Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2025 06 11

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes May 14, 2025 Page 2of3 8. 7:50 pm Action Item: Review and Recommendations for Interpretive Education Panels. Presented by Catherine Manian, Open Space Specialist (20 Minutes) • Catherine gave an update on the status of the signage, location, and content and brought examples of signs that have been created thus far. • Solicited feedback about the new signs for Coyote Run, North, and Warembourg. • Andy asked about the mention of Cottonwood Trees on North and a brief discussion was had about the purpose of highlighting where Cottonwoods naturally grow and how man-made features such as ditches, etc. has caused Cottonwoods to be more prevalent than they would be otherwise. • Catherine led a discussion about the locations of the signs in their respective Open Spaces. All locations were approved by OSAB. • Susan spoke about including indigenous people in the signage and started a discussion about whether it makes more sense to try to fit in a brief statement about native people on the existing signs versus creating separate sign(s) that covers the topic in more detail. This will be revisited in the future when the next round of signs is approved and will involve subject matter experts, etc. 9. 8:10 pm Action Item: Review of 2026 Operational and Capital Budgets. Recommendations for 2026 Budget Amendments. Presented by Ember Brignull, Open Space Superintendent (25 Minutes) • Ember gave an overview of the budgeting process and the purpose of our review and discussion tonight. She highlighted that the PROST isn't completed yet so we are somewhat in the dark about what the additional funding needs might be once the PROST is completed. • Andy asked about the job description/responsibilities of the Natural Resource Specialist position that is being listed as a staffing/hiring need. This led to a discussion about the tradeoff between using resources to hire staff or, for example, build out trails if the PROST calls for it. • Ember discussed the pros and cons of doing work in-house versus hiring contractors. Discussed the controversy around some Open Space work and how staff can get threats from the community and how using contractors can sometimes take the pressure and scrutiny off of staff in these situations. • Susan suggested that the city could benefit from having an employee who focuses on educational and volunteer programs. This is currently done by existing staff and takes a significant amount of their time. • Mark asked about costs of contractors rather than cost of doing things in- house. Ember said it depends on the task because each type of work/project requires a unique skill set and expertise that the city may or may not have in- house. • OSAB agreed to write a memo in support of Ember's suggestions for the budgeting process, staffing requests, PROST funding concerns, etc. City of Louisville Parks Division 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027 303.335.4774 (phone) www.LouisvilleCO.gov 4