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MINUTES
City of Aspen, Open Space and Trails Board Meeting
Held on March 18, 2021
5:00pm – Online Meeting
City OST Board Members Present: Charlie Eckart, Julie Hardman, Ted Mahon, Howie Mallory,
Adam McCurdy, Dan Perl
City Staff Members Present: Matt Kuhn, Brian Long, John Spiess, Michael Tunte, Jake Moe,
Austin Weiss, Micah Davis
Adoption of the Agenda: Adam moved to adopt the agenda; Ted seconded and the vote was unanimous.
Public Comments, for topics not on the agenda: None.
Approval of the Minutes: Ted moved to approve the minutes and Adam seconded; the vote was unanimous.
Staff Comments: • Dog waste at Molly Gibson Park: John reported that Brian observed this situation and enforcement/ranger presence is needed. • Snow removal at Park Circle: Police will manage snow removal enforcement at this site. • Rio Grande Trail: Plowing will begin tomorrow. Nordic trails are beginning to melt out and close for the season.
New Business: •Cozy Point Ranch Conservation Easement: John reported on the amendment and re-statement of the original 2013 conservation easement with Aspen Valley Land Trust to better align with the 2017 management plan. Board discussion and approval for this amendment/restatement is sought. There are two major changes: 1- Consolidate the activity envelope surrounding existing buildings together with the 12-acre envelope in the south pasture to create a single 19-acre activity envelope encompassing buildings and activity areas. 2- Change the allowance for constructing housing within the activity envelope (from one single family home up to 4,000 sq. ft. and five employee dwelling units up to 1,000 sq. ft. each) to 9,000 total square feet of residential structures.
A discussion followed on topics including allowed activities inside and outside the activity envelope, buildings that will be demolished when the Farm Center is built, considerations for agricultural operations/development, existing amenities, concerns about building allowances within the envelope, and the various documents that govern the property (leases, conservation easement, and management plan). An informal vote was taken to determine whether to continue this discussion at the April meeting: Howie was affirmative and Adam, Ted, Julie, and Dan were opposed. Adam made a motion to support the amendment and re-statement of the Cozy Point Ranch conservation easement. Ted seconded. The vote passed four to one, with Adam, Ted, Julie, Charlie and Dan affirmative, and Howie opposed.
Old Business: •Marolt Management Plan: Public and Board comments will be discussed at the April meeting. Bike park, trails, off-leash dogs, and entrance to Aspen are primary topics expressed in comments gathered so far. •Board Vacancy: John described steps toward filling the vacancy: the April meeting will be Charlie’s last meeting, Dan will become a permanent board member, the May meeting will be brought to order by Vice Chairman Howie, and a new Chairman and Vice Chairman will be elected. Applicants are currently being accepted by the City clerk’s office.
Board Comments: Julie thanked staff for responding to the snow plowing need she mentioned at the last meeting. Ted asked whether it is appropriate and/or encouraged for Board members to recruit applicants for the Board vacancy. Austin and Matt replied that this is fine for Board members to do.
Adjourned: Ted made a motion to adjourn. Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous.
Next Meeting Date(s): Special meeting April 7, 2021 at 5pm to finish review of the capital projects budget planning. Regular meeting April 15, 2021.