Board agrees on 90‑day fall grant application window; press event and first land deal move forward

The Open Space Advisory Board agreed that the fall grant round should remain open for 90 days, with a closing date of Sept. 30, and directed staff to coordinate outreach around that deadline.

Anna (staff) asked for guidance so she could announce a start date at municipal workshops. Board members recommended a 60–90 day application window; several said 90 days was preferable because municipalities will need time to prepare project proposals. Members noted July 1 as a possible opening date but raised concerns about the July 4 holiday and recommended opening after it to avoid being lost in the news cycle.

Board members discussed county protocol for announcing the grant round. Anna said she would draft a press release and check with the county commissioners’ office; members agreed the commissioners would likely issue the public announcement and that the release should use county letterhead. Anna said she would check the approvals schedule (committee/commission calendar) and route a draft for sign‑off.

Staff also updated the board on the first land deal under the program (the Resica transaction), signage and a proposed media event. Staff said they are aiming for a June 11 press event; the board discussed logistics, including whether elected officials and the county commissioners could attend and whether a sign could be used as a photo prop if permanent installation was not complete.

No formal vote was required to set the application window; members directed staff to proceed with a 90‑day window for the fall round and to coordinate press engagement with the commissioners’ office.