Quincy Farm Committee

C 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of the Quincy Farm Committee City of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado Tuesday, August 15•h, 2017 at Quincy Farm Chair Russell Stewart called the regular August meeting to order at 8:22 a.m. ROLL CALL Present at the meeting were the following Quincy Farm Committee Members: Chair Russell Stewart, Melinda Haymons, and David Windfeldt. Present at the meeting were the following staff members: City Manager Jim Thorsen; Parks, Trails and Recreation Administrator Ryan Berninzoni; and Special Projects Coordinator Emily Black. Councilor Earl Hoellen was also present. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION PERIOD None CONSENT AGENDA The Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the July meeting. PRESENTATION BY WILDLIFE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS Corey Lockman and Todd Lehman from the nonprofit Wildlife Protection Solutions presented to the Committee. The nonprofit installs wildlife cameras primarily in Africa to prevent poaching. They have offered to donate cameras and software for visitors to observe wildlife at Quincy Farm if the City will display their name. They will send a proposal to City staff that can be taken to City Council for approval. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Management Plan Special Projects Coordinator Black recalled that at the July meeting, the Committee suggested holding a study session with City Council as work begins on the long-term management plan. The City Manager suggested instead to bring drafts to Council and keep them informed, and the Committee agreed. Special Projects Coordinator Black explained she has divided the first, short- term management plan across the outline for the long-term management plan, and she will begin talking to committee members about their individual sections once that process is done. NEW BUSINESS Request for Tree Trimming Policy Chair Stewart proposed a draft policy for tree trimming and removal at Quincy Farm to inform Colorado Open Lands in advance of work and to acquire tenants' permission prior to any work being performed. Special Projects Coordinator Black summarized a meeting staff had with Colorado Open Lands for the Committee. She explained that Cheryl Cufre requested notification for large-scale projects, such as the ACOS grant the City received in June. The Committee and City staff agreed that the City would continue to notify tenants before work is started, and that staff will consult with the City attorney to fully understand the responsibilities of the City and rights of the tenants for both leases. Water Rights Special Projects Coordinator Black introduced the recent memo from Melinda Beck regarding water rights at Quincy Farm, and suggested hiring a specific water rights attorney with the Quincy Farm Committee Meeting 1 1 August 15 \ 2017 money the Committee budgeted for this year. Chair Stewart suggested finding an attorney who has worked on contract rights with Denver Water. The Committee agreed that retaining a water rights attorney should be the next step. Special Projects Coordinator Black will bring options to the group at the next meeting. REPORTS Discussion with Colorado Open Lands Special Projects Coordinator Black explained that Cheryl Cufre approved the new proposed nature trail through the property. She continued that Ms. Cufre also expressed that the plan for a gated entrance off the High Line Canal Trail, open during certain hours, is consistent with the Conservation Easement's requirement of"limited public access" to the property. Special Projects Coordinator Black also noted that Ms. Cufre said fencing the nature trail was not necessary, and the Committee discussed a low edging or bollards instead. Committee Member Windfeldt asked if staff had notes from that meeting that could be shared, and Ms. Black said she would share them with the group. Budget and Maintenance Plan Updates Parks, Trails, & Recreation Administrator Berninzoni gave an update about the state of the well and water testing that took place last month. He explained three weeks ago the irrigation design was initiated with Avocet, who came out to walk the site and learn the needs of the farm. The goal is to have a first proof within the next month to be able to bring to the group. Parks, Trails, & Recreation Administrator Beminzoni will also bring an outline for next year's budget to the group for the next meeting. Archaeology Assessment Grant Special Projects Coordinator Black explained that the grant draft was submitted for review, and that the reviewer only suggested one minor change. The final grant was submitted on August 81h. She explained the grant will conduct a survey of the entire property to discover artifacts and identify sensitive areas that may have to be monitored if digging is necessary in the future. Davey Tree Quote Parks, Trails, and Recreation Administrator Berninzoni summarized the quote for tree trimming received from Davey Tree Services, which totaled $38,150. (The budgeted amount in the City's match for the ACOS grant is $60,000.) He requested advice regarding a large cottonwood in the northwest pasture which is 95% dead. It could possibly become a habitat tree, but it overhangs Quincy A venue and could be a hazard. The Committee did not express a strong opinion on the tree. City Manager Thorsen asked about the required timeline for work; the grant must be completed within two years. Parks, Trails, and Recreation Administrator Beminzoni briefly reviewed the scope of the work, which involves trees on both the east and west sides of the property. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 a.m. Emily Black, . pecial Proj ects Coordinator t/ Quincy Fann Committee Meeting 2 August 151\ 2017