EVMD Regular Meeting 4/18/2024 Recap
This is an unofficial summary of the April 18, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the EagleVail Metropolitan District produced by EVMD Communications staff. A draft of the minutes will be posted to the EVMD website once they are composed.
Board members present: Tim McGuire, Joanna Hopkins, Betsy Laughlin, Lauren Barcza, Terry Copeland
BOARD ACTION
- Board decision to not move forward with the Hole #9 errant golf ball mitigation project with no tree removal based upon a lack of support from the Exception Townhomes. Board Chair McGuire said the District’s priority in exploring the initiative has been the safety of nearby homeowners, and will continue to educate golfers as they have historically, and that if the Exception would like to hire their own independent golf course architect to explore further ideas, the District would work with them.
- Discussion: District Manager Steven Barber and Board Chair Tim McGuire explained that the errant golf ball issue on hole #9 is one that has been discussed for a number of years with the residents of the Exception Townhomes who have sought the District’s help. The District has worked to raise awareness with golfers through education and communication, as well as other mitigation efforts such as signage and tree/shrub trimming that have been implemented over the past several years. Two independent golf course architects looked at the issue and recommended similar solutions across a sequential or “baby step” process (proposed tree removal followed by potential tee box relocation.) Following a RFP and an April 10 on-site visit with independent golf course architect, Rick Phelps, Vail Valley Tree Service was the selected contractor with a proposal of $36,850 to remove about 30 trees; approximately half of these trees are 6” caliper and larger, with the other half smaller, juvenal trees. This action will not be implemented.
ADDITIONAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Board Chair Tim McGuire reminded that to comment on the proposed extension of the EagleVail Trail to the west, ending at the entrance to Beaver Creek, which the EVMD Board has previously supported, comment via the Forest Service: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=65783.
- Kristin Kenney Williams, President, Commfluent Inc., has been retained to enhance EVMD communications. Williams highlighted tactics aimed at increased proactive communications on key community projects and topics and driving greater awareness of EVMD official communications channels for current, factual information.
Pictured below: Brent Barnum, Superintendent of Golf Courses and Parks, highlighted Thursday the extraordinary efforts of his team to prepare the golf course for its May opening with the snow receding, as well as the many 2024 capital projects underway, including the pool landscaping and refurbish of baseball infield to better accommodate programing for soccer and lacrosse.
- Ryan Flamm, Director of Golf, provided an overview of improvements to the driving range in recent years; the usage of the driving range; and its importance to youth participation and golfer education. For the 2024 season, the driving range will see a return to normal operational hours: irrigation will begin at 9 p.m.; the range will open a half hour before the first tee time; the sale of range balls will stop at 8 p.m. until Sept. 6, and 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 6; closed signs will be placed at range entrances at 8 p.m.
- Community garden plots are sold out.
Board asked for more frequent communications on the CDOT Highway 6 roundabout project that is expected to conclude at the end of the year, as well as the Deer Blvd./Stone Creek Drive re-pavement project that will get under way this summer.