HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 12 06 Letter to Denise Ryser on December 1, 2006Ronald W. McLemore
City Manager
December 1, 2006
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434
WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708-2799
Telephone (407) 327-1800
Ms. Denise Ryser
1707 Littleton Court
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Dear Ms. Ryser:
Thank you again for your willingness to serve on the Open Space Advisory Committee and for braving
the rain to attend Wednesday evening's orientation meeting. I thought the meeting went well and served
as a good stepping off point for accomplishing the purpose of the Committee.
I thought there were some excellent questions and points of discussion that warrant some additional
consideration and clarification.
1. As discussed, I would suggest that you not be overly concerned about the details at this point,
such as cost, and how a referendum would be structured, etc. From my experience with these
type studies if you just trust the process that has been laid out all of the important outcomes will
play out during the process.
2. In these type citizen participation processes it is normal for individuals who have strong
commitments to certain causes and issues to expand the discussion of the group in the direction of
these causes and issues. This is not a bad thing as long as it doesn't obstruct accomplishment of
the time lines, and that it doesn't move the discussion of the group outside the parameters of the
group's purpose as established by Resolution 2006-55 governing the conduct of the group.
For example, the question regarding land use and zoning standards was an excellent question.
Land use and zoning standards can be effective tools in conserving land. However, reviewing
land use and zoning standards is not within the charge of responsibility of your group as provided
in Resolution 2006-55. These matters fall within the purview of the Planning Commission.
Comments regarding tree protection are important points. However, this group has not been
asked to study the Tree Ordinance. Finally, comments regarding the location of the reclaimed
water treatment facility are important comments. However, this property is already owned by the
city, and subject to other study processes. The charge of this group is to recommend additional
properties the city may desire to acquire for open space and park lands.
In summary, all of these are important points. However, some of these points are the subject of other
groups and study processes. Additionally, inclusion of all of these issues within the responsibility of your
group would involve you in a very complex and lengthy process of study.
As I see it, the recommendation section of your final report would be styled something similar to the
following:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I. The Committee recommends that the Commission should consider the acquisition of the
following Category I parcels of land:
a) X,Y,Z Parcel
i. Location
ii. Possible Uses
iii. Estimated cost
b) A,B,C, Parcel
i. Location
ii. Possible Uses
iii. Estimated Cost
II. The Committee recommends that the city pursue First Right of Refusal Agreements with the
owners of the following Category II parcels of land.
a) X,Y,Z Parcel
i. Location
ii. Possible Uses
iii. Estimated Cost
b) A,B,C Parcel
i. Location
ii. Possible Uses
iii. Estimated Cost
III. The Committee recommends that the city continue to monitor the status of the following
Category III parcels for acquisition opportunities that may arise in the future.
a) X,Y,Z Parcel
is Location
ii. Possible Uses
iii. Estimated Cost
b) A,B,C, Parcel
i. Location
ii. Possible Uses
iii. Estimated Cost
I hope this discussion is helpful to your efforts of getting your arms around just what it is that you have
been asked to do by the Commission.
Please feel free to contact me or the staff if you need any assistance.
Sincerely,
~~'Z
Ronald W. McLemore
City Manager
/jp
Open Space Advisory Committee Orientation Meeting Comments
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