HomeMy WebLinkAboutC6. Letter for Public Land Tech Assistance
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Carolyn Poissant – TOP Design and Development Manager
Mitch Overton – Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Letter Requesting Technical Assistance to The Trust for Public
MEETING DATE: April 18, 2016
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter requesting technical assistance to The Trust for Public Land to assist with a feasibility analysis regarding formation of a park maintenance district
BACKGROUND: The Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOP) Bond was approved by a strong
majority (over 70%) of voters in 2012 as a mechanism for funding major park acquisition and
development projects for the City of Bozeman. The TOP Bond did not include funding for maintenance of the new TOP facilities at that time as the extent of such facilities had not yet been determined.
Over the past ten years, residential development in Bozeman has increased significantly,
accompanied by a number of new park dedications, most of which are the responsibility of small homeowner associations to maintain. Recent plat language includes a “waiver of protest” that applies to residents of most of the newer subdivisions, in the event that the City would form a
park maintenance district.
The Parks and Recreation has been researching various options for the structure and applicability of a potential park maintenance district. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) offers a variety of services to assist local communities with efforts to promote conservation and parks and
recreation planning (as indicated on their website - http://www.tpl.org/services ). The attached
letter from the Mayor to TPL requests technical assistance on the research and analysis of the
feasibility of establishing a park maintenance district. TPL’s assistance would focus on financing mechanisms and public outreach, which would be very valuable in completing a full feasibility analysis on the potential formation of a park maintenance district.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None.
ALTERNATIVES: As Directed by Commission.
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FISCAL EFFECTS: There is no cost to the City. Technical Assistance from TPL would
reduce expenditures necessary to perform a feasibility analysis.
ATTACHMENTS: Letter from Mayor Carson to TPL Requesting Technical Assistance
Report compiled on: April 11, 2016
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Maddy Pope, Project Manager The Trust for Public Land 1007 E Main, Suite 300 Bozeman, MT 59715 David Weinstein, Associate Conservation Strategies Director - West The Trust for Public Land 1007 E Main, Suite 300 Bozeman, MT 59715 April 18, 2016 Dear Ms. Pope and Mr. Weinstein: On behalf of the City of Bozeman, I would like to request technical assistance from The Trust for Public Land in connection with our efforts to research, create, and fund a Park Maintenance District in Bozeman. As part of your advice and assistance, I understand you may undertake feasibility research, conduct a public opinion survey, and develop strategies for our consideration. We are interested not only in the factual information that you can provide to us, but also your organization’s opinions and recommendations on public financing measures available to us. This also could include efforts to better understand the public’s priorities and attitudes regarding parks, trails, and their maintenance in the City of Bozeman. Information provided to the City of Bozeman will be public record as a matter of law. This request does not in any way commit public funds to the efforts of The Trust for Public Land related to this request, nor does it require public disclosure of any confidential information of the organization. This request will continue in effect for any advice you offer or presentations you submit for the use of this body related to such matters. In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to request that you continue to be available to provide technical advice and assistance in this area and on related matters in the future. Best, Carson Taylor Mayor
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