2018-03-12 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission_Minutes_Approved

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regarding the speed of acquisition and the possibility that the fund might be a target of takeover or reduced thru legislature. Mr. Ventura replies that historically, Mayor Kim has been looking into creative ways to balance the county’s overall budget and at this point the program is still operating under the current law, the fund is still 2%, any change to the charter needs to be put on the ballot for voters. Mr. Ventura reports that since the inception of the PONC Program in 2006, acquisitions now total 13. For 2018, we will have another two parcels to the list during the first year of the Mayor’s term. He continues to suggest creative ways to move around to other districts and look at conservation easements, watersheds protection, and past submissions to diversify the portfolio. There has been an increase of nominations to purchase conservation easements. We are new to this concept. Mr. Ventura encourages the commission to recommend to the county for conservation easement in their report. Ms. Siracusa asks why acquisitions take so long. She further comments that reducing the PONC Fund, the Mayor would have to introduce a bill, takes three council readings, and presented to the voters. Ms. Siracusa says she has been getting emails from the public regarding reduction of the PONC Fund. She invites Ms. Self for comments. Ms. Self reminds the commission that these issues are not on the agenda and should be agendized. In reference to Ms. Siracusa concerns, Ms. Self reports she has not heard of anything at this point in reducing the fund. Mr. Warshauer asks Ms. Self, regarding repetitive applications and the enormous amount of time it takes the staff and commission in reviewing and processing it. Is there a way we can handle this more efficiently? Ms. Self responds that this commission has duties and responsibility that are set by code and encourages the commission to review it. With that said, this item can be agendized for a future meeting. She informs the commission that nominations come from the public and the commission cannot stop the public from submitting every year. She explains that the process of acquisition comes from County Council via resolution, and then the administration takes over. During this process, the landowner might change their mind. We cannot force a landowner to sell. Mr. DeLozier reminds the commission that they are getting way off the agenda and should stick to the agenda items. He encourages the rest of the commission to read the charter, codes, and the process for property acquisition. Mr. DeLozier continues to emphasize the importance of resubmittals of nominated parcels. The approach is that leveraging funds (matching funds) are key factors to show that the parcels continually score high on the PONC Prioritize list. OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL’S REPORT Ms. Self has nothing to report. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None Page 3 of 6