LEGEND
Procedural Item: (p): An item requiring procedural attention
Consent Item (c): An item provided in written form for consent, not discussion by the Board; any consent
item may be called up by any Board member for discussion during the matters
from the department
Action Item (a): A public hearing item to be voted on by the Board (public comment period provided)
Disc/Info Item(d/i): An item likely to become a future action item (or council item) and/or that benefits from
an in-depth presentation of background, financial/social/environmental impacts, public
process, staff analysis and next steps (e.g., presentation of major project initiative)
Matters from Dept (md): Items that will be reviewed and discussed during the meeting but not requiring the level
of in-depth analysis of an action or discussion/information item
Matters from the Bd (mb): Items initiated by the Board that will be reviewed and discussed during the meeting but
not requiring the level of in-depth analysis of an action or discussion/information item
COMMUNITY TOUCHES - The City has recently been working on an update to the calendar of all city events
for community use. Please view the calendar online for all of the latest updates for upcoming events. We are
encouraging staff and the community to be aware of and use the new tool.
https://bouldercolorado.gov/calendar
The event list can be filtered to see only Parks and Recreation events by choosing ‘Recreation’ from the dropdown
menu at the top of the page, and then clicking on the submit button.
If you would like more information about any of the events, just use the link above and select the event you are
interested in. Additional information will appear at the botton of the page with a link directly to the event web page.
Below is a sample of what you will see, once filtered. For live links or the most up to date information, please use the
link above.
Construction
The following projects are scheduled for construction, under construction or have been recently
completed. For additional details please visit www.BoulderParkNews.org.
Natural Lands
The following projects, focused on habitat and wildlife management in an urban environment,
are currently being managed by the Urban Resources staff:
Staff is looking for volunteers for the annual prairie dog census at the Boulder Reservoir.
Counts are held three days each in June, July and August. Interested parties are
encouraged to contact Melissa Reed-Eckert at Reed-EckertM@bouldercolorado.gov.
Annual count information is provided to the city’s Urban Wildlife Conservation
Coordinator and utilized to assist in land management decisions.
C. Operations Update
(1) Retains current level of reserves across the department’s dedicated funds;
(2) Assumes provision of minimum wage for nonstandard positions as previously directed by
Council;
(3) Reduces General Fund spending on an ongoing basis; and
(4) Reduces 6-year CIP by $4.25M, requiring project delays and reduction in scope further
described below.
Despite staff's identified efficiencies and cost containment opportunities, it was necessary that
the proposal significantly impact capital funds available for department projects. Shared with
PRAB as part of the May CIP Discussion Item, certain projects will have reduced available
funding and/or will be delayed aligning spending with revenues and maintain healthy fund
balances. Impacted projects, to name a few, include Valmont City Park Phase 2 and the number
of neighborhood parks to be improved annually. These changes were also necessary as staff
appreciates the implications of enhanced and improved amenities on the department’s ongoing
operation. In addition, the budget proposal assumes no new programming in 2019 and may result
in some service level adjustments. A more thorough budget update will be provided with
A. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Boulder Parks and
Recreation 2018 Urban Forest Strategic Plan
No one spoke.
Motion to approve the Boulder Parks and Recreation 2018 Urban Forest Strategic Plan
PRAB members shared the following questions and comments about this item:
• What projects will not be funded with the decrease in funding in the CIP?
• Does the city plan for CIP projects beyond five years?
• Would proceeds from the potential sale of Harbeck House go into the Permanent Park
Fund?
• Will specific details about general park improvement projects be presented to the PRAB?
• Who was involved in the creation of the excellent “Summer Fun” publication?
• Why is there no funding budgeted for Columbia Cemetery in 2021?
• Appreciate the new concession area at the Flatirons Golf Course.
• How do you determine what parts of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan do not get
implemented to meet the proposed reduction?
• How does the cost of the upcoming Master Plan update compare to the 2013 Master Plan
update?
• Appreciate the “ living within our means” approach the department has adopted and the
thoughtful approach to the pending reductions.
• Concern regarding the lack of recreation services in Gunbarrel.
• If money becomes available, does the department have an approach to prioritizing funding
for deferred projects?
• How can the department benefit financially from the new businesses that have located in
Boulder impacting the need for more services in the denser areas such as the Boulder
Transit Center?
• The department has done a very thoughtful job of addressing the recent cuts to the CIP
budget.
• Is there a “scorecard” that can be used to look at community demographics as a way of
prioritizing CIP projects to ensure all segments of our community’s needs are being met?
• Need to take advantage of opportunities to partner and maximize shared community
resources with other local organizations.
C. Budget Update
• Appreciative of the departments fiscal stewardship and commitment to staying within
the budget
Agenda Item 8: Matters from the Board
_________________________ ________________________
AGENDA TITLE:
Public Hearing and Consideration of Motions Approving the 2019 Expenditures from the
Permanent Parks and Recreation Fund and 2019-2024 Parks and Recreation Department
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
PRESENTERS:
Yvette Bowden, Director, Parks and Recreation
Ali Rhodes, Deputy Director
Jeff Haley, Planning, Design and Community Engagement Manger
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
As part of the city’s annual budget process, departments develop a six-year Capital
Improvement Program (CIP). The current CIP process is for fiscal years 2019 through
2024. Within this process, funds are appropriated for the first year, 2019. Staff has
provided the PRAB with two previous agenda items related to the CIP in April and May
and this item is the third and final with the requested approval. The Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board’s (PRAB) role in this process is defined in the Boulder Revised Code
(B.R.C.), 1982 TITLE 2 GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION, Chapter 3 Boards and
Commissions, Section 10 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (d)(2) “To approve or
disapprove expenditures or appropriations from the permanent park and recreation fund
and forward such recommendations to the city council.” It is within this context that the
PRAB is requested to hold a public hearing and provide a recommendation on the CIP to
Planning Board and the City Council. After a motion is passed by the PRAB, the
department’s CIP budget will then be submitted to the Planning Board and City Council
for review and respective considerations and approvals.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the PRAB approve the 2019 expenditures planned from the
Permanent Parks and Recreation Fund and approve the recommended 2019-2024 Parks
and Recreation Department CIP (Attachment A).
Fiscal: $4.35M. This amount reflects the total uses of funds projected for 2019 as
follows: (described in greater detail in Attachment A)
$428,000
Lottery Fund
(2110) Neighborhood and Community Park Capital Maintenance
Lottery Fund Total $428,000
PUBLIC FEEDBACK:
At the public hearing, members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the
proposed 2019-2024 CIP during the public hearing portion of the agenda item. The public
will also have an opportunity to comment during the Planning Board’s CIP review in July
and City Council’s discussions and review of the recommended budget during future
public hearings throughout the year.
BACKGROUND:
Capital Projects
CIP projects are defined as any major project with a cost greater than $50,000 for
purchase or construction or major replacement of physical assets. CIP projects are
potentially subject to a Community and Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP)
review that evaluates any potential environmental, traffic or social impacts to Boulder
residents, neighborhoods and businesses.
CIP Process
The budget is how the city manages its assets and implements projects and programs that
are chosen by its citizens through their elected representatives, City Council. The
department’s budget is formulated within the context of the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan that was adopted by the PRAB and accepted by City Council in early 2014. The CIP
is developed in support of achieving the department’s Master Plan goals.
Once again this year, staff has provided the PRAB with a “three touch” approach that
included 1) discussion item presented at the April meeting communicating process,
policies and procedures and definitions/criteria that guide the CIP development; 2) a
discussion item presented at the May meeting to review draft projects and prioritization
as it relates to the 2019 – 2024 CIP; and 3) a PRAB Public Hearing to consider motions
approving and recommending the department CIP.
2. Commitment (C) – Projects that are required by law/ballot (e.g., Elks Park), are
in-process of development (e.g., Valmont City Park), as part of a prior
development agreement, are recommended as part of the department master plan
(e.g., playground and irrigation system renovations) and/or are required to be
completed within a specific period of time.
4. Revenue (R) – The department will invest in facilities and programs that generate
revenues to support valued recreational opportunities in the Boulder community.
Projects will enhance the department's ability to earn more revenue after initial
investment and operational costs are considered (e.g. aquatics facility
enhancements and athletic field improvements) and/or possible
collaboration/partnerships leveraging outside funding sources.
ANALYSIS:
Staff have identified options for reducing spending strategically as a standard practice for
this current fiscal environment and especially as it applies to the CIP. For both 2019 as
well as the full 6-year CIP staff have performed careful analysis and projections for all
funds that make up the department CIP. With PRAB support, staff have adjusted the
spending accordingly to remain within funding projections while still maintaining a
healthy fund balance for reserves. Over half of the CIP is now funded exclusively out of
the Permanent Parks and Recreation fund while the remaining is funded appropriately out
of the .25 Cent Sales Tax and Lottery Fund. The current 6-year CIP reduces spending by
approximately $4.25M.
1. Aquatic Facility Enhancements ($2.7M) Funding amounts remained the same, but
delayed projects by 1 year to allow for higher priority projects to proceed first as well as
allowing the design of the pool renovations to be informed in the upcoming recreation
facilities needs assessment. The East Boulder Community Center Pool, Spruce Pool and
South Boulder Recreation Center Pool will each be delayed by one year.
3. Valmont City Park Phase 2 ($2. 3M) Delayed project by 1 year and reduced funding
by $1.5M. This project will be an opportunity for a capital campaign, partner
contributions or other forms of funding that are under consideration.
Will likely include some combination of an adventure playground, small water feature for
children, community garden, skateboard elements and shelter pavilions.
5. Flatirons Golf Course Repairs ($3M) Moved up one year due to a priority need for
new restrooms and facilities. In future years, this project will provide dredging of
existing irrigation ponds within the course and design and construction of a new pro
shop, clubhouse and staff office to replace the former events center that was demolished
because of the 2013 flood.
NEXT STEPS:
It is important to note that staff will keep the PRAB updated on the status of the CIP
process as it proceeds to Planning Board and City Council during the summer months and
ultimately upon approval. Similarly, as staff continues the final design of the key
improvement projects for 2019, the PRAB will be updated on the outcome of the final
scope and related costs.
Attachments:
A. CIP Project Summary Sheet 2019-2024
Estimated Total 2019 2020 Projected 2021 Projected 2022 Projected 2023 Projected 2024 Projected Unfunded
Cost Recommended Amount
PARKS & RECREATION Department Total $ 4,356,000 $ 4,296,000 $ 4,645,000 $ 4,020,000 $ 4,670,000 $ 3,782,000 $ -
CIP-CAPITAL ENHANCEMENT Subtotal $ 528,000 $ 852,000 $ 3,103,000 $ 2,508,000 $ 3,018,000 $ 1,428,000 $ -
Aquatic Facility Enhancements $ - $ 150,000 $ 2,100,000 $ - $ 510,000 $ - $ -
(5152185510)
Based on recommendations of the 2015 Boulder Aquatics Feasibility Plan, this project provides implementation of priority indoor and outdoor pool enhancements for Boulder's aquatics programs. In
2020, design and permitting will be completed for the the East Boulder Community Center leisure pool and construction will occur in 2021. This project will be in partnership with Facilities and Asset
Management (FAM) funding a variety of necessary facility repairs in the same year. In 2023, improvements will be made to the outdoor Spruce Pool and the indoor South Boulder Recreation Center pool
to provide water play features for children and youth. These improvements will allow the pools to serve all ages and abilites while also enhancing priority facilites for the community.
This project will provide funding to implement key recommendations of the operations facility assessment to improve existing facilities as well as increasing facilities for space needs related to production
areas, material storage, office space and equipment staging. Key outcomes of the project will include renovations and expansion of existing maintenance shops, operations buildings and
material/equipment storage.
Neighborhood and Com Park Cap $ 472,000 $ 472,000 $ 472,000 $ 472,000 $ 472,000 $ 472,000 $ -
Maint (515330NHCP)
Boulder's park system is foundational to the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department. Upon completion of the department's master plan in 2014, the department committed to ongoing park
system renovations/repairs based on priority needs and asset management for all outdoor facilities. This combines individual funding for playgrounds, shelters, and ADA accessibility upgrades. The
specific park that will be renovated is determined on a six year cycle through an asset management program and communicated to the public. Projects are necessary to comply with goals and
commitments identified in the department’s master plan. The department evaluates and prioritizes needs based on criteria including safety and code compliance, age of the equipment, location in the
city, and opportunities for efficiencies, collaboration or partnerships with other departments or the surrounding neighborhood.
The current list of parks within the CIP include:
2019 - Chautauqua Park
2020 - Harlow Platts Community Park
2021 -East Boulder Community Park
2022 - North Boulder Park
2023 - Martin Park
2024 - Parkside Park
Trees are important assets to the community and provide many benefits to Boulder. In September 2013, Forestry staff discovered an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation within the city. The
subsequent delimitation survey showed that EAB was well established within a corridor in central Boulder. Over the next 15 years, EAB management, including tree removal, tree replacement, wood
disposal and pesticide treatments will have a significant direct budgetary impact to the city and private residents. The loss of tree canopy will have considerable economic, social, and environmental
impacts for decades. In September of 2015, an Information Item detailing the Emerald Ash Borer management plan was presented to City Council.
As a result of the recent discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a response plan has been developed to slow the spread of the pest and maintain a safe community from the potential hazards of
multiple dead and dying trees within the urban core of the community. This project will provide funding to educate the community on safe EAB treatment, hire contractors for removal and replacement of
the trees affected by the EAB to re-establish streetscapes and park areas that contribute to many of the sustainability goals of the city. This project will include renovation of parking areas, streetscapes,
park areas and other sites to remove and replace the trees. The recent Urban Forest Strategic Plan outlined the need to increase annual tree plantings from 400 to 600 to maintain the existing canopy
given the decline from EAB. This project provides plantings across the city on locations throughout Parks and Recreation properties.
Estimated Total 2019 2020 Projected 2021 Projected 2022 Projected 2023 Projected 2024 Projected Unfunded
Cost Recommended Amount
CIP-CAPITAL PLANNING Subtotal $ 50,000 $ 140,000 $ 140,000 $ - $ - $ - $ -
STUDIES
Forestry Emergency Response $ 50,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Plan (515330UFPP)
A key implementation priority in the Urban Forest Strategic Plan, this will provide funding for a comprehensive plan that identifies planting priorities for the urban forest annual planting initiatives as well
as specific response protocol for emergency related events including drought, wind storms, major precipitation events and other threats to the forest canopy. The city manages over 50K trees with an
assessed value of $110M annually in benefits to Boulder. This plan will ensure the maintenance and protection of the canopy and priorities for the replacement plantings. Boulder is susceptible to a
variety of weather events that impact the forest including flood, fire, wind and snow. Each of these events require quick response to ensure public safety as well as limiting disturbance to trees.
Staff is currently engaging the community to discuss ideas and options for the long-term
approach to the historic landmarked house now that the Museum of Boulder is moving to
their new location. A full outline of information about the project and process overview
can be found here. The key next step in the process is a community open house scheduled
for Thursday, July 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. At the June PRAB meeting, staff will provide a
verbal update of the project.
SUBJECT:
2019-2024 Greenways Capital Improvement Program
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT:
Christin Shepherd – Civil Engineer II
1
Attachment A
The Greenways CIP follows an opportunistic approach, contributing funding toward projects that
are being completed by other departments or private development to meet the various
objectives of the Greenways Program. The Greenways CIP also looks to leverage funds with
outside agencies to move projects forward that meet more than one objective of the Greenways
Program but may not be the highest priority when evaluating any one particular objective.
Projects included in the Greenways CIP are typically called out in the Greenways Master Plan and
are projects that Greenways staff can take the lead in coordinating.
Funding Overview
The 2019 annual funding distribution for the Greenways capital program is as follows:
The total 2018 Greenways capital budget is $346,067, with an additional $105,000 in the
operating budget. Historically, the Lottery contribution to the Greenways Program has been
$150,000 per year. However, the Lottery contribution is now calculated as 15-percent of the
total Lottery funds allotted to the city and will change each year. The 2018 Lottery fund amount
was used for the 2019-2024 CIP.
The Lottery Fund is based on proceeds from the Conservation Trust Fund that is distributed by
the State of Colorado on a per capita basis to local governmental entities. Funding can be used
for the acquisition, development and maintenance of new conservation sites and capital
improvements for recreational purposes.
1
Fourmile Canyon Creek corridor. These improvements are also being coordinated with the
development of the Violet Park site. The Greenways program has also secured additional funding
through the city’s capital tax program to help fund this project.
In 2021-2024, funding for these types of improvements is shown for Skunk, Twomile Canyon and
Goose Creek in anticipation of future major drainageway improvements along this corridor. For
more information about the timing and details of these projects, please see the Utilities -
Stormwater/Flood web page: https://bouldercolorado.gov/flood/creek-projects
In addition, a list of potential restoration, water quality and trail improvement projects that
meet more than one Greenways objective during the next few years are included as Attachment
B. See Attachment D for a map of these potential projects.
Recent Accomplishments
- The Wonderland Creek project construction began in January 2016. The project extends
from Foothills Parkway in the south to Winding Trail Drive in the north. The project
includes 100-year channel improvements, three new underpasses and replanting 1,884
trees and shrubs. The Wonderland Project is now over 90 percent complete and
anticipated to be at final completion in summer of 2018
2
Attachment B: Potential Restoration, Water Quality & Trail Improvement Projects
Greenways Objectives
Provides
Funding from Provides
Protects and/or Enhances Water Mitigates Flood Improves Storm pedestrian/bicycle Preserves Cultural
more than 1 Recreation
Restores Habitat Quality Risk Drainage transportation Resources
source Opportunities
Map ID Name of Project route
A Pedestrian Bridge at Linden & Twomile Canyon Creek x x x
B Underpass at Arapahoe & Boulder Creek x x x x
C Multi-Use Path at Airport Road & Valmont Park x x x
D Underpass at 26th St & Fourmile Canyon Creek x x x
E Underpass at Foothills & Colorado x x x
F Underpass at Broadway & Fourmile Canyon Creek x x x
G Removal of EAB at Boulder Creek x x x
H Park Improvements at Howard Hueston Park & Wonderland Creek x x x
I Restoration Foothills to Valmont at Boulder Creek x x
J Park Construction at Violet Park & Fourmile Canyon Creek x x x x x
K Pedestrian Bridge at East Boulder Rec Center x x x
L Pedestrian Bridge & 800' of Creek Restoration at Fourmile Canyon Creek x x x x
M Park Construction at 744 University & Gregory Canyon Creek x x x
N Restoration at Boulder Junction & Goose Creek x x x x x x
Attachment C: 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Program Summary Spreadsheet
N Foothills Hw
Mineral
Rd
63rd St
y
a lH
Olde Stage Rd
on
ag
Footh
Di
Lookout Rd
ills H
63rd St
y
75th St
L
Spine Rd
" Yarmouth Av
F "
J
55th St
"
63rd St
4
y
!
lH
!2 Jay Rd
a
on
ag
D
Lin
"
Di
57th St
d en
Broadway
26th St
47th St
Dr
A
"
61st St
19th St
Iris Av
1
!
28th St
t Rd
Valmon
Folsom St
H
" C
30th St
" "I
Balsam Av
Pearl Py
St
Mapleton Av Pine " N
28th St
63rd St
t on Bv
rl S
Folsom St
Pe
55th St
B
"
M G
75th St
" Br " Colorado Av
oa E
"
dw
Fla
a
28th St
y
9th St
30th St
gst
Baseline Rd Baseline Rd
a
Cherryvale Rd
Baseline Rd
ff R
Mo
d
Br
55th St
Foothills Py
or
3
oa
he
76th St
! a
dw
d K
Av "
a
y
Hw
r y3
S
l as
6
Br
pie
oa
dw
Dr
ay
Le Legend
S Footh
h igh
St ! Currently in CIP
Rd
arshall Projects
Proposed
M
ills H wy
"
City Limits
¯
CITY OF BOULDER
INFORMATION ITEM FOR:
SUBJECT:
Boulder Creek Arapahoe Underpass Art Project (Arapahoe Underpass Art project) at Boulder
Creek and Arapahoe Avenue
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT:
Mandy Vink – Public Art Administrator, Library and Arts Department
Edward Stafford – Development Review Manager, Public Works
Alysha Geiger – Civil Engineer I Development Review, Public Works
PURPOSE: The Arapahoe Underpass Art Project has requested a variance to BRC 9-3-9 to
allow lighting of a protected waterway. While this variance is a staff level decision we are
seeking input on this request from the various boards through the GAC. It is requested that
each board/committee review this full report and forward any comments or concerns
regarding t to your Greenways Advisory Committee representative for discussion at the June
28, 2018 GAC meeting. The project webpage is available at: https://boulderarts.org/public-
art/in-progress/arapahoe-underpass/
GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE INPUT REQUESTED:
Input from the Greenways Advisory Committee to staff concerning the request for a a
variance to section 9-3-9 of the Boulder Revised Code, 1981, to allow for the Arapahoe
Underpass Art project is requested. Pending GAC input, the project team will make a
decision to move forward, or not, with a formal application for a wetland variance for the art
project.
The Boulder Creek Arapahoe Underpass Project was previously reviewed by the GAC as a part
of the Community and Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP) on May 11, 2017. After the
CEAP the public art component of the project was selected using the city’s Policy on Acquisition
and Maintenance of Public Art.
Attached is information on a requested variance to the city’s Stream. Wetlands and Water Body
Protection code. Input on this item by the Greenways Advisory Committee is being sought prior
to staff providing a decision on the variance request.
Attachment A: Input Request from the Boulder Creek Arapahoe Underpass Art project,
summarizing the proposed project, the applicable wetland code and the requested variance from
the code.
Attachment B: Additional information about the public art project and the selection process
provided by the office of Arts and Culture
Attachment A
Input Request from the Boulder Creek Arapahoe Underpass Art project, summarizing the proposed
project, the applicable wetland code and the requested variance from the code.
This report documents the request for input from the Greenways Advisory Committee (GAC)
regarding a variance to section 9-3-9(c)(3) Table 3-1 21. of the Boulder Revised Code, 1981
(BRC), which prohibits new lighting in the wetland, stream or water body zone (high and low
functioning). As provided in Attachment B, the Office of Arts and Culture initiated the
commissioning of a new piece of public art for the Arapahoe Underpass along the Boulder Creek
Path in 2017. The project is proposing to design and install a “caustic reflection” light installation
that utilizes utilizing low temperature and low color temperature LED’s to reflect light patterns
onto the ceiling and walls of the underpass.
Boulder Creek is a large wetland defined primarily by the bankfull width of the stream. In its
upper reaches, it is dominated by plains cottonwood in the forest overstory, giving way to the alien
crack willow in the lower reaches. The streambanks are generally well protected by the roots or
trees and shrubs. The presence of perennial water, dense stream-side vegetation, and its length
provides abundant habitats for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Boulder Creek is heavily used for
recreational activities, including fishing, wading, and tubing.
Wetlands play important roles in supporting water supply, maintaining water quality, and
supporting plants, animals, and ecosystems. Wetlands store floodwaters and they supply water to
both aquifers and streams. Wetlands store and/or transform nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment, and
other contaminants. Vegetation in wetlands prevents erosion and further degradation of water
quality. Wetlands also provide important habitat for plants, wildlife, and other animals, and they
are a vital part of many food chains. Wetland benefits are often degraded by the pressures of
development and land management practices that result in stresses such as increased paving,
introduction of invasive species, and urban runoff. When wetland functions are lost, cities and
taxpayers are left to bear the costs -- including increased water treatment, flood control, erosion
control, weed control, and diminished water supplies. Therefore, federal, state, and local
governments have recognized the need to protect and mitigate for loss of wetland resources. The
legislative intent of Stream, Wetlands, and Water Body Protection code, section 9-3-9(a) of the
BRC, is as follows:
(1) It is the intent of the city council in enacting this section to preserve, protect, restore, and
enhance the quality and diversity of wetlands and water bodies. The council finds that
streams, wetlands, and water bodies are indispensable and fragile natural resources with
significant development constraints due to high groundwater, flooding, erosion, and soil
limitations and that development activities may threaten these resources. The
preservation of streams, wetlands, and water bodies under this section is consistent with
the goal of wetland protection set forth in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
(2) The city council finds that many streams, wetlands, and water bodies have been either
lost or impaired by draining, dredging, filling, excavating, building, channelizing,
polluting, and other acts. Piecemeal and cumulative losses destroy or diminish the
functions of the remaining streams, wetlands, and water bodies.
(3) The city council finds that it is necessary for the city to ensure protection by discouraging
development activities in streams, wetlands, and water bodies and those activities at
adjacent sites that may adversely affect the visibility and functional values of these
resources.
(4) The city council finds that it is necessary to ensure no net loss of wetlands, by encouraging
avoidance of direct or indirect impacts from activities that destroy or diminish the
quantity, quality, and biological diversity of the city's water resources and adjacent
buffers.
(5) The city council acknowledges that much of the city was developed prior to awareness of
the value of protecting streams, wetlands, and water bodies. The city council seeks to find
a reasonable balance between the property owners' desire to make reasonable uses of
their properties and the public's interest in preserving and protecting these important
water resources. When the destruction or diminution in function of these resources cannot
be avoided, the city council finds that impacts on streams, wetlands, and water bodies
should be minimized and mitigation provided for unavoidable losses.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent irrigation companies from altering
water levels through the diverting, storage, or delivery of water under their historic water
rights or owners of such rights from exercising those historic rights.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent compliance with applicable state or
federal statutes and regulations.
(8) It is not the intent of this section to prohibit all activities within the regulated area, but
rather to encourage avoidance and minimization of regulated activities within the
regulated area to mitigate the impact that these activities have on streams, wetlands, and
water bodies.
As shown in Figure 1 the proposed project is located in the high functioning wetland area of
Boulder Creek. Lighting for the Boulder Creek – Arapahoe and 13th Underpass Transportation
CIP project is being provided for the path and is located in the inner/outer high functioning wetland
buffer areas, which is exempt from the need of a wetland permit. This project is specifically an
art project and is not for the purpose of providing lighting for the multi-use path adjacent to the
creek.
Figure 1 Arapahoe Avenue & Boulder Creek Wetland Limits
Based on the information provided in this report the staff is seeking input from the GAC on
whether or not the Arapahoe Underpass Art Project meets the intent of the variance criteria in
section 9-3-9(m)(4) of the BRC which states:
For publicly funded projects, a variance may be issued if the city manager finds that the project
is in the community interest and part of an approved master plan or capital improvements
program.
The underpass project is a part of the city’s capital improvement program and public art is part of
the Community Cultural Plan that was adopted on November 17, 2015.
Key Issues:
• Is the public art project in the community interest as stated in the variance criteria?
• Should a variance be issued to allow for lighting of the creek when BRC 9-3-9(c)(3) Table
3-1 21 prohibits new lighting?
Attachment B
MEMORANDUM
To: Greenways Advisory Committee
From: Mandy Vink, Public Art Administrator
CC: Bryant Gonsalves, Boulder Creek Path Underpass Project Manager
Matt Chasansky, Office of Arts and Culture Manager
Date: May 3, 2018
Regarding: Wetlands Variance at Boulder Creek Path Underpass: Arapahoe and 13th Public
Art Project
Executive Summary
In 2017, the Office of Arts and Culture initiated the commissioning of a new piece of public art for the
Arapahoe Underpass along the Boulder Creek Path. This project was one of the first to be run through
the updated Boulder Policy on Acquisition and Maintenance of Public Art by the City (Policy)1. As
defined in the Policy’s purpose, commissioning of public art is one of many of the city’s goals: The City
will acquire works of art which encourage creativity, contribute to a sense of place, spark conversation,
tell our shared stories and capture our moment in time, foster the enjoyment of diverse works of art, and
are thoughtfully designed contributions to the urban environment of our vibrant city.
Stewarded through the selection process identified in the Policy, a Request for Qualifications was
distributed for artists. 181 applicants submitted their portfolios. The selection panel and technical
review committee (TRC) reviewed all applications and narrowed the group to request five proposals.
From those proposals, the selection panel made a unanimous recommendation for Michelle Sparks. The
project additionally received unanimous approval from the Boulder Arts Commission (Arts Commission)
in July 2017, with Michelle Sparks approved to move into contracting and project design by the City
Manager’s Office (CMO) on July 24, 2017.
Sparks has joined the Project Management Team (PMT) to integrate her concept of caustic reflections
into project design. As the project evolves from preliminary design to final design, we request review
and advisory recommendations from the Greenways Advisory Committee to support the feasibility of
this project, including a recommendation to the City Manager in regards to a wetlands variance for this
project.
1 City of Boulder: Policy on Acquisition and Maintenance of Public Art by the City (adopted December 2016;
updated March 2018), https://boulderarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Final-Public-Art-Policy-
3.16.18.pdf?x64198
patterns onto the ceiling and walls of the underpass. This concept’s execution will be subtle, while
undoubtedly tie users to place. Working with the design team, the artist will explore further aesthetic
treatments to the concrete retaining walls and creek path.
Lighting designs will be responsive to the environment, utilizing low temperature and low color
temperature LED’s. Additionally, the project’s run time will be synched with its natural environment
through an astronomical timer. Sparks’ project lighting will serve as a complement to the underpass’s
required functional lighting.
Sample image of naturally-occurring caustic reflections. The artist wishes to extend this effect through
lighting design:
Attachments
• Attachment 1: CMO Memo – Michelle Sparks Approval
• Attachment 2: Arapahoe Underpass Public Art RFQ
Attachment 1: CMO Memo – Michelle Sparks Approval
Attachment 2: Arapahoe Underpass Public Art RFQ