HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 04/02/1997CITY OF FORT COLLINS
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
PRESTON JR. HIGH SCHOOL
4901 CORBETT DRIVE
APRIL 2,1997
Phil Murphy, NRAB Chair -
491-6303
Gina Janett, Council Liaison -
493-4677
Tom Shoemaker, Staff Liaison -
221-6263
Board Members Present
Phil Murphy, Phil Friedman, Bill Miller, Craig McGee, Jan Behunek, Linda Kirkpatrick, Katy
Mason and Kelly Ohlson
Board Members Absent
Ed Secor
Staff Present
Natural Resources Dept: Tom Shoemaker and Sally Maggart
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m.
Guests
None
Review and Approval of Minutes
With the following changes, the minutes of the February 5, 1997 meeting were approved as written:
Linda Kirkpatrick said that she meant to say "approximate" instead of "arbitrary" on Page
4 regarding the 100-year floodplain.
Jan Behunek noted that his name was listed as "Ed" on Page 1.
Bill Miller noted that "transfer" should be "transferable" on Page 5.
Kelly Ohlson said that he did not receive copies of memos from the meetings he missed. He added
that transferable development rights, rip rap and the natural area program's accomplishments still
need to be addressed.
Agenda Review
Shoemaker said that the meeting will adjourn before the start of the Robert Benson Reservoir
meeting.
Other Business
• Ohlson noted that the letter to the Golf Board needs to be answered.
Natural Resources Advisory Board
April 2, 1997
Page 2
ISSUE
Ohlson referred to the memo in the packet regarding the City Manager's decision on moving ahead
in 1997 with trash districting. He added that he would like the Board to consider a motion
expressing great disappointment and concern that this has been once again delayed. He noted that
with a two year budget cycle coming up, funds need to be identified or the project will not happen.
Ohlson said that we are here to be advocates and there is no confidence that the City is following up
on the pay -as -you throw ordinance. He added that he would like an audit that this is not a pretend
program. Ohlson said that he does not believe that one fourth of the City has just one hauler.
DECISION
Bill Miller made the motion that the Natural Resources Advisory Board, with staff help, generate
a memo to Council after the new council takes its seat, expressing disappointment that the issue
of trash districting has not moved forward, that another study is in the offing and it is time to
reach a decision. Kelly Ohlson made a friendly amendment to the motion to try to appropriate
money in 1997 to proceed with the necessary studies and, if not possible, make sure there are
adequate funds in the 1998 and 1999 budget Katy Mason added a friendly amendment to the
motion to audit the effectiveness and consistency of the current pay -as -you throw ordinance.
Miller accepted both items as friendly amendments. Katy Mason seconded the motion. After the
following discussion, the motion passed unanimously (8-0).
Phil Murphy recommended that a separate memo be sent regarding the pay -as -you -throw
ordinance.
Ohlson said that he would like the memos in Council's hands as soon as possible.
Ohlson recommended an impact fee as a fallback without districting. He said that the City
should charge $50,000 per truck per year, rather than $100, to recover costs.
Announcements
Phil Murphy distributed preliminary information about the Poudre River Gravel issue. He also
distributed a question and answer sheet on conservation easements.
Bill Miller reported that the Larimer County Environmental Board is discussing districting and the
landfill issue. He suggested that the NRAB might want to look at opening up the scope of what is
going on. Miller noted that conservation easements are another discussion issue.
Gateway Park Update, Phil Friedman
Shoemaker reported that Greeley has proposed alternatives to what has previously been discussed.
He suggested that the Board invite representatives from Greeley to make a presentation on the issue.
ISSUE
• The City of Greeley and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District are involved in
an alternative proposal to the Legacy Grant plan for Gateway Park and have made
presentations to various groups.
L-i
Natural Resources Advisory Board
April 2, 1997
Page 3
• Greeley is concerned about access to and impact on the dam.
• Greeley is proposing "Canyon Gateway Park" at the mouth of the canyon. Trail access
would be provided to Gateway and Watson Lake.
• Two basic alternativesare proposed: 1) Increase dam to quadruple volume;or 2)build a new
dam further downstream closer to the confluence of the main stem. Greeley will probably
refurbish the existing dam.
• The alternative location would reduce the human impact to Gateway.
• Boat ramps and legal portages for whitewater runs are included in the plan.
• Potential conflict of interest because the Greeley Water Board's president is also on the
Board of Directors for the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
DECISION
To be discussed further at next month's meeting.
Natural Area Acquisitions Tom Shoemaker
• Fossil Creek Estates, a 45-acre site at the southeast end of the Cathy Fromme Prairie, for
$825,000.
• Timberline Lakes, 70 acres, for $505,000.
1998 and 1999 Budget Recommendations
ISSUE
Shoemaker reported that the City is moving to a two year budget. The City Manager's office is
seeking Board input about areas of interest for funding.
DISCUSSION
• Districting issue and pay -as -you -throw audit.
• Staff positions: Environmental Compliance Coordinator; a stronger presence at Planning &
Zoning Board meetings for plan review from an ecological wildlife viewpoint; Program
Manager and more clerical and administrative support.
• Maintenance and reclamation funding.
• Education consideration for signs, kiosks in the natural areas.
DECISION
Kelly Ohlson, Phil Friedman and Phil Murphy will work with staff to finalize needs.
Announcement
Bill Miller said that the National Audubon Society, in cooperation with other agencies, is bringing
Peter Coxmire here this weekend. There will be a potluck Saturday afternoon at Lee Martinez Park
and a session Monday night at 7:00 in the Council Chambers.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.