Minutes - 04-11-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Halkiotis Hated that the Department of Environment and Resource Conservation was approved two years ago by a 3-2 vote. He said that because of all this department has accomplished in this short time, it has received the support of virtually everyone. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to an article about the economic value of open space and suggested that the Department of Environment and Resource Conservation involve the Economic Development Commission in its efforts. The presentation needs to include the positive economic impact aspect so that the citizens have a broad prospective of what open space can offer. 2. LANDS LEGACY -DISCUSSION OF LONG-TERM PRIORITIES AND INTERFACE WITH CAPITAL NEEDS TASK FORCE David Stancil said that the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force may be considering the Parks and Open Space components on April 25t". He wondered if there should be anything conveyed to the task force regarding the Lands Legacy Program. He also mentioned that the Open Space Task Force has completed their work and has prepared their plan. Commissioner Gordan proposed setting aside 15 minutes on April 16t" to discuss what should be sent to the Capital Needs Task Force. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the long-term priorities and how each item is listed as having a potential far grant funds. He suggested that the targeted grant funding sources be specified. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to 1 K on page 5 of Attachment 1, Little River Riparian Corridor and said that there has been discussion about the entire piece of properly that was considered for the C&D landfill. He questioned why we were not at least talking about the possibility of acquiring more than 50 acres for this. 3. ADOPTION OF LANDS LEGACY ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR 2001-2002 David Stancil made a presentation on the proposed action plan for 2001-2002. He said that funding may not be there for a lot of the trust funds. He listed the priorities, as follows: Phase II of Cedar Grove Park, Seven Mile Creek Preserve (total cost of up to $500,000), Orange Grove Park {formally Bingham District Park), an additional farmland conservation easement, Southern Shagbark Hickory Forest, and Pickard's Mountain Natural Area. These priorities are outlined on pages 6-7 of Attachment 2. Commissioner Jacobs asked about strategies and the lack therein. One strategy would be meeting with a neighborhood group or a group of individuals to help establish conservation easements. Another strategy would be to contact property owners who have prime forestlands or who have identified significant natural and cultural sites on their property. He would like to see strategies listed in the action plan. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the Lands Legacy Program Annual Action Plan for 2001-2002, with the inclusion of strategies. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Gordon asked if the County Commissioners would be willing to go on record as supporting the contribution of the current allocation of $500,000 a year in the CIP so that there can be along-term land acquisition program as well as an ability to respond to unforeseen opportunities. The Commissioners agreed to support this allocation John Link suggested that a fiscal strategy be developed far long-term priorities. 4. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to go into closed session "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County