MEETING TYPE:	South Platte River Corridor Citizen Working Group Meeting
MEETING DATE:	September 16, 2003
MEETING LOCATION:	La Familia Recreation Center at 65 S. Elati St.
ATTENDEES
Art Hirsch	FHU	Charles Howard	West University Comm.
Kevin Maddoux	FHU	Tracy Cochran	Athmar Park
Thor Gjelsteen	FHU	Robert Shedd	West Wash. Park
Dean Bradley	FHU	Steve Harley	Baker
Julia Anne Wildschut	Muller Engineering	Loretta Koelden	Baker/Making Connections
Rick Willard	CDOT
Steve Sherman	CDOT
Gordon McEvoy	CDOT
Terry Baus	CCD
Bar Chadwick	CCD
Janet Burgesser	CCD
Jeff Shoemaker	Greenway Foundation

PREPARER: Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
                   Kevin Maddoux

SUBJECT: South Platte River Corridor Citizen Working Group

Meeting Summary
Mr. Art Hirsch of Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig (FHU) gave a PowerPoint presentation on the South Platte River Corridor (See Attachment A). The presentation included:

• Introduction on the CWG
  
• Intent of the CWG
  
• Explanation of the Valley Highway Project
  
• Historical context of the South Platte River Corridor
  
• Existing South Platte River Water Quality Conditions

It was mentioned by Mr. Art Hirsch that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is not going to restore the river. The objective of the Valley Highway Project in relation to the South Platte River Corridor is primarily avoidance.

CDOT will become involved with enhancements to the South Platte River Corridor as part of mitigation actions related to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). As needed, CDOT will interface with the City and County of Denver (CCD) and other entities to support South Platte River Corridor projects.

Following Mr. Hirsch, Ms. Janet Burgesser of CCD Department of Environmental Health presented on the CCD South Platte River water quality monitoring program.

Mr. Gordon McEvoy of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Mr. Terry Baus of the CCD Department of Public Works gave an overview of stormwater management practices and compliance to Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer (MS4) Permits.

Ms. Bar Chadwick of the CCD Parks and Recreation Department presented on the CCD’s 2000 South Platte River Long Range Management Framework.

Mr. Jeff Shoemaker, Executive Director of the South Platte Greenway Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the South Platte River discussed his organization’s efforts and goals for the Valley Highway Project. The Greenway Foundation’s goals were to:

• Improve control of stormwater into the river to improve water quality
  
• Design highway stormwater outfalls to be aesthetically pleasing
  
• Move the highway east of the river
  
• Replace the wooden bridge structure on the South Platte River trail, north of Alameda Avenue
  
• Include the cost for these improvements in the EIS

Summary of Issues Discussed

• Existing conditions of the South Platte River Corridor
  
• On-going water quality monitoring programs along the South Platte
  
• Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to minimize impacts to water quality in the South Platte River
  
• CCD Department of Parks and Recreation long-term plan for the South Platte River Corridor
  
• Restoration projects and on-going activities conducted by the Greenway Foundation
  
• Access to the South Platte River Corridor
  
• South Platte River Corridor viewshed
  
• Opportunities to expand riparian habitat
  
• Foundation for potential long-term highway improvements

Comments and Responses
Following the presentation, a question and answer session was conducted. The responding agency or group is noted in parentheses after the response. The following comments/responses were received.

Comment: What is the CCD’s water quality monitoring schedule?
Response: At various points along the South Platte River, samples are collected one to two times a week. The CCD also participates in the South Platte Coalition for Urban River Evaluation (CURE) on a monthly basis. Monitoring is conducted within city limits. (CCD)

Comment: What is the extent of CDOT’s MS4 permit?
Response: CDOT’s MS4 permit covers a linear area along the highway but overlaps with the CCD’s MS4 permit. (CDOT)

Comment: Will the sump at Alameda Avenue and I-25 be replaced?
Response: Efforts will be taken to reduce reliance on the sump by modify upgradient drainage patterns. (CDOT)

Comment: Is the master plan for the South Platte River corridor complete?
Response: Three areas are being looked at. Once those three areas are complete, the master plan will be complete. (CCD)

Comment: What is the forum for exploring additional recreation opportunities related to the South Platte River, including access from the Baker neighborhood?
Response: The CCD Department of Planning. Recommend contacted Kiersten Faulkner. (CCD) Recommended the Bicycle/Pedestrian Mobility Citizen Working Group as forum for this issue. (FHU)

Comment: The South Platte River trail bridge near 6th Avenue is too low and should be replaced.
Response: This bridge is included in the Valley Highway Project, and the potential to improve the bridge or channelize the river are being reviewed. (FHU)

Comment: Has the Greenway Foundation pursued improving access to the South Platte River trail from the east?
Response: No, but would if there was enough interest. (Greenway Foundation)

Comment: Could access to the South Platte River trail be provided by the bridge near the Denver Wastewater building?
Response: Yes, this should be discussed with the CCD. (CCD)

Comment: What are the limitations to widening the South Platte River trail north of Alameda Avenue? Why not buy extra property to provide more room for the river?
Response: Several of the alternatives look at moving the adjacent railroad tracks approximately 30 to 40 feet to the east to provide additional room for the highway and trail. Additional right-of-way is not required in the alternatives, and CDOT is unable to acquire more right-of-way than needed by the design alternatives. (FHU/CDOT)

Comment: Access to the South Platte River trail is difficult at Alameda due to Santa Fe and Kalamath. Three additional crossings would be preferable: a crossing between 3rd and 6th Avenues, a crossing north of Alameda (Bayaud), and a crossing near Home Depot.
Response: A flyover at 2nd or 3rd Avenue was previously explored but is not part of the current alternatives because of traffic issues related to the business and residential communities in that area. The Bayaud crossing is included in several of the alternatives. A crossing at Home Depot has not been explored. (FHU)

Comment: Use existing landmarks/street names to facilitate the South Platte River trail use.
Response: Recommended the Aesthetics/Urban Design Citizen Working Group as forum for this issue. (FHU)

Comment: The project should provide opportunities to expand riparian habitat with innovative design like a double-decker highway.
Response: A double-decker highway is not included in the system alternatives. The system alternatives are being designed to limit impacts to the South Platte River. (FHU)

Comment: The project should provide the foundation for potential long-term highway improvements.
Response: The highway system alternatives are being designed to current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards for safety and mobility. (CDOT)