Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2016 10 05

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes September 14th 2016 Page 4 of 5 IX. Discussion Item: Finalize Candidate Open Space Property Ranking & Acquisition Strategy Ember presented OSAB's target property ranking spreadsheet and asked if there was some discussion. Spencer asked why the Phillips 66 (previously Conoco -Philips) land was ranked so low. He argued passionately that this land could make a wonderful addition to the City's Open Space system. That land is divided into several "A" parcels. Mike suggested that A.2 has more trees and had been less -impacted than the other two parcels (A and A.1), which is why he ranked it higher. Ember suggested that she thought there may be more potential for purchasing partners on that land than the board gave credit for. Helen asked that the board do any further evaluations/revisions by the September 28th. Laura commented that parcel MM seemed like it should be a higher - priority parcel, given its size and quality. Mike asked whether OSAB should drop some of the less suitable properties and let PPLAB handle any better -for -parks parcels, concerned that too many parcels could dilute the process. Linda, Laura, and Spencer all felt that we should not be dropping properties. Spencer reminded the board that the church property's middling ranking was helpful when citizens came to request its purchase for Open Space. Helen added that she wanted as full of a record as possible. The board thought that in-depth subject/strategic statements should be done for each of the ranking's top 10 properties. Mike asked Jeff if this could be more helpful to Council. Jeff reported that the current ranking system hadn't been all that helpful, but this framework could/would be. Mr. Raisor asked that since Parks is now managing the Davidson Mesa Dog Off -Leash Area, would Parks manage any future dog parks that are potentially on this list? X. Discussion Item: Comment on Draft Memo to City Council Regarding OSAB Operations and & CIP Priorities Helen presented the draft of a letter (see the minutes in October packet) from OSAB that emphasized wayfinding as a CIP spending priority for the board. Linda thought it was a good letter. Laura agreed that this memo was a good reflection of the board's feelings. She added that maybe Helen could list better rule -compliance as a potential benefit of the new signs. Jeff reported that there are members of the City Council who don't perceive the value of the proposed wayfinding system and wonder why the signs cost so much. Jeff suggested that the plan's trail improvements and signs could be put into one line item, giving staff the latitude to apportion those funds as they see fit. Jeff reminded the board that the Hwy. 42 underpass project is going to be costly. Mike expressed his frustration that Council was willing to spend money for the church property acquisition and other CIP projects, but not this project, which has been highly valued by OSAB and the public. Helen thought maybe it needs to be better communicated that the wayfinding plan is not "just signs." Linda suggested that maybe once signs starts going in, and are popular, Council may get on board. Jeff suggested the memo include a statement about letting the staff/board determine how the allocated money is spent ("flexibility of programming"). Ember suggested investigating some ways to reduce prices (e.g. replacing Ipe posts with cedar). According to Ember, Malcolm is moving staffs request for a senior resource staff position for Open Space forward for City Council review. Ember asked whether OSAB wanted to include support for this position in the memo. Jeff invited board members to participate in Council's CIP process if they are interested. 5