HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 March hrs minutes 2021Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board March 18, 2021 Page 1
HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting March 18, 2021 Via zoom River Board members present: Bill Jochems, Lisa Tasker, Andre Wille, Chris Wheatley, Chuck Ogilby
River Board members absent: Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons Others present: Lisa MacDonald, Laura Makar, Heather Sackett, Kate Hudson, April Long, Jayla Poppleton, Heather Lewin, Seth Mason, Connie Baker _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Board Comment – None Public Comment – None
Additions/Deletions to the Agenda - None
Approval of Minutes February 18, 2021 Mr. Wheatley moved to approve the minutes from February 18, 2021. Mr. Wille seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0. 2021 Budget Outlook – Connie Baker Pitkin County Budget Director Ms. Baker recapped the 2020 budget and provided information on 2020 sales tax and predictions for the 2021 budget year. The budget remains healthy even with the 2020 pandemic.
RICD Statute – Andre Wille Mr. Wille attended a virtual seminar on an effort to update the RICD Statute to include natural river features that are economically important due to their unique recreational opportunities. Discussions ensued regarding submission of a letter of support. The letter has been vetted by the County Attorney’s office and was found to be consistent with county policies and positions pursuant to updated by-laws. Mr. Obilby moved to recommend executing a letter of support for an updated RICD Statute. Mr. Wheatley seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0.
Policy Statements – Laura Makar
Transbasin Diversion Policy –
Mr. Wheatley moved to adopt the Transbasin Diversion Policy with an edit to item #5 to include the word “water” before
conservation. Ms. Tasker seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0. Riparian Zone Policy – Laura Makar The board reviewed the draft policy and provided feedback on language and additional areas of consideration. Ms. Makar will incorporate additions into the draft and present an updated policy at the Board’s May meeting. WECO Sponsorship Request – Jayla Poppleton Ms. Poppleton presented the sponsorship request to the Board. WECO is seeking $2500 for the Water Educator Network, $1000, for the Water Leaders Program Day Lunch and $2500 for the fall 2021 Headwaters Magazine.
Mr. Wille moved to approve the request with an edit to the Water Educator Network request from $1500 to $1000. Mr.
Wheatley seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0. Frying Pan EFlow grant reporting – Heather Lewin, RFC and Seth Mason Lotic Hydrologic Ms. Lewin and Mr. Mason presented a final report on the Frying Plan EFlow project.
Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board March 18, 2021 Page 2
High School Scholarship Updates Mr. Wille and Mr. Wheatley announced the scholarship awards from Aspen, Basalt and the Roaring Fork Watershed. Aspen and Basalt High Schools had just one application each and seven from the Watershed. The Roaring Fork High recipient will be announced at the awards ceremony. The schools are asking for a letter of award and a member be available to present the scholarship at the upcoming ceremonies. Ms. Huber was part of the sub-committee and was involved in the decision making.
Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District Decree –Laura Makar Ms. Makar provided an update to the River Board on the Rio Blanco Conservancy District Decree in northwest Colorado a water right for a new dam-and-reservoir project that top state engineers had opposed New Staff Position – Lisa MacDonald Ms. MacDonald updated the Board on the new position. A budget supplemental was submitted in Dec 2020 and approved as pending with a request for further discussion by the BOCC. Draft job description was submitted to HR in January 2021 and HR staff will review. BOCC at its work sessions have asked the County Manager to look into the status of the position. Mr. Wheatley moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Tasker seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0. The Board adjourned at approximately 6:30pm. Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Bill Jochems, Vice-Chairman Lisa MacDonald