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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.reg.07262001 . . . Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD MEETING OF JULY 26, 2001 Plaza 1 Board Members Present: Tom Cardamone, Bill Fales, Rick Neiley, John Starr, Hawk Greenway Others Present: Dale Will, Temp]e G]assier, Barb Hogan, Mi]es Stotts, Jonathan Lowsky, Kathi Morgan, Dorothea Farris John Starr called the meeting to order at approximately 9: 10 am. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes of the Ju]y 5,2001 OSTB Meeting were approved with amendments. STAFF COMMENTS Introduction of Natural Resources Director Da]e introduced Mi]es Stotts as the new Natura] Resources Director to the Board. Mi]es gave a brief bio to the Board and answered questions from board members. Mi]es informed the Board that he will be relocating to Public Works three days a week and will be attending OSTB meetings. Rio Grande Trail Da]e remarked that, with the help of John Starr, the program received the requested funding for the Wingo Junction trestle from the RTA. John informed the Board that once a policy on how the RTA should expend trail funds was drafted, the request for $142,000 was approved by the RTA board. John commended Temp]e for her work. John raised the issue of funding for maintenance of the trail. Da]e explained that it had been discussed that the County would conduct weed control on sections of the corridor through which the trail runs and that the arrangement would be formalized in an IGA. The Board discussed the need to get some reimbursement for maintenance costs from the RTA's annual trails fund of roughly $300,000. Temple informed the Board that the Rio Grande Trail's ]041 hearing was on July 17'h, and that issues were raised by residents of the Samuels Subdivision and Reno Cerise. The Samuels subdivision residents want to see the trail moved to the north through a hayfield. However, the owner of the hayfield relies on production from that field. Therefore, the trail will be moved on top ofthe rails by that subdivision and through another section where there is riparian vegetation. The RTA gave its appro va] of putting the trail on top of the railbed. Temple confirmed for the Board that placing the trail on the rails was cheaper to construct. Temple informed the Board that the next hearing is at 3:00 on July 31 'I, and if the plan is approved, they will be ready to begin construction. Temp]e addressed issues raised by Cerise and noted that there are wildlife issues with the fencing proposed through his property. She noted that the trail would go on the railbed through his property to be sensitive to impacts through his land, and do whatever extra that can be done for him, so that the construction's impact on Cerise's agricultural operation could be minimized. Dale stated that the 1 . . . proposed plan included two crossings for Cerise, an 84" culvert underpass which cattle could go through, and an at-grade crossing with an electric, remote-operated fence for Cerise's hay truck. Cerise has objected and requested a grade-separated crossing for his hay truck. RTA however, requires that the rail remain structurally capable of supporting a rail in the future, which would not be feasible if a larger underpass that would accommodate a hay truck was installed. The issue was discussed. Rick asked if there were any 1041 issues for the Cerise portion of the trail and Temple replied that there was only for wildlife regarding the fencing along the trail through Cerise's property. The fence is necessary to keep cattle off of the trail and trespassers off Reno's ranch. It was noted that the situation was the same for where the trail crossed the Grange's Ranch, but that fences were used along the trail on his property. Dale and Bill will be meeting with Reno on Friday morning to discuss the trail. Bill inquired about the issues that Billy Grange was having with trespassers on his property and Temple said that Michael has put up signs that seem to be working, and that steel bollards have been placed on the trail to prevent vehicles from driving on it. John informed the Board that he was going to a presentation that Jim Light was giving and asked if there were any issues with the Roaring Fork Club that needed to be addressed. Temple informed John that the RFC raised concerns at the ]041 hearing about the standard of maintenance of the trail through their club and the regarding trespassers. She noted that the County has worked in a neighborly fashion with the RFC and that she did earthmoving for their benefit through the club's portion of the ROW. She added that there is still an outstanding encroachment by the RFC that has not been rectified. Hawk asked about the status of the bridge at Wingo. Temple informed the Board that a special use permit is required from CDOT, as the abutment on the north side ofthe bridge in on CDOT ROW. The special use permit will grant a permanent easement for the structure. Temple added that there has been no public comment on the bridge design despite advertisements for the public hearing and a picture on the front page of the paper. It is Temple's intention to have all work on the Rio Grande Trail completed in 2001. Other Staff Comments OSTB Meeting Schedules: The schedule for the next two months was discussed. OSTB meetings in August will be held on August 2nd at 9:00 am (Hawk will not attend) and on August 22nd at 9:00 with a joint meeting with the BOCC following at 12:00 pm. The August 16'h meeting is canceled. The second meeting in September conflicts with a commitment that Da]e made to host a tour of OST properties for an AP A conference. The Board and Miles Stotts expressed interest in joining the tour. Dale will check to see if it is possible. Roaring Fork Conservancy Water Quality Testing: Dale told the Board that he received a proposal from the Roaring Fork Conservancy to conduct water quality analyses on OST properties. Rick added that they are producing a State of the Rivers Report and that the riparian habitat analysis that they are doing would be good baseline information for the County. Jonathan noted that looking at macroinvertabrate levels (which is part ofthe RFC analysis) is a good indicator for development impacts on watersheds. He suggested that, for this reason, it would be good to get participation from municipalities and CDOT. Rick requested that they be added to the next meeting agenda. Ranger Job Description Dale referred the Board to the revised job description for the Natural Resources Ranger in the packet. Jonathan informed the Board that this job description has been modified to show percentages and fit with Human Resources structure. He added that this position will have time in the winter to work on 2 . the special use permitting process and outreach and education brochures. Timesheets for this position will be itemized to track billing for each department. Mi]es will direct this position. Hawk raised a concern that this person would be spending too much time on dog related issues, that could be addressed by the animal control officer or sheriffs office. The issue was discussed. The extent oflaw enforcement training required for this position was also discussed. It was concluded that Miles and Dale will discuss with Hilary, the Sheriffs Office and Anima] Control about defining roles, and that the OSTB's concerns about too much of its funding going to enforcement of dog regulations was noted. Hawk asked ifthis person would also monitor conservation easements. It was noted that conservation easements are currently monitored by Michael and Barb and that they would remain the appropriate staff to work with landowners, but that the Ranger would participate by giving staff feedback on property conditions that he/she observes. Hawk asked is this position would help with animal trapping and Jonathan replied that it would be unlikely that this person would have the time available. It was noted that this person would likely be deputized but not carry a gun and badge. Miles stated that this level of civil enforcement is more for education and outreach. Jonathan added that the Ranger will carry a radio at all times and call the sheriff for enforcement. It was confirmed that Dale would sit on the interview committee. Bill requested that, under Essential Functions, "back country Hiking" be changed to "hiking on open space properties". John moved to approve the amended job description. Rick seconded. Motion passes 4-1 with Bill objecting noting the need to talk with the sheriffs office and the burden already placed on the maintenance budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board moved into Executive Session at 10:45 am, and adjourned Executive Session at 1] :50 am. . REGULAR SESSION STAFF COMMENTS (Continued) . New Open Space Properties Dale referred the Board to the memo in the packet regarding new orphan open spaces and explained that staff is recommending that these fee properties be designated to the OST program. Ifthe Board is favorable, they can propose this designation at the next joint OSTBIBOCC meeting. Dale informed the Board that one of the properties, the Chatfield mining claim, which contains the oval track, has some management issues. There is currently a trailer on the property and it is frequently used for parties and camping. As a result the parcel is in need of clean-up and management. Hawk noted that this property is an example of high value County open space that needs help. Tom suggested that it might also be an opportunity to manage the Road to Warren Lakes. Dale commented on the conservation easements listed in the memo are not as clearly good candidates for designation to this program. He noted that these easements are vague and possibly not even enforceable, and, as such, not worthy oftoo much ofthe program's resources. On the other hand, in principle, the County has an obligation to monitor these easements that were gifted to the County. The subject was discussed. Hawk felt that is would be beneficial to educate the BOCC in what is involved with accepting conservation easements. Rick noted that if conservation easements are being donated through the land use process for tax benefits, that an endowment might be appropriate. Hawk added that easements that are exacted or donated through the land use process might be more suitable for an outside party to hold. The Board was in favor of recommending all of the fee properties listed on the memo for designation to the program, and waiting on dedicating the conservation easements. 3 . . . BOARD COMMENTS (Continued) Approval ofthe Bylaws Approval of the Bylaws was tabled until next meeting. The Board requested copies of previous minutes regarding the bylaws. Rick requested updates on Airport Ranch and the Mills property for the next meeting. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:20 pm. Approved Chair Approved as to Form Director 4