Overland Park

Minutes - April 25, 2013

Overland Park Neighborhood Association (OPNA) – April 25 2013

 

Meeting called to order at 6:40 pm by vice president Ronnie Crawford

Present:

 

Ronnie Crawford

Terry Pasqua

Tracy Hardenan

Helene Orr

Joyce Quiqley

Casey Davenhill

Judy Greek

Kevin Dickson

Ray Ehrenstein

James Sample

Michael Bouchard

Nathan Batchelder 

Agenda

• Minutes from March meeting
• Treasurer Report
• Police Report
• Denver Waters Urban Bike Tour
• Parks and Rec – Tree Clean up update in Grant Frontier park.

Approval of Minutes

• Motion: To approve the minutes for March 28 2013
  Vote: Motion carried
  Resolved: Minutes from the meeting on March 28 approved without modification

Approval of Treasurer’s Report

Balance of $507.19 approved without modification

Business

• Police Report

No police officers present.  Nathan reported the change happening on July 1 for our district.  Currently Overland Park is part of district 4 but will be moving to district 3 where the Platte River is the western boundary.  This could make our neighborhood a higher priority with a better response time from police. 

• Denver Waters Urban Bike Tour

Handouts for bike tour on the Platte were made available.  Bike tour was on May 2 and and also planned for May 16. Everyone is urged to participate.   

• Casey Davenhill

Casey provided a historical background to what is happening on the South Platte River.

1. In association with the settlement from Shattuck in 2005, there was some money to be used towards remediation (approximately $100,000).  The Greenway foundation held meetings to find a use for the money.  The outcome was a Grant submitted for Overland Park to the Audubon Society.  The grant engaged landscape students to implement improvements and access to river, and clean up (with Audubon group).  They also educated 15 students per summer.
2. $1.7 million in other “damage funds” was also made available to improve the Platte River, with the money managed through Jeff Shoemaker, and 5013 organization to manage the money.
3. Seed money grant of $12 million dollars Platt River improvement project.  Now the money is available – work is starting to happen. Overland pond – removed some larger invasive trees to allow other plants to thrive.  During that project much care was taken to remove the trees.  But more recently, the tree removal along the river has not been selective… now there is much concern. Currently trees are being tagged in Grant Frontier Park.  Initially this is to complete an inventory, to identify tree types and condition.  

Questions raised – (1) We need to know what the plan is going forward - and before the work begins, (2) We need to know why the organization “Spring” (South Platte River Riparian Integrity Group) has not been involved. Helene suggested that we pay them a visit in their office.  Any volunteers?

• Michael Bouchard – Parks and Rec – Tree Clean up update in Grand Frontier Park.

He has been the Project Manager for Denver Parks and Rec, specifically for Grant Frontier for 3 months now.

He last attended OPNA meeting in February 2013 and showed renderings of Platte River plans.  They are currently working towards 60% design proposal by mid May. 

He spoke about the tree survey currently being done and generally where we are heading.  He explained what happened north of Evans to Florida that Forestry and Urban Drainage were responsible for “clearing grub” - meaning the removal of invasive and exotic trees, specifically non-native trees which they believed do not contribute to the area in any positive way.  Siberian Elms, Crack Willow and Russion Olive Trees primarily were removed. 

Casey commented that crack willows had been planted at Overland Park and stated that during that project, the area around the park was treated respectfully, instead of clear cutting the area.

Questions raised  

1. We need to find out if a new company is involved with the tree removal?
2. Why there is no environmental contractor to assist with how to deal with ongoing change?
3. Who is responsible for quality control?
4. What defines native and invasive plants?
5. What is a true Riparian habitat?
6. Are there any Ecologists or Naturalists in the area?
7. Is the environmental contractor local? 

Michael explained that environment contractor is on call – for consult and design – and has advised the team on completely some of the work this season i.e. weed management in spring and fall. Then another contractor will to do the larger part of the project. 

Joyce Quiqley who is a member of the Audobon society  and has been doing bird counts between Florida and Dartmouth since 1994 offered to supply data to Michael and Parks and Rec of the animals affected since the clear cutting between Evans and Florida. 

Casey offered to provide information to Michael regarding the location of the black crown heron rookery close to Dartmouth.

Michael explained that Greenway Foundation is one of the partners and has a big seat at the table.  They developed the master plan and brought funding for the River North and River South projects but the city of Denver has not formally adopted this plan.

Michael stated that in Grant Frontier – half the trees could be removed as well as in Pasquinel’s landing with additional plantings north of Pasquinel’s Landing.  Also, a new adult fitness area is planned to replace the old one in Pasquinel’s Landing. 

With the 60% plans due around May 24^th, Michael plans to be back for our next meeting, May 30^th.  He would also plan a walk of the site and will work with Catherine to schedule.  At this time we will be able to voice any concerns which will be brought back to the planning team.
 

New Business

• Nathan Batchelder

Nathan announced that the Ribbon cutting for South Broadway will be in the 2^nd or 3^rd week of May.  Email will be sent out with details.

He also extended an invitation to the cities arts and cultural plan.  There will be a meeting on May 8^th Swallow Hill from 6-8pm.  All were encouraged to take the Survey online at IMAGINEDenver2020.org. 

Regarding Ruby Hill Phase 2, there is a meeting for the public on May 14^th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at  Godsman Elementary School, 2120 W. Arkansas Ave., Denver 

Update on the Evans bridge project.  Due to snow and bad weather, pushed the project from July to completion in September.  Improvements include wider sidewalk and a bike lane, well lit E and W connections to the bridge, and the road to the rail station will also be opened. 

With Police redistricting, the cop-shop on Alameda has closed and may move to the Evans Lofts on the ground floor. Also, District 3 police meeting is 1^st Thursday of the month.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.