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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.reg.10172002 . . . Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2002 Library Conference Room Board Members Present: Tom Cardamone, Anne Rickenbaugh, Rick Neiley, Bill Fales Others Present: Dale Will, Barb Hogan, Gary Tennenbaum, Doug Robotham and Nissa Maddox of Trust for Public Land Rick Neiley called the meeting to order at approximately 10:08 a.m. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Anne commented on the minutes from the regular meeting, noting that Hawk and Tom identified the MAA trail as a top priority. Anne stated that for her, the trail to Highlands was of higher priority. The minutes of the Regular and Executive Sessions of October 17, 2002 were approved as amended. HIGH ELK CORRIDOR PRESENTATION - TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND Doug Robotham, Colorado Director for TPL and Nissa Maddux, project manager for the High Elk Corridor project made a presentation to the OSTB. Supporters and partners in this project include Trust for Public Land, Crested Butte Land Trust, Aspen Valley Land Trust, the Wilderness Trust, Gunnison County, Pitkin County, White River National Forest, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado. The project aims at protecting 2000 acres of privately owned mining claims between Gothic and Marble. Included in these inholdings is the trailhead for West Maroon, much of Scofield Park, and the old Crystal Mill. Doug estimated the total value at about $6.5 million. Doug did not ask for a specific level of participation by the County, but wanted them to be aware of the project to see ifthey were interested in participating. The presentation was preceded by a brief discussion amongst board members regarding the expenditure of program funds on projects outside of the County. Dale informed the OSTB that John Ely determined that the program can expend funds on projects outside ofthe County, adding that both open space programs for both Boulder and Douglas counties have spent tax dollars to preserve lands in neighboring counties. Rick and Bill did not feel that it was appropriate for properties that were not directly related to projects within the County (such as Emma and Jerome Park). STAFF COMMENTS Aspen Mass Dale informed the Board that the contractor is on site and building the Aspen Mass Trail. He noted that CDOT was quick in its cooperation in relocating a portion of the trail. Dale explained that the approved budget for the trail construction did not include a soft surface portion. Adding a four foot soft surface trail would cost and additional $29,000 to the project. Board members commented on the proposal, noting that the decision to pave was based on the fact that a soft surface trail on that steep of 1 . . . a grade would require more maintenance. Bill added that it was hard to make any decision on increasing the budget without an understanding of what the fund balance for trails projects was at. Dale said that he would have fund balance figures to distribute to the Board on October 29th to be discussed at the November 7'h meeting. The Board agreed that it would not increase the budget for a soft surface trail. Redstone Bathrooms Gary informed the Board that he had a signed agreement with the Redstone Community Association to maintain bathrooms for the summer season. He added that they have been maintaining the bathrooms for most of the summer and that complaints had dropped off to zero once the RCA took over maintenance. Gary said that Temple was working on a new bathroom proposal and budget that will be brought to the Board for comment. BOARD COMMENTS East of Aspen Rick wondered why it was taking so long to get approvals from the USFS for the East of Aspen extension. Dale remarked that they have been overwhelmed by the tree farm lawsuit. Rick was concerned that we would be losing the rest of the building season for this fall and that other projects might be getting deferred because funds were being allocated for this project, even though it was likely not moving forward until next year. Dale answered that there were no projects that were being passed over in order to have funds for East of Aspen. November Schedule Bill and Anne will not be at the November 20th meeting. Staff will determine ifthere will be a quorum or if the meeting, and j oint meeting with the BOCC needs to be rescheduled. Coke Ovens Bill commented on the mention in Dale's memo that Dorothea had asked Dale to work out certain issue relating to this proj ect. Bill felt that it would be best if such requests were made by the BOCC (or OSTB) as a whole board, not one individual, and that requests from the BOCC should come through the OSTB, and not be made directly to Dale. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at 11 :25 a.m., in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions. The Board adjourned Executive Session at 12:30 p.m. REGULAR SESSION (continued) BOARD COMMENTS 2 . . . High Elk Corridor Anne commented that a lot of Pitkin County residents recreate in the High Elk Corridor, and felt that for that reason, the Board could consider participation, even though it's outside of Pitkin County. Dale noted that the program could participate at a symbolic level. The topic was debated briefly. ADJOURN The OSTB meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:37 p.m. A Attest .--f Ri Neiley, Chair Open Space and Trails Board Barb Hogan 3