HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 1203 OSTB and Joint BOCC regular minutes S MINUTES
OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD
REGULAR SESSION
AND
PITKIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JOINT REGULAR SESSION
December 3, 2013
Plaza One Meeting Room
530 E. Main St.,Aspen
OSTB Regular Session Board Present:
Anne Rickenbaugh Howie Mallory Hawk Greenway Tim McFlynn, Tai Jacober,
Dist. 1 Dist. 2 Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 5
Absent Chair
Staff Present: Dale Will, Gary Tennenbaum, Lindsey Utter, Paul Holsinger, Matt Adeletti, Janet
Urquhart, Fran Soroka, John Ely, Cindy Houben
BOCC Present: Michael Owsley
Tai Jacober called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. in the Plaza One Meeting Room.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public Comment
Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan
Lindsey Utter summarized changes that have been made to the Plan since OSTB's November
21st meeting.
Introduction: Anticipated area population projections were added.
4.2.2 River Conservation Plan: Reworded to include `opportunities for any type of new
trail routes'.
4.3.1.2 Rio Grande Trail Phase II: Added 'plus preserve the ability for the nordic
groomer to pass'.
4.3.1.2 Rio Grande Trail Phase II; (i): Reworded section with specific description to
explain further the estimated$300,000.
4.4.2 Develop an Open Space and Trails Special Event Policy: Change wording to 'The
Rio Grande Trail through the Roaring Fork Gorge is part of this study, which
encompasses all assets.'
The Plan's budgetary impacts are laid out in the `December 3, 2013 Agenda Item Summary-
Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan' attached hereto and made part of this record as `Exhibit
A'.
Budget appropriations will require separate Board action and are not created by adopting the
Plan.
The OSTB restated their November 21st motion to adopt the Plan. (See Board Action below)
12/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 1 of 7
In preparation for today's joint BOCC meeting, Dale Will reminded the Board that the OSTB has
the authority to adopt management plans without BOCC approval, but because of the Plan's
large scope and importance it will be presented to the BOCC as a courtesy for their acceptance.
Open Space Master Plan
Potential renewing of the 2007 Open Space Master Plan was discussed as summarized in the
`December 3, 2013 Memorandum-Land Use Code Amendment to create an Open Space Master
Plan' with suggested edits attached and hereto made part of this record as `Exhibit B'.
The 2007 OS Master Plan Code originally had a two year sunset which lapsed due to lack of
landowner interest at the time. Recently staff has encountered renewed landowner interest.
Landowners are interested in clarifying their entitlements. By renewing and re-crafting the Code
will potentially open the door for negotiations creating open space project opportunities. Cindy
Houben, John Ely and Dale have worked together drafting the re-writes to the Code which will
also be discussed later today during the BOCC's work session and again on December 10th with
the Planning &Zoning Commission. Formal approvals will originate from the Planning &
Zoning Commission.
Highlighted re-writes:
o Reduced the required minimum acreage from 160 acres to 75 acres.
o Eliminate utilizing TDRs.
o Increase maximum home size to what is generally allowable, subject to site specific
review of scenic and neighborhood character. (up from 5750 square feet per unit)
o OST reimburses Community Development application and fee costs incurred prior to a
written contract with the landowner.
Discussion:
The Board questioned the edited Code: (c) Procedure, subset(3); would a minimum quorum
constitute a majority vote from OSTB and the BOCC? Dale will clarify with John Ely.
The Board questioned what areas in Pitkin County would reducing the acreage encourage
conservation. Upper Castle Creek, Owl Creek, and Maroon Creek corridors in addition
Buttermilk are possible areas.
How will eliminating the house size cap accomplish open space objectives? Potentially as a
negotiation tool to achieve conservation objectives. Large home approvals are a motivating
factor for upper valley landowners in close proximity to Aspen. Dale added in his experience
landowners in close proximity to Aspen are receiving these approvals regardless. OSTB
members expressed concern that the Open Space program would be perceived as promoting this
type entitlement even if a large size home was within the character of the neighborhood. The
OSTB noted clear threshold standards were missing in the draft and would need to be determined
before considering a home size over 5750 sq. ft. above.
OSTB also voiced that the Code discussion was over simplified and ample time for in-depth
Board discussion was required. Additionally those discussions would be best fulfilled with
adequate Board education on the current status of Pitkin County's TDR program. Some OSTB
members did not want to eliminate utilizing TDRs as a financial leverage tool. Cindy Houben
12/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 2 of 7
contributed Community Development's perspective on TDR's and the Code re-writes. From
Community Development's perspective the OS Master Plan Code was a good negotiation tool
but over the years the TDR component has gotten out of control. ComDev is about to embark on
re-examining all the upper valley's ten year old master plans consequently the whole question
about house size will come up again. Many neighborhoods are supportive of large scale homes
especially if the home cannot be seen. In general there are currently many negotiation tools
ComDev has to work with and the department does not feel pressured to push big home size nor
does ComDev feel the need to renew the OS Master Plan Code. Ultimately it is up to OSTB to
determine if negotiations are acceptable. The Board brought up the Old Snowmass Caucus as an
example where 5750 home size is the maximum unless exceptional circumstances are warranted
by one TDR which increases home size to 8250. Consequently no home size exists above this
limit, also noting the Caucus came up with standards. Suzanne Wolff s Memorandum to BOCC
—Annual Review of the Transferable Development Rights Program was request by the OSTB to
review prior to additional Code discussions. Board discussion concluded to limit house size to
5750 sq. ft. above grade.
ComDev cost implications to OST were discussed. ComDev is funded through collection of fees
on their generated work product and permits. Cold Mountain Conservation Easement was used
as an example to illustrate potential ComDev costs which ranged from 5 to 8 thousand for that
project. Once a contract is signed then the landowner takes on ComDev costs to completion.
To summarize; the Board found merit revising the Open Space Master Plan, but preferred
limiting the house size to 5750 sq. ft. Add content to the draft Code (b) Standards for Open
Space Preservation Master Plans subset (4): Development approvals granted pursuant to this
master plan process may not exceed the density and use limitations of the underlying zoning or
neighboring master plans for the reviewed property. OSTB will review the TDR program and
after review determine whether to add TDR's back into the Code. The Board asked for the Code
to come back to the OSTB for discussion prior to BOCC adoption consideration.
Cindy Houben invited the OSTB Trustees to attend the Planning &Zoning Commission meeting
December 10th when the P&Z will be discussing the proposed code amendments to create an
Open Space Master Plan.
Cindy Houben entered regular session at 8:40 a.m.
John Ely entered regular session at 8:55 a.m.
BOARD COMMENTS
BOARD ACTION
Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan
Tim McFlynn moved for the OSTB to adopt the Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan in the
form presented at the November 21, 2013 meeting with the amendments discussed and approved
by the OSTB at that time. Howie Mallory seconded. The motion passed all in favor. (4-0) Hawk
Greenway was absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
12/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 3 of 7
The OSTB moved to enter executive session in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4) (a) and(e) for
the purpose of discussing acquisitions and negotiations at 9:20 a.m. The BOCC joined the OSTB
in a joint executive session in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4) (a) and(e) for the purpose of
discussing acquisitions and negotiations at 10:02 a.m. The OSTB and joint BOCC executive
sessions adjourned at 11:02 a.m.
OSTB AND BOCC JOINT REGULAR SESSION
OSTB Board Present: Tai Jacober(Chair), Howie Mallory, Tim McFlynn, (Hawk Greenway
and Anne Rickenbaugh-Absent)
BOCC Present: George Newman(Chair), Rob Ittner, Steve Child, Michael Owsley, (Rachel
Richards-Absent)
Staff Present: Dale Will, Gary Tennenbaum, Lindsey Utter, Matt Adeletti, Fran Soroka, John
Armstrong, Janet Urquhart, Bill Griggers, John Ely, Cindy Houben, Phylis Mattice
Media Present: John Colson
George Newman called the joint regular session to order at 11:15 a.m.
Joint session special meeting can be viewed from the aspenpitkin.com website select the County
Webcasts page BOCC work session 12/03/2013.
http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Departments/Board-of-County-Commissioners-(BOCC)/County-
Webcasts/
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan
Lindsey Utter presented a project overview and summarized the refinements that have been
made to the Plan since last appearing before the BOCC on September 17, 2013. The BOCC was
informed that at today's earlier OSTB meeting the OSTB re-affirmed their November 21st
motion to adopt the Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan. OST staff was seeking BOCC
acceptance of the OSTB's adopted Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan.
The December 3, 2013-Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan is attached hereto and made part
of this record as `Exhibit C'.
Management action recommendations resulted from careful examination of the Roaring Fork
Gorge history, the existing conditions and by reviewing the opportunities, constraints, existing
issues, and all the public comment and letters of recommendations to date. Management actions
are categorized by property ownership, natural resources, recreation(use,parking, and
amenities), commercial use and special use.
Appendix G—Action Item Timeline:
1) Property Ownership: Acquisition of easement and/or fee simple properties
2) Natural Resource: Work to increase the Roaring Fork River's water quality and quantity.
12/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 4 of 7
Highlighted Action Items for 2014:
4.2.1 - Update and expand the natural resource (wildlife and vegetation) inventories for the
Roaring Fork Gorge Properties (already budgeted for 2014)
4.3.1.1 - Rio Grande Trail Phase I (first 2 miles from Jaffee Park to where shale bluff come down
to the trail-construct dual trail surface with amenities and maintain remaining crusher fine trail
into Stein Park—will require a budget supplemental request after receiving bids and will include
the Jaffee Park connector trail)
4.3.4.2 - Burlingame connection study (City of Aspen Staff will be lead agency for the study)
4.3.4.3 - Stein Bridge and trails repairs (Bridge abutments are badly in need of replacement and
connecting trail from bridge to the Rio Grande Trail- already budgeted for 2014)
4.3.4.4 - Jaffee Park connector dual surface and potential singletrack alignment (Part of RGT
Phase I; improving the steep soft surface trail with a dual surface connection and potential single
track alignment from Jaffee Park up to the Rio Grande Trail)
4.3.7 - Update and implementation of OST sign standards including the development of trailhead
sign guidelines (process is budgeted and started in 2013)
4.4.1 —Develop a commercial fly-fishing guide permit system(staff time included in the 2014
budget)
4.4.2—Develop an Open Space & Trails special event policy(staff time included in the 2014
budget)
2014 Rio Grande Trail Phase I construction will not close the trail. There will be a period of
time when Stein Bridge and Stein Trail will be closed during the time the bridge is lifted and
reset.
Discussion:
George Newman acknowledged OST staff work product and especially Lindsey Utter for the
extraordinary effort put into producing the management plan and especially the effort put into the
public outreach process.
Staff was asked if the City of Aspen's Sanitation Depaitnient had been contacted about water
quality. Discussions with the Sanitation Department would be part of future water
quality/quantity work with Roaring Fork Conservancy and Healthy Rivers and Streams Board.
Long range action items will come back to the OSTB and BOCC for future determinations. The
Plan answers the RGT Phase I question; but does not answer trail options for RGT Phase II. Staff
felt it makes sense to complete RGT Phase I with improved soft surface for the upper 2 miles and
dual surface for the lower trail and see how these improvements stand the test of time and then
discuss and determine Phase II options based on Phase I improvement experience. OSTB noted
foreseeing user activity levels change with Phase I improvements and requested before and after
user data comparison.
City of Aspen will be examining options for a Burlingame development connector trail to the
RGT. With the projected 1,000 Burlingame residents projection this will become an important
linkage.
12/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 5 of 7
With consensus the BOCC accepted the Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan.
Bill Griggers, Jayde Duysen, John Armstrong, John Ely, Matt Adeletti exited joint regular
session approximately at 11:42 a.m.
2013 Open Space and Trails Year in Review and 2014 Stewardship Projects
OST's yearend presentation was conducted by Dale Will covering OST acquisitions and Gary
Tennenbaum covering stewardship,projects and trails as summarized in the memorandum `2013
Open Space and Trails Year in Review board dated 12/3/2013and attached hereto and made a
part of this record as "Exhibit D".
One of staffs largest accomplishments this year was authoring the Roaring Fork Gorge
Management Plan which was a 1 1/2 year process. Implementation of the Smuggler Mountain
Forest Management Plan (SMFMP)was missed from the year end memo. SMFMP process
began this fall mitigating Lodge Pole, Aspen and Oak Brush stands. Work will continue in 2014
and will include participation in the Hunter Creek/Smuggler Cooperative Plan. All the great
project work this year has netted a huge bonus with private sector funding that has augmented
OST's public program funding.
Gary distributed the `Stewardship and Trails Action Plan' that is utilized by staff and OSTB for
scheduling current projects, anticipated 2014 projects and future work projects.
2014 Stewardship/Trails Project Highlights:
Fishing Easements: Ongoing implementation of the 2012 Recreation Inventory and Analysis
staff work product. Prioritizing identified easements and determining where public access points
and parking can be utilized.
Develop an Online Map &Map Work Plan: Ongoing from 2013 work with contractor creating
and implementing a user friendly online map data base and ultimately a public online map
resource.
Sky Mountain Park: 60— 100 acres of mountain scrub will be mechanically treated as part of a
diversity project, kiosk installation and signage,partner with Aspen constructing Buttermilk
connector trail, Brush Creek Road crossing improvements.
North Star Management Plan: Updating the twelve year plan with new data and community
input. Work with Healthy Rivers and Streams on riparian improvements. Work on North Star's
recreational management.
Stein Trail: Repair bridge abutments and realign trail with more sustainable grades.
Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan: Begin implementing the Plan. Stein Bridge repairs,
Rio Grande Trail Phase I improvements, Jaffee Park connector tail, biological/vegetation
resource studies, fishing guide system, special event policy and updated signage.
Elk Park: Begin constructing the Park as per the final plan.
East of Aspen Trail Improvements: Repair the trail's soft surface and eroded areas. Address
accessibility issues.
Thompson Creek: Implementing irrigation improvements.
12/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 6 of 7
Red Ridge Ranch/Glassier Ranch Management Plan: When the Glassier Ranch acquisition is
finalized, begin the management planning process as one combined property.
tr'- Upper Roaring Fork Valley Trails Plan: This plan will examine the full spectrum of trails and
lands from Snowmass, Woody Creek up into the County's high country boundaries full spectrum
of trails and lands. Participants will include the BLM, FS, SkiCo, Snowmass Village, City of
Aspen and user group input. Identify areas for future trail development and areas to exclude.
Portal Trail-Lindsey Open Space: City of Aspen is taking the lead on a final alignment and
construction of the portal trail connecting the Lani White Trail to Vereena Mallory Trail.
Pitkin County Rio Grande Management Plan: This plan will work in conjunction with RFGMP
work and examine Pitkin County's RGT jurisdiction for signage, fencing, trail surfaces, parking,
amenities, and regulations.
Pitkin County 'Orphan'Properties: Identify `Orphan' properties that would benefit open space
or recreation.
Bureau of Land Management's Resource Management Plan: Work with BLM especially in
regard to interfaces with Grace-Shehi Meadows, Prince Creek, Red Ridge and Glassier Ranches.
Discussion:
Will the Upper Roaring Fork Valley Trails Plan include examining trails for Nordic use? Yes,
Nordic use will be considered. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council will be the first user
group meeting December 5`h at 5:30 in the Rio Grande Meeting Room.
ADJOURN
The OSTB meetings of December 3, 2013 were adjourned at approximately 12:45 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
1-1
Tai Jacober, air Fran Soroka, Administrator
Pitkin County Open Space &Trails Board Pitkin County Open Space &Trails
I2/03/2013 OSTB Regular Session and BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Page 7 of 7
EXHIBIT A— 12/03/13 OSTB AND BOCC JOINT REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
WORK SESSION DATE: December 3, 2013
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan
STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Lindsey Utter
ISSUE STATEMENT: After 6 months of research,public process, review and revisions; staff
will present the final Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan.
BACKGROUND: The Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan encompasses the detailed
inventory, analysis and planning for five different Pitkin County Open Space properties, and one
(Stein Park) owned by the Aspen Valley Land Trust and administered by the Aspen Parks
Department: the County properties are Red Butte Ranch Open Space, Airport Ranch, the Denver/Rio
Grande Railroad corridor, Mills, and Stein Riverside Park. Also, Gold Butte and Wilton Jaffee Sr.
Park are both located in the planning area and each have their own management plans with which we
have coordinated.
Pitkin County's ownership of lands in the Roaring Fork Gorge planning area began when rail service
into Aspen ended. In 1968 the Rio Grande right of way above Woody Creek was cleared of track
and donated to the County. Decades before "rails to trails"was formalized into federal law, this
section of the old grade became our first significant County trail asset. In 1993 this acquisition was
complemented by our purchase of the Paepcke Ranch, which provided both additional runway space
as well as County ownership of the lower river gorge. Several years later, CDOT conveyed the
"Mills"property jointly to the County and City in compensation for its roundabout takings of Marolt
and Moore Open Spaces. And finally, pieces of the Stein Ranch comprising the upper gorge were
conveyed to the County as part of three consecutive land use approvals culminating this year with
the Gold Butte climbing area. As seen in our maps, the Open Spaces program now administers
nearly all of the scenic 4-mile canyon between Stein and Jaffee Parks.
Staff began the process conducting a thorough inventory of the properties, mapping all the existing
conditions. Eight different open houses were held during the month of June with all the different
user groups and communities that currently utilize the properties in the Gorge: Boating, Angling,
Road biking, Mountain biking, Equestrians, Hiking/Running/Walking/Nordic, Commuters, and
adjacent residents. The goal of these meetings was to learn and map how these groups currently use
the Gorge area and to understand any requests they have for the future planning and management of
this area. On July 4th, OST staff also had a booth in the project area to solicit public feedback. A
project website was updated with the Open House comment maps, and site visitors were encouraged
to provide feedback through an online survey or through commenting on the Open House blog. Ads
ran in the local newspapers and on local radio stations promoting the project,the Open Houses, the
website and the request for the public to participate in the planning process.
EXHIBIT A— 12/03/13 OSTB AND BOCC JOINT REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
The information gathered during the inventory phase, along with the previous studies of the Rio
Grande Trail, was analyzed and Action Items for management and planning of the Roaring Fork
Gorge were developed. All the inventory information and Action Items were synthesized into a draft
report. The draft plan had a 2-month comment period with three Open Houses and one public site
tour. We kicked the comment period off with a large newspaper wrap promoting the project. The
public had the ability to comment at the meetings or on the project website. Ads for the open houses
and Draft plan comment period were run in both papers and on the radio. We received formal
comment letters from: The Roaring Fork Conservancy, The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council, The
Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association and the City of Aspen Open Space and Trails Board. All
of the feedback was gathered and the draft plan was revised accordingly.
The Roaring Fork Conservancy's letter supported our Natural Resource Action Items and identified
ways we can continue to work together in the future, especially when it comes time for the River
Conservation Plan Action Item. The Nordic Council strongly believes that a hard surface will
compromise the ability to retain snow on the trail. They encouraged the phased approach for the Rio
and felt that the money used for paving on Phase II could be used for more maintenance and testing
of different hardening agents in the soft surface material. The Roaring Fork Mountain Bike
Association strongly supported most of the Action Items in the plan. They had two additional
comments about additional trail connections not covered in this plan. (The additional connections
will be covered in the River Conservation Plan and as part of the Upper Roaring Fork Trails Plan).
The City of Aspen's Open Space and Trails Board supports the exploration of a sustainable trail
connection between Burlingame and the Stein Bridge area, as recommended in the Burlingame
Connection Study Action Item.
Changes in the final plan(from the last joint meeting):
• Added the action item"Work to Increase Water Quality and Water Quantity"
• Added"McLain Flats Climbing Lanes" as an option for long-term regional trail
connections
• Added"Action Item Decision Chart"
• Moved start date for Stein Park Improvements to 2015 and added"requires Aspen City
Council to make funding appropriations.
• Updated the "Introduction" and"Process and Public Involvement"
• Added additional public comment and letters
• Grammatical edits and clarifications
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN: This links to all three Core Focus Areas of the Strategic plan by
responsibly stewarding,maintain, and enhancing County assets; and providing access to recreation,
education and culture.
KEY DISCUSSION ITEMS: Comments on the Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan before
adoption.
BUDGETARY IMPACT: The plan identifies different Action Items and their estimated cost.
Some decision will be made in the future, as outlined in the Action Item Decision Chart. The
following 2014 Action Items are currently included in the 2014 budget: Update and Expand the
Natural Resource Inventory for the Roaring Fork Gorge Properties, Stein Bridge and Trail
EXHIBIT A— 12/03/13 OSTB AND BOCC JOINT REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
Repairs, Burlingame Connection Study(City of Aspen), Update to and Implementation of Sign
Standards, Develop a Commercial Fly-fishing Guide Permit System and Develop an Open Space
and Trails Event Policy. There are two Action Items in 2014 that are ongoing efforts and the
budgets would be approved if or when the time comes to execute:Acquisition of Easements
and/or Fee Simple Properties and Work to increase Water Quality and Water Quantity. There
are two Action Items that would be part of a budget supplemental request once we have chosen a
contractor through an RFP process: Rio Grande Trail Phase I and the Jaffee Connector Dual
Surface and Potential Single-track Alignment. We currently estimate the combined construction
of these two Action Items to be $1,681,256. This is just an estimate for planning purposes and
we will not the official cost until we have finished the construction RFP process. At that time we
will be able to come back with the hard number and the budget supplemental request.
RECOMMENDED BOCC ACTION: The Open Space Board is authorized to adopt this
management plan under Title 12 Section 2-4 of the county code, and took this action on
November 21, 2013. Our practice is to also seek acceptance by the Board of County
Commissioners for our large scale management plans, especially those with large budget
implications. We therefore recommend that the BOCC accept the attached plan.
ATTACHMENTS: The Roaring Fork Gorge Management Plan
EXHIBIT B: 12/03/13 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes
Memorandum
TO: Open Space and Trails Board
FROM: Dale Will, Open Space and Trail Director
Cindy Houben, Community Development Director
John Ely, County Attorney
RE: Work Session: Land use Code Amendment to create an Open Space Master Plan
DATE: December 3, 2013
BACKGROUND: In 2007, the BOCC created the Open Space Master Plan regulation which
created an avenue for the Open Space and Trails Department(OST) and the Community
Development Department to join efforts at land preservation through a conservation
development approach. This regulation stemmed from our experience that our strongest
incentives for land preservation are 1) Investments from the Open Space Fund, and 2)the vesting
of reserved development rights. Prior to 2007, the County had no simple process that allowed
these incentives to be combined into a package that could be negotiated holistically. Prior
projects therefore suffered from a bifurcation of negotiations with the Open Space program and
separate consideration of land use approvals. We solved this problem in 2007, setting the stage
for our successful conservation of the Grange Ranch and Cold Mountain Ranch, each of which
has an approved Open Space Master Plan and matching conservation easement. Because of the
novel nature of this law, the BOCC elected to treat it as a"pilot"program with a sunset after two
years. With renewed inquiries from interested landowners, both Departments are once again
seeing the potential use of a"re-crafted"Open Space Master Plan regulation.
KEY DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Primary elements of the prior 2007 Regulation(attached):
➢ A"one stop"program combining homesite approvals and open space funding for parcels
over 160 acres.
> Must be initiated by the County.
> County must acquire a conservation easement or outright ownership of land.
> Density may not exceed applicable zoning.
> Free market residential square footage max 5750 square feet; overall residential size limitation of
6750 square feet.
> One TDR per 70 acres permissible.
➢ Extended vested rights permissible.
➢ Requires approval of Community Development and OST Directors, Open Space Board, and
BOCC.
> Landowner pays Community Development costs.
EXHIBIT B: 12/03/13 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes
Primary elements of a re-crafted Draft Regulation (attached):
The proposal today recognizes that TDR's are not the answer to all needs. And that the desire to
obtain open space parcels should rely more heavily on the OST's funds and land use tools other
than TDR's. Also,with the conservation of larger parcels, the Open Space Department is seeing
interest from landowners with less than 160 acres. Lowering the acreage threshold would enable
the County to reach out to a larger number of landowners. These smaller acreages may include
lands with high conservation values such as special habitat types or recreational linkages.
Finally, we believe there may be negotiations where a larger house may be an acceptable
tradeoff, and staff recommends seeking greater flexibility in that regard.
In a similar vein, we also recommend eliminating the house size limit to give the County greater
flexibility to negotiate. There may be situations where a large home approval can leverage
conservation agreements that the County would wish to secure. This is particularly true in the
upvalley market place where our conservation objectives may be hard to reach without the
flexibility to negotiate home sizes.
The two primary issues found in large track land conservation efforts typically are:
> Conservation easement agreements and funds.
> Square footage,placement and number of residential and agricultural structures.
This approach allows for the combining of square footage that may have been dispersed with
greater density (number of units)based on the likely development of the property through the
Growth Management or TDR subdivision approach (which is limited to the urban growth
boundary). And, it addresses the open space values through a conservation easement or purchase
agreement. The current proposal retains these qualities as a core strategy.
Proposed changes to the prior law:
➢ Eliminate eligibility for TDRs.
> Reduce eligible acreage to 75.
➢ Increase maximum home size to what is allowable generally, subject to site specific
review of scenic and neighborhood character.
➢ Provides that OST covers Community Development costs prior to written contract with
landowner.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will be reviewing this topic with the BOCC at 2pm in a work session format following our
Joint Meeting. Because this is a code change, formal approval will start with the P&Z on
December 10th, and come back to the BOCC at a later date for formal adoption. For discussion.
EXHIBIT B: 12/03/13 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes
2007 Open Space Master Plan Code Section with suggested changes for 2104 re-adoption
2-40-170:OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN
(a) General The Open Space Master Plan development approval process is available for any property
in any zone district except as limited in Section(b).The intent of this master plan process is to be able to
consider development approvals and transferable development rights requests through a modified one twe-step
ordinance process in conjunction with the acquisition of a fee interest or conservation easement by Pitkin County
with Open Space and Trails restricted funds. The intent of this Code provision is the preservation of entire,
integrated ranches or other large parcels of land.
Development approvals reviewed through this process are granted by the Board of County
Commissioners only upon affirmative recommendation of the Open Space and Trails Board and Community
Development Department.
(b) Standards for Open Space Preservation Master Plans.
(1) Master plan and development approval under this section are available only to properties which
reflect the preservation and conservation values identified by the Open Space and Trails Board as stated in their
operating policies.This approval process may consider property within incorporated municipalities or outside the
boundaries of Pitkin County but development approvals may only be granted for locations in unincorporated
Pitkin County.
(2) This master plan process is only available on applications initiated by Pitkin County with the
consent of the property owner.This master plan process is not available for private party initiated applications.
This process may be employed only on parcels of 75 460 acres or larger_that have not been previously
subdivided or otherwise partitioned after the date of July 25,2007,unless the subdivision or other partition ha:,
of re teri..11y im red the.. ,.,tion...,lue o f the prope..t
(3) This master plan process is only available for property which Pitkin County is acquiring an
interest with Open Space and Trails restricted funds.This acquired interest may be in the form of a fee simple
interest or a conservation easement.
EXHIBIT B: 12/03/13 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes
(4) Development approvals granted pursuant to this master plan process may not exceed the density
and use limitations of the underlying zoning for the reviewed property.Free market residential square footage
shall be determined to be consistent with neighborhood character and scenic protection and will be negotiated on
a case by case basis. may not exceed 5750 square feet per unit with an overall residential size limitation of 6750
equarc fcct.Siting criteria relating to geologic hazards and steep and potentially unstable slopes may be varied if
appropriate.All other siting considerations in Chapter 7 shall apply.
(5) This review process may involve the award of transferable development rights.The number of
transferable development rights awarded cannot exceed 1 per 70 acres of preserved open space.
(6) This master plan process may extend or establish unique vested rights.
(7) Master plan and development approvals granted pursuant to this process must resolve all
development and use potential for the subject property held by the contracting party with permanency and be
reflected in appropriate approval documents,covenants,or deed restrictions as necessary.
(8) Development approvals granted pursuant to this process must balance on-site development,any
award of transferable development rights,and cash compensation in consideration of any interest acquired in the
property by Pitkin County against the monetary value of the property and the conservation and community values
related to the property.
(c) Procedure.
(1) All approvals granted pursuant to this section must first receive an affirmative recommendation
from the Community Development Director.This recommendation must consider all development and impacts
of development,the award of transferable development rights,and the cash compensation paid from Open Space
and Trails restricted funds,the property interests acquired by the County,as well as any other aspects of the final
disposition of development and use of the property.pnce the Open Space Board has agreed that apossible O Formatted:Font:Times New Roman i
Space Master Plan should be devised,the Board shall pay the costs of the Community Development review up
until the such point as the County and Landowner have agreed in writing to the basic terms of a Master Plant
including acreage,reserved rights,and public access,if any. Following such written agreement the private
party shall pay all costs of the Community Development review.All costs of Community Development review
EXHIBIT B: 12/03/13 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes
shall be paid by the property owner.The property owner shall provide Community Development with all
information that is relevant or helpful at the discretion of the Community Development Director.
(2) Upon an affirmative recommendation from the Community Development
Director,the Open Space and Trails Board must endorse and affirmatively recommend the same conditions of the
approval as reviewed and recommended by the Community Development Director.
(3) Following affirmative recommendations for approval from the Community
Development Director and a majority of the entire Open Space and Trails Board,the Board of County
Commissioners shall finally consider and approve or deny,by majority vote of the entire Board,any
requested reviews pursuant to this section.The Board of County Commissioners review approval process
shall be by ordinance formal resolution as that process is described in the Home Rule Charter at section
2.8.1.The Board of County Commissioners can only approve the exact recommendation made by the
Community Development Director and Open Space and Trails Board.If the Board of County
Commissioners desires to amend or change any aspect of the proposed approval contrary to the
recommendations of the Community Development Director and Open Space and Trails Board,the
application,in its entirety must be referred back to those two reviewing bodies for an affirmative
recommendation.
(4) All approvals granted by the Board of County Commissioners pursuant to this section
shall be contingent upon the closing of a contract for acquisition of a property interest in the subject
property by Pitkin County.
(5) Representations and opinions expressed by the County,its departments or Boards,during
this review process are not determinative or applicable to any other Land
Use Code review processes.
Roaring
The
Fork
Gorge
Management
Plan
December 3rd , 2013
••' Air,A, iiite .F. y
V ?ti - ice# '
- w til c
4
lit
Exhibit C: 12/3/2013 OSTB Regular and Joint BOCC Minutes
Refer to full document
Pitkin County Open Space and Trails City of Aspen
Exhibit D: 12/03/2013 OSTB_BOCC Joint Regular Session Minutes
Open Space and
Trails
Memo
To: Pitkin County Commissioners, Open Space and Trails Board
From: OST Staff
Date: 12/3/2013
Re: 2013 Open Space and Trails Year in Review
Acquisitions and projects: Diversity marked Pitkin County's ongoing stewardship of open
spaces in 2013—a year that saw the program embrace its mission of preserving lands for
not only conservation, but also for recreational, agricultural and scenic qualities. Our 23rd
year was unique in its scope, from the preservation of an archaeological site in Old
Snowmass and historic agricultural lands in Emma to the reopening of a favorite rock-
climbing venue near Aspen and development of a bike park in Basalt.
2013 Acquisitions:
➢ Red Ridge Ranch Open Space (Emma)
> Gold Butte Climbing Area (Aspen)
> Bunta Trail Easement (Little Annie Basin)
➢ Nichols Conservation Easement (Frying Pan)
➢ Sopris Archeological Preserve Conservation Easement (Emma)
➢ Capitol Creek Ranch Conservation Easement (Old Snowmass)
> Clear W Conservation Easement (Old Snowmass)
�4F/ J r 1
44
C'i'rfryG�j `
t r a
''
.,r f s . Y'r�,1f� •/ �' 'ter) , 1 4'7 r ,,, �,- --
� ysr Al�t / Y "N6 �'. : M f
i
---',---7-- ' --•--''.--:'....1.-:-.--9';''',; ;-,:,,,/,.' z' 1." ,-- ',..,l:d.044 . -
ci+
Emma Agricultural Landscape
128/03/2013 Joint OSTB_BOCC Public Packet
Page 5 of 10
.;.N...� ,, i' 4 . r,.,# i,.,
C
, • z., /� _, 1 • t f•-- .
'4. ° Lam. `
Ly 9 K. r �11� s , it•_
«., _ "•"
fk. ..4„!•,...,'.;„,ii; -. ( A.• ,
!y
- r „..,
. . . . . „
i,, ,
. ,*.,..• *„. , . , • , , . ,..
" :„.
♦,. . . I
Gold Butte Climbing Area Bunta Trail Easement
„Al'
_t,.. 1si R,
•�
_-a— +lsrAgei - '' `'-
j t -
I t I -
, .
..'' x '? ' _f. �.;,1ft:`- , f '..4.. --mac.
Nichols Conservation Easement
128/03/2013 Joint OSTB_BOCC Public Packet
Page 6 of 10
I..-pallattir . '''' .. ----
IN-' •5.. 7- s. ..
y.,.;�• -Ir J a .. u 1...: -
—? KZ9> K yk
r tom.
v
•- .....• �' ✓any -*
_ •..sue. •A {'j.+ ;vL, ' . , _
p _,..... ,c„, ,z.,,,,,,,,,,. .,.4 , . _ .,.•t. Av, .i i .._:-., . . a., _
•,--'•
-A e--,t-:-.',,:,..,,0'i
=- 40, !• ,,-'r•k0,., f ; 'rip c .x i_• ..r - S f , s3 .5 .`-aft`. - •- - --4,
D- J•_ s �
•
Fes73c;s=: s '° ��qya� i �r 1 .'Ky`
r
i /
Capitol Creek Ranch Conservation Easement
Fre
J ' `,, 4 ! -
iir,
l'?3i
•'.I • '44 r, ���'•
y
4
1, • ,If,
, • _,. ..,
..,&;•. • ,
,:irdior •
,,t , (v.,,,1 , ,.., , i?. Ili; •
:rii,.' if ...1-k1 :-;4..: i ' -.. er''Tii,
err+ ' ~ y',1.;
� • 4 S
u hy w.,s.,•11.1t, .
m rg1 t J ,, 1,
Sopris Archaic Archeological Preserve
The program holds roughly 50 conservation easements, which consists of 14,852.5 acres of
land in Pitkin, Garfield, Eagle, and Gunnison Counties. These easements are annually
monitored and no major violation were observed in 2013. The easement portfolio grew 372
acres (plus 272 acres pending) in 2013 alone through open space purchases and various
land use processes.
The staff also undertook a management plan for the Roaring Fork Gorge, outlining cohesive
management of a collection of open space parcels that create a four-mile-long swath of
public land outside of Aspen.
128/03/2013 Joint OSTB_BOCC Public Packet
Page 7 of 10
Other accomplishments in 2013 include the construction of roughly 6 miles of new
singletrack at Sky Mountain Park, where an unprecedented volunteer effort, along with
Youth Corps muscle, created the new Cozyline Trail. Volunteers wielding picks, shovels and
other such implements also kicked off work on Airline Trail, another Sky Mountain Park
connection, before Progressive Trail Design and their machinery took over the task. In all,
more than 1,000 hours of volunteer time went into trail work at the park.
r` .7 Ss' + , :::
,..,,,, ...„..A .,,:lc„..14.„ ... .,.....,,,,..,..—. 1, , ,,lit, r 'z - .
virp-
GAS y{ FLs.seti1P
i , N
k. f1
1 l gC "s �' ''0 }ya� �N ' "'kfi�4< i
. ram: � ..�� �r ��
z �:
Chopping shale to create the Cozyline Trail
OST Crew Member Jayde Duysen RFOV Cozyline Trail Volunteer Night
OST also completed two major bridge projects in 2013, installing new spans on the lower
Brush Creek Trail and the Rio Grande Trail at Woody Creek. The latter project included
paving a gravel gap in the hard-surface trail through Woody Creek.
i " .,
r
;. '4
''ter; p�6s�- - � vi •: �_•'•
A" �r—
P----- ' 115- - VP IA 1 ili i It,iiilil 1 pill \ ‘,, 41-'t - . \-
.S% s
Setting the lower Brush Creek Trail Bridge
128/03/2013 Joint OSTB_BOCC Public Packet
Page 8 of 10
i
- —11w.' ' . , ,, ,..„ , .-,.. ..--,„ ,,,,,,,,;„ , L. ,
it$1 --
k1/4 .
, , 4„, , ,. ... . . , . .. . ,... !
...-4,,. , , r • - ' • - $ . ..,-- ----,- :
• ...,,.. .,-..."4.7 , , t ,
Vite If%... ' - ,":-.4,0" - - ,7•,.. : ,
- 11M
Rio Grande Trail- Woody Creek Bridge
Finally, improvements at Elk Park in Redstone began with the demolition of a vacant cabin
this fall. A visitor center and other features will be constructed in 2014.
Summer maintenance:
The 2013 summer season was a busy one for Operations Supervisor Bill Griggers and
his crew of two returning veterans and two new employees. It started out with an
unexpected challenge: Bill had heart surgery in April and was out of commission for the
first 6 weeks of the season. The crew forged ahead with guidance from Assistant
Director Gary Tennenbaum and directions from Bill via telephone. The highlights:
• About half of the Rio Grande Trail between Jaffee Park and Stein Trail was
resurfaced and, in spots, reconstructed to address safety issues, trail width,
drainage problems and durability. The Landfill produced the crusher fines used
in the repairs; Road and Bridge provided assistance.
• Sky Mountain Park: The crew cleared the route for the new Cozyline Trail and
helped cut a path for the Airline Trail. They also helped construct and install two
bridges at the base of Airline and worked alongside volunteers to carve the new
singletrack connections from the dirt and rock.
• Gold Butte: A new access trail was cleared and built by the crew and volunteers.
• Brush Creek Trail: Revegetation and fence installation followed placement of a
new bridge and the rerouting of a section of the trail.
• Basalt-Old Snowmass Trail: After extensive trail reconstruction, a major erosion
problem that caused loss of the soft surface was discovered. The crew installed
a roughly 225-foot-long retaining wall consisting of about 200 railroad ties
donated by RFTA. The soft surface was then replaced.
• Woody Creek: Revegetation followed bridge installation on the Rio Grande Trail.
• Redstone Park: Concrete removal and grading was done to prepare for a winter
ice rink and spring revegetation project.
128/03/2013 Joint OSTB_BOCC Public Packet
Page 9 of 10
• Elk Park: The vacant cabin was removed with help from Road and Bridge, and
the site revegetated in preparation for next year's improvements at this
Redstone property.
•
' - -1' 4 , _ ., .....,,,,,,ii.....,,..
315D f —o
I.
Y - __ _i Igfi.
Elk Park cabin removal
• Basalt Bike Park: Site prep work included providing plenty of dirt for the park's
designers to sculpt. Cleanup, drainage work and erosion control, installation of a
gate and revegetation by the crew wrapped up the project.
R` y ijr{ 3
�r .�s Y f 0 .df ..y-��
3 4
C F X
ef` 3 v
a
Grace-Shehi Meadows Bike Park
Stay in touch with OST projects by signing up for our newsletter.
Go to: http://www.pitkinostprojects.com/
128/03/2013 Joint OSTB_BOCC Public Packet
Page 10 of 10