Loading...
99-040 . . . '{ CITY OF SHOREWOOD RESOLUTION NO. 99 - 040 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING LAND CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES FOR THE LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the City of Shorewood has established a Land Conservation and Environment Committee (hereafter referred to as "the Committee") with goals established to: . Carry out a process such as the 11 step planning and implementation process described in the Ad Hoc Land Conservation Committee Report that will permanently protect, and lead to an increase in the amount of protected natural open space in Shorewood; and . Serve as an education resource to the City Council and Commissions, and property owners regarding land protection options, the benefits of an on-going land conservation effort and on environmental issues. WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to establish objectives for the Committee with the understanding that the Committee is expected to make recommendations to the City Council on objecti ves on an on-going basis. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following land conservation objectives are established for the Committee: 1. Education: Educate the City Council and Commissions and City property owner about land protection and about the benefits of an on-going land conservation effort. 2. Vision: Coordinate a process to develop a community vision for open space which is consistent with community values, and to develop criteria for prioritizing parcels to be preserved. The process needs to involve all elements of the community. 3. Plannine and Imulementation: Carry out a process to protect open space in perpetuity by: ., . A. Working with the Planning Commission and Park Commission to develop an open space plan which priorities sites for acquisition, and identifies funding sources, staff responsibilities, and long term land management for an acquisition program. B. Working with existing land conservation organizations whenever possible. C. Incorporating citizens from throughout the City and natural resource professionals in the planning and implementation and process. 1) Citizens should have meaningful input: . When the community develops a vision of open space in Shorewood. . When criteria for selecting and ranking open space parcels is developed and when open space parcels are prioritized. . In budgeting for acquisition of development rights or purchase of property. . 2) If a number of citizens are interested in participating, a simple volunteer information sheet should be developed to find out what people like to do and what skills they have to offer. 3) Involve people of various ages, ethnicities, and abilities to participate. People with a broad range of interest and from all precincts should be encouraged to actively participate in the proposes. D. Recommending revisions to goals and objectives to achieve open space preservation. E. Implementing a land registry program and maintaining signage to ensure identification as program participant. F. Developing specific guidelines for all City open space, set-aside program elements. G. Making recommendations on the acquisition of tax forfeit property for open space purposes. . . H. Developing a positive work relationship with land owners who are considering selling their land to make sure they are aware of the benefits of setting aside land. They should be advised to consult tax specialists. 3. AssessmentJEvaluation: A. Assess community support for open space acquisition. B. Report to the City Council each June on progress toward the goals and objectives and on a work plan for the next eighteen months. 4. Financial Resources: Upon direction from the City Council, coordinate efforts to acquire financial resources: A. Research and complete applications for government, non-profit or private land conservation grant programs. B. Coordinate all aspects of a referendum effort for an authorization for the City to undertake a public bond issuance for land acquisition purposes. If a referendum is required an educational campaign would be necessary to make voters aware of the issues. Voters should have a clear understanding that their taxes might go up and that not every open space parcel in every neighborhood will be purchased. . C. Utilize estate planning, land exchanges, and public education to encourage donations. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD this 14th day of June, 1999. ATTEST: ATTEST: WOOD p'1 r1 &~J THERESAL. AAB,DEPUTYCLERK .