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<br />City Council <br />Study Session Summary <br />DATE <br />Page 5 of 7 <br />inconsistent with the mission. The history of the off-leash area is to protect other <br />areas of the Davidson Mesa. The place is now developed and fenced. This <br />topic has been discussed with other communities that come to this area to walk <br />their dogs. Dog off-leash and open space uses are not in agreement. Right now <br />OSAB is in an information gathering phase; how used, where coming from, group <br />of support, and acquiring off leash property for use. There are on going <br />problems with prairie dogs. The colonies have spread too far. OSAB reiterated <br />their strong desire for the city to acquire more open space. This is one of the <br />highest priorities and valuable assets according to a citizen survey. Questions <br />about the categorization of space were posed by Council members. OSAB <br />explained that vacant land that could be purchased and preserved is graded into <br />three categories. Some properties are not suitable as open space, limiting the list <br />to two categories. Council members asked "Why not pare down list?" OSAB <br />indicated that the categories allow for response to the community. Properties <br />that are on a list are part of the misinformation to campaign against developers. <br />OSAB wanted to bring this point to the attention of the City Council. OSAB does <br />not want the perception that they have overlooked any properties. They felt it was <br />important to be transparent about the categorizing of property. The goal is to be <br />proactive and look at properties that could be contentious for development. The <br />advantage to this list is that there is a clear process. The list could work for being <br />proactive of developing property by providing a dedication of the property and <br />possible road blocks up-front. Including properties provides response to the <br />public of what is of value, and if there is NO interest. OSAB encouraged the City <br />Council to acquire open space property. The categorization is a fluid process, <br />and there can be changes. An enormous amount of work can be accomplished <br />that does not have to be re-created by future city stewards. The process can <br />provide a legacy and historical record of properties. Board member commented <br />that Open Space has been put in the Charter; the problem has been good legal <br />descriptions. There is not an open space designation within the charter. The <br />designations and definitions are the default authority to determine the use of land <br />and defend the decisions. The City can assess the history of the degradation or <br />change in the land based on designated use. Education is needed to assist <br />people in understanding the difference between open space and parks. City <br />Council asked OSAB, "If you had money what would you do with the Dog Park?" <br />The response was to buy Excel property for a large, fenced in area, with nice <br />road access, then attempt to return Davidson Mesa to a more preserved and re- <br />vegetated space. <br /> <br />Budget Presentation: Presented the accounting structure, options, additional <br />revenue, etc. Charges of service are the main source of revenue. Most of what <br />residents care about comes from the General Fund. Citizens need to understand <br />how certain services are funded. The goal is to provide information to the public <br />of what the funding sources look like. The presentation includes a Pie chart that <br />includes expenditure categories and program funds category. Council members <br />commented that the Governance and Civic involvement needs a little more <br />definition. Long-Term Financial Plan is a tool to help create the future, adjust <br />