Last Updated on Saturday, 02 May 2009 12:56 Monday, 19 November 2007 12:05
Board Members in Attendance: Michael Kinsley, Bob Throm, Tim McFlynn, Helene Slansky, Steve Child, James Brundige, Patsy Batchelder, Kevin Ward, Holly McClain, Jan Martin (on phone), Rick Heede, John McBride, Frieda Wallison, Bob Throm, Amy Doherty, Brad Zanin. Frieda left at 7:30.
I. Approval of Oct. Minutes
Motion: Tim McFlynn made a motion to approve the meeting minutes. Kevin Ward seconded. Passed unanimously.
II. Fundraising.
Helene Slansky said Ingrid Anthony volunteered to send out a letter re: fundraising if a Boardmember would write it. Kevin Ward volunteered to write the letter. Jan Martin suggested adding something about what money has been raised and how it is spent. Tim McFlynn said 98% of funds have gone into creek protection. Funds for land use consultants would be nice. Frieda suggested there is a need for funds to hire administrative support. Kevin requested everyone send him their ideas. Bob Throm said the Caucus should have a full time fundraiser. Patsy Batchelder, Holly McClain, Tim McFlynn and Brad Zanin volunteered to be on the fundraising committe. Holly McClain will be the temporary chair.
III. No-Ski Area Sign.
Bob Throm and Holly McClain talked to the BOCC about the issue of lost trucks and cars turning up our road thinking it’s Snowmass Village. The BOCC suggested we eliminate the Hwy 82 signs that say “Snowmass”. They suggested using the words “Snowmass Creek Rd”, with “Snowmass Village 7 miles ahead”. Bob Throm also spoke with the SMV Police Chief and Related WestPac. Bob felt there should be a sign at the junction of Capitol and SM Creek, stating “No trucks beyond this Point.” Muriel Frey said we need something at bottom of Watson Divide too, as lost cars as well as trucks are coming over from that direction too. Holly McClain suggested, verbiage, “No access to SM Vlg and Ski Area”.
Motion: Holly made the motion to suggest the verbiage, “No access to SM Vlg. and Ski Area.” Kevin Ward seconded. Holly then amended her motion to add, “We will make the sign(s) ourselves.” Kevin seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Throm, James Brundige and Patsy Batchelder will assist and be the sign committee. This just applies to signage on SMC Rd. It is understood CDOT will handle Hwy. 82. Bob Throm will compose the letter to the BOCC and send to Michael for approval.
IV. Guardrail on Watson.
Briefly discussed were: we want no Mag. Chloride, merits of chip and seal, dust control, erosion, whether guardrails were truly needed, and the county’s focus on repairing the bridge near the Conoco. The county has the guardrails on their “to do” list, but Michael Kinsley said they typically have a huge list, but it could take years to act on any specific item.
Motion: Tim McFlynn made a motion to invite the County Public Works staff to send someone to one of our meetings to inform us about county practice and policy regarding dust control, erosion, safety, and road surfaces. James Brundige seconded the motion. Unanimously approved. Michael Kinsley will extend the invitation to the County Engineeer and Road-and-Bridge Director.
V. Brothers Application.
Grafton Smith – Planner. 0876 Snowmass Creek Road. Request to subdivide the existing 36.91 acre lot into two 18 acre lots. This is allowable under AR10 zoning. The applicant is proposing to build an 8250sq.ft. home on the new lot; apply for a CDU; and create a pond holding 20,000 gallons of water. Access is through the existing driveway. There are no architectural plans available, but 20% of the house will be below grade. No mention of what will be done with the existing “Cliff House”. The applicant is going through the GMQS process to receive permission to build to 8250.
Grafton said this application is a good thing for the valley, because:
1) The applicant owns 48% of the water in the Stewart Ditch running at ½ mill gallons/day when opened. With this development, we can “bind” that water to these parcels. Otherwise, the water continues on its path and could be usurped by others.
2) The pond would be hooked up to a dry hydrant so it could be used for emergencies, such as
fire prevention.
3) The applicant will give an extra 20 ft. easement to the county to create a pullout by the driveway entrance for emergencies.
4) The applicant will pay for the maintenance of the Park and Ride by the Conoco for five years.
Holly McClain has noticed sloughing on side of road by the parcels and said they need sprinkler, not flood irrigation. Grafton mentioned that Kevin Wright, a Wildlife Officer, walked the parcel. Kevin said the best location for the house was against the ditch, which would be lined. Kevin liked the pond, but said the access should not be so steep animals couldn’t get out.
Steve Child’s recommendation was to approve the lot split appropriate to the neighborhood within zoning laws. John McBride was very concerned that we are being asked to approve the size of a structure without seeing any details, topo, site poles, plans, etc. so how could we give an opinion? He asked if this would be coming back to the Caucus again for further review. Grafton said yes it will.
Motion: John McBride made the motion to approve the lot split only. Bob Throm seconded the motion. Steve cautioned that we need to weigh in on the 8250 request, because that’s going before the BOCC, for approval, and once they make their decision, it is irreversible. The applicant will receive the GMQS square footage and then subdivide.
Amend Motion: John McBride amended his motion for approval of lot split with the condition that homes on those sites not exceed 5750. …provided the BOCC is satisfied with the opinions of Kevin Wright and other studies BOCC might undertake. Tim McFlynn seconded the motion. The Board approved the motion, with Michael Kinsley, James Brundige and Kevin Ward voting no. Steve Child will write a draft and forward to Michael. We as a Board have less experience with GMQS. Steve will indicate we want the opportunity to further review the application within our exceptional circumstances criteria.
VI. Hedges.
The applicant sent revised drawings to Steve Child for review of the Caucus. This 8250 sq. ft. house on Watson Divide was already approved by the Caucus in October.
Motion: Steve Child made a motion to approve this application. James Brundige seconded. Approval was unanimous. Tim McFlynn will write this letter.
VII. McBride/Puckett.
The applicant wishes to expand an existing barn for additional horse stalls/swimming pool (for the horses), adding a second barn for milking cows. They also want to do CDU. Nothing in the application, however, says anything about the existing square footage of the buildings, so Steve Child had nothing to go by.
Motion: John McBride made the motion to request more info from the applicant before the Caucus considers the request. Kevin Ward seconded the motion. It passed unanimously. John McBride will verbally notify the applicant and the county planner, Mike Kraemer.
VIII. Quad Three.
3333 Snowmass Creek Road. This parcel with a home and sheds is 67 acres. The applicant would like to build a barn, plus construct a 900 cubic yd. berm. They are seeking an activity envelope approval. They are deciding where to put the barn/berm – somewhere between the Lowenberg Pond near Snowmass Creek Road and the “storage” area owned by Mr. Beck. Tim McFlynn said we should have someone from Community Development come to our meeting. We need to discuss how can we be more effective re: these new “Activity Envelope” guidelines. Rick Heede said we shouldn’t approve structures when we don’t know what they will look like. Steve Child said for every acre over 20 (they have 47) they are allowed to add 58 sq. ft. of additional buildings per acre, according to code.
Motion: Bob Throm made a motion to deny the application based on the fact that we don’t have sufficient information to make an intelligent decision. Rick Heede seconded. The motion passed 9 to 5. Bob Throm will write the letter and send it to Michael for review.
IX. Tillman.
A discussion was held with several residents of Shield O in attendance who voiced objections to the granting of the activity envelope for this parcel and concerns regarding representations made on their behalf without their knowledge. Tim McFlynn strongly urged them to attend the BOCC hearing on November 20 for this application so they can make their feelings known to those who will ultimately make the decision. We are only an advisory body.
Motion: Bob Throm made a motion to withdraw the approval previously given by the Caucus of the application made at the October meeting. Rick seconded. The Board unanimously approved. Michael Kinsley will send an e-mail to Suzanne Wolfe in time for the Nov. 20 hearing.
X. Clark Trees.
Steve Child has not set up a site visit. John McBride, and Steve will walk the parcel with the landscaping representative. Steve will set up the meeting.
XI. Snowmass Creek.
Progress continues for storage on Zeigler reservoir. According to Tim McFlynn, we’re out of money to pursue further unless we fundraise.
XII. Exceptional Circumstances.
Tim McFlynn suggested the Land Use Committee do some committee work before we go forward…then come to the Board with a summary in advance of the meeting. This needs more analysis.
XIII. D & O Insurance.
Think about whether we want this…put higher on the agenda. Jan Martin will send everyone more info re: coverages, premiums. We are a 501(c)3 Board and are exposing ourselves to some liability for our actions.
XIV. ADJOURN.
Motion: Michael Kinsley made the motion to adjourn. Rick Heede seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm. The next meeting will be Monday, December 17, 2007 at 7:00 pm.
