Morgan updated the committee with the Initial Undertaking drafts and gave brief introduction on the projects, estimated budget and how long it would take to implement each project.
The first 2018 Open Space Bond Capital Improvement that was discussed was Missoula Conservation Lands Trailhead Improvement Projects; Waterworks Hill Trailhead and Interpretative trail and Upgrade existing primary, secondary and local access points. Up to $500,000 of the Open Space Bond was set aside for upgrading trail and trailheads across Missoula’s Open Space and Conservation Land System.
The Waterworks Hill Trail head and interpretative is asking for the initial amount of $135,000 of open space bond funds be spent on Engineering/Surveying/ permitting of trailhead & amenities. The water works trail would begin in 2019 with a completion date of 2021. The upgrading existing primary secondary and local access points is asking for $165,000 this project, this project has the highest level of infrastructure. Project start in 2020 and take 2-3 years with a lot of match.
The Clark for River Sustainable Access and Restoration Project is asking for $225,000 for Phase I. This cost would complete the design, engineering and permitting for prospective access points and river restoration. Phase I would take 1 year to complete. Phase II and Phase III are estimated cost for the project and will not have actual cost until plans are completed. Phase II would begin in 2020-2022 with an estimation of $230,000 of Open Space Bond cost, total of phase II cost is $1,863,000. Phase II would consist of restoring, planting and maintaining the access points the Open Space Bond cost is $340,000. This project is a 3 million dollar project with a lot of interest for match.
Open Space Reforestation is asking for $250,000 which is the full amount included in the bond measure. Total trees would trees to be planted into ground are 457. These would improve Missoula’s Urban Forest canopy.
Rob Erickson requested that committee spend 15-20 minutes discussing each project.
Discussion was had about if steps were skipped during the allocation process.
Gwen Jones stated that this was vetted through many conservation partners and elective officials and it lays the base for bonds. Then when it is formalized and created it would come to OSAC. There is a lot of information out there ways to familiarize yourselves with the information.
Discussion was had about the Waterworks Hills and Interpretative trails and Upgrade existing primary, secondary and local access points. It was conversed if the bond language allowed the money to be used for permitting, engineering and design. The sections within the Montana Code Annotated 2019 allows for the bond to be used and complies with the statue. It was also noted that the ballot language also allows the bond money to be spent on capital improvements which would include permits. There was discussions if the cost would include the final engineering.
The overall amount of trailhead improvements were examined and noted that $300,000 would be used to build and update trail heads and only $200,000 would be left on for future projects on conservation lands. The committee consideration if the money would be better used to acquire land that needs trails or if they will need more money for trails.
Morgan Valliant informed committee that there are lots of trails that are being completed by conservation and lands mill levees. New acquisitions allowed the area to get ready for the public. The city has never invested in educational information and this is really a priority to managing trails.
Discussion was had on Clark Fork River Sustainable Access and Restoration project and what the public needs and wants were. It was indicated that at the end of phase I that the project would be ready to go to bid. The most unknown portion of this project is the permitting. Partnerships for this project included the Clark Fork Collation and the water quality district. There was discussion on how far the money would stretch and that there isn’t as much match for the initial phase compared to the other projects. This project could be the big project of this bond and it was discussed that it is something that the public wants and will respond well too.
Kristin Akland indicated that the Clark Fork coalition is a huge sponsor for this project.
Morgan Valliant informed the committee that on the poll that this was the highest point.
Discussion was had about Open Space Reforestation Project. Match is harder to get but it would be a valuable benefit. Trees would be planted along the Bitterroot trail from Franklin to the Fort. There were concerns if the roots would impact the trail and how the trail would be maintained. It would be maintained using root barriers and placement within larger areas along trail. There will a diversity of species because of life spans. Taken in consideration was the proposal would max out the amount available from open space bond for the tree planting.
Morgan Valliant stated that these trees will be an addition to the trees currently being planted yearly. There are currently 200 planted a year and 300 being removed.
Gwen Jones noted how the Urban Forest is a crucial component on climate change.
Motion for first project; Improvements to Trailheads and Trails on Conservation Lands
Edward Monnig moved to approve $250,000 for planning of Waterworks trailhead and trailhead improvements on conservation lands.
The motion was approved unanimously.
Rob Erikson moved to repeal the motion for $250,000 for planning of Waterworks trailhead and trailhead improvements on conservation lands.
Erik Anderson seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.