City Council Minutes 2003 04 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting April 15, 2003 Page 9 of 14 to by the Open Space Advisory Board which states "After giving due consideration to the existing Trails Master Plan, identify lands where ecological impacts from passive recreation area relatively minimal and are appropriate for trails and recommend on such lands how trails can be located and built so that they will have the least adverse impact on the ecosystem." Light voiced his opinion that the sections are not proscriptive of mandatory management, but rather the process of making recommendation to Council. Brown asked Lair if the current alignment has the least impact on the ecosystem. Lair stated considering all the factors this alignment has the least impact on the ecosystem, as the trail goes under the underpass at Dillon Road, and does not come close to Coal Creek again until US36. She stressed the design team felt it did not compromise the ecosystem. Brown asked if the current alignment has the least environmental impact. Lair stated if the onlY criteria examined were the environmental impact, the least impact would be the trail next to Dillon Road. Van Pelt asked if the current alignment is consistent with the master plan. Lair stated the Coal Creek Master Plan documents the planning process for the Coal Creek/Rock Creek Trail. She stated the Coal Creek/Rock Creek Master Plan called for a bridge over US36. The current bridge is over a drainage ditch, which is far better than a bridge over US36. Levihn asked about the consideration of the golf course and voiced his concern many golfers are looking for their golf balls in the riparian area. He did not believe the trail would be as disruptive as the golfers. Lair stated the Board has discussed that issue as well and believes the trail won't make the current situation any better. Sisk asked if the project has been delayed. Lair stated the contractor has been asked to work on other parts of the trail. Sisk asked Jones what professionals have identified the area as riparian. Jones stated Don DiAmico, City of Boulder Ecologist, looked at photos of the area and suggested it be buffered. Dave Buckner, a Plant Ecologist for ESCO & Associates recommended not having trails in those locations. Based on his knowledge and expertise, Jones voiced his belief the area is riparian. Sisk asked Jones for his background, which establishes him as an expert. Jones stated he has a Masters in Political Science, and a degree in Natural Resource Policy and Administration and is employed by the City of Boulder as an environmental planner. Sisk asked Robson for his background, which establishes him as an expert. Robson stated he is in Environmental Planning, with a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado. He explained he and Matt Jones have very similar jobs, but have a difference of opinion on the interpretation of this particular area. 9