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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/05/2002 - RESOLUTION 2002-014 SUPPORTING THE COLORADO FRONT AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 30 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL DATE: February 5, 2002 STAFF: Craig Foreman SUBJECT: Resolution 2002-014 Supporting the Colorado Front Range Trail—a Colorado State Parks Initiative. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the adoption of the Resolution. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Colorado Front Range Trail will be funded with State revenues and by other local governments and will not impact existing trail funding for Fort Collins. 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Colorado State Parks has embarked on an ambitious plan to create a trail from Fort Collins to Trinidad. The Colorado Front Range Trail will link existing trail systems with new trail corridors to create a pathway between Colorado's population centers. Surveys by the State Trails Program affirm that over 90% of Coloradans use trails,with high priorities placed on diverse,close to home trails and on trail systems that link communities together. In Fort Collins the Front Range Trail is identified as the Union Pacific Trail to Loveland and the Poudre River Trail from Laporte and Timnath. The Union Pacific Trail right-of-way runs from EPIC south to just north of County Road#32. Only the first mile of the trail has been built. State Parks staff has met with local community stakeholders to discuss this concept and to identify potential corridor routes. The stakeholders group and a planning team have toured the proposed corridor and hosted community gatherings along the length of the project to invite public input. Support for the Front Range Trail was overwhelming. DATE: ITEM NUMBER: JU Three Guiding Principles emerged from the process: 1. All trail routes comprising the Front Range Trail must be determined and approved by the local jurisdictions through which they pass. The local jurisdictions' land use decision processes will determine all acquisition and trail development decisions. 2. The Front Range Trail should be funded through a dedicated long-term funding source that builds upon, rather than takes away from,current trail funding sources. 3. The location of trails should strive to protect sensitive natural, wildlife, cultural and scenic resources. The following goals were developed for the project: Form a spine trail corridor along the Colorado Front Range that links communities, points of interest and state and local parks; Create a safe,fun, attractive,continuous,interesting,diverse, and educational trail; Utilize existing and approved proposed trails as the basis for the corridor; Create a fairly direct North-South route; link to other trails,especially major East-West trails along the corridor; Have a separated trail, away from highways and roads,when possible; Protect sensitive natural,cultural and scenic resources when locating the trail; Create a trail corridor that enhances eco-heritage tourism along the front range; Incorporate alternatives and loops,so the trail can be used as soon as possible for a diverse range of trail uses. The planning effort will conclude in 2002 with a plan that will guide the implementation of the Colorado Front Range Trail. The plan will identify project phases and funding. The trail may take many forms ranging from narrow,unpaved walking paths to wider paved pathways. The entire trail will likely take more than 15 years to realize completion. The Parks and Recreation Board has reviewed the proposed Front Range Trail and recommended (8-0) that the City Council support the trail. Minutes of the December 5, 2001 Board meeting are attached. The Natural Resources Advisory Board has reviewed the proposed Front Range Trail and recommended(7-0)that the City Council support the trail. Minutes of the December 5,2001 Board meeting are attached. RESOLUTION 2002-014 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS SUPPORTING THE COLORADO FRONT RANGE TRAIL- A COLORADO STATE PARKS INITIATIVE WHEREAS,Colorado State Parks plans to create a trail from Fort Collins to Trinidad,called the Colorado Front Range Trail (the "Trail"); and WHEREAS, the Trail will link existing trail systems with new trail corridors to create a pathway between Colorado's population centers; and WHEREAS,in Fort Collins the Trail is identified as the Union Pacific Trail to Loveland and the Poudre River Trail from Laporte to Timnath; and WHEREAS, all trail routes comprising the Trail shall be determined and approved by the local jurisdictions through which they pass,and the local jurisdictions'land use decision processes will determine all acquisition and trail development decisions; and WHEREAS, the Trail will be funded with State revenues and by other local governments, and will not impact existing trail funding in Fort Collins; and • WHEREAS,over 90%of Coloradans surveyed use trails,and there is strong support for the Trail among local community stakeholders; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board has reviewed the proposal for the Trail and recommended unanimously that the City Council support the Trail; and WHEREAS, the Natural Resource Advisory Board has reviewed the proposal for the Trail and recommended unanimously that the City Council support the Trail. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the City supports the proposed Colorado Front Range Trail. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 5th day of February, A.D. 2002. Mayor Pro Tem ATTEST: • City Clerk s i Council Liaison: Bill Bertschy Staff Liaison: Marty Heffernan,224-6064 President: Lance Freeman Phone: 491-7813(work)484-6789(home) Call Meeting to Order:President Lance Freeman called the Regular meeting to order at 5:35 pm. Agenda Review: Staff requested to reorder the agenda as follows: Move #10 Farewell to Jessica MacMillan to #3, followed by #7, 6, and 5. Marty Heffernan added under Other Business: Appointment of Board Member to the Poudre River Downtown River Committee. Items of Note: Paul Hudout called to say he would be in Boston on business and would not be able to attend tonight's meeting. Citizen Participation: No citizen Participation Approval of Minutes: Mary Carlson had one change to the minutes of October 24, 2001. Under Other Business: She was quoted saying "the Board was not recognized at the special events." She would like that changed to: "The Board was recognized at the Fossil Creek Groundbreaking, but not at the YAC grand opening or the Edora Skate Park grand opening." On a motion by Paul Van Valkenburg, seconded by Dean Hoag, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the October 24,2001 meeting with the change that Mary Carlson noted. Farewell to Board Member Jessica MacMillan Mike Powers honored Jessica MacMillan's commitment to Parks and Recreation. As a Board Member, she has been involved in many capital projects including the Fossil Creek Community Park, trails expansion, Horticulture Center, many neighborhood parks, master plan update, parkland fees, senior center,YAC,both at Old Fort Collins High School, and the new location. Jessica said it has been a pleasure and there have been so many projects the Board has been involved in and has made a significant difference in the quality of life in Fort Collins. She is sorry that the riverwalk has not become a reality and that the new library or performing arts center didn't pass this last election. Parks and Recreation Board Minutes December 5,2001 Page 4 The Poudre Trail to LaPorte — A hydrologist is reviewing the trail east of Overland Road. We have a schedule that will design and tie into the hydrological study. The two trail bridges will be constructed in the summer. This will be a great project for 2002 to connect to LaPorte. We are still finalizing acquisition of two private pieces of land. The final piece is to build the trail under Overland and to Lions Park. This will add over a mile and one-half to our trail system. Youth Activity Center Gym—Marty said that Bob Everitt is still very interested in the project. We went through Conceptual Review and it is viable to construct on the south side of the YAC building. There are some storm water issues that we need to mitigate. We are working with the Stonnwater staff. Jean added that she met with the Planning staff and we need to amend the plat and we may have to hire an outside consultant for that We need to make modifications to the current site plan.Lance asked about funding? Jean said that the fundraising would start seriously after the first of the year. They will Iook for grants and a marketing plan. The group is very interested in helping us. Bob Everitt has offered over$100,000 towards the gym. Jean said that participation at the YAC is growing. The climbing wall is a big attraction. The numbers of participation are down because we don't have a gym. Picnic Rock—Marty explained to the Board that the State Parks has been managing this site in the Poudre Canyon,which is located on City property (owned by the Utilities). Larimer County and State Parks spent money on developing it for a park/picmc area. State Parks doesn't want to manage it any longer and thinks as long as we are in the Gateway Mountain Park business, we could manage this. The question is how do we identify this for maintenance in the future? The City Manager is determining,what to do. It does have some relationship to Gateway Park. Marty added that it is not going to be just City residents using it,but also tourists. Del said that the County needs to contribute some money for this. It would be a good area to maintain given its relationship to Gateway. Paul Van Valkenburg said that it makes sense to have one agency control both ends and is good government management of the river. Ross said he has concerns of fuming it over to the County with their financial constraints. Del Price made a motion that the City needs to take some immediate action to find a solution for the management of this property as it provides valuable services to the citizens of Fort Collins and to contact other agencies to see if they can assist us or take over management. It is preferable that this be done with small or zero cost to the City. Question was asked of Marty if it is appropriate for the City to assume responsibility? Marty said that it is appropriate for the City to find a solution to managing the site. The motion was seconded by Jessica MacMillan, and carried unanimously(8-0). Front Range Trail — Craig said that in the Board's packets was a copy of the Agenda Item Summary for the proposed site. He asked the Board for comments. Del Price asked if the alignment through Fort Collins is based on recommendations by the State? Craig said yes, our staff was part of a committee that planned this. The trail is divided into two routes from Denver to Fort Collins, One goes west and along the Big Thompson River and on the east to Boyd Lake ' Parks and Recreation Board Minutes December 5,2001 Page 5 from Fort Collins. Del questions if the State is endorsing this, will they earmark some of their money to this project? On a motion by Del Price, seconded by Paul Van Valkenburg, the Board strongly endorses this Front Range Trail concept. Unanimous(8-0) The Gardens at Spring Creek (Horticulture Center) — We are in negotiations with EDAW regarding the final design. The plan is to have the bid package-out in mid-January and start construction in February. We are hopeful that we will receive favorable bids on the project. People of the Clouds Park Senior Park Planner Jeff Lakey showed the Board the three conceptual designs of the park In September,staff held an open house for neighborhood comments at the site,and had a great turn out from the neighborhood. We designed three conceptual drawings of the park. Staff met with the neighbors again last month and they mostly favored "Concept B". Ross likes Concept B because it will be away from the school. Mary agrees with Ross' comments. Jeff explained that this whole park site is only 6 acres and there isn't enough room for a ballfield. This land was donated by the developer. Mary asked if the neighbors like the name of the park? Marty said that many of the neighbors commented that they did not like the name so staff is revisiting the name. The construction package will be bid in March and construction starting in April (2002) and it will be open in • 2003. The neighbors agreed on Conceptual Drawing B. Lance would like a more defined drawing prior to bids at the end of January. There are five sidewalk access points on all drawings. Parking will be allowed on the street. Lance asked if the number of trees satisfies the neighbors? Jeff said that it is sparse on trees. However,our Forestry Division adds trees as their budget allows through the years after the park is constructed. We have designed as many trees as we can afford in the plan. We will encourage more trees if the budget allows. Mary asked if we could xeriscape some of the area since we have to irrigate the entire property? Jeff said that is possible. Mary suggested that in the next drawing delineate that the adjacent school site is "Thompson School District". The Board was in agreement that they would like to see a final drawing of the preferred plan at their next meeting in January. Other Business • The City and Downtown Authority are doing a design concept for enhancements for the Poudre River Corridor from Linden to Lincoln. EDAW is the architect and now it is time to start plans for the character of the river in this area. There will be representatives from Natural Resources Advisory Board, Stormwater, Downtown Development Authority, and one member from the Parks and Recreation Board. The group will have their first meeting on December 18 with a walk through at 8:00 a.m. and then the group will meet at 9:00 am. raig .or�ernan-Excerpt-FrontRange Trail.doc age R 14 Excerpt from NRAB December minutes Colorado Front Range Trail, Craig Foreman,Bob Finch,Ben Pedrett Foreman said that State believes people support linking trails. I just came from P&R,where they discussed the plan. What we're looking for is a motion we could take back and put in a packet .for Council. Council will review the plan on January 18. Discussion • Waksom:Is the concept a ten-foot concrete trail? • Finch: We defer to the communities. • Rodriguez: Once a trail is established who manages and maintains it? • Finch: It would be who planned and built it. • Rodriguez: Why aren't you guys taking the lead in terns of design standards? It seems like a great opportunity for state parks to establish a presence. Are there plans for a unifying interpretive theme along the course? • Finch: That's the next step of the project,in terms of funding. There's a desire to have a logo for the trail, and uniform sign standards. The standards for construction are pretty well known. Most of this is not your two or three foot backcountry type of trail. • Rodriguez: Will it have handicap access? • Finch: That's a choice communities will have to make. There's a desire to make it as ADA accessible as possible. • Knowlton: One of your goals is to enhance eco-heritage tourism. What do you mean? • Finch: Some areas along the front range there are communities who desire to have more people come to recreate. • Knowlton: What is eco-heritage tourism? • Finch: It's the idea that through recreation or interest in the environment,people might be motivated to use the trials. • Ohlson: I will vote no against this resolution, and will urge Council to do the same: Randy and I and some others attended the regional meeting in Fort Collins. To me a third guiding principal should be the proper placement and location of trails in relation to habitai. Go back to the goals of the project, they're all action words except when it gets to protecting habitat it's strive. Once again,the things that mean something to me,have the weakest language. The real language does matter. It should say"protect sensitive habitat",it shouldn't say strive. • Ohlson: I'm worried about the draining of resources. Will it take away from local trail dollars? • Finch: None of this money comes from the open space quadrant of GOCO. • Foreman: There's flexibility on changing the wording. I sent the resolution anticipating you would wordsmith it. • Finch: Within your jurisdiction you can adopt any wording you want. • Knowlton: So,you're going to have all the jurisdictions do a resolution. What happens if 50%do, and 50%don't? • Finch: If a community does not participate there will be a gap in the trail system. Craig Foreman-EXCerpt-Front Range TraiLdoc • Ohlson: Even if we don't go along with this resolution our work will continue. If the resolution added a third guiding principal, and a strong bullet I might be able to support the resolution. The key is how you state the words, and how they're placed. • Rodriguez: That's what your organization should be about. You should err on the side of the resource. • Donovan: I agree with Don. There's an opportunity here to educate entities. They might welcome the direction, and the process. • Ryder:Do you have an idea of what portion of this trail system is in Larimer County? • Foreman: I've got another set of maps. There's nothing new or added. • Finch:We're seeing far less new trial construction. We are working on system trails that have already been identified. We're going back and helping them rehab trails that have fallen into disrepair. It's been neat to see the different trail planners get together and try to make their systems work. • Ohlson: We need to add another guiding principal;"Strive to protect sensitive natural, wildlife,cultural and scenic resources when locating the trails,and under the bullets have more action words;protect. Linda Knowlton made the following motion: Move we approve this resolution,with the wording recommended by Kelly Ohlson regarding the guiding prin • Foreman: I will put your changes in the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.