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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018.12.04 OSTB BOCC Joint Regular Minutes_S MINUTES OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD REGULAR SESSION December 4, 2018 Maroon Bells Conference Room, 530 E Main St. Aspen CO, 81611 OSTB Present: Graeme Means Howie Mallory Amy Barrow Michael Kinsley Wayne Ives, Dist. 1, Chair Dist. 2 Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 5 Staff Present: Gary Tennenbaum, Fran Soroka, Janet Urquhart, Kim Arensdorf, Paul Holsinger, Jessie Young, Richard Neiley PUBLIC COMMENT No public comment Michael Kinsley entered at 8:38 am APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Wayne Ives moved for the OSTB to approve as amended the 11/01/2018 regular session minutes and the 11/01/2018 Executive session minutes as presented and for the OSTB to approve as amended the 11/07/2018 joint BOCC special meeting minutes. Michael Kinsley seconded. Motion passed(5-0) Paul Holsinger entered 8:51 am Emma Open Space Agricultural Structure Recommendation Gary Tennenbaum introduced the item for the OSTB's final review prior to today's joint meeting with the BOCC. November 1st the Board approved increasing the 2019 budget by$130,000 for the Emma Open Space agricultural structures. Next step is for the BOCC to approve including the additional funds in the 2019 budget. 1 Discussion Graeme mentioned that the OSTB was leaning towards the agricultural shed structure option with trusses. Wayne Ives suggested the temporary structure be situated to add trusses in the future, not to move them but possibly expand. Wayne also commented that the overall business plan was impressive. 1 12/04/2018 OSTB meeting packet materials: AIS-Emma Open Space Agricultural Structure 12/04/2018 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Sessions Page 1 of 6 Paul Holsinger explained that trusses were not added for the temporary structure in order to stay within the budgeted $130,000. Paul described the one temporary structure as having a gravel base while the other would have a foundation. Paul also mentioned that the lessee's, Two Roots Farms, are currently looking to meet their needs for the next 5-10 years, however additional structures could be added to in the future. Paul commented that in regards to this project the Emma Caucus was more focused on the OST subsidizing agricultural businesses. Gary commented that the addition of the two temporary structures budgeted at the $130,000 fits the needs of the lessees. Gary mentioned that in the future the OST can look into a location for a central food processing site if needed. Amy Barrow disliked the aesthetics of the temporary structures, however did like the utility of that option. Howie Mallory said that he had reviewed the lessee's operational plan and was satisfied with it. Howie commented that farming is not a money maker. Howie would like to move forward with the project plan. Richard Neiley entered at 9:03 am Jessie Young entered at 9:07 am BOARD COMMENTS Graeme suggested the OSTB have a prioritized list of who should be living in the Mather House and recommended that it be prioritized by funding and utilized by someone directly related to the OST program. Howie questioned whether the historical policy allows moving buildings, Graeme responded that is possible but not preferred. Wayne reported that he would be attending the Crystal River Restoration Workshop Friday, December 7, 2018. Wayne mentioned that the workshop would be discussing possible new projects and items that stand out. Wayne commented that the Roaring Fork Conservancy would also be attending. EXECUTIVE SESSION The OSTB moved to enter executive session in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4) (a)(b) and(e) for the purpose of discussing acquisitions, attorney consultation and negotiations at 9:10 am. The OSTB adjourned executive session at 11:45 am 12/04/2018 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Sessions Page 2 of 6 EXECUTIVE SESSION II The BOCC entered in executive session with the OSTB in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4) (a)(b) and(e) for the purpose of discussing acquisitions, attorney consultation and negotiations at 10:05 am. The joint executive session adjourned at 11:45 am. JOINT OSTB—BOCC WORK SESSION Commissioners Meeting Room; 530 E. Main St.,Aspen All OSTB Trustees Present BOCC Present: Greg Poschman(Vice-Chair), Rachel Richards, George Newman, Steve Child, Staff Present: Gary Tennenbaum, Paul Holsinger, Dale Will, Janet Urquhart, Kim Arensdorf, Fran Soroka, Jon Peacock Others Present: Harper Kaufman and Christian La Bar(Two Roots Farm LLC) Greg Poschman called the joint work session to order at noon. The entire joint work session meeting video is available from this link by selecting the meeting date: https://pitkincounty.com/374/County-Webcasts Emma Open Space Agricultural Structure Recommendation Open Space Agricultural Program continues to evolve from its humble beginnings when OST found it difficult to lease agricultural lands to now having lessees actually working the land for local food production. Paul described the Emma Open Space areas leased by Two Roots Farm. (Schoolhouse and South lease areas) Two Roots Farm holds a ten year lease and has invested in underground irrigation system and one shed to improve the leased area's production capabilities. Two Roots Farm anticipates being the first valley operation to be certified organic by the end of June 2019. The Emma Open Space Management Plan allows the ability to provide agricultural infrastructure on the property. OST received comments from the neighbors, Emma Caucus and solicited public comment. The majority supported local food production and favored an agricultural structure at the site. The OSTB is seeking BOCC approval to add $130,000 to the OST 2019 budget to cover the cost for two additional agricultural shed within the agricultural leased area. Discussion The Commissioners raised several questions and provided comments. Was a one-story permanent structure not considered? Was a Quonset hut type structure considered? Cost was a big consideration. OST took into consideration the Emma Caucus' concerns that OST appears to be subsidizing agricultural businesses in competition with Emma area property owners in agricultural businesses. Agricultural structure consultant Michael Thompson did not present a one-story structure option. Semi-temporary shed structures can be relocated. The Commissioners commented that introducing agriculture to the land without appropriate infrastructure is challenging. Adding the current USDA State Director is encouraging 12/04/2018 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Sessions Page 3 of 6 applications for infrastructure grants. Commenting the shed structures are not aesthetically pleasing. Also questioned whether the sheds can be re-configured? Yes, the mobility of the shed option is beneficial. Both sheds have the ability to be re- located and removed from the site if needed. Commissioner Poschman question if it is beneficial for both sheds to have washable flooring surface? The budget covers one shed set on a foundation and the other shed on gravel. There would be an increase in cost for both to have washable flooring. Christian La Bar added the 2020 food safety regulations will require produce preparation areas with adequate cleaning surfaces with drainage. Christian continued that the proposed OST recommendation satisfies Two Roots Farm bare minimum operational infrastructure needs. Commissioners' queried the OST staff's thoughts about providing a central public produce processing center. Staff responded currently a central processing center is not needed and additional analysis would be needed to determine any future location. Commissioner Child questioned how a location for the valley's agricultural tool library would be accommodated. OSTB reported it had reviewed and was satisfied with the lessee's operational business plan. Discussion concluded with the BOCC and OSTB agreeing to increase the Emma Open Space agricultural lease area structure project budget to $150,000. OSTB Historic Policy Update and Funding Priorities' The last Open Space & Trails reauthorization provided the fund with the capacity to address OST historic structures. The OSTB approved the Historic Preservation Policy at the November 1st meeting. The Policy provides up to 2% of OST's annual revenue toward historic structures. The latest reauthorization spans from 2017 to 2040 and can provide up to approximately four million dollars over the life of the OST fund. The OSTB has set restoration of the Mather House (Emma Townsite property) as the first priority. In 2008 OST acquired the Emma Townsite parcels which include the storefronts buildings, Mather house and orchard parcel. The OST 2019 budget includes $295,785 toward the Mather house restoration work. In 2019, OST staff plans to assemble a steering committee to determine future storefront building uses. The OSTB approved restoring the Mather House to its original historic footprint (Option 2). Gary reviewed what work has already been completed(septic/leach field replacement and well repairs) and explained the additional renovation needs for the Mather House. Since the restoration would use OST funds, staff is proposing that a priority occupancy list be prepared by OST. Gary reviewed the conditions of the historic structures on Glassier Open Space and explained it is a much larger undertaking and requires partners. At this meeting staff and the OSTB recommends that the BOCC support keeping the $295,785 in the 2019 Open Space budget for Mather House restoration and provide direction to staff to seek partnerships and grants in 2019 for restoring the historic structures on Glassier Open Space. 2 12/04/2018 OSTB-BOCC Joint Work Session Packet:AIS—Historic Policy Update and Funding Priorities and Mather House Options 12/04/2018 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Sessions Page 4 of 6 Discussion The BOCC questioned OST's authority to determine priority for Mather house occupancy. Referencing that all open space properties are County assets owned by the Board of County Commissioners. County Manager Jon Peacock responded that in this case it is the expenditure of the restricted special revenue fund(OST fund)that would determine the tenant choice. As an example, the Airport expends dedicated funds on housing reserved primarily for Airport staff occupancy. In the Mather case, OST has discussed with County Management the ability provide Pitkin County housing dollars to partner in the project. However, the County's housing fund is currently over extended. Prioritizing agricultural lessee and OST staff occupancy would fit within the guidelines of the OST restricted fund. Graeme Means added the OSTB would return with an occupancy prioritization that fits within OST mission. BOCC recommended that the County's Climate Action Plan be addressed for any County building renovation. Gary responded the renovation will meet current building codes and provide energy efficiencies within historic renovation guidelines. The Commissioner consensus was to proceed with Mather house Option 2, return the house to its historic footprint. Supported selecting future lessees based on association with the OST program and it would be appropriate to require lessee to be responsible for maintaining the irrigation and the orchard. A tenant associated with future Storefront use would be appropriate. The Commissioners agreed to authorize OST to pursue grant opportunities for the Glassier historic structures. Open Space & Trails Year in Review During the presentation, Gary re-capped OST's 2018 highlights. o The Lazy Glen Bridge & Trail connection to the RGT was completed. It has taken fifteen years but now the Lazy Glen community is enjoying trail connectivity. o Prince Creek Bullpen parking area was completed and has successfully reduced road parking issues. The Town to Crown campaign successfully encouraged bike riders to ride from Carbondale to Prince Creek. o The Dottie Fox Overlook is taking shape. The community has raised an additional four thousand to enhance the project. OST plans a 2019 spring ribbon cutting opening. o An interpretive peak finder kiosk was installed at the Smuggler overlook. o Class one e-bikes use was allowed on County hard-surface trails. OST has been monitoring the use and have found few complaints and conflicts. o OST did a tremendous amount of ecological monitoring in 2018. The Commissioners approved for 2019 a Natural Resource Manager/Ecologist to the department. Eco-Finder was added to Pitkin Outside. Pitkin Ecology has pulled together Roaring Fork watershed monitoring onto a searchable website. o Seasonal Ranger Ryan Quinn will become OST's third full time Ranger in 2019. Position will expand seasonal closure capabilities. o Agricultural program's local food production has expanded. Two Roots Farm on the Emma Open Space reports their first year grew 30,000 pounds of produce. Wheatley Open Space produced a 400,000 pound potato harvest. The most public visible agricultural endeavor is Lazy Glen. 12/04/2018 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Sessions Page 5 of 6 o A new seasonal trails manager joined OST. His position will be dedicated to enhancing the soft surface trails. o Soldner Conservation Easement closed. Grace Open Space and Stranahan mining claim donations are about to be completed. Rock mitigation on the Red Mountain donation was completed. The Tract 116 acquisition provided access to other OST properties. o OST said farewell to our longtime board members Hawk Greenway and Tim McFlynn. Amy Barrow and Michael Kinsley joined the OSTB. In regard to land/easement donations, the BOCC suggested OST program provide a certificate program which would thank the donors for their contributions. ADJOURN The OSTB and Joint OSTB-BOCC meetings of December 4, 2018 adjourned at approximately 1:10 p.m. Approved: Attest: , — 44,44- Grae�Feans, Chair Kimberly Arensdorf and Pitkin County Open Space &Trails Board Fran Soroka Pitkin County Open Space&Trails Administrative Specialists 12/04/2018 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Sessions Page 6 of 6