Agenda - Council - 01/08/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # CONSIDER RESOLUTION AFFIRMING CITY'S EFFORT TO SEEK TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH RESEARCHING AND EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL OF A LAND CONSERVATION MEASURE By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator Background: As Council knows, the Environmental Policy Board's (EPB) 2007 work plan included researching an open space referendum, which would involve conducting a public opinion survey. In a work session in September of2007, Staff and a representative from the EPB brought forth a case seeking Council authorization to conduct such a survey. The ensuing discussion shifted toward whether it may be time to conduct a broader ranging survey on city services and the need for a community center. The topic was revisited in November of2007, again at a Council work session. At the conclusion of that meeting, general consel)Sus of the Council was that the EPB should continue pursuing a survey on open space and to seek funding for such a survey. Staff identified a potential source for funding from a coalition of organizations and agencies known as Embrace Open Space. In researching the requirements for submitting an assistance request to Embrace Open Space, Staffleamed that a feasibility study, in conjunction with a voter survey, would greatly enhance the City's ability to make an informed decision with regard to pursuing an open space referendum. Moreover, Staff learned that the City could also request assistance, both technically and financially, to complete a feasibility study. At the December EPB meeting, the Board directed Staff, pursuant to the discussion at the November Council work session, to submit a request for assistance to Embrace Open Space seeking both technical and financial assistance with a voter survey and a feasibility study A required component of an assistance request is a resolution of support from the City. The resolution acts to affirm the Council's support for seeking and accepting assistance with in this case, a voter survey and land conservation feasibility study, and in no way implies that the Council is supporting a referendum. That, in conjunction with the general consensus of Council at the November work session, was the basis for placing the resolution on the December 11 consent agenda. At the December 11 Council meeting, the resolution was pulled from the consent agenda and discussed as a separate case. Ultimately, Council tabled action on this resolution to a future meeting. The following items are enclosed for your review: a) Draft City Council Work Session Minutes dated November 20,2007 b) Draft City Council Meeting Minutes dated December 11, 2007 c) Resolution Affirming City's Effort to Seek Technical and Financial Assistance with Researching and Evaluating the Potential of a Land Conservation Measure '-f -207-