Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 Nov hrs minutes 2021 Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board Nov 18, 2021 Page 1 HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting November 18, 2021 123 Emma Road, 2nd Floor Basalt, CO 81621 River Board members present: Bill Jochems, Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons, Lisa Tasker, Chuck Ogilby and Chris Wheatley River Board members absent: Andre Wille Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Matt Annabel, Heather Sackett _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Board Comment – Mr. Wheatley noted the article emailed to the Board via Commissioner Poschman regarding Ridgway grants “rights” to its river, joining several Colorado towns in push for new water protections. The Board is interested in having either the Mayor or another speaker present this to them. Staff will look into this. Ms. Tasker, Ms. Huber and Ms. MacDonald all attend the virtual Colorado Beaver Summit in October. There is great interest in projects and public outreach concerning beavers. Jackie Corday, with Corday Natural Resources Consulting, is lined up to attend a future river board meeting to discuss opportunities in the Roaring Fork Watershed. Public Comment – None Additions/Deletions to the Agenda – None Approval of Minutes Sept 13, 2021 Ms. Tasker moved to approve the minutes of Sept. 13, 2021. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Robinson Diversion Modification Project Engineering Award Ms. MacDonald shared the Robinson Diversion project wrap up video created by Matt Annabel. RiverRestoration.org, the engineering firm for the project, won an American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado Engineering Excellence Award for the project. Letter of Support for CO Airborne Snow Observatory Mr. Langenhuizen a sought letter of support for the Co Airborne Snow Observatory’s water plan grant application due November 24, 2021. The ASO uses paired infrared airborne lidar and imaging spectrometer sensors coupled with snow dynamics model to measure snow depth and albedo and retried snow water equivalent across large river basins. The grant is for snow or snow free flight coverage across Colorado including the entire Roaring Fork Valley which will provide baseline topographic data for future snow flights. Ms. Huber moved to approve the board provide a letter of support for the Colorado Airborne Snow Observatory grant application specific to the Roaring Fork Valley and direct the Chair to sign. Mr. Lemons seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership Program – Amy Moyer, River District Director of Strategic Partnership Ms. Moyer introduced the program to the Board, the projects funded to date and opportunities for collaboration. Sponsorship Request – River Science’s River Watch Program – Roaring Fork Valley, Luke Javernick Mr. Javernick appeared via zoom and provided background on the River Watch Program and current plans. River Science is seeking a $4995 sponsorship for the local River Watch Program. Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board Nov 18, 2021 Page 2 Mr. Ogilby moved to recommend funding for the River Science’s River Watch Program. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. City of Aspen’s Roaring Fork River Riparian Assessment and Plan - April Long, Clean Rivers Program Manager Mr. Long presented the finding of the City’s assessment and future plans. The City rolled out its Roaring Fork River Riparian Assessment and Plan on Sept 20th. The assessment is paired with plans and actions to create a healthier riparian eco system. Chairman Lemons was a part of stakeholder process. Wilderness Workshop Crystal River wild and scenic designation campaign support six month grant update, Will Roush and Juli Slivka Ms. Slivka provided handout to the Board and presented work to date on the campaign. Activities, community and stakeholder outreach, communications and events and grassroots advocacy are all beginning along with a statement of support developed by the Crystal Wild and Scenic Coalition. Discussions ensued regarding more collaboration with the Board on the campaign and a desire to work together. Aspen Public Radio Underwriting 2021- 2022 The Board reviewed the underwriting contract for the 2021-2022 season. Mr. Wheatley moved to approve funding in the amount of $4161 for the 2021-2022 underwriting season. Ms. Tasker seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Open Discussion – Ms. Huber updated the board on the progress of the subcommittee’s work on presentations to similar local governments regarding our healthy rivers program/sales tax. Matt Annabel has drafted a power point and the committee will convene to discuss next steps. The Board asked that Mark O’Meara with the Town of Carbondale attend the Dec meeting for grant updates. Ms. MacDonald noted the BOCC approved the 2022 budget for the River Board at its November 4, 2021 meeting. The River Board did not meet in Oct due to lack of a quorum and therefore did not have a chance to review the budget documents. Ms. MacDonald announced that Lisa Tasker has been offered the Healthy Rivers Administrative Specialist position. Ms. Tasker’s last River Board meeting will be December 16th and will begin employment on January 3, 2022. We received thirteen applications and interviewed seven highly qualified applicants. Ms. MacDonald sought input from the Board regarding the future of the Youth Water Leadership Summit, by Wild Rose Education. Ms. Johnson is interested in implementing the program but is seeking additional funding from the program in order to proceed. The Board requested Mr. Johnson attend a future board meeting for further discussions. Ms. Huber moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wheatley seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board Nov 18, 2021 Page 3 The Board adjourned at approximately 7:00 pm. Approved: Attest: ______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons - Chairman Lisa MacDonald