Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2020 12 09

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes November 18, 2020 Page 2 of 6 property. He will check with Rob and update OSAB via email about an options specifics or upcoming deadlines. • Helen asked about the very popular November ranger walks, waitlists and the possibility of adding more walks if the schedule and staffing allows. Ember is working on the 2021 schedule following COVID guidelines and will update OSAB in December and a full plan in early 2021. • Helen asked and Nathan provided updates on the Mayhoffer properties for sale: Robert's Lot 10095 Empire and with a list price of $1.775M Centennial House 10014 with a list price of $1.9M Nathan contacted realtors, City Council met in executive session to discuss and the City is in discussion with potential partners Lafayette and Boulder County. He will share information as it becomes public. David asked about property for sale on the south side of Highway 42 that would allow Coal Creek trail alignment, Nathan explained that it also has been discussed but it is not a high priority because of its relatively low ratings and that it is a supporting parcel and not necessary for the realignment. • Helen asked about the budget and Nathan and Ember explained that the Council approved the 2021 budget in last night's November 17 council meeting as presented. All of the 8 OSAB CIPs (—$800K) were approved. Because of the Council's schedule Nathan was not able to update the CIP description as approved in the October OSAB meeting but Nathan explained that he is confident the Signage/Wayfinding CIP language in the description will support Parks and Open Space signage and the start of the Open Space Wayfinding project. A Project Manager has not yet been assigned. Nathan also clarified that the 2020 operating budget was reduced when the Davidson Mesa controlled burn was cut and these cuts are rolling forward to the 2021-2 budget so there will be no controlled burn in 2021. • David asked how property acquisitions would be funded and Nathan explained that per Council they would use General Fund reserves and Open Space Fund Tax funding. • Ember provided more information about the plan to manage and reduce the play forts and working with staff and the neighborhood to balance safety and nature play. She explained that forts are against city policy and the forts are numerous, very large and unsafe on the North property. The team will manage each property on a case by case basis. The group discussed ways to engage neighborhood folks including more ranger presence, possible leafletting to educate everyone and involve volunteers to help with managing and protecting these areas. Charles offered his Boy Scout connections to develop a service project. • Jessamine asked about if there was any public feedback to prairie dog control. Folks used to contact staff and now some are writing directly to Council. Staff met with a local prairie dog advocate and hope to collaborating in the future on relocations. There were 3 contacts to staff and some comments on social media both in support and in opposition and a lot M