Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
x <br />COUNTY OF ORANGE <br />ENVIRONMENT AND RI~SOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT <br />MEMORANDUM <br />T0: Board of Commissioners <br />John Link, County Manager <br />From: David Stancil~~nvironment and Resource Conservation Director <br />Date: February 7, 2001 <br />Re: Trust for Public Land -Potential Assistance with Parks and Open <br />Space Bond <br />On February 2, Commissioner Jacobs and T met with Kathy Baughman and David <br />Proper, representatives of the Trust for Public Land (TPL), regarding the Trust's <br />program for assisting local governments with parks and open space referenda. <br />Attached is a selection of material from TPL with examples and information <br />about their program. Locally, TPL was involved behind the scenes in November's <br />successful $15 million Wake County open space bond referendum. Their work <br />has been recommended to both Board members and staff. <br />TPL's involvement can range from full-fledged coordination of a bond education <br />program, to "behind the scenes" polling and technical assistance. Ms. Baughman <br />recommends that funds be raised fora 501Qc 3non-profit organization to <br />coordinate bond activities ("Citizens for Parks and Open Space" or the like). Their <br />approach to band referenda is professional, using pollsters and sensitivity <br />analysis to test potential bond projects with voters. <br />TPL has indicated interest in working with the County in promoting and securing <br />success of the proposed parks and open space bond. Ms. Baughman and Mr. <br />Proper were impressed with the level of work done to date, and suggested that <br />TPL's best role would be "behind the scenes" in polling and providing technical <br />assistance. There is no charge for TPL's involvement, although they are <br />interested in working with the County as a partner in the acquisition, of lands and <br />would be willing to assist when time or resource limitations arise. <br />We informed the TPL representatives that we would make the Board aware of <br />this offer/opportunity and report back. <br />Environment and Resource Conservation <br />PD Box 8181 /306-A Revere Road <br />Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br />(919) 245-2597 <br />