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5. Each of the 8 remaining items were further discussed and a consensus decision was reached <br />on all but one. (The failure to reach consensus was regarding a proposed consolidation of the 3 <br />landscape architects in Engineering with those in Parks Planning. The majority opinion was to <br />leave it as is but to stress better communication and coordination.). <br />With the three week deadline having come, a fifth meeting was held to orally present the team's ideas to <br />the Interim Co- Directors of Public Works. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Co- Directors assigned <br />a smaller team consisting of Johnny Medlin, Tim Rhay, Therese Walch and Kristi Morris to continue to <br />develop a specific organization structure and budget which would outline the service functions presented <br />at the meeting. The deadline given for this work was one week. This report is the product of these <br />cumulative efforts. <br />DEFINITION OF OPEN SPACE <br />The group spent a considerable amount of time discussing the definition of open space. This time was <br />well spent since the scope of the POS division is pivotal on that definition. <br />OPEN SPACE - Open Space meets a community need for enhanced livability by providing an attractive <br />and functional natural environment. Open space lands need to be preserved, and in some cases <br />rehabilitated or enhanced, by prohibiting or limiting development. Open space is land in public and <br />private ownership, and may serve multiple purposes, such as habitat protection, passive or active <br />recreation, or visual attractiveness. <br />The examples below are presented to help in understanding the scope of the definition. While each is an <br />example of an open space area, each is unique and requires management techniques specifically tailored <br />to maximize its value as open space. <br />Examnles Include: <br />floodplains <br />wetlands <br />stream corridors <br />wildlife habitat <br />trails <br />ridges <br />parks <br />vacant lots <br />bike paths <br />urban plazas <br />tot lots <br />scenic vistas <br />farmland <br />forests <br />buffer strips <br />street trees <br />golf courses <br />backyards <br />preserves <br />urban forests <br />riparian zones <br />Parks, Stream Corridors (i.e., waterways and adjacent riparian areas), Wetlands, and the Ridgeline Trail <br />are the backbone of an open space system, and therefore, within the scope of the new division. <br />October 19, 2000 4 <br />