Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2016 03 09

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes February 10th 2015 Page 3 of 7 some examples of farmers who farm on County land who grow food for schools, but not as their entire business model. Spencer asked whether there was any way that a farm operation could possibly generate income, to supplement the extra work. Mr. Steiner said that he would definitely try to have the farm be a functioning business. Spencer thought that some of the weird - shaped, nominally impractical parcels that are currently ranked low on the OSAB target property lists, might become more attractive if citizens had a small -scale organic farming use in mind. Joe cautioned that while this is a nice idea, the current Open Space staff would have a hard time managing this sort of arrangement and no time during this fiscal year to give resources to it. Joe said that the City would probably need the County to take the leadership role. Laura asked how this request would be any different from what exists now, since Mr. Steiner can already lease Louisville land jointly owned land from the County to build an agricultural business, if he so desires. Mr. Steiner basically wants a partnership with the City to help with start up costs in exchange for the school lunch benefit. He also may be looking for smaller parcels (3 -5 acres) than the County currently offers. Mike commented that Mr. Steiner needs to have a preliminary conversation with the schools to figure out whether the BVSD actually has a need for this sort of program, since they grow some of their own produce with their garden plots. Then, if the schools can actually provide a market, he may want to talk to the County since they do the agricultural leases. Mr. Steiner agreed and asked when he could come back. Joe asked him to come to staff with a proposal first. Laura suggested that he be given a copy of the OSAB target properties list and take a look at it, and if he saw a property that OSAB was undervaluing and if it was one he'd be interested in converting into an organic farm, he should let the board know. OSAB might rank a property higher if they know it has that sort of potential. VIII. Discussion Item- South Boulder Rd. Small Area Plan Presented by: Scott Robinson, City of Louisville Planner 11 Staff has been working on the South Boulder Rd. Small Area Plan, with public input, for a year and the process is drawing to completion. The goals of the process are: 1) To define desired land uses within the area; 2) To identify preferred physical characteristics; 3) To outline public infrastructure priories. Scott presented the current plans, which are bound next for the Planning Commission. 1) Scott introduced the Santilli property. It's adjacent to Harney Lastoka (along the east end) and currently contains a two residential structures at its north end. Due to its long narrow shape, the fact that it has Open Space to the west and a Lafayette residential neighborhood to the east, and its lack of access or egress, its commercial value is probably low, though it has been zoned commercial for 25 years. The property is not currently for sale. Scott asked whether OSAB would be willing to consider it as a candidate for an Open Space purchase. It is divided from Harney Lastoka by a ditch. Spencer asked whether the landowners would be upset if the city rezoned the land. Ember pointed out that the parcel could potentially serve Harney Lastoka by keeping future Public Drainage work off the agricultural lands of Harney Lastoka. Helen asked about the parcel's size, and Scott estimated it was 10 acres. Mike said OSAB ought to put this property on the target acquisition list to evaluate. The Small Area Plan draft currently recommends that the city should purchase this land. Ember recommended that the Planning Departments document should reference this as public acquisition rather than as an "open space purchase," as it hadn't yet been evaluated for that purpose. Several board members pointed out that it might make a nice dog off -leash property, but Laura cautioned that unless there a place for a parking lot, the City would essentially be providing that service to Lafayette residents.