GREEN RIBBON COMMITTEE

September 25, 2001

Metro Council Chamber

Notes of Meeting

Chair Hitchcock opened the meeting at 5:45 PM. Guests introduced themselves.

The notes from the 9/18/01 meeting were accepted after a clarification from Mike Houck. A statement in the notes concerning three sites (River Island, Banks Wetland and Multnomah Channel) indicated that they be removed from further consideration. He felt that issues of access for these sites should not be predetermined until sufficient environmental analysis and master planning have been done.

Announcement

John Donovan announced that the previously scheduled celebration of open spaces has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 18, 6-7:30, site to be determined.

Financial Presentation

Tony Mounts, manager of Metro’s financial planning division began the presentation and discussion on the financial aspects of selection and funding of projects. In addition to material sent out with the agenda, Mr. Mounts handed out material related to a financial framework for Green Ribbon recommendations, including assumptions and financial trends.

Jeff Tucker, finance manager for the Regional Parks and Greenspaces Department, continued the presentation with information concerning the $1.9 million annual department shortfall, and typical site-related costs.

Chair Hitchcock, and some other committee members were not satisfied with the presentation of the $630,000 operating and $1.9 million department shortfall, with respect to the charge of the Green Ribbon Committee. They felt that it was not clearly established that the department was realistically balancing expenses to known revenues. They also registered concern that some costs were possibly duplicated.

Mike Houck and Barbara Walker wanted to be sure that adequate funds for site restoration were included in the financial picture.

An extended discussion ensued. One of the themes that emerged was whether a possible revenue generating activity related to Green ribbon sites could/should be an opportunity to educate the public with regard to operating expenses. The issue could be reframed from replacing operating deficits to the resources required for Metro to be stewards of a regional parks, trails and open space system. One committee member framed it as; taking care of what you’ve got requires adequate operating resources.

Ciecko clarified that with the exception of deferred maintenance, park properties that came over from Multnomah County to Metro essentially pay for themselves. The operating shortfall might more accurately attach to other department activities such as planning and environmental education. The committee did express the value of these activities.

Mr. Tucker explained that the $400,000 item labeled “On-Going Capital Improvement Plan” in the description of department operating shortfall, would provide funds for development of some sites the committee had set aside the previous week; River Island, Banks Wetlands and Multnomah Channel. The committee had proposed that those sights might have limited use, based on perceived environmental limitations, and that Metro would otherwise be able to fund their development and opening to the public. Mr. Tucker stated that there were no other funds to do that, as capital improvement funds had been removed from the Parks department budget (except those specifically related to bond measure related, Multnomah County local share projects).

Mr. Tucker then explained some typical costs associated with developing sites and trails. Committee members asked for more details associated with trail development, both in a general sense and related to some specific estimated trail costs.

Rudy Kadlub was eager to get on to discussion of revenues, and linking the entire revenue-expenditure package to a larger vision for a true regional parks system.

Ratings Review

Jeff Stone reviewed the summary of ratings that 16 of the 17 committee members had submitted. With a highest possible score of 100 points, the highest rated site was Fanno Creek Greenway with a 90.1 point average. The lowest rated site was Council Creek trail with 40.5 points. The top 10 sites all averaged more that 80 points.

The ratings are advisory information for the committee. The committee is not obliged to make final selections based only on the technical rankings. The committee did express that this exercise was of help in getting to a final product.

Other Considerations

Eco tours as an aspect of benefit to the region for opening sites. A cost benefit analysis of site development.

Sites Removed From Further Consideration.

During the course of the meeting three sites were removed from further consideration, by unanimous consent. These sites were: Ancient Forest Access, Council Creek Trail and Gales Creek.

With regard to the remaining sites the committee agreed to treat the remaining Tualatin River Access Points; Farmington Road, Munger and Wankers Corner, as one site.

Public Comment

Dick Jones questioned the estimated costs for developing the Portland Traction Trail.

Next Meeting:

Staff will provide additional information with regard to operating shortfalls, trails costs and local jurisdiction participation.

5:00 (note earlier time) to 7:30 PM

   Tuesday, September 25, 2001

   Metro Council Chamber

   600 NE Grand Avenue

   Portland