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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Parks Advisory Board 2016-08-19 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 19, 2016 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Parks Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall Board Room, in said Town of Estes Park on the 19th day of August, 2016. Present: Merle Moore Dewain Lockwood Terry Rustin Vicki Papineau Also Kevin McEachern, Public Works Operations Manager Present: Patrick Martchink, Trustee Liaison Greg Muhonen, Director of Public Works Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Administrative Assistant Absent: Celine Lebeau Carlie Bangs Ronna Boles Brian Berg, Parks Division Supervisor Co-Chair Moore called the meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. GENERAL BUSINESS It was moved and seconded (Papineau/Lockwood) to approve the July meeting minutes with minor corrections and the motion passed unanimously. ARTS DISTRICT UPDATE Lars Sage encouraged everyone to make use of a new Arts District’s Calendar of Events that can be found at www.estesarts.com. It provides excellent event/activity coverage. Lars extended an invitation for everyone to attend a community appreciation event located at the Lake Estes Marina on August 31, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It’s a “Thank You” to the community for their support for, and appreciation of, the arts. Member Rustin asked about the current status of the proposed Scientific & Cultural Arts District for Larimer County (includes four municipalities). Member Moore reported that twice the number of signatures were received to advance the proposal to the November ballot. This proposal is anticipated to generate over $12,000,000 annually for the Estes Arts District as well as bring in needed sales tax dollars for the community. PARKS DIVISION UPDATE The newest, and final, instrument to Estes Park’s Musical Walkway has been installed in honor of our volunteers. A ceremonial dedication will take place on August 31, 2016. Parks Advisory Board – August 19th, 2016 – Page 2 Member Papineau brought up a concern about the memorial signage located along that river walk. While some memorial items are benches with placards, others are large, stand-alone memorial signs donated by the Estes Valley Land Trust. While appreciated, this type of public fixture should be funneled through the Parks Advisory Board for appropriate assessment of the offering itself, and it’s placement in specified areas. This would be the goal moving forward. CSU Cheatgrass Study: Colorado State University (CSU), in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County Recreation & Parks District, are conducting a 3 -year study of cheatgrass eradication methods. The method/product being tested, when used in lower elevations, is highly effective. This study will show whether or not the higher elevations will affect the performance. If successful, Larimer County may also begin to utilize this method moving forward. Estes Park In Bloom took place within the last month. Members of the committee will travel in October to the Symposium and will find out if we were selected as winners this year. The Parks Department is also updating the Town’s irrigation systems in phases. This will allow for better irrigation system management providing cost savings for the Town. Additionally, the aeration and fertilization of the grounds has been taking place over the past couple weeks as well as fencing around the trees in preparation of the 2016 rut. Current Project Updates: Children’s Reading Area at the Library: The Town’s project portion is complete, however it is believed that the library may perform some additional changes. Estes Park Transit Facility Parking Structure: With the go-ahead given on the new parking structure, the area’s landscaping was discussed. Director Muhonen explained, at a high level, the landscaping plans. He offered to bring the preliminary renderings for review/discussion at the September PAB meeting. Member Papineau expressed concern about the structure being built in the designated location due to it being in a prime location along the river. She feels it doesn’t belong there. Member Rustin expressed his concern that, during construction (September 2016 – June 2017) there will be fewer parking spaces in the VC South Lot. Parks Advisory Board – August 19th, 2016 – Page 3 North Bank River Restoration: Director Muhonen will be going in front of the Town Board to request funding allocation of the Town’s portion to restore the river bank along the south side of the Visitor Center. DEVLOPMENT CODE PLANT LIST FINALIZATION Chair Lebeau provided additional, primarily native, grasses for the Plant List. These grasses have been added to the document and Co-Chair Moore will finalize the details. Once complete, the document will be finalized and sent to PAB members. AIPP ARTICLES FOR TRAIL-GAZETTE Member Rustin pitched an idea to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette (EPTG) editor to print series of stories about Arts In Public Places (AIPP) with photos, artist details, etc.. The editor was very receptive. There would be approximately 40 articles annually on the topic. Member Rustin brought it before the PAB because the d ata to be provided in the articles belongs to PAB and he wanted to ensure he had agreement among the members to utilize that information elsewhere. All members agreed. Links will be shown on the Town’s Website, Estes Park Trail Gazette’s website, and the Estes Park Arts District website once the articles are implemented. The AIPP Brochure will need updated with all associated links. OTHER BUSINESS With no other business to discuss, Co-Chair Moore adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.