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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 05/06/1987iz' • • Kif �i F MINUTES CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD MAY 6, 1987 7:00 p.m. Board Members Present: Suzanne Bassinger Tim Johnson Scott Duncan Ari Michelsen Gil Fechner Pat Reed Bill Fischer Board Members Absent: (excused) Dave DuBois Bob Sanz Denise LaRue Staff Present: Roger Krempel Brian Woodruff Bob Wilkinson Edith Felchle In LaRue's absence, Michelsen served as Chair. Resignations Michelsen announced two resignations. Pat Sousa has resigned from the Board for personal reasons, the most recent of which being the premature birth of their daughter. Michelsen expressed appreciation for all that Sousa had done for the Board. Michelsen brought to the Board's attention comments Sousa made in his letter of resignation: (1) The Board has the potential to play a significant role in the way Fort Collins develops. To do this the Board must take a more active role in addressing the significant natural resources issues, (2) the Board should assume a very active communications role with the new Council, (3) it is important that the Board feel free to take the initiative of being advisory to the Department as well as to the Council. The second resignation is that of Scott Duncan, who is resigning because he is moving to Denver. Michelsen expressed the Board's appreciation for his help, particularly his in —put on in —stream flow issues. Update on Plans for Air Quality Public Meeting Woodruff reported that, because of matters demanding staff time, the public meeting will not be held on 5/11. After discussion it was determined that the meeting will be rescheduled to 6/8 if Council Chambers are available on that date (the 6/8 date has been confirmed). The invitee list will be mailed to NRAB for review before meeting announcements are sent out. Clarification was requested relative to the reason for the public meeting. It was stated that the special public meeting is being called by the Board to receive comments on woodsmoke issues. The question was raised, "What is the evil we are trying to stop?" The response was that the 1984 consultant's report identified three key air quality issues: CO, woodsmoke, and visibility. Woodsmoke is a contributor a to the visibility problem. It was stated that the City is currently considering woodsmoke regulations only for "bad days." Update on Oxygenated Fuels Woodruff reported that City administration is moving toward taking a position on a proposal which would require oxygen in all gasoline sold along the front range during the winter. The Executive Team will review the issue the week of 5/11. City fleet operators have agreed to use 2% oxygenated fuel in City vehicles. New car owner's manuals approve MTBE and up to 10% ethanol, but warn against methanol. People often misread this to be a warning against all oxygenated fuels. Oil companies support or oppose this issue depending on where their investments are. Those with investments in alcohol or ether, favor oxygenated fuels; those with investments only in oil oppose. Hearings are set for 6/18 and 19 so there is time for NRAB to take a stand at the June meeting. Air Quality Issues of Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion Woodruff reported that the Foothills Fashion Mall proposed expansion would increase retail footage by 40% and the parking lot by 25%. This is a concern because this is already a high traffic area. Expansion could create traffic congestion which could create a CO hotspot. The developer has agreed to look into the issue and identify possible congestion problems. However, the City has no regulation to put teeth in our concerns. NRAB may, in the future, be asked to endorse regulations including an air quality analysis in the planning requirements. Bike to Work Day Wilkinson briefly mentioned a challenge "bike to work day" for front range communities. Education is the purpose of the promotion. Late August or early September were suggested as the best times for such a promotion. Wetlandsplands Protection Ordinance Wilki/Unson reviewed the wetlands/uplands protection ordinance from its beginning to its present status, stating that the aspects of consideration are broader than just protecting wildlife habitat. The stated Council goal is "protecting wildlife habitat in the city." He identified two reasons for the protection ordinance: (1) wildlife enhances quality of life, and (2) having no management plan is actually managing to encourage less desirable wildlife species. Twenty—two broad classifications of area types were identified. Integration of wetlands/uplands into other city areas (i.e. open space, recreation) and identification of the most important wildlife habitat areas are currently being reviewed. Criteria for implementing the plan are being finalized, as is identification of sites that can be mitigated. Aspects of mitigation were identified as avoidance, minimizing, rectifying, reducing (through maintenance), and compensating. Questions were raised regarding the loss of small areas with emphasis on preservation of only large, major habitat areas. It was stated that this was something NRAB needs to look into and determine what the Board wants to recommend. Approval of Minutes The Minutes of the April meeting were approved, with seven voting in favor of approval and Fischer abstaining from voting because he did not attend the April meeting. Committee Reports There were no committee reports. Miscellaneous After brief discussion, it was moved, seconded, and unanimously passed to have a picnic on June 3 at 6:00 p.m. and move the regular NRAB June meeting to June 15. Committee chairs were reminded that written progress reports, addressing goals, should be completed by the July meeting. Reed agreed to fill Sousa's position on the Land Use/Wildlife Committee until new Board members are seated in July. Krempel announced that he receives the "Instream Flow Chronicle" and anyone wishing to see it is welcome to do so. It was announced that bids for the City's curbside recycling program are due 5/15. The program starts 6/23. The Utility Services 1986 Annual Report was distributed. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.