Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2021 05 12

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L City f Louisville COLORADO • SINCE 1878 Nathan said that the topic of resuming in -person board meetings will be discussed in July, but virtual meetings are the future for now. David asked about the potential for outdoor meetings. Nathan said it could be discussed. He added that masks are no longer required outdoors within the City of Louisville. He explained the future phasing of COVID restrictions within the City and County. Nathan is waiting on a proposal for a nature-themed playground at Lake Park and Cottonwood Park. Helen expressed concern that any nature play playground should be run past the board to make sure it is in compliance. She pointed out that Lake Park is currently considered open space. Ember replied that the previous city attorney interpreted that parcel as open space, but the current city attorney interprets the parcel as park, since it has not been formally zoned as Open Space. Nathan said he'd like to get OSAB's input on the plans, regardless. He has been influenced by the people of the Thorne Nature Center in Boulder and their philosophy about nature play. Ember pointed out that Lake Park's current use/designation limbo is something that Council recommended be discussed during the Cottonwood Master Planning process which is no longer occurring so to consider zoning in future planning for the area. Staff is also working with a local engineering company to develop an RFP for retaining wall work at Coyote Run. Charles asked about rumors of dead owls in the city of Louisville. Ember said that rangers, police, and state wildlife officials have concluded that the owl did not die of natural causes. It is a federal crime to kill an owl. Ember said there has been some misinformation out in the public, but she is not allowed to discuss the particulars. David asked if this event had been specific to owls. Ember said that the incident had been intentional and directed at the owl. She continued that coyotes have been poisoned within the City in the past, but usually harm to wildlife is unintentional, such as feeding. Helen asked about the Adopt an Open Space program. Ember said the goal of this program is for groups to adopt a local property. They must do a minimum number of programs to support the property each year. Staff directs the activity and goals. Sometimes the adopters help lead programs. Helen asked how for more information about this program and suggested it could be a future discussion item. VII. Information Item: Board Updates Peter said that after reading the letter from Sherry Kessler, he walked the Warembourg property and his observations confirmed her assertion that the land is being heavily impacted by social trails. Charles agreed. Jessamine said she wants to formally address the topic of social trails later this year. Charles attended the star party at Aquarius led by Ranger Benjamin. He thought Benjamin did a great job, but he thought Open Space might need to invest in a better telescope. Ember said there had been a hiccup with some of COVID restrictions and partner participation and Ranger Benjamin had been forced to improvise on that program a little. A. Wayfinding Tiger Team Update Helen had a meeting with Ember to work on RFP text for a consultant to develop cost-effective materials on the wayfinding signs and to add few new components (e.g. dog bag holders and flyer holders). They also want a consultant to present a phasing approach to putting up signs and to serve as an ongoing consultant with the installation. The goal is to get the RFP out next week. It will take about three weeks for selection and then the Council has to approve a contract.