Agenda Date: 09/17/2019
Subject:
Title
Resolution 44-2019: Endorsing the framework plan for the High Line Canal
Body
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Prepared by: |
Carolyn Roan, Water Resource Manager |
PURPOSE:
To endorse The Plan for the High Line Canal: New Life for a Regional Legacy (“The Plan”) created by the High Line Canal Conservancy, Denver Water and committed local governmental partners.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Keith Reester, Public Works Director
Additional Presenter(s): None
SUMMARY:
In response to Denver Water’s phased discontinuation of water conveyance in the High Line Canal, the High Line Canal Conservancy and participating jurisdictions have been working together since 2016 to develop a framework for preserving and enhancing this 71-mile community asset. Following up on its 2017 Community Vision Plan, the Conservancy recently completed a Framework Plan to ensure that the canal reaches its greatest potential as an environmental, recreational, social, historic, and economic asset. Staff and elected officials from each jurisdiction have been attending monthly working group and task team meetings since 2018. The Conservancy hosted two community open houses on January 23 and 24 with over 300 community members attending.
This effort has produced the Framework Plan; a 5 to 10-year comprehensive implementation plan for the High Line Canal. The plan includes:
• Existing conditions analysis
• Zone (or Sub-Area) definitions
• Landscape design guidelines
• Green infrastructure opportunities including stormwater
• Broad recommendations for the canal overall and by zone
• Recreational opportunities
• Connectivity and crossings
• Activity nodes
• Economic development opportunities
• Historic resources
• Programming opportunities for community users on the canal
The Framework Plan is undergoing final edits and is scheduled to be released to the public in early September. The South Suburban Park & Recreation board was the first participating partner to endorse this plan on August 14.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
On June 7, 2016, council approved Resolution 28-2016 for funding the High Line Canal Community Vision Plan, and then supported it February 7, 2017 in Resolution 4-2017. Council also approved an IGA with Urban Drainage and Flood Control District to fund a stormwater model for the canal with Resolution 10-2017 on April 17, 2017. Council has had involvement via a liaison to the High Line Canal Conservancy group and in development of the plan.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Staff has been involved in preparation of the plan by attending meetings of the High Line Canal Conservancy and Working Group, and reviewing and commenting on drafts of the plan. The plan has had extensive public outreach through the High Line Canal Conservancy group and local municipalities.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
Endorsement of the plan is consistent with council’s 2018 strategic imperative to collaborate with regional groups (“Regional Water Resources”). Support of the High Line Canal effort is also a component of Envision Littleton’s comprehensive plan.
Fiscal Impacts
There are no fiscal impacts associated with endorsement of the plan. There may be future fiscal impacts associated with installation of stormwater infrastructure in the canal and maintaining sections of the canal, which are yet to be determined.
Alternatives
Failure to endorse the plan is inconsistent with the City of Littleton’s past support of the efforts of the High Line Canal Conservancy and Working Group.
The canal is a community asset and valuable to the citizens and visitors of the city. Supporting the plan reinforces this message to the community.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that city council endorse the plan.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution endorsing The Plan for the High Line Canal: New Life for a Regional Legacy.