Agenda - Council - 12/11/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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C-18 • • Memo To: City Council members Community Development Department From: Environmental Coordinator C 'Anderson CC: City Administrato s ity Administrator Heidi Nelson, Interim Com. Dev. Dir: Ivia Frolik Qate: 12/06/2007 Re: Assistance and funding request for open space referendum research At the November 20, 2007 work session, City Council directed the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) to continue to pursue a survey regarding a possible open space referendum and to seek funding. for that work. In researching potential funding options, Staff has identified a likely funding source, a coalition of non-profit organizations and agencies known as Embrace Open Space (EOS). There are three required components to formally request assistance through EOS: a Request for Funding .Assistance Form, a Technical Assistance Letter, and a Council resolution supporting the City's efforts to seek both technical and financial assistance with this work.. A resolution of support is included for Council consideration. In researching possible funding sources, Staff has come to understand that a feasibility study on land protection, including financing options, legal parameters, and potential competing public priorities, in conjunction with a voter survey, would greatly enhance the City's ability to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with an open space referendum in 2008. Moreover, Staff understands that funding for a feasibility study could also be requested through EOS. Matching funds from the City are not necessarily required; however, it was conveyed to Staff that a modest contribution toward the cost of a feasibility study, estimated to be about $10,000, would not only reaffirm the City's commitment to this work but would also improve the likelihood of receiving funding. -117-