J_CDC_2016A 08/31/2016 08:05:06 AM Committee Summary

08:05 AM -- Submittal Process for Higher Education Cash-Funded Projects



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Kori Donaldson, Legislative Council Staff, discussed the higher education cash-funded capital construction process and budget instructions for requests for approval to issue intercept bonds. Committee members received a copy of a memorandum on the subject, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment A). Ms. Donaldson discussed the memorandum, including changes to the higher education cash-funded two-year list process and the Higher Education Revenue Bond Intercept Program under House Bill 16-1459 and Senate Bill 16-204. Committee discussion ensued on the associated approval process.



160831 AttachA.pdf



08:19 AM -- UCCS Two-Year Cash List



Teresa Osborne, Director of Capital Assets, and Susan Szpyrka, Senior Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, both representing the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) discussed a new project on its two-year projection of cash need: Indoor Practice Field and Baseball Diamond. Committee members received a summary of the project, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment B). Ms. Szpyrka discussed the recent history of athletic programs at UCCS and the students' desire to create new athletic programs. She also discussed the university's efforts to use other nearby athletic facilities.



160831 AttachB.pdf









08:28 AM



Discussion ensued about student fees that will be used for the project, as well as the bonds associated with the project and the student vote approval for the project. Ms. Szpyrka discussed the turnout and the results of the student vote for the fee increase.





08:37 AM



Discussion ensued on the potential revenue stream associated with renting the facility, as well as the other sources of cash funds that will be used to pay for the project. Discussion ensued on the potential for the UCCS Board to sunset the portion of the fee that will be used to repay the bonds issued for the project. Ms. Szpyrka responded to a committee question related to the potential increase in enrollment as a result of the project, as well as a question related to student debt.

08:48 AM -- CPW Property Transactions



Bob Broscheid, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and Gaspar Perricone, Legislative Liaison, Department of Natural Resources, discussed CPW's process for prioritizing property transactions. Discussion ensued on CPW's recent outreach about potentially raising fishing and hunting license fees, as well as expenditures allowed by the use of Habitat Stamp funds, as well as the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) program.



08:58 AM



Mr. Perricone discussed how the Parks and Wildlife Commission prioritizes the use of Habitat Stamp funds. Discussion ensued on how a potential proposal to raise fees could impact access to wildlife opportunities, as well as the maintenance costs, terms, and restrictions commonly associated with conservation and access easements.





















09:11 AM



Discussion ensued on the role of third parties in the acquisition of conservation easements. Elizabeth Dowling, Real Estate Section, CPW, came to the table to discuss CPW's ranking matrix used to prioritize projects. Bill deVergie, Area Wildlife Manager, came to the table to discuss the Pot Creek State Wildlife Area Perpetual Access Easement. Committee members received a copy of the proposal, assembled by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment C).



160831 AttachC.pdf



09:22 AM



Bill Rogers, owner of the property in question, came to the table to discuss elk hunting opportunities on the property. Discussion ensued on the current use and management of the property. Susanne Roller, Lands Program Manager, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), came to the table to discuss how RMEF prioritizes easement acquisitions.



09:33 AM



Committee discussion ensued on the annual operations and budget of RMEF.

09:37 AM



Perry Will, Area Wildlife Manager, came to the table to discuss the Lazy V Quarter Circle Ranch Phase II Perpetual Public Access Easement. Committee members received a copy of the proposal, assembled by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment D). Mr. Perricone also discussed hunting opportunities on the property. Committee discussion ensued. Mark Bersheny, property owner for the Lazy V Quarter Circle Ranch, came to the table to discuss the history of the property. Suzanne Stephens, Executive Director, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), came to the table to discuss the restrictions associated with the conservation easement. Discussion ensued on the annual operations and budget of AVLT.



160831 AttachD.pdf

09:48 AM -- Other Business



Ms. Donaldson came to the table to discuss a grant related to a Capitol grounds study sought by the Capitol Building Advisory Committee (CBAC). She also discussed the approval process required to locate memorials on the Capitol Grounds. Damion Pechota, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to discuss the Sand Creek Massacre Memorial proposal that will be coming to the Capital Development Committee for review at the next committee meeting. Committee discussion ensued on the grant application process.



10:00 AM



The committee adjourned.