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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.OSB.20250320.Regular MINUTES City of Aspen, Open Space and Trails Board Meeting Held on March 20, 2025 5:00pm at East Maroon Pass Room, Aspen City Hall City OST Board Members Present: Ted Mahon, Adam McCurdy, Ann Mullins, Dan Perl, Howie Mallory City Staff Members Present: John Spiess, Austin Weiss, Shelley Braudis Adoption of the Agenda: An Executive Session discussion was added to the agenda. Ted made a motion to approve the agenda; Adam seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments, for topics not on the agenda: None. Approval of the Minutes: Adam made a motion to approve the minutes; Ann seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Staff Comments: John: The Parks office remodel is coming up. Staff will be working from offices in the Armory building after April 7 for a minimum of nine months. A portion of lower parks and two bays adjacent to office spaces are being remodeled. The Post Office Trail will be impacted by utilities work starting April 1st for four to six weeks; the trail will be fully closed. After this phase, the work will continue on the lower portion of the trail for another six weeks. Near the archery range at Cozy Point Ranch, soil is being moved and graded to create an operations area. Parks typically transitions from winter to summer duties on April 7th. Seasonal staff begin work on May 7th. Shelley: Provided an update on the Sunnyside planned burn tentatively scheduled for early April, pending conditions. Staff will have a large informational presence around town on the day of the burn which will be very visible from town. Sunnyside Trail will be closed. New Business: Aspen Historical Society: Marolt entrance and signage Travis Lane McDiffett and Lisa Hancock of the Aspen Historical Society (AHS) presented on desired improvements to wayfinding and visibility at the Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum. The greatest challenge at this trailside site is visibility and wayfinding for guests attending events and daily museum visitors. Travis explained AHS’s lease on this city site. The Zupancis cabins and buildings were recently added to the leased site. Ann asked about a structure in the aerial image shown; this was the historic assay house, later the Marolt family’s hom,e and is now City employee housing and outside the lease area. Current location information, including AHS maps and a temporary sandwich board sign that is put out during open hours, is insufficient, and the site is not permanently signed by Highway 82. Admission to the museum is now free, but this does not seem to be increasing guests and AHS believes lack of visibility continues to impact guest volume. For better visibility from Highway 82, AHS proposes a permanent sign in the green and white style of the open space sign at this site. This will let passersby know about the free museum amenity that is open during summer months. Another proposed entrance improvement is to install a platform or stone slab on which an artifact would be displayed, such as an ore cart (one has been offered to AHS by the City for this purpose), to provide a visual cue. This would be located on City of Aspen property off the highway, near the gravel entrance road. The proposed language for the green and white sign is: “Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum 1891”. The sign would include City of Aspen Parks and Open Space and AHS logos. Potential options for an interpretive sign next to the platform/artifact were also shown; this sign would provide information about the artifact and wayfinding information to direct visitors to the museum. Lisa reiterated AHS’s proposal and asked what the Board and staff would be comfortable with. Adam asked how much pedestrian/bike traffic passes by the proposed sign/artifact site; Travis mentioned this would be by the heavily-used Marolt Trail. Ann commented that the interpretive sign is important to provide more information than can be conveyed by the green and white sign; she also commented on the safety of access from Highway 82. Travis mentioned that AHS directs people to drive past the turn-off and use the roundabout to return and make a right turn into the museum road. Ann commented on the potential for increased vehicle traffic to the museum. Museum hours and rush hour timing are not expected to coincide in a concerning way. Lisa commented that the signs are hoped to provide a visual cue, like advertising, for passersby to become aware of the museum and for visitors who are trying to find it. Ted commented that these signs will likely be effective, yet not obtrusive. Lisa commented that the combination of signage and artifact will indicate that this is the entrance to a museum. Dan asked about parking near the Marolt Trail; Travis said that there are two spots, as well as a few spaces closer to the facility. Dan expressed support for the proposed signage and artifact. Ann asked about the review process for these elements. Lisa said that sign code needs to be researched. Dan suggested that the interpretive sign could include the banner on the existing AHS sign at the museum, for “brand” recognition. Howie expressed support for greater visibility and the ore cart, as well as concern for potential distraction of drivers on Highway 82. Howie commented that more visibility means more traffic and suggested considering an entrance coming from the parking lot area for the Marolt housing. Lisa commented that there once were two designated, signed parking spots in that lot for the museum, and they were not used. She explained that it hasn’t worked in the past for people to understand how to loop around to arrive at the museum from that point. Those parking spots have since been surrendered. Lisa emphasized that the proposed signs and artifact are intended more to create recognition for the museum site, and that vehicle traffic from Highway 82 to the site is not expected to increase, rather it is expected that greater awareness of the facility will result, and that people will return later to access the museum via the trails. Howie suggested a “no left turn” sign for the safety of visitors leaving the site by car. Austin added that as the entrance to Aspen plays out, a better long-term solution will likely be needed. Dan added that consulting the Streets Department is important prior to installing a “no left turn” sign. Austin asked if the sandwich board sign will still be used; Travis said that it will, as it is an “open” indication sign. Dan concluded that there seems to be Board support for the proposed elements. John said that next steps would be to bring a bid/design back to the Board with information on finding the right artifact and siting of elements. Ann asked about timing; Lisa said they hope to install elements this summer. 2025 Budget Review John presented (in place of Matt) on the Capital Project Outlook 2026-2030, supported by a memo by Matt. John presented the remaining budget process: the submission is due to Finance March 28, operational budgets are slated for early summer to fall timing, and Council review and approval will take place in fall. Strategy and vision for this budget cycle includes scaling back volume of projects, adjustments for softening of revenue in 2027 (due to airport closure), and consideration of staff capacity. There will be fewer contracted projects; more projects will be done in-house. There are large costs associated with upcoming maintenance and there are several externally driven projects. The department is in the middle of a strategic plan process, and public input as part of that process will be another consideration. Construction examples of some of the externally drive projects include the Willoughby Park Lift One corridor project, slated for 2028 at $3 million; there will be a Council work session in April/May regarding this project. Connor Park behind the Armory is being discussed; this will be re-envisioned and will be $1 million +. Pedestrian Mall safety improvements will be made in 2029 for $1.5 million. Maintenance projects include: ARC and Aspen Ice Garden maintenance over two years for $1.5 to $3 million. Austin clarified that major mechanical needs will focus on keeping current systems working; there will be discussion for potential bonding toward future replacements of mechanical systems. Cozy Point Ranch’s water system is budgeted at $1 million in 2026. Adequate water is currently provided, but utilization of the two wells and water rights on site are desired. These items will remain in the budget. John reviewed projects expenditures in 2024 and projects for the reduced 2025 plan, including Koch Volleyball ($605k), Interpretive Sign Replacement ($100k), and Cozy Point Archery and Compost ($278k). The department is intentionally scaling back capital projects in 2025 and 2026. These projects are on track. Howie asked about volume of use at the archery range; John said that it sees strong seasonal use. Austin commented that archery has been practiced inside the riding arena during winter. Ajax Adventure Camp brings programs to the range. John added that a CPW grant is covering $117k for this project. Austin added that this project was planned in the Cozy Point Ranch management plan. John shared slides of Parks Fund expenditures (totals for both Parks and Recreation together), explaining the expected low in 2027 associated with the airport construction/closure. He also shared a break-out of Parks and Recreation with separate figures. He explained alternating greater expenditures between the two departments. John provided a 5-year overview related to trails. Work is planned to address settling at the Maroon Creek Bridge in 2026 ($300k). Trail surface improvements are planned for 2027 ($175k). Marolt Bridge parapet repair is planned for 2028 ($122k), and construction of the new Truscott Trail is planned for 2030 ($3 million, flex). For the 5-year Parks overview, John described Wagner Playground and interpretive panels, and Koch Volleyball overhaul for 2026; Conner Park and Driving Range improvements/snowmaking (design and planning) for 2027; Old Powerhouse and Lift One for 2028; Pedestrian Mall improvements and Francis Whitaker Park (flex) improvements for 2029; and Yellow Brick Playground replacement (flex) for 2030. The 5-year overview for Open Space includes: interpretive sign installation and Ute Cemetery Management plan for 2025, and additional management plans (Deer Hill, Pride of Aspen) and creek restoration at Cozy Point Ranch over the subsequent four years. John described emerging projects, including skate park renovation/expansion; property acquisitions; snowmaking pond & golf course improvements; trail improvements on Shadow Mountain (investigating trails related to Pride of Aspen); Wheeler Ditch infrastructure; and possible Strategic Plan goals and actions (per community input). Austin added background on the skate park project which has been on Parks radar for a long time. Ann asked if a bike park is off the table; Austin mentioned that it is not likely to happen on a City open space property. Dan brought up the “Cloud 10” project in Keno Gulch; it is thought that BOCC approved this. Austin and John explained some of the underground failures in the Wheeler Ditch infrastructure system; this is being investigated. John presented a 5-year list of variable and discretionary projects and led the Board in a prioritization exercise resulting in the following list, in order of priority. Results were: Yellow Brick Playground (6), Twin Bridge project (6), snowmaking and driving range improvements at Golf Course (5), Galena Plaza phase two (4), Truscott Trail (3), skate park expansion (2), Whitaker remodel (2), and Anderson Park renovation (2). John mentioned that the City’s involvement would likely be about $2 million for the Twin Bridges project, snowmaking and driving range ($1.5 million), and Yellow Brick ($3 million). John asked Board members to comment on their priorities. Dan asked if anything has changed in EOTC’s support for the Twin bridge project; Austin said support was divided and John said further exploration of attaching a trail to Highway 82 was requested. Howie shared comments from a Snowmass Village resident who felt the Twin Bridge option would be positive for bike commuting between Snowmass Village and Aspen. Ann added that e-bikes have expanded bike commuting, thus making this project more relevant. Dan added his support for this project. Dan commented on Whitaker Park, which he feels is currently fine. He added his support for the Truscott Trail, mentioning the nearby Aspen Country Inn bus stop that makes this potential trail relevant. Howie mentioned upcoming changes for the Inn at Aspen as they could relate to this trail. Ted mentioned that the Truscott Trail is a priority from a safety standpoint. He added that Twin Bridges would greatly benefit the community, as would the Yellow Brick playground. He commented that Anderson Park and Whitaker Park are lower priorities based on community benefit. Ted mentioned that snowmaking would be valuable for the Nordic programs and skiers. Ted explained that community benefit was his main ranking criteria, over cost. Adam expressed his support for the Truscott Trail as a top priority, followed by Galena Plaza because the mountain to river concept is important to the community and there is untapped potential for this space. Adam placed priority on the skate park and Yellow Brick playground, especially for residents who do not have back yard spaces. Adam moved one of his votes from Whitaker Park to Truscott Trail. Ann commented that Anderson Park and Whitaker Park are great small spaces and should be spruced up, but do not need a great deal of improvements to maintain their charm and usefulness. Ann expressed support for the Twin Bridges project for community value. She ranked Yellow Brick Playground lower because she feels it is fine. Truscott Trail is a high priority for safety reasons. She also expressed support for Galena Plaza and the potential for it to be a vibrant community space, mentioning the challenges of sheriff car parking and the one-way street signage. Austin mentioned that phase two of Galena Plaza is a well-developed plan, and explained the budget rationale for phasing this overall project. Austin commented that drive to change Galena Plaza would likely come from this Board rather than Council. Howie commented that snowmaking/driving range is a self-funded option and would benefit two programs. Howie’s other favorite project is Twin Bridges based on growing e-bike commuting. Howie mentioned that Galena Plaza has no shade and needs a more park-like feel. Howie said that the skate park expansion could be at the Lumberyard rather than in town to serve the young residents there. Adam asked about recreational elements planned for the Lumberyard; John explained that there are recreational elements that will be managed by that community. Old Business: N/A Board Comments: Howie: commented on the entrance to Aspen with regard to wildfire evacuation and the potential role of the Rio Grande Trail as an emergency route. He suggested widening the trail platform that could be done now, before entrance to Aspen issues are resolved. Adam commented that vegetation along the trail would need to be significantly pared back, and that narrowness of the route prevents it from being a viable public evacuation route, per Aspen Fire Department. Shelley added that AFPD is focused on vegetation management under Castle Creek Bridge and along Cemetery Lane from an emergency access standpoint. Howie said that trails could serve other functions such as evacuation routes. Ann: none. Ted: asked about the Community Garden wait list process per friends who have inquired. This will be added to an upcoming agenda; John suggested a site visit. Dan: mentioned that Board Comments is when Board members may suggest agenda items. Dan suggested having someone from the mayor’s office to review impacts of the two referendum votes, what legal hurdles lie ahead, and how the Board needs to be prepared for this topic. John said that this could be done in May or June. Austin said that this will need to be done for the new Council; perhaps this could be combined. Next Meeting Date(s): Regular meeting April 17, 2025. Executive Session: John read the language for staff’s request to enter Executive Session. Adam moved to enter Executive Session; Ted seconded and the vote was unanimous. Austin explained that a property owner approached the mayor’s office to see if the City is interested in a small parcel of land at Fourth and Francis Streets. The landowner owns the neighboring Victorian house, and he would like to make the undeveloped lot into a park named after his late partner. The owner is asking $1.9 million for the lot. Austin described the lot and other homes surrounding it. Ted mentioned that he knows the property owner and felt he should recuse himself from this discussion. Adam commented that this is a lot of money for a small space that offers little public benefit and no wildlife benefit. Ann expressed that her support for purchasing the lot to preserve green space and trees and to avoid another large home; she said that the opportunity is important because of the inevitable development that will happen. Howie said that he would support another park space that would provide greater benefit; he said that if the price were to come down by $1 million he would support the purchase. Dan commented that this space would serve the surrounding homeowners but not the general community; he said that this opportunity doesn’t seem worth the cost. Ted was invited to share his thoughts because there was no legal reason for him to be recused. Ted shared that he doesn’t support the purchase because it wouldn’t benefit the community to any worthwhile extent. Austin commented that pocket parks often become complicated due to neighbors’ influences and needs. Ann mentioned that preventing another large home that sits empty and has no vegetation on the lot is worth avoiding as an investment in the future; she cited Pioneer Park as an example of a useful pocket park with a positive impact. Austin mentioned staff’s analysis of this site’s proximity to other parks; there are other parks that serve this area. Austin said he will provide the Board’s feedback to Jim True regarding this opportunity. Howie moved to exit executive session. Ted seconded and the vote was unanimous. Adjourned: Ann made a motion to adjourn; Howie seconded, and the vote was unanimous.