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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.reg.11172004 . . . Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2004 Aspen Firehouse Meeting Room Board Members Present: Rick Neiley, Jesse Boyce, Hawk Greenway Others Present: Dale Will, Barb D' Autrechy, Gary Tennenbaum, Temple Glassier Jesse Boyce called the meeting to order at approximately 10:15 a.m. STAFF COMMENTS Year in Review Staff gave the OSTB a slide show reviewing the accomplishments and issues for OST in 2004. Nordic Funding Dale alerted the OSTB to an issue that arose in yesterday's BOCC worksession. Facing a shortfall in the Health and Human Services funds relative to funding requests, including Grassroots TV, members of the BOCC suggested that OST could pay the County's full share offunding for the nordic program. Dale explained the history of funding for the nordic program, and that, for 2005 the County general fund is to pay $45,000 and OST has budgeted $9,100 for nordic. However, in light of this funding shortfall, some commissioners have expressed interest in having all of the nordic funding for 2005 come from OST. The issue was discussed briefly. The Board restated its overall support of the nordic program, but the need to adhere to the parameters of the legislation regarding use of funds and to the intent of the 2002 HHS tax, which included the nordic program in its list of funded programs. Dale stated that this was just informative, and that no action was needed. Trail Issues Dale explained that the East of Aspen Trail, was originally budgeted for $1.3 million. The contract for construction came in well under budget, at $750,000. However, during construction, it was determined that the engineers were 190 feet short in their calculation ofthe length ofthe boardwalk. Also, the soil composition in parts ofthe wetlands required much deeper drilling than originally estimated. The project cost is now estimated at $950,000, still well under the original budget, but $200,000 over the originally contracted bid. Dale added that the issue regarding the old stage road is being resolved. Staff gave an update on the Brush Creek Trail. Dale received a signed trail easement for the final section across the Cozy Point South property. Gary explained that Holy Cross plans to pull the lines through next spring, then we will begin construction. Dale informed the Board that the funding for the Maroon Creek bridge came through, and that the new highway bridge will displace the existing pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge will be removed in spring of2005. Dale suggested that sections of the bridge may eventually be relocated onto the Crystal Trail, Brush Creek Trail, or possibly to link Lazy Glen to the Rio Grande Trail. The Board discussed I . possible uses for the bridge, as well as where to store it and costs associated with storing and moving the bridge. Temple added that Asset Management was not aware that OST wanted the entire bridge, and said that a third party was interested in a portion of it. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The Board approved the minutes of October 21 and November 3, 2004. STAFF COMMENTS (continued) Heather Hopton Memorial Dale referred the Board to the memo proposing placing a memorial plaque at North Star honoring Heather Hopton for her contribution to the stewardship of the property. Gary added that Charlie Hopton said that Heather would have been honored. Gary pointed out that the memorial policy allows for the County to honor individuals who have contributed to the program or its goals in this manner. Rick asked for a description of her contributions. Staff explained that she was very active in the drafting 2000 North Star management plan. Heather and Charlie have always kept close watch on the property, and informed staff when there were issues to be addressed, and even pulled weeds on the property. The Board approved recommending to the BOCC the placement of a memorial plaque honoring Heather at North Star. . RFTA 2005 Budget Dale said that the RFTA board approved its 2005 budget, which included $910,000 for trails. RFTA is committed to the Carbondale to Catherine Store next year. RFT A hopes to fill in all of the missing links in the valleywide trail by 2010. BOARD COMMENTS Kirianoff Land Donation Rick informed the Board that he reviewed that land use application for the Kirianoff property, which includes a donation of a parcel of land along the river. Rick recommended accepting the donation, and recommended that Dale contact the neighboring landowner as well. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at II :35 a.m., in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4)(a) and (b), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions and litigation. The Board adjourned Executive Session at II :57 a.m. JOINT BOCC/OSTB MEETING OSTB Members present: Hawk Greenway, Rick Neiley, Jesse Boyce . County Commissioners Present; Jack Hatfield, Dorothea Farris, Patti Clapper, Mick Ireland 2 . . . Others Present: Dale Will, Barb D' Autrechy, Gary Tennenbaum, Keith Berglund, Brian Pettet, Tom Oken, Linda Kasden, John Ely, Suzanne Wolff, Michael Owsley Dorothea called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm with Patti, and Mick present. STAFF COMMENTS 2004 Year in Review The OST staff gave the commissioners a slideshow recapping the major projects and issues for the program in 2004. 2005 DRAFT OST BUDGET Dale distributed updated spreadsheets for the proposed 2005 OST budget to the boards. Dale pointed out that the Administrative Services section of the budget (where the OST program pays other County department for their services) indicates that the program has kept with the intent that it utilize existing County staff when possible. Dale referred to the supplemental request for increasing the part time Ranger position to full time and adding a second seasonal Ranger. Dale explained that the 2-year pilot proj ect with the seasonal Ranger was more that successful, and that more staffing is needed. Expanding the existing position to full time will provide year round enforcement, and create time for the Ranger to develop and educational program. It will also provide assistance to the Land Steward. The second seasonal Ranger will increase the program's presence on the properties and with the public, and provide better geographic coverage. Patti supported the requests. Mick supported the requests and expressed a desire to see all County trail and open space assets consolidated under OST. Hawk asked about the future of the Wildlife Officer. Mick responded that this position was prioritized in 2002 during the budget cuts, noting that it was more efficient for the County to have these services in-house. Brian added that Public Works will be presenting its restructuring to the BOCC on December 14th, and that the role of the Wildlife Officer will be represented in that proposal in some form. Jack entered the meeting. Jesse noted that the OSTB, in recommending the 2005 budget, voiced concerns regarding the methodology for calculating the cost center allocations. Tom commented that those concerns were primarily regarding how he and the attorney's office account for the time they spend serving OST. Tom stated that he now tracks his time for OST as he works on related projects. John indicated that his department will do the same. The commissioners found the proposed budget acceptable. EXECUTIVE SESSION Jack motioned to go into Executive Session, in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4)(a) and (b), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions and litigation. Patti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The OSTB voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at I: 14 p.m. The Board adjourned Executive Session at 2:01 p.m. 3 ---- . . . -- ADJOURN The OSTB meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:01 pm. Approved ~~ tk~~ es Boyce, Vice-Chail Open Space and Trails Board Attest ~'.'fj , ~10. U.-t3rc c C':^-) (Blrb D'Autrechy (.J 4 -......