11/20/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Warshawsky and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #88-03 authorizing an Agreement with the City of Palo Alto for Animal Care Services. 6.2 Discussion of Proposed Conservation Easement Ordinance Planning Director Carl Cahill explained that Council had before them a report from the Open Space Committee that outlines their recommendations for an open space conservation easement definition. The Committee wanted to advise Council of their work and solicit comments on their proposal before it is directed to the Planning Commission for the appropriate review. Councilmember Fenwick asked Cahill if there is much support for conservation easements being placed on properties with a slope between 30-50%. Cahill said there is support in the General Plan. Fenwick noted that there was no size minimum mentioned in the recommendations. He suggested that a minimum of 1/4 acre would be appropriate. This could be from contiguous land. Cahill responded that this was a valid issue and a reasonable solution. He will share this with the Open Space Committee and Planning Commission. Council discussion ensued. Mayor Cheng stated that the conservation definition language is very ambiguous in the General Plan. Former Councils have discussed this issue but no action has been taken. Roger Spreen, Open Space Committee Member, explained that slope is not the only consideration that places land in a conservation easement. Additional conditions include: drainage swales,wildlife corridors and natural woodlands. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Warshawsky and passed unanimously to direct the Planning Commission to do a Town- wide mailing to notice Public Hearings for the purpose of soliciting public input regarding the drafting of an open space ordinance. 6.3 Presentation of Financial Statements for the Year ended June 30, 2003 Administrative Services Director Sarah Joiner summarized her staff report for Council. Council had before them the draft of the Town's Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended June 30,2003. Council had reviewed the draft report at their Special Meeting of November 17, 2003. Joiner distributed the auditors management letters and comments that were received after the packet was distributed. Staff's responses were included in the handout. She noted that the auditor had expressed an unqualified opinion, indicating that the statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Staff does intend to submit the CAFR(Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) to associations for consideration of awards for financial reporting. It will be forwarded to the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and the Governmental Finance Officers • Association. 8 City Council Meeting Minutes November 20,2003