HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20130416
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 16, 2013
4:00 PM, City Council Chambers
MEETING AGENDA
I. Environmental Health - meeting in EH Department
II. Science Fair Funding
III. Bike Trails Connectivity
IV. Galena Plaza Design Review
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CITY OF ASPEN
2013 GRANT APPLICATION
OUT OF CYCLE REQUEST
Agency/Program
Description
(check one):
Amount
(fill in):Funds requested are to be used specifically for
Arts $
Community Non-Profit $5,000 Aspen Science Festival and Science Street Fair
Other $
DID YOU RECEIVE ANY GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED IN THE PRIOR YEAR? NO
PITKIN COUNTY $ 0
CITY OF ASPEN $ 0
THIS WAS WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CASH INCOME? 0% TO DATE THIS YEAR
IN KIND REQUEST: PLEASE COMPLETE THE IN KIND FUNDING AMOUNT BELOW IF YOU SEEKING NOT CASH TO YOU,
BUT AN IN KIND CONTRIBUTION (I.E. SUBSIDIZED RENT, LANDSCAPING, UTILITIES, FEE WAIVERS, ETC.).
IN KIND FUNDING FROM CITY OF ASPEN: $ 200
DESCRIPTION:
In addition to the Cash contribution requested, ASC requests in-Kind funding for parking by exhibitors
on Garmish St. and the closing of Hopkins St. from Aspen St. to Garmish St. for a kids’ solar car race.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In 25 words or less, explain what your grant request will accomplish.
The 2013 Festival to be 50% larger than in 2012, requiring more tent and other rentals and more
temporary paid help. Some of the 2013 participants have requested housing assistance. The requested
funds will defray some of these additional costs.
Organization Name: Aspen Science Center
Tax ID #: 84-167761 Year Founded: 2005
Address: PO Box 4669, Aspen Co 81612
Phone: 970 379 0360 Fax: ___________________________________
Contact Person: Mike Simmons Phone: 970 390 5438
Email: mikesimmons@aspensciencecenter.org
Executive Director: Jackie Francis
Email: Jfrancis@aspensciencecenter.org
Chair Signature Date 04/10/13
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I acknowledge that there is an annual Grant application process available to arts and non-profit
groups and that I will use this process in all subsequent requests for funding. The 2013 cycle begins
with applications available in May 2012, with applications being due by August 1, 2012. Funding
decisions are part of the City’s budget development process and money will be available in 2013 as
the fiscal year begins on Jan. 1, 2013.
The information is available on-line at http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Departments/Grants/ or you can
contact:
Sheila Babbie, City of Aspen Finance Department
130 South Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611, Phone: 970-920-5040
Deadline is August 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.
_________________________________ 04/10/13
Applicant Signature Date
Please note that all information provided in your grant application
becomes part of the public record.
EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE REQUESTING FUNDING FROM THE CITY COUNCIL OUT OF THE
REGULAR GRANT APPLICATION CYCLE:
Until a few months ago, ASC was run entirely by a volunteer Board which was simply
unaware of the City funding cycle and deadlines.
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Background Information
a)Mission Statement:
The Aspen Science Center mission is to increase the public understanding of science,
improve informal science education, and convey to children and the adults who nurture
them the excitement of science.
b)Brief summary of organization’s history.
•Year the organization was founded: 2005
•Why the organization was founded:
ASC was founded to increase the public understanding of science and to
improve informal science education
•Who founded the organization:
Andre Ruckenstein, George Stranahan, and Kevin Ward
c)Percentage of your patrons that are Pitkin County residents and/or workers: 80% (estimate)
d)Staff:
1)How many paid full-time equivalents do you have on staff? 0.5
2)How many volunteers/non-paid workers do you have on staff? 2
Explain, if necessary:
Mike Simmons (Chair) and Steve Pinsky(President) each work about ⅓ time on
the ASC programs. Other volunteer Board members contribute smaller amounts
of time.
e)Donors:
1)How many total donors do you have? 6
2)How many donors renew each year? 80%
Is the number of renewals going up or down? ( ) Up ( ) Down Unchanged
ASC is actively recruiting new donors in 2013
f)Describe activities that are distinctive to your organization (i.e. program performance, volunteer
involvement, in-kind donations, etc.).
ASC is the only organization in the valley that offers in the summer interactive, hands-
on educational activities for local kids concentrated in the physical sciences (including
particle physics, condensed matter physics, biophysics, and astrophysics). Calling on
volunteer research scientists associated with the Aspen Center for Physics, ASC offers
direct contact with working research scientists. The Science Festival and Street Fair
brings in demonstrations by nationally known professional educators, adds interactive
presentations in biology, archeology, and other fields, and also offers a few local
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science students the chance to show off their accomplishments. Most of the presenters
in all these activities are volunteers who offer their services for free.
g)Describe your organization’s community partnerships and collaborations.
Since its founding ASC has collaborated extensively with Aspen Center for Physics,
which furnishes volunteer scientists as speakers at winter cafés and summer events
and hosts summer events on its campus. Kitty Boone (Aspen Institute) has joined the
ASC Board and the 2013 “Stargazer” event will be a joint activity on Aspen Mountain
(with the cooperation of Aspen Skiing Co.) In 2012 Spellbinders sent 4 volunteers to join
4 scientists telling stories and answering questions at the “Stargazer” event; at the 2013
event 8 volunteer story tellers and 8 scientists will do so participate. Alan Fletcher
(Aspen Music Festival and School) has joined the ASC Board and we are actively
discussing a joint event on music and science. ASC is in discussions with ACES,
Anderson Ranch, and the Buddy Program about collaborations. A scientist on the ASC
Board resides in Aspen’s sister city Bariloche, Argentina and ASC is in active
discussions with the sister city staffs in Aspen and Bariloche about a cooperative family
science program coupled with the annual student exchanges. A number of local
organizations will participate in the Science Festival including ACES, Solar Energy
International (Solar in the Schools), and local science students. ASC founded the HS(2)
summer science program for gifted disadvantaged high school students; this program
is now operated by Colorado Rocky Mountain School. ASC cooperates with CRMS on
this program, HS(2) students attend the summer ASC programs, and ASC will hold a
science BBQ on the CRMS campus in the summer of 2013.
Purpose of your Request:
a)If you received a grant from the City of Aspen last year, how was the money used?
N/A
b)Is this a single year request or are you looking for a multi-year commitment from the City?
This is a single-year request. If ASC applies for City of Aspen support in the future it will
be through the regular annual Grant Application process.
c)What programs or services will this money support? Describe your program or project—who,
what, where, when, and how.
ASC plans to host a Science Festival and Street Fair for kids in Paepcke Park on August
11, 2013 with continuous on-stage science-based performances by professionals.
Scattered around the Park will be more than two dozen interactive science exhibits that
will engage kids in experiencing some aspects of real science. Among the participants
will be CalTech LIGO Project, Colorado State University, University of Colorado, Denver
Museum of Natural History, Family Science and Engineering Foundation, Rocky
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Mountain Biological Laboratory, Solar in the Schools, Aspen Center for Environmental
Studies, Crow Canyon Archeology Center, and the ASC “Physics Petting Zoo.” Some
local students will participate to exhibit their robotics projects and solar-powered race
cars. ASC will supply audio-visual support, tented exhibit areas with electrical power
and other features as needed, and local science students as assistants as needed.
Many exhibitors participate at their own expense but if necessary to engage high-quality
exhibits ASC will provide limited assistance with travel, local housing, shipping costs of
materials, etc. Based on 2012 attendance, we expect more than 1000 kids and parents to
attend. The entire program is free to attendees and exhibitors.
d)Explain why you need financial support from the City of Aspen and/or Pitkin County. What will
you do if you don’t receive funding?
ASC is working to raise additional support for this Festival. So far, less than half the
expected need is in hand. Without City of Aspen support for the Festival our ability to
advertise it widely and to support participating exhibits will be limited. The
consequence would include less community outreach and less participation by
exhibitors with limited travel funds.
e)How will you use your grant to leverage support from other funding sources?
Support from the City will be evidence that local government recognizes the value of the
Festival in broadening the understanding of local kids in science; this evidence will be
actively used to convince local private donors that the community values the program.
Needs Assessment:
a)What community need does your program or services fill? How do you determine this need?
Based on anecdotal accounts this Festival supplies a unique set of experiences that are
otherwise unavailable and fill a substantial need for conveying to local kids the
excitement of science. In 2012 Paepcke Park was filled all day long and many families
were reluctant to leave the exhibits. Many have asked if the event will be repeated in
2013. See also the discussion below under Emerging Issues.
b)Describe the benefit(s) of your program or services to the people in the community who are not
directly involved in your program or services.
It is difficult to see how families that do not attend will benefit. A major portion of the
expenses in 2012 was devoted to aggressive advertising to try to assure that the family
of any interested child was aware of the opportunity. With City support ASC will
increase this effort in 2013.
c)What does your future ability to continue this event without city funding look like?
ASC will use the success of this event to attract future support from private individuals
and foundations. We cannot be sure how successful this will be, but support from the
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City of Aspen will help to convince potential donors that the community values the
program.
Emerging Issues
a)What are the emerging issues and trends affecting your program’s performance, clients, and/or
your ability to deliver services?
Over the past decade, increased attention has been given to the need for greater public
awareness, understanding, and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education. The world-wide shortage of STEM-skilled individuals
will clearly threaten future scientific and technological advances, limit sustainable
economic development and growth, and prevent the world from finding solutions to
many of the large-scale challenges we face in energy, food, climate change, and the
environment for decades to come unless more young people can be encouraged to
consider science and engineering careers, and more citizens see STEM education as an
essential component of basic education, economic sustainability, and modern
citizenship. Efforts are needed to prepare and inspire diverse students to pursue STEM-
related careers. Often pre-college students have not been introduced to STEM topics in
a way that attracts them to these fields of study or future careers. Research shows that
parents play an important role in developing their children’s career interests by
providing support, guidance, career and educational suggestions, and life experiences
that support career development. Therefore, a child’s early years are an ideal time for
engaging parents and their children together in informal science and engineering
education programs.
ASC plans to address this need for children in the Roaring Fork Valley, and visitors, by
providing an increasing array of informal science education programs. For this to
succeed, we need additional dedicated space available year round. In particular, ASC is
proposing to lease the building to be vacated by the Aspen Art Museum and to install a
continually changing series of high-quality, professionally-produced, interactive
exhibits that will be available to families every day and will engage children in exciting
experiences that will introduce them to many different STEM fields.
Finance Information
a)Fiscal Year is January 1 to December 31
b)Do you receive any In Kind contributions from the City of Aspen? ( ) Yes ( x) No
Type of In Kind None to date, although this application also requests modest in-kind
support in the form of cancelled parking charges and street closure charges.
c)What is your Board’s policy regarding your operating reserve/fund balance?
ASC tries to keep a six-month reserve in its operating account.
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d)Has your organization had a deficit budget within the last 3 years? If so, how did you fund the
deficit? What plans have you made to eliminate future deficits? Were you successful?
About $6000 in 2012, funded from reserves. ASC is increasing fund-raising efforts among
private donors in the area, including introducing a “national council” type program called
the ASC Science Council. We are inviting local supporters to join with each other to
support ASC programs with annual contributions. We have commitments from several
members and will build this group into a significant source of annual income. We are also
contacting foundations interested in science education.
e)Does your organization have a fund balance/reserve that is equal to or greater than 6 months
of operating cost? If so, how do you plan to use this reserve?
At the moment ASC has a reserve slightly greater than planned spending for the coming
six months. We have received 2013 contributions equal to about 50% of the 2013 budget. If
current fund-raising falls short of the 2013 budget we will use our reserves to fund our
summer program. We are planning a significant increase in our programs in late 2013 and
2014; the level depends on fund-raising success but existing reserves will be used as seed
money to begin this work.
f)Have you had any adverse audit findings by any regulatory or funding agency in the last 12
months?
x None
Yes - Please explain
Area Funding History: Please complete the following chart:
We have changed the chart below to add the current year, 2013.
ASC received no funding from local government sources during the years 2009-2012.
For 2013 our only request is this Special Request
Year:Actual
2009
Actual
2010
Actual
2011
Actual
2012
Proposed
2013
% Of Total
Budget for
2013
City Special Request 0 0 0 0 5,000
Pitkin County 0 0 0 0 0 0
City of Aspen 0 0 0 0 0 0
County Emergency or
Special Funding
0 0 0 0 0 0
Town of Snowmass
Village
0 0 0 0 0 0
Other
____________
0 0 0 0 0 0
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEETFINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEET
Name of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science CenterName of Organization: The Aspen Science Center
Last YearLast YearLast YearLast YearLast YearLast YearLast YearLast Year
Current
Year Next YearNext Year
ActualActualActual BudgetBudgetBudget Budget
REVENUES
Admission Fees
Advertising Fees
Grants (non-govt) 52,08052,08052,080 50,00050,00050,000 60,000
Grants (govt)
All Other Revenues 2,5222,5222,522 1,0001,0001,000 30,000
TOTAL REVENUES 54,60254,60254,602 51,00051,00051,000 90,000
EXPENSES
Office & Occupancy Expense 512512512 4,0004,0004,000 4000
Payroll & Related Expense
Marketing & Fundraising
Expense
0
2,054
0
2,054
0
2,054
0
4,000
0
4,000
0
4,000 28000
Program Expenses 77,03277,03277,032 36,50036,50036,500 58000
All Other Expenses 5,9915,9915,991 5,0005,0005,000
TOTAL EXPENSES 85,58985,58985,589 49,50049,50049,500 90000
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues
Over Expenses -30,987-30,987-30,987 1,5001,5001,500 0
NB: The budget for next year (2014) will not be prepared and submitted to the Board until or annual meeting
in August, 2013
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BALANCE SHEET
Current Assets 75258 113544
Fixed Assets 1605 1605
Other Assets
TOTAL ASSETS 75258 115149
Current Liabilities
Other Liabilities
Equity 76863 115149
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 76863 115149
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CHECKLIST
Be sure to attach the following Appendices to this completed grant application. Insert this
checklist page, with all items checked, in front of your Appendices in your grant proposal.
Please continue to number all pages in your grant proposal, including the Appendices.
All Appendices are Required
Appendix A: A current list of your Board of Directors, members and officers, including
addresses and telephone numbers.
Aspen Science Center Board of Directors
Kitty Boone [970-544-7940]: Vice President, Public Affairs, Aspen Institute; former Vice President,
Marketing and Sales, Aspen Skiing Co.
Dr. Ilan Chabay [49-171-563-8381 (Germany)]; Professor and Senior Fellow at the Institute of
Advanced Sustainability Studies in Potsdam, Germany and at the University of Stuttgart Department
of Sociology; former Associate Director, Exploratorium, San Francisco
Michael Fain [970-925-5740]; founder and former President, Alphametrics, Ltd.; Mechanical and
Optical Engineer, various aerospace companies; member, University of Chicago Physical Sciences
Visiting Committee; novelist
Alan Fletcher [970-205-5011]; President and CEO, Aspen Music Festival and School; former
Professor and Head, School of Music, Carnegie Mellon University; former Dean, Provost, and Senior
Vice President, New England Conservatory of Music; award winning composer
Dr. Joshua Frieman [847-274-0429]; Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, and member of Kavli
Institute for Cosmological Physics, University of Chicago; senior staff member, Theoretical
Astrophysics, Fermilab; Trustee, Aspen Center for Physics
Dr. Karen Hallberg [54-294-444-5172]; Head of Condensed Matter Physics, Instituto Balseiro, and
Staff Researcher, Bariloche Atomic Center, Bariloche, Argentina; former Council Member, Pugwash
Conferences for Science and World Affairs.
David Heil [503.789.3440; President, David Heil & Associates; Former Director of Informal Science
Education, National Science Teachers Association; former Associate Director, Oregon Museum of
Science & Industry; award winning science educator, lecturer, and author.
Dr. Stephen Pinsky [614-284-8482]: ASC President and Treasurer; Professor Emeritus of Physics,
Ohio State University; Honorary Member and former Treasurer, Aspen Center for Physics; member of
the Science Board, Nanotune Corp.
Dr. Andrei Ruckenstein [617-353-2595]: Aspen Science Center Co-founder and Executive Committee
member; Associate Provost & Vice President for Research and Professor of Physics at Boston
University; past President, Aspen Center for Physics;.
Dr. L. M. Simmons, Jr. [970-390-5438]: Aspen Science Center Chair and Secretary; Honorary Trustee
and former President, Aspen Center for Physics; former Vice President, Academic Affairs, Santa Fe
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Institute; former Deputy Associate Director, Physics and Mathematics, Los Alamos National
Laboratory.
Dr. George Stranahan [970-274-8984]: Co-founder and current Vice President, Aspen Center for
Physics; founder, Aspen Community School; Aspen Science Center Founding Chairman, past
President, and Executive Committee member; Founder, Manaus Fund.
Executive Director
Jacquelyn Francis [970-456-2054]: former Chief Operations Officer, Aspen Strategy Center; former
project coordinator, Critical Path Energy Project and Global GreenPrint Summit, Aspen Science
Center; founder or co-founder of American Renewable Energy Day, Aspen EcoFest, Actions Speak
Louder, and Aspen’s Earth Day Celebration.
Appendix B: A current list of Staff members.
NONE
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Appendix C: IRS Determination Letter indicating tax-exempt status.
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Appendix D: A list of all Major Contributors with amounts contributed to organization for 2011
and 2012 year-to-date. (A Major Contributor is defined as an individual or household
contributing greater than $10,000, or greater than 5% of total annual contributions).
The Aspen Science Center underwent a major reorganization midway through 2011 in
which large policy-oriented projects were dropped from the program, which returned to
the original mission of fostering public understanding of science and improving
informal science education.
Major Contributors
Name 2011 2012 2013 to date
DeWolf Foundation $25,000 $35,000
Aspen Center for Physics 15,640
May Family Foundation 5,000 5,000
Nestle Water N. A.81,984
Calpine 100,000
Energy Foundation 30,000
Appendix E: Special Project request only⎯List of Major Contributors with amounts for the
Special Project Budget. (A Major Contributor is defined as an individual or household
contributing greater than $10,000, or greater than 5% of the total special project budget).
N/A
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Appendix F: Annual Actual-to-Budget comparisons for fiscal year-end in 2011 and 2012.
Revenue & Expense Statement for 2011
Revenue Budget Actual
Foundation & Individual
Contributions
Project Contracts
Nestlé Waters Contract
Calpine contract
Energy Foundation
Total Contracts
Other
Miscellaneous
Total Revenue
Expenses
Printing & Reproduction
Office Operations
Professional Fees
Telephone
Operating Contract
Project Contracts
Project Travel
Education Operations
Development
Miscellaneous
Depreciation
Total Expenses
Net Income (Loss)
$10,000 $8,360
$81,984
$100,000
$30,000
$250,000 $211,984
$1,000 $932
$2,000 $2,467
$263,000 $223,743
$1,000 $1,062
$3,000 $3,002
$2,000 $2,214
$5,000 $5,132
$150,000 $141,077
$135,000 $153,951
$8,000 $8,886
$15,000 $14,063
$4,000 $4,296
$15,000 $4,028
$3,000 $3,121
$341,000 $340,832
-$78,000 -$117,089
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NB: ASC carried over very substantial funds from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to
2012 to allow projects begun in previous years to be completed. Thus, results from 2011
and 2012 are not indicative of the future programs of ASC.
Revenue & Expense Statement for 2012
Revenue Budget Actual
Foundation & Individual
Contributions
Other
Total Revenue
Expenses
Printing & Reproduction
Office Operations
Professional Fees
Education Operations
Development
Contractors
Miscellaneous
Total Expenses
Net Income (Loss)
$50,000 $52,080
$1,000 $2,522
$51,000 $54,602
$1,000 $337
$3,000 $176
$2,000 $3,249
$18,000 $49,151
$4,000 $2,054
$18,500 $27,881
$3,000 $2,742
$49,500 $85,589
$1,500 -$30,987
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Appendix G: Annual Actual Balance Sheet for fiscal year-end in 2011 and 2012
Dec 31, '11
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings 106,245.46
Other Current Assets 5,179.52
Total Current Assets 111,424.98
Fixed Assets 8,838.49
TOTAL ASSETS 120,263.47
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities -5,697.69
Total Current Liabilities -5,697.69
Total Liabilities -5,697.69
Equity 125,961.16
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQ...120,263.47
Aspen Science Center
06/25/12 Balance Sheet Summary
As of December 31, 2011
Page 1
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Aspen Science Center
Balance Sheet 12/18/12
As of December 18, 2012
Dec 18, '12
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Alpine Checking 86,271.96
Total Checking/Savings 86,271.96
Total Other Current
Assets -119.53
Total Current Assets 86,152.43
Fixed Assets
Accumulated
Depreciation -20,524.00
Machines & Equipment 22,129.49
Total Fixed Assets 1,605.49
TOTAL ASSETS 87,757.92
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Equity
Fund Balance 107,850.95
Net Income -20,093.03
Total Equity 87,757.92
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 87,757.92
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Appendix H: Current Year-to-Date Actual-to-Budget comparison and balance sheet.
2013 YTD Revenue & Expenses
Revenue Budget Actual
Total
Revenue
Expenses
Total
Expenses
Net
Income
(Loss)
Individual
Contributions
$15,000.00
Foundation
Grants
$60,000.00 $42,250.00
Other $5,000.00 $0.86
$80,000.00 $42,250.86
Advertising $4,000.00 $360.00
Printing &
Reproduction
$2,000.00 $69.10
Development $2,000.00 $85.59
Miscellaneous $1,000.00 $233.17
Education
Programs
$58,000.00 $217.37
Program staff $28,000.00 $3,000.00
$95,000.00 $3,965.23
-$15,000.00 $38,285.63
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Aspen Science Center Balance Sheet Summary Aspen Science Center Balance Sheet Summary Aspen Science Center Balance Sheet Summary
As of March 21, 2013 As of March 21, 2013
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings $120,044.78
Other -$6,500.75
Total Current
Assets
$113,544.03
Fixed Assets $1,605.49
TOTAL ASSETS $115,149.52
LIABILITIES &
EQUITY
Equity $115,149.52
TOTAL LIABILITIES
& EQUITY
$115,149.52
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Appendix I: Projected Organizational Budget for 2013 showing revenues and expenses.
See Appendix H above.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM : Tyler A. Christoff, P.E., Senior Project Manager
THRU: Trish Aragon, P.E., City Engineer
DATE OF MEMO: April 9th 2013
MEETING DATE: April 16th 2013
RE: Bicycle Infrastructure Implementation – Council Top Ten Goal
__________________
SUMMARY: Staff seeks Council input regarding bicyclist facility and safety design alternatives
for the City. Staff proposes an initial implementation of bicycle facilities on Aspen Street,
Durant Avenue, Galena Street, Hopkins Avenue, and Original Street.
BACKGROUND:
City Council identified bicycle and pedestrian safety as one of 2012-2013’s top ten goals.
The language of the goal states: “develop and present a conceptual pedestrian and bicycle
priority master plan including phased improvements that can be implemented over the next five
years.”
In an effort to promote alternative forms of transportation, improve bicycle safety and encourage
use of bicycles for commuting and recreation staff has developed a bicycle facility feasibility
plan. This planning effort has built upon the routes identified in the updated 1991 Aspen Bicycle
Master Plan. Using guidance from the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the
Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), staff has identified the bicycle facilities
that can be implemented on Aspen’s streets.
City Staff has presented this plan to both the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Team and the Trails
and Open Space board for comment. Both groups encouraged staff to move forward with the
concept. At the Open Space and Trails meeting held on March 7, 2013 staff presented a plan for
an initial phase for striping city streets to better identify bicycle friendly routes. The Board
discussed the importance of the striping plan as a means to better define bicycle routes and
educate motorists on the concept of “sharing the road.” The Open Space and Trails Board made a
motion to:
“Support the 2013 striping plan, supporting a multi-phase project which also supported
recommendations identified by the League of American Bicyclist Bike Friendly
Community Program.”
The motion passed unanimously.
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The League of American Bicyclists has designated Aspen as a Bicycle Friendly Community at
the Silver level, because Aspen exhibits a strong commitment to cycling. The reviewers felt that
Aspen should:
“Continue to expand the bike network and increase network connectivity through the use
of bike lanes, bike tracks, shared lane arrows, signed routes and bicycle cut-throughs.”
Since arterial and collector roads are the backbone of every transportation network, it is
essential to increase the number of bike lanes and bike specific signage along these roads
to allow bicyclists of all skill levels to reach their destinations quickly and safely.”
Based on strong recommendations and endorsements by these groups staff advises a phased
approach to bicycle facilities in Aspen as outlined below.
During the March 19th worksession, Council directed staff to address various connectivity
concerns and expand the overall scope of the striping project. These updates address ease of use,
connections between facilities, and current high use corridors. Details of these items are outlined
in this memo.
DISCUSSION:
Based on study of Aspen’s current streets, nationally accepted engineering practices, and current
bicycling corridors through the City, staff would recommend a phased implementation of bicycle
facilities. Staff recommends that an initial phase of bicycle treatments be installed in 2013.
After installation staff will evaluate usage, accident data and overall public response to these new
features. Proposed bicycle facilities are outlined in (EXHIBIT A) and discussed below.
Based on current roadway configurations staff would recommend three distinct types of Bicycle
treatments (Shown in EXHIBIT B):
1. PROPOSED SHARROW INSTALLATION:
Hopkins Avenue (Cleveland Street/River – 7th Street)
Currently multiple blocks of Hopkins Avenue serve as a “Pedestrian Bikeway”.
Although this facility is well used, the Eastern and Western segments lack connectivity
through the heavily travelled downtown core. Due to limited lane width in the core area,
staff proposes Sharrows that allow cyclists and motorists to share a lane. Sharrows
permit a less formal riding lane and allow cyclists to avoid vehicles backing from
diagonal parking area.
Durant Ave (Original Street to Aspen Street)
Durant was identified by our 1991 Bicycle Master planning process as a secondary
bikeway route. Additionally staff has found high cyclist counts at Durant’s intersections.
Due to the high usage and limited lane width staff proposes Sharrows that allow cyclists
and motorists to share a lane. Sharrows permit a less formal riding lane and allow
cyclists to avoid vehicles backing from diagonal parking area.
P24
III.
Rio Grande Place (Main Street to Mill Street)
Rio Grande Place was identified by City Council members as an important cyclist link
during a March 19th 2013 worksession. This link creates connection for cyclists using
either the Original Street or Mill Street bike lanes. Due to the high usage and limited lane
width staff proposes Sharrows that allow cyclists and motorists to share a lane. Sharrows
permit a less formal riding lane.
Aspen Street (Main Street to Hallam Street)
This section of Aspen Street was identified by City Council members as an important
cyclist link during a March 19th 2013 worksession. This link provides a north/south
connection across the busy Main Street corridor. The Aspen Street connection allows
users easy access to both of the City’s pedestrian bikeways. Due to the high usage and
limited lane width staff proposes Sharrows that allow cyclists and motorists to share a
lane. Sharrows permit a less formal riding lane.
3rd Street/Hyman Ave/Garmisch Street (Hopkins Avenue to Durant Avenue)
This section of Aspen Street was identified by City Council members as an important
cyclist link during a March 19th 2013 worksession. This link provides a gentler gradient
for riders connecting to the western side of the City. This connection allows users to
navigate lower volume residential roadways to access Durant Ave and the downtown
core. Due to the high usage and limited lane width staff proposes Sharrows that allow
cyclists and motorists to share a lane. Sharrows permit a less formal riding lane.
2. PROPOSED BIKELANE INSTALLATION:
Aspen Street (Durant to Main Street)
Aspen Street was identified as a North – South connection between the Hallam and
Hopkins Pedestrian Bikeways, and Durant Avenue’s proposed Sharrows. Aspen Street’s
current lane width is ideal for formalized bike lanes. Formal bike lanes provide a clear
pathway for cyclists while creating a visual separation from motorists. Bike lanes
provide users of all abilities a more comfortable riding experience.
Original Street – Rio Grande Place to Durant Avenue
Original Street was identified by our 1991 Bicycle Master planning process as a
secondary bikeway route. Connectivity between Durant Avenue and attractions on the
North side of town make Original a prime candidate to capture ridership. Original’s
current lane width is ideal for formalized bike lanes. Formal bike lanes provide a clear
pathway for cyclists while creating a visual separation from motorists. Bike lanes provide
users of all abilities a more comfortable riding experience.
3. PROPOSED CONTRAFLOW BIKELANE INSTALLTION:
Galena Street – Hopkins Avenue to Cooper
Galena Street’s one-way configuration creates a barrier to northbound bicycle traffic.
Currently many users ride against the posted flow of traffic. Staff proposes a contraflow
bikelane to capture this ridership. Galena’s current lane provides adequate width for
formalized contra flow lanes. Formal lanes provide a clear pathway for cyclists while
P25
III.
creating a visual separation from motorists. Bike lanes provide users of all abilities a
comfortable riding experience.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Funding Allocated
Bicycle Master Plan 2013 AMP $75,000
Proposed Expenditures
Bike Sharrow Installation (approx. $200 per block)
Durant Street (7 blocks) $ 1,400
Hopkins Avenue (17 blocks) $ 3,400
Rio Grande Place (4 blocks) $ 800
3rd/Hyman/Garmisch (6 blocks) $ 1,200
Aspen Street (2 blocks) $ 400
Bike Lane Installation (approx $300 per block)
Aspen Street (4 blocks) $ 1,200
Original Street (5 blocks) $ 1,500
Contra Flow Lane Installation (approx. $200 per block)
Galena Street (3 blocks) $ 600
Bicycle Facility Signage (approx. $100 per block) $ 3,700
Traffic Control for Striping Installation $ 5,000
Total Proposed Expenditures $19,200
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
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