HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Conservation And Stewardship Board - Minutes - 07/14/2021 Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
July 14, 2021
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
07/14/2021 Page 1
1. CALL TO ORDER:
5:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Joe Piesman, Raymond Watts, Vicky McLane, Mike Weber, Cole Kramer, Alycia Crall,
Andrea Elson
Excused: David Tweedale
Natural Areas Department/City Staff: Zoe Shark, Dave Myers, Julia Feder, Jenny
Roberts, Aaron Reed, AJ Chlebnik, Brandon Poole, Barb Brock. Errin Henggeler;
Environmental Regulatory Affairs
Citizen Participation: Elena Lopez
3. AGENDA REVIEW:
Ray announced that Larimer County released oil and gas draft regulations on July 5,
2021. The LCSB has written two memorandums regarding the regulations. Ray would
like to discuss how the Board feels about both memos and which one would be
appropriate to send to City Council.
The balance of the agenda is unchanged.
The Board agreed to meet in person for the next Board meeting in August. Zoe and
Michelle will be working on a hybrid system as an alternative for Board members not
comfortable meeting in person.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Joe Piesman made a motion to approve the June LCSB
meeting minutes. Cole Kramer seconded the motion. The motion was
unanimously approved 7-0. ( Andrea Elson was late for this vote)
5. COMMUNICATION & BOARD MATTERS
Mike Weber reported the Bicycle Advisory Committee met last month but there was
nothing to report pertaining to the natural areas.
Boards and Commission Succession
Ray Watts summarized the Board’s previous discussions around expediting replacement
of board members when terms have expired or members resign. He asked if Board
members had any comments on the memo, he sent out to City Council requesting an
improved process. Board members agreed to approve the memo and send to City
Council. Zoe reiterated that City Council have made appointments for those Boards with
highest priority or boards that are quasi-judicial. It was decided that LCSB, as well as
other board openings would take place during the winter recruitment. It could be
recommended that additional staff might be needed within the City Clerk’s office to
increase the efficiency in filling empty positions.
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Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
July 14, 2021
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NEW BUSINESS
Oil and gas memo from LCSB follow -up
Board members had an in-depth conversation about the two memos drafted to City Council.
Joe Piesman made a motion that the Board approved the memorandum adding a
total ban on surface extraction activities. Vicky McLane seconded the motion. The
motion was unanimously approved 8-0. (Andre Elson was present for vote)
Budgeting for Outcomes
Zoe Shark, NAD Interim Director gave a brief update on the proposed 2022 budget and
Budgeting for Outcomes. Staff presented a draft of the budget in both March and April.
A brief timeline and summary of the proposed enhancements to the 2022 NAD budget was
provided. The most significant enhancements are restoration projects and staffing
additions.
Board members had questions about the 30% increase in Department Management from
2021 to 2022. Zoe and Barb explained that included the Director’s salary, funding that
goes to overall department wide expenses such as; postage, uniforms, IT support, City
Attorney support, as well as other department support. Planning and Projects’ budget
almost doubled. Barb explained the increase includes projects that are in line for the
upcoming year. Barb explained that restoration projects are now within Planning and
Special Projects’ budget. Typically, in the past, restoration projects would be included in
Resource Management’s budget.
Board members asked if NAD will be requesting any general funds. Barb listed a few
projects that NAD will seek general funding for, for example, Poudre River project, Water
Resource Engineer position, Nature in the City, a portion of Jennifer Shanahan’s position
and a portion of NISP work.
Bobcat Ridge restoration/reopening
Jennifer Roberts, NAD Environmental Planner provided an overview of the Bobcat Ridge
Natural Area restoration and fire recovery. Staff is currently working on 200 acres of
grassland restoration in the north units of the valle y. The area will then be seeded in the
fall. The remaining 400 acres will begin over the next two years. Unfortunately, with the
current flash flood event, additional damage to trails has taken place, slowing the progress
toward reopening. It may be early September before the area will officially open. Jenny
discussed the dump at Bobcat Ridge that was undocumented at the time of purchase . NAD
will continue to work closely with the City of Fort Collins Environmental Regulatory Affairs to
establish a timeline for mitigation.
Errin Henggeler, Environmental Regulatory Affairs, answered questions regarding the
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Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
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July 14, 2021
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asbestos and regulatory requirements for the dump clean-up.
NEW BUSINESS
ADA accessibility
Brandon Poole, NAD Technician II and AJ Chlebnik, Public Engagement Specialist
provided an overview of accessibility in the Natural Areas, with a focus on trails, amenities,
and public engagement. Driven by the American with Disabilities Act, the City has been
conducting evaluations throughout departments to capture services and or activities not
included in the City’s 1992 Transition Plan to meet the Act. The City contracted with
Skulski Consulting LLC to evaluate parks, trails recreation and natural areas to identify and
prioritize improvement areas. Areas of highlight for natural areas were parking lots and
trailheads. Trails and Visitor Amenity staff will utilize the report to identify improvements.
In addition, the Public Engagement team has made several changes to better engage with
community members with disabilities. Brandon and AJ summarized some of the work NAD
has done and future work that will be implemented to improve accessibility.
Land Conservation Updates
Dave Myers, Land Conservation Manager provided an update on potential land
acquisitions and current negotiations for land purchase. Additional information will be
provided for the August Board meeting.
Dave reported there would not be an Executive Session
Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
________________________ _________________
Raymond Watts, Chair Date
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8/17/2021