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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Parks Advisory Board 2021-09-16 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 16, 2021 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PARKS ADVISORY BOARD of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 16th day of September, 2021. Board: Chair Elliot, Vice Chair Poggenpohl, Members Berry, Nelson-Hazelton, Papineau, and Wilcocks Attending: Chair Elliot, Vice Chair Poggenpohl, Members Berry, Nelson-Hazelton, Papineau, Wilcocks, Town Board Liaison Cenac, Supervisor Berg and Deputy Town Clerk Beers Absent: None Chair Elliot called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT. None. AUGUST MEETING MINUTES. It was moved and seconded (Poggenpohl/Papineau) to approve the August 19, 2021 meeting minutes with requested changes by Members Berry and Papineau and it passed unanimously. 2021 PARKS ADVISORY BOARD (PAB) INITIATIVES. Town Board Liaison Cenac would follow up with the Town Board on the PAB letter regarding the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. PAB requested staff and Liaison Cenac gauge the Town Board’s interest in discussing the program and plan during a Study Session. A brief discussion ensued regarding pocket parks where it was determined PAB did not have to wait for the Arts Master Plan, although it would be beneficial in determining staffing needs. Staff would confirm funding allocated towards Parks in 2022 and would consider use of the Open Space funds. Members discussed the benefits of producing the Arts Master Plan in-house versus enlisting a contractor and concerns were heard regarding consultant costs. It was recommended staff reach out to Larimer County for information related to their efforts and experiences developing an Arts Master Plan. ESTES VALLEY WATERSHED COALITION (EVWC) PRESENTATION. The presentation was continued to October 21, 2021. Member Nelson-Hazelton supported the EVWC providing a virtual update, which the PAB was in agreement. WOMEN’S MONUMENT PROJECT UPDATE. The dedication would take place on September 30, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Member Wilcox provided an overview of the event, noting the invitation of State representatives. Promotion of the dedication was through VEP, news releases, and press packets. Sculptures were scheduled to arrive at the end of September and the doner plaque would be mounted at the site prior to the dedication. The monument would be blessed privately by Fred Mosqueda, a Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe Sand Creek Tribal Representative. The monument incorporates offering bowls for tribes to bless the site. Member Wilcox reviewed the speaking list which included the Mayor, sculptor Jane DeDecker, Estes Park Women’s club members, Town Administrator Machalek, and Fred Mosqueda. A replica of the monument would be on display at the Estes Valley Library, managed by Estes Park Museum staff. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY TASK FORCE (ESTF) UPDATE. A letter to ESTF regarding coordination between committees from PAB was received. Parks Advisory Board – September 16, 2021 – Page 2 PARKS DIVISION UPDATE. Supervisory Berg provided an update on Mrs. Walsh’s Garden. Contractor Alo Terra has completed the waterfall feature and would be installing a gate at the newly incorporated second entrance. The use of QR Codes was discussed to provide visitors access to detailed information on plants in the garden. Concerns were heard regarding cell phone signal in the area. Staff was encouraged to pursue options for expanding service if QR codes were implemented in the garden. Discussion ensued regarding software used for the identification of native plants for the QR Code program. Staff would be germinating additional native plants in the spring of 2022. Staff provided updates on current projects including: spring garden plans for the Women’s Monument dedication site which may incorporate yellow and white flowers as a tribute to women’s suffrage; progress on access to the Thumb Open Space site and trail connectivity continues with Access Fund volunteers; Parks Division staff are monitoring the frost and making plans for irrigation and blow-outs in preparation of the winter season; Big Thompson Recreation area (North of the parking structure) requires final approval from the Community Development Department before any structures are built; Members and staff determined public engagement and input on the Arts Master Plan would be discussed after Town Board direction has been received and the Fall River Trail construction progress was briefly discussed. IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL MEETINGS. The PAB discussed preference for holding in-person or virtual meetings. It was determined in-person meetings would continue, contingent upon any mandates from the Town, County or State officials. It was moved and seconded (Papineau/Nelson-Hazelton) to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 a.m. and it passed unanimously. /s/Bunny Victoria Beers, Deputy Town Clerk