Thursday, June 22, 2006 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Loveland Library MP Room
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Present:
Open Lands Board Members:
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Brian Hayes |
Ted Swanson |
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Duane Pond |
Bill Pinkham |
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Sue Sparling |
Bill Newman |
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Jean Carpenter |
Bob Streeter |
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Peter Kast |
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Staff
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Glenn Gibson |
Kerri Rollins |
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Meegan Flenniken |
Gary Buffington |
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K-Lynn Cameron |
Charlie Johnson |
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Travis Rollins |
Laura Moore |
Absent:
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Mark DeGregorio |
Jim White |
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Ben Manvel |
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Chair, Peter Kast called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.
Duane motioned to approve the minutes of May 25, 2006. The motion was seconded by Sue with typo amendments and was unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment
BOARD COMMENT:
Bill discussed the death of David Lauer and David’s love of open space and how he gave his time for programs and missions like ours. A memorial service for him is tomorrow at 3pm at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins.
INTRODUCTION:
· Laura Moore was introduced as the new fulltime open lands ranger. Laura was hired in March as a seasonal. She previously worked for the City of Fort Collins. Gary commented that Laura had stiff competition and did an excellent interview.
INFORMATION ITEMS
· The Annual Open Lands Board and Alumni picnic was held at the Blue Sky Trail on Saturday, June 3. Ronny Bush, Linda Knowlton and Tom Miller of the Parks Task Force joined in on the event. Lori Jeffry-Clark was presented with a photo acknowledging her support of the Open Lands Program.
· The Blue Sky Trail grand opening on June 10 was hugely successful! Media coverage was great! Mountain bikers, hikers, runners and horseback riders have been smiling from ear to ear ever since. Kerri, Greg and Dave did an awesome job organizing this event. Kerri will fill you in on the event.
· The 10 year Celebration of the Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative and Open Lands Program was held at New Belgium Brewing on Friday, June 16, 2006. A good time was had by all.
· Bob Streeter, Jean Carpenter and Sue Sparling were reappointed as Open Lands Advisory Board members for a second term by the Board of County Commissioners on 6/14/06.
· The County Commissioners and OLAB toured Red Mountain Open Space on June 15 and 16 looking at possible trade options for the property.
· Spreadsheet of assumptions for making projections for long term management was briefly discussed. Staff want to review the spreadsheet with the finance committee at an early July meeting. Bill N, Bob S, Ted & Peter set the meeting for 7/10 12-2pm
DISCUSSION:
· Small Grants Program Criteria Revisions and Project Score Card. Ernst reviewed the handout which discusses the purpose and intent of the program, as well as suggested changes and a new “score card” to score applications.
Discussion ensued regarding grants for large institutions, and if they can use the dollars on their own properties or if it should be on parks and open lands properties only. It was decided the latter was best. Further discussion regarding whether it should be allowed for individuals to receive grants. It was decided that it would be left up to the grant committee on a case by case basis. More discussion regarding school projects, particularly those involving plantings, were addressed. These types of projects typically are not maintained and can be a waste of dollars. Duane recommended an additional bullet that addresses this matter. Several other organizational suggestions were made.
Glenn said the intent of the Small Grant Program is what is important. It would be impossible to monitor all projects for more than what is recommended here.
Ernst then reviewed the proposed score card. Many suggestions were made to improve the score card.
Ernst will make the suggested changes and bring it back next month for adoption. Bill P said when it is adopted it should be adopted with the condition that it be a flexible document that can be modified as needed.
Bill P also volunteered to be on the Small Grants subcommittee.
· Red Mountain Open Space vision – Meegan reviewed the handout about the management vision that has been developed so far for Red Mountain Open Space. The vision was broken
in to four areas: ecological resources, cultural resources, western heritage, and outdoor recreation.
Bob commented we need to protect riparian areas (even if the lands are transferred) and the water rights to the area, so it cannot be transferred off the property at anytime in the future. Bill P asked at what point would a wildfire be left to burn? Ernst said this criteria was really addressing prescribed fire, but it would be good to have recommendations in place for wildfires. Ted said promoting heritage tourism seems to conflict with some of the things we are trying to preserve. He thought it would also not serve well as a destination point for somebody seeking heritage tourism. Bob also suggested not polarizing old west and new west before we even begin the management plan process. It would be better to promote the multiple use ethic. Jean asked if handicapped access can be considered. Bob said this is an ideal place to have a volunteer mounted patrol to provide eyes and ears, saving staff time. He also asked that a bullet be added that would recognize future public use options and make appropriate reservations when developing deed restrictions for conservation easements on trade lands.
· Longview Farm management options – Ernst reviewed the packet handout regarding the future of Longview Farm and the fact that the current lessee no longer wishes to farm the land. Several alternatives were outlined in the document. Peter, Duane and Bob agreed that it is more feasible for us to keep it farmed as long as we can. Once it is no longer able for the property to be farmed we can restore the site to native grassland.
· Fossil Point Subdivision General Development Plan (GDP) – Ernst said the area is located on the eastern side of the reservoir. There is a proposal to develop that site, including the point that juts into the reservoir, with multi-use family dwellings and commercial buildings. The applicant hired a consultant to study the bald eagle use of the area as a winter night roost. Their final report indicated the area does not support enough bald eagles to consider a ¼-mile setback. They recommended a 640-foot setback (about 1/8-mile) which is the distance they have already planned to have their development. Glenn thought that it would likely be the City to give the final review on the plans, since the area will be annexed by then. Peter said it needs to be a consistent set back with what everybody else developing in the area had to adhere to.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Gary reviewed the on-goings of the Parks Task Force. Last 2 weeks EDAW has done several stake holder interviews in Fort Collins and Loveland. There were 4 tours with the planning group at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake, looking at campground improvements and swim beach areas. There was good participation and discussion for the tours. Next month there will be public meetings July 11 (Mountain View High School in Loveland) and July 12 (Fort Collins Senior Center). Peter, Bob and Sue should try to attend. EDAW will also present to OLAB at the July meeting.
The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Duane at 7:18. The motion was seconded by Bob and carried unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (24-6-402(4) (a)C.R.S. Purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer or sale of any real or personal property interest. Duane moved to go in to Executive Session, Ben seconded the motion.
Executive session adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
