Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.OSTB.20220421 MINUTES City of Aspen, Open Space and Trails Board Meeting Held on April 21, 2022 5:00pm at Pearl Pass Room, Aspen City Hall City OST Board Members Present: Julie Hardman, Howie Mallory, Adam McCurdy, Ann Mullins, Dan Perl City Staff Members Present: Jay Courtenay, John Spiess, Matt Kuhn, Michael Tunte, Austin Weiss Adoption of the Agenda: Dan made a motion to approve the agenda; Ann seconded and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments, for topics not on the agenda: None. Approval of the Minutes: Ann made a motion to approve the minutes; Dan seconded and the vote was unanimous. Staff Comments: John: Brush Creek Caucus Draft Master Plan update: John reported that Parks is generally in alignment with the plan in which Cozy Point Ranch Open Space is an element as it falls within the planning area. Parks and P&Z made revisions and a new draft has been received; the draft will return to P&Z in two weeks toward a final draft. Adam asked for clarification of Parks’ role; Matt explained that Parks participates as a non-voting entity and that Parks is working strategically to ensure that the master plan does not preclude goals for Cozy Point Ranch. RFOV: John reported on a successful day at Maroon Creek Wetlands with students working on vegetation management. City of Aspen Trail Code: The first reading will be May 10th; second reading will be May 24th. John referred to the USFS Travel Management Plan which will involve a future community discussion between USFS, Pitkin County, City of Aspen, and others. Dan asked how USFS language may affect City code. Adam commented that it may be best not to wait for the broader discussion because the USFS timing is uncertain; he suggested this as a discussion topic for the next Hunter Smuggler Cooperative meeting. Mike: Dolensik Gardens: Mike reported that Parks is preparing to break ground. This project has four elements: 1- demolition of existing buildings, 2- in-house landscape construction teams to build a portion of the park bordering Monarch Street, 3- closure of unneeded utilities and construction of sidewalks, 4- preparations for the future skiway. Ann asked about implications of new ownership of Gorsuch House property; Mike explained that approvals carry with the property and the new owner’s timeframe is unknown. Matt: Hunter Creek Valley: Matt mentioned that we’re still within the window for a prescribed burn in this area. Aspenfire.com has information. He also mentioned that In conjunction with the Trails Code reading on May 10th, Parks’ Naming Policy will be presented for adoption. New Business: None. Old Business: Cozy Point Ranch: John returned to the discussion of this property and the City’s time and financial commitment. He also mentioned Jake has left his position as Ranch Manager; this position is currently listed for hiring. John provided an overview of the management plan, beginning with a history of the property and the plan’s 2017 adoption. He highlighted pertinent sections and topics within the plan, including activity envelopes, conservation easements, lease agreements, special events, programs and visitation. He continued with budget information; 18% of the capital budget goes to the ranch. John also presented public comment that has provided guidance, natural resource restoration, and future projects. Other topics included archery range, the wildlife corridor feasibility study, and access. Eden shared potential ideas for improving access via public transportation and mentioned the existence of local data on wildlife crossings. John and Matt commented on the value of the upcoming feasibility study. Ann commented that safe non-vehicular and equestrian access should be a top priority. John opened the meeting to discussion. Ann expressed that certain projects meet multiple management actions and emphasized prioritizing based on available resources. Julie emphasized the importance of public access. Adam asked for clarification on progress with the grading and drainage project; Mike explained phase one progress and changes due to rising construction costs. Certain soil stockpiles are earmarked for phase two work. Howie asked about the parking lot surface; the upper drive is a recycled asphalt and the parking lot will be a non-paved, permeable surface yet to be determined. Patti shared history of the ranch under Monroe Sommers’ direction. Howie shared history of proposed development prior to the City’s acquisition of the ranch. Adam asked if there are any current health and safety concerns; John said that minimum requirements have been met with regard to housing and that further improvements are needed. John emphasized that on-site housing for ranch employees is imperative for this type of facility. Allowances exist for an additional 9,000 sq. ft. of employee housing. Matt added that robust water and wastewater solutions are relevant to both existing and potential future housing, and that water systems options are currently presenting challenging limitations. Matt clarified that the goal of this discussion is to confirm that Parks is heading in the right direction. He summarized that multi-use access is an important consideration and that multi- modal improvements to the Intercept Lot could influence priorities on the ranch. Howie commented on the possibility of pursuing water solutions and shifting budget/priorities to do so. Dan commented that with better understanding of the management plan, the capital expenditures seem consistent with goals; he expressed the critical nature of access both for the public to reach the property and in programming. Matt asked the Board for input on out-years goals. Dan commented on trail access for visitors. Patti added that separation of visitors and horses is important for safety. Ann added that maintaining existing infrastructure should be prioritized until access can be improved, and then additional amenities may be added. John mentioned that improvements to irrigation guns are part of the ranch operation’s equipment needs. Julie asked Patti and Eden for their priority lists. Patti mentioned maintenance is most important followed by additional amenities and sustainability measures. Eden mentioned that year-round employee housing is critical to his operation. Adam asked about effects of cutting or delaying certain capital items on operations expenses; Matt explained that there is a lot of benefit to replacing ageing equipment rather than expenses associated with repairing old equipment. He added that ranch operations (excluding labor) cost $250,000-300,000 per year. Howie expressed that Cozy Point Ranch, located far from the City, seems to suffer from a dual standard, and mused on how to close the gap. Adam added that while he is uncomfortable with the percentage of the capital budget Cozy Point Ranch takes, priorities, especially with regard to housing issues and expenses of ageing equipment, seem valid. He added that the water situation must be addressedd before considering additional housing. Ann added her support for prioritizing access and common-sense items, especially housing improvements and additional housing. Board Comments: Julie: Thanked staff for the information. Adam: Suggested discussing cyclist speed limits at the next meeting. Howie: Asked about speed limits for cyclists; code language states “safe speed” and obeying posted speed limits at all times. Dan: Would like to revisit two stop signs 4-way stops at 5th and 3rd Streets on the Hallam Street Bike-Pedway. Dan also expressed his desire to discuss the topic of entrance to Aspen planning. Ann: None. Next Meeting Date(s): Regular meeting May 19, 2022. Executive Session: N/A Adjourned: Julie made a motion to adjourn; Dan seconded and the vote was unanimous.