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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/21/2024 PUBLIC HEARING October 21, 2024 Present: Matt Scherr Chairman Jeanne McQueeney Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry Commissioner Jeff Shroll County Manager Matt Peterson Assistant County Attorney Kathy Scriver Deputy Clerk to the Board This being a scheduled Public Hearing,the following items were presented to the Board of County Commissioners for their consideration: Planning File - Eagle County Room 1. LR-9274-2022-Annual follow-up regarding Freedom Park Ice Rink David McWilliams, Community Development Executive Summary: Annual review of the Freedom Park Ice Rink for compliance with lighting, drainage, and bathrooms based upon conditions from land use file number LR-9274-2022. Mr. McWilliams,Eagle County Staff Planner, introduced Brad Johnson with Mountain Recreation. The file before the board was an annual follow-up regarding the Freedom Park Ice Rink. This file was approved two years ago, and this would be the third year of implementation at this location. It was subject to a limited review use application due to the PUD zoning. There would be a new application for the PUD next summer. One of the conditions placed on the application by the BoCC was that the lighting should be addressed prior to each season, the rink should be properly drained, and porta potties should be provided. The layout of the rink had changed due to sloping. The layout puts the rink away from the Eagle Valley trail, mitigating any risk of pooling during melting. Regarding lighting,the hours of operation were conditioned to end at 9:00 p.m. Staff had not received any complaints, so staff recommended that the protocols continue for the coming season. Regarding drainage,the fields were designed for efficient drainage, and there was a protocol within the application that allowed utilization of the field in the spring. Bathrooms were provided for the last two years, and staff had on record a maintenance agreement between the service company and Mountain Recreation. Staff recommended that the protocols continue for the next season. Mr. Johnson thanked the board for their continued support, as the rink had been a tremendous amenity in the Edwards area. This was the first year they were able to do two rinks. There would be portable bathrooms again. However,they did have some issues with cleaning last year,but they believed they had addressed the issue. He believed the two biggest challenges were the slope and recruiting more volunteers. Chairman Scherr asked if any decisions need to be made today. Mr. McWilliams stated that the meeting was more informational. The Limited Review was limited to three years, so next year, a new application would be reviewed. Commissioner Chandler-Henry stated that she'd heard only positive comments about the amenity. She asked about the length of the season and wondered how many people used the ice. Mr. Johnson stated that they began building the ice the first week of December,weather-dependent. It all depended on the weather. Usually,they get to about the last week of February. The rink is in high use during the holidays and weekends. Tom Boyd,the lead volunteer for the project, spoke. He believed it got better every year, and as such,the usage went up and up. Their goal was to build a tradition. The rink was an epicenter of community. He lived 1 10/21/2024 nearby and saw the rink being used by all sorts of people with all different levels and abilities. He was grateful for the support. Commissioner Chandler-Henry asked if there had been concerns with the facility or if there was anything the county could do to help. Mr. Johnson stated that portable bathrooms had been the most challenging. He suggested year-around restrooms. Work Sessions - Eagle County Room 1. YouthZone Annual Presentation 2. Northwest Loan Fund There being no further business before the Board,the meeting was adjourned until October 22,2024. � � Attest: 1 � - /!/ u� Clerk to the Board Chairman 2 10/21/2024