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 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

March 4, 2009

Contact: Rob Janusz
Parks Superintendent
748-4105

Avon Adopts Recreational Trails Master Plan

Avon, CO—On Tuesday, February 28, 2009, Avon’s Town Council adopted a Recreational Trails Master Plan for the Town of Avon. The Plan is intended to provide guidance to Avon for the initial development of its recreational trails program so that the town can effectively manage and maintain a formalized system of sustainable trails that will serve the year-round leisure needs of area residents and visitors. The Plan was developed in response to the 2008 Community Survey results which identified trail enhancement projects as a top priority.

The Plan offers information on fostering development of a formalized recreational trails program through sustainable principles and best management practices for trail design, construction, and maintenance. Recreational trails are unpaved, natural-looking trails, which offer hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and other non-motorized recreational opportunities. The plan assesses the sustainability of existing trails and provides recommendations for improvements or closures. It also identifies new trail opportunities within the project planning area and presents cost estimates for these capital improvement projects.

The plan is intended as a “living” document to be periodically reviewed and updated as necessary to meet changing development conditions, community needs, and ongoing trails program evolution. “It’s a good first step,” said Avon’s Mayor Pro-Tem, Brian Sipes. “There’s more I’d like to see done, but it gets the ball rolling and changes can be made in the future.” A Trails Advisory Committee, consisting of residents and staff, will be formed to guide the overall program implementation and coordinate volunteer groups to assist with trail construction.

Five main trails were identified for work in the Plan. Those trails include the Avon/Singletree Trail and the Nottingham Road Trailhead, Beaver Creek Lookout Trail, Metcalf Creek Trail, Saddle Ridge Trail, and Buck Creek Trail. In addition, work was recommended on some interior connecting trails. The town’s overall CIP five-year plan currently has budgeted approximately $830,000 (about $200,000) per year under its discretionary projects, which would be enough to complete the full list of recommended projects described in this plan.

Please visit www.avon.org/trails to view the Recreational Trails Master Plan. For more information, please contact Rob Janusz at rjanusz@avon.org or 748-4105.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2009

Contact: Danita Chirichillo, 748-4032
Special Events Supervisor

AVON PARTICIPATES IN PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION CHALLENGE

(Avon)—Got reusable bags? Then bring them shopping! 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.

The BYOB (bring your own bag) Challenge begins March 1 and continues to Sept. 1. Participating Avon stores include City Market, Sports Authority, Wal-Mart and several other smaller merchants. In some cases, customers will receive a 5-cent discount off their bill for using their own bag. Shoppers will be able to identify participating merchants by the presence of the 2009 CAST Reusable Bag Challenge poster, which will be hanging on the entrance.

In addition, Sport’s Authority is donating 100 reusable bags and Wal-Mart is donating 50 bags to help consumers reduce their consumption of plastic bags. “Sometimes the biggest challenge is getting consumers to invest in reusable bags,” said Danita Chirichillo, Avon’s Special Event Supervisor who is overseeing the Town’s participation in the competition. “We hope the donated bags will encourage those who may not otherwise participate to begin using reusable bags and create a new shopping habit.”

The competition is being coordinated by the Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST). Participating Colorado towns are Avon, Eagle, Gypsum, Vail, Telluride, Aspen, Mountain Village, Snowmass, Basalt, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco, Steamboat Springs, Grand Lake, Granby, Winter Park, Fraser, Estes Park, and Crested Butte. Jackson Hole, WY, Park City, UT, Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Hailey, ID will also take part in the 2009 CAST challenge.

The Town of Avon will also be working with The Youth Foundation to increase participation in the challenge. The Youth Foundation’s Avon Elementary After School students are stepping up to join in the CAST Challenge. The students will promote an awareness campaign among their peers and families to educate them on why one-use plastic bags are bad for our environment.

“Programs like the CAST Challenge remind people that we all have a part to play in keeping our environment clean and ensuring that this beautiful community in which we call home, remains pristine and natural,” said Susie Davis, Executive Director of the Youth Foundation. “We are excited to participate in the CAST Challenge and will help initiate the efforts among our after school programs by providing each participating student with a reusable bag that they can take home to share with their family and educate them about the program.”

The competition is a great way to inspire the community through one small action, using reusable bags, to make a positive impact on our environment and develop more sustainable habits. At a consumption rate of 100 billion per year, the U.S. uses 12 million barrels of oil annually to sustain its plastic bag habit, translating to over half a billion dollars per year. For every 100 plastic bags manufactured, nearly seven pounds of carbon dioxide, the major contributor to global warming, is released into the atmosphere. Plastic bags also contribute to over 600,000 tons of landfill waste and are responsible for 1.1 million wildlife deaths each year.

The BYOB Challenge is being initiated following the success of a challenge between Telluride and Aspen in 2008. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the two towns eliminated the use of an estimated 140,359 single-use shopping bags.

The town will be tallying Avon’s scores on a monthly basis and will provide ongoing community updates. Comparison reports will be issued halfway through the competition by CAST to keep the challenge competitive to the end. For more information on how you or your business can actively participate, contact Danita Chirichillo at 748-4032 or email dchirichillo@avon.org.

Other Avon merchants participating include:

Fly Fishing Outfitters
Foods of Vail
Radio Shack
Valley Girl
Beaver Liquors
Avon Liquors
Shop & Hop
Columbine Bakery
Avon Bakery & Deli
Wishes Toy Store
Game Stop
Conoco Gas Station

For immediate release

February 13, 2009

Contact: Danita Chirichillo
Special Events Supervisor
970-748-4032

Town of Avon Hosts IronKidsÒ Event Series

February 24, 2009 (Avon, CO) – The Town of Avon is excited to announce its selection as a host town for World Triathlon Corporation’s (WTC) IronKids Event Series. WTC are owners of Ironman, Ironman 70.3 and Iron Girl. IronKids, the newest member of the WTC family, will consist of a triathlon series for youth ranging in age from six to 15 years old. National partners such as Aqua Sphere, CLIF Bar, Foster Grant, Life Science Nutritionals and Timex will support the Series in 2009. The 2009 IronKids National Triathlon Series is being held in eight different cities nationwide.

IronKids National Triathlon Series
- San Diego, California: May 2, 2009
- St. Petersburg, Florida: June 7, 2009
- Raleigh, North Carolina: July 5, 2009
- Carmel, Indiana: July 19, 2009
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: August 9, 2009
- Avon, Colorado: September 6, 2009
- Alpharetta, Georgia: September 13, 2009
- Tucson, Arizona: October 4, 2009

"IronKids selected Avon for its safe race course, spectacular natural beauty and high level of community support,” said Michelle Payette, Director of IronKids. “Avon is a perfect recreation-based event destination for the entire family." The Town of Avon partnered with the Vail Valley Partnership to land the event.

Distances for the IronKids Events will utilize the traditional swim-bike-run format but will vary, depending on the age of participants. Distances include:
- Junior (ages 6 to 8): 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run
- Intermediate (ages 9 to 11): 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run
- Senior (ages 12 to 15): 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run

WTC acquired IronKids from the Sara Lee Corporation who had owned the event series since 1985. IronKids’ Races have seen more than 40,000 participants in its history. IronKids has introduced some of the sport’s greats with past participants including seven-time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong and U.S. Olympians, Hunter Kemper and Laura Bennett.

“The IronKids mission is to inspire and motivate youth through sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle,” said Michelle Payette, Director of IronKids. “We are excited to provide families with an event weekend experience that is educational, interactive and fun.”

To ensure IronKids leaves a footprint throughout the U.S., IronKids will develop a ‘Legacy Program’ that will focus on educating students on the importance of nutrition and physical activity, encouraging children to adopt the IronKids lifestyle.

Registration for the 2009 IronKids Triathlon Series will officially open on February 11, 2009 at www.ironkids.com. For questions about Avon IronKids, please contact Danita Chirichillo at 970-748-4087 or dchirichillo@avon.org. For general IronKids inquiries, contact Michelle Payette at Michelle@ironkids.com. Media-related inquiries can be directed to Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironkids.com or Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironkids.com. All parties may be reached at 813-868-5940.

Do Your Part: Town of Avon Snow Removal Requirements

For the second winter in a row, Avon has received an extraordinary amount of snow. Although beautiful and great for our economy, heavy snow puts a greater burden on property owners to be more diligent about following required snow removal practices. In an effort to remain a beautiful and safe place to live and recreate, the Town of Avon will be increasing efforts to make sure everyone follows adopted snow removal practices. Violations of the above laws are considered a civil infraction and may result in a fine of up to $1,000 for every day that the violation occurs, be summoned into court, and lose of their Snow Removal Contractor’s License.

The Avon Public Works Department would like to remind Avon residents of Avon’s snow removal laws. All of these laws are in place in order to ensure public safety.

• Property owner must maintain the sidewalks abutting their property in a condition which is safe and accessible for the public and kept free of snow greater than one inch. Snow must be removed within 24 hours. [AMC 12.16.010 and AMC 8.24.110 (a)]
• All off-street parking or walkway areas must be maintained in a passable condition for the public by the property owner, occupant or manager. [AMC 8.24.110 (b)]
• Fire hydrants must be kept clear of snow. If you do see a buried hydrant, please report this to the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District at 748-7480. [AMC 8.24.110 (c)]
• No person shall plow, shovel or otherwise deposit any snow on any public way or any portion thereof. Property owners are legally responsible for violations of this requirement even if the owner has retained a contractor or someone else to plow their property. If you are using hired help to maintain your property, make sure they are following the law. [AMC 5.20.070 and AMC 8.24.110 (d)]

Additional Rules for Contract Plowers:

• Persons engaged in snow removal activities must have a valid Town of Avon Snow Removal Contractor’s License, which must be visibly displayed in vehicle. [AMC 5.20.010 and CRS 42.4.214]
• All vehicles involved in snow removal activities must have a flashing yellow light on the roof of the vehicle when they are plowing snow. [CRS 42-4-214 and AMC 5.20.070 (c)]

Exact wording for Avon’s municipal code can be found online at www.avon.org. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Public Works at 748-4100. The Town of Avon thanks you for doing your part to keep our town safe.

Avon Council Approves Motion to Revise Town’s Vesting Rights Regulations

Avon, CO—On Tuesday, January 13, Avon Town Council approved a motion to initiate revisions to the Town’s vested rights regulations. The Town Council anticipates that it consider an ordinance approving proposed revisions at meetings in January and February. The proposed revisions would eliminate the five year maximum period for granting vested rights and would adopt additional language to implement the vested rights statutes.

The vested rights statutes require a local government to grant a vested right for a minimum period of three years for any “site specific development plan” as defined by the local government. The vested rights statutes also authorize local governments to grant vested rights for periods that are greater than three years.

Repeal of the existing five year maximum period for vested rights is proposed in part to reflect the Town’s general legal authority as well as to resolve a pending lawsuit filed against the Town of Avon by Traer Creek-RP, LLC. The proposed revisions to the Town’s vested rights regulations will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission on January 20th as a discussion item. Notice of public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council will be published in accordance with the Town’s zoning code.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2008

Avon Receives Grant for Nottingham Power Plant Preservation

Avon, CO—The Town of Avon has been awarded a grant of $20, 473 by the Colorado Historical Society to help fund the exterior restoration of the Nottingham Power Plant. Funding will be used for the second phase of an ongoing restoration project, specifically to restore the supporting structures of the water wheel, the surrounding walls, return of the restored water wheel, and archeological monitoring. This work is planned to take place in the summer of 2009.

Phase one began in October 2008. Under the supervision of Bob Ogle, Associate Professor of Historic Preservation at Colorado Mountain College (CMC), students dismantled the water wheel and related support timbers for restoration. Students at the Leadville CMC campus are currently working on restoration of the wheel. However, before the water wheel can be put back in place the site and supporting structure also needs stabilizing, which will be the second phase of the project.

“Some of the key components are in good condition,” said Jeanette Hix, the Chair of Avon’s Historical Preservation Committee, “but the structure has collapsed due to deterioration of the wood, loss of the roof and scavenging of material.”

The Nottingham Power Plant, a self constructed wooden water wheel, was built on the Eagle River in 1928 by the family of Emmett and Myrtle Nottingham. The Plant generated electricity for use for the family and the nearby Avon Depot. The Plant received a historical designation from the Colorado Historical Society in November 2006 and local designation from the Town of Avon in July 2008.

Upon completion of the restoration and stabilization of the Nottingham Power Plant, an historic marker will be placed at the nearest street to the site with interpretive signage for the enjoyment and education for generations to come.

December 9, 2008

Avon Council Meetings Now Available Online

Avon, CO—Avon Town Council meetings and other public meetings or promotional videos are now available for viewing online at www.avon.org. Council meetings will be posted online by the Friday following the meeting. Web streaming of video content, such as Council meetings, has been made possible through the cooperation of Channel 5 and Eagle County’s ECOTV, which is hosting the web stream site and has given Avon its own “channel” to use for its content.

“We continue to try to find as many ways possible to provide an open and transparent government process and to improve communication with our constituents,” said Community Relations Officer, Becky Lawlor. “We’re excited to be able to offer this new web streaming feature so that residents can stay up-to-date with what’s going on when it’s convenient for them.”

Other video content is also available online, such as a fly-through video of the proposed Main Street design and artwork, a short video on Avon’s special events, and a clip of Avon’s whitewater Big Air Shootout kayaking contest. The town hopes to continue to add content and encourages residents to check in frequently.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2008

Avon Swears in Town Council; Elects Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem

Avon, CO—On Tuesday, December 2nd, the Town of Avon swore in its new Council members, Kristi Ferraro, Amy Phillips, and Buzz Reynolds. The new Town Council then voted to reelect Ron Wolfe as Mayor and Brian Sipes as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Kristi Ferraro and Amy Phillips are serving second terms on the Council and Buzz Reynolds, while not an incumbent, has served previous terms on Avon’s Town Council and as Mayor of Avon. Outgoing Council member, Tamara Nottingham Underwood, was thanked by the members of the Council for her passion, dedication, and high standards for integrity and excellence while serving on Council.

Town Council meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Council meetings can also be viewed online at www.avon.org/councilvideo. In addition, the public may sign up for email notification of Council agendas at www.avon.org/notifyme.

The Gore Range DUI Task Force (Avon, Eagle, Minturn, Vail and Eagle County) have received a $5,600 grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation for the 2009 Thanksgiving DUI Task Force. The Thanksgiving DUI Enforcement program will begin countywide on November 24 and will conclude November 29, 2009.

The Gore Range DUI Task Force will also be conducting a toy drive, which will later be distributed by the Salvation Army to the less fortunate families in Eagle County. You may drop off any new unwrapped toys to any police department or Sheriff’s Office in the County beginning today and ending on December 18, 2009.

At this time, your local law enforcement agencies are asking that everyone traveling this holiday season to buckle-up, drive safe, and drive sober.

Happy Holidays!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2009

Contact: Krista Jaramillo
970-748-4006
kjaramillo@avon.org

Participants Graduate from Avon’s First Annual Citizens’ Police Academy

Avon,CO--The Avon Police Department will graduate its first class from the Citizen’s Police Academy on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. Carlos Abel, Mike Bennett, Mihai Cofaru, Todd DeJong, Bill Jones, Jeffrey Marshall, Adam Martin, Arthur Pinedo, Sara Roffe, William West, Cean Whitmarsh and Stephanie Whitmarsh will all be presented with a Certificate of Completion and recognized by the Avon Town Council.
The Avon Police Department offered this 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 participants had instruction on the following topics:
• State of the Police Department & Crime in Avon
• Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
• Verbal Judo
• Firearms Training Simulator (FATS)
• Drug Recognition and DUI enforcement
• S.W.A.T.
• Self Defense
• Firearms Training and Gun Safety
In a letter to Avon Police Chief Brian Kozak, participant Bill Jones wrote:
“During the course, you and your officers brought smiles, laughs, serious information and knowledge of how a police officer thinks. You showed the class what a police officer has to think about in a moment’s notice and you showed the tragedy and pictures involved in drinking and driving…As a citizen of Avon, I feel comforted knowing that my police department is a highly trained force in power, safety and knowledge, and trained to combat any problem that could confront my community.”
Chief Kozak said, “The Citizen’s Academy also assisted our officers in seeing how their commitment is recognized and appreciated by the public, which many may not realize when they only deal with the negative aspects of crime. I am deeply committed to this program which fostered new friendships and hope to continue the momentum through an alumni association.”
Because of the huge success and popularity of the Citizen’s Academy, the 2010 dates have been set. Participants will be chosen on a first come basis. All information can be found online at www.avonpolice.org.

Avon Recreation Center Punch Card sale starts on November 15 and goes through November 28. Twenty-five and ten punch cards as well as Spin and Yoga punch cards will be on sale. Please contact the Front Desk at 748-4060 for additional information.