Open Space Ordinance, Approved by BOA

The Board of Alderman held a 2nd public hearing on ThuAug10 due to a legal technicality at the previous public hearing. During their regular scheduled meeting immediately following, the BOA approved the new Open Space Ordinance. I have been asked a number of times by media to comment, so I've added this extra blog post.

Their are two major outcomes from this revision: (1) the elimination of an Open Space Committee and the Conservation Commission taking over their duties of maintaining an Open Space Plan, reporting on activitiy to the Open Space Trust Account, etc. (2) the funding of the Open Space Trust Account at $250k from the annual budget.

Regarding (1): The ConsComm has already started preparation to update the Open Space Plan. We will be involving the public in that endeavor at the appropriate time. With a part-time staff person in our Conservation Agent, that task is made easier. Also timely reporting and communciation regarding the activities within the Open Space Trust Account can be reported via our p/t staff. The Open Space Committee had no budget or staff.

Regarding (2): The properties that Shelton has and will continue to identify as possible acquisitions for Open Space will be significant in valuation. This annual budget amount, along with the deposit of fees in leiu of open space land dedication from subdivision applications (as approved by the Planning & Zoning Department and mandated by State Statute to be deposited into a restricted account), and grants, etc; will more than likely fall short of those acquisition costs. The acquisition of properties does require studies, appraisals, title searches, etc, for not only Shelton's acquisition of them but to satisfy requirements for grants that may share in the burden. Those types of costs mentioned, that directly relate to acquisition of open space can be made from the trust account. From time to time the fund may build to a point where it can absorb the full acquisition cost of a smaller parcel such as a pocket park, or similar manageable sized piece. Most likely, future acquisitions will require bonding and approval by the residents via referendum vote to confirm whether the acquisition is the appropriate path to take and expend the funds for.

Regarding Bonding for purchasing vs. a restricted account: It is a philosophical debate as to which manner of fiscal management is more appropriate for property or development rights acquisition. Should the City (1) put money aside in a restricted account to grow to a level that it can be utilized for an identified parcel, or (2) should the parcel be identified and the expenditure made with money borrowed over time. Either way, the cost of accumulating funds in advance or paying off the borrowed expenditure is spread over several years. This course of action with the revised Open Space Ordinance uses a bit of both methods in what the Conservation Commission and the Open Space Committee both concurred to be a balanced amount dedicated to the Open Space Trust Account from the annual budget.

Shelton has been recognized as a leader of Open Space acquisition in the State. The Open Space Plan has served Shelton well and garnered several awards. It has never been static, and as a maturing City, the tools that help accomplish goals set out in the plan, such as this Ordinance, also need to mature.