Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 01 10

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes December 13, 2023 Page 3 of 5 were told not to visit the Redtail Ridge land, or attend Open Houses about the topic, and not to talk to neighbors about the issue. Charles commented that an Open Space board that can't physically visit the open space can't give a considered opinion about it. Helen also thought the board wasn't getting enough information to be thoughtful about the decisions it was being asked to make. Laura commented that she never felt like OSAB had the actual clout of a quasi-judicial body, only the limitations. She said that the recommendations of OSAB never were binding, only advisory, and OSAB has struggled to successfully communicate with council altogether. Michiko agreed that she felt like the board needs the ability to put "boots on the ground" to get enough information to make decisions. Jessamine asked if Planning Commission is allowed to go visit properties. Jeff said no. Jessamine thinks that the ability to see properties is very helpful, adding that pictures and videos could be an alternative option, but that they would have to be from staff, not from the developers, to be unbiased. Jessamine said that sometimes it feels like she would have more influence as a private citizen rather than on the board, given some of these constraints. She added that it feels uncomfortable to be told that the board's discussions can provoke lawsuits and livelihood issues when she hasn't had correct training to avoid pitfalls. Jojo asked if there is an indication of what PPLAB is thinking about this topic, since they thought OSAB and PPLAB should be aligned. Jeff answered that PPLAB hasn't discussed the topic yet. Helen pointed out that one difference between OSAB and PPLAB is that OSAB is specifically mentioned in the city charter and PPLAB is not. Jeff said that he thinks there is a lot of room for process improvement. Helen reported that the citizen group that organized around the 2C campaign is continuing to meet. They have had several meetings, including a meeting with Jeff. Helen shared a memo that they wrote outlining their goals. This memo will be included in the December meeting minutes. The yet -unnamed team will meet this Friday and again in January. Susan is also part of the group and will continue to report to the board about the group's doings. Jeff added that he thought they had shared a good meeting. Charles reported that there is talk of formalizing a very small, social trail that connects the Powerline Trail to the neighborhoods. Adam said Public Works is looking at a cost and alignment estimate. Adam said he thought the board would get a chance to weigh in on the project. The board has rejected a similar proposal in the past. The board expressed the desire to be consulted on this project, if it moves forward. Susan read resolutions of appreciation about outgoing board members: Helen, Laura, and Jojo. 8. Discussion Item: OSAB/City Council Property Acquisition Process. Presented by David Blankinship, OSAB Chair David reported that he met with Adam, Ember, and Jeff to discuss how the results of OSAB's property evaluation process gets communicated to Council. He acknowledged that the main things that need to happen for acquisition occur outside of the OSAB document: approaching landowners directly, quickly -held Council executive sessions to discuss purchase, and what to do with when new properties come up for sale. One possibility David suggested would be to have a board member at the table during Council executive sessions discussing properties. The board expressed some interest in this idea. Laura voiced her general concern that when the City doesn't make a