HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 Aug hrs minutes 2024
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting August 15, 2024 4:00 PM
123 Emma Road 2nd Floor
Aspen, CO 81621
River Board members present: , Kirstin Neff, Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons Maciej Mrotek
River Board members absent: Chris Wheatley, Andre Wille, Bill Jochems
Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Lisa Tasker, Tim Braun, Laura Makar, Connie Baker
Media Present: Heather Sackett
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Board Comment: Chair Huber noted it was good to see staff at the whitewater park while they were meeting with the
contractor on site for the Emergency Access Project.
Public Comment: None
Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: None
Approval of the Minutes:
Ms. Neff moved to approve the minute of March 21, 2024. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed 4/0.
Mr. Mrotek moved to approve the minutes of May 16, 2025. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 4/0.
Mr. Lemons moved to approve the minutes of June 20, 2024. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed 4/0. A
correction was made to the title of a presenter.
Ms. Neff moved to approve the minutes of July 18, 2024. Mr. Lemons seconded the motion. The motion passed 3/0 with
Mr. Mrotek abstaining as he was not in attendance.
Introduction to the Interim County Attorney, Richard “Ry” Neiley
Mr. Neiley was appointed as the Interim County Attorney by the BOCC and joined the meeting to introduce himself and
share some background information with the Board.
Proposed Roaring Fork Gorge Bridges – County Attorney, Staff
Mr. Neiley has had conversations with the BOCC and Open Space staff regarding the Board’s desire to provide comment
on the proposed bridges. The BOCC encourages and would welcome comments from this Board. Staff will draft an
initial letter to the BOCC stating its desire to participate and will remain sensitive to the Open Space Board and Staff.
Mr. Neiley will work with all departments involved.
Ruedi FERC Amendment City of Aspen., Phil Overeyender, Utilities Engineer Special Project,
Steve Hunter and Jason Foreman City Staff presented its Ruedi Hydroelectric Renewal Program to the Board. For further information, all were welcome to visit aspencommunityvoice.com
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Continued Grant Request from April 2024. Comprehensive Repository of Organizations, Agencies, with
a role in Water Management, Water Education and Water Conservation – Gwen Garcelon, Regenerative
Strategies Consultant
Ms. Garcelon provided the Board with more information from her previous grant request in April.
Mr. Mrotek move to approve the grant application for a Comprehensive Repository of Organizations, Agencies,
with a role in Water Management, Water Education and Water Conservation. Ms. Neff seconded the motion.
Mr. Lemons and Ms. Huber opposed. The motion failed.
Healthy Rivers Budget 2025.
Connie Baker, Budget Director, provided information of the county’s budget process. This included concerns
over the airport should it be closed for expansion, how the financial advisory board provides advice to the
county regarding current year and 5 year financial planning. Our program has always had healthy fund
balance and has not spent its entire budget since its inception.
Ms. Neff moved to approve the 2025 budget as presented. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed
3/1 with Chair Huber abstaining.
Monthly Staff Report
Staff provided an update on projects and work as contained in the report in the Board’s packet.
Open Discussion
Staff will provide upcoming wild and scenic meeting date and encouraged the Board to attend to get a sense of what is
happening and where the subcommittee is.
Plans are moving forward with distribution of the Beaver Booklets.
Mr. Mrotek moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 4/0.
The meeting adjourned at approx. 7:25 pm.
Approved: Attest:
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Wendy Huber – Chair Lisa Tasker