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03.11.26 OSBT MinutesApproved 4/8/26 OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Action Minutes Meeting Date March 11, 2026 Record of this meeting can be found here: https://bouldercolorado.gov/government/watch-board- meetings (video start times are listed below next to each agenda item). BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Harmon Zuckerman, Chair Jon Carroll, Vice Chair Michelle Estrella Brady Robinson Sarah Glynn OSMP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Dan Burke Jeff Haley Jennelle Freeston Brian Anacker Heather Swanson Lauren Kilcoyne Sam McQueen Leah Russell Joshua Schnabel Lisa Goncalo Kacey French Burton Stoner Dakota Anderson GUESTS Kristofer Johnson, Comprehensive Planning Manager Kathleen King, City Principal Planner AGENDA ITEM 1 – Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEM 2 – Approval of the Minutes (00:55) Michelle Estrella moved the Open Space Board of Trustees to approve the February 11, 2026 minutes as amended. Brady Robinson seconded. This motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM 3 – Public Participation for Items not Identified for Public Hearing (5:50) Emily Reynolds spoke about the Hodges property and the importance of maintaining ownership of this property. She said the home that’s on the property could be utilized for agricultural workers who are very much needed to preserve these lands. She said this was a property that was purchased to be protected by open space and selling would not only set a negative precedent but would also be a betrayal to those who voted and paid for this initial acquisition. Elizabeth Black spoke about the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP). She shared some language suggestions for this document which included supporting additional farmer’s markets and local retail outlets, as well as having more agricultural worker housing on OSMP. She said farmers and ranchers are the heart of this community and help provide healthy local food. Ed Youngs spoke about multimodal access and the proposed strategic plan, which includes additional miles for bike access. He said bikers have lessened our experience significantly and we should be reluctant to open additional trails to bikes; not only to preserve wildlife but also for the experience of pedestrians. George Gerstle spoke on behalf of PLAN-Boulder County and the need to maintain ownership of the Hodges property, as well as the home. He said the city and the county need to be exploring more housing options for agricultural workers and land stewards. He said the original reasons for purchase still exist now and will remain. Lynn Segal spoke about the BVCP and how much development is happening in Boulder. Karl Ford spoke about multimodal access and his concern about hiker/biker conflict on trails. He said adding bikes will spread more weeds, threaten tall grass prairies, and lessen the enjoyment of pedestrians. Linda Parks spoke about the halt of prairie dog management at Boulder Valley Ranch. She said pressurized Exhaust Rodent Control (PERC) has been working and has made an enormous difference to this area; halting this is interfering with irrigation and the immense progress already made. Hazel Gordon spoke against adding mountain bike access to additional trails in the southern part of the system. This will disrupt the current ecosystems; the Greenbriar connector and Lower Big Bluestem Trails have species that rely on stability of habitat. Suzanne Bhatt spoke about the multimodal assessment and the concern for bikers to be allowed on some of the proposed southern trails. If bikes are allowed, she would no longer utilize these areas as she wouldn’t feel safe. She asked for staff to look for a solution that works for all user groups. Bev Baker, on behalf of the Boulder County Audubon Society, said if more bike access is added in the southern trails, they are concerned for the wildlife and ecosystems. They would like to preserve this space for pedestrians. She said she looks forward to upcoming public engagement opportunities. Paula Shuler said in the BVCP, the current narrative does not accurately describe agricultural lands. Irrigated agricultural lands produce animal feed, milk, and meat, and is all sold locally. This is all part of a full circle that benefits our local community. She said irrigated lands provide an incredible opportunity to contribute to Boulder reaching climate goals. The current narrative is perplexing and needs to be corrected to accurately describe what happens on OSMP agricultural land. Tom Birkle spoke against the proposed disposal of the Hodges property. He said this proposed process seems like an ad hock decision and could also insinuate that all of the residential facilities highlighted in a staff updated July, 2025 could be disposed of too. Vinay Shah on behalf of Rocky Mountain hang gliding and paragliding association (RMHPA) said he appreciates Lisa Goncalo on staff and the support from the OSBT. He said they are excited about the progress that’s being made and look forward to future collaborations such as mitigation and new launch sites. Mike Browning spoke about the Hodges property and said if there is going to be a conservation easement as part of the disposal staff and the board need to see it before anything is put in place. Donna George spoke against the proposed disposal of the Hodges property. Disposing of this property simply because a building is degrading is a bad precedent. This property needs to remain OSMP owned; this was bought using tax dollars from city residents. (2:23:00) Alan Delamere spoke about red rocks and the fire danger on open space. He asked OSBT to walk with him to discuss this issue. AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters from the Board (53:25) The board responded to public comments and expressed their appreciation for the comments on the BVCP. Michelle, in regard to the written information item on multimodal access, asked how the intercept survey will be conducted. Kacey French responded and outlined what the first engagement window will include. Brady asked staff to think about bike access and to be creative in building a place for this access without taking away from other user’s experiences. Brady said in response to Hodges there is no ulterior motive, as was suggested in public comment, if the city acquires property and there are other ways to advance goals; staff should take a hard look at this property and really take the time to address all of the pieces that have been brought up. Dan said this will be back to the board in both April and June and staff will be ready for an open and full discussion about these properties as a whole. Jon encouraged the community to continue to engage in this process. The board read a proclamation recognizing Michelle Estrella and her five years of service on the OSBT. AGENDA ITEM 7 – Matters from the Department Joshua Schnabel, Planner, and Kristofer Johnson, presented the “Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update”. Kathleen King, City Principal Planner, was available for questions. (1:21:10) The board responded to staff questions and asked clarifying questions. Brady asked about the agricultural land clarification and narrative. What does it mean to get it right in the plan and how does that change things on the ground. Kristofer said this is the opportunity to make updates to the plan; there is value for making sure the language is correct in the plan as it establishes a future road map for decision making. The board asked clarifying questions on the new land designations and how it relates to various scenarios, including when there is a conservation easement. They asked what the advantages are of a greenways land use designation. Brady said it may be useful to still have two designations to make it very clear what we own. Brady asked if there a policy on use of AI in creating plans. Staff said we can use it to cross reference information, but would still need to confirm results; staff work is still heavily needed to create these plans. Sarah asked about changes to the way agricultural lands are described; language about preserving this tradition and culture should be highlighted in the plan. Lisa Goncalo, Recreation Stewardship Senior Program Manager, presented the “Update to City Manager Rule 8-3-3.G(03) to allow for precautionary landing for paragliders and hang gliders” (2:27:35) The board expressed appreciation for work on this rule and asked about definitions of deteriorating conditions and can it be clear what that means. Brady also brought up that the current conditions at launch sites is dangerous with how many rocks are sticking up. Things are so eroded and this is not an appropriate launch site for the land or the users. He would encourage the city to work with this community on geotextiles or other ways to manage. Jeff Haley, Deputy Director, presented the “Update on the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and Trailhead Improvement project” (2:41:55) The board responded to staff questions and asked clarifying questions. The board shared their appreciation for the work on this project and expressed their support. Harmon suggested shifting where proposed parking is to allow for an additional row of parking. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m. These minutes were prepared by Leah Russell.