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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-13 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission MinutesHAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES - REGULAR SESSION December 13, 2010 Department of Liquor Control Conference Room 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Present: Chair E. Kalani Flores Vice -Chair Sarah Moon Commissioner Bill Gilmartin Commissioner Searle Grace Commissioner Terri Markovich (arrived @ 10:31 a.m.) Commissioner Wilma Matsumura Commissioner Hannah Springer (arrived @ 10:17 a.m.) Absent: Commissioner Steven Hirakami Others Present: Amy Self, Deputy Corporation Counsel (arrived @ 10: 08 a.m.) Ken Van Bergen, Property Manager, Finance Alexandra Kelepolo, Clerk III, Finance .CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair E. Kalani Flores at 10:04 a.m. .STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS None. .APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Commissioner Gilmartin moved for the approval of the minutes of October 11, 2010. Seconded by Vice -Chair Moon; all members voted aye, motion carried. .DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT Mr. Van Bergen reported that escrow closed for Pa`o`o about three weeks ago. We also applied for a grant for the three Kaiholena (south parcels) from the State, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Legacy Land Conservation Program (DLNR LLCP). After applying we realized that the amounts allocated to DLNR were lower so we amended our application to only include three parcels (21, 22 & 25). In addition, Kaiholena was recently ranked #1 by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission and granted 1,650,000 in grant monies. -1- Mr. Gilmartin asked where that would leave us now with the fund balance. Mr. Van Bergen replied that when we get the grant from DLNR we have two fiscal years to use the funds so if nothing else was purchased then we'll have about $600,000.00 left. In regards to Kawa, we have until June 30, 2011 to have the title issues cleared up and have been working with DLNR as the landowner Mr. Olson is also aware. There's not a whole lot more the County can do at this point since we don't own the land. Mr. Flores asked about the status of the Kingman Trust properties. Mr. Van Bergen replied that two resolutions were passed by the County Council. These resolutions allow us to purchase two parcels with PONC funds and one parcel with another funding source. We are currently trying to negotiate some time with the owner and hopefully enter into an agreement or Letter of Intent so we have more time to possibly acquire matching funds. .OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL'S REPORT Ms. Self reported that the initiative on the ballot for the 2% Fund was passed which means it cannot go below 1 %. She will provide a copy for the commissioners and have Ms. Kelepolo send it out. .CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Mr. Flores thanked everyone for their hard work and noted that it's been a privilege to serve on this Commission. He commented how through the years their work have gotten polished and more refined and emphasized how with everyone working together they keep on moving forward. He also commended the amount of grant monies that the County has been able to obtain to leverage the PONC funds. He added that at this time there is no one to fill his seat so he will holdover for an additional 90 days. Ms. Self commented that it's getting more difficult to find volunteers to serve on commissions as their office is actively recruiting current applications submitted. Ms. Springer expressed that it's been a pleasure to be a part of this Commission over the past five years. With the meetings reduced and the process stream - lined, there is hopefulness contained in this Commission in regards to citizen participation to ensure the well being in areas of the island as well as continue to meet the community expectations. Mr. Flores reported that there will be vacancies in Districts 7, 8 and 9 and announced that Mr. Gilmartin who represents District 6 will be resigning from the Commission. Mr. Gilmartin expressed that it's been a pleasure to be on this Commission and is proud of the work they've done but will be unable to commit next year. He did however say that he will attend at least one more meeting so they can have a quorum. -2- NEW BUSINESS • Commissioners to finalize the 2010 Annual Report to the Mayor including the 2010 Prioritized List Mr. Flores told the commissioners that they will now be reviewing the draft report page by page. (the commissioners went into discussion) Motion: Commissioner Springer moved for the approval of the 2010 Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission report as revised providing for any editorial changes as necessary. Seconded by Commissioner Gilmartin; all members voted aye, motion carried. • Election of new officers for 2011 Mr. Flores asked if anyone is interested in being the next chair for the Commission. Ms. Markovich nominated Ms. Moon to be chair. Motion: Commissioner Markovich moved to nominate Ms. Moon as the Chair for 2011. Seconded by Commissioner Matsumura; all members voted aye, motion carried. Ms. Moon asked if anyone is interested in being Vice - Chair. Motion: Commissioner Gilmartin moved to nominate Ms. Markovich as the Vice - Chair. Seconded by Commissioner Flores; all members voted aye, motion carried. • Schedule Commission meetings for 2011 (the commissioners went into discussion) Ms. Moon announced the meeting dates for 2011 as listed below: February 14 (Kona) April 11 (Hilo) June 13 (Kona) August 8 (Hilo) October 10 (Kona) December 12 (Hilo) • Discuss procedures on how to respond to communications /requests sent to the Commission Ms. Moon asked if anyone would like to start discussion on this item. Mr. Flores noted that he requested for this item to be on the agenda since there's no procedures currently in place on how to respond. -3- Ms. Springer suggested that the Commission draft a form letter that is prepared and ready to send out. Ms. Self added that they should include boxes and different types of reasons of what they need to respond to in one letter. Ms. Moon asked everyone to make a list of communications in the past that they have had to respond to and bring to the next meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Moon reported that she will be attending a public access workshop on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the library on how to talk to the legislature. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 14, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Kona. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Matsumura moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Flores; all members voted aye, motion carried. Chair Moon adjourned the meeting at 12:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alexandra Kelepolo, Clerk III