COPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES

Meeting #:
Date:	Thursday, August 29, 2019
Time:	4:00 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.
Location:	Currents 600 Cregg Lane Missoula, MT 59802

Members present:

• Eric Anderson,
• Kristine Akland,
• DeAnna Bublitz,
• David Cole,
• Rob Erickson,
• Alexis Gibson,
• Daniel Gundlach,
• Catherine Ipsen,
• Edward Monnig,
• and Regan Whitworth

Members absent:

• Charles Besancon
• and John Smith

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1.

Administrative Business

1.1

Roll Call

Staff Present:Donna Gaukler, Morgan Valliant, Cassy Gladwin, Jolanda Cummings

Guests Present: Vicki Watson, Jim Habeck, Pelah Hoyt, Juniper Davis, Doug Hawes-Davis

1.2

Approval of Minutes

Approval of July 11, 2019 Minutes

​​​​​​​​Correction to the July 11, 2019 Minutes

1. Edit "care" to "carrying" on page 2, paragraph three. 
2. Correct spelling of last name for Catherine Ipsen on page 2, paragraph four. 

David Cole moved to approve amended minutes. DeAnna Bublitz seconded the motion. Minutes approved as amended.

1.3

Announcements

Regan Whitworth announced that the final Farm Feast of the season will be held at the Mangan Angus Ranch Sunday, September 8, 2019.

1.4

Public/Guest Comments

Vicki Watson shared her concerns on Missoula's Downtown Master Plan, and spoke about the need for a watershed restoration plan on the central Clark Fork River. Handouts for both topics were distributed to committee members. Donna  shared that an updated draft of the Missoula Downtown Master Plan will be presented September 17, 2019. Comments/concerns similar to Vicki's had been received and incorporated into the current draft. .

Jim Habeck shared his background and career in Missoula. He shared information on Missoula's Rx Trail program and benefits of open space.  

2.

Action Items

None

3.

Public comment on non-agenda items

No public comment on non-agenda items. 

4.

Discussion items

4.1

2019 August OSAC Draft Undertakings

Donna Gaukler

Donna Gaukler and Morgan Valliant presented information on the 2018 open space bond and city "undertakings". 
An overview of general bond purposes and areas of undertakings were reviewed. 

River restoration and access-
Morgan presented data on current access points and presented conceptual sketch of hard entry/exit points.
Edward Monnig - is there a conceptual sketch for the north side of the river?
Morgan Valliant - no, just data right now.

Eric Anderson- have permitting agencies been involved in discussions for river restoration and access?
Morgan Valliant - yes, every permitting agency that would be involved has been down to the site and been consulted with

Reforestation and restoration of open space-
Donna noted that the majority of trees in Missoula are nearing the end of their lives. Benefits of tree canopy, differences between urban forest and natural forest, and locations for potential tree plantings were discussed. 

Ed Monnig - will funds from open space bond be used in tree planting?
Donna Gaukler - multiple funding sources will be identified. 

Conservation lands trails and trailheads -
Morgan stated there is a need to balance recreation and conservation goals by providing mapping on site for public; gives expectations for users. 

Pelah Hoyt - will funding for trailheads come from bond or stewardship levy?
Morgan Valliant - final budget numbers are still coming together but department would be paying for as well. Funds for trail work will be covered by the levy. This undertaking will be a mix of funding sources. 

Discussion on Waterworks Hill Trailhead project was had. This project has been identified as the first potential project under the conservation lands trails and trailheads undertaking. Morgan stated that the majority of funds for this project are secured and remaining funds would come from bond. Pledges for implementation of project have been secured. 

Eric Anderson - what is the status of land?
Donna Gaukler - the land is currently owned by Missoula Water. The property boundary is defined by the utility lines. 

Trails -
Donna Gaukler noted there are potential projects pending and potential undertaking projects are on hold.  

 

4.2

Open Space Program Manager Update

Donna Gaukler

Donna Gaukler noted the recruitment yielded a strong group of candidates. An update will be provided at the September 12, 2019 meeting. 

4.3

Open Space Plan to Planning Board

Donna Gaukler

Planning Board Meeting September 17, 2019 - Discuss role of OSAC

Donna Gaukler informed that committee that Missoula County's Open Lands Citizen Advisory Committee (OLC) reviewed the Open Space Plan at their July 2019 meeting and voted 7-2 in favor of passing the plan. 

Juniper Davis noted that OLC members voiced confusion on anchor areas, corridors, and urban green spaces. Discussion followed on cornerstones and anchor areas. 

Jim Habeck voiced support of addressing carrying capacity/ management for land in the future. Donna Gaukler stated that impact fees used in development to account for this. 

Donna announced the draft plan will next move to Planning Board on September 17, 2019 at 7pm. Final edits are taking place now; no content change. The adoption process will continue with review from the City Council and Missoula County Commission. 

4.4

Open Space Ordinance Process and Proposed Changes

Donna Gaukler

Feedback and discussion

Donna Gaukler presented an updated draft to MMC 12.56.010 The City of Missoula Open Space Ordinance. The ordinance was first drafted in 1980 with updates occurring in 1995 and 2006.

The committee discussed changes to advisory board appointment and reviewed current process for OSAC, CLAC and Park Board. Committee members voiced concern at the Mayor's ability to appoint a large number of members in draft. Donna noted that Park Board members are all appointed by the Mayor. 

Overview of OSAC, Park Board, and CLAC's duties/ responsibilities was reviewed. OSAC implements the Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan and makes recommendations to council concerning open space conservation proposals (land acquisition and trail development). No management of proposals. Park Board oversees management and rules of public of parks, open spaces, greenways, and trails. CLAC is a subcommittee of Park Board and makes recommendations/ oversees implementation of the Missoula Conservation Lands Management Plan. 

Committee members discussed whether all open space fund requests should go through OSAC or only ones pertaining to land acquisitions. Members voiced support in reviewing any/all requests that would be eligible for 1995, 2006, and 2018 open space bond funds. Members recommended adding language to the draft to reflect this. 

Discussion was then had on how funds are expended between open space bond, stewardship mill levy, general fund, and park district. Funds expended from the conservation stewardship and mill levy will be approved by CLAC. Committee members asked how projects proposed in undertaking presentation would be funded.

Pelah Hoyt spoke on communities trust in process of expending funds. She voiced concern if funds are to be expended without going through evaluation. 

Donna noted that legal language will be added to each City "Undertaking " and projects proposed would be presented to the appropriate committee, board, council following a period of public input. This would occur prior to any bond funds being expended. 

Discussion of item will resume at September 12, 2019 meeting. 

 

 

 

4.5

Open Space Acquisitions,Criteria and Considerations

Donna Gaukler

Tabled to September 12, 2109 meeting.

5.

Future items

6.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned 6:06pm
Submitted by:
Cassy Gladwin