2009-04-13 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Ms. Self added that it would only change one section of the code that deals with what the funds can be used for. Mr. Hirakami noted that once the 10 million is spent then the Commission is no longer needed and the suggestion forms will be moot since there's no more money left in the fund. Ms. Self told the Commission to keep in mind that there are other County departments that deal with public access issues, i.e. Planning Department, Public Works. She wants them to make sure that it's not something that's already being done by another department. She further noted that she is not sure that Council needs to amend the code to suspend deposits into the 2% fund. She will check the County Charter and let them know what she finds. Ms. Self told Mr. Hirakami that in regards to leveraging funds, the Commission already has the authority to do this; it doesn't require an amendment to the County Code. She added that Council is talking about passing a resolution to have their own priority list to authorize the Finance Department on what properties to purchase next. Ms. Garcia noted that by the end of December, the Commission can give the Council a new prioritized list with new suggestions for consideration. Mr. Flores added that the list goes to the Mayor for review and he sends his recommendation to the Council. Mr. Flores expressed that he doesn't think this should even be discussed since it's out of their pervue and feels that there's nothing that can be done. Ms. Garcia suggested that the Commission send a letter to the Mayor to include a restoration date for the suspension. Ms. Self added that it's past the Mayor and already in the budget at the Council level. Mr. Flores mentioned that the report doesn't need to be done in December, it can be done earlier. Ms. Springer asked Ms. Self what would be the optimal month to be better poised for the upcoming budget. Mr. Inaba replied that October is when they start working on their budget. Mr. Flores noted that they could dialogue with the Mayor and start drafting of the annual report in October. Ms. Markovich then expressed her interest in using the 250,000 dollars deposited into the 2% fund annually to pay the premium for an open space bond. Ms. Springer mentioned that when Ms. Debbie Hecht presented this proposal to the Commission she did note that this wasn't a good time to consider this idea, maybe after the budget was approved. Ms. Self added that Ms. Deanna Sako of the Finance Department also talked about how the bond would affect the County's bond rating which at this time is very critical. -5-