promotions are well-deserved and will help the town improve its internal operations,” said Town Manager, Larry Brooks. “Patty’s role as an Assistant Town Manager completes our Town’s reorganization efforts over the last couple of years to put key people in positions of authority so that the Town can run successfully in the event of a short or extended absence of the Town Manager.” Assistant Town Manager of Finance, Scott Wright, and Assistant Town Manager of Community Development, Sally Vecchio, also works closely with Town Manager Larry Brooks to ensure the Town’s ability to operate seamlessly at all times. Jaime Walker, the new Community Relations Officer, will be the liaison between the Town, the media and the public. Ms. Walker has numerous years experience working with the media and general public. She previously worked as Director of Marketing and Business Development for Prudential Colorado Properties and as the Director of Marketing for the Vail Mountain School. “We are excited to have Jaime join our staff,” said Patty McKenny. “Her professional experience, combined with her long history in the Vail Valley, will enable Jaime to continue to improve the Town’s communication efforts with its constituents, the general public and the media.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree Avon, CO—The Town of Avon offers Christmas tree pick up from December 26 – January 31. Trees should be left curbside. All trees must have their lights and ornaments removed. The town will pick up only cut trees; no flocked or artificial trees, wreaths or seasonal debris will be picked up. Avon’s Public Works Department will check for trees on a frequent basis, but if residents would like to schedule a pick up, they may Avon’s Public Works Department with their address and phone number. For more information or to schedule a pick up, please contact Public Works at 970-748-4100. Other Holiday Recycling Avon residents can also recycle much of their holiday "leftovers" at Eagle Valley Alliance’s free drop-off recycling site on East Beaver Creek Blvd. For the holiday season a large dumpster has been placed at the site to handle all the cardboard waste the holidays typically produce. Please take advantage of these when the regular bins fill up. When you do, please remember these very important guidelines... - Flatten every single box
- Please NO...
- packing material (peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.)
- wrapping paper (not recyclable)
- trash of any kind
- Really, just flattened cardboard. That's it. Nothing else. And please no Christmas trees or other waste that is not regularly collected at the recycling site. Visit www.eaglevalleyalliance.org for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 14, 2009 Contact: Justin Hildreth
Town Engineer
970-748-4045
jhildreth@avon.org Town of Avon Receives Two Planning Awards for its Town Center West Project Avon, CO—The Town of Avon was recently awarded Outstanding Planning Project of the Year by the Colorado American Planning Association for its Town Center West Redevelopment Plan. In addition, the Colorado Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects also honored the Town of Avon for its Lake Street and Avon Station projects. These two projects are part of the Town’s overall Town Center West Project, designed by Design Workshop. The identified goals of these projects were to create a collective vision for evolution to a vibrant, lifestyle-oriented neighborhood and town center. Avon Station and Lake Street are the first two components of the overall Town Center West Project to be constructed. The Town still intends to construct a Main Street when the financial markets improve. Avon Station serves as the Town’s only multi-modal transportation hub linking Avon to local, skier, and regional mass transit throughout the Vail Valley. Meanwhile, Lake Street forms a critical north-south pedestrian and vehicular route along the western edge of Nottingham Park. The new street has improved lighting, decorative streetscape features, and a better access to the Eagle River and Westin Riverfront Resort via Riverfront Lane. “We are honored to receive these awards,” said Justin Hildreth, Town Engineer. “It is a nice acknowledgement of all of the hard work that our community, Town Council, staff, and our consultants at Design Workshop have put into this project. The two built components, Avon Station and Lake Street, have already enhanced the pedestrian experience in Avon and when Main Street is completed, I think the residents will really feel a much greater sense of community and connectivity.” For more information on these projects or to view the Town Center West Redevelopment Plan, please visit www.avon.org/redevelop.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 15, 2009
Riverfront Gondola Opens for Ski Season
The Riverfront Gondola in Avon is open for service to Beaver Creek Landing. All Landing services, including lifts are also open. Town of Avon buses are now operating their 2010 winter schedule. The winter schedule will run through mid-April. Daily twenty minute bus service will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Evening service runs every thirty minutes from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m daily. In addition, the Town's Gondola Shuttle will run every 10 minutes from 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Beaver Creek will provide 10 minute daily service from Avon Station to Beaver Creek Village from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. For more information, please contact Jane Burden at 970-748-4111.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org
Avon Holiday Food Drive…Donate Today!
Avon, CO—In an effort to help out our local food pantries, the Town of Avon is collecting food donations throughout the month of December. Donations are being accepted at both Avon Town Hall and the Recreation Center. “We hope everyone will take the opportunity to donate a few cans of food,” said Community Relations Officer, Becky Lawlor. “Times are tough for a lot of our neighbors and this is one small way we can help out, especially at this holiday season.” Items that are most needed include tuna fish, pasta and pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, rice, beans, soup, granola bars, crackers and pancake mix, as well as self-care items, toilet paper and diapers.
November 17, 2009
Avon Winter Snow Removal Operations Underway
Avon Public Works Department consistently strives to have Avon’s roads the first ones snow plowed in the winter. During storm events, we have snow plows operating during the hours of 3:00am-11:00pm. The Department works hard to ensure that no road will go completely unplowed in any 24-hour period. View map of roads plowed.
• Streets - Snow removal crews sometimes work long hours to keep the streets safe. We ask for everyone’s cooperation to help keep them safe as well. Remember, plow trucks cannot stop or turn as readily as most vehicles. Please allow ample space for our snowplows to maneuver freely.
• Driveways - When plowing is required, snow berms are created across driveways. Removal of this snow in driveways is the responsibility of the property owner. The Department tries to keep this problem to a minimum. The citizens of Avon need to be patient and recognize that during the winter months there will be some inconvenience. Snow operations are labor intensive and equipment does fail on occasion.
• Private Snow Plowing - Property owners should be aware that the placing, dumping or pushing of snow onto Town streets or right-of-ways from adjacent properties is prohibited. Chapter 5.20, Avon Municipal Code.
• Sidewalks - The Town of Avon does provide some sidewalk clearing in the core area of Town, along with bike path clearing for pedestrians (please see map of Town maintained sidewalks). Property owners are responsible for sidewalks abutting or adjacent to their property. Any accumulation of snow must be removed within 24 hours after a storm. Chapter 8.24.110, Avon Municipal Code. Please also review CDOTs Winter Driving Tips for ways to remain safe this winter .If you wish to report a road condition, please contact Avon Public Works at 748-4100.
[Sidewalk Plowing Map...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor
Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org
Town of Avon Bear Sighting Map Awarded First Place
Avon, CO—Jennie Koenig, the Town of Avon’s GIS Analyst, was recently awarded Best Map for her Bear Sighting Map in the ESRI’s Southwest Users Group Conference Map Gallery Contest in Pueblo, Colorado. The map’s creation was a coordinated effort with Avon’s Police Department Code Enforcement Officer Matt Jamison and Krista Jaramillo, the Department’s Administrative Services Supervisor. “The purpose of the map was to help improve the Town of Avon’s Wildlife Ordinance by creating a visual representation of bear problem hot spots,” said Jennie. The map illustrates the location of bear calls received by the Avon Police Department from 2004-July 4th 2009, and the number of incidents in each location. Colored bear paws are used to illustrate the location of each bear sighting. Information regarding Avon’s Wildlife Ordinance is provided on the map, which discusses problems such as proper trash storage, along with other variables such as a heavy snowfall years and food supply that may have affected bears (and other wildlife) behavior in a given year. For more information on this map, please contact Jennie Koenig at jkoenig@avon.org or 970-748-4072. The map can be viewed at the Town of Avon Municipal Building at 1 Lake Street in Avon.
October 28, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor
Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org Town of Avon Welcomes New Community Development Director The Town of Avon is pleased to welcome Sally Vecchio as its new Community Development Director/Assistant Town Manager. Ms. Vecchio has more than 20 years of professional community development and land planning and zoning experience. Previously, she was involved in resort planning and the affordable housing program while serving as the Director of Community Development & Housing in Mountain Village, Colorado. She has also been instrumental in planning and land development in the Denver area, with a focus on creating long-range planning documents, encouraging transit-oriented development, as well as facilitating and assisting with urban renewal efforts. Ms. Vecchio earned a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Colorado and a Law Degree from the University of Maryland. “We believe Ms. Vecchio’s experience will help Avon move forward with its long-term goals such as developing the East and West Town Centers, affordable housing and improving our overall land use and planning practices,” said Town Manager Larry Brooks. As the primary Town representative in overseeing and managing new development projects as well as redevelopment projects, Ms. Vecchio will also play an active role in the modeling of new development in relationship to the current financial picture, including implications of the Avon Urban Renewal Authority and Main Street, in order to assist the Town in understanding the impacts of future developments on the community. In addition, she will be responsible for assisting all departments with land planning strategies, including providing direction and assistance in the development of long-range plans and subdivision review processes and recommendations.
October 16, 2009 Contact: Danita Chirichillo
Town of Avon Special Events Supervisor
(970) 748-4032
dchirichillo@avon.org Fall Family Fun Night in Nottingham Park Canceled Avon, CO – Fall Family Fun Night, sponsored by the Calvary Chapel, has canceled its event at Nottingham Park in Avon due to budgetary constraints. “The Town of Avon is very disappointed, as we know the community is,” stated Danita Chirichillo, Special Events Supervisor for the Town of Avon. “Our community loves this event and we hope to see it return to Nottingham Park in 2010, when economic times are hopefully a little better and Calvary Chapel can afford to accommodate a larger group.” The organizer, Calvary Chapel, is hosting a scaled back version of the event on October 31, at its church located at Hwy 6 and Lake Creek Road. The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for toddlers through 5th grade. Please contact Calvary Chapel at 936-3880 with questions.
October 14, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor
Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org Avon Approves Short Term Rentals in Town Core Area On Tuesday, October 13, Avon Town Council approved Ordinance 09-12, which makes short term rentals legal within most of the town center area. Areas once considered, but excluded from the final ordinance, include Nottingham Road, Wildridge and other Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) within the town center. Of the PUDs removed from the overlay zone district, some already have short term rentals as an allowed use in their PUD language and their ability to short term rent is not affected by not being included in the overlay zone district. However, Wildridge, Brookside Park, Nottingham Station (includes Canyon Run and Avon Crossing), Eaglebend, and Stonebridge are all PUDs excluded from the overlay zone district and these PUDs do not currently allow for short term rentals. In order for short term rentals to be allowable in these areas, property owners would need to apply for a PUD amendment to include short term rentals as an allowable use. Currently, fees are waived for all complete PUD amendment applications received by February 12, 2010 (Resolution 09-25). For those properties that are now allowed to short term rent, they must obtain a sales tax license through the Town of Avon and submit all applicable taxes to the Town of Avon. Properties found short term renting without submitting appropriate sales and accommodation taxes will be responsible to pay back taxes, penalties, interest and additional fines. For more information on obtaining a sales tax license and remitting taxes, please contact Sam Sodic at 970-748-4019. For more information on the PUD amendment process, please contact Matt Gennett at 970-748-4002. Other information on short term rentals can also be found online at www.avon.org/shorttermrentals. [Additional info...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor
Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org Revisions Proposed to Short Term Rental Overlay; Public Hearing on Tuesday Avon, CO—On Tuesday, October 13, Avon’s Town Council will hold the second public hearing on a Ordinance 09-12, which would establish a Short Term Rental Overlay Zone District. On September 22, 2009, the Town Council approved first reading of Ordinance No. 09-12 and approved expanding the overlay zone district to include Eaglebend Drive, Nottingham Road, and the Wildridge Planned Unit Development (PUD), which includes Wildwood. As stated in a legal memorandum to Council from the Town Attorney dated September 25, 2009, a short term rental use cannot be approved for the Wildridge PUD through the adoption of an overlay district because this use is expressly excluded from the Wildridge PUD. As further detailed in a legal memorandum dated October 5, 2009, and included in the Town Council packet for the October 13, 2009 meeting, it has been determined that an overlay district cannot apply to any existing PUD because there is a separate, more restrictive procedure for amending a PUD than for general zoning amendments. As a result of such determinations made since first reading of Ordinance No. 09-12, staff has prepared an overlay zone district to allow short term rental uses in areas of Avon where such uses may be permissible in accordance with applicable zoning laws and as deemed appropriate in the Town of Avon Comprehensive Plan. Of the PUDs removed by the overlay zone district prepared by staff, some already have short term rentals as an allowed use in their PUD language and their ability to short term rent is not affected by not being included in the overlay zone district. However, Canyon Run, Eaglebend, Stonebridge, and Wildridge are all PUDs that would be excluded from the proposed overlay zone district and these PUDs do not currently allow for short term rentals. In order for short term rentals to be allowable in these areas, property owners would need to apply for a PUD amendment to include short term rentals as an allowable use. The Avon Town Council will hold a public hearing on the second reading of Ordinance 09-12 on October 13, 2009 at 5:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers at 1 Lake Street, Avon, Colorado. Comments are also being accepted online at www.avon.org/shortermrentals and can be emailed to blawlor@avon.org. [Additional info...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2009 Contact: Jeff Schneider
Engineer
970-748-4134
jschneider@avon.org
Town of Avon to Perform Maintenance on Nottingham Park Water Facilities; Lake Level to be Lowered Two much needed water infrastructure maintenance projects are underway in Nottingham Park for Fall of 2009. First, the sediment pond, a small pond structure immediately east of Nottingham Lake, has been drained and is awaiting sediment removal. Sediment removal will occur as soon as favorable weather conditions exist and will be completed by early October. Some intermittent truck traffic may occur on the asphalt paths within the park during hauling activities. The sediment pond is an important structure that maintains the water quality in the main Nottingham Lake by trapping all of the sediment from the source water before entering the lake and must be cleaned out periodically in order to maintain effectiveness. Second, the concrete and rock spillway on the west face of Benchmark Dam (Nottingham Lake) will be replaced starting mid-October. This is an important project as the existing spillway structure is failing and could potentially damage the dam if not repaired. The project will include removing a portion of the asphalt path on the west side of the lake, removing the two deteriorated spillway pipes and the concrete channel. New piping, access ports, and a concrete outfall structure will be installed in place of the existing spillway. The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of October. In order to perform the work, the water level in Nottingham Lake will be lowered approximately 6 feet from normal. Lake refilling will commence as soon as construction allows. For more information about the project please contact Jeffrey Schneider at 970-748-4134.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 25, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor
Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org Application of Avon's Short Term Overlay District and Wildridge PUD On September 22, 2009, the Avon Town Council approved first reading of Ordinance No.09-12 establishing a Short Term Rental Overlay District and approved expanding the overlay zone district to include Eaglebend Drive, Nottingham Road, and the Wildridge Planned Unit Development (“PUD”), which includes Wildwood. The Mountain Star PUD is not included in this ordinance. However, a short term rental use cannot be approved for the Wildridge PUD through the adoption of an overlay zone district because the Wildridge PUD expressly excludes short term rental use. A PUD Amendment is the legally appropriate procedure to change or alter the current restriction of short term rentals in the Wildridge PUD.
The Wildridge PUD was approved by the Town of Avon in 1981. Note 4 of the PUD Plat states:
Definitions: Dwelling Unit – one or more rooms in addition to a kitchen and bath facilities, in a permanent building, designed for use as a dwelling exclusively by one family or one or more human beings as an independent housekeeping unit and independent of other families: such dwellings shall not include mobile homes, hotels, lodge units, clubs, hospitals, temporary structures such as tents, railroad cars, trailers, motor homes or campers, campers, street cars, metal prefabrications sections or similar units. [emphasis added]
The question of whether short term rental use is allowed in the Wildridge subdivision was recently litigated. The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that the original 1979 zoning and the original Wildridge PUD language exclude short term rentals use, stating:
The plain language of the subdivision plat and zoning ordinance defined permitted use of a "dwelling" to exclude use of the dwelling as a hotel or lodge unit. Because the subdivision plat and ordinance specified that the permitted use of the subject property was a duplex, and that such use of the duplex as a hotel or a lodge was not permitted, their objective import clearly was to prohibit uses inconsistent with the residential character of the area. See Town of Alta v. Ben Hame Corp., 836 P.2d 797, 801 (Utah Ct.App.1992); see also Ord. No. 79-12, art. V, § 5.1(f) ("In residential . . . districts, business or commercial activity is prohibited at all times except that limited home occupation offices may be allowed under special review uses in certain residential areas as specified in Section 3.2."). This reading of the subdivision plat and ordinance comports with the general purposes those regulations serve. Among the objectives to be served by zoning is to avoid mixing together of industrial, commercial, business, and residential uses. Cf. § 31-23-301, C.R.S.2006. The subdivision plat and ordinance should thus legitimately maintain the character of a residential neighborhood. Jackson & Co. (USA), Inc. v Town of Avon, 166 P.3d 297 (Colo. App. 2007).
Due to the express language of the original Wildridge PUD approval and the direct ruling in the Jackson & Co case, an amendment to the Wildridge PUD is required to alter the prohibition on short term rental use. Both the Avon Municipal Code and state statute provide specific procedures for amending planned unit developments.[1] Avon Municipal Code section 17.20.110(k)(2) requires the Town to provide notification to “owners of all property within the PUD that may be affected by the proposed amendment (as determined by the Community Development Director).” If required notice procedures are not properly followed, the local government may not approve an amendment to a planned unit development. Whatley v. Summit County Board of County Commissioners, 77 P.3d 793 (Colo. App. 2003). Finally, the consent of property owners is not required to approve an amendment to a PUD, Whatley.
Wildridge Protective Covenants: Wildridge is subject to protective covenants that define dwelling units with the verbatim language used in Note 4 of the PUD plat (i.e. no short term rental use allowed). Paragraph 4 states that, “It is the intention of [Wildridge Development Company] that the Town and its [Design Review Board] shall follow and utilize the Architectural and Landscape Design Guidelines and other appropriate provisions of these covenants.” According to Paragraph 4, the Covenants Committee may object to a decision of the Town or Design Review Board within seven (7) days of the decision (although no remedy is specified other than the ability of the Covenants Committee to enforce the covenants). Paragraph 33 provides that the Town of Avon, Design Review Board, the Covenants Committee, or any property owner of the subdivision may enforce the covenants. Paragraph 32 provides that the protective covenants cannot be amended unless approved by written consent of 75% of the privately owned real property owners.
The Wildridge Protective Covenants allow the Town to enforce the covenants but do not create an obligation by the Town to enforce the covenants. The Covenants Committee and individual property owners retain the ability to enforce the Protective Covenants. [Additional info...]
Dear Residents, RE: AVON ROAD IMPACT NOTICE The IronKids National Triathlon Series team would like to thank you in advance for hosting the inaugural IronKids Avon Triathlon. The race will take place at Harry A. Nottingham Park on Sunday, September 6, 2009. Children ages 6 to15 will swim, bike and run during the course of the race. Over the span of approximately four (4) hours, kids will be riding their bikes on a two (2) mile course through the streets of Avon. Therefore we are asking for your cooperation and understanding on race day as you travel. The following roads will be closed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009. - West Beaver Creek Blvd. (Between Lake Street and Avon Elementary School)
- Lake Street
- Benchmark Road (Between the Avon Library and Lake Street) Limited parking is available to residents beginning Saturday night until 12:00 p.m. on Sunday at the following lots: Avon Post Office, Lodge at Avon, Avon Elementary School, Comfort Inn, Christie Lodge (north/back lot). During the road closure, Avon Transit will not provide service to the following stops: West Gate Plaza, The Aspens, and Lake Street. For more information about the IronKids National Triathlon series, please visit www.ironkids.com.
Estimados Residentes de la cuidad de Avon, RE: Noticia de impacto de las calles de Avon El grupo de IronKids National Triathlon Series agradecemos por su recibimiento del primer IronKids Avon Triathlon. La carera empieza en el parque de Harry A. Nottingham el Domingo, dia 6 de Septiembre, 2009. Niños entre las edades de 6 a 15 son bienvenido a competir en nuestro triathlon . Por 4 horas, ninos que van a estar en las calles de Avon en su bicicleta por 2 millas.. Por favor, estamos pidiendo su precaucion y entendimientos en este dia. Las calles sigiente seran cerrada entre las horas de 7:00 a.m. hasta las 12:00 p.m. el Domingo, Septiembre 6, 2009. - West Beaver Creek Blvd. (Between Lake Street and Avon Elementary School)
- Lake Street
- Benchmark Road (Between the Avon Library and Lake Street) Parqueo sera limitado empezando Sabado por la noche hasta Domingo a las 12:00 p.m.: Avon Post Office, Lodge at Avon, Avon Elementary School, Comfort Inn, Christie Lodge (north/back lot). Cuando las calles esten cerradas, Avon Transit no provera servicios a las sigientes paradas:.West Gate Plaza, The Aspens, and Lake Street. Para mas informacio sobre IronKids National Triathlon por favor visite: www.ironkids.com.
Contact: Krista Jaramillo 970-748-4006 kjaramillo@avon.org Avon Police Offers Opportunity to Attend Citizen’s Police Academy
The Avon Police Department has formed a Citizen’s Police Academy in an effort to open the lines of communication between the community and the Police Department. The goal is to educate the public about the Avon Police Department’s role in the community and to increase the rapport between citizens and police officers.
The Academy will take place every Wednesday in September starting on September 2, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Avon Police Department. The academy will conclude on September 30, 2009. The following topics will be taught:
• September 2nd:
o Chief Kozak - State of the Police Department & Crime in Avon
o Detective Hassinger – Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), participants will have hands on experience investigating a crime scene.
• September 9th:
o Officer Holmstrom - Verbal Judo, participants will learn how to communicate to avoid conflict.
o Officer Gray – Firearms Training Simulator (FATS), participants will be given computer simulations of shoot or don’t shoot situations and be required to react as a police officer in compliance with the use of force policy.
• September 16th:
o Officer Ramirez - Drug Recognition and DUI enforcement, participants will learn how to evaluate the sobriety of an individual and perform tests on an intoxicated person.
• September 23rd:
o Sgt. Lovins - S.W.A.T., participants will take part in a table top exercise to resolve a hostage situation.
o Lt. Daly – Self Defense, participants will be taught basic self defense techniques.
• September 30th:
o Tour of the Eagle County Jail or the firearms range. Class picks! The Avon Citizen’s Academy is open to a maximum of 20 participants all subject to a background investigation. Due to the subject matter, we ask that participants be eighteen years of age and older; live, work or volunteer in the Town of Avon; have no felony convictions; no significant or recent misdemeanor convictions; and willing to complete a waiver of liability. Register today at www.avon.org/seminars. Participants who attend all five classes will receive an Avon Police t-shirt and a graduation certificate.
Traer Creek Appeals Dismissal of Lawsuit on Vested Rights Avon, CO--Traer Creek-RP, LLC filed a Notice of Appeal to appeal the July 1st Order by Judge Gannett dismissing the Traer Creek-RP lawsuit against the Town of Avon. Traer Creek-RP filed a lawsuit against the Town of Avon in early 2008 alleging that the Town's vested property rights regulations violated the terms of the 1998 Village at Avon Annexation and Development Agreement. In an effort to resolve the litigation, the Town amended the vested property rights regulations last February. Traer Creek-RP has asserted that any amendments to the Village at Avon Planned Unit Development are exempt from any new or amended regulations concerning vested property rights. Traer Creek-RP withdrew an application to amend the Planned Unit Development in early 2008 prior to the Town Council's opportunity to render a final decision on the application. In ordering the lawsuit dismissed, Judge Gannett stated that the law frowns upon the Court, "imposing its views upon the populace of Avon before those officials duly elected by that populace had the opportunity to perform their jobs." Mayor Wolfe states, "It continues to be unfortunate that the Town of Avon must spend taxpayer monies to defend this litigation."
Public Hearing on Avon’s Transportation Master Plan On Tuesday, Aug 11, Avon will hold a public hearing on its Transportation Master Plan. The Comprehensive Transportation Plan incorporates traffic, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian elements to ensure a balanced, multi-modal transportation system to serve Avon’s travel needs into the future. The previous plan was completed in 1990 and updated in 1996, is primarily automobile –focused, and does not reflect the current philosophy of Avon, as contemplated in the Comprehensive Plan and Town Center West Investment Plan, for a more transit and pedestrian-oriented community. The Comprehensive Transportation Plan includes considerations of turning movements at all key intersections, analysis of existing conditions, analysis of future conditions, traffic calming, and new town standards. In summary, the Plan anticipates that the roadway system in Avon will accommodate the projected future traffic volumes. However, numerous pedestrian and bicycle improvements are required throughout Avon to improve the non-vehicular transportation system. Some of the pedestrian and bicycle improvements include a bike climbing lane on Metcalf Road from Nottingham Road to connect to the existing bike/pedestrian lanes in Wildridge; a pedestrian grade separate crossing over I-70 from Nottingham Road to West Beaver Creek; as well as additional pedestrian bridges over Avon Road, Highway 6, and the Eagle River among other improvements. Additionally, the plan contemplates increased transit service to the Village at Avon (including Buffalo Ridge), Beaver Creek Village, and some service to the Wildridge area. The Town is encouraging residents to come hear more about the Plan and voice their opinions. The Transportation Master Plan can be viewed online at www.avon.org/transportationplan.
Avon Postpones Transit Tax Ballot Question At the Town Council meeting on July 28, Avon Town Council, while acknowledging the need and desire to increase transit services, decided not to move forward with a transit ballot question for this November. Council plans to continue to outreach and educate residents on transit service and funding options, and will continue to consider a transit funding ballot question for November 2010. As a stop-gap measure, Avon Town Council agreed to fund half of a skier and restaurant shuttle with Beaver Creek for approximately $42,000 for the 2009/2010 ski season. This shuttle will run from Avon Station to Beaver Creek Village from approximately 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. In addition, there will be an evening restaurant shuttle between The Village and Avon. Details on the time and route have not yet been decided. Due to the economic climate and the town’s limited resources, its portion of funding for the skier shuttle will need to come from the current transit operations budget, which will mean reduced services in other areas. For more information, please visit www.avon.org/transit or contact Becky Lawlor at 970-748-4087 or blawlor@avon.org.
Bring Your Own Bag Challenge Almost Over Avon, CO—Only six more weeks are left in the Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) Reusable Bag Challenge and the Town of Avon wants to win! So please, reduce, recycle and reuse…again and again, and again! “We’ve had a good showing so far,” said Danita Chirichillo, Avon’s Special Events Supervisor or, “but I think we can do even better. I hope our residents and guests will really get behind this friendly competition and make a concerted effort to reduce their plastic use not just for the remainder of this competition, but forever.”
Each year, Americans throw away some 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags. Only about 5% percent of plastic bags are recycled. In addition, it takes each plastic bag over 1,000 years to break down. The CAST Challenge is a competition between 31 mountain towns in the Western United States to encourage the use of reusable shopping bags. The Challenge began on March 1st 2009 and will run until September 1st 2009. The prize to the winning town is a solar panel installation on their public school.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2009 Contact: Justin Hildreth
Town Engineer
970-748-4045
jhildreth@avon.org
Open House for Avon’s Transportation Plan and Transit Funding
Avon, CO—The Town of Avon is hosting a Public Open House on Wednesday, July 22 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. The Open House will present findings and recommendations from a completed study of existing and future transportation conditions in Avon. In addition, town staff will be on hand to discuss the possibility of a ballot question this November to fund additional transit services. The Comprehensive Transportation Plan incorporates traffic, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian elements. The plan helps ensure a balanced, multi-modal transportation system to serve Avon’s travel needs into the future. The Open House is an opportunity for residents to stop by, browse through exhibits and learn more about the plan, as well as to share your comments with the transportation planners and town staff. Town staff will also be on-hand to provide information, answer questions and take comments on adding and funding additional transit services, such as service to the Village at Avon, Beaver Creek Village, and Wildridge. A portion of any funding created for additional transit services would also be dedicated to pedestrian and recreational trails and staff will provide information and take comments on this component as well. Residents are encouraged to stop by anytime between 5:00-7:30 p.m. Light refreshments available. For more information, contact Justin Hildreth at 748-4045 or jhildreth@avon.org.
Contact: Becky Lawlor Community Relations Officer 970-748-4087 blawlor@avon.org Traer Creek's Lawsuit Against Avon Thrown Out of Court District Court Judge Frederick Gannett granted the Town of Avon's Motion to Dismiss the lawsuit filed by Traer Creek-RP, LLC. against the Town of Avon. The controversy originally arose from an application to amend the planned unit development plan for the Village at Avon which was submitted by Traer Creek-RP in 2007. In early 2008, Traer Creek-RP withdrew the application prior to any review or decision by the Town Council due to a staff report that recommended a vested right period of five years for the proposed Planned Unit Development amendment. Traer Creek-RP then filed a lawsuit against the Town of Avon in May of 2008 alleging that a five year maximum limit for new vested rights violated the 1997 Village at Avon Annexation and Development Agreement which provided a 35 year period for vested property rights. Town representatives met with Traer Creek-RP during mediation last November and proposed amendments to the Town's vested property rights regulations in order to resolve the controversy. In February of this year, Town Council approved Ordinance No. 09-02 amending the vested property rights regulations to repeal the five year maximum limit for new vested property rights and establish guidelines for considering the granting of vested property rights on a case by case basis. This change did not satisfy Traer Creek-RP, which subsequently amended their complaint and continued the lawsuit against the Town of Avon. The Town of Avon moved to dismiss the lawsuit because without an actual development application that has received a final decision by the Town Council, the injuries alleged by Traer Creek-RP were hypothetical and speculative. Judge Gannett ruled in favor of the Town of Avon and further emphasized that the Avon Town Council is owed deference to interpret and apply its own rules and regulations before a controversy is ripe for court review. “It is unfortunate that it was necessary to spend taxpayer dollars on this issue,” said Mayor Ron Wolfe, “but we are pleased to see that the outcome is in our favor and shows no wrong doing on the Town’s part.” Traer Creek-RP has the right to appeal the District Court's ruling until August 17, 2009.
Contact: Becky Lawlor 970-748-4087 blawlor@avon.org
Avon Continues Food Drive Efforts…Donate Today!
Avon, CO—In an effort to help out our local food pantries, the Town of Avon is collecting food donations throughout the month of June. Donations are being accepted at both Avon Town Hall and the Recreation Center. “We hope everyone will take the opportunity to donate a few cans of food,” said Community Relations Officer, Becky Lawlor. “Times are tough for a lot of our neighbors and this is one small way we can help out.” Avon Police Department has also been doing their part to help with the food drive. On June 20th, the Avon Police sponsored a dodgeball tournament with other local emergency service agencies to round up more food donations. “We had forty to fifty players and a good amount of donations,” said Police Service Officer Matt Jamison, who organized the event. “We filled the entire back of a jeep and then some with donations.” Items that are most needed include tuna fish, pasta and pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, rice, beans, soup, granola bars, crackers and pancake mix, as well as self-care items, toilet paper and diapers. For more information, contact Becky Lawlor at 970-748-4087.
Contact: Danita Chirichillo 970-748-4032 dchirichillo@avon.org
Avon Plastic Bag Reduction Numbers Continue to Climb
Avon, CO—Now in its third month of the challenge, the Town of Avon is excited to report that monthly totals continue to rise. In May, Avon was able to save 14,755 plastic bags, more than 3,000 more than in April. This brings the town’s total reduction of plastic bags to 36,200. “Getting Wal-Mart on board and counting their bags this past month has really helped,” said Danita Chirichillo, Special Events Supervisor for the Town of Avon. “In addition, a lot of our other local businesses have done a great job at increasing their numbers each month.” The Town expects monthly totals to continue to climb as more and more residents become aware of the challenge and make concerted efforts to change their plastic bag habits. “The public education component of this challenge is key in getting people on board not just for the duration of the challenge, but permanently,” said Becky Lawlor, Community Relations Officer. With three months left in the Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) Reusable Bag Challenge, organizers announced last Wednesday news of newly developed partnerships. The CAST Challenge is a competition between 31 mountain towns in the Western United States to encourage the use of reusable shopping bags. The Challenge began on March 1st 2009 and will run until September 1st 2009. The prize to the winning town is a solar panel installation on their public school. CAST Challenge organizer David Allen and Alpine Bank are very pleased to welcome PCL Construction Services, Inc. in joining Alpine Bank as a sponsor of the CAST Challenge. PCL is a General Contractor located in Edwards, CO with other offices located in Denver, CO and throughout the United States and Canada. Together, Alpine Bank and PCL will donate $10,000 toward a solar panel installation to the winning town.
PCL also has over 3,000 reusable bags that they will distribute in the locally participating towns. A hundred of those bags will be distributed within the Town of Avon at special events.
So far nearly all of the participating towns have reported bag tallies for the months of March and April. Since the launch of the Challenge on March 1st, participating towns have eliminated an estimated 792,000 disposable shopping bags.
Avon Takes Countywide Food Challenge a Step Further Avon, CO—The Avon Town Council will be out on Friday from 4-7:00 p.m., greeting shoppers at its local City Market and encouraging them to donate food to help out the county’s food pantry, whose stock is currently very low. But Avon is not stopping with its efforts on Friday night, as several other activities are planned to encourage ongoing food donations. Avon will continue the food drive throughout the month of June. Donation sites have been set up at the Avon Recreation Center and Town Hall. In addition, the Avon Police Department is also organizing a dodgeball tournament with other local emergency agencies in order to raise food donations. Each team will be required to donate 20 different items of food listed on the Salvation Army’s pantry guidelines. “There are a lot of people right now, due to the current economy, that need some extra help,” said Avon Mayor, Ron Wolfe. “We hope that by continuing the food drive throughout the month of June we will be able to give Avon residents would like to a chance to donate.” PCL Construction will also be at City Market on Friday evening, handing out 100 free canvas reusable bags to encourage shoppers to reduce their plastic bag use. So come on by, get your free bag and fill it with food for those in need!
Contact: Becky Lawlor Community Relations Officer 970-748-4087 blawlor@avon.org
Avon and Beaver Creek Conduct Transit Survey
Avon, CO—In an effort to understand Avon voters’ desires in regards to transit operations, the Town of Avon and Beaver Creek Resort have jointly funded a transit survey. The survey is being conducted by phone this week and is targeting Avon voters, who would be the ones to decide at the ballot box what transit operations should be funded through some type of dedicated funding source. Currently, Avon’s transit operations cost approximately $1.5 million and are funded out of its General Fund. Current services include 15-30 minute service in Avon’s town core area; a Gondola Express shuttle that runs between Avon’s lodges and Avon Station and provides access to the Riverfront Gondola; and service to Beaver Creek Resort via the Riverfront Gondola, which the town contributes $265,000 to operating costs. Over the past several years, Avon has received requests for additional services, including service to the Village at Avon (i.e. Wal-Mart and Buffalo Ridge), Wildridge, and shuttle service to Beaver Creek Resort. However, due to the cost of providing current transit services, without a dedicated revenue source, the town cannot afford to add any of these additional services. The survey is intended to understand how much voters want these additional services and if they do, if they are willing to raise taxes or charge bus fares in order for the services to be provided. One of the benefits of either an accommodations tax increase or a sales tax increase is that all of the tax increase, in the case of an accommodations tax, and two-thirds of the sales tax increase would be paid by non-Avon residents who either stay or shop in Avon. Results from the survey will be released in June. Depending on results, Council can decide whether to pursue a ballot question to fund some additional transit services or to continue with only its current services if there is not enough support for additional funding.
Contact: Maggie Lach
Public Works
970-748-4100
Avon Spring Clean-Up May 18-22
Avon, CO— If you have unwanted materials small or large, including washers, dryers or furniture, now is the time to trash them. From May 18-22, the Town of Avon will offer its free annual spring clean-up services to Avon residents. Pick up hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, May 22, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All items must be placed curbside for pick up. Batteries, paint, tires, construction trash or motor oil are not allowed. Refrigerators are only accepted with documentation that a certified technician has removed the Freon. Refrigerator doors must also be removed. Call Eagle County Landfill at 926-3626 for more info on disposal of materials not accepted by the Avon. Call 748-4100 to schedule pick up or for more info visit www.avon.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2009 Contact: Danita Chirichillo, 748-4032
Special Events Supervisor
Avon Elementary to Give Out Free Canvas Bags Avon, CO)—Avon Elementary students will give out 100 free bags on Wednesday, May 13 at Sports Authority in Avon from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 50 free bags Friday, May 15, Wal-Mart from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. Additional bags will also be available for purchase from Avon Elementary students. Avon Elementary students and the Youth Foundation are working with the Town of Avon to increase awareness about plastic bag consumption, help residents create more environmentally-friendly habits and reduce the town’s plastic bag consumption as part of a friendly competition among 26 ski towns.
Now in its second month of the plastic bag reduction competition, Avon continues to increase its town-wide reduction of plastic bags. In April, Avon counted 10,807 plastic bags reduced, bringing its two month total to a reduction of over 20,000 plastic bags.
“Our numbers at City Market are really high and that’s encouraging,” said Danita Chirichillo, Avon’s Special Event Supervisor, who is overseeing the competition for the Town. “We also appreciate all of our smaller merchants who are doing their part to raise awareness and encourage shoppers to use reusable bags. The numbers are smaller, but they are an important part of our outreach efforts and every plastic bag not used counts.” Avon is also working to involve Wal-Mart and Home Depot, two of the largest merchants in Avon, to participate in the competition as well.
The BYOB (bring your own bag) Challenge began March 1 and continues thru Sept. 1, 2009. Shoppers will be able to identify participating merchants by the presence of the 2009 CAST Reusable Bag Challenge poster at the entrance of businesses participating. The Town of Avon is encouraging residents and guests to participate in a friendly plastic bag reduction competition to determine which of the more than 26 ski towns from Colorado to Idaho can minimize their use of disposable plastic bags the most on a per capita basis. The winning community will receive a $5,000 grant from Alpine Bank to be used to install a solar panel system at a public school.
For updates on promotions, such as giveaways of free canvas bags, and to see a list of participating Avon merchants, please visit www.avon.org/byob.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2009
Contact: Krista Jaramillo
(970) 748-4006
kjaramillo@avon.org
Avon Police Department to Host Roundtable on Vehicle Impoundment “Booting” Ordinance The Avon Police Department will host a roundtable discussion in regards to the proposed changes to Chapter 5.12, vehicle impoundment, of the Avon Municipal Code. Changes include the addition of private booting companies. The meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Avon Municipal Council Chambers. Avon Police Chief, Brian Kozak, and Avon Town Attorney, Eric Heil, will facilitate the meeting. Any interested parties are encouraged to attend to express concerns and provide feed back before a draft of the ordinance is put before Avon Town Council on May 26, 2009.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2008 Contact: Danita Chirichillo
Fitness and Special Events Supervisor
748-4032
dchirichillo@avon.org
Avon Recreation Center Closed for Spring Maintenance/Cleaning May 3-9
(Avon) - The Avon Recreation Center will be closed for annual spring cleaning and maintenance starting Sunday, May 3. On Saturday, May 9, the front lobby and upstairs fitness floor will reopen. The locker rooms and pool will not reopen until Monday, May 11, which will allow for the new locker room floor to set-up and dry. Starting May 10, new Sunday hours (12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) will be in effect. Upon reopening, the Recreation Center will be gearing up for all of its great youth summer programs, including its summer pool pass for kids, Something Fun Summer Day Camps, swim lessons, tennis lessons, a triathlon prep class to gear up for Labor Day weekend’s IronKids Triathlon, and more. For adults, don’t miss this year’s first Saturday Summer Tournament Series. Come out on Saturdays, July – October, and enjoy the fun! Each Saturday tournament is a different sport…everything from 3-on-3 basketball, horseshoes, bocce ball, ultimate Frisbee hat, and more. In addition, take a triathlon prep class, tennis lessons, or ballroom dance and west coast swing.
For more information on the Avon Recreation Center closure or its summer programs, visit www.avonrec.org or call 970-748-4060.
Contact: Danita Chirichillo, 748-4032 Special Events Supervisor Avon Reduces Almost 10,000 Plastic Bags in One Month
(Avon, CO)—As the first month of the plastic bag reduction competition finishes, Avon is off to a great start. In March, the Town of Avon counted the reduction of 9,880 plastic bags. The majority of the reduction in plastic bags came from City Market, which counted 9746 instances of reusable bags being used instead of plastic bags. Other merchants who counted reusable bags being used at their store in March included: Avon Liquor, Natures Provider, Sports Authority, Village Wine & Spirits and Wishes. “With only one month under our belt and most of our real publicity pushes still to come, we hope to continue to increase our monthly totals even more,” said Danita Chirichillo, Avon’s Special Event Supervisor, who is overseeing the competition for the Town.
In addition to the more than 20 merchants already participating, starting in April, Wal-Mart, one of Avon’s largest merchants, will begin counting reusable bags being used at its Avon store. Other efforts are also underway through local nonprofits, schools and businesses to continue to increase the awareness of the competition and to encourage residents and guests to make using reusable bags a habit. For updates on promotions, such as giveaways of free canvas bags, and to see a list of participating Avon merchants, please visit www.avon.org/byob. The BYOB (bring your own bag) Challenge began March 1 and continues thru Sept. 1. Shoppers will be able to identify participating merchants by the presence of the 2009 CAST Reusable Bag Challenge poster at the entrance of businesses participating. The Town of Avon is encouraging residents and guests to participate in a friendly plastic bag reduction competition to determine which of the more than 26 ski towns from Colorado to Idaho can minimize their use of disposable plastic bags the most on a per capita basis. The winning community will receive a $5,000 grant from Alpine Bank to be used to install a solar panel system at a public school.
[Additional info...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2009 Contact: Becky Lawlor, Community Relations Officer
970-748-4087
blawlor@avon.org Town of Avon Increases Strategies to Maintain a Balanced Budget Avon, CO— Avon, like the rest of Eagle County, has seen lagging sales and accommodation tax revenue so far this year and is reacting in a proactive, fiscally responsible manner to the decreased revenues. Measures include shorter hours on Sundays at the Recreation Center, consolidating transit services during the summer and shoulder seasons, more line item cuts, and implementing a town-wide furlough for fulltime employees. These measures are expected to provide an additional $400,000 savings to the Town. “We’ve already cut over 5% of expenditures from the 2009 budget and frozen a number of positions,” said Town Manager Larry Brooks. “With the disappointing data we’re receiving regarding tax revenues, we need to continue the belt tightening. The sooner we put measures in place to reduce our expenditures, the easier they will be to absorb.” Starting in May, the Recreation Center hours will be 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sundays (The Recreation Center will be closed May 3-9 for spring cleaning, making Sunday, May 10, the first day of its new Sunday hours). “The decision to shorten hours on Sunday was part of an effort to more tightly manage our business model,” said Meryl Jacobs, Director of Recreation and Cultural Services. “Our Sunday hours have historically been our slowest and therefore are more heavily subsidized by the Town. The new Sunday hours also put us more in line with hours offered by other public recreational facilities.” The Recreation Center will still operate for over 90 hours every week, while offering exciting new fitness equipment like its Expresso bikes, award-winning programming and fitness classes, a clean and well-maintained facility, and excellent service to its patrons. Starting April 13, 2009, the Town will consolidate transit services to one bus route. The route will still cover the entire transit service area, but travel time between certain destinations may be longer. “The intent is to scale back services enough to save costs, but still provide a transit system that remains user-friendly,” said Jenny Strehler, Avon’s Director of Transportation. The one-day-a-month furlough for fulltime employees will be in effect starting May. The Town is carefully managing the furlough in order to still be able to provide the services its residents need, while reducing payroll expenditures. For the safety of its citizens, sworn police officers will be exempt from the furlough.
In addition to the steps outlined above, the town continues to scrub its budget looking for line items that can be reduced or eliminated. “We are trying to run a lean, but efficient government, working with the resources we have,” said Brooks. For more information, please contact Becky Lawlor at 748-4087 or email blawlor@avon.org.
For Immediate Release January 12, 2010 Contact: Jaime Walker
Community Relations Officer
Town of Avon
970-748-4087
jwalker@avon.org
AVON POLICE CHIEF BRIAN KOZAK RESIGNS, INTERIM CHIEF APPOINTED
AVON, CO—Town Manager Larry Brooks announced today that Brian Kozak is stepping down from his post as Avon’s Police Chief. Kozak accepted a position as the Chief of Police for the City of Cheyenne, WY and will be assuming his new position on February 26th. Lieutenant Greg Daly has been named as Interim Police Chief until a replacement for Kozak is found. Kozak has been Avon’s Police Chief since May of 2006. Through his leadership, Avon’s Police Department has helped reduce crime rates in Avon, developed a strong community outreach program, and increased the overall effectiveness of the department through extensive officer training and developing several areas of expertise such as SWAT and CBI team (Crime Bureau Investigation). “Avon is a highly professional organization and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the community,” Kozak said. “I am very proud of Avon Police Department for raising the bar for others to follow.” Greg Daly, the Town of Avon’s current Lieutenant, will step in as Interim Chief. Lieutenant Daly has been a law enforcement officer in the Valley since 1996 and holds a Bachelor of Finance degree from the University College Dublin. He has a long history in Eagle County, working as a Patrol Sergeant for the Eagle County Sheriff’s Department for two years, before joining Avon’s Police Department in July 2008. As part of his supervisorial role, Lieutenant Daly is responsible for overseeing the operations of the department and steps in whenever Chief Kozak is unavailable. “Greg has been involved with all the programs to reduce crime and involve the community,” Kozak said. “He will continue to guide the department in the same direction.” The Town of Avon has contracted with Morrison Group LLC to support the regional search, including the Front Range and surrounding states, for a new chief. With the assistance of the Morrison Group, the town is seeking to recruit from a large pool of qualified candidates to select a new Police Chief who matches the Town’s culture, mission and values. Interviews are slated to begin the first of March with the goal of having the position filled by May.
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Request for Proposal for Physical Therapy Services at the Avon Recreation Center will be available for pick up on Wednesday, March 10th.
Nottingham Lake is closed as of Wednesday, February 17, 2010. After a great winter season the onset of spring conditions has made the ice unsafe for public use. Please do not skate or walk on the ice. The cabin will reopen on May 29th for its summer activities including paddle boat rentals, fishing, concession sales, and summer sporting equipment rentals. Be sure to join us this spring for Avon’s Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information please contact the Avon Recreation Center front desk at (970) 748-4060. We look forward to seeing you in the spring!
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