Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2023 11 08

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes October 11, 2023 Page 2 of 4 Brian is writing an RFP for the manufacture and installation of wayfinding signs along the Powerline Trail. The plan is for them to be installed this year. Staff will present the wildfire risk mitigation plan to Council on October 17th as an information item. City staff have done over 400 acres of fire mitigation in 2023. David recalled that the board had some concern about how the consultants' model valued different city -owned properties when they presented to OSAB, and he asked Ember if those valuations had been further considered by Linker (the consultants). Ember replied that the consultants had found that altering property valuations hadn't changed the model significantly so staff requested ratings were used. The Aquarius Open Space parking lot resurfacing project bids came in over -budget, so staff is re-scoping the project. There are several contractors interested in doing the work. Staff had a good informational meeting with the public about the city's wildfire mitigation on Davidson Mesa. Susan commented that there had been some high emotion in the audience. She reported that some wildfire survivors would like Davidson Mesa to be completely mowed. Susan commented on what good presenters and educators Catherine Jepson, Nathaniel Goeckner, and Andy, the man who owned the cattle were. David asked if there had been any complaints or reports about user conflicts with cattle and goats on Open Space this season. Ember said there had not been any, but noted a few people wanted the electric fences to be labeled more clearly. Staff spoke with a conservation easement specialist from Boulder County. There is currently no program for inspection and enforcement for city -owned easement compliance. She is trying to learn how to implement such a program. Michiko asked if the goal was to follow Boulder County's lead. Ember answered that she feels it is a deficit that needs to be addressed by the City. Susan said that the County uses volunteers to inspect conservation easement properties and write detailed reports. Jessamine thought that could be a role for OSAB members. Michiko would like to hear from the County people at a meeting. David asked about the Coyote Run trail resurfacing project. Ember replied that the contract is fixed and closed out. The bumpy part of the trail near the bottom of the property has been fixed. Susan asked about the plan for re -seeding, noting that she has heard a lot of concern about this from citizens who were happy about the trail work, but concerned about the vegetation along the margins of the trail. Ember explained that the contractors would reseed, using the city's required re -seeding mix, noting that the city's seed mix is for short -stature native grasses that would not need to be mowed if policy changed in the future. The Highway 42 Public Works improvement project is being planned. There may be an ask for some Open Space land to build an underpass at Short Street. The underpass would connect to trails. If this request were to happen, Public Works staff would come to OSAB to talk about it. 7. Board Updates Susan said that the Bee City USA group had a booth at Ecotoberfest. She reported that homeowners who are re -building from the Marshall Fire were asking for help installing fire- resistant, xeric, and pollinator -friendly landscaping. She mentioned that a few citizens said they