Town of Minturn

The meeting reconvened into Open Session following an Executive Session. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda and the regular agenda. During public comment, a resident inquired about the classification of a proposed short-term rental/Airbnb use for commercial activity. Council comments addressed the failure of a National Park Service grant application due to railroad involvement, the success of a Climate Action Collaborative event, and appreciation for participants in the town cleanup day. Council members also discussed the status of Net Zero implementation and upcoming Main Street bulb-outs, including the addition of an intersection to the plan. A public hearing was held for a new Lodging and Entertainment Liquor License for the Eagle River Inn, which staff recommended for approval with a condition regarding certified server training. Business items involved a request for continuance on Resolution approving the Battle Mountain Consolidated Service Plan until the June 19th meeting to address comments from the Municipal Advisor. Finally, the second reading of Ordinance Number 10 Series 2024 regarding community housing standards was discussed, noting that a drafted update changing an AMI percentage from 140% to 120% had been made since the first reading and could proceed without continuance.

The meeting covered several agenda items, beginning with the approval of the regular agenda and the minutes from the July 24th meeting. Key discussions focused on land use public hearings for several proposed single-family homes (0017 Miles in Lane, 0031 Miles in Lane, 0171 Miles in Lane, 0176 Miles in Lane, and 0201 Miles in Lane), all of which were recommended for approval pending compliance with height, parking, and setback limitations. A significant portion of the discussion involved Wildland Urban Interface concerns, specifically regarding the use of wood mulch versus gravel for snow storage and defensible space requirements, noting that new county codes are forthcoming. Additionally, the commission reviewed an ordinance amending municipal code regarding lighting standards (TBD Series 2024), specifically to allow uplighting for the Minter water tank as a town display on a seasonal or periodic basis, which was also moved to a vote for approval.

The meeting commenced with roll call and approval of the consent agenda, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved rescheduling an executive session for candidate interviews for a new role, confirming the meeting date for the interviews, and a council member announcing that the Town of Mentor was nominated as a finalist for a Veil Valley Partnership success award in the 'Innovation in the Public Sector' category for its economic development efforts. Staff reports addressed the status of the DEVA process for a power line and a new leasing program with the Forest Service. A town engineer's recommendation regarding road reconstruction for North Main Street due to cracks and drainage issues was presented. The council also discussed a future agenda item regarding modified plans for a Taylor project. Additionally, updates were given on the status of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) concerning the Bellum Bridge, which is scheduled for discussion on a future date. A special presentation covered the upcoming Mountain Games, highlighting new events such as an ultra marathon, speed climbing, and kayak cross, along with sustainability efforts. Business items included the introduction of Resolution 13 Series 2025, adopting a Vision Zero policy, which was discussed in conjunction with the town's Safe Streets for All safety action plan, emphasizing a system-wide approach to preventing traffic deaths and serious injuries.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting two members were delayed due to traffic. Following the pledge of allegiance, the agenda and the minutes from the January 8, 2025 meeting were approved. During public comments, a citizen offered a sincere apology for prior disruptive behavior. Key discussions focused on land use code updates, specifically Article 8 concerning subdivision applications and review procedures. Staff provided an update on revisions to Article 8, including clarifying purpose language, detailing review processes for exemption plats and various subdivisions, and incorporating public notice requirements. Specific attention was given to requirements for duplex, condominium, or town home subdivisions, mandating that framing of all party walls be complete before subdivision application submission to ensure survey accuracy. Criteria for minor subdivisions were also detailed, limiting them to creating no more than six lots without requiring public right-of-way dedication. The commission also addressed minor PUD amendments, planning further discussion on creating administrative approval guardrails.

The agenda meeting focused on the ongoing Land Use Code update, specifically Draft Article Five regarding land use application requirements and procedures. Key discussions included consolidating public hearing provisions into General Provisions to avoid sending applicants to multiple code sections, and addressing the duration of approval periods for various land use decisions, including conditional use permits, and how changes would affect ongoing applications. The commission also reviewed the addition of code provisions for the abandonment or extinguishment of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and clarifications regarding the expiration of preliminary development plans. Staff provided context on the 'Location and Extent' process available to public or quasi-public agencies under state statutes, which allows for a limited review against the comprehensive plan.