Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Parks Advisory Board 2017-08-17 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 17, 2017 Minutes of a regular meeting of the Parks Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Executive Board Room of the Estes Park Events Center on the 17th day of August, 2017. Present Celine Lebeau Carlie Bangs Duane Lockwood Terry Rustin Merle Moore Vicki Papineau Also Present: Greg Muhonen, Director of Public Works Kevin McEachern, Operations Manager Megan Van Hoozer Assistant Patrick Martchink, Town Board Liaison Absent: Ronna Boles, Brian Berg Chair Lebeau called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. No public comment GENERAL BUSINESS It was moved and seconded (Lockwood/Moore) to approve the July 20, 2017 meeting minutes and the motion passed unanimously. PARKS DIVISION UPDATE Public Works Operations Manager, Kevin McEachern provided the Parks Division Updates in Brian Berg’s absence.  The Centennial Knoll Willows is now complete.  The Parks crews are working to complete the landscaping at the new parking structure.  Mrs. Walsh’s Garden (“Garden”) was recently deeded/donated to the Town as an additional park. Annual maintenance revenue will come from the Northern Colorado Foundation Endowment Fund set up years ago. The funds provided are approximately $45,000 per year. Understanding that it will no t cost the Town this sum of funding on an annual basis to maintain, the thoughts are that some of the funds could be used to grow the Garden, perform xeriscaping, and provide educational programming. The Garden is currently set up as a botanical garden containing only native species of plants/flowers with associated labeling. Co-chair Moore feels it’s critical to watch the endowment fund money which is designated to the Garden. The individual that has provided maintenance for the Garden, Joan, could provide the Town a history of the maintenance needs as well as the desired use of the Garden. It is critical that we understand the specifics for which the funds are to be used. Supervisor Berg and Joan have Parks Advisory Board – August 17, 2017 – Page 2 been in communications so the PAB will request an update at the September PAB meeting.  The Parks Division will begin trimming trees for the winter. To assist in this effort, the Streets Division will identify the tree limbs that would be broken during snow removal.  A member asked about when the bicycle dismount decals would be applied to the pavement along the Riverwalk. At this time, the Parks Division has efforts focused on other items due to the heavy workload. A status will be brought to the next regularly scheduled PAB meeting.  Member Rustin suggested ashtrays be added at the Visitor Center after witnessing a visitor put a lit cigarette in the recycle bin at the Visitor Center. Director Muhonen witnessed another individual put their cigarette butt in a flower planter. This will be assessed and a determination will be brought back to the PAB.  Member Papineau requested a status of the plan for the existing covered picnic pavilion near the Visitor Center. Anticipating the installation of Veterans Monument Park, the question was asked regarding whether the plans are to build a new one on the opposite side of river or reuse the existing structure. The Town is currently weighing the options. A picnic pavilion is needed due to the extensive use by residents and visitors. No objections were heard to tearing down and discarding the existing pavilion as long as new one is built. OTHER BUSINESS CORA - Colorado Open Records Act: There was a discussion about whether boards/commissions should be assigned Town email addresses. As part of a citizen board, members are subject to CORA. There is a potential that members could be requested for information pertaining to specific issues/discussions. Based on cost, it was determined that Town emails addresses will be needed only for Boards with decision-making responsibilities (Planning Commission / Board of Appeals) rather than advisory boards. Director Muhonen communicated that members may be asked for information if a request for records is received. Member Rustin asked if the Town donated the Fish Hatchery property for the workforce housing initiative and Director Muhonen confirmed. As reflected in the bid documents there will be conditions regarding certain aspects of existing property. The Town wants to do their part to help with attainable housing in order to make a meaningful difference to employees in the Estes Valley. Director Muhonen discussed a tour he provided Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) to display the Town’s vision and planned phases for the Fall River Trail. The Town has applied for a $2 million grant for phase one of the new trail design. Chair Lebeau requested the final design drawings (by phase) be sent to her. Member Lockwood conveyed his thanks to Director Muhonen for coming up with electrical box vinyl cover at the parking garage stating it turned out very nice. Muhonen thanked the PAB for their suggestions during the process. Member Papineau relayed comments received at the Visitor Center regarding some successes in town. The Pikas in the Park program has been very successful and very enjoyable. Additionally, the musical instruments along the Riverwalk are also quite Parks Advisory Board – August 17, 2017 – Page 3 successful. Papineau also suggests that the Estes Arts District coordinate their activities with the publications listing events in Estes Park. Many visitors come back to town for art events they’ve attended in the past that may or may not be ongoing events. This topic will be brought up in the next regularly scheduled meeting. Member Papineau received comments at the dedication of the Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows regarding the non-native wildflowers that were planted. Papineau would like to know the guidelines for that space so she is well-equipped to provide responses. Fire Chief David Wolf suggested that when distributing the Recommended Plant Listing the Town also distribute additional hand-outs; ‘Fire-Resistant Landscaping’ and CSU Horticulture Extension material ‘FireWise Plant Materials’. Once a link to the plant listing is made available online, the links for the additional documentation will be provided as well. Co-Chair Moore made a motion to approve Chief Wolf’s recommendation and the motion was seconded by Member Papineau. All were in favor. Moore also recommended that CSU extension office mountain gardening bulletins be linked online. Moore will provide the specific information to Megan Van Hoozer. With no other business to discuss, Chair LeBeau adjourned the meeting 9:21am