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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 01/08/1997CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING 281 CONFERENCE ROOM - 281 N. COLLEGE AVE. JANUARY 8,1997 For Reference: Phil Murphy, NRAB Chair - 491-6303 Gina Janett, Council Liaison - 493-4677 Tom Shoemaker, Staff Liaison - 221-6263 Board Members Present Linda Kirkpatrick, Phil Murphy, Ed Secor, Jan Behunek, Bill Miller, Katy Mason, Craig McGee, and Kelly Ohlson (arrived late due to CPAC meeting) Board Members Absent Phil Friedman Staff Present Natural Resources Dent: Tom Shoemaker, Sally Maggart, Karen Manci, Edith Felchle, Margit Hentschel and Rob Wilkinson; City Manager Office: Frank Bruno and Dann Atteberry; Engineering: Gary Diede and Mark Sears; Water Utilities: Bob Smith The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Guests None Review and Approval of Minutes With the following changes, the minutes of the December 4, 1996 Special Meeting were approved as written: Linda Kirkpatrick asked that "production of natural gas" and the price "might be regulated" be added on Page 3. Agenda Review Bill Miller requested a CIP update from Frank Bruno after the Fossil Creek Reservoir Plan presentation. An update on the Cathy Fromme Prairie parking lot was also scheduled. Announcements Tom Shoemaker, Natural Resources Director, reported that the Cache La Poudre/Big Thompson Legacy Grant committee has been asked to submit another budget request. This should result in an additional $1 million added to the $3.4 million previously awarded. The request is due January 17. Natural Resources Advisory Board January 8, 1997 Page 2 Fossil Creek Reservoir Plan, Frank Bruno Frank Bruno, Assistant City Manager, reported that there is an ambitious schedule and process involved in developing this area according to the land use plan. He said that an open house was held on January 16. Since the TDR concept has not yet been fully developed, the schedule has been slowed down in order to meet with more property owners. Bruno noted the changes that have been made in downsizing the commercial center and feathering development to the buffer area. DISCUSSION • Bonus points would be offered for transferring development to higher density. • There are 700 property owners in the area, with a handful north of the reservoir. • Once the land use plan is in place and adopted, there will be Intergovernmental Agreements for the plan and development in this study area. • A regional park is planned for somewhere in the area to the south. • State Model Land Use Regulations restrict development in the critical zone of the airport. • State model land use regulations specify what can occur in the critical zone of the airport and restrict development. • There is no plan to increase the airport size. • The rationale for low density is to keep with the existing development and transportation systems. • The Visitor Center not located by an interchange will be changed. • An irrigation company has the water rights to the lake and there is public access to the lake from March to November. The irrigation company is open to changing the recreational rights to the County. • One of the parks will be relocated to the "tree claim" area. • The City and County should be encouraged to do something with the land south of the southern boundary of the study area. • Noise and traffic is a concern with the activity center being located close to the reservoir. Natural Resources Advisory Board January 8, 1997 Page 3 • The development community is skeptical about TDR's. This will be good test case to see if it can work in Fort Collins. • There is a potential population of 9,600 with the plan. • This is a joint effort with the City and County. The County paid for the transportation element recently done and the City is paying for the project. • Do not limit receiving areas to this study. • TDR is not a successful tool nationally. • Do not give credit for undevelopable land. DECISION Frank Bruno will bring a more refined plan to a future board meeting. CIP Update Frank Bruno reported that City Council did not finalize the list at last night's meeting. Council wanted to look at separate resolutions based on six, seven and eight years package at the adjourned meeting next Tuesday night. DISCUSSION Lobby council about the importance of natural areas. Staff needs to look at the streets maintenance fund as well. Recommend that staff focus on seven year package. Timberline Extension Update Assistant City Manager Darin Atteberry, City Engineer Gary Diede, and Project Manager Mark Sears reported that City Council directed staff to develop a preliminary design and cost estimate for the Timberline Extension Project. City Manager John Fischbach created an executive lead team to coordinate the project internally among five service areas. ISSUE • The original cost estimate was $7.5 million. This has been increased $1 million plus due to bridge lengthening, groundwater flow stabilization and the airport runway extension. The road could ultimately be six lanes. The project now is for two travel lanes, two bike lanes and a sidewalk on the east side. Natural Resources Advisory Board January 8, 1997 Page 4 • Issues incorporated into the project design: 1) bridge moved away from Riverbend Ponds; 2) noise minimized on the bridge with the use of asphalt instead of concrete, the elimination of an expansion joint, and a gentle slope approach; 3) bike path and wildlife corridor separated; and 4) future bridge separated by 19 feet to handle three lanes, a bike path and sidewalk. DISCUSSION • Plan one bridge instead of two to save money and minimize the environmental impact. • Build four lanes on the bridge to prepare for future growth. • An artist will be designated by the Arts in Public Places Board. The community wants to keep the bridge simple and natural with muted lighting. • Tire noise will be deflected with a low wall. • Presently no stoplight is planned at the Lincoln intersection; it may be added in the future. • Concrete on the outside edge of the meander requires repair due to erosion. • Need to be sensitive about the appropriate design and placement of bike trails. • Keep speed limit at 35 mph. • Need to do everything to mitigate the impact on natural areas out of funds other than capital. • Concerned about wetland mitigation; value will be lost in any reclamation project. If topography is right, a wetland can be created. • Dry Creek offers an opportunity for wetland expansion. DECISION Atteberry explained that the team will seek approval of the design at the Council public hearing February 18. The team does not anticipate coming back to the Board unless more input is needed in the final engineering study. Construction could start in midsummer. Staff and Chair Murphy will draft a memo to Council. Open Land Acquisitions Tom Shoemaker reported on two joint acquisitions with Larimer County. The City will manage the Steppel property and the County will manage Snowy Ridge. Natural Resources Advisory Board January 8, 1997 Page 5 The Steppel/Hidden Springs property north of the Coyote Ridge area is 84 acres at a cost of $278,500, with a restoration contribution of $15,000 from a private property owner. The split is 2/3 City and 1/3 County. The Ute Snowy Ridge property west of 287 is 470 acres at a cost of $2 million. This is a three way partnership with''/2 County, 1/3Fort Collins and v6 Loveland. This would be paid out over a four year period. Craig McGee made the motion to approve the two acquisitions. Katy Mason seconded the motion and it passed unanimously (8-0). Environmental Awards This item was deferred to the February meeting. 1997 Annual Report The report was reviewed and any additional comments are due by the end of week. Special Meeting A special meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. to review the draft of the development code. Other Business • Staff will follow up on the rip rap on the small pond at Shields and Prospect. • Kelly Ohlson asked boardmembers to stress to councilmembers the importance of natural areas in CIP. • Ohlson asked staff to draft a memo to support the Roberts Ranch purchase. • The Master Drainageway committee is on hold while Susan Hayes is on maternity leave. • Ohlson requested information on the City's use of rip rap. • Craig McGee reported that Ram Waste has a "green bag" rate for households that do not put out trash every week. They can add to but cannot subtract on the computer for less than the one bag a week billing. He asked if this billing approach complied with the ordinance. Shoemaker responded that tracking should be done household by household. Poudre River Corridor Legislation The bill that was passed recognized the special value of the corridor in the history of the United States and establishes a commission for the interpretive plan. It does not set aside any land. Joe Maurer, Colorado State Parks, is involved in the formation of the commission. Cathy Fromme Prairie Parking Lot Update There are three possible locations: 1) the original ; 2) Bob O'Rourke's recommended site; and 3) Natural Resources Advisory Board January 8, 1997 Page 6 south of the land proposed as Fossil Creek Estates PUD. Shoemaker reported that trail construction has been bid and he will check on the construction date. He suggested a field trip. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.