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E-Mail Bulletin #5 - 17 August 2002
- LAH Open Space Initiative Update
- Town Council Directive
- Council Action Alone is Not Enough
- Fundraising
LAH Initiative Update:
We have given the law firm we're working with the green light to begin drafting our open space initiative. We expect the first draft within two weeks - bringing us to the end of August.Realistically, we will have the final draft by mid to late September ready to hit the streets at the end of September or at the latest the first week of October.
Our attorney will be in contact with Town staff to clarify a few minor issues. Our hope is that the staff will help us with the map which is needed to indicate the locations of the proposed properties the initiative will protect.
Town Council Directive:
At the August 15th meeting of the Town Council, the LAH Town Council voted unanimously (Steve Finn was absent) to tentatively accept the Planning Commission's recommendation to require a majority support from residents before selling town-owned property. The City Attorney and staff were directed to come back with defini- tive options at a later meeting for possible adoption.
Council Action Alone Is Not Enough:
Letter to Editor (Town Crier) - submitted, but not yet published - Nancy CouperusA quick reading of the article entitled "LAH Council urged to preserve open space." (August 14, Town Crier) might lead one to conclude that all is well regarding the preservation of open space in the Hills. We wish that were the case.
Now that we see some "backtracking" on the part of the Planning Commission and Council, it is apparent that the aroused public has gotten their message through to the politicians - at least on this one issue! Residents value their open space lands. In the words of Huey Johnson "there is value beyond price."
Statements of support by office holders (which are indeed appreciated) however do little to actually ensure preservation. This Council or a future Council could overturn any resolution, however well-meaning it might be.
Legally, one Council cannot "tie the hands" of future Councils. However, a Citizens' Initiative can. Such an initiative (in contrast to a Council resolution) cannot be undone by a lesser governmental body like the Town Council, and can only be amended by the citizens themselves.
However, should the Council care to adopt the initiative prior to it going to the ballot, this would serve the dual purpose of demonstra- ting their true convictions and saving the costs associated with putting the initiative on the ballot.
The Open Space Initiative will also establish land-use designations, like "open space preserve" and "public recreation." These designations will be attached to the most significant town-owned properties and will be inviolable, unless a majority of the residents vote to change them.
The progress of the Open Space Initiative can be followed by viewing our website - www.lahopenspace.com
Fundraising:
We have now received $17,500 in donations from residents of our Town for our initiative effort. We believe that the total cost of the initiative will be approximately $20,000. However, we will be doing a town-wide mailing once the initiative has been prepared and is ready to be released for signature gathering. This will cost us another $2,000. So, while we have the major portion raised, we still continue to need donations to help us meet our goal.Our thanks to all of you who have so generously contributed and sent us words of encouragement. The rallying of our residents to the cause has been immensely gratifying!
E-mail distribution list:
If you have friends or neighbors in Los Altos Hills who would like to be placed on this e-mail information list, please have them contact either Nancy Couperus at couperus@mindspring.com or Val Metcalfe at metcalfes@worldnet.att.net