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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.reg.08222001 , '. . Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2001 Courthouse Conference Room Board Members Present: Tom Cardamone, Bill Fales, John Starr, Rick Neiley, Hawk Greenway County Commissioners Present: Dorothea Farris, Jack Hatfield, Patti Clapper Others Present: Dale Will, Miles Stotts, Temple Glassier, Barb Hogan, Kathi Morgan, John Ely, Jonathan Lowsky, Debbie Quinn, Reid Haughey, Reno Cerise, Marilyn Cerise, Beth Cerise, David Cerise, Mike Owsley Hawk Greenway called the meeting to order at approximately 9: I 0 a.m. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes ofthe August 2, 2001 were approved as amended. BOARD COMMENTS OSTB Bylaws Rick made a motion to approve the draft bylaws, subject to review by the BOCC and for consistency . with the charter, to be adopted by formal resolution at the next OSTB meeting. Tom seconded. The subject was discussed. The Board reviewed all changes made from the last meeting, discussed the issue of condemnation, and made the following revisions to the draft that was included in the packet: Article V Section 2: should be amended to reflect that Chair and Vice-chair are appointed every year, and may hold a specific office for up to two years. Article VI Section 8: "materials to be studied and acted upon" should be added to list of items to be delivered 48 hours prior to the meeting. Article VI Section 4: Add a provision which requires a vote of at least 4 in favor for acquisitions requiring condenmation. Article II: Add Section 3 outlining that the OSTB may adopt additional policies, which are subject to review every five years. Article VII, II(A.): "or property interest" should be added after "entity". . During this discussion, Dale informed the Board that Ellen Sassano has been appointed Open Space Advocate. She will serve as a liaison between the two departments in order to improve communication. The Board members were pleased to hear ofthe efforts to improve communication, but did not want the program to be charged for Ellen's time. . Rick requested a binder with all OSTB policies and regulations. It was agreed that a tabbed manual for OSTB would be prepared for the next meeting and that the OSTB would review its current policies at the next meeting. Rick made a motion to approve the bylaws as amended, subject to review by the BOCC and confirmation that they are consistent with the charter, to be adopted by resolution at the next meeting. Tom seconded. All in favor. STAFF COMMENTS Rio Grande Trail Alignment Temple summarized the issue for the Board, and identified the alternate route for the Rio Grande Trail through Reno Cerise's ranch. She informed the Board that the Basalt High School does not want the trail realigned through its campus, in order to make a better connection with the alternate route through Cerise's ranch, because it would interfere with the school's future plans for expansion. . Dale relayed to the Board the difficulties that Billy Grange was facing with the trail going through his property; dogs on his property, chasing and even biting him, and youths trespassing, playing in his ditch and vandalizing his property. He added that ReRe (County Animal Control Officer) has agreed to patrol the trail in her truck. Temple informed the Board that Grange's property has a 5 strand smooth wire fence along the trail. The Board discussed the need to prohibit dogs, include fencing on Cerise's ranch and improving fencing on Grange's ranch, enforcement for trespassers and loose dogs, and public education through signs, newspaper and the high school. Dale informed the Board that Billy Grange requested that the current fencing be replaced with hog wire (woven) fencing. Bill expressed concern over the expense that the ranchers will be facing as a result of vandalism. John stated that the program cannot stop building trails because teenagers are vandalizing. The issue of what alignment to use for Cerise's ranch and how to resolve the issues on Grange's ranch was discussed at length. The Board's preferred solution on Cerise's ranch is to build the trail on the rail alignment, with woven wire fence along the trail, and putting the trail through an underpass where Cerise's work road intersects the corridor (similar to the design of the Roaring Fork Club underpass). This will accommodate Cerise's cattle and agricultural vehicles, and the wildlife that uses his property. In addition, the fencing on Grange's ranch should also be replaced with woven wire, and an underpass added to Grange's property if the cost permits. Temple informed the Board that she will get an estimate for the cost of adding an underpass. She added that she has not received approvals from the RTA yet, even though it was anticipated August 1st. RTA did not correspond with the State Historic Preservation Office in a timely manner. So, written approval is not expected for another 2 weeks. The OSTB instructed Temple to begin construction in two weeks, and to inform the RTA of that timeline. Woody Creek Parking Dale referred the Board to the letter from the Woody Creek Caucus in the packet and summarized the issue. He informed the Board that the parking lots are located in RFRHA and county road ROWs and that each accommodate about 3-4 cars. The lots are used by trail users. Temple added that one of the lots will be removed when Woody Creek Road is re-aligned. She added that the caucus wants the County to locate parking lots at Pitkin Iron instead. This item will be discussed at the joint meeting. . 2 . . . . Rio Grande Resurfacing Temple told the Board that Aspen Consolidated Sanitation will be relocating its lines under the Rio Grande Trail from the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Maroon Creek to Slaughterhouse next spring. She noted that this is the section of trail that has not yet be resurfaced, a section of about 2,000 linear feet. Aspen San. will close the trail for 6 weeks in the spring. Dale added that Aspen San. was granted an easement by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad before it was acquired by the County, and that the easement does not have a restoration requirement. Temple informed the Board that, in light of this fact, the resurfacing for that portion of the trail will be postponed until after Aspen San has completed its work. Other Staff Comments RFRHA/RTA Merger: Dale informed the Board that RFRHA and the RTA will be merged into one entity. This is different that the previous understanding, where RFRHA would remain to enforce the covenant. The RTA has agreed to establish a covenant enforcement committee in order to address the effects of this change. The committee includes one voting seat to be filled by an OST board member. The committee will meet once a year to discuss encroachments, policies, and the covenant agreement. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at 11: 1 0 a.m., in accordance with CRS 24-6-402( 4)(a), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions. The Board adjourned Executive Session at 12:10 p.m. REGULAR SESSION (Continued) OSTB/BOCC Joint Meeting (The OSTB moved to the Plaza 1 conference room to resume Regular Session in a joint meeting with the County Commissioners. Discussion of the Alignment ofthe Rio Grande Trail began without a quorum of the BOCC. Patti Clapper joined the meeting, creating a quorum, a few minutes into the discussion. ) Rio Grande Trail Alignment Dale summarized the issue of the Rio Grande Trail alignment through Reno Cerise's ranch and the trespassing issues regarding the trail through the Grange ranch for the county commissioners and joining staff and guests. Dale highlighted that this is an issue of conflicting program goals of preserving agricultural operations, protecting wildlife, and providing public recreational opportunities. Dale outlined the three alternatives for Cerise's ranch: 1.) stay on the rails along the DR&G right-of- way, 2.) build on an alternate alignment that goes around Cerise's fields, and 3.) the OSTB's proposal from earlier in the meeting, to build on the right-of-way, but include an underpass for the trail at the ranch road, to accommodate the agricultural operations and wildlife. The need for woven wire fence, enforcement, and possibly banning dogs was also highlighted. Reno Cerise stated that the alternate trail alignment, as proposed, would not work for him because it would be right below his ditch, making it difficult for him to access his ditch and putting the public that much closer to it. He would prefer that alignment be put above his ditch, which would require removal of more vegetation. Reno said that the new alternative (the underpass) sounds much better than having remote operated gates. Marilyn Cerise stated that most dogs are not on leashes, and 3 . . . . inquired about enforcement. She also noted that the deed for the ROW stated that the property was "for railroad purposes only", and asked why a trail is necessary on the south side of the highway, through their property, if there is an existing trail (Old Emma Road) on the north side. Dale responded that ReRe is patrolling the trail in her vehicle for dogs off of leashes. Bill added that patrolling this trail will be prioritized for the new environmental ranger. Debbie Quinn clarified that under the federal rails to trails law, that trails are a permitted use on railroad ROWs. Dorothea explained that the County is committed to building a continuous trail from Aspen to Emma. The fencing issue was discussed. Bill emphasized that woven wire is needed on Grange's ranch and will be needed for Cerise's ranch as well. Jonathan stated that woven wire fencing is preferable to dogs chasing wildlife. He noted that an underpass similar to RFC is optimal and that the fencing should be as low as possible to accommodate wildlife. He would like to see a 30" high fence. Dorothea stated that RTA approval should be obtained, and said that she would get this on the next RTA agenda. She encouraged the OSTB to seek additional funding from the RTA, as they have a balance left oftheir $300,000, which was transferred from FRFHA for trail purposes. Dale will attend a RFRHA meeting on 8/30 to discuss. Reno requested that the trestle be constructed first, so that they do not have to undergo construction through their property until necessary. Scheduling issues were discussed. It was understood that CDOT approval of the trestle was not expected until a week from Friday, then it would go out to bid, and that construction through Cerise's will not commence until approval of the trestle is received, but that construction on this last phase of the trail would begin in two weeks, starting at the Basalt/Old Snowmass Trail end. The Boards also agreed to look at the cost estimate for building an underpass to see ifit is feasible for Cerise's ranch, and ifso, to install an underpass and woven wire fencing. Replacement of the fencing on the Grange's ranch will be wait until the cost estimate for the underpass is evaluated to see if it is a feasible option for that ranch as well. Patti Clapper called the BOCC meeting to order. First Reading of Resolution Designating Properties to Open Space and Trails Dale summarized the issue for the BOCC and stated that the OSTB recommends designating the proposed properties and trail easements to the OST program so that they may be managed and maintained with OST funds. Jack expressed concerns regarding the trail from Aspen Mass and its potential impacts on the riparian habitat below. Dale replied that the proposed alignment is on an already existing old road and that it does not go into the ecologically sensitive habitat in that area. He also stated that he considered that Aspen Mass trail a part of the Brush Creek to Rio Grande segment, since it will join the Brush Creek Trail to Jaffee Park. Jack made a motion to approve the resolution designating the proposed properties as OST properties. Dorothea seconded. Unanimous. Woody Creek Parking Lot Dale introduced Mike Owsley of the Woody Creek Caucus. Mike stated his concerns with the parking lots: the existing lot was not included in the trail plan reviewed by the caucus; it has cars parked there with "for sale" signs in the window; there is need for a portable toilet; and there is parking available at Pitkin Iron, the Woody Creek Tavern and Jaffee Park. Temple stated for the BOCC that the lots are located within RTA and County right-of-ways where informal lots previously existed. She also noted that one of the lots would be removed when Woody Creek Road is realigned. Dale stated that there is a shortage of trailheads and added that Jaffee Park should not be considered trailhead parking since 4 . . there is a substantial climb to the trail from there. John noted that parking at the Tavern is not a trail experience, since users will have to follow the road for a ways before reaching the trail. Rick said that he was unaware of available parking at Pitkin Iron, and that that should be looked at. [There is a small parking area at Pitkin Iron with room for perhaps six cars. This parking is not visible from river road.) Jack requested a site visit, stated that trailheads are necessary, but he is against their proliferation. Dorothea requested a summary how much parking is needed and how much is available according to the corridor's plan. Debbie will schedule a site visit for the BOCC and invite the OSTB and Mike Owsley. Dale will get information on parking along the trail to the BOCC. [The corridor plan identifies parking areas at Pitkin Iron, in Snowmass Canyon, the existing parking at the top of the Basalt/Old Snowmass Trail, and at the Basalt High Schoo!.) OSTB Bylaws Dale informed the BOCC that the OSTB has drafted bylaws and will be adopting them at the next meeting. He inquired what level of review was necessary from the BOCC. Ely said that he wanted to review the draft for conformance with the charter. Then the BOCC will review them for acceptance, but not formal adoption, is not necessary. [John Ely has reviewed the bylaws and edits will be discussed at next meeting.) EXECUTIVE SESSION . The Boards voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at I :37 p.m., in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions. The Boards adjourned Executive Session at 1:59p.m. ADJOURN The OSTB meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:00 p.m. Approved Attest '1~ f~~~1 .t:*LtChair.-- 0(& v 1 ~b- L:!J 5t{ 15f..J.o i~ Director ;'T1 ,-- ~-- , C /./! C /lclif( ~ -\-\'2-'::. \". ~Io~ . 5