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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.reg.11282001 . . . Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 28, 2001 Sister Cities Room - City Hall Board Members Present: Tom Cardamone, Rick Neiley, John Starr, Hawk Greenway, Bill Fales Others Present: Dale Will, Barb Hogan, Temple Glassier Hawk Greenway called the meeting to order at approximately 9:43 a.m. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Tom commented on the importance of having the Sheriffs Office address the transient issue, noting that special training may sometimes be necessary for dealing with potentially unstable individuals. The others agreed. Dale noted that the Boulder Ranger that visited saw one of the transient camps along an OST trail, and gave Dale a recommended protocol for how she would handle the situation. Minutes of November 15, 2001 Regular Session were approved. STAFF COMMENTS 2002 Proposed Budget/Projects Dale informed the Board that OST has voluntarily cut its non-labor budget by 5% for 2002, in keeping with the County Manager's request from all General Fund departments. Dale reminded the Board that, at the last meeting, the Board agreed to Brian's increase in the Public Work's cost center allocation from 3% to 8%, with the understanding that there would be empirical data to support the level for the allocation for next year. Board members agreed that this is not the year to press budget issues with the County, but that they would like to see an analysis of the costs center process for next year. Concerns of paying cost centers to certain departments twice (i.e., directly to administration, then again as a part of Public Works cost center) were highlighted. The Board reviewed the 2002 Proposed Budget Detail presented in the packet with staff. It was noted that the cost center for insurance went up due to rising insurance costs and that the costs center from the Manager's Office increased almost three fold. Staff suggested that this reflects Hilary's increased supervisory role for Dale, but will confirm for the Board. It was also noted that the attorney's costs will be tracked on a timesheet basis for the next year, as with public works employees. Temple reviewed the items in the 2002 Proposed Capital Improvement Projects memo. She explained that the two numbers were for concrete versus asphalt for the Owl Creek Trail, but that neither included the additional costs of adding a soft surface. John requested user counts, if any exist for the trail. The Board and staff discussed the pros and cons of the different surfaces, noting especially, complications in the wetlands area. Board members agreed that either surface should be regarded as an "improvement" not just maintenance. Temple pointed out that there are several issues relating to this trail, other than what surface it should have. These issues include: determining the level of use; researching the possibility ofre-aligning the switchbacks; resolving an encroachment issue (facing the I General Fund); additional costs for a soft surface. Temple suggested that the Board wait on this project . until these issues can be better addressed. The Board agreed. Jaffee Park is slated for paving of the parking lot next year. Temple explained that the price reflects using a recycled asphalt. She added that paving is recommended because ofthe high demand for maintenance with the current dirt parking lot. In response to Board inquiry, she stated that the lot would drain into a retention pond, not the river. The Board approved this project as an improvement. . . The North Star observation deck already has interpretive signs produced for it. The cost of these signs was about $12,000, equal to the grant from GOCO for the project. Next year's proposed budget will cover the 1041 review process and construction of an observation deck for wildlife viewing, that will house these interpretive signs. The Board approved this project as an improvement. The Board and staff discussed necessary repairs and upgrades to the bridge accessing the Hot Springs Ranch. Currently, the County's legal access to this property is over a bridge on Dr. Johnson's property. This bridge was evaluated by the County engineer, who determined that the necessary upgrades for accommodating County maintenance vehicles would be as much as $30,000, because of the condition ofthe pilings below the decking. This upgrade is only considering the County's maintenance needs, not additional use by the public. Alternative access options for the property were discussed at length. Dale requested that the Board approve this expenditure as an improvement, with the caveat that he will explore access alternatives. The Board approved the proposed budgeted amount. Bill emphasized the need to explore alternatives. Temple explained to the Board that the currently, OST is paying a large sum for the upkeep of the restroom at Redstone Park. This is because the businesses at Redstone will not let tourists use their bathrooms. Temple noted that, in the winter, when the County does not provide maintenance for the restrooms, the town maintains them. The current facilities are inadequate and need to be upgraded. Temple proposed that the County pay for constructing new facilities that are ADA compliant, heated and are adequate for the level of use they receive, in exchange for the Town assuming year-round management of the restrooms. Temple said that if Redstone does not agree to maintain the facility, then the County should close them. Dale noted that there are several issues in the Redstone area which need to be looked at and may require a formal agreement. Rick noted that the program needs to provide adequate facilities for its public properties. John felt this issue should be addressed on a case- by-case basis. The Board approved the project as an improvement with the stipulation that Redstone assume the maintenance responsibilities, and asked Temple to come back to the Board with the agreement reached with Redstone before authorizing the project. Temple informed the Board that the Brush Creek Trail received 1041 approval for the entire trail, including those properties for which the County does not yet have trail easements. The plan was submitted with those properties by permission of the landowners. She noted that it still needs administrative approval for the tie-in at the intercept lot. It was noted that Snowmass Village is pressing to build the trail on these easements that currently exist. Dale informed the Board that there is a topographical difficulty at the upper end, explaining that where the existing easement ends at Seven Star, there is a 50 foot or so drop from the Brush Creek Road ROW to where the existing trail easement ends. Steps would be required to continue the trail on the County road ROW. John stated that he would rather see this trail done right than done piecemeal. The Board agreed that this trail is of 2 the highest priority and directed staff to work diligently towards acquiring the missing easements or . developing an alternative alignment that will be acceptable. The Board approved the construction of Phase Three of the East of Aspen Trail. Tom expressed concern over the safety of the little bridges. It was noted that the trail can be improved in the future. Temple informed the Board that the Aspen Mass Trail has been surveyed and suggested that it could be relocated where it crosses the existing residence so that it does not pass so close to the front of the house. The Board and staff discussed ifthe trail should be asphalt or soft surface, noting that it would be a commuter trail. Temple estimated that the cost would be $125,000 ifit was paved. The Board authorized the asphalted alternative at $125,000. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board voted unanimously to move into Executive Session at II :45 a.m., in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4)(a) and (b), for the purpose of discussing acquisitions. The Board adjourned Executive Session at 12:00 p.m. REGULAR SESSION (Continued) BOARD COMMENTS . Brackett Property Rick made a motion to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners the expenditure of $300,000 for the purchase of the 45 acre Brackett parcel, or alternatively, the rezoning ofthe property to Rural and Remote and the certification of a TDR to be retained by Brackett, with a purchase of the remaining property for $100,000. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Hot Springs House Parcel Hawk made a motion recommending to the Board of County Commissioners approval ofthe sale of the Hot Springs Ranch House parcel, owned by The Conservation Fund, for the offered amount of $950,000. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. ADJOURN The OSTB meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:05 p.m. Approved Attest ~~? Hawk Greenway, Chai/ . 3