Catch Up With Council, October 28, 2025: 2026 Budget Approved, Winter Operations Updates, Capital Improvement Program Discussion & More

Frisco Main Street at Fifth Avenue in winter

Capital Improvement Program Discussion & Adoption

Town of Frisco Public Works Director, Josh Southworth, presented the five-year Capital Program to Town Council during their work session. Some highlights of the plan include:

  1. Granite Street Complete Streets to begin work in 2027 after analyzing the top priorities for the project. This project is budgeted for four years to include 2028, 2029, and 2030, totaling $3.14 million over the course of four years.
  2. Pioneer Park improvements to be completed in 2026, totaling $1.5 million.
  3. Marina restroom improvements to be completed over the course of 2026 and 2027, totaling $1.32 million.
  4. Island Grill and Lund House remodel budgeted for 2030 at $1 million.
  5. Landscaping improvements upon CDOT’s completion of Exit 203 budgeted for in 2027 and 2029, totaling $1.95 million
  6. Highway 9 Lusher Gap construction to complete the sidewalks along Highway 9 in front of Safeway. This project is budgeted for in 2027 and 2029, totaling $950,000.

During the regular meeting, the proposed five-year Capital Program was presented to Council as part of the annual budgeting process.

Council Discussion & Decision

There was some discussion about whether the bathrooms at the Marina should be prioritized based on their seasonality. The growth at the Marina, the lack of adequate restrooms, and the use of porta potties at a cost of $5,000 per month was noted by staff. Staff also outlined that the design work would happen this winter with construction scheduled for fall 2026 and that staff is focused on reducing costs on this project if possible.  

Town Council adopted Resolution 25-27 during the regular meeting, approving the five-year Capital Program.

Public Works Winter Operations Overview

Town of Frisco Public Works Director, Josh Southworth, presented an overview of Public Works winter operations to Town Council during the work session and highlighted the Public Works winter prep, Town plowing priorities, and winter projects, as well as late fall projects to include hanging holiday lights and preparing parks, tennis courts, ball fields, and other recreational areas for winter.

Priorities for Snow Clearing

  • Priority 1: Core Area
    • Snow is first removed from Main Street area sidewalks and pushed into parking areas and then plowed to the center of Main Street for removal.
  • Priority 2: Residential Areas
    • Focus on safe travel within residential areas. Snow is plowed onto Town right-of-way.
  • Priority 3: Alleys and Dead Ends
    • Through alleys are priority to enable safe travel, which is then followed by dead end alleys.

Rec Paths and Sidewalks

  • The Public Works Grounds Division staff has primary responsibility for pathways and sidewalks
  • The priority focus is on enabling business access and walkability.  

Council Discussion

Council reminded staff that Belford pathway is a priority, as it is a well-used school route and that timing is key so that equipment does not interact with students who are walking to Frisco Elementary.

Council also discussed the pros and cons of plowing the recreational pathway between the middle school and Dam Road and opening/plowing the parking area, commonly referred to as the Dickey Day Use Lot, at the top of Recreation Way where there are nine parking spots.

  • In the spirit of compromise, Council made the decision to only clear the recreational pathway from the middle school to the boardwalk, accommodating walkers with strollers and dogs and commuters and to no longer plow from the boardwalk to Dillon Dam Road.
  • Council also agreed to continue with not plowing and opening the “Dickey” lot with nine parking spots at the top of Recreation Way. This decision was made to preserve the experience for paid Nordic users by enabling staff to continue to monitor a smaller number of access points for the paid area and free, groomed rec path.
  • Staff also noted that more Adventure Park parking was added last year and is currently being added to alleviate parking issues on the busiest days. This included shifting free sledding hill parking away from the lot closest to the Nordic Center last year to the “eye of the needle” lot across the street, which is currently being improved.  

Winter Recreation & Events Overview

Town of Frisco Recreation staff  presented an overview of winter operations in the Recreation Department to Town Council during the work session. Staff gave an overview of the Frisco Adventure Park, Frisco Nordic Center, youth programs, Marina winter operations, and events. This department supports Frisco community recreational opportunities with 23 year-round staff and 59 winter seasonal staff.

Adventure Park Winter Opening Dates to Note

Marina Winter Overview

140 customers have secured winter storage and have been invoiced.

On December 15, 2025, over 500 lease agreements will be sent out to all customers that rent a space here, which includes:

  • Slips
  • Moorings
  • Kayak Racks
  • Dry Storage

Staff are also working on over 100 boat repairs throughout the winter.

Events

Staff have planned a full calendar of winter events.

Youth Programs

The youth programs staff continues to offer after school programs, no school/vacation programs, and kids’ night out programs.

No school/vacation camp will be based out of Slopeside Hall for the first time this year. 25/26 Program dates include:

  • October 30-31
  • December 22-23, 26, 29-31
  • January 2, 5, 19
  • February 2, 23-27
  • March 13
  • April 20-24

Liquor License Applications

Town Council considered one liquor license transfer and two new liquor licenses at Frisco Adventure Park buildings.

Frisco Haus

On September 25, 2025, Shervin Aghili, owner of Frisco Haus located in the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge at 621 Recreation Way, sought approval of their liquor license transfer application. The Town of Frisco intends to transfer the hotel and restaurant liquor license it currently holds to Frisco Haus, located inside the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge.

Staff recommended that Council approve the application based on the findings of the investigation, as outlined in the staff report.

Council Decision

Town Council approved the liquor license application for Frisco Haus LLC.

Frisco Nordic Center Liquor License

On September 25, 2025, the Town of Frisco Recreation Department/ Frisco Nordic Center, located at 616 Recreation Way, sought approval of their beer and wine liquor license.

Staff recommended that Council approve the application based on the findings of the investigation, as outlined in the staff report.

Council Decision

Town Council approved the liquor license application for the Town of Frisco DBA Frisco Nordic Center.

Slopeside Hall Liquor License

On September 25, 2025, the Town of Frisco Recreation Department/ Slopeside Hall, located at 605 Recreation Way, sought approval of their optional premise liquor license.

Staff recommended that Council approve the application based on the findings of the investigation, as outlined in the staff report.

Council Decision

Town Council approved the liquor license application for the Town of Frisco Recreation Department/ Slopeside Hall.

Development Agreement for 101 West Main Street

The Town of Frisco has been working with the NHP Foundation (NHPF) since early 2023 when staff from NHPF approached Town staff and Council on affordable housing opportunities in Frisco. The mission of NHPF is to “preserve and create sustainable, service-enriched multifamily housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income families and seniors, and beneficial to their communities.” This mission aligns with the Council’s strategic plan to support a thriving economy by increasing workforce housing and enhancing community inclusivity by offering a variety of housing types to support year-round residents.

The Town is currently working with NHPF on two affordable housing projects, located at 101 West Main Street and 602 Galena Street. Recognizing the strong need for all housing types and rental rates within Frisco, the Town has focused on ensuring that the two projects provide a range of affordable housing options to the community. The 101 West Main Street project is projected to move forward in 2026 with 52 rental units at an income range of 30%, 50%, &and80% of the Summit County Area Median Income.

Development Agreement Amendment

The proposed amendment to the previously approved Development Agreement between the Town of Frisco and NHPF West Main LLC, for the affordable housing project located at 101 West Main Street, includes:

  1. The current unit mix table located at Section 2.01 will now reflect the finalized and approved unit size and income level count.
  2. All references to the LIHTC award will now reference the awarded 9% rather than the previous 4% assumption.
  3. The timelines set for construction and completion have been updated to reflect timelines established by the LIHTC award. The agreement previously stated construction would commence, “on the earlier of (i) 180 days following the award of LIHTC by CHFA… or 540 days from the Effective Date” of the Development Agreement. That language has been removed.

Council Decision

Council approved Ordinance 25-21 on the first reading. The second reading will be held on November 11, 2025.

Energy Performance Contract

In June 2023, the Town entered into an agreement with McKinstry to complete an Investment Grade Audit (IGA), which identified a portfolio of cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. On July 22, 2025 Town Council approved a contract with McKinstry to perform energy improvements identified through the State of Colorado’s Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program. EPCs allow local governments to fund energy projects with minimal upfront costs by using guaranteed energy savings to repay financing obligations.

The Town is considering this ordinance in order to enter into a Lease Purchase Agreement and accompanying Federal Tax Certificate to finance energy efficiency improvements across Town-owned facilities. The total project cost is $2,431,000, which consist of:

  • $1,512,000 in awarded grants
  • $31,046 in anticipated equipment rebates
  • $208,369 in federal tax credits
  • $295,000 in direct Town contribution (to be paid from the Capital Fund)
  • $649,000 in financed amount (Lease Purchase Agreement)

The financing supports energy improvements that are projected to generate $739,399 in total savings over the term of the financing. These savings will be utilized to repay the debt obligation, minimizing long-term financial impact to the Town.

The proposed improvements in the EPC include:

  • LED lighting retrofits
  • Solar photovoltaic installations
  • Electric vehicle changing infrastructure
  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems and controls

Council Decision

Council approved Ordinance 25-23 on the first reading. The second reading will be held on November 11, 2025.

2026 Budget & Mill Levy

Staff presented Ordinance 25-15, to adopt the 2026 proposed budget. This ordinance adopts expenditures totaling $53,952,465. Estimated revenues and reserves of $67,349,720 are adequate to meet those expenditures, leaving a total estimated ending fund balance of $31,027,608 at the end of 2026. Details of this ordinance by fund are available in the proposed 2026 budget.

As part of the regular budget process each year, staff is required to present Ordinance 25-14, which continues a mill levy in the amount of 0.798 based on the Town of Frisco property tax assessed in 2025, to be collected in 2026. FYI- the mill levy can only be increased through approval in a public election, and this ordinance did not impose or increase the mill levy. In Frisco, property tax collections are utilized for the purpose of defraying the expenses in the general fund, and Frisco property tax revenue is forecasted to result in revenues of $300,277 in 2026; most property tax revenue is received by and funds Summit County Government operations, as well as the school district, fire district, and other special districts.

Council Decision

Council approved Ordinances 25-14 and 25-15 on the second reading.

Lodging Tax Code Changes

Ordinance 25-18 outlines proposed changes to the Town of Frisco lodging tax sections of the municipal code to improve clarity, standardize definitions in the Town’s Sales Tax Code, and support consistent taxpayer compliance. Staff recommend the following amendments to the Lodging Tax Code:

  • Remove the phrase “and otherwise taxed under Article I of this Chapter” from §160-30(B).
  • Clarify the applicability of the lodging tax to all fees related to lodging services by referring consistently to “lodging services” rather than just “lodging.”

Council Decision

Town Council adopted Ordinance 25-18 on the second reading.

Frisco Town Council Meetings: Ways to Participate

Frisco Town Council meetings are available to view via Civic Plus Resident Portal, Zoom and YouTube, and are also held in person to make Town Council meetings easier to access for everyone.

The public can provide comment during meetings via Zoom or in person (not YouTube), and a public comment period will be available at 7:00pm; during the consideration of ordinances; and at the discretion of Town Council during work session items, which are discussions that don’t require a formal vote by Town Council and do not require public comment. Again, this hybrid approach is intended to make Town Council meetings more accessible, and meeting recordings will typically also be made available the day after a meeting in the meeting archive with agenda topics bookmarked to the discussions in the video.

Download October 28, 2025 Meeting Packet
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