Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2016 12 14

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes November 9th 2016 Page 4 of 6 X. Discussion Item: Environmental Education - Presented by: Rob & Ember Martin Ogle, a consultant, runs the Lafayette education and outreach program. It is a robust program: there were 30 programs this year all with good attendance. Rob felt that this is a function of Martin's networking with the local naturalist community; he gets a lot of different organizations to buy in. They have a Lafayette Birds Program that capitalizes on local knowledge and had become very popular. Rob shared a video that the consultant put together on the summer bird programs. They also did a fish electro- shock and identification program with Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Coal Creek at Adler Fingru. Martin would like to do some joint programming with Louisville on the Harney Lastoka property. Lafayette is continuing the contract with Martin in 2017. Ember spoke about Louisville's Open Space educational program. Louisville does their educational programing in -staff, with a $1000 budget. There were about 16 programs this year. One highlight was staffs presentation on coyotes to Louisville Elementary School. A change in response to citizen comment was to include more adult programming as an alternative to family/children events. She introduced the upcoming "Walking and Talking with the Mayor" program. Laura asked why Lafayette and Louisville can't advertise each other's programs. Rob and Ember both seemed willing. Mike asked Rob how much Lafayette spends on its educational contract with Martin Ogle. The answer was $40,000-50,000 a year. XI. Discussion Item: Code Enforcement - Presented by: Ember There are two code enforcement officers in the Louisville Police Department, but there focus is City wide not specific to Open Space. To increase enforcement on Open Space OSAB advocated for an Open Space ranger position. Last year the City hired a ranger for the season. This year the ranger position was made full-time and year-round. There were unanticipated challenges in getting the program off the ground, particularly in developing protocols for a first time program. There is still some philosophical debate about the ranger position: staff wants to see the ranger being a friendly ambassador for following the rules, whereas Council may wants more focus on enforcement and compliance. This issue may be resolved/clarified at the upcoming Ranger presentation to City Council. The biggest code enforcement issues are dogs off -leash, dog waste pickup, aggressive dogs, dogs jumping fences, and encroachment. Lafayette has an animal control officer in its police department who handles many of these issues. Certain parcels and areas have histories of dog problems, Lafayette police increased their presence there, which has helped. Rob felt they may not have as many issues. XII. Discussion Item: Thomas Open Space/Isabelle Farm- Presented by: Rob Lafayette owns the Thomas Open Space and its barn. Isabelle Farm is leasing the agricultural land and renting the barn, and Rob feels that they have been a great tenant. Rob reported that the idea was kick-started by grassroots effort. Isabelle Farm has another property where they grow produce along with the field at Thomas, and they use the barn as a food stand but also as their distribution center. They sell their produce to the public directly at the barn, but also locate their CSA there, distribute to local restaurants, Whole Foods, etc. Water is an issue for the operation: they must have raw water delivered to the property to sustain production. The Organic Food license was hard to get and managing the barn and property generates a lot of work for Open Space staff. There are events (like Farm to Table dinners) held at the barn. The property lease includes stipulations that the City can use the building for public meetings. Rob thinks a good, reliable tenant is critical to the success of a program like this. Linda asked how 6