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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019.05.02 OSTB Regular Session minutes_S MINUTES OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD REGULAR SESSION May 2, 2019 530 East Main St.Aspen 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, Kim Arensdorf, Paul Holsinger, Lindsey Utter, Jessie Young, Janet Urquhart, Leslie Lamont, Suzanne Wolff, Richard Neiley Others Present: Leslie Thomas, Kirk Hinderberger, Mitch Haas, Phillip Supino Graeme Means called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT Kirk Hinderberger requested the OSTB consider extending the section of the Rio Grande Trail from the AABC paved trail that currently ends at the south end of the AABC, north along the west side of Sage way through the AABC all the way to CMC. Hinderberger asked if this section could be prioritized as children that live in that area need a direct and safe pedestrian route. He provided a letter to Gary Tennenbaum that includes maps and ownership parcels in the area. Tennenbaum stated that the section could potentially be a piece of long term project to connect trail, and the OSTB will be updated as to the progress. Leslie Thomas, a representative for the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Counsel, commented on the truck and trailer parking access at Windstar Conservation Easement. Thomas stated that currently there is only 4 parking spots with no available truck and trailer parking for equestrians. Thomas asked OST staff to address the parking issue. Tennenbaum stated OST staff is currently working on public access negotiations with the owners and neighbors of the property to accomplish parking. Tennenbaum commented that he would update Thomas directly as to the development. Leslie Thomas and Kirk Hinderberger left at 9:10 a.m. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Wayne Ives moved to approve the OSTB regular session minutes and joint OSTB-BOCC regular and executive session minutes of April 4, 2019 as amended. Michael Kinsley seconded. Motion passed(5-0). Phillip Supino entered at 9:15 a.m. Appoint New OSTB Chair Michael Kinsley moved to appointed Howie Mallory as the OSTB Chair, and Amy Barrow as Vice Chair. Amy Barrow seconded. Motion Passed 5-0. 05/02/2019 OSTB Regular Session Minutes Page 1 of 6 Tennenbaum and the OSTB thanked Graeme Means for his work and dedication over the last year as Chair. Aspen Uphill Recreation Plan Phillip Supino, Long Range Planner for the City of Aspen, provided an overview of the Aspen Uphill Economy Recreation Plan. Supino described the plan as a long range economic diversification project, Aspen and Pitkin County specific, to leverage location community and history, in order to improve recreation opportunities. The recreation plan captures the next generation recreationist, economic sustainability, and community resilience, Supino said. The plan is a collaborative, stakeholder driven, data driven, partnership focused, conservation minded and a long range strategy. He stated that no outcome from the plan would be in opposition of conservation. The scope would include the upper Roaring Fork Valley, Independence Pass to Snowmass Creek, the crest of the Elk Range to Woody Creek. The focused methodology is on existing plans, stakeholder input,uphill economy plan,uphill recreation survey, and topical analysis. The topic areas are conservation, accessibility, safety, camping and lodging, huts, resort uphilling, backcountry skiing,Nordic, summer biking, and hiking. The City of Aspen would like a collaborative effort with Pitkin County and other organizations on different aspects, Supino said. The process will include: SE Group for technical support, stakeholder meetings and data analysis, which are tied to economic diversification goals. The stake holders include: recreation, conservation, land managers and government agencies. Supino gave an overview of a conservation website map which looks at areas of concern for wildlife, and provides terrain suitability analysis to help determine the areas that are suitable for recreation. Supino explained that the timeline draft plan is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2019, with City of Aspen OST plan review in June. Howie Mallory asked about the current recreation plan process in regards to the OST program. Tennenbaum stated that OST relies on the management plans when working with the City of Aspen during the process. OST staff will see suitability analysis change over time, then will bring recommendations to the OSTB, Tennenbaum said. Amy Barrow commented that the data analysis piece is beneficial to evaluate OST's core values. Graeme Means noted concerns regarding economic development affecting areas with overcrowding, specifically mentioning the 10th Mountain Division hut system and the backcounty experience. He stated that commercialization and development needs to be discussed within the plan. Education and safety is also important, Means said. Jessie Young explained that the concerns listed above have been raised at the stakeholder meetings. Supino stated that the plan makes sure the assets are managed accurately, and the tools are in place to avoid commercial impact. The right policies and plan need to be put in place to adapt and concentrate in areas that are over used, Supino said. Mallory commented on the concept of limits to capacity and management of the backcountry. OST needs to restrict access as part of the management, Mallory said. Tennenbaum stated that management has been OST's biggest focus for this plan. Due to the amount of people in 05/02/2019 OSTB Regular Session Minutes Page 2 of 6 recreation areas management is difficult, however, ways to address this are by providing public transit and limit parking, and having additional rangers and maintenance staff, Tennenbaum said. The OSTB asked for OST staff to draft a letter to the City of Aspen to bring in OST policies, putting emphasis on management and protection rather than increase in recreation. Mitch Haas, Leslie Lamont and Suzanne Wolff entered at 10:05 a.m. Phillip Supino and Janet Urquhart left at 10.•15 a.m. Land Use Referrals Tennenbaum described the OSTB requirements for referral applications and explained that the current increase in land use applications for the OST program is due to economy growth. Suzanne Wolff explained the Pitkin County referral process and noted that applications presented to the OSTB have implications for the OST program. She stated that with the Growth Management Quota System(GMQS), applicants offer something of value to OST in exchange for creating new lots by residential subdivision or competing for additional floor area for existing development rights. The Pitkin County code provides both transferable development rights (TDR) and GMQS, which are broken up into urban growth boundary and rural areas. Wolff explained Community Development's scoring process for GMQS applications. The current OST land referrals will go to Planning &Zoning for scoring in June, Wolff said. Wayne Ives requested to have the GMQS scoring process as retreat topic for the OSTB to have full understanding. Tennenbaum agreed, stating it is important for the OSTB fully updated on the process as these programs are set up to remit growth. 1762 & 1766 Red Mountain Rd. (Lots 3 & 4) Mitch Haas, Planning Consultant and representation for lots 3 and 4, explained that the rational for the $15k donation in the application was based on the GMQS code and set precedence. Haas clarified the proportionality standard within the GMQS process; any additional square footage requested needs to be proportional with the value of the donation. Haas stated that the $15k donation for the Hunter Smuggler Interpretive Trail project was based on the Transit& Trails GMQS category. The value was then derived from other previously accepted GMQS applications by comparing donation values vs the square footage allocated. Based on this set precedence Haas asked the OSTB to reconsider the referral based on the applicant adhering to the current code. Kinsley asked staff about the GMQS code standard and if the OSTB is bound by set precedence. Wolff stated that the set precedence is just a point of reference, and the OSTB must determine if the proportionality of the donation vs what is allotted is acceptable. Means asked about the potential impacts of the additional square footage allotment. Haas explained that the additional area requested would only be sub-grade space, therefore there would be no scenic impact. He stated that both lots will have to go through site plan review which will address any potential issues. 05/02/2019 OSTB Regular Session Minutes Page 3 of 6 Barrow noted that due to growth and an increase in GMQS applications, additional square footage is a goal to manage and limit by OST. Mallory expressed concerns with the GMQS system, being that it undermines the TDR program which was to reduce additional square footage. Means commented that he agrees that the referral letter currently stating the $15K donation is inadequate due to growth impacts. Ives provided an amendment to the referral letter stating that "although the proposed 15k contribution is based on a set precedence the OSTB believes the offer is inadequate contribution in relation to the respective development allotment." Dale Will entered at 10:35 a.m. 1501 Maroon Creek Rd Tennenbaum explained that the applicant is seeking a PUD amendment, site plan review, scenic review and a Residential GMQS allotment for additional 6,200 sq. ft. of floor area to the Le Chamonix Condominiums. The applicant is proposing to enhance and extend the existing fishing and trail easement in exchange for GMQS points, Tennenbaum said. OST would also like to work with the applicant on a potential easement on Maroon Creek Road for future trail use, this is not currently in application but would be a future request due to the fishing referral. OST is supportive of the applicant's proposal and supports the award of GMQS points for this donation, Tennenbaum said. The OSTB noted the fishing easement added value and requested additional information regarding access and functionality. Tennenbaum stated that Glen Horn, representative for the applicant, can come discuss additional details of the referral at a future OSTB meeting. Holsinger commented that if accepted OST staff would monitor the use of the fishing easement to determine any management actions necessary. Howie Mallory moved to accept the proposed easement and recommend the referral to the BOCC. Graeme Means seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Suzanne Wolff Leslie Lamont and Mitch Haas left at 10:40 a.m. Richard Neiley entered at 10:50 a.m. Agricultural update Paul Holsinger provided an update on the OST's agricultural program: • Two new property acquisitions: Grace Open Space and Shippee Open Space. o The parking area at Grace Open Space will be removed and replaced with grass. o Short term lessee for Shippee Open Space, John Maas, will provide irrigation. • Construction on the new Emma agricultural structure will begin this summer. • Two roots farm is fully operational and will be the first organic certified in Pitkin County. • OST agricultural leasing program has had great success, now including 17 lease areas totaling 398 acres throughout the County. • The Glassier Management plan is set to update next year, OST will extend the lease. 05/02/2019 OSTB Regular Session Minutes Page 4 of 6 • Agriculture Tool Library update: farmers have utilized the tool library and are happy with the program. The Tool Library is managed by farmers collaborative and OST provides grant funding. Means requested that OST staff promote Glassier Open Space potential with the ranch house, gardens and hay pastures. Holsinger explained that Glassier has two smaller sections on the property that can be utilized for future use. Means asked about staffing needs for the agriculture leasing program. Holsinger stated that OST will be utilizing the Peak Ecological contract more for conservation easement monitoring, therefore, he can focus more on the agriculture program. Holsinger noted that he will be on paternity leave at the end of the summer. Tennenbaum explained that Holsinger will still be heavily involved on the agriculture lease and conservation easement program, and OST will utilize contract work instead of adding staff. BOARD AND STAFF COMMENTS Wayne noted that the Crystal River Caucus has Sunfire Ranch Master Plan and Penny Hot Springs on the next agenda. Kinsley requested OST staff to promote the Sunfire Ranch contribution. Tennenbaum stated that the Sunfire Ranch Master Plan is in process. The OSTB will have the Crystal River Caucus input and will need to make a recommendation to the BOCC. Means commented in favor of the railing installation for North Star Bridge to not discourage the public from jumping off. Mallory requested follow up for Windstar public parking. Tennenbaum explained that public access will be discussed in executive session. Mallory asked the OSTB to come up with a date for the retreat in October. Tennenbaum stated he would gather timing and agenda ideas from the Board. Tennenbaum commented on the agenda for the OSTB and Healthy Rivers and Streams Board (HRSB)joint meeting. Tennenbaum suggested the Boards include discussion and collaboration on increasing the quality of water, and the potential to do more with water rights to benefit the streams. Dale Will noted his 20th work anniversary with Open Space and Trails. The OSTB commended Dale on his continuing work with the program. EXECUTIVE SESSION The OSTB entered executive session at 12:25 p.m. in accordance with(CRS 24-6-402(4)(a)), (CRS 24-6-402 (4)(e)) and(CRS 24-6-402 (4)(b)) for the purpose of acquisitions, negotiations and attorney consultation. The OSTB adjourned the executive session at 1:33 p.m. ADJOURN 05/02/2019 OSTB Regular Session Minutes Page 5 of 6 The OSTB Regular and Executive meetings of May 2, 2019 adjourned at 1:33 p.m. Approved: Attest: Howie Mallory, Chair Kim Arensdorf Pitkin County Open Space &Trails Board Pitkin County Open Space &Trails Administrative Specialist 05/02/2019 OSTB Regular Session Minutes Page 6 of 6