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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 03/05/1986MINUTES CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD MARCH 5, 1986 7:00 p.m. Board Members Present: Scott Duncan (Alternate) Ari Michelsen Gil Fechner Tod Schwartz Bill Fischer (Alternate) Pat Sousa Tim Johnson Board Members Absent: (excused) Suzanne Bassinger Denise LaRue Dave Dubois Bob Sanz Staff Present: Roger Krempel Edith Fe`lchle Don Yon Brian Woodruff Since the Chair and Vice -Chair were both absent, Fechner was unanimously chosen to chair the meeting. Hazardous Materials Transportation Ordinance -- Bruce Glasscock Krempel handed out material from City Council agenda packet relating to the Hazardous Materials Transportation Ordinance. He then introduced Police Chief Bruce Glasscock. Glasscock gave a brief history and current status information on the ordinance. He stated that work on a hazardous materials transportation ordinance began in June, 1985. During 1985 there were unsuccessful attempts to pass hazardous materials transportation legislation at the state level. One Senate bill, SB58, which was calendared to 1986, has now been amended to the extent that it is no longer an acceptable bill. Amendments to SB58 include: removal of funding for local emergencies; removal of Table 2 items from routing; routing designation given totally to the Colorado State Patrol. Work on the local ordinance began in September, 1985. Arguments against the local ordinance include: creation of a nuisance burden on interstate commerce; addition of 14-21 miles to truckers' routes. Basically, the ordinance states that unless a truck is making a local delivery or pick-up, it may not use streets and roadways in Fort Collins. Farm equipment is generally exempt from the ordinance. An exemption can be requested by any trucker who shows that no other route is available. At the 3/4/86 City Council hearing, there were claims that the ordinance had serious financial impact on the trucking industry. The industry indicates that if the ordinance is passed, they will immediately file injunctions. The City Legal Department feels that the ordinance can be successfully defended. City Council has requested additional research on the ordinance. Risk factors of trucks traveling on the primary route (I25) are minimal, but increase 1700% with the use of the route along College Avenue. An estimated 25% of all hazardous materials trips in and through Colorado come through Fort Collins on Highways 287 and 14. Many do not meet State safety requirements. • It was stated that the proposed Colorado 14 by-pass would be an ideal solution to the problem, but it could be many years before that road is completely built. The trucking industry is saying they are being singled out and that the railroad is also a transporter of hazardous materials. The railroad matter is, in fact, being addressed by a City committee on railroad relocation. Krempel stated that Council would probably like the Board to review the ordinance and make a recommendation to Council. It was moved and seconded that the Legislative Review Committee review the ordinance and draft a letter of recommendation to Council for the Board's recommendation at the April meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of Minutes The Minutes of the February 5, 1986 meeting were unanimously approved as submitted. Staff Reports Krempel introduced Brian Woodruff who has been selected as the Air Quality and Hazardous Waste Coordinator in the Department of Natural Resources, effective March 24. Fischer welcomed Woodruff on behalf of the Natural Resources Advisory Board. In Andrea Lapointe's absence, Felchle presented the report from the County Land Use Plan Citizens Review Committee. She noted the resources and environmental issues which the committee had identified and stated that the specific issues which Lapointe was involved with were: 1) How wildlife habitat should be considered; 2) How negative impacts of development could be mitigated; 3) How scenic vistas should be protected. Anyone wanting to have input on these issues may contact Lapointe. Discussion of Training Seminar Copies of summary notes from the February 8 workshop were handed out. After some discussion, it was agreed to hold a Work Session on Wednesday, March 19, to refine the goals which were developed at the workshop and/or assign their consideration to an appropriate committee. Board members will be notified by mail as to the location of the worksession. It was moved and seconded, and unanimously passed, to thank Carl Neu for the workshop and particularly to express appreciation to Krempel for his efforts in putting the workshop together. New Business Krempel announced that Councilperson Gerry Horak has requested the Natural Resources Advisory Board and the Water Board to jointly formulate a water policy for the City relative to new state water projects. Specifically, Horak's request stated, "I think it would be a good idea for the Water Board as well as the Natural Resources Advisory Board to jointly formulate a water policy for the City concerning new state projects, funding mechanisms, and criteria for evaluation...." Krempel said that staff will try to clarify what is being requested and will return to the Board with the clarified request. Krempel also mentioned that Councilperson Horak also brought up a couple of questions for consideration by the Natural Resources Advisory Board and/or the Parks and Recreation Board. One question is relative to clean—up of Sheldon Lake. The other is regarding nature exhibits at the lake. Krempel stated that these questions will also be clarified with Horak and brought back to the Board. Fechner suggested that the Natural Resources Advisory Board review objectives of other boards, so that they concur with Natural Resources Advisory Board actions. Felchle reported that LaRue advised her that Linda Hopkins, staff support to the Economic Development Task Force, requested the Board to write a letter to the Task Force stating why the Board feels that environmental issues are important to economic development. The statement should also express the fact that the Board considers economic impacts of environmental decisions. The request was assigned to the Land Use Guidance Committee. Since Bassinger, committee chair, was not present, Schwartz was asked to advise her of this request. Announcements Krempel asked Sousa to briefly report on the Poudre Area Advisory Committee meeting of 3/4/86. Sousa reported that a river basin simulation model was presented at the meeting. Concerns involved business vs. environmental interests. Their next step will be to bring together supply and demand issues. It was stated that the Poudre is the best managed, and most complex, river in the country, if not the world. Yon reported that he had, in the absence of any councilperson, testified on two bills before the State Legislature. He stated that HB1289, which would centralize the air inspection program, was suppose to have been on the House floor within the last couple of days. The EPA says sanctions will be recommend if the state does not make strides in this area. The second bill had to do with conversion to ethanol during winter time. This bill has not yet been read. Johnson handed out material relative to the new group, Volunteers of Colorado, and briefly described the group and its activities. The group will help build the Foothills Trail under the supervision of the Parks & Recreation Department. Johnson also handed out copies of the statement he made before City Council, on behalf of the Poudre Canyon Group/Sierra Club, relative to the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste and Transportation Ordinance. Johnson mentioned House Bill 1221, relative to emission standards for alfalfa dehydration plants. Information on the bill will be sent to the Board. The following items were handed out: 1. Copy of letter from Fechner to LaRue regarding the February 8 r 0 0 workshop 2. Information relating to City use of Cable Channel 27 3. Department of Natural Resources newsletter The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.