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Memorandum <br />To: Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />From: Orange County Commission for the Environment <br />Date: June 15, 2015 <br />Subject: 2016 Bond Referendum <br />The Commission for the Environment (CFE) is concerned about the preliminary decision <br />by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to restrict the planned 2016 bond <br />referendum to funding for school improvements and expansion. In particular, the CFE <br />believes the BOCC should have proceeded with the process discussed at the November <br />19, 2014 Assembly of Governments meeting, which would have provided an opportunity <br />for the BOCC to hear from the public, relevant County- appointed citizen advisory <br />boards, including the CFE, and representatives of key County departments, such as the <br />Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, on their areas of <br />expertise and /or concern. <br />The CFE is of the opinion that the BOCC's decision - making process would benefit <br />greatly by hearing comments from County residents, advisory boards, and departments <br />on the funding needs facing programs and activities that are essential to the quality of <br />life in the County. No doubt education is important, but equally important are parks <br />and recreation, affordable housing for low - income residents, and services for the county's <br />growing population of seniors, among other needs. For example, if the County could <br />provide $5 to $10 million for park development, it would be possible to develop and open <br />the long - planned Blackwood Farm Park as well as additional recreational facilities in <br />the northern part of the county. By developing Twin Creeks Park located next to Morris <br />Grove Elementary School, the County would provide recreational opportunities for both <br />school children and adults, helping to improve the quality of life for all residents as well <br />as making the county a more attractive area for new businesses that seek well- rounded <br />communities in which to locate their operations. Funding for parks and open space could <br />help preserve additional farmland and natural areas with permanent conservation <br />easements. <br />The CFE urges the Board of County Commissioners to reopen the bond referendum <br />process and provide a full opportunity for public and County staff comment. The CFE <br />would very much appreciate an opportunity to present its views on funding priorities <br />related to parks and open space land conservation to the BOCC. <br />Thank you for considering our views. <br />Copies: Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager <br />David Stanch, Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director <br />