Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2022 03 09

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes February 9, 2022 Page 4 of 6 change the trails at Davidson Mesa. Ember said the only change under discussion is widening the 4-foot trail along the northwest ridge to 8-feet. Peter asked whether temporary fencing could be used at the DOLA so people could use it sooner. Ember recounted that the winds are so high that they rip through the zip ties typically used to anchor the temporary orange fencing. The situation will be assessed further when the timeline of the contract is known. Peter also asked whether the paddling season at Harper Lake would start on April 1 as usual. Ember said the lake could open, but the parking lot cannot be opened until the adjacent street (Washington) is open. Susan announced that many people are concerned about the fire's impact on water quality in Coal Creek. She asked if the City was going to share this data. Ember said that she would inquire with Public Works and considered putting some messaging together about that topic. Council Member Deb Fahey announced that the City plans to put temporary fencing around 5 miles of burn areas. Deb asked Ember if there was a plan to use alternative fencing to wood since she thinks wood fencing burns too quickly. Deb also asked about gate access to open space for rebuilt houses adjacent to open space. She added that she had heard comments from citizens that if there had been a control burn at Davidson Mesa, maybe the burn wouldn't have been so bad. She also asked if people would remove debris that collects in the ditches at Davidson Mesa. Ember answered that Planning and the Fire Department discussed recommendations for fence types. She cautioned that many of the cedar privacy fencing adjacent to open space property is privately owned. She further warned that the story might not be straightforward: the current observations have indicated that cedar privacy fences acted as fire enhancers between homes, but adjacent to open space, they acted as wind blocks that slowed the fire. Individual gates to open space have not been discussed yet, but the topic is on staff's radar and maybe worth discussing formally with OSAB. The Ditch Company controls vegetation and debris in ditches, but Ember thinks the issue may need to be a more extensive, landscape -level discussion. Prescribed fires and mowing are both fire mitigation options, but each has pros and cons. This topic is scheduled to go before City Council. She sees prescribed fires as an excellent resource management tool. Still, She feels like the City needs to be sensitive to what the community will tolerate, given recent events, and evaluate the pros and cons of additional mitigation options. David asked for further comments about mowing on open space. Ember said staff would bring several mowing fire -mitigation management options to Council in the future. The current thinking is that city mowing might be worth discussion adjacent to homes and community assets (e.g., the water treatment plant and the hospital). 12. Discussion Item: Finalize 2021 OSAB Accomplishments & Draft 2022 OSAB Goals. Presented by Jessamine Fitzpatrick, OSAB Chair (20 Minutes) Jessamine asked the board to review the 2021 accomplishment list in the packet, asking for any updates or changes. The board thought they looked correct. Jessamine suggested tabling the Goals discussion until there is a new board chair, particularly given that there are new priorities after the fire. The board agreed with this suggestion. Laura asked if the board should determine new lead persons for the goal areas for 2022. Charles suggested a new Goal