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Consistency with plans / goals for wetlands, open space, and natural areas should be evaluated. <br /> The parcel needs to be evaluated on the basis of the intended use being consistent with planning <br /> and goals. We don't want to accept a parcel as a natural area in a location where a natural area <br /> wouldn't be consistent with the goals and planning, such as in the middle of downtown. The <br /> intended use needs to fit the goals and plans for the area in which it is located. The goal in <br /> wetlands and natural resource corridors is to try to develop a continuous system. Therefore we <br /> normally wouldn't want to acquire several small parcels which are isolated from the main system <br /> and can never be linked to that system. <br /> Maintenance issues associated with acquiring a parcel also need to be addressed. This would <br /> include special maintenance needs at the time of acquisition as well as ongoing maintenance <br /> needs. Special maintenance needs would include the clean up of debris or illegal dumping and the <br /> correction of any safety hazards which may be present in order to ready the site for it's intended <br /> use. Ongoing maintenance needs include compliance with City vegetation ordinances, future <br /> removal of discarded garbage and debris, and vandalism and graffiti repair. For example, a typical <br /> undeveloped parcel will require at least perimeter cutting of grass , weeds, and blackberries for - <br /> fire prevention and traffic visibility and clearance along rights of ways. This maintenance will be <br /> required at least once a year. The cost of maintenance of the parcel is an important consideration. <br /> Also, how these maintenance costs will be funded needs to be determined. In addition to the cost, <br /> an important consideration is the impact of this added maintenance on the City's ability to <br /> maintain current levels of City services. In taking on new maintenance responsibilities there will <br /> have to be a trade off of reducing the current level of maintenance somewhere else in the system <br /> or an increase of the maintenance budget. There are a couple of options as to who will perform <br /> the maintenance work on a parcel. The work can be accomplished by contract crews or by City <br /> crews. Another option would be to utilize volunteer help for some maintenance such as trash pick <br /> up. v•-•2 P ff e c , .�. <br /> Topography, access and location will determine the usefulness of the parce he steepness of the <br /> parcel will affect the suitability for the intended use. If the intended us 11 include hiking trails <br /> and the slope is too great, then it will not be suitable for this use. Ac ss will be an important <br /> consideration if the planned use includes use by the public. There need to be room to <br /> accommodate public use needs such as parking. Location of the parcel will affect the usefulness <br /> of the parcel. It may be in a location in which the need for open space is great or it may be located <br /> next to a school which would increase its educational value. <br /> Any existing non - conforming uses or illegal activities need to be evaluated. There may be <br /> structures present or current usage of the property which isn't allowable under zoning laws. <br /> Structures may need to be removed. This would be an added cost. If there is currently illegal <br /> activity such as camping or other unauthorized use of the site," this activity will have to be <br /> stopped. The site may be a "trouble area" with a history of illegal activities and vandalism. It may <br /> involve a lot of time and money to change this established pattern of use. Also, we must be sure <br /> that the City's intended use is consistent with zoning laws. <br /> Neighborhood concerns and Safety issues (attractive nuisance) are important factors which need <br /> to be discussed. The neighbors may have concerns regarding the current condition of the parcel <br />