Keep in mind that this issue of the OSTA has extensive entries in this blog over the years. Once a full compilation is done of the transactions, it will be available to all via the internet.
First a link to my last mention of the topic in 2009.
Or comments on the lack of funding the OSTA during the budget process in 2008.
And the debate regarding modifications that were being made to the existing ordinance in 2006
And now my most recent comments from 2011Mar11:
BOA,
I'll be simple and to the point. First, while I'm making my presentation, I want to note I have a slideshow of photos displaying the organized activities of work parties and guided hikes that our volunteers have conducted over the past year. They volunteers have specifically logged 785.5 hours of volunteer work parties, but that does not include all the many individuals that work on their own to trim brush, rake leaves, and other maintenance efforts. I want to point out for example that the red barn at Nells Rock Road and Rte 108 that sits prominently next to the Dog Park, is in the shape it is today due to numerous work parties by volunteers to make it a useful structure. Power washing, paint removal, repaint and trim work - along with security measures. All done by volunteers. These folks may work, but also like to give guided hikes, such as one this spring on Palm Sunday afternoon to experience native woodland spring wildflowers at Birchbank Mountain. If interested, sign up on their facebook page (where they have 522 fan/followers). This does not even mention those that volunteer at the Eklund Native Species Garden, the Project Clean Sweep of the Litter Committee, or the Community Garden on Long View.
These volunteer contributions, along with our small CC budget (which request for coming fiscal year is only $36 higher than 2006), have helped us obtain 13 grants totaling over $1.6 million since 2000.
Although I want to sing praise to the volunteers that create and maintain our trails, my purpose this evening is to make report on the OSTA as required in ordinance. For the benefit of the public, Shelton has many tools in it's arsenal to conserve and preserve open space in our community. Subdivision regulations currently require 10% of the original parcel being developed to be set-aside as Open Space, and that's a qualified definition that excludes areas of steep slopes and wet soils. At times, there is determined by the PZB that there are no suitable or desirable open space areas in the application, and the applicant can alternatively make a payment of fee, in lieu of land. This is referred to in shorthand as a FILO payment.
Such payments are deposited into an account held in trust for purposes of acquiring future Open Space land parcels. This Open Space Trust Account is what I am reporting on. In addition to these FILO payments, the City Ordinance that created this account, currently requires that $250k per year be deposited into it promptly near the beginning of the fiscal year.
The concept was that a OSTA would build to sufficient level through both developer and government contributions, so that it would be available in a timely manner to react in the real-world marketplace of property acquisitions without delay of bonding, annual budgets, or other financial maneuvers that would create a liquidity to react for Open Space conservation in competition with developers. It has proven to be a useful tool and model to other communities.
In recent years, the OSTA has not grown with accumulations of inflows, as outlays have been made on various parcels as required in their acquisition agreements. For example, a purchase amount spread over several years would result in money entering the OSTA account as required by ordinance, and promptly leaving the account as expenditure toward said purchase. That however has ended, as the City owes no further partial payments on such purchases, and the fund can again accumulate toward a future purchase.
The OSTA had a previous balance of $14,438.16 and received it's ordinance defined contribution for FY 10/11 of $250k. As of 2010Dec31, the fund balance was $264,444.97
As you no doubt might assume, there has been little development that would create FILO payments into the OSTA, in fact, my records show none for FY 10/11. I will say though that since Jan2011, we have already had two subdivision applications that will show minor payments into this OSTA, which in concert with the FY 11/12 contribution from the annual budget, will begin to bring the OSTA into a range of useful utility.
I can take any questions you have, but when the fully detailed report is compiled showing all additions and expenditures to the OSTA, it will be available to you all via the Conservation Commission's website.
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