Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.ostb.20210520 MINUTES City of Aspen, Open Space and Trails Board Meeting Held on May 20, 2021 5:00pm – Online Meeting City OST Board Members Present: Julie Hardman, Adam McCurdy, Dan Perl City Staff Members Present: John Spiess, Matt Kuhn, Michael Tunte, Austin Weiss, Jay Courtney, Micah Davis Adoption of the Agenda: Julie moved to adopt the agenda; Dan seconded and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments, for topics not on the agenda: None Approval of the Minutes: Dan moved to approve the minutes; Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous. Staff Comments: •Wildfire mitigation at Marolt Open Space: John reported that this work is complete pending touch up along Castle Creek Road. The goal of a 50% reduction in fuel load was met; photos of the work were shared. A significant amount of trash was also removed by the contractor. •Post Office Bridge replacement: this project was completed this week. •Cozy Pont Ranch grading and drainage project: Mike reported that work is on schedule. Overall goals include elimination of mud and erosion and gaining ecological benefits, notably improving water quality in Brush Creek. •OST Board Meetings: Matt reported that in-person meetings may resume in June; he will keep the Board updated. New Business: •Promotion of Dan Perl: Adam made a motion to change Dan Perl from an Alternate to a Full Board Member; Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous. •Election of Chairman of the Board: The term for this position was discussed, including Howie’s submitted suggestion that it be a one-year term for quicker turnover. Board members present decided to make the term for the newly elected Chair last through the current calendar year. Dan made a motion to nominate Adam as Chairman of the Board through January of 2022; Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous. •CDOT Roundabout Resurfacing: Jack Danneberg of Engineering presented on the design process and trail, tree, and Open Space impacts of this project in which CDOT will resurface H- 82 between the Aspen Airport and Castle Creek Bridge. A temporary detour lane for vehicular traffic will be built on part of the ABC Trail, and a temporary trail will be built to the north to provide connectivity for the affected trail section. A large number of trees surrounding the Roundabout / Kiss-and-Ride area will be removed to accommodate the project work. Coordinating with the City Forester, trees will be replaced where appropriate with Parks’ oversight. A 140 sq. ft portion the Marolt Open Space along the up-valley leg of H-82 will be impacted by the temporary detour lane, and it will be restored and revegetated after construction work is complete. The project will begin in April 2022 and trail impacts are expected to last about two months. Julie asked about communicating project information, especially about tree removal, to the public; Jack explained that Communications will handle this. Dan asked whether traffic patterns will change; Jack explained that traffic patterns will not change and that only small geometric changes will be made to improve safety and efficiency. Dan asked for clarification of the greatest impacts that may not be returned to their original state; Jack explained that removal of some of the larger cottonwood trees will result in lasting changes, and that trail impacts are expected to be minimal and temporary. Adam asked whether irrigation is already in place for tree replantings; Matt explained that irrigation is in place and will be re-worked as necessary to support trees. Adam asked how big replacement trees could be; Matt explained that it is premature to answer this and that sightlines and trails will be important considerations. Austin asked if it could be possible to overlay the compacted road base surface with crusher fines on the detour trail; Jack noted that this will be done. •Integrated Resource Plan (IRP): Steve Hunter of the Water Department provided an update on this plan that seeks to comprehensively assess future community water needs, identify/mitigate supply threats, and assess future water storage in a transparent and inclusive process. In light of recent wildfire events in other mountain communities, it is recognized that a reliable, redundant water plan is needed. This plan will be complete and peer-reviewed by mid- July 2021. The planning horizon is 50 years (2070) and Parks is a key player in the IRP. Six portfolio concepts were shown, with focus on the preferred Portfolio 6 in which includes enhanced conservation, seasonal storage, emergency storage, groundwater, and reuse in addition to current strategies. The IRP is intended to be a phased implementation that is dynamic and adaptable in addressing supply and demand gaps. Adam asked whether strategies can be co-located; Steve explained that both separate and co- location scenarios are possible. Dan asked where we stand currently with regard to emergency preparedness and existing water needs; Steve explained that the City’s water storage is essentially the snowpack which is variable year to year. Dan asked how quickly new strategies may be developed; Steve explained the hierarchy ranking of listed strategies and those that are likely to be implemented in the next 3-5 years; storage will probably be the lowest ranked strategy. Adam commented that the phased approach seems prudent and asked how long implementation may take for developing storage strategies. Steve explained that the demand gap will drive timing and siting for storage strategies. Adam asked about when identification of sites may happen; Steve described remaining process steps including geological feasibility assessments and that the list of sites will be finalized this summer. Old Business: •Herron Park: Mike reported on the playground replacement planning for Herron Park with the goal of a motion of Board support for this project. Community survey results were presented, including desire for a variety of play offerings, keeping the playground natural (ie. timber), the importance of picnic tables, and the need for restrooms. A crusher fines trail between parking/Rio Grande Trail and the playground area is included in the overall design for accessibility. The playground area footprint will be a bit larger to accommodate greater fall zones as part of current safety standards. Restrooms are not included in the current playground replacement budget, but are included in the 2022 capital budget. Play elements include a strata structure, slides, log climbers, and swings, accommodating a broad spectrum of ages (2 to 12). Plans were put out to the public for final comments; results show strong general support for the plans. Pending Board support, equipment will be ordered in May, final design drawings and permits will be done in June-July, and implementation will take place in July-September. Julie asked about the swings on the northeast part of the park; Mike said these would be eliminated to consolidate the playground area. She asked about the playground’s ground surface; Mike said that this will be an engineered wood chip material. Julie commented that pushing implementation to August-September could be advised to avoid this important playground being out of service during the heart of summer. Mike replied that only impacted areas of the park will be closed off during construction, and that weather could be an issue later in the summer/fall. Julie suggested leaving the swings near the port-a-potty in place for use during playground construction work. Dan supported not implementing shade structures, including accessibility features, and the timber design. Adam echoed the same comments and asked about accessibility in the play elements; Mike explained that one of the play elements is designed to provide accessibility. Adam asked whether the existing pull-up bar could be moved to another more appropriate park; Mike explained that it has already been replaced by two new chin-up bars at Newberry Park. Julie asked if there will be a fireman pole; Mike said that no fireman pole in the current design. Dan moved that the Open Space and Trails Board supports the Herron Park Playground preferred alternative so that staff may proceed with the implementation process. Adam seconded and the vote was unanimous. •Ute Park: Jay reported on plans for improving trail design, restoring vegetation, and reinstating new playground elements with consideration for the site’s natural aesthetics. Public comments conveyed a desire to return playground elements to the park space and a desire to keep the park and play space a natural, tranquil place. Age range for the planned timber/climbing elements is 5-12. A subtle ring of boulders is also proposed as an integrated, natural feature where visitors may sit and enjoy quiet activities. Dan asked about the trail connection to the cemetery and picnic tables; Mike explained that this trail connection is planned and that picnic tables will be included in the park space. A discussion of the boulder ring included thoughts about whether it would over-develop the park space, or whether it would have value to visitors and be and subtle enough to not negatively impact park aesthetics. Board members present decided not to include the boulder ring. Dan made a motion that the Open Space and Trails Board supports the Ute Park proposal, including restoration and reintroduction of a playground. Adam seconded and the vote was unanimous. Board Comments: Dan: None. Julie: None. Adam: None. Next Meeting Date(s): Regular meeting June 17, 2021. Executive Session: N/A Adjourned: Dan moved to adjourn; Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous.