Eagle Town Council approved a $120,000 contract with Tyler Technologies for land use permitting software at their February 10 meeting, with the system expected to launch in mid-2027 and carry $75,000 annual licensing fees. The council also approved expanding the Downtown Development Authority boundaries to include 212 E. Third Street, transferring tobacco licensing authority from council to the town clerk, and directing staff to proceed with Grand Avenue Grill demolition planning. Interim Town Manager Melissa Daruna reported three key positions remain unfilled as development applications continue to increase.
Technology Contract
The council unanimously approved Resolution 06, Series 2026, authorizing the Tyler Technologies contract for land use and building permit software. The town evaluated 13 vendor responses before selecting Tyler Technologies. Interim Community Development Director Kyle Brotherton reported the system will require significant staff time to implement but will create efficiencies in reviewing land use applications and building permits once operational.
Implementation is expected to take 12-18 months, with the system launching in mid-2027. The $120,000 initial cost will be split between operations budget and grant funding, with $75,000 annual licensing fees beginning after implementation. Brotherton said the software will allow staff to better utilize time and create efficiencies in the review process, though current staffing shortages continue to impact department operations.
Downtown Development Expansion
Council approved Ordinance 02, Series 2026, adding 212 E. Third Street to the Downtown Development Authority district boundaries. The ordinance amends previous boundaries established in 2020. The expansion allows the property to participate in DDA programs and benefit from downtown development initiatives.
Tobacco Licensing Changes
Council approved Ordinance 04, Series 2026, streamlining tobacco license applications by transferring approval authority from Town Council to Town Clerk Camille Deering. The ordinance removes the requirement for council review of retail tobacco license applications. Applications will now be processed administratively through the town clerk’s office following municipal code requirements.
Grand Avenue Grill Demolition
Public Works Director Tom Gosiorowski recommended demolishing the Grand Avenue Grill building and using the vacant site for other purposes over the next several years. Council directed staff to conduct a hazardous material survey and prepare detailed demolition cost estimates for future consideration.
Gosiorowski explained the property was purchased to replace CDOT parking spaces that will be eliminated by the Haymeadow Brush Creek Road extension project. The town acquired the Grand Avenue Grill site as part of broader coordination with CDOT right-of-way acquisitions and the Grand Avenue Corridor improvements. The demolition timeline and detailed budget will be presented to council at a future meeting once the hazardous material survey is complete.
Haymeadow Trailhead Park
Senior Planner Jessica Lake presented community-driven park design updates for Haymeadow Trailhead Park based on 86 survey responses from residents. The presentation included design concepts reflecting community input on park amenities, features, and layout preferences.
Lake outlined how survey feedback shaped the design direction for the trailhead park, which serves as a key access point for the Haymeadow development. Council provided feedback on the design concepts for continued development of the park plan.
Fire District Presentation
Greater Eagle Fire Protection District representative Randy Cohen presented information on building height restrictions and fire protection considerations. The presentation addressed building height rules as part of ongoing wildland-urban interface code updates.
Audit Contract
Council approved the 2025 audit engagement letter with Maggard & Hood, P.C. for $44,000. The contract covers the annual financial audit required by state statute. Finance Director Rachel Tand reported the town budgeted $48,000 for auditing services in 2026.
Staffing Updates
Daruna reported the town has posted the Community Development Director position and reposted the Building Official position. Both positions remain top recruitment priorities as application volume and plan review workload continues to grow. A Project Engineer position in Public Works also remains open.
The Community Development Director vacancy leaves Brotherton serving in an interim capacity while managing increased development applications. The Building Official position handles building permit reviews and inspections. Daruna said these positions are critical as the volume of land use applications and building permits continues to increase.
Council received operational updates from Public Works and Police departments as part of ongoing work session continuation. The presentations provided status reports on departmental operations, upcoming projects, and resource needs.
Council approved minutes from the January 27 meeting and the regular bill schedule.
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