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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 01/25/1989CITY OF FORT COLLINS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES: January 25, 1989 The regular meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by President John Rabun. Board Member Richard Ramirez called to say that he would not be able to attend the meeting. Agenda Review: Staff added three items to the printed agenda as follows: Poudre R-1 Facility Task Force, Quarter tax support cent sales group, and Fort Collins Festival. Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting of Wednesday, December 14, 1988 were approved unanimously as submitted, on a motion by Elery Wilmarth, seconded by Roger Tarum. Citizen Participation: No Citizen participation Review and Discussion: Skateboard Concerns Prior to the meeting, a paper on the issues surrounding a proposed skateboard park in Fort Collins was presented to the Board members. Director of Cultural, Library, and Recreational Services Mike Powers began the discussion with the comment that City Council would like to hear the Board's concerns on this issue. The major concerns articulated by the Board were as follows: 1. Elery Wilmarth noted the proposed cost of the facility would be $125,000. His comments concerned where the $125,000 would come from and how this fit in with other competing projects. 2. John Barnett expressed concerns about liability issues for the City. To reduce liability, the park may have to be made too easy for the skaters. He also commented that for the liability to be reduced, the City would have to supervise the facility. Recreation Supervisor Dave Mosnik commented that the liability would be covered under the City's self-insurance program. He noted that it is almost impossible for a private organization to obtain liability coverage. His research showed that several communities operate skateboard parks without insurance. 3. Cathy Mulcahy questioned the market for such a facility. Dave Mosnik replied that there seems to be a growing market for skateboarding, however, if it turns out to be a fad, we could convert the surface areas into basketball courts. The concensus of the Board was that this issue should be directed back to the private sector. They suggested that staff contact Bill Wright of Parks and Recreation Board Minutes January 25, 1989 Page Two of Wright Life to suggest that he become involved in measuring support from users of such a facility as well as the downtown merchants. It is the Board's feelings that the community would be better served if this were a private venture. They suggested that City staff provide some level of support to the private citizens in their investigation and coalition building. It is the Board's feeling that the funding for such a project be provided from the private sector with the City possibly providing land for such a facility, as well as future operation and maintenance. This operation and maintenance may also be provided through funding by the private sector. Review of 1989 Work Plan/Meeting Schedule Jerry P. Brown reviewed the work plan for 1989. Request for designation of the "A" at Maxwell Property has been delayed to a later date since the citizens who are concerned with this are not ready at this time. John Rabun wants to show the usage of youth sports facility, spring usage, numbers of participants, with a report before the March election. Karen wants a breakdown of adult and youth usage of EPIC, and use in comparison to the facilities capacity. Review of the Downtown Plan The Planning Department has put together a copy of the plan for review. Staff is reviewing this (Forestry, Park Planning and Development, and Recreation). Jerry suggested that the Board appoint two representatives to review this and at next month's meeting report back to the Board. He suggested that the designated Board members review and confer with staff. John Barnett volunteered to review on behalf of the Board, along with Cathy Mulcahy. Election of a New Board Vice President Jerry said that according to the bylaws, in the event the president is not able to complete his term the vice president becomes the board president. President John Rabun's resignation is effective after tonight's meeting. On a motion by Elery, seconded by John Barnett, the Board voted unanimously (7-0) that Vice President Cathy Mulcahy becomes president of the Parks and Recreation Board for 1989. On a motion by Cathy Mulcahy, seconded by Roger Tarum, the Board voted unanimously (7-0) that Bob Aukerman take Cathy's position as Vice President of the Parks and Recreation Board for 1989. Parks and Recreation Board January 25, 1989 Page Three Fort Collins Festival Jean Helburg advised that Jan Carroll met with her this week to discuss the plans for the festival this summer. Jan has been spearheading this project with the Junior League and the Chamber. They are applying for money from the Fort Fund. This event will be August 19/20 with an historical focus on Fort Collins' being 125 years old. They may want to make this an annual event. They have approached Parks and Recreation to get involved. They want to utilize the farm for historical reasons. Jean discussed having a "Volksmarch" utilizing the trails to connect the farm to the museum. We will be involved to some degree. Staff will keep the Board updated. Staff will also give Ann Schroeder a call regarding this since it has been an interest of her's for several years. Poudre R-1 Facilities Task Force Poudre R-1 School District is forming a future facilities committee. The City of Fort Collins has appointed Development Services Director Mike Davis to represent the City on this committee. Jerry asked if a Board member would be interested in being a part of this committee. Jean said that it will be a follow up after the new schools are built next year. Karen Schubert said that she would be interested in serving. Quarter Cent Sales Tax Support Group Members of the City Council have scheduled a meeting Thursday evening, January 26, at 5:30 p.m. to promote Choices 95 capital projects: Older Adult Center, 4.7 million; Eastside Neighborhood Park, $600,000; Southwest Community Park Acquisition, $1.4 million; Buckingham Park Enhancements, $24,000; Edora Park Enhancements, Frisby Park and Concession ,$150,000; Indoor Pool renovation; $1.4 million (medium fix 10-15 years) total approximately $8.8 million. Other capital projects are listed on the attached sheet for the Board's review. Board Members and Staff Comments/Reports Jean reported EPIC Christmas ice shows were both sold out. Another ice program is scheduled for May. Anheuser Busch has already bought out one.show for their employees. Jean also advised that Christmas at the Farm was success this year. Elery said that the Ice Show was terrific. He Suggested numbers be painted on the seats for easier identification and seating. Cathy Mulcahy asked if the mascot at EPIC has been named. Jean replied it has been named "EPPIE." Parks and Recreation Board January 25, 1989 Page Four Elery asked about the status of the dog issue. Mike said that the Board's response and staff's response have been packaged with legal information and sent to Council by Assistant City Attorney Kathy Allin. Elery said it's unfair for staff to take all the flack from the LaPorte residents in this rails to trails issue. He asked what the Board could do help? Mike suggested the Board advise Council of its support; He also mentioned that staff is working with the citizens letting them know that we are willing to work with them. (See attachment). Roger Tarum said this fact needs to be printed in the newspaper paper. John Barnett suggested the Board write a letter to the editor stating their views in support of the staff. Board members suggested individual letters to the editor would be more effective. On a motion by Bob Aukerman, seconded by John Barnett, the Board voted unanimously (7-0) in support of negotiations of the completion of the trail loop as noted in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Roger expressed his suggestion that staff meet with reporters to explain the City's point of what we have done to acquire this land. John Rabun congratulated those members who have attended all the meetings in 1988. John Rabun's letter of resignation was received by the Board. The Board and staff expressed their thanks to John for his service on the Board and to the City of Fort Collins. All wished John success in his new position in Douglas, Wyoming. Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jackie Rael, Administrative Aide Meeting Attendance Board Members Staff John Rabun Cathy.,Mulcahy Roger Tarum Bob Aukerman John Barnett Karen Schubert Elery Wilmarth Mike Powers Jerry P. Brown Jean Helburg Dave Mosnik Jackie Rael PROPOSED ORDINANCE ORDINANCE NO. 9, 1989, OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, PROVIDING FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A NEW TWENTY-FIVE HUNDREDTHS PERCENT (0.25%) SALES AND USE TAX ON ALL ITEMS EXCEPT FOOD FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT YEARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING FUNDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: 1. PARKS & OPEN SPACE CAPITAL PROJECTS: Older Adult Center Eastside Neighborhood Park SW Community Park Land Acquisition Buckingham Park Enhancements Edora Park Enhancements Indoor Pool Renovations 2. OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS: PFA Station N10 Land Acquisition PFA South Battalion Lincoln Center Restrooms 3. STREETS/TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROJECTS - Those which improve traffic safety and provide for increased capacity of major streets and intersections. Such projects include: Shields, Laurel to Prospect Prospect -Shields Intersection Prospect -College Intersection Drake -Canterbury to Taft Hill Prospect-Lemay Intersection Eastside Neighborhood Intersection College -Drake (Double Left/Right Turns) Drake -Taft Hill Intersection Prospect -Taft Hill Intersection Shields, Raintree to Casa Grande Prospect, Shields to Taft Hill Timberline Extension - Prospect to Summitview FOR THE ORDINANCE AGAINST THE ORDINANCE C MEMORANDUM DATE: December 20, 1988 TO: Public Distribution FROM: Steven C. Burkett, City Manager, RE: Rails to Trails Last night, staff and I attended a public meeting devoted to the issue of the acquisition of the rail line from Martinez Park to Laporte, and the trail connections that may ultimately be made. The major focus of that meeting was a request by the affected property owners along the rail line to withdraw our request to the Interstate Commerce Commission to acquire this land. In return for this withdrawal, some residents suggested that property owners would be able to work cooperatively to develop the trail from our current location at Taft Hill to Overland Trail and possibly into Laporte. It is my recommendation that this petition to the ICC not be withdrawn. The ICC process will take some time. We are currently in the application process. I anticipate that we would not close on the property with Burlington Northern until early to mid -summer (1989). The property will not be purchased by the City until we have ICC approval and the property closing process with Burlington Northern occurs. The goal of the City's trail system is to complete a continuous circuit around Fort Collins. Currently, there are two significant pieces of this trail connection missing. The major missing connection affecting this discussion is a trail connection between Taft Hill Road and Michaud Lane (the existing Foothills Trail). It is the City's goal to make this connection. Staff will commit to meet with each affected property owner along `the rails property to attempt to negotiate this connection. Staff will also agree to not use any rail property when that property owner provides an acceptable alternate route around or through their property that meets our requirements for trails and our goal to connect the Taft Hill Trail to the Overland Trail Road area. We intend to provide for the equitable and fair treatment of those property owners along the current and/or alternative routes and, where circumstances warrant, may even provide for compensation to achieve equity. �00 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 380 • Fort Collins, CO 80322-0380 • (303) 221-e303 Rails to Trails December 20, 1988 Page 2 We would also suggest that the Laporte Area Advisory Committee be built into the Taft Hill to Overland Trail Road trail development. We would keep them informed of our progress and ask for their assistance in developing alternate routes to achieve our goals. We would also provide support to them to help them connect our trail to any future trail through the Laporte area that they may desire to have. The section of trail from Taft Hill to Overland Trail Road is our primary concern. At a later date, we will work on the trail connection along the rails to trails acquisition from Taft Hill back to Martinez Park. In that process, staff will commit to working with each individual affected property owner and to explore alternate routes to meet our objectives. Easements, lease arrangements, and possibly compensation to make sure that the alternate routes are compensated equitably, will be part of this process. As it was stated earlier, our goal is to connect from Taft Hill to the Foothills Trail. We have no immediate interest in continuing the trail from Overland Trail west along the rail right-of-way. We will maintain the minimum right-of-way requirements to meet the ICC regulations, but would probably lease this land back to the property owners for ranch usage. The Laporte Area Advisory Committee may want to explore using this right-of-way for their trail purposes in Laporte. However, any extension along the railroad right-of-way beyond Overland Trail does not meet our immediate goal of a continuous circuit, City trail system. The ICC review will begin after a short waiting period. If the affected property owners from Taft Hill Road to the old water treatment plant can come together and develop an alternate solution to the trail connections between those two points, we would be willing to request that Council rescind the ICC application or the notice of interim trail use granted the City as a result of it. This alternative must meet our requirements and specifications and we must be able to acquire the land for fair market value. This would fulfill our goals concerning the trail connection. We would be willing to work with the property owners to develop these commitments. If the commitments do meet our requirements, we feel the rails to trails conversion would no longer be needed. If we can provide any other information, please let me know. SCB:MWD:jmr