City Council Minutes 2016 10 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 2016 Page 3 of 7 City Manager Fleming stated he is proposing an increase in seasonal positions for this Program. Open Space Manager Brignull stated this seasonal position will be used to increase maintenance in high use areas, especially for weed removal. She added that previously the Parks Division was handling much of the open space maintenance and this will properly allocate the work to the Open Space Program. Councilmember Loo asked why we haven't done the controlled burns we have been discussing for a few years. Open Space Manager Brignull stated in some cases burns actually increase the weeds, also this takes a great deal of coordination and staff wants to only do it if it meets the resource objectives of that property. Director Stevens stated the department is still working to identify the best areas for any prescribed bums and to make sure the burn truly meets resource management needs. Councilmember Stolzmann asked when the open space zoning project would be completed. She stated she thought the plan was to zone one property per year. Is this to be completed next year and if yes, do we have enough funding budgeted to do this? Open Space Manager Brignull responded zoning one property per year would have a cost and may be something we can contract out. Mayor Muckle agreed the plan was for one per year. Councilmember Keany stated there are residents in Ward 1 who would really like to volunteer to help with maintenance of open space. He wants to make sure we take advantage of such offers. Director Stevens stated the department is happy to work with volunteers and find projects for them. Councilmember Leh concurred there are residents willing to help with projects. Councilmember Leh asked if there is additional funding available for trail connections, particularly to study a way to connect areas north of South Boulder Road with areas to the south. City Manager Fleming stated this will be taken into consideration for the proposed budget. Mayor Muckle stated he would like to see the natural resources manager funded, perhaps mid -year if the numbers show it is possible. Councilmember Maloney noted to fund this will take more money from the General Fund so compromise will be needed. Councilmember Stolzmann would like to see the open space tax listed specifically as open space revenue and advocated this revenue be used for open space needs before parks needs. Councilmember Keany noted the tax is specifically dedicated to open space, parks, and trails, not just open space. Recreation City Manager Fleming stated the revenue listed in this Program comes from recreation center fees, but it is not allocated to different recreation subprograms.