By High Country Advocate Staff
Meeting at a Glance
Date: September 23, 2025
Location: Buena Vista Community Center
Attendance: Mayor Libby Bank presiding; Trustees Heik, Rice, Webinar, Rob, and Swisher present; Town Administrator Brian Daniel and town staff in attendance
Next Meeting: October 8, 2025
Public Comment: Short-Term Rentals and Local Housing Costs
Housing and rental concerns dominated the public comment period.
Resident Jessica Curtis urged the board to issue short-term rental (STR) licenses to wait-listed applicants under Section 6.12.9 of the municipal code. “We believe we’re eligible and entitled to issuance of a license,” she said, noting that honoring the existing wait list would maintain the current cap without amending Ordinance 9.
Several speakers linked STR restrictions to broader affordability issues. One explained that a three-bedroom home affordable to a family earning the area median income “should cost about $415,000, but the same home now sells for $750,000.” He encouraged the town to partner with developers and offer density bonuses to expand attainable housing.
Another resident asked trustees to honor pending STR applications, noting that many applicants had “invested significant time and money” under the current regulations.
The future of City Market also surfaced during public comment. Some residents urged negotiation with Kroger to ensure Buena Vista retains a full-service grocery store that meets community needs.
Administrative Actions: Rezoning and Bridge Repairs
Planning Director Marika Kopp presented a rezoning request involving a 0.115-acre land swap between the Lagmark and Welock properties to align zoning with natural boundaries. “Having properties zoned consistent with geographical features makes sense,” Kopp said. The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, and trustees agreed, noting that the two districts were similar enough to avoid incompatible uses.
Recreation Director Shane Jones reported that Whipple Bridge, built in 1991, needs decking replacement. The project will cost $59,500 for materials and labor, with $109,000 allocated across capital projects. “The Whipple Bridge decking has been our highest priority,” Jones said. The board approved the contract, confirming sufficient funding.
Trustees also adopted a resolution supporting a Proposition 123 affordable-housing grant, with Chaffee County serving as fiscal agent.
Budget and Other Business
Town Administrator Brian Daniel outlined work on the 2026 budget, noting that inflation, which had briefly eased, “has crept back up over the last three months.” He said staff are linking all expenditures to the town’s comprehensive plan: “We’ll look at how each project ties back to our long-term goals.” Despite higher costs, Daniel said he feels “pretty optimistic” about Buena Vista’s fiscal position thanks to strong fund balances and long-term planning.
The board referred a lease extension for the youth shooting program to the Recreation Advisory Board for review and announced an electronic-recycling event set for September 27.
Adjournment
Trustees entered executive session to receive legal advice on conflict-of-interest matters and adjourned shortly after 10 p.m.
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