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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.reg.08012002 . . . Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2002 Courthouse Conference Room Board Members Present: Hawk Greenway, Bill Fales, Rick Neiley, Anne Rickenbaugh Others Present: Dale Will, Barb Hogan, Gary Tennenbaum, Hilary Smith, Chuck Vidal Hawk Greenway called the meeting to order at approximately 9:05 a.m. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes of the Regular and Executive Sessions of July 18, 2002 were approved. STAFF COMMENTS Smuggler Mountain Evictions Gary summarized the eviction and clean-up process that took place earlier in the week on the Bayer parcel, located on Smuggler Mountain. With Public Work's assistance four dump trucks full of material left behind by "squatters" was removed from the parcel, including an abandoned van. A sheriffs deputy was present part of the day to ensure safety of the crew. Management issues for the property were discussed. Gary informed the Board that there is a major weed infestation on the parcel, and signs of a recent fire. Members ofthe Board and staff made recommendations for signs identifying the property as an OST property and listing the regulations. Woody Creek Caucus Hilary Smith joined the meeting to discuss an issue brought to her by Jack Hatfield. Jack and the rest of the BOCC attended a Woody Creek Caucus meeting where caucus members expressed their opinions about the Open Space and Trails Program. Some members present wanted to know if the OST funds could be accessed to cover the general fund's shortfall, or ifit could be taken to the voters and rescinded. Jack would like to return to the Woody Creek Caucus on August 5th to educate the Caucus on the OST program. Dale said that he would attend. Others recommended contacting some of the Friends of Open Space to see if they could attend as well. Use of OST Land for Emergency Purposes Hilary informed the Board that the State had recently passed a Resolution adopting a policy permitting the use of State Land Board lands for staging of emergency crews for fighting wildland fires. Hilary asked the Board to consider passing a similar resolution permitting such use on OST properties. The issue was discussed, including discussions of use of heavy equipment, impact on riparian areas and other conservation values, and compensation for restoration expenses. Bill motioned to authorize the Director to allow emergency personnel to use OST property in emergencies, and to site the areas to be used in consideration of the property's conservation values. Anne seconded. Motion passed with all in favor. Hilary departed the meeting. 1 . . . Smuggler Mountain Evictions (continued) Discussion returned to the subject of the Smuggler Mountain evictions. Gary informed the Board that there is a pipeline with a tap buried along Wilk's claimed ditch right that crosses the property. The protocol for handling trespassing issues was discussed. The Board directed staff to work directly with the appropriate staff at the Sheriffs Office for support when dealing with evictions on OST properties. Aspen Mass Dale informed the Board that Lance Clarke agreed with Rick's assertion from the prior meeting, that because the plat depicting the Aspen Mass Trail easement had already been approved by the BOCC, that a 1041 was not necessary. Dale informed the Board that since the last meeting he has leamed that Aspen Mass is now co-owned by Pitkin County and the City of Aspen. Since the time that the two acquired the property for housing purposes, it has been determined that the property is not a desirable location for affordable housing. The property is now being considered for other uses, including as part ofa land swap with the USFS. The Board directed staff to let the City know of it's intentions to build a trail on the easement through the property. Moore Open Space Nordic Trail Dale reminded the Board that the management plan for the Moore Open Space included development of an interpretive trail on the property. He added that the nordic council has sought permission to build a connecting trail from the new pedestrian bridge to the nordic loop on Moore. Staff visited the property wit Austin Wiess, who said that they would need to cut a 12 foot wide trail in the sagebrush to make the connection. Staff had concerns that this swath might be visible from the highway. Gary said that they would work to minimize the visual impact and that some regrading work near the pedestrian bridge would be necessary. Gary added that only sage would be removed and that grasses would remain in the swath. The Board agreed that the trail should be built, noting that it is one of the uses identified for the property. The discussion switched to who would pay for the construction of the trail, noting that the County recently withdrew its contribution to the nordic council. Dale informed the Board that the nordic council will be approaching the OSTB for support for trail that occur on OST lands. Gary pointed out that part ofthis work would be done by his crew since this will be a summer use trail as well, and since OST will want to put signs along the trail. The Board agreed that it was appropriate for OST to participate since it will be an improvement on OST property. Owl Creek Encroachment Costs Dale informed the Board that this issue was mis-communicated at the stafflevel, and that it is not an issue for OST. He added that a trail easement is being conveyed to OST for the existing trail, at no cost to the pro gram. Redstone Bathrooms Gary informed the Board that he had another meeting with the Redstone Community Association (RCA) regarding the restrooms with Environmental Health there as well. Environmental Health said that the porto-potties by themselves did not provide enough capacity. The RCA has agreed to maintain the original bathrooms in Redstone Park and empty the trash bins, ifthe County would re-open them. Gary said that since he re-opened the bathrooms, RCA has hired someone to maintain the bathrooms and take care of trash. Gary said that he wants to make sure that this arrangement works before 2 . . . rebuilding the bathrooms, but that so far it is working. He added that there will be a written maintenance agreement for maintenance of any new bathrooms OST provides. Other options such as a visitor center by the Coke Ovens were discussed. Gary informed them that a compo sting toilet did not appear to be a workable option. Hawk requested that staffto come back with more information of costs and design for a new bathroom facility. BOARD COMMENTS OSTB Chair and Vice Chair Bill pointed out that the OSTB's adopted bylaws calls for the appointment of a chair every two years. It was noted that the bylaws call for a rotation in the appointment by district. Rick would be next in line for the position. Hawk suggested waiting on the issue until a full Board was present. The others agreed. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at 10:30 a.m., in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions. The Board adjourned Executive Session at 11 :50 a.m. ADJOURN The OSTB meeting was adjourned at approximately 11 :50 a.m. (' ;~ved J ~,\A! lck N eIiey, ChaIr Attest Barb Hogan 3