Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.min.retreat.01222007 Minutes OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Board Retreat, January 22, 2007 Windstar Conservancy Conference Room 2317 Snowmass Creek Road, Snowmass 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Open Space Board Members Present: Tim McFlynn, Jesse Boyce, Anne Rickenbaugh, Franz Froelicher, Hawk Greenway Others Present: Dale Will, Kathleen O'Brien, Keith Berglund, Barb D' Autrechy, Gary Tennenbaum, John Ely (Cty Attorney), Larry Fite (Cty Assessor), Shannon Meyer (A VL T), Martha Cochran (A VL T), Gary Suiter (Facilitator), Cindy Houben (Cty Planner), Bill Fales (Past Boardmember) Retreat Starts at 9: 15 a.m. Introduction Gary Suiter introduced himself to the OSTB and staff, key issues were then drafted into a plan for the day's agenda. Key Issues: 1. Transaction Protocols (guidance, materials) 2. Level of Involvement wi Community Development 3. Acquisition Strategies (Conservation Easements vs. Fee Simple) 4. Stewardship (Commercial Use, Environmental Education) 5. Operational (Attendance, Technology, Meeting Schedule) Transaction Protocols Guests Present: John Ely, Martha Cochran, Shannon Meyer Discussed the need for a checklist for landowner meetings and A VL T checklists were shown as an example. OSTB agreed that there would need to be a disclaimer at the bottom of the checklist since not all portions of the checklist would be applicable to each transaction. OSTB directed OST staff to draft a Landowner checklist. OSTB asked to have some type of feedback mechanism regarding individual transactions; staffwill devise an evaluation form for donors. In addition, it was agreed upon to provide information on where to get help on legal and accounting issues regarding conservation easements by providing a list of qualified professionals. Shannon and Martha have an existing list they formulated through an evaluation process and OST staff will integrate this list into the landowner checklist. A VL T agreed to do a local workshop on accounting and legal aspects of easements. The subject of when to walk away from a deal was raised and it was agreed that there will be times when it will be necessary to walk away from a conservation easement and it will be important to keep good relations with the landowners. Acquisition Strategies Guests Present: John Ely, Martha Cochran, Shannon Meyer, Bill Fales, Larry File, Cindy Houben The Home Rule Charter was discussed and the purposes of acquisitions were reviewed: scenic lands, habitat value, agricultural, recreation. When and where appropriate public access and or trails should be allowed and deeded by landowners. Real Estate and Appraisal evaluations were discussed; concerns were voiced that with the increased values in the real estate market basic OST funds will not stretch very far but for a few large acquisitions. John reminded the OSTB that they can always bring an option to the voters if something comes up that is a prime acquisition for the community and funds do not allow; Smuggler was used as an example of a prime acquisition for the community. TDRs were touched upon but not in depth because a TDR workshop is forthcoming with the OSTB and Cindy Houben. It was suggested not to overuse the TDRs as to devalue them as a commodity. Gaps in the current acquisition strategy were addressed and additions were identified: . Smaller Parcels · Community Buffering · Public Access Balanced wi Other Categories · Geopolitical Boundaries . Wildlife Corridor Gaps 12:00-1 :30 Lunch and Walking History of Wind star Level of Involvement wi Community Development Guests Present: John Ely, Cindy Houben OSTB directed OST staff to develop a policy for referrals with Community Development. The key roles of OST in relation to Community Development were cited as: 1. Referral Agency 2. Coordinated Efforts To Preserve Open Space 3. Redrafting Code Stewardship Guests Present: John Ely, Cindy Houben Commercial Use permits were discussed and specific impacts to OST lands were referenced such as impacts from fishing guides on Airport Ranch; 40 bandit trails along the riparian corridor documented by Gary T. OSTB directed staff to draft a policy and submit at a future board meeting. Currently these types of Use Permits are routed through Community Development but they do not have the staff to handle the quantity of permits which would come with this change in policy. Operational Issues Dale and the OSTB discussed meeting schedules and the increased time commitment involved for the voluntary OSTB Board. OSTB meetings will be held throughout the valley to accommodate a more diverse public meeting schedule as well as down valley board members, meetings will be shorten from the unanticipated 4 hours to 2-21/2 hours as to be considerate of the OSTB's time. OSTB will make a more concerted effort informing staff on whether or not they can make the bi-monthly meeting. The most critical OST information will be discussed at the beginning of each meeting so that meetings can end on time, however if there are public comments they will be discussed prior to the critical items as to respect the public's time. Retreat Adjourned at 5:20 p.m.