HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 03/26/1985rI
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES: Regular Meeting - March 26, 1985
The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by President Bill Loy.
Board members Cathy Mulcahy, David Shands, and Chuck Solano called to
say they would be absent.
Agenda Review: No change to the printed agenda
Citizen Participation: No citizen participation
Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting of February 26, 1985, were
approved unanimously 6:0 as submitted. Bill Loy asked for
clarification regarding whether or not the Board is now serving as the
"Open Space Committee." H. R. responded that the Board will review all
trails/open space concerns.
Re uest b the developers of the Ever reen Park area for Board
reconsa e% tion of_
recommendation to acquire t e Greenbriar site for a
Mr. James Bessett, the major developer in the Evergreen Park area,
requested by letter (dated March 19, 1985), an opportunity to appear
before the board tonight to ask that the Roard reconsider its
recommendation of February 26, 1985, to acquire the Greenbrier, site as
a new neighborhood park site. Jerry P. Brown noted that minutes from
the February 26 Board i,leeting, as well as notification of tonight's
meeting agenda item had been mailed to moth groups representing
Evergreen and Greenbriar. Representatives of both Evergreen and
Greenbriar were present.
Randy Balok began the discussion reviewing all of the background. Jiro
Bessett expressed concerns for Evergreen citing cost effectiveness and
a time period for development. Randy and Jim confirmed all of their
prior telephone conversations and correspondence. Ji;n said he felt
Greenbriar must get their full area platted and suhmit a plan if the
City is to consider them. Staff said wo have boon negoti.itinn_ with
Greenbriar regarding this issue. Randy then mentioned a n,--..j i;sir
which further impacts Evergreen negatively. The eastern limit of tl-
Evergreen parcel ends in a narrowing arri that wouli he rli`ficnit 1e
make use of. Tile United States Bur^au of acr:la'ritinn pmw,r a ,t
runs along the entire southern houndary of tri: parr,el. Restri tu;n;
within the easement include that no str•u.:tnrrs ran he built under it
and no trees can he planted on it. This effectively rc(i,pivi the site
by two and one-half acres sine the easement is 75 feet wide and 1,50)
feet long. There also is a potential liability in having a recreation
area under power lines.
Mike ImMasche stated that to him it has been more a concern of the
Parks and Recreation Board to acquire good land for future parks more
so than to commit to a specific future development, which Mr. Bessett
Parks and Recreation Board Minutes--2
thinks is important. Jim Bessett then said he will commit to a six-
month development start and give us as good a price as Greenbriar. He
also noted that he still needs to acquire part of his "offered" land.
He has an option limit based upon City action.
Mr. Jim Scavo, representing Greenbriar, responded regarding the tine
period and property concerns, and that they have a development plan.
Mike ImMasche noted that at the February 26 meeting, it appeared that
their was more than a $100,000 difference in the cost of the two
parcels, and that is the basic reason he recommended Greenbriar. H. R.
Phillips then explained the normal procedure of Park acquisition and
our timetable/schedule of events. He said Mr. Bessett had actually
presented three different prices to staff, and had had plenty of time
to get his data to us last month; and now he still is asking for more
time. Further discussion continued on the the parcels, including the
history of the two tracts and what was involved in negotiations by
staff. Jim Scavo again confirmed the Greenbriar price of )13,500 per
acre which Mr. Bessett said he (Fvergreen) cannot match. His lowrst
price is $17,000 to $18,000 per acre. But, he said the City sham of
street development costs for Greenbriar would greatly increase their
"real" cost to the City, and "...As a taxpayer and a large landowner ho
resented it..." He said last month's hoard ;n^ ing regardinJ tJ!c
Greenbriar decision caught him by surprise. Karen Schubert comment rl
that she felt the Board had made a corninitnent to Greenbriar. lim Scavo
said this is a very critical period of time since 30 days has gone by
and there is only 30 days left to their offer. Wd thought we had a
positive Board action last month, but now we are on hold. It puts the
Greenbriar developers in a tough position.
Staff reminded the Board that their by-laws allow them to go into
Executive Session regarding land acquisition matters. At 7:25 p.m.
President Loy declared an Executive Session. He asked all staff
members and visitors to leave the room and remain available for any
possible questions. At 8:07 p.m. President Loy declared the Executive
Session ended, and all were invited to return to the meeting.
President Loy read the results of the Executive Session discussions.
The general consensus of the Parks and Recreation Board members
regarding the Greenbriar and Evergreen situation is as follows:
1. Greenbriar has made a firm offer, whereas Evergreen has an uncertain
proposal.
2. Further delays would create unnecessary expenses for both parties.
3. The potential price difference is not sufficient to warrant further
delay. Greenbriar will still cost $100,000 less than Evergreen after
street reimbursement costs are paid.
The shape of the Evergreen land is not as desirable as Greenbriar.
A. The design, development and maintenance of Evergreen probably
would cost more.
Parks and Recreation Board Minutes-3
B. The construction of the Evergreen slt- would not viol( .1 1:11
20 acres.
C. The street proximities of Evergreen are not as rlesirahl�.
5. The proximity of the proposed Fort Collins by-pass high+&ay to
Evergreen is not as desirable.
6. The proximity of Evergreen to the power lines and substation is not
as aesthetically pleasing and also presents potential liability
hazards.
On a motion by Mike ImMasche, seconded by Karen Schubert, the Board
voted unanimously 6:0 (three members absent) to reapprove their
recommendation to City Council to acquire the 21-acre Greenbriar site
for a neighborhood park. Mr. Bessett inquired about the next step in
the process. President Loy told him he should address any further
concerns to the City Council.
Lemay Avenue/Horsetooth Road Project
H. R. explained the proposed impact of the project on Warren Park. He
showed a sketch of the parking lot, sidewalks, medians, and Horsetooth
entrance. He also updated them with regards to the Golf Board
recommendation of no sidewalks adjacent to golf property, and a fence
along Lemay.
Alcohol in Parks
H. R. updated the Board on the history of this issue, and informed them
that the Police Chief has requested we look at what is happening in
parks. The existing ordinance says no drinking is allowed, but it has
not been vigorously enforced. What direction do we want to take.
Board members discussed the various pros and cons. Bob Aukerman said
our roll should not concern itself with enforcement or even maintenance
issues, but rather focus on the needs of park users. There will be
continued discussion at future meetings.
Naming of Indoor Pool/Ice Arena
H. R. requested Board members develop a procedure for naming the new
facility. Construction should begin in September and there should be a
name for it. Someone suggested it should be called "H. R. Phillips
Pool/Ice Arena," but H. R. said City policy discourages naming a
facility after someone who is alive and he wouldn't want it named after
him if he had to die first -- at least for 25 more years or so.
President Loy asked Board members to bring suggested procedures (not
names) back to the next meeting.
ther Busines
- Jerry asked if any Board members were interested in attending the
Colorado Parks and Recreation Association Spring workshop on April 4,
9 •
Parks and Recreation Board Minutes--4
in Arvada. RSVP deadline is March 29. Ann Schroeder indicated she
wanted to attend.
- Jean Helburg announced the Pool/Ice Arena committee meeting will be
held at the Park Shop on March 28 at 7:00 p.m.
- Copies of the letter to Mayor Rutstein regarding Board involvement
were distributed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike ImMasche
Board Secretary
Meeting Attendance
Board Members Staff Guests
Bill Loy H. R. Phillips
Mike ImMasche Jerry P. Brown
Bob Aukerman Randy Wok
Fran Bujack Jean Helburg
Ann Schroeder
Karen Schubert
Jim Bessett� Evergreen
Nary Rousch
Jim Scavo)) Greenbriar
Ron Kres1J
John Wilbur (:KCOL)
Ron McClary (Poudre R-1