Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2022 02 09

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes December 8, 2021 Page 5 of 9 Helen loved the proposal but suggested some further totaling in the document, eg. staff hours per year, ballpark maintenance cost per year. Peter moved that the board express support for the prairie pocket proposal as presented. Thomas seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Laura asked staff to tell the board when Steve is looking for volunteers for this project. 9. Action Item: Memorial Bench Proposal. Presented by Deborah Ayers, Open Space Maintenance Technician III Deborah went through a set of proposal location criteria for future memorial benches, including view shed, community needs, and bench density. She shared proposed bench sites for different open space properties. Peter said that a member of the public had concerns about the proposed bench location at the northwest side of Bullhead Gulch. He asked Deborah how important she thought that site was. Deborah said she thought it was a valuable location, partly because there aren't any memorial benches on that property yet. Charles asked whether staff is looking for feedback about specific sites or the overall proposal. Deborah said she would welcome feedback about specific places. David mentioned that there are flagstone and natural -surface benches at Bullhead Gulch, and asked whether the proposal is taking into account only memorial benches or if they are considering all benches. Deborah said that those benches were specifically considered for the proposed Bullhead Gulch memorial bench side. Jessamine asked for public comment and there was none. Helen commented about the proposed site 67. She thought that the nearby intersection was hazardous with traffic and poor visibility. She thought a bench might be safer further to the east. She also mentioned that there are already lots of benches at nearby Keith Hellart Park, and the site might not need more resting places. Deborah said that when they looked at that intersection they found a bench site wide enough to allay some of these fears. Charles commented about proposed site 56 at Aquarius. It is at the top of the hill and close to the road. He thought moving it further from the road might be quieter. Laura expressed a general concern about memorial bench density. If the city builds all of the proposed benches, will Open Space look like a cemetery? She felt that the city needs to prioritize actual bench needs over memorializing. She questioned whether the city has the fortitude to say that these locations must be a stopping place for benches and be ready to say no to sincere people who want benches. Deborah said that these locations are all beyond eye- shot of current benches at Davidson Mesa (the most -requested location). She thought this proposed density is doable, but she probably wouldn't want to do more. Ember agrees that this recommendation list represents build -out and should not go beyond this unless housing densities change.