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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 07/02/1986MINUTES CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD JULY 2, 1986 7:00 p.m. Board Members Present: Suzanne Bassinger Scott Duncan Gil Fechner Bill Fischer Tim Johnson Board Members Absent (excused): Dave DuBois Staff Present: Roger Krempel Brian Woodruff Denise LaRue Ari Michelsen Bob Sanz Pat Sousa Don Yon Edith Felchle The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. The Minutes of the May and June meetings were unanimously approved as submitted. It was noted that the Bylaws need to be changed to reflect the current committee structure. The Bylaws Committee will meet to draft proposed changes. Prospect/Shields Wetlands Krempel gave a brief description of the wetlands at the intersection of Prospect and Shields Streets. He stated that 9/10 of an acre on the larger piece of property is currently being filled. The smaller pond, on Northwood Apartments property, is part of Northwood's required open space. He also outlined a channel which the City's Master Plan proposes to run through this area. He stated that the property is owned by two separate owners. A wetland easement is being requested for the Northwood Apartments open space land. The Prospect/Shields Neighborhood Association wants the entire wetland area in question (property of both owners) to be purchased and preserved as open space. City staff recommends acquiring only the 1.3 acres on the Northwood property and 1.2 acres on the adjoining property. One recommendation had been for the City Parks and Recreation Department to purchase the area with open space money, but Parks and Recreation did not agree with that recommendation. Fechner stated that the Prospect/Shields Homeowners Association will strongly fight any development of the property in question. Costs were stated at: $80,000-90,000 for the 3-acre area; $42,000 for the 2.5-acre area (City staff recommended area); $200,000 for the entire 7-acre area. When funding was discussed, it was stated that Natural Resources has $25,000 available from mitigation of the Arbor project. Storm Drainage and Parks may also have funds available. Since. Fechner is a member of the Prospect/Shields Homeowners Association, he left the meeting for the vote on this matter. It was moved and seconded that the City acquire the 5.5-acre tract, including the triangle on the northwest part of the property in question, having each department contribute a proportionate share of funding until the total purchase price is reached. The issue was voted down. Johnson and Duncan voted in favor, and Bassinger, Fischer, LaRue, Michelsen, Sanz, and Sousa opposed. The opposing votes were cast because Board members felt NRAB should avoid suggesting how other departments spend their money. They also wanted to present a proposal that included other options. After much discussion, it was moved and seconded that NRAB suggest to Council that the City acquire the entire 5.5-acre area if the money is available. Also that the participation of the homeowners association be investigated. If funds are not available for the purchase of the entire tract, then recommend going ahead with the staff recommendation to purchase the .36, 1.2, and 1.3-acre tracts. The vote passed 7-1. Bassinger voted against the motion because she was uncomfortable committing City funds when there appears to be adequate open space with the staff recommendation; also, with Rolland Moore Park and Spring Creek both nearby. Picnic Rock River Access Area A representative from the. Colorado Division of Parks presented their proposal for management of the Picnic Rock area. A major portion of the area in question is owned by the City of Fort Collins. Reasons for Colorado Division of Parks involvement: rafters have run into liability problems; lack of safety regulations. Changes would include installing a toilet, organizing parking, daily monitoring, eliminating camping. The regular day -use fee will be charged for use of the area (there is currently no fee). Regarding City liability, the City cannot be held harmless from litigation, but statutes can protect the City from everything except negligence. Annual 0 & M would be $4,300. The Division is ready to begin work at the site as soon as it gets approval from the City. During discussion, the major objection expressed was that of the fee being charged. Feelings were that it should either be run on a no -fee basis or a low -fee basis, instead of the regular day -use fee. The consensus of opinion was that the matter should have been brought to the Board earlier in the planning process. The Board felt too rushed to make a recommendation at this time. It was mentioned that the Water Board will be considering the matter on 7/18 and a member of NRAB might want to sit in on that meeting. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously passed, to give the matter to the Land Use Guidance Committee for consideration and recommendation. Report on Economic Development Task Force The draft report was handed out. Krempel advised that if NRAB wants to have any input into the final report it must be done immediately. LaRue briefly stated that, in her input as a Task Force member, she wanted to make the point that development has an effect on health and quality of life. n U It was moved that, because of time, no action be taken on the matter. The motion was withdrawn. It was then moved, seconded, and unanimously passed, to take no official action, but to encourage each individual to make their own comments through LaRue. Election of Officers Nominations were opened for Chair of the Board. Michelsen was nominated; the nomination was seconded. Michelsen then asked that his name be withdrawn from this nomination. LaRue was nominated; the nomination was seconded. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously passed that nominations cease. LaRue was unanimously elected Chair. Nominations were opened for Vice chair. Michelsen was nominated; the nomination was seconded. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously passed that nominations cease. Michelsen was unanimously elected Vice Chair. Discussion of Goals Draft goals, drawn up by the ad hoc committee from discussions at the June meeting, were handed out. Fechner mentioned he would like to have the reference to Natural Resources staff removed from the transmittal memo. Board members were asked to review the draft goals and call Sanz by Wednesday, July 9 with any revision suggestions. Annual Report LaRue mentioned the NRAB annual report which was sent to Council in May, noting that copies had been sent to Board members. She had heard no response from Board members and wondered if anyone had any remarks about the report. It was suggested that next year's report be discussed at an NRAB meeting before submission. It was suggested that the Chair and Vice Chair initiate annual report activity in April of each year. City Water Meeting Fischer summarized the views expressed by various attendees at the water meeting and reported on concerns of the Water Supply Board regarding Thornton purchases. Staff Reports Because it was so late, Krempel requested each report be limited to one minute. Ross Natural Area -- NRAB members would like to see the. plan. It will be sent out prior to the August meeting. NRAB will meet at the site 15-30 minutes before the regular meeting time on 8/6/86. Prospect/Taft Wetlands -- If there. is a report on this area, it will be sent to Board members. NRAB may drive by to view this site immediately before the 8/6/86 NRAB meeting. The Air Quality Budget and Air Quality Program reports were deferred to the August meeting. Backyard Wildlife. Habitat certification materials were distributed for review. Announcements Krempel announced the Storm Drainage Board will probably invite. NRAB to a day —long tour in August and to their picnic in September. Johnson announced that 100 volunteers worked on trail building during the recent work sponsored by Volunteers For Colorado and Fort Collins Parka and Recreation Department. Krempel handed out a schedule of meetings relative to Division of Wildlife mitigation policy. Krempel handed out the progress report on the wetlands mapping project. LaRue asked how the City staff reorganization affects the Department of Natural Resources. Krempel explained the new structure. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.