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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 05/01/1996MINUTES CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING 281 CONFERENCE ROOM - 281 N. COLLEGE AVE. MAY 1,1996 For Reference: Phil Murphy, NRAB Chair - 491-6303 Gina Janett, Council Liaison - 493-4677 Tom Shoemaker, Staff Liaison - 221-6263 Board Members Present Phil Murphy, Linda Kirkpatrick, Ed Secor, Kelly Ohlson, Bill Miller, Jan Behunek, Craig McGee, Katy Mason Board Members Absent Phil Friedman Staff Present Natural Resources Dept: Tom Shoemaker, Karen Manci, Margit Hentschel, Rob Wilkinson, and Sally Maggart; park Planning DQL: Craig Foreman; Engineering Dent.: Marc Engemoen; Transportation Services: Ron Phillips and Gary Diede Guests Heather Brooks and Brent Fothwell, CSU students The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Review and Approval of Minutes With the following changes, the minutes of the March 20, 1996 Special Meeting were approved as written: Typos: Page 12, "wonder" should be "wander", Page 10, "resort" should be "result". On Page 5, Kelly Ohlson received clarification on the second paragraph regarding dogs in natural areas and inserted "that" before "public use" in the fifth paragraph. With the following changes, the minutes of the April 3, 1996 Meeting were approved as written: Jan Behunek said that in the second paragraph on Page 2 he meant that there should be more than one package, not one ballot for every subissue, and have a manageable number of issues grouped together according to some common purpose. Mason said that she was confused on Page 4 where the topic changed to the Conservation Trust. It was decided that Ohlson's comments changing the subject should be titled "Other Concerns". Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 2 Ohlson said that he meant to say "95 percent plus of the money comes from the open space/natural area funds" on Page 3, eighth paragraph. Ohlson expressed major concern about minimizing the Board's input. He said that decisions dealing with the CIP program, the Parks & Recreation Department, the Conservation Trust Fund, and the Air Quality Action Plan are not being communicated to the people making the decisions. Ohlson said that he feels the good work of the Board is being wasted. Phil Murphy suggested continuing with the review of the minutes and putting this item under Other Business. Ed Secor said that on Page 5, second paragraph "efforts" should be changed to "resources". Jan Behunek said that on Page 6, second paragraph he had said more and wanted to add "increasing subsidy for the bus system, decreasing subsidy for parking and some kind of economic systems program for reducing pollution from older vehicles or helping to get them off the roads. Economic incentives used in the right areas could be a powerful tool". Ohlson said that on the same page under regulations he was sure that this was said but was not what was meant. He does not think the word "encourage" goes with regulations. He asked if there was a way to clean that up. He changed the wording to "economic incentives to encourage companies to improve air quality along with voluntary programs and enforcement of regulations". Agenda Review Other Business: The following items were added to the agenda: The issue of communication from the Board to Council and comment from Craig McGee on the "Pay -as -you -Throw" ordinance. Tom Shoemaker requested an additional meeting on May 15 to focus on the CIP and the Natural Areas program. Ohlson requested a future agenda item related to development along the river and the priorities of natural area purchases. Announcements Ohlson said that he bought the book, Colorado Environmental Coalition, for his birthday and invited members to look at it during the break. He also had other publications for members to read. Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 3- Update on the Fossil Creek Trail through the Cathy Fromme Prairie: Craig Foreman, Parks Planning Department Tom Shoemaker announced that Phil Murphy had requested this update from Craig Foreman. Craig Foreman, Civil Engineer II, distributed aerial photos of the site and described the design and options for the Fossil Creek Trail. Ohlson asked for an explanation of why the trail is cutting close to riparian area along Fossil Creek. Foreman explained about hillside grades. Karen Manci, Environmental Planner, explained that the sensitive area containing prairie dogs is more upland and the trail would disturb raptors if it went through the ridge. Foreman offered to set up stakes to provide a visual perspective for the Board. Ohlson said that he is worried that the aesthetic trail engineering is winning out over natural resources. Foreman said that the trail is being placed where designated by the management plan. He emphasized that he and the Parks Department work well with Karen Manci, Tom Shoemaker and the Natural Resources Department. Craig McGee asked if the trails will be built of concrete. Foreman responded yes. He noted that ADA requirements require a hard surface for main trails and asphalt has proven difficult to maintain. Foreman said that brown stain will be added to the concrete to provide more blend with the area. He said that Fossil Creek, Spring Creek and the Poudre Trail are identified as main trails. Ohison said that it is his personal belief that if the ADA did not exist, Parks Department would still be recommending 10 feet concrete trails. Foreman explained that it would happen because of the safety factor and the comfort level. Ed Secor asked for the reason driving will be allowed to the observation point off of Harmony Road. Manci explained that it would enable the continuance of the winter raptor survey. Foreman said that the parking lot would have ten stalls at the most; he will provide further design information to the Board when it becomes available. Foreman reported that the GO Colorado board is impressed with the Cathy Fromme Prairie. Shoemaker added that $685,000 has been the total commitment from GOCO for the Cathy Fromme area. Presentation on the Structure Plan Portion of the City Plan Process: Peter Wray, Advance Planning Peter Wray, Planner, distributed information on the Structure Plan and explained the proposed alternatives that are based on the visual preference survey and the visions and goals. He noted that Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 4 all three alternatives have growth within the urban growth area. Ohlson interjected that there is growth outside of the City also. Wray added that the plans encourage alternative transportation and green areas around the City. Wray outlined the differences in the alternatives: infill development vs new growth, density, number of activity centers, land use at edge, amount of rural residential in UGA and transit. He added that the alternatives are based on 2.2 percent growth projected to a population of 150,0000. Wray explained each alternative: Alternative A: Represents a maximum amount of land developed over a 20-year period and a minimum amount of land conserved. No significant infill and the closest to the continuation of present development policy. Alternative B: Represents a moderate amount of land developed and conserved and a moderate increase in density. Alternative C: Consumes less land and represents maximum growth and maximum land conservation, higher density and greatest change from current practices. Ohlson questioned the Fossil Creek Study Area representing no development. He said that the County Commissioners want that to be the TDR receiving area. McGee said that he could not see any large density difference between the three alternatives. Wray explained that the maps are not parcel -specific; they include large open lands and rural areas, but not parks. Alternative A has a 4.2 percent increase in density; B has 5 percent and C has 6 percent. Wray reported that, based on input, there has been a predominant consensus toward a composite with Alternative C as the foundation and components taken from A and B. Bill Miller asked if there were comments included from the development community. Wray explained that developers are represented on the City Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) and the workshop was attended by representatives from the development community, bankers, realtors, etc. In addition, the workshop will be broadcast on Channel 27 and 100 videotapes will be available for public review and comment. Board Comments: 1. Ohlson suggested wordsmithing in the Agriculture section on Page 3, to clarify that it means "permanent". Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 5 2. Ohlson said that the final map needs to show what the City has and what they would like to get. He suggested making parks a different color. 3. Secor asked about the trunk lines through Old Town Square. Wray explained that not all changes were incorporated in time for the workshop; the maps are the first pass through. 4. Secor noted that the Urban Reserve is pushed out of the UGA in Alternative C and he felt it should be included in the UGA. 5. Behunek expressed concern about Alternative C, with growth in the north and employment in the south. Wray noted that there are large blocks of employment districts planned in the foothills, industrial areas, downtown and north College Avenue area. 6. Ohlson said that the Urban Reserve Area is a "done deal". The City needs to be honest with the maps; it is not accurate the way it is portrayed. Shoemaker suggested keeping in mind that none of this will happen unless the development review process and guidelines are changed. Wray explained that he is documenting the comments and will be forwarding them to the consultants. He noted that Council Study Sessions are planned for May 14 and June 11 and adoption is set for July 2. It was decided that the Growth Management Committee will meet to prepare preliminary comments for the Council's May 14 Study Session. Update on the Timberline Project: Marc Engemoen, Engineering Department Marc Engemoen, Engineering Manager, described the conservative and aggressive development growth scenarios in the urbanized area. He noted that there are three alternatives: "A" - no build, "B" - straight north from Prospect to Mulberry, and "C" - North/Northeast across Mulberry and tieing in with Summit View Drive. Engemoen explained that the construction plan is budgeted for a two lane roadway with no curb and gutter and with paved bikepaths on each side. He added that with available funding, it could be expanded to four or six lanes. Engemoen described the levels of service with the different alternatives and noted that the Timberline extension will have a positive impact on improving the level of service and impacting congestion on the east -west streets. He added that the models were based on the Congestion Management Plan, denser development and activity centers. Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 6 Engemoen reported that the construction impact on vegetation can be mitigated fairly effectively. He noted that there will be an increase of noise especially in the Riverbend Ponds area, but the recreational aspect may positively impact illegal shooting and recreational vehicles. Engemoen said that staffs preliminary recommendation to Council is to go forward with the roadway and proceed to the design phase. This will go to Council June 11. Ohlson asked what assurances there would be that mitigation will be done. Engemoen responded that the City wants to do a good job in the design process but there are budget concerns and choices will have to be made. There is presently $150,000 in the budget for mitigation but additional funds could be designated by Council. Engemoen said that this is not the last opportunity for a decision about Timberline. Staff will proceed with the design process and will look at mitigation in more detail. He added that Council can still direct staff not to construct Timberline; appropriating the money does not mean it has to be spent. Shoemaker said that other funding sources could be used. He noted that while the Natural Areas Tax funds are intended for land acquisition, they could be used for restoration. Miller asked about the road alignment related to the airport runway and if there were any legal implications. Engemoen explained that the alignment is outside the glide path restrictions. Miller asked if there would be an overpass at Mulberry. Engemoen replied that, if and when Timberline is six lane, there will have to be a grade separation. Secor questioned the wetlands mitigation. Rob Wilkinson, Environmental Planner, explained that getting the exact character could be problematic, but is achievable. Engemoen noted that some of the land along the river could be developed with or without Timberline Road. An access road could be built that would permit development. Mason said that a text correction is needed regarding the level of service question on the "no build" alternative to make it a more level playing field. Engemoen said that he will make the corrections and will bring them back to the June meeting. Gary Diede, Transportation Operations Group Leader, said that the final information will be sent directly to board members before the June meeting. Behunek said that he opposes the project because of the natural resources impact. He asked if it is linked with other things happening in the City. Engemoen explained that the basic tenet of the City Plan is to take existing plans and policies into account. Timberline is part of the CIP program and it appears in all of the City Plan planning. He further explained that it is a funded project and there has been no direction other than to proceed at this point. Ron Phillips, Transportation Services Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 7 Director, added that the second step is looking at including all the costs in the formula and looking at the street as a transportation corridor, not just a roadway. The Board thanked Engemoen for his update. 1997 Budget Issues: Tom Shoemaker, Natural Resources Department Shoemaker reported that preliminary recommendations are due in June for specific items to be included in the 1997 budget. He explained that the target is last year's budget plus 3.2 percent. The Board made the following suggestions for the budget: 1. Update of the Work Plan progress 2. Environmental Framework update 3. Natural Areas Design Guidelines and Mitigation Manual completion 4. Request more staff 5. Need Natural Resources representative at the P & Z Board 6. Natural areas maintenance and management target funding 7. Natural resource education programs 8. Natural areas mitigation 9. Recreational issues impacting natural resources 10. Solid waste reduction - commercial and multifamily 11. Composting 12. Gateway Park (Water Treatment Plant 1) 13. Fund air quality things as shown in the April 3 meeting minutes 14. Three rangers for the natural areas Shoemaker said that the Board's suggestions will be transmitted to the City Council, City Manager and the Budget Director. Update on the Legacy Grant: Tom Shoemaker, Natural Resources Department Shoemaker reported that the Great Outdoors Colorado Legacy Grant proposal is due June 24. He explained there is an interagency group working on it; Gary Kimsey will write the grant and Daryl Burkhard is the coordinator. The request is for $7-8 million. Shoemaker explained that the grant includes the purchase of the 16,000 acre Roberts Ranch (The Nature Conservancy proposal), the building of the road access, parking lot and boat ramp at Gateway Park, the acquisition of natural area in LaPorte for the extension of the trail system, the addition of 500 acres of land by the Environmental Learning Center that has been permitted for mining, the connection of the Poudre River Trail from Fort Collins to Greeley and the acquisition of natural areas along the Big Thompson. He added that the projects have to be completed by the end of 1999. k Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 8 Ohlson asked if it was okay to lobby GOCO board members. Shoemaker responded yes. Ohlson suggested considering a video presentation. Shoemaker asked board members to provide him with the names of people, businesses or organizations in order to solicit letters of support, donations (financial or in -kind contributions) and campaign assistance. Other Business Trash McGee said that he had received his first bill under the pay -as -you -throw system and it was considerably higher than before. He said that after considerable difficulty he was able to contact his trash hauler and get it adjusted. Shoemaker noted the composting update memo located in the packet. He said the idea of a regional composting facility is still being pursued. Ohlson suggested more education on converting to mulching mowers. He said that a regional facility might not be the way to go because everyone would have to drive to it. Mason suggested that Parks & Recreation Department offer a class on composting. Murphy suggested an incentive program that offers rebates on the purchase of mulcher mower blades or compositing bins. River Development Ohlson said that river issues need to be dealt with. Shoemaker said that staff is doing a land use plan for the river corridor. Also, there is a project with the gravel companies to get a master agreement on reclamation. Ohlson said that he is worried about the commercial vision of the corridor. Maximize Input to Council Ohlson said that he wants memos to go out in a timely manner. Murphy said that he will track the action items. Shoemaker agreed that it would be helpful to have an action item at the end of the meeting to clarify who and when things will get done. The Board needs to make the decision on the timeframe and content. Dark Sky Workshop Secor said that he attended the workshop and there is a trend moving toward better lighting. There were approximately 30 in attendance. Ad Hoc Committee Behunek, Kirkpatrick, Secor, Murphy and Miller will meet Thursday, May 9, 1996, at noon to discuss the Timberline Extension. Natural Resources Advisory Board May 1, 1996 Page 9 Growth Management Committee Mason, McGee, Murphy, Ohlson and Behunek will meet Wednesday, May 8, 1996 at noon to discuss the Structure Plan element of the City Plan. Budget Review Shoemaker will send a memo regarding the Board's budget concerns to Council next week. He will have Murphy review it. Memorandum Status Air Quality Action Plan: Board's motion listed in the Agenda Item Summary. CIP: Will be sent at an appropriate time. Will be discussed at the May 15 special meeting. Parks: Handled internally. Shoemaker discussed with Mike Powers. Trust Fund Money: Dead issue Social Date will be set at the May 15 special meeting. Meeting Change It was agreed to change the June meeting to Monday, June 3. Shoemaker announced that Council adopted the Cost of Services fees on the first reading (5-2). The second reading is next week. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:35 p.m