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<br />" <br />Exhibit 1 <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> <br /> <br />Topic Report: Open Space Referendum <br /> <br />By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator <br /> <br />Background: Natural areas and open spaces are thought by many to be one of the factors that contribute to a <br />high quality of life. These areas can provide myriad benefits such as recreationaVeducational opportunities, <br />essential habitat for wildlife, and enhanced scenic views. Furthermore, research has shown that proximity to <br />natural open spaces can increase property values. <br /> <br />One tool that communities have utilized to protect important natural open spaces is an open space referendum. <br />ill fact, two (2) metro area communities (Andover and Plymouth), as well as Washington County, had an <br />open space referendum question on their 2006 election ballots. All three initiatives were approved by voters. <br /> <br />ill February, the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) amended their 2006/2007 work plan to include <br />researching an open space referendum for Ramsey. Subsequently, the EPB invited the Trust for Public Land <br />(IPL), whose mission is to conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural places, to <br />diScuss and review the open space referendum process. According to the TPL, about twelve months or so is <br />an adequate time frame to coordinate a successful referendum campaign. <br /> <br />Having completed a Natural Resources illventOl)' and a Wetland Functions and Values study puts the city in a <br />good position to identify individual lands that wo~ld be ideal for preservation and public benefit. However, <br />funding for these types of land purchases are lacking. The EPB is interested in gauging the Council's <br />willingness to place an open space referendum question on the 2008 election ballot that would provide the <br />funding mechanism necessary to begin preserving important natural open spaces. <br /> <br />Funding: <br /> <br />The only direct cost for the city would be for a preliminary survey to determine what kind of support an open <br />space referendum may have from the residents. Both Andover and Plymouth conducted similar surveys that <br />averaged about $ I 0,000.00. <br /> <br />Action Statement <br /> <br />Provide ftedbackfor the EPB regarding the possibility of including an open space reftrendum question on <br />the 2008 ballot. Jfso inclined, direct the EP B to draft a detailed proposal fOr Council review. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br />illterirn City Administrator <br />Community Development Director <br /> <br />CCWS: 9/25/07 <br />