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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.OSTB.20220217 MINUTES City of Aspen, Open Space and Trails Board Meeting Held on February 17, 2022 5:00pm at Pearl Pass Room, Aspen City Hall City OST Board Members Present: Julie Hardman, Ted Mahon, Howie Mallory, Adam McCurdy, Dan Perl City Staff Members Present: John Spiess, Matt Kuhn, Brian Long, Micah Davis Adoption of the Agenda: Howie made a motion to approve the agenda; Ted seconded and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments, for topics not on the agenda: None. Approval of the Minutes: Dan made a motion to approve the minutes; Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous. Staff Comments: John: Nordic is currently short staffed due to Ski for the Pass work and staff paternity leave. Next week’s joint meeting with Pitikin County Open Space & Trails focuses on future joint trail projects including the ABC to Brush Creek Intercept Lot Trail and the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail. Howie asked about County and City program working relations for potential discussion. Matt commented that the programs have open communication and coordination and acknowledged the nuances of the City’s transit focus and the County’s recreation focus. Dan suggested eBikes (including their use on single-track trails) as an agenda item for the joint meeting. A discussion followed in which it was suggested that eBikes could be included in the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail discussion and/or addressed in a separate joint meeting. Howie mentioned an older age class of eBike recreationalists who would like to access single track trails. Ted asked whether the Board, lacking full consensus, is ready to discuss this topic with the County. Matt suggested that Snowmass Village, Aspen Skiing Company and USFS could also be included in this discussion. Brian mentioned a 2017 effort to gather public sentiment on trail regulations; at that time the community was not in favor of eBikes on single-track trails. Adam suggested revisiting that effort prior to a joint meeting. Staff will request a joint City-County meeting to discuss eBikes in September. Brian: Trails are icy per current melt-freeze weather. Ted asked whether public feedback is coming in about ice; Brian said helpful input is being received. Howie asked about the department’s approach to winter biking and how this relates to Bike-Pedways. Brian explained that Parks reminds Streets when Bike-Pedways need attention; he will reach out to Streets on this matter. Matt: Provided an update on the Parks and Open Space naming policy which was written in 2009 but never formally adopted. The policy has been provided to Council and may be finalized within 2-4 weeks. New Business: Matt presented an overview of the Capital Budget Long Range Plan (10-year period), to be followed by another review at the March 17th Board meeting. Staff are working to balance budgeted items with staff capacity. This budget will be presented to City Council in late summer/early fall. Matt mentioned that permit preps have become more complicated and require more staff time, and that unforeseen issues come up regularly, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Projects are currently trending toward safety and asset preservation and maintenance. Matt explained the Department’s two primary funding sources: the Half-cent Sales Tax and 1% Sales Tax. Parks’ annual operating budget is $6.2 million; capital expenses average $4 million per year. Matt focused on the capital budget, including fund balance, targeted reserve, and areas in the budget where flexibility may exist. Matt provided an overview of potential capital projects including a wildlife corridor feasibility study, renovation of the downtown Mall, asphalt overlay at the recycle center, and Cozy Point Ranch improvements. Adam asked for clarification of cost arrangements between the City and Cozy Point Ranch LLC; John explained the shared profits/costs agreement; Matt commented on differences in lessees’ arrangements and rationales for site improvements that benefit overall ranch operations. Matt explained timing changes for certain projects. Phase two of Cozy Point paddock grading work will be delayed for one year due to phase one work that still needs to be completed and complex water improvements that must be explored and completed before phase two work commences toward best long-term success. Brush Creek and Cougar Creek restoration and Rio Grande turf will also be delayed. Other projects will be moved to an earlier prioritization, including the Cozy Point employee housing “Quad” project. Howie asked where the wildlife corridor would be; Matt explained it is too early to know the location. Projects face increasing costs. Staff are currently working on the spring supplemental process. Projects that need additional funding include Dolensik Gardens, Islein pickleball and tennis complex, Cozy Point Ranch riding arena, Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail, and irrigation efficiency improvements. Matt emphasized that budget numbers are not final. Parks is bringing greater focus to Cozy Point Ranch, including ranch improvements (grading and fencing), contributing $100,000 to roadway improvements to Juniper Hill Road, water and wastewater infrastructure, full shell replacement for the riding arena, boarding facility improvements, and site improvements (Quad area). Matt mentioned staff will come back to the Board for input on the solar feasibility study for the ranch. Adam commented that this seems like a lot of money for a site that receives comparatively less public use. Matt commented that visitor volume is expected to increase with the Farm Collaborative’s planned improvements and that many of these projects are deferred maintenance. John added that farm and equestrian summer camps are in great demand; incidental use is fairly low, but targeted use is very high, particularly in summer. Dan asked when there will be an opportunity to dig deeper into this topic; Matt said this will occur at next meeting. Howie asked about the property’s agricultural production in terms of generating income; this complex topic will be revisited at the next meeting. Parks constitute the largest group of projects; Matt listed projects slated for a number of City parks, explaining extent, timing, and combining of certain projects toward efficiency. Trail project costs are also increasing. Matt went over various trail projects, explaining extent, details, and projected costs. Signage is ageing; a revisit of design with subsequent overhaul and replacement of signage is due. Matt also covered facility updates and improvements and Parks office and campus improvements. Micah suggested including trail overhead lighting improvements. Matt commented that the City is conducting a review of outdoor lighting code and that Parks will be involved. Adam asked about Nordic snowmaking; Matt said $300,000 is still in the budget for this and that further planning is pending. Dan asked if there will be a chance for public input on the pickleball courts; this will happen in the next few months through Aspen Community Voice. Howie asked whether the tennis courts are being converted to pickleball courts; there will be one tennis court while the rest of the court space will be striped for pickleball. Adam asked for the budget presentation to be emailed to Board members; Matt said that slides and a simple spreadsheet will be shared for discussion purposes. Howie asked about bike-friendly town infrastructure; Brian mentioned this is incorporated in operating expenses and Matt added that Streets finances the infrastructure on roads while Parks finances it on trails. Howie asked whether Engineering has more sharrows, striping, etc. in their budget and whether their commitment is ongoing; Brian affirmed both. Board Comments: Howie: Howie asked about the status of Galena Plaza landscaping work; Matt explained that there hasn’t been an opportunity to ask for Council direction on, but it will be coming up. Dan: looking forward to a larger conversation on Cozy Point. Ted: No comments. Julie: Shared a humorous sign in Snowmass Village regarding dog waste. Adam: Asked about a “no motorized vehicles” sign at the Rio Grande Trail; this refers to cars and relates to Nordic trials etiquette signage. Next Meeting Date(s): Regular meeting March 17, 2022. Executive Session: N/A Adjourned: Ted made a motion to adjourn; Julie seconded and the vote was unanimous.