City Council Minutes 2002 08 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting August 6, 2002 Page 9 Boyd explained that the tax, approved in 1994 and expiring in 2004, included land acquisition only. The tax has generated $8.6 million since it was first approved by the Louisville voters and combined with other funds, has been used to purchase $9.2 million in open space. The language in Ordinance No. 1395, Series 2002, has been expanded to allow the money to be used for the "development, construction, operation and maintenance of such open spaces zones, trails, wildlife habitats, and parks," in addition to open space acquisition. She noted that Council could choose to restrict the amount of tax used for maintenance through resolution. Boyd noted that Staff has estimated the amount that would be collected the first year of the continued tax (2004) as $1,500,000. This amount must be disclosed in accordance with TABOR. Optional new language in the ballot question for Council consideration includes a ten-year sunset provision. Davidson opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak for or against Ordinance No. 1395, Series 2002. There were no comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Davidson addressed the sunset clause and noted that the tax would be needed on an ongoing basis for the purchase and maintenance of open space. Simmons reviewed the Open Space Master plan adopted in 1996, which listed six priority parcels recommended for purchase. He reported that four of those parcels have been acquired. He noted at this time the City is pursuing 156 acres of open space property at a probable cost of $1.5 million dollars. Additionally, there is a potential to purchase 350 acres of open space at an approximate cost of $9 million dollars. He estimated that the remaining two years of the property tax would provide $2.3 million dollars. He stated that, to acquire all the properties an additional 6.7 million dollars would be required, and noted that those parcels would be good additions to the City's open space inventory. Keany voiced support for the ordinance's sunset clause. He stated at some point in time, there would not be a large amount of open space available for purchase and he questioned the amount of money required for the maintenance of open space properties. He stated he would not support purchasing open space land from other community's inventories. Mayer voiced his support for the sunset clause, however explained his belief that there is a need for funds to maintain of the open space property. Davidson asked for public comment. Hearing none, Davidson closed the public hearing. MOTION: Keany moved that Council approve Ordinance No. 1395, Series 2002, with the second reading changes, seconded by Levihn. Roll call vote was taken. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. Sisk, Van Pelt and Brown excused.